IBS Interview Podcast: Michael Walker & Willa Strong

October 1, 2023
Black Summit Interviews
Season 2, Episode #1 - Aloma Marquis

In this podcast episode, Grace Lawrence interviews ALOMA MARQUIS:  

Aloma Marquis was born and raised in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1953 and attended several universities and colleges around the country before graduating with a BA in Political Science and Urban Studies in 1986 from California State University at Dominguez Hills.  After working for almost  fifteen years  in the field of law enforcement, she left to honor her calling as a fine artist that initially surfaced at age twelve. Eventually, she earned a Master of Arts (MA) in painting with a minor emphasis in drawing in 2003 and a Master of Fine Art (MFA) in the same disciplines in 2005 from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas where she subsequently taught a variety of studio arts and Art Appreciation classes for almost 14 years before retiring in December 2019.

In 1990, along with Pat Reid-Porter, Marquis co-founded The International Black Summit (IBS). The IBS is a safe space where people of Black African descent can explore what it means to be human and avail themselves of course work and tools that can support them in bringing " into being their vision(s) for the Black community and the world.”

She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unleashed100, LLC,  formed in September, 2020.  Unleashed100, LLC is a transformational education and creativity company that specializes in faith-based personal life coaching (Stone Jar Coaching)  and business development coursework. Unleashed100, LLC also houses the Marquis Multimedia arm that manages the sales and development of her fine art practice: original drawings, mixed media works on board and paper, sculptures, handmade artist books, and installations.  

During the interview, we ask our guests about their lives and careers, with a focus on how they effectively use the Summit Tools and Distinctions in all aspects of life. 

For more information about the International Black Summit, please go to:

Website – blacksummit.org
Twitter – @blacksummit
Facebook – facebook.com/blacksummit/
IBS News Sign-Up – bit.ly/IBS-signup
IBS Annual Summit Event Registration – blacksummit.org/ase

The views and opinions expressed by the person interviewed are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the International Black Summit.

June 4, 2023
Black Summit Interviews
Season 1, Episode #15 -  Jacqueline (“Jake”) Lawrence 

In this podcast episode, Grace Lawrence interviews JACQUELINE "JAKE" LAWRENCE:

Jacqueline Lawrence (“Jake”) is currently the Diversity and Equity Coordinator for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board.

She is the former Policy Advisor on diversity management at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). A position she held for 10 years. Prior to CMHC, she was a consultant specializing in labour market research, communications and diversity strategies for clients in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

She is also a former Parliamentary Assistant, speech writer, Executive Director of the National Women’s Reference Group on Labour Market Issues and Executive Director of the Multicultural Women’s Association.

Her passions include writing poetry, travelling, being a facilitator with the International Black Summit and serving as a co-host and producer of Black on Black, a community public affairs programme on CHUO 89.1 FM.

During the interview, we ask our guests about their lives and careers, with a focus on how they effectively use the Summit Tools and Distinctions in all aspects of life. 

For more information about the International Black Summit, please go to:

Website – blacksummit.org
Twitter – @blacksummit
Facebook – facebook.com/blacksummit/
IBS News Sign-Up – bit.ly/IBS-signup
IBS Annual Summit Event Registration – blacksummit.org/ase

The views and opinions expressed by the person interviewed are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the International Black Summit.

May 7, 2023
Black Summit Interviews
Season 1, Episode #14 - Michael Walker & Willa Strong

In this podcast episode, Glenn Greenidge and Grace Lawrence interview MICHAEL WALKER & WILLA STRONG: 

Mike Walker, 44, is a native of Brooklyn, New York, and his lovely wife Willa Strong, 43, is a native of Chicago, Illinois. A chance meeting at The International Black Youth Summit in Philadelphia in the year 2000 led to a 20-year friendship and 17 years of marriage and counting.  They have 3 lovely daughters and a newborn son.

Mike and Willa have a podcast called CurseWords and Craziness.  A dynamic and artistic look into what it takes to care for three teenagers on the Autistic spectrum. The website (www.cursewordsandcraziness.com) will be expanding soon.

They also host a Special needs family support group on TikTok (@yamainmanmike) on Saturday evenings.   Willa is authoring her first book "Child of the Universe," which is due out in September 2023.

During the interview, we ask our guests about their lives and careers, with a focus on how they effectively use the Summit Tools and Distinctions in all aspects of life. 

For more information about the International Black Summit, please go to:

Website – blacksummit.org
Twitter – @blacksummit
Facebook – facebook.com/blacksummit/
IBS News Sign-Up – bit.ly/IBS-signup
IBS Annual Summit Event Registration – blacksummit.org/ase

The views and opinions expressed by the person interviewed are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the International Black Summit.

April 2, 2023
Black Summit Interviews
Season 1, Episode #13 - Special Summit Share with Rain Warren & Peter Wilson

This is a rare IBS Podcast episode! 

What’s available through the International Black Summit in 2023?

In this month’s podcast episode, Glenn Greenidge and Grace Lawrence host a Special Summit Share and introduction to the International Black Summit for anyone who’d like to find out more about us.

Two guest facilitators join Glenn Greenidge and Grace Lawrence for this Special Summit Share podcast episode:

LORRAINE "DR. RAIN" WARREN, PhD – Dr. Rain is a facilitator, educator, and trainer in peace-building, dialogue, and conflict mediation.  Dr. Rain's first Annual Summit Event was in 1992, and she joined the Adult IBS Facilitator Body that same year.  (Also check out our Season 1, Episode 5  podcast interview with Dr. Rain Warren.)

PETER TREVOR WILSON – Peter Trevor Wilson is the creator of Human EquityTM and founder and President of TWI Inc., a leading firm in the field of diversity, inclusion and Human Equity.  Peter has been participating in the International Black Summit since the 1990s and is a member of the Adult Facilitator Body.   (Also check out our Season 1, Episode 7  podcast interview with Peter Trevor Wilson.) 

Together, in this episode, our co-hosts and guest facilitators provide listeners with an opportunity to learn what is available through the International Black Summit in 2023, and to learn more about the International Black Summit and our history, purposes, Declaration, courses, and events.    

In particular, listeners have an opportunity to listen and hear whether life is calling them to participate in the International Black Summit and/or this year’s Annual Summit Event.

For more information about the International Black Summit, please go to:

Website – blacksummit.org
Twitter – @blacksummit
Facebook – facebook.com/blacksummit/
IBS News Sign-Up – bit.ly/IBS-signup
IBS Annual Summit Event Registration – blacksummit.org/ase

The views and opinions expressed by the person interviewed are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the International Black Summit.

March 5, 2023
Black Summit Interviews
Season 1, Episode #12 - Dawn Armstrong

In this podcast episode, Glenn Greenidge and Grace Lawrence interview DAWN ARMSTRONG: 

Dawn Armstrong is a communication and learning consultant, committed to the development of people who are seen, heard, and valued for the gifts that they bring to the world.  She has over 20 years of consulting and leadership experience.  

Dawn has been a facilitator with the International Black Summit for more than 20 years. She describes herself as B.O.L.D – a Black Older Lady with Disabilities.  Although she has 20+ years of experience in training and communications, she says that she never truly saw the gift of herself until she had a paralyzing stroke 16 years ago.  Dawn uses this experience, and all of who she is, in her commitment to be a vehicle for B.O.L.D people seeing and sharing the gift of themselves.  

Dawn is currently finalizing her book, A PATH TO SUCCESS, and plans to launch it with BOLD Mastermind later this year.

During the interview, we’ll be asking our guest about their life and career, with a focus on how they effectively use the Summit Tools and Distinctions in all aspects of life. 

For more information about the International Black Summit, please go to:

Website – blacksummit.org
Twitter – @blacksummit
Facebook – facebook.com/blacksummit/
IBS News Sign-Up – bit.ly/IBS-signup
IBS Annual Summit Event Registration – blacksummit.org/ase

The views and opinions expressed by the person interviewed are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the International Black Summit.

February 5, 2023
Black Summit Interviews
Season 1, Episode #11 - Olubode Shawn Brown


In this podcast episode, Glenn Greenidge and Grace Lawrence interview OLUBODE SHAWN BROWN, one of the original drafters of the Declaration of the International Black Summit:

Olubode is hired by organizational leaders, entrepreneurs and creatives to help them as they think through the complexities of their lives, businesses and enterprises.  He is the author of two books on Well-Being, Life-Purpose and Balance: BLOOM The Essential Journey- A New Guide to Balance Growth & Well-Being and FINDING YOUR B.I.G. - Finding New Purpose In Changing Times. In them he introduces a new way of thinking and asking fundamental questions based on the five elements that grow and balance life. This body of thought is called “The Philosophy of BLOOMING.”

He is the founder of BLOOM Education Institute where he offers Coaching & Guidance, Online & In-Person Courses, Keynotes and Corporate Consulting.  
His work is focused on working with diverse leaders who are thinking collectively, working cooperatively, and acting globally in the fields of Well-Being & Mental Health, Social Justice, Economic Empowerment, Equity and Community Development. 

Olubode spends his time between Accra Ghana, New York City, Los Angeles, California and the island of Jamaica.

During the interview, we ask Olubode about his work and about how he effectively uses the Summit Tools and Distinctions in all aspects of life. 

For more information about the International Black Summit, please go to:

Website – blacksummit.org
Twitter – @blacksummit
Facebook – facebook.com/blacksummit/
IBS News Sign-Up – bit.ly/IBS-signup
IBS Annual Summit Event Registration – blacksummit.org/ase

The views and opinions expressed by the person interviewed are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the International Black Summit.

January 8, 2023
Black Summit Interviews
Season 1, Episode #10 -  KATHRYN COPPER, ROBBIN RANDOLPH & PERRY PARKS 


In this podcast episode, Glenn Greenidge and Grace Lawrence interview  KATHRYN COPPER, ROBBIN RANDOLPH, and PERRY PARKS.  

Kathryn, Robbin and Perry are three of the Five OG’s (Five Original Facilitators) who facilitated the first IBS Annual Events starting in 1991 and created the IBS Facilitator Body and Facilitator Trainings.  This is a session that you don’t want to miss!

ABOUT THE INTERVIEWEES:
        
KATHRYN COPPER – Kathryn Copper has worked extensively in the school districts of Atlanta as a speech therapist working with younger students developing not only their speaking skills, but also their self awareness and self confidence. Kathryn is also a community leader working with a variety of groups and organizations, and supporting them in defining their organizational visions. Kathryn has a BA degree in Speech/Liberal Arts from the University of Louisiana-Monroe, a specialist degree from Ball State University (Indiana), and an MA degree in Speech Pathology. She has also served on the faculties of Xavier University, and Clayton State University.
 
ROBBIN RANDOLPH – Robbin Randolph currently works with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on the Mobile Vaccine Team which was formed to bring COVID-19 vaccines and resources to underserved populations in Los Angeles County. She has a BA in Sociology, an M.A. in Urban Studies and is a certified parenting instructor. Robbin is a mother, grandmother, and an avid student of mindfulness practices including meditation, yoga and Buddhism. At 71 years old, her current interests are focused around transformation, everyday spirituality and exploring what it takes to thrive as one ages.

PERRY PARKS - Perry C. Parks, III, retired, formerly served as vice president of government affairs in the Southern California market for Comcast Cable Company. Perry also has served as a board member for Community Partners, Community Development Technologies Center, the Apple Academy Charter School, Challengers Boys Club, and Homeboy Industries. He received his Bachelor of Arts in education at California State University, Los Angeles and his MA in public administration at Pepperdine University.

For more information about the International Black Summit, please go to:

Website – blacksummit.org
Twitter – @blacksummit
Facebook – facebook.com/blacksummit/
IBS News Sign-Up – bit.ly/IBS-signup
IBS Annual Summit Event Registration – blacksummit.org/ase

The views and opinions expressed by the person interviewed are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the International Black Summit.

December 4, 2022
Black Summit Interviews
Season 1, Episode #9 - Conrad Neblett


In this podcast episode, Glenn Greenidge interviews CONRAD NEBLETT about how he effectively uses the Summit Tools and Distinctions in his career, in his life, and in the Summit.

Conrad describes himself as an: 

• IBS Facilitator, 
• Entrepreneurial Artist, 
• Teacher & Student of Transformational Spiritual Thought, 
• Producer of Events, 
• Graphic Designer, 
• Singer, 
• Actor, 
• Song Writer, 
• Poet, 
• Community Activist, 
• Coach, 
• Caregiver, 
• and so much more.

For more information about the International Black Summit, please go to:

Website – blacksummit.org
Twitter – @blacksummit
Facebook – facebook.com/blacksummit/
IBS News Sign-Up – bit.ly/IBS-signup
IBS Annual Summit Event Registration – blacksummit.org/ase

The views and opinions expressed by the person interviewed are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the International Black Summit.

November 6, 2022
Black Summit Interviews
Season 1, Episode #8 - Alexis Pauline Gumbs


In this podcast episode, Glenn Greenidge and Grace Lawrence interview ALEXIS PAULINE GUMBS about how she effectively uses the Summit Tools and Distinctions in her career, in her life, and in the Summit. 

Alexis Pauline Gumbs is cherished by a wide range of communities as an oracle and a vessel of love. Drawing over 25 years of experience as a writer and facilitator, her inclusive practice finds us and brings us into the ceremonies we have always needed. Alexis was blessed to learn the loving practice of facilitation as part of the facilitation team of the International Black Youth Summit from 1998-2004, and in many other settings.

Alexis's critically acclaimed books include: Undrowned: Black Feminist Lessons from Marine Mammals (AK Press 2020), Dub: Finding Ceremony (Duke Press, 2020), M Archive: After the End of the World (Duke Press 2018), Spill: Scenes of Black Feminist Fugitivity (Duke Press, 2016) and Revolutionary Mothering: Love on the Front Lines (PM Press, 2016). 

Alexis was honored with a Whiting Award in non-fiction in 2022 and lauded for creating "modern fables that offer new methods of feeling." Alexis is also a 2022 National Endowment of the Arts Creative Writing Fellow.  In 2020-2021 Alexis was awarded a National Humanities Center Fellowship to work on her forthcoming biography The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde. 

Alexis has taught in many settings including as Winton Chair of the Humanities at University of Minnesota, Evans Chair at Evergreen State University, and Distinguished Visiting Professor in Africana Studies at Barnard College.

Alexis and her partner Sangodare have received many honors, including Advocate 40 under 40 features for the decade of work to create an intergenerational living library of Black LGBTQ brilliance called the Mobile Homecoming project.  Alexis lives in Durham, North Carolina where she nurtures and is nurtured by a visionary creative community while scheming towards her dream of being your favorite cousin. 

For more information about the International Black Summit, please go to:

Website – blacksummit.org
Twitter – @blacksummit
Facebook – facebook.com/blacksummit/
IBS News Sign-Up – bit.ly/IBS-signup
IBS Annual Summit Event Registration – blacksummit.org/ase

The views and opinions expressed by the person interviewed are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the International Black Summit.

October 2, 2022
Black Summit Interviews
Season 1, Episode #7 - Peter Trevor Wilson

[AUDIO CORRECTION:  The correct website for the IBS is BlackSummit.ORG (not .com)]


In this podcast episode, Grace Lawrence interviews  PETER TREVOR WILSON  about how he effectively uses the Summit Tools and Distinctions in his career, in his life, and in the Summit.

Peter Trevor Wilson is the creator of Human EquityTM and founder and President of TWI Inc., a leading firm in the field of diversity, inclusion and Human Equity.

Over the past three decades, Peter Trevor and his team have helped guide some of the most progressive global employers, including Coca-Cola, EY, Shell, Home Depot, BNP Paribas and Vectren, along the firm’s industry standard measurement tool—the Equity Continuum. Part-entrepreneur, part-visionary, Peter Trevor is regularly invited to participate in think-tanks and conferences, speaking to over 10,000 people each year, and is often profiled in the media.

He is the author of two groundbreaking books. Diversity at Work: The Business Case for Equity continues to be a resource for diversity leaders 17 years since its publication. His newest work, The Human Equity Advantage, Beyond Diversity to Talent Optimization recognizes the growing sense of ‘diversity fatigue’ amongst organizations and puts forth a bold new management model, human equity, that promotes talent differentiation from a positive psychology perspective which helps to significantly improve employee engagement.

For more information about the International Black Summit, please go to:

Website – blacksummit.org
Twitter – @blacksummit
Facebook – facebook.com/blacksummit/
IBS News Sign-Up – bit.ly/IBS-signup
IBS Annual Summit Event Registration – blacksummit.org/ase

The views and opinions expressed by the person interviewed are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the International Black Summit.