Jaro Podcast

Songwriter, actor and singer, Prince Cre McEntyre proves that creativity is resilient through the multiple pandemics of disease and racial injustice. 

Reggie Williams - ex NFL linebacker, former Disney executive, and renaissance man shares his personal experiences on and off the field with utmost determination to succeed against all odds.  Reggie offers detailed insight into his memoir, "Resilient by Nature: Reflections from a Life of Winning On and Off the Football Field".  Just as he provides an intimate account of his remarkable journey in his book, Williams openly shares his unique perspective on the challenges of life, career, health, service, and the future.  Reggie clearly addresses issues of our time, both on and off the field.

We McDonald’s star-making turn on her show-stopping blind audition on the hit NBC TV show The Voice drew national attention in 2016. It was the kind of momentous debut she had been preparing for her entire life. Singing since the age of 12, We attended the Harlem School for the Arts after school and on weekends, where she studied theater, piano and further cultivated her unique and righteously robust voice.

We McDonald is a singer, and songwriter and that has been touring internationally and sharing her sultry vocal gift with the world. In 2017, We had the opportunity of appearing on the Emmy Award winning PBS Gershwin Awards honoring Legend Tony Bennett. And, in 2018 she belted the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium.

Available now is her latest single “If I Didn’t Love You”, released early 2019. Late 2019 her self-titled EP is scheduled to be released featuring a diverse slate of songs written by We that showcase her soaring vocal presence. A newly published children’s and young adult book author, We released: Make It Happen! We McDonald: Singer, part of the Make It Happen! series of books that help middle school students build skills to reach their own goals; and a picture book, The Little Girl with The Big Voice, written by We for younger children. We’s captivating story as a singer, songwriter and as a teenager courageously embracing her uniqueness resonates with kids as well as adults looking to expand their own understanding of themselves and the world around them.

We McDonald’s star-making turn on her show-stopping blind audition on the hit NBC TV show, The Voice, drew national attention in 2016. It was the kind of momentous debut she had been preparing for her entire life. Singing since the age of 12, We attended the Harlem School for the Arts after school and on weekends, where she studied theater, piano and further cultivated her unique and righteously robust voice.

We McDonald is a singer, and songwriter and that has been touring internationally and sharing her sultry vocal gift with the world. In 2017, We had the opportunity of appearing on the Emmy Award winning PBS Gershwin Awards honoring Legend Tony Bennett. And, in 2018 she belted the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium.

Available now is her latest single “If I Didn’t Love You”, released early 2019. Late 2019 her self-titled EP is scheduled to be released featuring a diverse slate of songs written by We that showcase her soaring vocal presence. A newly published children’s and young adult book author, We released: Make It Happen! We McDonald: Singer, part of the Make It Happen! series of books that help middle school students build skills to reach their own goals; and a picture book, The Little Girl with The Big Voice, written by We for younger children. We’s captivating story as a singer, songwriter and as a teenager courageously embracing her uniqueness resonates with kids as well as adults looking to expand their own understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Tomeka M. Winborne had the honor of speaking with the acclaimed actor Clifton Powell for JARO’s latest podcast episode. In it, he expresses his thoughts about the Hollywood industry, the fulfilling experience of starring in Black Lightning, and offers knowledgeable advice for young actors.

Actor Clifton Powell has appeared in more than one hundred films, beginning in the 1980's. His credits include Menace II Society (1993), Dead Presidents (1995), Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1998), Rush Hour (1998), Next Friday (2000), and its 2002 sequel, Friday After Next, Woman Thou Art Loosed (2004), and Ray (2004). He played Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 1999 television film Selma, Lord, Selma. Powell also has had many supporting roles in smaller direct-to-video films in 2000's and 2010's.

On television, Powell had the recurring roles on Roc, South Central, and Army Wives, and well as guest-starred on In the Heat of the Night, Murder, She Wrote, NYPD Blue, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. In 2016, Powell was cast as main antagonist in the Bounce TV first prime time soap opera, Saints & Sinners opposite Vanessa Bell Calloway and Gloria Reuben.

Powell is also known for his voice acting role as the antagonist Big Smoke from the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. In 2017, he appeared in the second season of My Step Kidz.

Host Tomeka M. Winborne interviews Alicia D. Williams, the author of Genesis Begins Again, a deeply sensitive and powerful novel that tells the story of a thirteen-year-old who must overcome internalized racism and a verbally abusive family to finally learn how to love herself. There are ninety-six things Genesis hates about herself. She knows the exact number because she keeps a list.

Tomeka Winborne and guest host, Len Gibson, interview James Acheson, Markuann Smith, and the cast members to learn about their experiences in the making of the EPIX's new series, Godfather of Harlem, and its reflection on the life, times and legacy of Bumpy Johnson. 

Tomeka Winborne talks with Ronnie and Shamari DeVoe to learn about the joy of being new parents to twin boys; how they became marriage ambassadors; and upcoming music from the power couple

Zeus Campbell is an actor and director, known for Hump Day Romance (2015), Great Moments in Black History (2019) and Hump Day Romance (2012).  Most recently Zeus was a cast member in the 2019 Academy Award Winning Live Action Short-Film, Skin.

The art of Marie-Denise Douyon reflects a cross-cultural identity informed by the confluence of three societies: her native Haiti, her childhood land, Morocco, and her adopted home, Quebec. Douyon transports us to mythical and sacred places interwoven with warriors, lovers and deities. With the invisible and the visible, she tells a story inspired by the Africa of her childhood, suffused with tenderness, depth, poetry and fantasy. 

In this episode of JARO Podcast, Tomeka Winborne speaks with Indianapolis-based filmmaker Kimberly Stephens about her journey in the film industry, the obstacles that she has faced along the way, and the stories that she’s excited to bring to life. Visit watchjaro.com

Carolyn Evans, a professional storyteller and actress, is bridging the gap between generations by continuing the tradition of storytelling. Evans discovered her love for storytelling as a young girl, when she would entertain her family with songs, stories, and dancing. As she grew older, she was given opportunities to reenact historical black women, beginning with Sojourner Truth’s legendary “Ain’t I A Woman” speech. Today, Evans has performed at historical museums across the country, and even the renowned Apollo Theater. Black history icons live on through Evans’ passionate performances. 

Tomeka Winborne spoke with Carolyn Evans about how she became a professional storyteller and the significance of keeping the tradition of storytelling alive within our society. Later, Evans provides listeners with moving performances as Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman in this exclusive Black History Month episode. Visit watchjaro.com

In this episode of JARO Podcast, internationally known artist Gilbert Young and his wife, L. Winfrey Young, talk about the advancement of African American culture through artistic creativity, artworks distribution and art preservation.  

Kamichi Jackson is the author of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award semi-finalist YA book, K My Name Is Kendra, and the upcoming sequel Starring Me As Myself. She has made numerous appearances in support of her work—among them the Baltimore Book Festival—and is represented by Cherrie Woods of Eclectic PR. 

In this episode of JARO Podcast, Kamichi shares her personal experiences and the inspiration for writing the novel, “K My Name is Kendra”.

Jean-Patrick Guichard was born in Brooklyn, New York but raised in Guinea, West Africa. His love of art has been cultivated by his many travels   within sub-Sahara Africa including Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Congo-Brazzaville and Kinshasa. Using exhibits, business skills workshops and related exchanges under its “Education through Human Development in the Arts” program, he has helped young African artists to better market their works in their home environments and abroad. Since his settling in Atlanta, he has hosted monthly dinners at his house themed “Art and the Senses”. This dinner series brings a full sensory experience with the sights, sounds and taste of Africa and its impact on contemporary culture through art, food, discussion and commerce. For more, visit watchjaro.com

Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, Antony “Tony” Williams has become one of the most heard voices in today’s musical landscape.  He has written, sung and performed with JAY-Z, Nas, The Game, Rick Ross, and most notably, his first cousin, Kanye West. He’s been by West’s side at the recording console from inception to end for every one of his solo albums as a vocalist, writer and / or arranger.  Williams has toured internationally with West on every major tour and has been a part of G.O.O.D Music since 2004. He shares his personal journey across the music genres of R&B, Rap and Hip Hop with JARO. Visit watchjaro.com

Jamil Jude, Artistic Director of the Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre, is a highly accomplished director, producer, playwright and dramaturg focusing on bringing socially relevant art to the community. Jamil is the Co-Founder of The New Griots Festival, which is dedicated to celebrating, advocating, and advancing the careers of emerging Black artists in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area in Minnesota. 

In this episode of JARO Podcast, Jamil Jude shares his gift of theater and story-telling to tell Black stories from a diverse set of cultures.

Known predominately for their smooth urban jazz sound, Anonymous DaBand is a multi-talented band made up of unique young men from nineteen to twenty-two years old. The special thing about this talented group and is the overwhelming humble spirit that surrounds them-hence the name Anonymous.  Each member is a master of his own instrument performing together in perfection to share their awesome talents.  The group has performed around the Atlanta area for various benefits, social events, and festivals including the Atlanta Jazz Festival.  As the opening acts for the likes of Najee, Chrisette Michele, and Pieces of a Dream and other top performers they have become Atlanta's #1 Teen Instrumental Band and are poised to make a huge impact on the music world!  Visit watchjaro.com

Jeremiah Òlayinka Òjó shares his journey from taking his first leap of faith into the art and entrepreneurship. Now Jeremiah uses his own lessons and knowledge as arts and culture management consultant to empower other artists, galleries, art institutions, corporations, and collectors. In this episode of JARO Podcast, Jeremiah Òlayinka Òjó  relates how the impact of his ancestral lineage and yearning for connection drives his passion to impact the art Eco-system that defines the diverse African Diaspora community.

After a successful 20 year corporate career, Vikki Millender- Morrow pursued her dream to make a difference in the Atlanta community by becoming a champion of the arts and Black artists. She is the new President & CEO for the National Black Arts Festival (NBAF), a nonprofit organization with a 30 year legacy of providing stellar artistic and educational programs in visual arts, music, dance, film and theater.  In this episode of JARO Podcast, she reveals her personal commitment to advancement of the arts and the contributions of artists of African descent.