The African Triangle Initiative, Awareness and Enlightenment

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful and informative episode, hosts Dr. Craig Reed and Carl Pickney come together to unpack the history and impact of the PACT Act—one of the most significant pieces of legislation affecting veterans’ healthcare in recent history.The conversation begins with a breakdown of how the PACT Act came to be, highlighting years of advocacy from veterans exposed to toxic substances during their service. Dr. Reed offers a deeply personal perspective as a veteran, while Carl brings insight shaped by the experiences of his family members who served. Together, they explain how this landmark law expands access to healthcare and disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, particularly for those impacted by burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic exposures.Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize a critical message: awareness is everything. Many veterans are unaware of the benefits they are entitled to, and this lack of knowledge can prevent them from receiving life-changing care and support. Equally important is the emotional and mental health component of the conversation. Dr. Reed and Carl create a space where vulnerability is not only accepted but encouraged—reminding veterans that it’s okay to say “I’m not okay.” They speak candidly about the stigma that often surrounds mental health in the veteran community and stress the importance of seeking help without shame.Interviewed by Dr. Craig Reed, the episode also highlights the experience of individuals who have either worked for the Department of Defense or served in the military. By blending policy, personal stories, and actionable guidance, this podcast serves as both an educational resource and a call to action.

Send us Fan MailThis episode of the African Triangle Initiative Podcast features an inspiring conversation with 13-year-old Warren Pickney Jr., a seventh grader thriving in an accelerated STEM program in Houston. He shares his love for math, his journey into advanced coursework, and his dream of becoming a computer scientist, all while giving a glimpse into the hobbies and experiences that make him who he is. The episode is both encouraging and uplifting, highlighting the power of STEM education and reminding young people that their passions and hard work can open doors to incredible opportunities.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the African Triangle Initiative Podcast, co-hosts Dr. Craig Reed and Carl Pinkney explore the personal and meaningful topic of blended families. Dr. Reed reflects on his journey of becoming a “bonus dad” and the lessons he has learned while stepping into a fatherly role in a blended household.Drawing from his own life experiences, Dr. Reed shares insights on navigating this role with intention, respect, and humility. He discusses the importance of honoring existing parent–child relationships while building trust, consistency, and genuine connection. The conversation highlights how being a bonus parent requires patience, emotional awareness, and a commitment to supporting the well-being of the entire family.This thoughtful episode reminds us that family is built not only by biology but also by love, respect, and the willingness to show up for one another. 

Send us Fan MailAs Black History Month comes to a close, ATI Podcast Hosts Craig Reed and Carl Pickney engage in a reflective and thought-provoking conversation on the enduring impact of Black Americans across culture, education, policy, and innovation.Anchored in the origins and purpose of Black History Month, the discussion honors the contributions of historical Black Americans whose influence continues to shape society. Through insightful dialogue, Craig and Carl connect the legacy of these trailblazers to today’s cultural landscape, social climate, and the ongoing pursuit of justice, equity, and equality.This episode serves as both a celebration and a reminder: Black history is not confined to a single month, but lives on through progress, resilience, and collective responsibility.

Send us Fan MailRecorded in Lebeau, Louisiana, ATI Podcast Host Carl Pickney, joined by Guest Co-Host Ernest Chambers, leads a powerful and nostalgic conversation with Mayor Joseph Irving, Jr. of Palmetto, Louisiana, and James Romar.Mayor Joseph Irving, Jr., a proud member of the Palmetto High School Class of 1983 and Carl’s classmate, shares reflections on leadership, legacy, and the responsibility of serving as Palmetto’s first Black mayor. James Romar, Class of 1982, former State Champion in Track & Field and standout basketball athlete, offers insight into the discipline, pride, and perseverance shaped by their upbringing. Ernest Chambers, also Class of 1982, former basketball athlete, retired Army professional, and current cybersecurity specialist, brings a dynamic perspective bridging past experiences with present-day purpose.Together, the guests reflect on their shared roots growing up in Lebeau, Louisiana, the strength of lifelong relationships, and the enduring influence of the Village of Palmetto. Their conversation honors the storied elders whose wisdom, values, and example continue to uplift and empower future generations.This episode is a testament to heritage, connection, and the lasting power of community.

Send us Fan MailIn November, ATI Founder & CEO, Dr. Craig Reed, presented at the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Conference, hosted by the National Association of College Deans, Registrars, and Admissions Officers (NACDRAO) in Greensboro, North Carolina. In addition to his presentation, Dr. Reed recorded a special podcast episode live from NACDRAO’s College Fair for high school students.Founded on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University, NACDRAO is proudly celebrating 100 years of impact and excellence. The organization was created to provide a space for Deans and Registrars of Black colleges to connect, collaborate, and share best practices that strengthen student success and institutional growth.Listen in as Dr. Reed and ATI Co-Host Carl Pinkney reflect on the lasting influence of HBCUs, mission-driven organizations, and educated communities—and the vital role they’ve played in shaping African American history, accomplishments, and legacy. This episode is topped off with a live recording from the College Fair, capturing the energy, hope, and promise of the next generation.

Send us Fan MailJoin us for another powerful session of Women to Women. ATI Podcast Co-Host Chance Thweatt sits down with author and advocate Ms. Shalisa C. Shaw for a candid and inspiring conversation centered on voice, lived experience, and artistic truth. Together, they explore what it truly means to walk confidently in your power as a woman—honoring where you come from while allowing those roots to guide your journey forward.This episode also delves deeply into the role of faith in shaping identity and sustaining purpose, examining how belief, self-discovery, and resilience intersect as we navigate life’s challenges and transitions. Through reflection and storytelling, the conversation invites listeners to consider how embracing faith, reclaiming identity, and owning one’s truth can lead to healing, clarity, and empowerment.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we pause to reflect on the true meaning of equality—not as a slogan, but as a lived belief that shapes how we see ourselves and how we treat others. As we enter the holiday season, this conversation invites us to slow down and reflect. The holidays are not just a time for celebration, but an opportunity to show up differently—to extend grace, practice inclusion, and choose understanding over division. Equality begins with how we see people, but it’s sustained by how we treat them. It's a reminder to be the change we hope to see, honoring the worth of others, which starts with honoring your own self-worth. When we live rooted in truth, dignity, and equality, we create space for healing, unity, and hope—during the holidays and beyond.

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we sit down with Mr. Andre Walker, Program Director at ATI and a Master Mason. We dive into what the organization is all about, how it supports the community, and why groups like this may matter now more than ever. 

Send us Fan MailJoin Podcast Co-Host Chance Thweatt for the first Women-to-Women episode of Season 3—a powerful conversation centered on resilience, identity, and sisterhood with Kendall Phills. Through heartfelt and thought-provoking dialogue, Chance explores how the experiences shaping our communities also shape who we become as women.Together, we’ll reflect on the strength it takes to persevere, the courage it takes to protect our mental health, and the grace it takes to honor our self-worth.Tune in for a conversation that celebrates the beauty, power, and purpose of women everywhere.

Send us Fan MailJoin Founder and CEO Dr. Craig Reed as he sits down with Dr. Vincent Franklin, college professor and retired Master Gunnery Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps. Together, they take listeners on a thought-provoking journey through culture, identity, and the evolving meaning of what it is to be American.Drawing from their shared military experience, Dr. Reed and Dr. Franklin explore themes of equality versus assumption, and the tension between earning your way and the expectation of being given something. Through candid reflection and historical insight, they challenge listeners to engage in a deeper conversation about equity, opportunity, and the importance of equal access for all.

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful and thought-provoking episode of the African Triangle Initiative, we unpack the charged intersection of military policy, national leadership, and social equity. Sparked by the recent convening of the Department of Defense in Washington, D.C.—held in tandem with the Congressional Black Caucus' own summit—this episode dives into the complex, often contentious conversation surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).What does DEI really mean? How has its language been co-opted or misunderstood? And more critically—how has it been used both to empower and to marginalize? This isn’t just a critique—it’s a call to awareness, reflection, and action. Whether you’re a policymaker, service member, activist, or concerned citizen, this episode challenges you to interrogate your assumptions and engage with DEI beyond the buzzwords.

Send us Fan MailStep into the journey through the formative years of Dr. Craig Reed, CEO and Co-Founder of ATI. In this raw and introspective episode, “The Doc” reflects on his upbringing, the challenges and triumphs that shaped his worldview, and the powerful ways life experiences mold who we ultimately become. With honesty and depth, Dr. Reed invites us to examine our own stories and confront the defining question at the heart of this conversation: “Who the Hell Are You?”

Send us Fan MailThis episode explores the powerful impact news has on individuals and communities—shaping opinions, influencing emotions, and even guiding daily choices. We examine how some people actively consume and internalize news, while others avoid it altogether, and the reasons behind both behaviors. The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating slanted or biased reporting, raising critical questions about trust, truth, and perspective. 

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Season 3 of the African Triangle Initiative podcast—where stories, history, and vision intersect across 13 countries and territories, including Germany, Romania, Japan, and the United States.In this powerful opening episode, we turn our hearts and minds toward a theme that has carried generations: hope.What does hope mean for the African American community—a people just 159 years removed from slavery? How do we continue to hold on to it, grow it, and live it, even in the face of persistent challenges? And what does the path to hope look like when it’s built from both struggle and strength?Join us as we explore the meaning of hope—its roots, its relevance, and its revolutionary power. Let this be a moment of reflection, restoration, and rising.This is more than a podcast. It’s a movement. Welcome back.

Send us Fan MailStep into the heart of Palmetto, Louisiana—once home to one of the largest concentrations of Black landowners in the South, a place where the soil holds the memory of generations who built, cultivated, and preserved a powerful legacy. This sacred ground is more than just land—it is a living testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring spirit of community.Join Carl Pickney, Co-Host of the ATI Podcast, as he broadcasts live from this storied region for a very special episode featuring Pastor Dale Fontenot of New Life Church of God, and founder of Project Hope. Together, they explore the deep-rooted love, kinship, and heritage that bring families home—not just for reunions, but for reconnection, celebration, and the nurturing of shared identity.This episode is a moving tribute to communal legacy and cultural pride. It honors the history that shaped us, the families who define us, and the spiritual bonds that continue to ground and inspire us. You’ll be reminded of the importance of coming together, of honoring where we come from, and of preserving the stories that make us who we are.Tune in to be uplifted, empowered, and inspired to cherish the ties that bind—and to carry forward a heritage that fuels the soul and strengthens generations.

Send us Fan MailCelebrate the rich history of the Pickney family as we mark the 50th Anniversary of the Pickney Family Reunion in the Palmetto/Rideau Community—live from Lebeau, Louisiana. Co-Host Carl Pickney along with his 1st Cousin Johnny Pickney and over 150 attendees lead us on a heartfelt journey through generations of love, resilience, and togetherness, including live via zoom, 97 years young, Mrs. Eula Mae Carmon, Lake Charles, Louisiana, the oldest living relative.Carl and Johnny invites the family's eldest members (widows of their fathers, Marjorie and Joycie) to share treasured stories and memories, offering a powerful reflection on the origins of this enduring tradition. Beginning with data from the 1800s leading up to the 1910 census, Carl, Johnny and other relatives have traced the roots of the Pickney family and close relatives. They have used this data as a contribution to inform and educate ourselves on the rich beginnings of the reunion that has become a cornerstone of their heritage and the reason this family continues to celebrate together for over 50 years.This is more than a gathering—it is a tribute to the strength, unity, and enduring spirit of the Pickney family.

Send us Fan MailBroadcasting from historic St. Landry Parish, ATI Podcast Co-Host Carl Pickney leads a special episode in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Pickney Family Reunion. But this episode is more than a celebration—it’s a tribute to legacy.Carl sits down with the family’s matriarch and eldest member, Dr. Barbara Pickney, a lifelong civil rights advocate and trailblazing leader in early childhood education. With over five decades of service, Dr. Pickney has been a powerful force in advancing equity through her work with the Head Start Program in St. Landry Parish, and as a former President of the Louisiana Head Start Association.Through this heartfelt and deeply personal interview, Dr. Pickney shares profound wisdom, hard-won knowledge, and powerful reflections on justice, family, and purpose. This episode is a reminder that our stories matter—and that our journey becomes our legacy.

Send us Fan MailIn a time when turmoil feels constant, The Doc brings clarity and hope. In this powerful episode, he calls on us to return to our roots—by understanding our history, reflecting on our values, and deepening our human connections. With wisdom and urgency, he challenges us to “choose your hard,” reminding us that growth, justice, and community require courage. Tune in for a heartfelt message that inspires action, self-awareness, and meaningful change.

Send us Fan MailJoin the ATI Podcast Co-Hosts in a heartfelt Mother’s Day special as they celebrate the incredible women who raised us. Through personal stories, meaningful life lessons, and reflections on the lasting legacy of motherhood, this episode honors moms everywhere for the love, strength, and wisdom they share with the world.

Send us Fan MailJoin ATI podcast CEO/Founder Dr. Craig Reed, and Co-Hosts Chance Thwett, and Carl Pickney, as they reflect on how external catalysts affect how we navigate life. Answering the critical questions: How do we prioritize our own mental and physical health? How do we/should we define wealth, outside of financial success? How do we turn a negative experience into a positive, using it as fuel to reflect, heal, excel, and thrive. 

Send us Fan MailTake a journey with "The Doc", reflecting on our country, our rights, and the impact on our future. 

Send us Fan MailGet a dose of hope and inspiration from "The Doc". 

Send us Fan MailMeet Christian Comedian and Minister Alcindor Hankins, God's Comedian. The creator of Laugh & Learn Ministry, he uses laugher, to bring blessings, healing, and understanding to this journey that we call life.

Send us Fan MailOn the heels of creating a healthy mindset, we invite you to join ATI Podcast Co-Host, Chance Thwett, as she engages in a conversation with special guests. They will explore all aspects of womanhood and how to find our voice and footing in this world.

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we talk to Pastor Percy W. McCray, "Pastor P.", the curator of the Hope, Health, and Inspiration podcast. Through conversation, he guides us through a higher calling, answering the question, "How do we keep our sanity when it seems like the world is going mad?"

Send us Fan MailListen in as we preview upcoming episodes for season 2, focusing on financial literacy, fighting of our family, launching an intellectual renaissance, as well as issues, influences, and words of wisdom from a women's perspective. Turn your notifications on! You're not going to want to miss the powerful upcoming episodes of The African Triangle Initiative podcasts!

Send us Fan MailWe welcome you to season 2 of The African Triangle Initiative Podcase. This season, we are exploring what is next for our Intellectual Renaissance. Part of that initiative is exploring several questions that directly impact us and our lives. This season we present podcasts focused on the following:How do we educate our village about what is happening in the community? How do we support, uplift, and encourage strength within the black family prioritizing family communication? Her voice, a women led and hosted podcast exploring issues that affect women. The state of education; and Addressing basic health and stress. For our first episode, we welcome Stacy Harvin and Craig Umstead who will share pertinent resources, community support opportunities, and national policy concerns that our village should be informed and take advantage of. 

Send us Fan MailThis unique episode gives an insight into the Founder and CEO, of The African Triangle Initiative (ATI), Dr. Craig Reed. In an intimate conversation with Chance, Director of Programs and Development of ATI, Dr. Reed shares his thoughts on the reason for the season, and the importance of the "Holiday Spirit" and the true meaning of Christmas.

Send us Fan MailDon't let your vote go uncounted! This episode explores the history of voting rights for African American men and woman, and the new laws that affect the ability to vote today. Trending attitudes towards voting, while stamping the importance of being an active participant in the voting process. 

Send us Fan MailWhat does your journey entail that will leads you to that next career or life-based transition, while also asking yourself the questions, "What are you willing to do to get there? Who can you influence or be influenced by positively? Are you in the right circle, and are you ready to put in the work for your "NEXT"? This episode explores how life choices directly affect our NOW while also preparing us for our NEXT. 

Send us Fan MailNine hundred twenty pages and 30 chapters, Project 2025 isn't a new document or project. Started in 1973 by The Heritage Foundation, and codified in the last four years, the contents of this project are controversial, power expansive, and has the potential to affect massive change, specifically in marginalized communities. This podcast explores the contents, and the catastrophic implications of this project, and how we as a community can understand it, and advocate for change. 

Send us Fan MailJune is designated as a time to celebrate the culture, influence, magic, and immeasurable contributions to music by African Americans. Join our podcast as we reflect, and discuss how music has and continues to influence our life experiences, lifting up, and igniting all genres of music directly created and influenced by African Americans. 

Send us Fan MailExploring  diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), this podcast dive deep into the history of this legislation. How does it  directly affect  minorities? Why it is so important to understand the significance of DEI, and why our voice matters in the voting booth.

Send us Fan MailAs we bring a close to Women's History Month, it is only fitting that we celebrate the power, wisdom, and love that lives in each and every woman. Moderated by Chance Thweatt, this podcast explores different perspectives on how women navigate life, juggle external pressures, careers, family, friendships, and love. 

Send us Fan MailA thought-provoking conversation with Community - N - Brotherhood, an organization that works with at-risk youth in central North Carolina. The goal of the organization is to educate and empower, providing mentorship to young men. The conversation centers around the juxtaposition of the "old values", importance of the "village" and how the values and morals of said village aide in shaping black men. How do we prioritize this, brining it back in an effort to support OUR black men?

Send us Fan MailThis podcast looks back on the history of African Americans in the military, and explores the experience of African Americans who have, and currently serve in the military. 

Send us Fan MailThis episode explores the significance of January 6th and January 15th and the lasting affects and historical  parallels between the two events.

Send us Fan MailGiving, loving, and family. This episode reflects on the memories of the holidays and the spirit of Christmas that lives within the black family. The spirit of Christmas, the reason why we celebrate, and the joy that the holidays bring. 

Send us Fan MailIs the family legacy of dinner table in the African American community lost? Have the rules and etiquette around technology, how and when we use and engage it changed. Should we embrace it, using technology to break the digital divide to bring the family together. This inaugural episode explores the roots of the importance of community around the dinner table, rules and norms that we may want to consider, and how the village generation can embrace technology.