Together as One

As part of a multi-pronged effort to spread information regarding health and wellness in our communities, the Urban League of Greater Atlanta is hosting a quarterly healthcare series. The theme for our fourth and final virtual community event of 2025 is community empowerment. We discuss the impact of community on our health as well as the importance legislative action has on the healthcare system. Shelli-Ann Mckenzie, founder of Help for Healthcare Professionals (HHCP), and Dr. Michelle Nelson, Director of Graduate Programs at Clayton State University School of Nursing, co-moderate the discussion. Senior Director of Policy at the Urban League of Greater Atlanta served as host. To check your voter registration status, find your polling locations, request an absentee ballot, and review a sample ballot, visit the ⁠My Voter Page for Georgia⁠.  For more information about Help for Healthcare Professionals, visit ⁠https://www.helpforhealthcareprofessionals.org/⁠. For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the State of Black Georgia report, find us at ⁠⁠⁠https://ulgatl.org/⁠⁠⁠.  Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams 

In this episode, Senior Director of Policy John Moye and Compassionate Capitalist Karen Rands dive into a topic that is critical to our shared economic future: the significant challenges facing minority and women-owned businesses in gaining access to capital. These businesses are a powerful engine of innovation and job creation, but systemic barriers have long prevented them from reaching their full potential. Karen Rands provides expert insight on these pressing issues and discusses how we can work together to build a more equitable and prosperous ecosystem. Founder of The Compassionate Capitalist™ Movement, Karen’s mission is to close the wealth gap by expanding access to private equity for everyone. With 20+ years of experience helping startups and growth stage companies raise capital she is experienced with all the sources of money. She’s also the host of a top-ranked podcast The Compassionate Capitalist™ show.  Karen’s new book, Inside Secrets to Crowdfund Investing, is out now on Amazon.  To learn more about Karen Rands, her services, and her new book, visit her Linktree.  For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the State of Black Georgia report, find us at ⁠⁠https://ulgatl.org/⁠⁠.  Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams 

As part of a multi-pronged effort to spread information regarding health and wellness in our communities, the Urban League of Greater Atlanta is hosting a quarterly healthcare series. The theme for our third virtual community event is overcoming misinformation. We discuss the importance legislative action has on the healthcare system. Shelli-Ann Mckenzie, founder of Help for Healthcare Professionals (HHCP), and Dr. Michelle Nelson, Director of Graduate Programs at Clayton State University School of Nursing, co-moderate the discussion. Senior Director of Policy at the Urban League of Greater Atlanta served as host. For the video version of this conversation, visit our Youtube channel. To check your voter registration status, find your polling locations, request an absentee ballot, and review a sample ballot, visit the My Voter Page for Georgia.  For more information about Help for Healthcare Professionals, visit https://www.helpforhealthcareprofessionals.org/. For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the State of Black Georgia report, find us at ⁠⁠https://ulgatl.org/⁠⁠.  Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams 

Today, we have a special broadcast of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s Together as One Podcast, where we address the growing food insecurity crisis caused by the ongoing SNAP Benefits Crisis and the broader implications of the recent government shutdown.We are joined by Ife Finch Floyd, Director of Economic Justice at Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI). Her leadership and service during this critical time in our nation’s history are deeply appreciated, and her voice brought invaluable insight to this urgent conversation.[recorded November 5, 2025] findhelpgeorgia.org a website where the state itself pulls together resources for Georgians. If you are looking for a food pantry, you can follow this link, input your zip code, and it will identify food pantries near you.In metro Atlanta, Latin American Association offers food support. For more information on their food pantry, click here.For our Muslim community, The Madinah Food Pantry is available. For more information, click here.ICNA Relief Food Pantry offers halal items. For more information, click here.For more information about Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, visit gbpi.org.For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the State of Black Georgia report, find us at ⁠⁠⁠https://ulgatl.org/⁠⁠⁠.  Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams 

This fall, Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s Senior Director of Policy John Moye and Senior Counsel at NAACP Legal Defense Fund R. Gary Spencer had a powerful discussion with Debo Adegbile, Esq. A renowned civil rights attorney, Adegbile has argued landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court defending the Voting Rights Act of 1965, including Shelby County v. Holder (2013). His expertise offered invaluable insight into the ongoing fight for social justice and equality. This conversation, addressing key policy issues shaping African American and underserved communities, was followed by a Q&A portion.  To check your voter registration status, find your polling locations, request an absentee ballot, and review a sample ballot, visit the My Voter Page for Georgia.  For more information about the NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF), visit https://www.naacpldf.org/. For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the State of Black Georgia report, find us at ⁠⁠https://ulgatl.org/⁠⁠.  Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams 

As part of a multi-pronged effort to spread information regarding health and wellness in our communities, the Urban League of Greater Atlanta is hosting a quarterly healthcare series. The theme for our second virtual community event is on “Where do we go from here?” in this administration. We discuss the importance legislative action has on the healthcare system. Shelli-Ann Mckenzie, founder of Help for Healthcare Professionals (HHCP), and Dr. Michelle Nelson, Director of Graduate Programs at Clayton State University School of Nursing, co-moderate the discussion. Senior Director of Policy at the Urban League of Greater Atlanta served as host. For the video version of this conversation, visit our Youtube channel. To check your voter registration status, find your polling locations, request an absentee ballot, and review a sample ballot, visit the My Voter Page for Georgia.  For more information about Help for Healthcare Professionals, visit https://www.helpforhealthcareprofessionals.org/. For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the State of Black Georgia report, find us at ⁠⁠https://ulgatl.org/⁠⁠.  Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams 

One week before HR-1 was passed, The Urban League of Greater Atlanta partnered with The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change to hold an urgent virtual townhall for our community. In this discussion, Dr. Vonnetta West of the King Center moderated a panel of senators, state reps, and experts that dissected how HR-1, also known as the one "Big Beautiful Bill", will put millions of lives in danger-- particularly children.For the bill in its entirety, click here.For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the State of Black Georgia report, find us at ⁠https://ulgatl.org/⁠. Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams 

As part of a multi-pronged effort to spread information regarding health and wellness in our communities, the Urban League of Greater Atlanta is hosting a quarterly healthcare series. Our first event centered on “Where do we go from here?” in the new administration. We discussed the importance of taking our health in our own hands, including preventative steps.Shelli-Ann Mckenzie, founder of Help for Healthcare Professionals (HHCP), and Dr. Michelle Nelson, Director of Graduate Programs at Clayton State University School of Nursing, co-moderated the discussion. Senior Director of Policy at the Urban League of Greater Atlanta served as host.

Happy Black History Month! Launched in 2022, each session of the Together as One podcast has featured highly engaged professionals who are dedicated to the mission of improving lives. Our first episode in this new year, coming soon, will address the question of “Where do we go from here?”  We will touch on policies that affect our collective health and well-being and the state of democracy on numerous fronts. Throughout the year, fact-based subject matter experts will help us understand the new federal policies and explore actions we can all take to limit the harm to marginalized people and diverse populations. 

As part of a multi-pronged effort to spread the word about Project 2025, the National Urban League and the Urban League of Greater Atlanta held a roundtable discussion. This live virtual event took place on the WAOK station with Juandolyn Stokes. We are uploading this discussion to our podcast because we want to extend our reach through a ripple effect of information sharing.   Six speakers, including Representative Jasmine Crockett and our President and CEO Nancy Flake Johnson, shared their insights on the Project and suggested action steps to sound the alarm. In this election year, educating the public is key to our mission of halting the rollback of rights and promoting civil and economic justice. https://branch.vote⁠ -- provide your address, and this website will let you know who is on the ballot.  ⁠https://Mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/⁠ -- My Voter Page for Georgia. It will allow you to make sure your information is correct, and it will provide your precinct address.  For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the State of Black Georgia report, find us at ⁠https://ulgatl.org/⁠.  Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams 

On today’s episode, we have the amazing Kimberlyn Carter, Executive Director of Represent Georgia, a nonpartisan organization that works to ensure that the same opportunities for leadership exist for all Georgians, regardless of race, gender, religion, region, or citizenship. She discusses with our host, John Moye, the impact of voter apathy, the history of voter suppression, and how we can all become more civically engaged-- starting outside of the presidential election. Tune in right now for riveting insight and several laughs along the way!  https://branch.vote -- provide your address, and this website will let you know who is on the ballot.  https://Mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/ -- My Voter Page for Georgia. It will allow you to make sure your information is correct, and it will provide your precinct address.  For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the State of Black Georgia report, find us at https://ulgatl.org/.  Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams 

Get ready to dive into a dynamic roundtable discussion in our latest episode. We're thrilled to host our very first roundtable featuring an essential demographic: ages 18-35. With the presidential election looming, the youth vote has never been more crucial. Join us as we sit down with three vibrant members of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta Young Professionals (ULGA-YP) who share their insightful perspectives on their generation. From economic challenges to the most pressing issues facing the nation, including their take on presidential candidates and combating voter apathy, this episode promises to be enlightening and thought-provoking. Tune in as we explore the voices shaping the future!  https://branch.vote -- provide your address, and this website will let you know who is on the ballot.  https://Mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/ -- My Voter Page for Georgia. It will allow you to make sure your information is correct, and it will provide your precinct address.  Follow Urban League of Greater Atlanta Young Professionals (ULGA-YP) on Instagram here.  For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the State of Black Georgia report, find us at https://ulgatl.org/.  Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams 

Happy Black History Month! We are back to introduce our new season of new topics and new guests. As we begin an important presidential election year, our goal this season is to ensure that our listeners gain as much knowledge as possible by Election Day.  For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the State of Black Georgia report, find us at https://ulgatl.org/.  Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams 

State of Black Georgia report social justice author Doug Ammar of Georgia Justice Project (GJP) join us for this episode. We discuss reentry and the future of justice in the state and the country at large.  To learn more about GJP, click here.  For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the State of Black Georgia report, find us at https://ulgatl.org/.  Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams 

State of Black Georgia report authors Dr. Bambie Hayes-Brown of GeorgiaACT and Natallie Keiser of HouseATL join us for this episode. We discuss their findings in the report around housing and how it has an immense impact on the daily lives of people of color.  To learn more about the GeorgiaACT, click here.  To learn more about the HouseATL, click here.  Dial 211 for comprehensive resources if you or someone you know is looking for help meeting basic needs like housing, food, transportation, and health care.  For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the State of Black Georgia report, find us at https://ulgatl.org/.  Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams 

Dr. Michelle Nelson joins us to discuss her findings as the author of the health inequities essay in our State of Black Georgia report.   For resources on mental health in Georgia, visit the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) or the Department for Behavioral Health.  For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and the State of Black Georgia report, find us at https://ulgatl.org/.  Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams 

Congressman James Clyburn of the 6th District of South Carolina joins the podcast to discuss his early beginnings and the current issues that so many of us face. ULGA’s President and CEO Nancy Flake Johnson is the special host for this episode. For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, find us at https://ulgatl.org/. Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams

Page Dukes is a Communications Associate of the Southern Center for Human Rights. She joins us on this episode to discuss voting restoration, voting challenges, and voting rights through the lens of her professional and personal journey. ULGA’s Senior Director for Policy and Legislative Affairs John Moye is back as the host for this episode. To learn more about the Southern Center for Human Rights and how you can get involved, click here. For anyone that is unsure if they have the right to vote and would like to find out, visit gjp.org/voting. For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, find us at https://ulgatl.org/. Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams

Scott Haggard is Director of Government and External Affairs of Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority, State Road & Tollway Authority, and Georgia Regional Transportation Authority. He joins us on this episode to discuss the importance of public transit in Atlanta and the State of Georgia, funding for transit, and the future of transportation in the state. ULGA’s Policy and Legislative Affairs Analyst Jonathan Harris hosts this episode. To learn more about Georgia transportation and how you can get involved, click here. Connect to Georgia transportation staff by clicking here, and get involved with board meetings by clicking here. For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, find us at https://ulgatl.org/. Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams

On this episode, we are joined by Aklima Khondoker, Chief Legal Officer at the New Georgia Project, a non-partisan organization created in 2014 to help Georgia citizens stay connected to the voting process. Our discussion centers on recent legislation, how to build power within our communities, and voting rights. For more information about the New Georgia Project, click here. For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, find us at https://ulgatl.org/. Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams

This podcast is about Critical Race Theory (CRT), why it’s important, and how it could impact us. It relates to our March 24 podcast, a Conversation with the ACLU on Proposed State Censorship Bills in Georgia and across the country. Dr. Tammy Greer, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Clark Atlanta University with expertise in Atlanta Politics, Urban Politics, and Public Policy and underserved communities, leads the discussion in Episode 2. For more information about the Urban League of Greater Atlanta, find us at https://ulgatl.org/. Learn more about CRT below: “Uncovering Who Is Driving The Fight Against Critical Race Theory in Schools” NPR “What Is Critical Race Theory, and Why Is It Under Attack?” Education Week “Why are states banning critical race theory?” Brookings “New critical race theory laws have teachers scared, confused and self-censoring" The Washington Post Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams

Our inaugural episode will feature Dr. Victoria Seals, President of Atlanta Technical College, to talk about vocational education as an economic mobility tool. This discussion is an extension of an “Under the Dome” forum held on March 3, 2022, at the Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia. Panelists focused on the role of trade schools and other forms of nontraditional education in promoting economic mobility for Georgia families. Atlanta Technical College first enrolled adults in vocational education in 1945 following World War II. Since then, Atlanta Technical College has operated with the mission of transforming the lives of students, faculty, and staff to bring positive change to the institution and the community. For more information, visit https://atlantatech.edu/, and find us at https://ulgatl.org/. Learn more about vocational education and community colleges below: "Community College FAQs", Community College Research Center at Columbia University-- https://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/Community-College-FAQs.html#:~:text=Back-,Community%20College%20Enrollment%20and%20Completion,about%2035%25%20of%20undergraduate%20students. "Facing discrimination in vocational schools", The Guardian-- https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/feb/20/the-neglectful-bias-against-vocational-training "The Stigma of Choosing Trade School Over College", The Atlantic-- https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2019/03/choosing-trade-school-over-college/584275/ Music: “Soul and Mind” - E’s Jammy Jams