UNABRDG: our whole, unedited self

Founded on the spirit of Shirley Chisolm, Firm 1968 is the only African American women-run, operated, and exclusively staffed Fundraising and advocacy firm in PA. In this week’s episode, we are joined by Jasmine Sessoms (CEO), Klissa Thomas (Managing Partner, Government Relations), and LaDeshia (Managing Partner, Community Engagement) from this groundbreaking organization. The conversation explores how Black women are strategically stepping back from unpaid political labor while the firm continues to advocate for policy, raise millions, and build tech ecosystems—all while navigating motherhood and creating work environments that prioritize autonomy and health. Each of these ladies is undeniably herself, which is why this model truly works. Tune in to be truly inspired by their journey, and it's just another reason to love black women. Let's Get Into It topicsWe are lucky to be joined by a firsthand source, Council Member Isaiah Thomas. CM Thomas will be giving us the true BTS on the recent City Budget passed by the Philadelphia City Council. From what's the beef with Uber to the things that actually got done, we’ll get into it all! Commercial Audio - Credit: Rap by HIPSYBEATS | https://hipsybeats.bandcamp.comRoyalty Free Music by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_USFirm 1968 Introduction AudioDowntown Walk by | e s c p | https://www.escp.spacehttps://escp-music.bandcamp.com

On our first episode of the year, we sit down with Mrs. Kashmere Brooks McCoy, my personal queen of the pivot. She shares her journey from military service and full-time hairstyling to becoming a second-grade teacher while emphasizing her philosophy of adapting to life's constant changes while maintaining authenticity in content creation and motherhood. We learn about her approach to pivoting careers by doing it with her whole, unedited self so she can leave without regrets, while documenting her journey publicly as both a memory archive and a way to inspire others. Let's Get Into It topicsPHL School Closures Election Update - Primaries May 19thGovernor, Lt. Gov.PA-3 Former Dwight Evans spotRepresentative in Congress – Democratic – 3rd District **ALA STANFORD (9th Ward) SHARIF STREET (11th Ward)CHRIS RABB (9th Ward)SHAUN GRIFFITH (48th ward) State Reps  Representative in the General Assembly – Democratic – 200th District DESHAWNDA WILLIAMS (50th Ward)CHRIS JOHNSON (22nd Ward) QASIM RASHAD (22nd Ward) Representative in the General Assembly – Democratic – 195th District KENNETH T WALKER JR (16th Ward) KEITH HARRIS (28th Ward) SIERRA MCNEIL (16th Ward) Representative in the General Assembly – Democratic – 201st District ANDRE D CARROLL (17th Ward)**Ballot Questions: 1. City retirement plan 2. The permanent position of the Youth Ambudsman Office Source:https://whyy.org/articles/pennsylvania-election-2026-primary-3rd-congressional-district/https://vote.​​phila.gov/voting/candidates-for-office/Credit: Rap by HIPSYBEATS | https://hipsybeats.bandcamp.comRoyalty Free Music by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US

In this Episode of the UNABRDG podcast, I am joined by activist, artist, influencer, and President of Black Philly Pride, Jacen Bowman! On this very special episode, we learn how a Philly makeup artist used the Ball Room scene to change a political activist, and what it means to truly advocate for your people!