Rooted in Progress with Deanne King

States are beginning to curb hair discrimination in the workplace and in school through new laws, including the Crown Act. Hairstylist and Salon Owner, Latoya Rucker, talks about the growth in educating all stylists on all hair textures, while also sharing how she's educating the next generation of cosmetologists in Tampa Bay. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Oluwamodupe Oloyede is the first female head drum major for the Marching 100 band at FAMU. As she approaches graduation, she looks back on her many blessings including her ''Sinners' performance at the Oscars, viral Delta Sigma Theta new member presentation and making history as FAMU's first female head drum major. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Building wealth may sound like a morbid idea in today's economy, but financial expert and serial entrepreneur, Dr. Renée Baker shares how you can start to build wealth and success despite today's economy. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Grammy Nominated Rapper, Yung Joc and St. Petersburg Natives and R & B Group, B5, talked about the past, present and future ahead of their Tampa stop on the B2K Bow Wow Boys 4 Life Tour. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

At a time when things are really heavy, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Dr. Karmen Smith, shares advice and resources to help maintain a healthy mental state. Founder of 3H Counseling in Pinellas County, Smith talks about warning signs, treatment options and how to take the first step to finding a therapist. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Pamela Pacheco is an entrepreneur, life coach and mentor who is carrying out her mother's legacy by pouring into other women through her Women Winning Wars Empowerment event. Hear what fuels her passion and how women can grow and flourish through this event. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Atlanta-based comedian, actor and internet sensation, Rod Minger, stopped by Rooted in Progress to share his journey through the entertainment and comedy industries. Hear what upcoming projects the viral sensation has coming out soon. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

On today's episode of Rooted in Progress, we are giving you a sneak peak at our Black History Month Special titled "Voices of Mercy Hospital". During the 30-minute program we shine a light on a untold piece of history in 1920s St. Petersburg. You will hear from a woman born at the hospital, a former pharamacist and the son of one of the seven physicians who provided care, Dr. Ralph Wimbish Sr.

Civil Rights leader and Baptist Minister, Rev. Jesse Jackson, inspired and changed our nation and the world. His last couple of visits to Tampa Bay took place at the 34th Street Church of God, and Bishop Thomas Scott shared the impact that visit had on his church and our city. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

NFL Veteran and USF Alum, Sam Barrington, used his 5 years of NFL experience to help catapult his entrepreneurial career in the crane and rigging business. The father, entrepreneur and philanthropist shares his journey to the NFL and life afterwards. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

We take you decades back, before people of all ethnic backgrounds were welcomed to participate in Gasparilla and the pirate invasion. The Grand Krewe De Libertalia shares their role on intergrating the parade and discuss their community work. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg+

Award season continues in Hollywood. Nominations for the most coveted night were released this morning. Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” has made history with 16 nominations for the 2025 film. Those nominations include best lead actor, best director, best picture and best original score. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg+

The Tampa Organization of Black Affairs is getting ready for its 46th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Breakfast. One of the original members, James Ransom, takes us through the decades of service TOBA has rendered across Tampa Bay. This year's breakfast co-hosts, Candace Cowen and Dante Moss, share insight into the breakfast and TOBA's leadership institute. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Pastor Bryan Powe, of Revealing Truth Ministries in Tampa is not only sharing words of encouragement, but also sharing the wide variety of community initiatives open to the Tampa Bay community. Hear how he's using his role as Pastor to make a difference in the community. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

St. Petersburg native, Tiffany Black, is an actress, writer, producer and author who is taking the industry by storm. Her latest project, This Christmas in Love, is a book about love, friendship and self-discovery. Tiffany shares the inspiration behind her book and what readers can expect in the future. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive Lineman, Elijah Roberts, is using his NFL platform to advocate for survivors of domestic violence through his mother's non-profit, Pain 2 Purpose.

We're taking you behind the scene of the new WEDU PBS documentary, Triumph: Tampa's Untold Chapter in the Civil Rights Movement. The film shares the stories of Black high school students who conducted sit ins, which ultimately desegregated Tampa. Triumph's Producer and Director, Danny Bruno, and Senator Jim Hargrett, who participated in the sit ins joined us. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Coping and dealing with mental health is important to so many, but especially to our nation's heroes. In this episode of Rooted in Progress we discuss several free options for veterans across the state of Florida, including a new, free, mental health app: Here Now Help. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Mercedes and Leon Wells are sharing their heartbreaking story of being forced to leave an Indiana hospital while in active labor. Together, the Wells describe delivering their baby on the side of the road and how they are now pushing for change. Tampa nurse and doula, Yamel Belen, shares how this happens far too often and how healthcare professionals can lessen disparities in Black maternal health. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Mixing community, culture and cuisine isn't just for show for Khalilah McDuffie and Dr. Jamaris Glenn, it's in their DNA. As owners of 7th + Grove and Madame Fortune, the two entrepreneurs have built businesses built on faith, community and Black history. Tune in to hear the lessons they've learned and how they're using their platform to offer "pay what you can" meals to Tampa Bay. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

The Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists is bringing back its esteem Griot Drum Awards Banquet. Local journalists will be honored for their community work and leaders will be honored as well for their selflessness. WFLA's Marilyn Parker, TBABJ's Secretary, and Kenya Woodard, journalist and TBABJ member, joined us. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

As Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to an end, two brave survivors open up about the moment they chose freedom. One found healing in baking after escaping New York; another fled California with nothing but her baby and a bag of hope. She now has a foundation to help other women living through this tramautic experience.

David and Nadege Andre, the owners of Mangos Southern Kitchen + Bar in Tampa, share their journey from hosting events to opening two restaurants. They say they always felt purpose in community and knew their love in the kitchen will translate to entrepreneurship.

A weekend of jokes, roasts and maybe some impressions. Over the next few days, Aries Spears takes over Funny Bone Tampa for three nights of shows. But before he took the stage to deliver jokes, he delivered gems and the story of how he got started with us

Every October we celebrate multiple themes: Breast Cancer Awareness and Domestic Violence Awareness. However, Down Syndrome Awareness is not often in the spotlight, that's until now. The Executive Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Tampa Bay, Craig Woodard Sr. shines a light on the genetic disorder and explains why those with it are a blessing.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Tampa Bay serial entrepreneur Gary Hartfield. Not only is he a business and family man, Hartfield is also an author, motivational speaker, and dedicated community advocate. He shares his journey with us -- and it's nothing short of inspiring.

The City of Tampa has ended the Racial Conciliation Commitee to comply with federal law. The committee was disbanded without a vote among councilmembers. So where do we go from here? Committee Chairwoman Connie Burton and NAACP President in Hillsborough County Yvette Lewis joined the episode. They shared the progress the committee made, and how the fight for equity will not change despite not receiving federal funding.

The 4th annual Tampa Bay Black Authors Expo is back this weekend, featuring 23 different authors. This year's theme is "Keeping Black Lit Alive" and will honor the memory of the late Gwen Henderson, who owned the Black English Boosktore. Poet and author Troy Legette is participating. He discusses the event and how he got into this industry. He also shares where you can find his published work.

Tomorrow Is election day for Tampa’s City Council District 5 special election race and today, we’re talking to one more candidate on ‘Rooted and Progress.’

Early voting gets underway today in Tampa, for the city council seat in District 5. We continue our Candidate Conversation series speaking to another candiate vying for that position. And his name might sound familiar. Rev. Thomas Scott who held this seat back in 2007, stopped by Rooted in Progress to share why you should vote for him this time around.

Ariel Amirah Danley is the daughter of the late Tampa City Councilwoman, Gwendolyn Henderson. She sat down on Rooted in Progress to share her plans if she is elected to fill her mother's seat. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

As voting day nears, candidates Alison Hewitt and Carrie West, who are running for Tampa City Council's District 5 seat share their plans if elected to council. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

The race for Tampa’s City Council District 5 seat continues to heat up as two additional candidates, Elvis Piggott Sr. and Albert Cooke threw their hats in the field. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Rooted in Progress continues its candidate conversations, where all candidates running for Tampa City Council District 5 get a chance to share why they should be elected. Candidates Fran Tate and Darrell Ashley Dudney shared their messages in this episode. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Rooted in Progress continues its candidate conversations where all candidates running for Tampa City Council District 5 get a chance to share why they should be elected. Candidates Naya Young and Audette Bruce shared their campaigns and passion in this episode. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Tampa City Council District 5 Seat is vacant after the passing of the late Gwendolyn Henderson. Juawana Colbert, local real estate expert, is running for the seat and shares her plans for the district, if elected. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

A viral video showing Jacksonville Sheriff's Officers arresting William McNeil Jr. is under scrutiny after officers punched and repeatedly beat McNeil Jr. after busting his window out. Civil Rights Attorney, Jennifer Szymczak, shares your legal rights during a traffic stop and explains how law enforcement should implement more training. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated has invaded Tampa for their 2025 International Conclave Conference. Rod Carter, former WFLA News Anchor, shares the impact the organization is making while also getting in on some Tampa Black history fun! ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

A woman who has dedicated more than twenty years as a foster care mother has launched a foundation calling on the community to help impact children within the foster care system. Karen Bowen has fostered more than 300 children and is the owner and CEO of NEKKTS Step Hope Foundation. In this episode we hear a firsthand story about the impact this system has had on one of Bowen's children, the stigma and how the community can help. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

WFLA's Deanne King and Terrance Middlebrooks spoke on the Diddy verdict recap with exclusive insight from courtroom reporter Matthew Russell Lee and Criminal Defense Attorney Michele Rayner. Connect with Rooted in Progress! ---------- Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

KINGS- we love you! As we recognize Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, Rooted in Progress discussed ways men can take care of their mental health, stigma surround mental health and available resources. Kelvin Pruitt, Founder of The New Standard Group, and Tyrell Reed who's a Board Member of the organization, talked about how they're using their platform to uplift men in the community. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

In the one year anniversary of Rooted in Progress, Hillsborough County NAACP President, Yvette Lewis and Tampa Racial Reconciliation Committee Member, Daryl Hych, got real about whether the city is taking the Racial Reconciliation Committee serious or not. See how and why they feel no progress has been made in one year. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Actor Michael B. Jordan needed some help pulling off his twin role in the box office hit 'Sinners.' Percy Bell spent months studying and learning Michael B Jordan and he joined Rooted in Progress to share what it took to be MBJ's body double.

It's Week 4 of the US vs. Sean Combs trial and many are following from the few reporters allowed inside. Matthew Russell Lee, Co-Owner of InnerCity Press, has been live-tweeting and transcribing the trial daily. He uncovers the things people can't read- from Diddy's facial expressions, the mood during Cassie Ventura's testimony to the reaction when a heckler got kicked out. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Whether it's jokes about life in the hood or movies working alongside Kevin Hart, Issa Rae and SZA. Comedian and Actor, Desi Banks, is taking Hollywood and the internet by storm. Before his 3 day tour stop in Tampa, Desi got real on Rooted in Progress about his journey to stardom and the challenges he had to overcome. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Head Coach, Todd Bowles, got really candid on Rooted in Progress. This episode goes beyond the football field, in this exclusive interview, the NFL head coach shared stories about his upbringing, how he overcame his son's autism diagnosis, how he spends his off time and tons of laughs and jokes. Bowles also gives a sneak peak at what to expect for the 25-26 NFL football season. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Disturbing details have surfaced after Sean 'Diddy' Combs' ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, testified in Combs' federal sex trafficking trial. As Ventura faces cross-examination, Legal Affairs Journalist, Meghann Cuniff, shares the key takeaways and gives insight on what may happen next. Criminal Defense Attorney, Michele Rayner, breaks down how the prosecution and defense have been doing thus far. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

The 2025 Met Gala truly merged Black culture and fashion, and it's the first time the Hollywood event has ever done so. The theme "Tailoring Black Style" captured the essence of Black Dandyism. In this episode fashion enthusiasts, Jaison Radcliff and Andrew Browne explained the Met's theme. The two are also founder's of the Paper Bar Co. and Form 2 Fashion program. Hear how the two can go from sketching Met Gala looks to educating the next generation on ways to make Met Gala fashion. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

The 2025 NFL Draft was a whirlwind. Shedeur Sanders, who many had going in the 1st or 2nd round, got picked up in the 5th round. Several players got prank called, including Sanders. ESPN writer, Martenzie Johnson, broke everything down while also giving his take on the future of the NFL and its progress with Black quarterbacks. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg

Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' is a box office hit that's bringing the art of storytelling, culture and history to the forefront. Actress Emonie Ellison who stars in the film discusses her role, the messages within the film and the future of Black cinema. Tampa-based film producer, Tamia Iman Kennedy, discusses her production company Black on the Scene and how minorities can continue to break ceilings in the film industry. ----- Connect with Rooted in Progress! Rooted in Progress on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3zeThMU Rooted in Progress on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3z5k66m Rooted in Progress on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VLrRHg