The Ricochet Effect

In Continuum 1 of The Ricochet Effect: Breaking the Cycle – Tobacco, Truth, and Black Health, Dr. Abeni El-Amin sits down with Dr. Valerie Yerger of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council (AATCLC) to examine the calculated architecture behind tobacco-related harm in Black communities across the United States.

In this edition of The Ricochet Effect Podcast, presented by Project Ricochet, Dr. Abeni El-Amin shifts the lens from spotlighting a single community leader to centering culture, voice, and collective identity through the powerful presentation of her original poem, “Ode: Stronger Together”. This piece, delivered during the 2026 Central Kentucky Black Family Conference, serves as both a reflection and a call to action, grounded in unity, resilience, and the enduring strength of community.

Meet Jeanette Hart and Dr. Margaret McGladrey, leaders of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Improvement Plan (Lex-CHIP). Jeanette is the Quality Services Manager at the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. Dr. McGladrey is an Assistant Professor at the UK College of Public Health. Jeanette and Dr. McGladrey champion health through rich collaborations and thoughtful community planning.

Meet Dale Morgan, founder and CEO of Foundation47, LLC. Dale is a financial literacy educator with deep roots in Lexington, Kentucky. Dale champions health by helping others achieve upward financial mobility.

Meet Asia Smith. Asia is a real estate broker who champions health by bringing awareness to the accessibility of homeownership.

Meet Quron Marks and Justin Edmondson. Coach Marks is a rising leader in college athletics, now in his third year coaching basketball at Kentucky State University. Justin is a senior business major and shooting guard who brings wisdom beyond his years. Quron and Justin champion health through teamwork and common purpose.

Meet Dr. Nicholas Leverette. Dr. Leverette is a chiropractor and the founder of Revive Chiropractic Centers in Lexington, Kentucky. Dr. Leverette champions health through helping people align their body and mind.

Meet Tania Whitfield. Tania is a narrative organizer with the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) and an active member of Voices of Community Activists and Leaders Kentucky (VOCAL-KY). Tania champions health through sharing her light with others.

Meet the Praise Dancers of God’s Chosen Generation who invite listeners into a sacred space where movement becomes ministry and rhythm becomes reverence. In this episode of The Talking Drum: Ricochet Effect Podcast, we honor the young worshippers of God’s Chosen Generation who express faith not only through words, but through embodied praise. Their dance is testimony; rooted in scripture, tradition, discipline, and joy, reflecting a deep spiritual inheritance passed from one generation to the next.

Meet Taca Hollis, 2024-2026 Project Ricochet Urban Art Collective Artist-In-Residence. Taca is a powerful poet and spoken word artist who champions health through her words and performances.

Meet Lafayette Cowden IV and Baba Kenyattaa Henry. Lafayette and Baba are musical storytellers from Louisville, Kentucky who champion health through drumming.

Meet cousins Tony Wavy and Jayceon Jackson. Tony, also known as the Hip-Hop Picasso, is a multi-talented artist who pours his soul into music, visual art, apparel, and the community. Jayceon is a recent graduate of Henry Clay High School who competed in multiple sports and is part of the next generation of changemakers. Tony and Jayceon champion health through creativity and personal expression.

In this episode, we meet Gerri Botts Stuart, PACE Outreach Coordinator with Bluegrass Care Navigators. Gerri champions health through compassionate care, dedicating her work to ensuring dignity and hope for individuals and families navigating serious health challenges. Her reflections on mental health, personal connection, and community building echo Project Ricochet’s mission to create pathways of equity and healing, while reinforcing the Black Family Conference’s goal of uplifting families through culturally responsive, community-driven support.

In this special episode of The Ricochet Effect Podcast, Project Ricochet and The Urban Art Collective proudly present HooDoo You Think You Are, Zora?, a dynamic multimedia performance and community conversation celebrating the legacy of Zora Neale Hurston.

In this episode, we meet Gerri Botts Stuart, PACE Outreach Coordinator with Bluegrass Care Navigators. Gerri champions health through compassionate care, dedicating her work to ensuring dignity and hope for individuals and families navigating serious health challenges.

On this edition of The Ricochet Effect, presented by Project Ricochet, we highlight the inspiring work of Ashley Holt, a dedicated leader with Bluegrass Care Navigators, whose unwavering commitment has made her a true champion for health in our community.

In this episode of The Ricochet Effect, Project Ricochet sits down with the Honorable Judge Denotra Spruill Gunther, Fayette District Court Judge for Division 1, whose legal journey and community impact have shaped a powerful legacy of justice, advocacy, and reform.

Mr. Doyle Lee is the founder of Helping Everyone Achieve Resilience Through Support (H.E.A.R.T.S.), a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring youth and supporting individuals re-entering society after experiencing trauma, substance use disorder, or incarceration.

Tania Walker is a dynamic changemaker whose journey from corporate leadership to community transformation resonates deeply with the mission of Project Ricochet.

Project Ricochet’s PR Health: Farm Rx program has partnered with Black Roots Farm (BRF) to enhance access to fresh, organic foods for underserved communities in Central Kentucky.

Founded by Gerald “Geo” Gibson, OMAC is more than just a mentorship program, it is a movement designed to empower youth and adults alike. Through personalized coaching, support, and self-awareness training, OMAC helps individuals develop the skills necessary to build brighter futures.