The Dr. Vibe Show™






Direct download: MICHAELVICK-AUGUST23-2007_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:16pm EDT



Lauren DeLisa Coleman is a socio-economic digitalist who studies and consults on the convergence of Gen X and Y with digital specifically mobile and the impact on business and society. She is the champion of the "smart power movement" (15 - 34 year olds ) which encourages this ages group to use mobile technology to empower themselves During this podcast, Lauren provide her takes on the CNN program Black In America 4 and the current state and what Blacks need to do to advance in the world of technology. http://www.ldcoleman.com/ (Website) @mediaempress (Twitter) http://www.ldcoleman.com/radio/ (Lauren's hip podcast series that examines the convergence of pop culture events with emerging tech and and business.) connect@ldcoleman (Email) http://www.linkedin.com/in/LaurenDeLisaColeman (Linkedin)

After her great participation as a panelist at The Media Huddle's "Follow Me" event this past Wednesday evening, we realized that we have a great interview with Cher Jones of Socially Active that we had not posted yet. So, here is our interview with Cher that we did back in August. Cher is involved in many things. Some of these are: running her own company (Socially Active), senior communications coordinator for the city of Toronto, host of a tech show, a regular contributor for the last four years for the "Steve & Chris Show" on CBC, writing her first book, "Procrastepreneur". She specializes in communications planning and social media training strategies. During our interview, we chat about a number of subjects including her wanting to in front of the camera since she was four years old, some of her background and involvement in journalism, being involved in social media before it was called social media, current state of Black bloggers in Toronto, the need for more Blacks in social media, communications and PR positions and what can be done to change it, why did she start "Socially Active", some of the best social media platforms for business and where did she find time to do everything she does. You can connect with Cher via: http://sociallyactive.ca/ (web) @itscherjones (Twitter) http://ca.linkedin.com/in/itscherjones (Linkedin) https://plus.google.com/104247244277846042314/posts (Google Plus)
Direct download: Vibeandvegas-VIBEANDVEGASSHOWCHERJONESSOCIALLYACTIVE898.mp3
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 11:03am EDT

Jonathan Sprinkles was voted "The National Speaker Of The Year (United States) and is the author of ten books. His mission is to inspire outstanding performance in each person he meets. He grew up very shy, stuttered and had stage fright. He became a leader while attending the University of Texas at Austin. After graduation, Jonathan worked at Dell Computers for 2 ½ years as a sales rep. went to Toastmasters. In May 2002, he quit his job and been speaking around the world ever since. During our chat Jonathan tells us where did he got his drive from, how his parents taught him education and street smarts, his struggles as a student until his junior year in college, some important books that he read when he was younger, how he appeared with Magic Johnson on a billboard, how he met Dennis Kimbro, what working in the corporate world taught him, the day he left the corporate world, how did he start writing books, how "Get Off Your But and Make It Happen!" happened. Jonathan also answers some questions, talks about various parts of "Get Off Your But and Make It Happen" and provides suggestions on how to thrive in a challenging economy www.jsprinkles.com www.getandstaymotivated.com @jsprinkles (Twitter) http://www.facebook.com/JonathanSprinkles?ref=ts (Facebook) http://www.youtube.com/user/JonathanSprinkles (You Tube)

Music industry veteran, Stan Sheppard, recently wrote an article titled, 'Is Black Radio Helping To Destroy Young Black Men And Women? We had the opportunity to interview with Stan in which he talks about his father"s (Bucky Sheppard) career in music which included working at the first Black record company in America, Vee Jay Records, developing the careers the carreers of great R&B artists such as Chaka Chan, Barry White, Stephanie Mills, Lionel Ritchie to his own career where he has worked with R&B artists such as By All Means, The Temptations, Gerald Alston, The Pointer Sisters and The Jackson Family to rap artists such as DJ Quik, Snoop Dogg, Musiq Soulchild. Stan held the position of A&R Director at Motown Records for five years. He is currently on projects by the artist Kokane and DJ Battlecat's debut album. He continues to educate young people about the music business. Stan's email address: stansheppard2011@hotmail.com

New Jersey entrepreneur Larry "Lak" (pronounced LOCK) Henderson is the co-founder, CEO, recording artist and co-producer of Smart Music Entertainment. Since 2007, Smart Music has created high-quality educational hip-hop music.Their blend of educational lyrics and underground hip-hop beats makes learning fun, accessible and more modern for a new generation of young people who are drawn to hip-hop music. Their new CD, Lesson One: Hip-Hop and Education, uses rap lyrics and today's hip-hop beats to teach students U.S. history, geography, health, politics and African and African-American history. Larry has a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a specialization in Africana Studies and Labor Studies from Rutgers University. During our interview Larry talks about various subjects including his hip-hop journey which started in the third grade, the importance of knowing the business side of the music industry, why did he decide to combine education and hip-hop, his thoughts on the effects that hip-hop has on young people, his he thinks about the current American education system, messages for Black men and the future of hip-hop.

Victory Unlimited is the codename of the man who hosts the Victory Unlimited Show. The fans of the show call it the Greatest Dating, Relationship, and Life Strategy Show for men in the World. It's the headquarters for nice guys, good guys, and gutsy guys who want to better their lives. We go through his article, "The Top Twelve Reasons Why So Many Good Black Men Are Still Single!", what kind of responses he is getting from men and women about the article and he gives some words of advice for single Black men and women. Victory Unlimited can be reached at: http://victoryunlimitedshow.com/ (Website) http://www.facebook.com/victoryunlimitedshow (Facebook) @VictoryUnlimitd

Yesterday, we had the opportunity and pleasure to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony and the official opening of the brand new studio of Toronto's newest radio station, G98.7 FM "The Way We Groove" (CKFG) at 34 Kern Road in the Don Mills and York Mills area in Toronto. During the event, G98.7 Founder, President, CEO & Station Manager Fitzroy Gordon and Program Director Wayne Williams also revealed the on-air team that will be heard on Canada's first and only Urban Adult Contemporary (AC)-formatted radio station starting on Monday, November 14, 2011. We were able to sit and chat with G98.7 Founder, President, CEO & Station Manager Fitzroy Gordon. Fitzroy takes along the journey from the time when he thought about the idea of this station back in 1998 to the day that it became a reality on June 9, 2011 to the opening of the station's doors. Fitzroy also talks about the importance of relationships in the lives of Black men and he talks about some programming that G98.7 will have some programming directed in help, the importance of Black men looking after their own health, what he is excited about and how we can help the station grow in a positive direction. @G987FM (Twitter) https://www.facebook.com/G987FM (Facebook) http://g987fm.com/ (Website will be live as of November 14, 2011 but you can listen to pre-recorded music via the site until the station and the site go live on November 14, 2011)

Nichola Lawrence, David Lopez and Desmond Lopez are starring in a brand new production of the Dora Award-Winning Musical "Seussical" which will be presented on the Mainstage at the Young's People Theatre in Toronto from November 7 to November 20. "Seussical" is based on the work of the famous child writer Dr. Seuss. During our chat, they share with us some of their journey on how they got to where they are today, each of their moment when they found that the performing arts was their calling, what is "Seussical" is all about and how they got involved with "Seussical".

Vivek Wadhwa is a Visiting Scholar, School of Information, UC-Berkeley; Director of Research, Center for Entrepreneurship and Research Commercialization, and Exec in Residence, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University; Senior Research Associate, Labor and Worklife Program, Harvard Law School; Distinguished Visiting Scholar, Halle Institute of Global Learning, Emory University; and faculty member and advisor at Singularity University. He helps students prepare for the real world; lectures in class; and leads groundbreaking research projects. He is also an advisor to several startup companies, a columnist for The Washington Post and Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and writes occasionally for several international publications. Prior to joining academia in 2005, Wadhwa founded two software companies. During our conversation, Vivek the reason why there is a lack of Blacks in position of power in the tech industry, what Blacks need to do to crack Silicon Valley, the pushback that he has received from a number of people for his views, African American feedback to his views and that there is hope for Black to make it and how to succeed in Silicon Valley. Click on the following link to read Vivek's article "We need a black Mark Zuckerburg": http://wadhwa.com/2011/06/24/washington-post-we-need-a-black-mark-zuckerberg/ You can connect with Vivek via: http://wadhwa.com/ (Website) @wadhwa Wadhwa@duke.edu (email)

On October 20, 2011, we attended the Dr. Roz's Healing Place 3rd Annual Gala, "Victory Over Violence - Be Their Light" at This Is London in Toronto. Before the evening started, we spoke with Kendra Francis who is in charge of Community Outreach for Dr. Roz's Healing Place. Dr. Roz's Healing Place is a centre for empowerment and healing that works towards the eradication of violence against women and their children locally, nationally and globally. Kendra tells us how she became involved with Dr. Roz's Healing Place and what Dr. Roz's Healing place does and what areas are there are looking for help. For more information about Dr. Roz's Healing Place, go to: http://www.drrozshealingplace.com/ (Website) (416) 264-0823 (Phone)

This episode features the rebroadcast of our live interview with Noel Waldron, president of My Dreams Work. During our conversation, Noel discusses various subjects including sharing some of his background, how he turned his gifts into his passion, how Bob Proctor of "The Secret" has impacted him, how he has made sacrifices along his journey to get where he is today, some coaching and instruction on making your dreams work, the difference between wishful thinking and a dream, the importance of mentorship, some recommended books and ways to improve your thinking. Noel's contact information: http://www.mydreamswork.com/ (Website) noel@mydreamswork.com (Email) @NoelWalrond (Twitter) Noel Walrond (Facebook)
Direct download: Vibeandvegas-VIBEANDVEGASSHOWNOELWALRONDMYDREAMSWORK215.mp3
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 5:54pm EDT

Dr. David Leonard is the Associate Professor Department of Critical Cultural and Gender and Race Studies at Washington State University. He grew up in Los Angeles. He initially went to the University of Oregon, then to the University of Santa Barbara and finally to the University of California at Berkeley where got his doctorate in ethnic studies. During our conversation we chat about his experience of getting push back from white peers in regards to his passion about ethnic and race relations, how students have changed in regards to their opinion towards and about ethnic and race relations, his thoughts on post-racial America, the current state of Black America, what does Black America need to do to move forward and the inequalities in the American justice system and the death penalty in regards to race. Dave can be reached via: http://notsuris.wordpress.com/ (Website) @Dr_DJL (Twitter)

Over the last few years, the economy has not been the best for Blacks. What challenges do Blacks face and how can they proper in today's economy? This is a rebroadcast of the live interview that we did on "Blacks and Unemployment" with Arnold Minors, consultant in the area organizational health and effectiveness and Louis March board member of the African Canadian Heritage Association and who is also helping out two community groups, Young and Potential Fathers and Brothers Helping Brothers. During our conversation, we address the following questions: 1. What is the current employment market for Blacks? 2. Statiscally speaking, why are more Blacks dealing with unemployment more than Whites? 3.Do Blacks feel any different than White when they are unemployed? 4. While unemployed, do Blacks have access to the same resources as Whites? Are Blacks utilizing the resources available to them? What resources are available to Blacks? What resources are Blacks not using? 5. What solutions do you have to resolve this issue?

One of the highlights of our year was attending the panel discussion "Social Issue Films: Getting Them Made & Seen" on September 10, 2011 at The Toronto Film Festival. The panelist were: Bill Duke - Moderator (Director of the movie "Dark Girls"), Jason Keller (Screenwriter "Machine Gun Preacher"), Branwen Okpako (Director "The Education Of Auma Obama") and Maggie Peren (Director - "Color Of The Ocean"). The panel is introduced by Brickson Diamond of The Brickhouse Foundation. During the discussion, each of the panelist talk and share about various subjects including why do they do social issue films, their challenges in making social issue films and how do they overcome them. We would like to thank each of the panelists, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Blackhouse Foundation for making this event happen.

Ralph Richard Banks is the author of "Is Marriage For White People?How The African American Marriage Decline Affects Everyone". He was born and grew up in Cleveland, Ohio. Rick teaches courses in race, gender and equality at Stanford University in California. He has been married since 1997 with three sons. During our conversation talks and shares about various aspects of the book including why he wrote the book, how long the book took to write, the current marriage situation for African American women and men, why African American marriages are failing, his encouraging African American to look for marriage partners outside of their race, the future of African American marriage and his message for Black men. You can get more information about Ralph Richard Banks at http://ismarriageforwhitepeople.stanford.edu/ and you can follow on Twitter at @rrbanks

Agincourt Pentecostal Church Women's Ministries presents the "Share The Praise" benefit concert on Friday, October 21, 2011 at Agincourt Pentecostal Church (2885 Kennedy Road, Toronto, Ontario). The doors open at 7:00 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.00. Part of the concert's proceeds will be to assist Missionary Deborah Sirjoosingh for famine relief in Namaruputh, Kenya Pastor Denise Munroe, Pastor of singles, one parents families, women ministry, small groups and community baby dedications at Agincourt Pentecostal Church, tells us about the "Share The Praise" concert. For more information please contact wm@apchurch.com, Pastor Denise Munroe at (416) 291-9575 ext. 230 or dmunroe@apchurch or http://www.apchurch.com/womens_events/id/1370/d/2011-10-21


Johnnie Weathersby III is a 25 year old Black man who lives and was in born in Kansas City, Missouri. He is is the founder and "Lead Scribbling Gent" of GentleREDOUX.com. He was raised in a tough neighbourhood by his mother with his two brothers. Tragically, one of his brothers was shot and killed. He graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Business and Entrepreneurial studies. He current works for a company in the area of market research. During our conversation, we discuss "Where Do Black Men Fit In Today's Society". We look are the challenges that Black men face within their race and outside their race, the challenge that Black men face when they did not face a male role model/father figure growing up, Black men's relationships with each other, what are Black men doing right and what they can improve on, his biggest fear and his thoughts on relationships. To find out more about Johnnie, go to: http://gentlemanredux.com/blog/ @@GentlemanREDUX

Justin Norwood is the author of the article, "Single Black Women in the Church: The Issue Of Submission" at http://keepingthevision.blogspot.com/2011/09/single-women-in-church-issue-of.html During our conversation, Justin shares with us what single Black women are telling him about marriage and some of the frustration that they have experienced with Black men, what Black are saying to him about marriage, the issue of submission in a marriage, dating from of Christian perspective and words of wisdom for young Black singles that attend church. You can listen to our previous interview with Justin at http://bit.ly/kuh9VG You can touch base with Justin via: http://keepingthevision.blogspot.com/ (Blog) @MrNorwood1 (Twitter) justin.r.norwood@gmail.com (Email)

Justin Norwood is the author of the article, "Single Black Women - Church, and the issue of submission". During our conversation, Justin shares with us what single Black women are telling him about marriage and some of the frustration that they have experienced with Black men, what Black are saying to him about marriage, the issue of submission in a marriage, dating from of Christian perspective and words of wisdom for young Black singles that attend church. You can listen to our previous interview with Justin at http://bit.ly/kuh9VG You can touch base with Justin via: http://keepingthevision.blogspot.com/ (Blog) @MrNorwood1 (Twitter) justin.r.norwood@gmail.com (Email)

On October 7th (Ottawa), October 8th (Toronto) and October 9th (Buffalo, New York), "When Brothers Speak" will be celebrating it's fourteenth year. "When Brothers Speak" is a spoken word show featuring Black male performers sharing what Black men are thinking and experiencing. Dwayne Morgan has been the producer of the show since day one. Dwayne began his career as a spoken word artist in Toronto in 1993. Dwayne talks about the history of the show, this year's performaner, how he chooses performers, his new website (http://dwaynemorgan.ca/ ), how the show is now international and his message for Black men. For more information on "When Brothers Speak", please go to: http://dwaynemorgan.ca/blog/ For ticket information for "When Brothers Speak", please go to: http://www.ticketmaster.ca/When-Brothers-Speak-tickets/artist/1506102 or via email money transfer to info@upfromtheroots.ca


Chef Rock Harper was the winner of season three of television reality show "Hell's Kitchen". Chef Rock was born in San Diego, California but has spent most of his life in Alexandria, Virginia. Food, hospitality and entertainment has been a part of his life from a very young age. He is married with three kids. During our conversation, he discusses various subjects including how his father passing away when he was three years old has affected him as a father and his relationships with older Black men, his challenges going through school, the first thing that he cooked, his turning point, his "Hell's Kitchen" experience and his first meeting with legendary chef Gordon Ramsey and the experience of being a young Black man who has been married for thirteen years.


On September 24, 2011, we have the opportunity to attend The Excellence Conference. The Excellence Conference was aimed at students between the ages 11 to 17 and their parents. It featured successful members of the Canadian Caribbean Community who gave career advice and guidance, touching on things like career path, level of education required, scope for upward mobility, and critical success factors for owning and operating your own business. The motivation for the conference was the low number of Caribbean students who are planning to go university or higher education need guidance. After four individual presentations by teachers to parents in the morning, a Q & A session was held in which parents asked the teachers questions. We have the Q & A session for your listen pleasure. For more information on the Excellence Conference, please go to https://www.facebook.com/pages/epeducate/148712618551126


Kai Dupé is an entrepreneur, speaker, author, and community servant who is married with two children and lives in Houston, Texas. Kai He is a doctorate student at Pepperdine University where is doing research on why African American males are underepresented in computing. He is also writes a column for the Atlanta Post. He grew up in a single parent home in San Antonio, Texas in which he was one of six children. Kai has bee a software engineer for 25 years who shares his knowledge and education to help Black men to rise above and beyond. During our conversation Kai tells us how he was able to pursue educaton while being in a challenging environment, how and when technology entered his life, how Blacks are not engaged enough and not using today's technology for their best benefit and the consequences and how can this can be changed. He tells us what book changed his life and some of the experiences that he has had that has made him into the Black man that he is today Kai also expresses his concern for African American men and their challenges. He shares some of the challenges that some Black men are facing, that Black men are worse off today than ten years ago and some solutions to resolve this issue.


On Thursday, September 22, 2011 until September 25, 2011 in Toronto, the sixth annual Commffest Global Community Film Festival presents a broad program of over 50 new films from communities around the world. Commffest continues to offer a unique platform for independent filmmakers to engage in a dialogue of social issues and cultural exchange through the powerful language of film in all genres. Commffest films represent current affairs and relevant issues, and provides an opportunity for filmmakers to express themselves freely and connect more personally with audiences. This year Commffest puts the spotlight on homelessness, screening several films from around the world portraying this epidemic. Several artists have come together to exhibit their works of the homeless and can be seen at the Rainbow Cinema Art Gallery. We had the opportunity to speak with the Commffest Creative Director, Sandra de Freitas. During our conversation tells us how she got her start in the film industry, how Commffest started and what it is about, some of her memorable Commffest moments, and some of her memorable moments, how the festival has grown over the years, some highlights of this year's festival including movies by Danny Glover and Oscar Micheaux and the challenges she encounters with funding the festival and how she overcomes them. For more information about the 2011 Commffest Global Community Film Festival, please go to: http://www.commffest.com/


BrothaTech ("The Lowdown" On All Things Tech) is Terrance Gaines, a technology writer who also specializes in residential, small business and personal technology consulting. His love for technology started in 1998 and started getting paid for technology consulting in 2008.Terrance is a husband and a father to two girls. During our chat, Terrance talks about a number of subjects where did the name "Brotha Tech" came from, the changing world of social media, how African American can make money from social media, the current hot trends in social media, how more Black men can involved in social media, the world of smartphones, the future of Blackberry, what smartphone is best for you, tablet vs. laptop, Is there still a market for latops?, the paperless environment, cloud computing, Google+, his favorite apps and his message for Black men.


Lauren DeLisa Coleman emerging tech consultant and journalist. She is head of the Punch Media Group. She is a graduate of Columbia University. Lauren was born in Pennsylvania and has spent most of her life between New York and Paris. She is a graduate of Columbia University and is always willing to challenge herself and look for voids and fill voids in business, branding and strategy. Lauren worked at MTV for many years and then started her own branding and marketing business. She worked with many of the big stars of hip hop in the 1990's. In 2000, the Punch Media Group expanded to Paris and into the world of digital. She was part of the team that created European launch of Jay Z's "Roca Wear" online and offline campaign strategy and the was key in bringing the Black music genre to the annual MIDEM music conference and along with the running of the conference. Recently, Lauren has worked the TBS in the area of digital media. Lauren is now focused on analyzing the digital space and the lack of representation of minorities and women in the digital space and is very passionate about mobile technology. She would like to help whoever she can and wants to see more representation of Blacks in the mobile market. Duirng our conversation, Lauren talks about various subjects including how Blacks need to know how to speak through their dollars, why aren't more Blacks taking advantage of the mobile market and challenges tech companies, Blacks, Black men and myself to do better. Lauren can be reached via: http://www.ldcoleman.com/ (website) connect@ldcoleman.com (email) @mediaempress (Twitter) http://www.linkedin.com/in/LaurenDeLisaColeman (LinkedIn) Click on the follow link to read Lauren's article "What's Next In The Convergence of Black Music, Advertising and Tech?": http://atlantapost.com/2011/06/27/whats-next-in-the-convergence-of-black-music-advertising-and-tech/


Dr. Elaine Spencer is the author of the book "Private Pain In Public Pews" which she brought to the stage as a play. She lives in Toronto and is married with two children. Dr. Spencer is also a professor at Toronto's York University. During our interview, Dr. Spencer discusses a number of subjects including how she started writing after attending and studying churches for a number of years, what "Private Pain In Public Pews" is about, how long it took Dr. Spencer to write the book and when she decided to take the book to the stage, how she felt the first time the play was performed, the challenge she faced casting roles, what message she would like the audience to receive, what message she would like Black men to receive and why they should come to play. Dr. Spencer closes the interview by saying how much her husband has been in helping her and her message for those attending church. "Private Pain In Public Pews" is being performed in: Ottawa, Ontario (October 15, 2011) Ajax, Ontario (October 22, 2011) Brampton, Ontario (November 5, 2011) For ticket information, please go to: http://www.drelainespencer.com/Books/The-Play/The-PLAY-Private-Pain-In-Public-Pews.html or http://www.ticketgateway.com/


Another season of the National Football League (NFL) has started. A story that continues to linger in regards to the NFL is the treatment of Black quarterbacks by many in the media. Ron Glover is the editor in chief of The Starting Five who lives in Philadelphia. He was approached by Michael Tillery who started The Starting Five to write for The Starting Five and he been part of it since. During our interview Ron discusses about the media treatment about Black NFL quarterbacks such as Terrelle Pryor, Cam Newton, Michael Vick and JaMarcus Russell, we will see more Black quarterbacks in the NFL, what the future holds for him, a story that he would like to cover that he has not (Dr. Harry Edwards), some of his favorite pieces and favorite Black athletes, the state of the Black athlete and his message for Black men. To read Ron's articles "Michael Vick, Cam Newton, Terrelle Pryor And The Media's Attempt to Deter The Black Quarterback:" http://thestartingfive.net/2011/08/26/michael-vick-cam-newton-terrelle-pryor-and-the-medias-attempt-to-deter-the-black-quarterback-part-1/ (Part One) http://thestartingfive.net/2011/08/30/michael-vick-cam-newton-terrelle-pryor-and-the-media%E2%80%99s-attempt-to-deter-the-black-quarterback-part-2/ (Part Two) Here is a video clip featuring Dr. Harry Edwards (a man that Ron would like to interview) To check out The Starting Five, please go to http://thestartingfive.net/


Before the "Social Issue Film: Getting Them Made & Seen" panel at The Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday, September 10, 2011, we had the privilege and opportunity to speak and share with Bill Duke and D. Channinsin Berry, the producers of the film, Dark Girls, which is being shown at the festival. They talk about various topics including, what it takes to make films about social issues, their film "Dark Girls", the issue of Black men making a film about Black women, what impact do they want "Dark Girls" to have and their message to Black men. Bill Duke was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, and studied dramatic art at Boston University. He is a director, actor and producer. His feature films are A Rage in Harlem(1991),Deep Cover(1992), The Cemetery Club(1993), Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993), Hoodlum (1997), Cover (2007), Not Easily Broken (2009) and Dark Girls (2011). D. Channsin Berry was born in Newark, New Jersey. In addition to his film and television work, he is also a painter and songwriter. Dark Girls (2011) is his first feature film.


We had the opportunity of seeing "The Education Of Auma Obama" last Friday afternoon during the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. Here is the Q & A that happened after the film was show. During the Q & A, Brawen Okpako, the producer of the film talks about how the film came about. Also, Auma Obama answers some questions from the audience.
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 11:03pm EDT

Arnold Minors is a consultant who lives in Toronto. He was born in Bermuda. At a young age, his family stressed the importance of education. Arnold has a chemistry and math degree from McGill University in Montreal and a MBA in organizational development and law from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. When he was growing up, his grandmother told him that he could do anything that he set his mind to do, in order to be half as good as a white person he had to work twice as hard as a white person and that to make sure to leave anything better than when he came into it. He was the first senior management consultant for the city of Toronto. Arnold created a "Community Safety" document for the city of Toronto and initiate a public health model for Toronto that he been copied in many cities in North America and Europe to this day. Since 1984, Arnold has been the a co-ordinating associate of Arnold Minors and Associates. The company provides organization effectiveness consulting services, mediation services for couples and groups, and training in negotiation and dispute resolution. During our chat, Arnold shares about various subjects including the experience of going to school in Montreal, how he got the first senior management consultant position for the city of Toronto, his experience and the story with his involvement with the Toronto Police Services Board, his opinions on police relations with and racial profiling of young Black men, his concern about the current state of and the lack of representation in senior position of African Canadians in major organizations in a country (Canada) which claims to be the most multicultural in the world and African Canadians lack of action against this situation and why they have not taken any action. Arnold also provides suggestions on how African Canadians can improve their current situation, his message for Black men and the importance of education and entrepreneurship for African Canadians.


What did you do this summer? One of things that I had the blessing and privilege of being part of group of mentors providing support to a group of summer students who started their own summer with the help of the Youth Employment Services (http://www.yes.on.ca/). For the group's last meeting on August 30, 2011, I was asked to share a presentation with the students. So, I shared a presentation titled, "The Fifteen Attributes Of A Winner". Here is recording of the presentaion. I hope that you enjoy it!!! Congratulations to the students in the program on the success. I would like to wish the students continued success in the future. I would like to thank Donovan Dill and Richard Healey for allowing me to be part of the program and providing the opportunity for me to share. I would like to congratulate the mentors on an outstanding job!!


Before last Friday's presentation of the play "Church Girl" in Toronto, we had the opportunity to have a quick chat with the play's director, Reuben Yabuku. Reuben talks about how he became producer of the play talks about his background in theatre, the moment when did realized that directing would be his life, his most satisfying moment in his career and his message for Black men.


Darryl Frierson is the man behind From Ashy 2 Classy. From Ashy 2 Classy won in the "Best Cultural Blog" at this year's Black Weblog Awards. Darryl was born in and lives in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from Iowa State University. He has one degree journalism and mass communications, another degree in history and a minor in English and in African American studies. During our conversation a wide range of subjects including Darryl talks about how his parents stressed education during his growing up, being a rebel in college where he pushed Black and social consciousness, where he love of reading came from, how he at a young age turned one of his biggest failures into one of his biggest victories, how his blog started, how he came up with the name From Ashy 2 Classy and what From Ashy 2 Classy is about, how he markets and the most popular topics at From Ashy 2 Classy, his experience at this year's Black Weblog Awards, why there are not more Black male bloggers, why Black men should get involved in the social media movement, the state of African American men, advice for those who want to start a blog, the future of From Ashy 2 Classy and his message to Black men.


Ashley Ingram is a singer, musician, Grammy Award-winning songwriter, producer and former member of British soulgroup Imagination. Ashley is the founder and headmaster of the Ainsley Ingram School of Music (http://www.myaism.com/ ) Ashley was born in Northampton, England in 1960. He parents were from Jamaica and he was one six children. During our chat, Ashley talks and reflects on many subjects including why his parents left Jamaica to go to England, some memories and challenges growing up, a game changing moment at 13 years old, starting the band "Imagination" and signing his first record contract at 19 years old, some stories from his performing days, the first time that he produced for another artist (Des'ree "You Gotta Be" which won a British Grammy Award), working with various artists such as Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and artists around the world, why left the music industry to start his own school and his message for Black men. For more information about Ashley and The Ashley Ingram School of Music, please go to http://www.myaism.com/ or info@myaism.com


Marcia Brown is a producer, writer, director, actress and the head of Marcia Brown Productions (http://www.marciabrownproductions.com/). Marcia was born in Jamaica and came to Toronto in 1989. Before coming to Canada, she was performed in many plays in Jamaica. She started Marcia Brown Productions in 2000 and the company has been growing ever since. During our conversation, Marcia talks about various subjects including how her performing career started, the rich and diverse cultural arts environment in Jamaica, why she came to Toronto, the difference between the cultural scene in Toronto versus Jamaica, why and how did she start Marcia Brown Productions, the story behind "I Need To Know My Father" (the first play that she has written and produced on her own), the subject of Black fatherhood and the future of Black theatre in Toronto. "I Need To Know My Father" is being performed on Friday, September 2, 2011 at 8 p.m. At the Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Lane in Brampton, Ontario. Part of the box office sales will be going to the United Achievers Community Services (http://www.unitedachievers.org/) organization. For more information about "I Need To Know My Father" including ticket information, please go to Marcia Brown Productions (http://www.marciabrownproductions.com/) or The Rose Theatre (http://www.brampton.ca/sites/rose-theatre/en/Pages/welcome.aspx)

With the Martin Luther King Memorial being opened, we thought that it would be a great idea to a livestream broadcast on August 24, 2011 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m . eastern time, "What is the state of Martin Luther King's dream?" King's dream was to have a society where people are judged by the content of character not the color of their skin. Colin Jobe of Colin Loves Docs (http://colinlovesdocs.wordpress.com/ ) joins the discussion in which some of the following questions brought up and answered: What is the status of the dream? Is equality for Black moving forward? Has trying to achieve equality caused more problems that it has solved? Have integration been a good thing for Black progress? What issue can Black unite around today? What do Blacks need to do to fulfill the dream? Did Martin Luther King Jr. push hard enough?Can there be improvement for Black and how can it be achieved? What is more important for the Black community: self-development or education? What is Black biggest challenge? What can Blacks learn from other cultures? What would you say to Martin Luther King Jr. if he was alive today? Have Blacks made the most of Martin Luther King's dream? What are the chances of another Black leader like Dr. King to enter? Have Black "sold out " to the corporate work world? Will we see another Martin Luther King in our lifetime?


Cloud computing is one of the big growth areas in the world of internet technology. Cloud computing is the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product, whereby shared resources, software and information are provided to computers and other devices as a utility (like the electricity grid) over a network (typically the Internet). Online services such as Facebook and Twitter are based on cloud computering. Mark Lewis is an internet security consultant with http://cloudaudit.ca/ (Risk I.T.) Mark tells us about cloud computing, it's history and how it it changing the world, and how Blacks can profit from the world of cloud computing. Mark tells us why companies getting their websites hacked, how safe is the cloud,, addresses the issue of the lack of Blacks in IT, comments on the future trends in the world of computing and how long and how much money would it take to start a career in IT. To contact Mark, please go to: http://cloudaudit.ca/ (Web) @schulichcissp (Twitter)


Fiona Clarke is an actress and writer who was born in Calgary, Alberta and currently lives in Toronto. She has lived in a number of countries around the world and has her Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from the University of Toronto. Fiona is very passionate about the arts in Black Canadian community. During our interview, Fiona shares about various subjects including where her passion for the arts came from, how she wrote her first novel at seven years old, the state of the arts in the Black community in Toronto and Canada, the lack of Black Canadian support and government funding of the arts. Fiona also talks about her next step in her journey, some of her favorite authors, the challenges of being a single, Canadian born Black female in Canada, what the Black Canadians need to do to better support the arts community and her thoughts about Black men. To touch base with Fiona, go to: http://fionarayeclarke.blogspot.com/ (Blog) @fionarclarke (Twitter)

Direct download: VIBE_AND_VEGAS_SHOW_-_FIONA_CLARKE_-_JULY_21_-_2011.mp3
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 11:18pm EDT

Michael Tillery is the founder and writer of the sports blog "The Starting Five" (http://thestartingfive.net/). He is a former athlete and baseball coach. Michael wrote his first article in 2005 about Tiger Woods. He has covered sports for various magazines including Slam and The Nation. He believes in "changing the narrative" and connecting the sports fan with the athlete. He talks about memories about the University of Michigan's "Fab Five", Julius Erving and Reggie Jackson (both of whom influenced him to start writing about sports). Michael also provides his thoughts about the current state of sports journalism, his concerns with many Black reporters on how they cover Black athletes and what they need to change and improve and what changes the Black athlete needs to make. You can touch base with Michael via: http://thestartingfive.net/ (Web) @MichaelTillery (Twitter)


One of the more interesting apps that we have stumbled upon recently is "Audioboo". "Audioboo" can be described as a cross between You Tube and Twitter. It is application that is web and smartphone based. You can download it to your iPhone, Android and a high end Nokia phone. It allows you to record and share audio. After your recording is finished, you can add a photograph, a title and hash tags. You can upload your recording to an embedded player on your website or blog. You can also have your recording post automatically to Facebook, Twitter, Posterous, Tumblr or Friendfeed. With Facebook, you even get a fancy player. Kate Arkless Gray is the editor at Audioboo. She was born and lives in London. Kate is a freelance and radio broadcaster who has recently done some work for the BBC. During our conversation, Kate talks various subjects including how she found out and, the increased use of Audioboo during the London riots, some stories from the London riots and the aftermath and the future of social media. To find more information about Audioboo, please go to: http://audioboo.fm/ (Web) @audioboo (Twitter) info@audioboo.com (Email) Please feel free to visit Kate's sites at: http://www.radiokate.com/ (Kate's site at Audioboo) http://spacekate.com/ (Kate's blog about finding out about what options there are for getting astronauts into space, what the future holds for commercial space flight and how you night get a random girl from East London up there too.)
Direct download: Vibeandvegas-VIBEANDVEGASSHOWKATEARKLESSGRAYAUDIOBOO376.mp3
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 10:52am EDT

Two members of The Black Daddies Club (BDC), Taisha Lewis and Chevy X, share with us why they are involved with the BDC, what their friends are saying about and some of their experiences with Black fatherhood and how the BDC has changed them. For more information of the Black Daddies Club, go to: http://www.blackdaddiesclub.com/ (Web) https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackdaddiesclub/ (Facebook) @BlkDaddiesClub (Twitter) info@blackdaddiesclub.com (Email)


While filling out a form to get himself a facial, Brandon Hay (Founder and The Executive Director of The Black Daddies Club) talks about the picnic and it's future. http://www.blackdaddiesclub.com/ (Web) https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackdaddiesclub/ (Facebook) @BlkDaddiesClub (Twitter) info@blackdaddiesclub.com (Email)


Paul Green is an educator and community activist. Nigel Barriffe is an educator and a member of the Board of Directors of The Urban Alliance On Race Relations. We had the opportunity to chat with both men at the 2nd Annual Black Daddies Club Family Picnic on August 13, 2011. They discuss Blacks and politics and the upcoming Ontario provincial election, accountability and what Blacks have to do and why they need to get involved. You can contact Paul at blackstarz@sympatico.ca You can contact Nigel at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nigel-Barriffe/39779960551 (Facebook) www.stopthecuts.com http://goodjobsforall.ca/


Junior Burchall is a writer and a member of The Black Daddies Club. We had the opportunity to have him share with us at the Black Daddies Club Family Picnic on August 13, 2011. Junior talks about the state of Black men at this time, some of the challenges that Black men face, Do Black men talk?, how did he got involved with the Black Daddies Club, how does Black manhood come out in his writing, Black brotherhood, misconceptions that Blacks have of Black men, his thoughts about the London riots, what Black men need to do to improve and the division between older Black men and younger Black men . You can listen to an earlier interview that we did with Junior by clicking on the following link: http://bit.ly/pTyxwb You can contact Junior at iconseries@live.com (email) (647) 342-9313 (Phone)


We had an outstanding time at the 2nd annual Black Daddies Club Family Picinic on August 13, 2011. During the picnic, there was a panel discussion held. The guests included: Rathika Sitsabaiesan (New Democratic Party Minister of Parliament in Ottawa, MP, Scarborough- Rouge River - Ontario, youngest member of Parliament in the GTA), Yosief Mehari (Pardons Advisor - John Howard Society),Nigel Barriffe (educator, member of The Good Jobs For All coalition - http://goodjobsforall.ca/) and Paul Greene (educator). We had the privilege of acting as the moderator for this event. The guests and the audience take part in a great discussion about civic engagement, Blacks and voting, investing in Black youth, Blacks and the education system and the disconnect between Black youth and their parents. We would like to apologize for the sound quality. The sound quality is not 100% because the discussion was being broadcast live throughout the park that the picnic was being held at. We have done our best on improving this broadcast but we felt that it was important for our audience to hear this discussion. We would like to thank the Black Daddies Club for putting on this special day. For more information of the Black Daddies Club, go to: http://www.blackdaddiesclub.com/ (Web) https://www.facebook.com/groups/blackdaddiesclub/ (Facebook) @BlkDaddiesClub (Twitter) info@blackdaddiesclub.com (Eamil)
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 3:13pm EDT

One of the biggest stories in the news over the last week was the riots in London. We are privileged to have a friend in London. He is Alexander Mushroe (@blackhistoryuk). Alexander is a university student who attends school in London. Alexander talks about what he feel was the cause of the riots, the relationship between Black men and the police, the British press coverage of the riot including a controversial interview done by a female BBC reporter of an older Black man, the role of social media and the riots, what changes he would like to see the British government act upon, will we see uprisings in other countries. You can touch base with Alexander on Twitter @blackhistoryuk.


Dax Devlon-Ross is an author, educator, blogger and experience designer. He was born in Washington, D.C. And has lived in New York City for the last ten years. He has a degree in law. During our chat, he talks about a number of subjects including growing up in Washington, his time at Rutgers University where he became more aware of what was going on in the world. Dax comments on the recent American debt ceiling crisis and the recent National Football Leauge strike, why many Americans don't want to share, what a experience designer, the current state of Blacks and Black men in America, Blacks and social media and the fact that integration has not been a totally good thing for Blacks. If you would like to touch base with Dax, go to: http://www.daxdevlonross.com/ (Web) @daxdev (Twitter) https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dax-Devlon-Ross-Esq/200676613311252 (Facebook)

Direct download: VIBE_AND_VEGAS_SHOW_-_DAX-DEVLON_ROSS_-_JULY_30_-_2011.mp3
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 5:22pm EDT

One of the interesting people that we met at the "Diversity In The New Media Era" presentation that was held in Toronto on July 16th was Sean Clarke. Sean is the CEO of Photoriot. Sean is Canadian born with Jamaican parents. He went to college in the United States on a basketball scholarship where he graduated with a Bachelor of Education. He started Photoriot about 1 ½ years ago. He regards himself as a freelance event photographer. Sean shares about various subjects including what was like getting a basketball scholarship to the United States, why he majored in education in college, the disappointment of not getting a teaching job in Toronto, the story of his love of photography, the process behind a photo shot and how he gets a photo shot, what it is like to be a young Black entrepreneur, meeting people and going to places he would have never imagined and how he is venturing into new areas. We also talk about the "Diversity In The New Media" event from July 16th.


CORRECTION: At the start of this interview, we said that Jerk Fest 2011 is being held on August 5, 2011 and August 6, 2011. This was incorrect. It is being held on August 6, 2011 and August 7, 2011. Our apologies.


Walter Fields is the Executive Editor of NorthStarNews.com (http://www.northstarnews.com/). The site was founded by Walter and two other gentlemen in 2002. It is dedicated to providing an online service for African Americans and being a source of credible information in order to motivate African Americans to become more engaged. Over the last few weeks, the major news story coming out of America was the debt ceiling issue. Walter provides us some background on the debt ceiling debate and what the parties agreed to and the long term effects especially on African Americans. He also shares with on various subjects such as the unfairness of the current American tax system and why tax increases for the "have gots" were not approved, how divided America is, Americans abandonment to the commitment to equality, the challenges that Barack Obama is facing for his re-election campaign in 2012, what can African Americans and African American men in particular can to improve the economic challenge that many of them currently face. He asks us to not take what is said in the media as the true sentiment of African Americans. Many African Americans are working hard to make things better. Walter feels that "giving back" is a cultural imperative and that African American need to reinvest into their community. To check out NorthStarNews.com, please go to http://www.northstarnews.com/ Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.com Podcast: http://thevibeandvegasshow.wordpress.com/ 2011 Black Weblog Awards Finalist (Best International Blog and Best Podcast Series): http://www.blackweblogawards.com/bwa2011finalists.pdf Black Blog Of The Day - Black Bloggers Network - June 23, 2011: http://www.blackbloggernetwork.com/category/black-blog-of-the-day/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/vibeandvegas "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-vibe-and-vegas-show/id434781229


Charles Major is currently the thirty-one year old CEO of several business ventures, mentor and a consultant. He was born in Hartford, Connecticut. He is the youngest of four children. His main job is to motivate people. In seventh grade, he knew that he was going to be somebody and was signing autographs and told people to save the autograph. Growing up, his mother told him to go to school but he realized that school was not for him and that no job could or would pay him what he is worth. So, he quit college at nineteen years old and has been an entrepreneur ever since. During our interview, Charles talks and shares about the challenge of growing up with the support of his father, the challenge of having a Black male role model and that all of his male role models are white, his first business that he started at nineteen years old (selling women's clothes), the importance of teamwork and relationships, the story behind his book "Become A Mogul", some of his favorite books, what services he offers, some of the challenges that Black men face, the disconnect between older and younger Black men, thoughts on hip hop and it's effect on young Black men, that entrepreneurship is the only way that Black men can move forward, two common errors of entrepreneurs and three key elements that entrepreneurs need to succeed, messages to Black women and Black men and what would he like his legacy to be. You can contact Charles via: http://becomeamogul.com/ (web) @iamamogul (Twitter) http://www.linkedin.com/in/becomeamogul (LinkedIn) http://www.youtube.com/user/Iamamogul (You Tube)


Clifton Powell is one of the stars of the play "Church Girl" which is being performed on August 12, 2011 ( 8:00 p.m.) and August 13, 2011 (3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.) at the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East in Toronto. Clifton was born in Washington, D.C. His mother died when he was very young. He went to college in Boston then spent ten years performing on stage in New York and working with various production companies until he went to Los Angeles in 1989. He joined the Screen Actors Guild in 1979. He is the father of two boys and one girl. During our interview Clifton talks and shares about his 35 years career in acting as a dark skinned, strong Black man, his concerns about Spike Lee, the importance of family, friends and mentorship, his role in "Church Girl", what keeps him going, his thoughts on Black men, his future, some the challenges Black Americans are facing and his words of wisdom for Black who want to get in the world of acting. For more information on Clifton, please click on the follow link: http://www.profileent.ca/clifton-powell/ For a list of Clifton's movie appearances, please click on the following link: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0694066/ For ticket and other information for "Church Girl" which is being presented on August 12, 2011 and August 13, 2011 in Toronto, please click on the following link: http://www.profileent.ca/ Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.com Podcast: http://thevibeandvegasshow.wordpress.com/ 2011 Black Weblog Awards Finalist (Best International Blog and Best Podcast Series): http://www.blackweblogawards.com/bwa2011finalists.pdf Black Blog Of The Day - Black Bloggers Network - June 23, 2011: http://www.blackbloggernetwork.com/category/black-blog-of-the-day/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/vibeandvegas "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-vibe-and-vegas-show/id434781229

Michael Charles is the production coordinator and director of the play "Church Girl" which is being performed in Toronto on August 12 and August 13. Michael has been involved in producing events for over 15 years. He shares with us a variety of things including how did he get involved in producing events, how has the entertainment marketplace has changed and how and when started getting involved with the production of plays, why he became an entrepreneur and how has that journey been. He talks about Church Girl, the writer of Church Girl - Angela Barrow-Dunlap, the cast including Robin Givens, Angela Winbush, Demetria McKinney and Clifton Powell. Church Girl is being performed on Friday, August 12 (8:00 p.m.) and Saturday, August 13 (3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.) at the Sony Centre For The Performing Arts, 1 Front Street East in Toronto. For ticket information, please call (416) 872-2262, (416) 250-8500 ext. 4 or you can purchase tickets online at www.sonycentre.ca or www.ticketmaster.ca For more information, including inforamtion about the play, information about the cast and directions to the venue, please go to http://www.profileent.ca/


We have another first for you!! Our first interview with a Black Canadian female chef, La-toya Fagon. Chef La-toya is Canadian born of Jamaican parents and loves her Jamaican heritage. She has a love of Northern Italian, Mediterranean and West Indians cuisine. Her favorite food is Italian but she makes sure that West Indian cooking is part of everything she makes. When she was growing up, her mother was her major influence when it came to cooking. Her mother's cooking specialties were pizza and lasagne. She started her formal cooking journey when she enrolled at the renowned George Brown College cooking school which was against her parents wishes. After leaving George Brown College before she was supposed to graduate, she acquired a position as Assistant and Coordinator for the Loblaws cooking schools for six years where she helped open 14 schools. She left that position in September 2009 and has had her own company, Twist Catering, ever since. During our chat, Chef La-toya shares about various subjects including her respect and love of Black people, the difference between a chef and a cook, how failure is part of her everyday life, if the Black community supports her, her pet peeves when it comes to cooking, her thoughts on The Food Network, her work with young offenders, why May 27, 2011 is a special day for her, how she wants everyone to eat one day in Africa and the future of Twist Catering.
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 10:50am EDT

Morris (Mo) Kelly is the author of The Mo' Kelly Report (http://mrmokelly.com/). Mo grew up in Torrence, California which is just south of Los Angeles in a conservative neighbourhood. He was one of the first Black males to go to school in the Torrence school district (early days of school integration). Mo grew up in a multicultural neighbourhood but went to an all white school. After graduating from high school, Mo went to Georgetown University in Washington and took business so that he could work in the business side of the music industry. After graduating from Georgetown, Mo worked in the music industry for 12 years where got an understanding of the world of music, messages and the media and their affects on the Black community. Mo wrote his first article in 1996 for the Los AngelesTimes on the passing of Tupac and how it effected minority communities. At at a young age, he realized that he had a responsibility to reach and touch someboy and needed to learn how to be a journalist. In his writing, Mo bridges the gap between people of different cultures for a greater good Based on one of Mo's recent articles, "Lets Mourn The Death Of Black Brotherhood and move on" (http://thyblackman.com/2011/07/05/morris-o%E2%80%99kelly-lets-mourn-the-death-of-black-brotherhood-then-move-on/), Mo talks and shares about various subject including why he wrote the article, how Black men relate to each other currently vs. historically, why he feels that Black brotherhood has disappeared, what Black need to change and his message to Black men around the world. To catch Mo Kelly, go to: http://mrmokelly.com/ (The Mo Kelly Report) mrmokelly@gmail.com (email) Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.com Podcast: http://thevibeandvegasshow.wordpress.com/ 2011 Black Weblog Awards Finalist (Best International Blog and Best Podcast Series): http://www.blackweblogawards.com/bwa2011finalists.pdf Black Blog Of The Day - Black Bloggers Network - June 23, 2011: http://www.blackbloggernetwork.com/category/black-blog-of-the-day/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/vibeandvegas "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-vibe-and-vegas-show/id434781229

Direct download: VIBE_AND_VEGAS_SHOW_-_MO_KELLY_-_JULY_6_-_2011.mp3
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 5:22pm EDT

Trey Anthony is the producer and writer of the highly successful play and television series, Da Kink In My Hair. She is one of the members of The Media Huddle's (http://www.themediahuddle.com/) "Divesity In The New Media Era" which is being held in Toronto on July 16, 2011. Trey was born in London, England of Jamaican parents. She came to Canada at 12 years old and has lived in Toronto ever since. She started acting and performing in high school. She began doingstand up comedy in her twenty's. After some time she decided to do some more serious work and has been on that journey ever since. During our interview, Trey talks and shares about various subjects such as her experience with diversity and how she has dealt with it professionally and personally, her insights on social media, how performees can take advantage of social media, the current barriers with social media and the downside of social media it is not used properly and the importance of connecting with people face to face For more information on The Media Huddle's (http://www.themediahuddle.com/) July 16th event, "Diversity In The New Media Era", please go to http://tmhtavissmiley.eventbrite.com/ For more information on Trey, go to: http://treyanthonystudios.com/ (Web) @treyanthony (Twitter) https://www.facebook.com/pages/trey-anthony/47959063718 (Facebook) http://thetruthaccordingtotrey.blogspot.com/ (Blogger) Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.com Podcast: http://thevibeandvegasshow.wordpress.com/ 2011 Black Weblog Awards Finalist (Best International Blog and Best Podcast Series): http://www.blackweblogawards.com/bwa2011finalists.pdf Black Blog Of The Day - Black Bloggers Network - June 23, 2011: http://www.blackbloggernetwork.com/category/black-blog-of-the-day/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/vibeandvegas "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-vibe-and-vegas-show/id434781229

Direct download: VIBE_AND_VEGAS_SHOW_-_TREY_ANTHONY_-_JULY_13_-_2011.mp3
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 8:59am EDT

Nneka Elliot is the president of The Media Huddle (http://www.themediahuddle.com/). The Media Huddle is a skills development company located in Toronto that assists media professionals in the development of timely and essential skills that will help them navigate an ever-changing media industry. Before starting The Media Huddle, Nneka had various broadcast roles at CFRB (http://www.newstalk1010.com/), The Weather Network (http://www.theweathernetwork.com/) and CP 24 (http://www.cp24.com/). She is Canadian born but spent most of younger days growing up in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. During our interview, Nneka speaks and shares about various subjects including how performing became a part of her life at a young age, how she got her start in the media industry, her journey working for various media outlets, the story behind The Media Huddle and how things are going since it's launch on May 26, 2011 and the story and the reason for the July 16, 2011 event: Diversity In A New Media Era which will feature a keynote from Tavis Smiley (http://www.tavistalks.com/tavis/mediakit) and a stellar line up for the event's panel discussion. The panel producer, actor and creator of Da' Kink in my hair Trey Anthony, diversity and culture expert Dalton Higgins, TV/Radio personality and host of The Mike Chalut show on Proud FM, Mike Chalut and University of Toronto Professor Megan Boler who specializes in digital media and democracy. For more information on July 16th event, please go to http://tmhtavissmiley.eventbrite.com/ For more information on The Media Huddle, please go to: http://www.themediahuddle.com/ (website) @mediahuddle (Twitter) http://www.facebook.com/themediahuddle (Facebook) Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.com Podcast: http://thevibeandvegasshow.wordpress.com/ 2011 Black Weblog Awards Finalist (Best International Blog and Best Podcast Series): http://www.blackweblogawards.com/bwa2011finalists.pdf Black Blog Of The Day - Black Blogger Network - June 23, 2011: http://www.blackbloggernetwork.com/category/black-blog-of-the-day/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/vibeandvegas "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-vibe-and-vegas-show/id434781229

Cheryl Nembhard is the co-founder and president of the Exousia Media Group (http://www.exousiamedia.com/) and the writer and music writer of the play, "My Brother's Keeper" (http://www.mybrotherskeeperplay.com/), which is being performed in Toronto from July 15 - July 17. She is a playright specializing in inspirational theatre. Exousia Media has been in existence for three years. "My Brother's Keeper" is the Exousia Media Group's fifth production. She grew up with a single mother household in a housing project in Toronto. She was sexually molested between the ages 5 and 11 years old by her Sunday school teacher. For many years, this caused a lot of resentment with Cheryl towards faith and God. It lead to life of drugs, crime, anger and life on the streets. During this interview, Cheryl talks about her challenging childhood and how she overcame it, how she turned her pain into purpose, providing advice on how those who being subjected to sexual abuse can overcome it, where her love of theatre came from, her first performance, the history and growth of Exousia media and it's future and it's challenges Cheryl ends the interview with a message for Black men, Black women and Black families. For more information including ticket information, location of the performances and times, please click on the following link: www.mybrotherskeeperplay.com Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.com Podcast: http://thevibeandvegasshow.wordpress.com/ 2011 Black Weblog Awards Finalist (Best International Blog and Best Podcast Series): http://www.blackweblogawards.com/bwa2011finalists.pdf Black Blog Of The Day - Black Blogger Network - June 23, 2011: http://www.blackbloggernetwork.com/category/black-blog-of-the-day/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/vibeandvegas "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-vibe-and-vegas-show/id434781229


Evita (Evie) Robinson is in charge of Nomad*ness TV (http://nomadnesstv.com/). Nomad*ness TV has been nominated in the "Best Travel Blog" at this year's Black Weblog Awards. She was born in Albany, NewYork but spent most of her youth growing up in Poughkeepsie, New York. She now lives in New York City. During our conversation, Evie shares on various subjects ranging from having the biggest house parties in her youth, being excited to go to New York, her first travel journey which was to Paris after she graduated from college, her love of old school photography and books, going to Japan and experiencing culture shock then turning it into a great experience, how she was cast on the webshow on "Jet She Zero" (http://www.jetsetzero.tv/) which was filmed in Thailand then she went by herself to Cambodia. She also talks about the story behind Nomad*ness TV and the first episode which she was in Japan on February 7, 2010, her game changing moment, how she has the last eleven years of her life written in journals, when she realized she needed a team, her travel bag line DRT*RG, her thoughts on Blacks and social media, the future of social media, her most challenging with and the future of Nomad*ness TV. She even gives us her take on Black relationships, Black men and Black men. Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.com Podcast: http://thevibeandvegasshow.wordpress.com/ 2011 Black Weblog Awards Finalist (Best International Blog and Best Podcast Series): http://www.blackweblogawards.com/bwa2011finalists.pdf Black Block Of The Day - June 23, 2011: http://www.blackbloggernetwork.com/category/black-blog-of-the-day/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/vibeandvegas "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-vibe-and-vegas-show/id434781229


Sanura Weathers of My Live Runs On Food (http://blog.sanuraweathers.com/)gives us some suggestions and on how you eat and cook for the summer. Sanura also provides some great recipes for you to try out and she provides us with an update with what is going on with her. Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.com Podcast: http://thevibeandvegasshow.wordpress.com/ 2011 Black Weblog Awards Finalist (Best International Blog and Best Podcast Series): http://www.blackweblogawards.com/bwa2011finalists.pdf Black Blog Of The Day - Black Blogger Network - June 23, 2011: http://www.blackbloggernetwork.com/category/black-blog-of-the-day/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/vibeandvegas "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-vibe-and-vegas-show/id434781229

Jessica Ann Mitchell owner of The Black Blogger Network. She has a Bachelor's Degree in African World Studies, a Masters Degree in Pan African Studies and is currently studying to obtain her Masters Degree in Public Relations at Syracuse University. During our interview, Jessica shares about various subjects including where her love of Africa came from, going to a historical Black college, her first trip to Africa, the moment when she first stepped on African soil, dealing with the issue of skin tone when she visit the Dominican Republic, why she started blogging, her first blog post, her thoughts of the state of the Black blogosphere, some keys to getting a blog started, the biggest growth opportunities for Blacks with blogging, the future of the Black blogosphere, the fall of MySpace, how to empower young Blacks so they get involved in the blogosphere. Jessica also talks about the history and the future of The Black Blogger Network and digital racism. Here is the contact information for Jessica and her sites: Email: info@blackbloggersconnect.com Black Blogger Network: http://www.blackbloggernetwork.com/ Black Bloggers Connect: http://www.blackbloggernetwork.com/2011/06/18/black-bloggers-connect-the-first-social-media-network-for-black-bloggers/ Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.com Podcast: http://thevibeandvegasshow.wordpress.com/ 2011 Black Weblog Awards Finalist (Best International Blog and Best Podcast Series): http://www.blackweblogawards.com/bwa2011finalists.pdf Black Blog Of The Day - Black Blogger Network - June 23, 2011: http://www.blackbloggernetwork.com/category/black-blog-of-the-day/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/vibeandvegas "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-vibe-and-vegas-show/id434781229

This is the first of a series of podcasts featuring present and past CABJ members. This episode features Angela Lawrence who is the Founding President of the CABJ. During our interview, Angela discusses various subjects including how CABJ started, how she started her career in journalism, how the media industry has changed since the start of the CABJ and CABJ's future. She also provides some words of advise for Blacks who are interested and who are currently involved in the media. For more information about the CABJ, please visit http://cabj.ca/
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 5:41pm EDT

Another first!! Our interview with a Black man living in Tokyo, Japan!! Norman Munroe was born in the city of Chappleton in the parish of Clarendon in Jamaica. He regards himself as a country boy. He has lived in Tokyo, Japan for the last eight years. Norman takes us on his journey from going to University of The West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica (where he studied broadcasting and journalism), working in the field of journalism and public relations in Jamaica for many years, the differences between journalism and public relations, how and why going to Japan entered his life and his family and friends reaction, some stories about the journey from Jamaica to Japan, his day working in Japan, his experience surviving the Japan earthquake earlier this year, how is Japan recovering from the earthquake, what changes and challenges a Black man would have to face if he moved to Japan, the alien registration card, how singing has been a part of his life, his cooking business Sweet Jamaica Things (http://sweetjamaicanthings.com/) and the Japanese fascination with and love of Jamaican culture. Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.com Podcast - http://thevibeandvegasshow.wordpress.com/ 2011 Black Weblog Awards (Best International Blog and Best Podcast Series) - http://www.blackweblogawards.com/bwa2011finalists.pdf Black Blog Of The Day - Black Blogger Network - June 23, 2011 - http://www.blackbloggernetwork.com/category/black-blog-of-the-day/ Twitter - http://twitter.com/vibeandvegas "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan Page - http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 iTunes - http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-vibe-and-vegas-show/id434781229


This episode contains part of the recording that we did on Social Media Day (June 30, 2011) at the ING Social Media Cafe at 221 Yonge Street in Toronto. Myself and Colin Jobe (Colin Loves Docs - http://colinlovesdocs.wordpress.com/, Colin's Edge on Blogtalk Radio - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/colinsedge and the host of "The Cutting Edge" on CHRY - http://www.chry.fm/) discuss various subjects including how Colin got started in podcasting, the lack of Black representation at social media events in Toronto and why this situation exists, you get to hear some of my story, the advantages to Blacks in being exposed to some social media, lack of Black representation in social media in Canada and our and Blacks futures in the world of social media. Thanks to: God, Ann-Marie, my family, Vegas, David Blackman, @podcasthelper , @mediacastguy, The Staff at The ING Cafe at 221 Yonge Street, Colin Jobe and his wife, Winnett Chambers, @gloriaroheim, @ricardomcrae, Chef Washington and Chef Alberto from Room Service Restaurant, The Black Weblog Awards, Blogging While Brown, The Black Bloggers Network and every guest that we have had on the show and everyone and anyone who has listened to any of our shows and has ever come to our site!!!! God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.com Podcast: (http://thevibeandvegasshow.wordpress.com/ 2011 Black Weblog Awards Finalist: http://www.blackweblogawards.com/bwa2011finalists.pdf Black Blog Of The Day - Black Bloggers Network - June 23, 2011: http://www.blackweblogawards.com/bwa2011finalists.pdf Twitter: http://twitter.com/vibeandvegas "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-vibe-and-vegas-show/id434781229


Blacks love social media!! In this episode, we speak and share with Gina McCauley, the executive director of Blogging While Brown and The Black Weblog Awards. This year's ceremony is being held in Los Angeles on July 9, 2011. It is part of The Black Social Media Weekend that is being held from July 8, 2011 to July 10, 2011. For more information, please go to http://blackweblogawards.com/. Gina started her blog, What About Our Daugthers (http://www.whataboutourdaughters.com/), on August 18, 2007. During our conversation, Gina talks about various subjects including attending her first Blogging While Brown conference in 2007, some game changing moments in her social media journey, the history of The Black Weblog Awards and Blogging While Brown, why she founded Blogging While Brown, why she purchased The Black Weblog Awards in March 2011, the history of Blacks and social media, what are Black bloggers good at, where the opportunities are for Black Bloggers, state of the Black blogosphere, what are the hot trends in social media, the work necessary to put on this year's awards and the future of the awards. If you would like to find about more information about this year's awards, please go to: http://blackweblogawards.com/ If you would like to find out more information about Blogging While Brown, please go to: http://www.bloggingwhilebrown.com/ Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.com http://thevibeandvegasshow.wordpress.com/ 2011 Black Weblog Awards Finalist (Best International Blog and Best Podcast Series) - http://www.blackweblogawards.com/bwa2011finalists.pdf Black Blog Of The Day - Black Bloggers Network - http://www.blackbloggernetwork.com/category/black-blog-of-the-day/ Twitter - http://twitter.com/vibeandvegas "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan Page - http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 iTunes - http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-vibe-and-vegas-show/id434781229


There is no questioning of Oprah Winfrey's popularity with women. But, what do Black men think about Oprah? In this episode, David Blackman, Colin Jobe (http://colinlovesdocs.wordpress.com/) and Mike Ramey (http://www.blackmeninamerica.com/manhoodline.htm) chat about Oprah. We have a spirited discussion about Oprah that ranges from Oprah's opinion in the eyes of Black men, Is she any different in any way from other Black entertainers?, Should we hold Black entertainers to a higher standards?, Has Oprah been negative towards Black men?, Has she and other Black entertainers been "playing it safe"? Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.com http://thevibeandvegasshow.wordpress.com/ 2011 Black Weblog Awards Finalists (http://www.blackweblogawards.com/bwa2011finalists.pdf) Black Blog Of The Day - Black Bloggers Network - June 23, 2011 (http://www.blackbloggernetwork.com/category/black-blog-of-the-day/) Twitter (http://twitter.com/vibeandvegas) "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan Page (http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923) iTunes ( http://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-vibe-and-vegas-show/id434781229)


On June 18th, I had the opportunity to talk and share about podcasting at the annual general meeting of the Canadian Association Of Black Journalists (CABJ). Even though I have spoken to groups about podcasting before, this was the first time that I recorded one of my podcasting "how to" sessions. In this episode, you get to hear some of my story including how the show started and how it has grown. I also provide the steps that I go through in doing a podcast from getting people to interview to the equipment that I use to podcast. One thing that I forgot to mention that I do podcasting via Skype to Skype calls on top of doing interviews Skype to a cell phone and Skype to landline. Please note that I recorded this presentation via a portable MP3 recorder so the sound is not 100%. I tried my best to make the recording the best that I could for you. I also encountered a challenge with the power point presentation (I lost some slides!!) but we worked in out. We were able to video record most of my presentation and will be posting it in the near future. I would like to thank the CABJ for allowing me to share with them. For more information about the CABJ, please go to their website at http://cabj.ca/
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 6:32am EDT

Katherine Parris is the owner of The Toronto Wedding Chapel and has been a event planner for twelve years. The Toronto Wedding Chapel Chapel opened on August 11, 2007. During our interview Katherine discusses various subjects including why did she leave the job world to become a event planner, her first event as a wedding planner and the first wedding at The Toronto Wedding Chapel on August 11, 2007, how The Toronto Wedding Chapel came into existence, why people choose The Toronto Wedding Chapel, her clientele and find they find out about her, when the busy season is for weddings, what has made her successful as a event planner, how men are active in the planning in a wedding at her chapel, how great the timelines are to get married at The Toronto Wedding Chapel, the importance of vendors to the success of the business and why people choose The Toronto Wedding Chapel. Katherine also shares some wedding planning tips and what to look for in a event/wedding planner. The Toronto Wedding Chapel contact info: http://www.torontoweddingchapel.com/ (website) http://torontoweddingchapel.blogspot.com/ (blog) E-mail: weddings@torontoweddingchapel.com Phone: (416) 487-9800 Fax: (416) 483-5161 Toll Free: 1-888-418-1188 2 Lola Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5P 1E4 (Yonge and Eglinton)


Another first!! Steve Byfield is the only Black head winemaker with his own label in Canada. Steve is the head winemaker of the award winning Nayarai Cellars in Jordan, Ontario (Niagara region of Ontario). During our interview, Steve shares his story on how he got into the vine business including on how Nyarai Cellars started in 2008 including the business model and operations, where the name "Nyarai" came from, the details of the process of wine making from start to finish, overcoming the negative perception that some people have of Ontario wines, the process of getting his product on shelf. Steve also shares some wine tips and success stories. Here is how you can contact Steve (Nyarai Cellars): http://www.nyaraicellars.com/ (Web) 3100 Glen Road Jordan, ON L0R 1S0 (905) 562-5214 (Phone) (905) 562-3999 (Fax) http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=99470571104 (Facebook Group Page) http://twitter.com/#!/NyaraiCellars (Twitter Page)


James Causey is a editorial writer, columnist and blogger for The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel newspaper. He has only had two jobs in his life a bus boy at a restaurant and working at The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ; newspaper. He started working at the largest African American newspaper in Milwaukee at 14 years old. At 15 years old, he started working at the Milwaukee Sentinel Journal and has been there ever since. During our conversation, James talks and share about various issues that impact Black men and people of color including Blacks and AIDS, the Black church, the need for Black Americans to read more, what needs to improve the state of Black men in Milwaukee and in America, his thoughts on the job that President Obama has done so far and the "Black Mancession". James also provides his thoughts on other issues such as where did his love of journalism come from, his first column on teen pregnancy when he was 14 years old, his change of focus from being a boxer to a newspaper columnist, how he went from writing a community newspaper to writing for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel at 15 years old and has been there since, he studied at Marquette University and working at the Sentinel at the same time, the time that he spent at Harvard University studying and writing a paper on hip hop and words of encouragement for Black men.

Direct download: VIBE_AND_VEGAS_SHOW_-_JAMES_CAUSEY_-_JUNE_10_-_2011.mp3
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 11:20pm EDT

Belinda is Owner & CEO of "Kamshuka", an Award winning International Photographer & Artist who has taken her Art to Dubai, the Island of Bahrain, the Bahamas, & recently to South Africa for 14 amazing days. Covering Fashion Week locally to overseas in Bahrain, Belinda continues to express her thoughts and interpret her heart through her creative Images. Making her mark in Toronto, appearing in Sway Magazine & recently being recognized as one of 12 Phenomenal Women changing our world in the Spring Issue of the Planet Africa Magazine. You may have also seen her as one of the faces of companies & products such as Chiggy's Touch Canada, Coconuts Chocolate, & Sans Facon. On July 14, 2011, Belinda will exhibit her works on Thursday in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. The predominately Exotic Art captures various images of landscapes, foreign lands and emotional expressions of people, this year being the beautiful South Africa.


Keisha Monique is a spoken word artist, musician, poet , writer and sculptor who was born and lives in Toronto. She studied Economics at Dalhousie University. Poetry and spoken word became her life at nine years old when she experienced her parents separating and of her brothers passed away (both of these events happened in one month). Writing poetry became her way of expressing her feeling during this challenging time. During our interview Keisha recalls her growing up days, her first live performance and her first major performance at "When Sisters Speak" in 2008, her experience in the East Coast of Canada and the racism that exists there, some of her influences, how she is taking advantage of social media and future plans. Keisha was king enough to end the interview with a poem, "Sundays @ Six (a poem for her father)".
Direct download: Vibeandvegas-VIBEANDVEGASSHOWKEISHAMONIQUE740.mp3
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 3:45pm EDT

In this interview, Anthony Makkas of Breakaway Relief Care speaks about "The Peace Without Borders - 6th Annual Peace Walk" which is organized by Breakaway Relief Care and Family In Action on Friday, June 10, 2011 and Saturday, June 11, 2011 (1 p.m. - 5 p.m.). The walk will commence from the Jane-Sheppard to Jane Finch Mall. The march addresses young Black men and gun violence. Anthony talks about talks about some of the issues and solutions that need to be addressed in the area of violence and why "Peace Without Borders" is running for two day for the first time.

Sheree Williams publisher of Cuisine Noir Magazine. She was born in Chicago and has a degree in advertising and a love for writing since she was very young. ; From food and wine to travel, Cuisine Noir magazine delivers what readers are looking for which is more than where to find the next great meal.

Ever since the age of 14, rapping has been the tool and the passion for Jerome "Sci-Young" Charity. Born in the Toronto neighbourhood of Rexdale, Ontario to parents Stanley Charity and Michelle Thomas, he grew up in Brampton, Ontario, with his mother, step-father and younger sister and brother. Sci was first given the name Science due to the fact that he wore glasses and used a lot of scientific terminology in his raps. Sci Young began making a name for himself as a local emcee at the age of 16, battle rapping at his high school and engaging in basement cipher's. Music is something that comes very easily for this young rapper but the business is always something he's had to learn and understand. As a former student of the Harris Institute and intern at Koch Entertainment Canada Sci Young has developed the knowledge to succeed within the music industry, while enrolled at Harris he learned the ins and outs of management and how to assist other artist's in development, as part of a school project he formed the management company CIP with two other students. As for Koch this was the hands on experience that allowed Sci to learn what kinds of marketing and promotion labels use to sell records. Sci Young's first body of work, "The Black Leather Prequel" is currently available. His follow up, "Dead Prime Prime Ministers" will be released this summer. During our interview Sci talks and shares about growing up in a challenging neighbourhood and how he overcame it, growing up with parents who were not married, his first musical performance, going to school to learn the business of music and what he learned from that experience and how he has focused on the internet at a young age to make his mark in the music industry. He also talks about how the internet changed the music industry, how his music style has changed, the current state of rap music, why he gives out product for free, details of his current mixtape and details of his next release, "Dead Prime Ministers", some of his favorite artists including The Beatles and country music, what rap music needs to get better and his message to young Black men. To find out more about Sci, go to: Sci Young YouTube Channel Link: http://www.youtube.com/user/extravagantsci Sci Young And Mayne Ishu - "We Got This Video"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2oKfALa2uc Twitter - @sysciyoung Sci Young Bandcamp Page: http://sciyoung.bandcamp.com/ Official Blog:http://extravagantlifestyle.blogspot.com/2011/04/sci-young-centerfold_56.html Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.comPodcast2011 Black Weblog Awards Finalist (Best International Blog and Best Podcast Series)Twitter"The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan PageiTunes

On Thursday March 10th, 2011, MPP (Minister of Provincial Parliament - Ontario) Mike Colle introduced a private member's bill, Bill 165, Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Care Ontario Act, to establish a provincial body called Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Care Ontario. Mr. Colle was first elected as an MPP in 1995. In October 2007, he was re-elected to serve his fourth term to represent the riding of Eglinton-Lawrence in Toronto, Ontario. Prior to this, Mike served as a City of York councilor and a Metropolitan Toronto councilor where he served as TTC commissioner and was chair of the TTC from 1992 to 1994. Mike currently is the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Children and Youth Services. He also serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Justice Policy. During this interview, MPP Colle talks and shares about his involvement with sickle cell and thalassemia Care, the process that it took to get the bill introduced, what difference the bill would make if it is passed and what we can do to help. If you would like to find more information about Bill 165, please click on the following link http://www.mikecolle.com/DocumentEN.aspx?id=44 MPP Colle has also created a Facebook Fan page for Bill 165 at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_159977460723573 (Supporting Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Care in Ontario). Please feel free to become a friend!! Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.comPodcastTwitter"The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan PageiTunes


Justin Norwood is a 26 year old Black men who was born in the state of Mississippi who know lives in Atlanta, Georgia. He is currently employed in the educational field. During this episode, Justin talks and shares about a recent article that he wrote, "5 Things Every Black Man Should Know How To Do". You can read the article by clicking on the following url: http://keepingthevision.blogspot.com/2011/05/5-things-every-black-man-should-know.html Justin goes into further depth about each of the "5 Things", why he wrote the article, why Black men don't go to church, the state of Black men, suggestions for parents on how to raise young Black men and how to help Black men. Here is information if you wish to contact Jason: justin.r.norwood@gmail.com (Email)http://keepingthevision.blogspot.com/ (blog) Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.comPodcastTwitter"The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan PageiTunes

The Lions Circle is a brotherhood of men, connected through Afrikan ancestry. ; We are committed to supporting each other to pursue, discover, and fulfill our greatest potential. In doing so, we make a difference in the world, for ourselves, our families, our communities and beyond.


Ben Johnson. If you are more than thirty years old, you know and probably remember where you where when he had his gold medal taken from him at the 1976 Seoul Olympics. In our interview, Ben tells and shares with us provides us with an update on the issue of the gold medal being taken from him, how has he moved forward (it has not been easy), how important his mother was to him, what he is doing now, why he enjoys training athletes, how the world of athletics has changed, Does he have any regrets?, What has he learned?, his future and life lessons. If you would like to find out more information on Ben Johnson, go to http://www.benjohnsonenterprises.com/ Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.comPodcast Twitter"The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan PageiTunes

Direct download: VIBE_AND_VEGAS_SHOW_-_BEN_JOHNSON_-_MAY_6_-_2011.mp3
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 12:41pm EDT

We love fine dining, good cuisine and good people. We found all of that when we went to Room Service Restaurant ; and shared with
Category:Art -- posted at: 3:02pm EDT

Sanura Weathers is the positive force behind the blog, My Life Runs On Food - "A sweet, savory, buttery, green and healthy food blog", at http://blog.sanuraweathers.com/ since November 2009. At her blog, she shares her beliefs on food. She encourages that people should cook at home. She also believes ; that healthy food can be delicious and that we need start eating fresh food. She has been regarded as one of


Ahdri Zhina Madiela is the founder & Artistic director of and is best known as a director and poet/performer on the independent scene since the late 70's. Over the years she has supported numerous artists, both emerging and established, and is the visionary and driving force behind the rock.paper.sistahz Festival. At , she will be directing Nicole Brook's musical Obeah Operah, a musical journey through the mystical path where hundreds of women accused of being witches and bringing 'Obeah' to good Christian communities have trod. Meet five of the seized, waiting and sharing what would be their last. ahdri will also be presenting her experimental blew excerpt: snow.white.muse as part of Flimsy Things! on May 25. Adhri was born in Kingston, Jamaica and spent her youth growing up in the mountains of St. Ann, Jamaica. She left to live in Canada with her mother when she was fifteen. Adhri went back to live in Jamaica in the 1980's to work as an emerging artist. She finished her degree in biology from York University and has been working in theatre for over thirty years. Adhri shares different things with us during the interview from remember hearing a poem when she was twelve years old started the pull by Claude McKay, "If We Must Die", to how much Miss Lou influenced her life, how started twenty years ago, how started, some highlights of this year's festival, the planning that it takes to put on the festival and two (funding and space) of the challenges that the artistic community continually face. runs from May 10, 2011 until May 20, 2011 at Artscape Wychwood Barns ( ). Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.com

Poet, lyricist, emcee, Motion spans the realms of music, spoken word and drama, composing works for screen and stage. A member of Obsidian's 2009 Playwright's Unit, her plays "Aneemah's Spot" and "4our Woman" have been seen, read and heard at the International Black Playwright's Festival, b current's rock.paper.sistahz Fest and the Canonize This! Reading Series. ;Her newest collection of poetry, "40 Dayz" is published by Women's Press. In this interview, Motion talks and shares about different subjects such as

Direct download: VIBE_AND_VEGAS_SHOW_-_MOTION_-_APRIL_28_-_2011.mp3
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 12:35pm EDT

Djennie Laguerre studied Theatre and French Literature at the University of Ottawa. After living in New York where she studied at The Stella Adler Conservatory of Acting, she moved to Toronto where for three years, she co-hosted the TVO, French, children's show Mini TFO and toured with Grimm Grimm, a production of (TfT). In October 2005, Djennie performed in the first production of Seventeen [ANONYMOUS] Women a play by Carolyn Guillet and directed by Diana Sajrajse at the Infinittheatre, in Montreal. She is a founding member ofCric Crac Collective, dedicated to creating movement and storytelling base plays. Her solo show, Rendezvous with Home, won the Spotlight performance award at the 2008 SummerWorks Festival. The French version of Rendezvous... was produce at the TfT in December 2009 and at the MAI in Montreal in September 2010. Djennie is a Teaching Artist for the Ontario Arts Council and for rAiz'n Summer aRts. Djennie was born in Haiti and came to Canada with her family when she was four years old. During our interview, Djennie talks and shares about her first performance, showing her parents at a young age how committed to performing, how challenging it was to go to New York for acting school for a year and how hard it was it was to come back to Canada, how being bilingual can be an advantage and a disadvantage in the performing environment, how was got involved with , what she will be for upcoming performance for and her future plans. Saturday, May 14, 2011 from Noon - Midnite | Artscape Wychwood Barns ( ), 601 Christie St. : All-day playing with a rock.paper game off, storytelling with Haitian-Canadian artist Djennie Laguerre, Drumming/Music and a dance off with instructors and performers, face paint art, impromptu performances, comedy, and a drag dance party, showcasing local drag 'kings and queens' to close the evening! A little for everyone. You can contact Djennie at djennielaguerre@yahoo.ca Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.com

Direct download: VIBE_AND_VEGAS_SHOW_-_DJENNIE_LAGUERRE_-_APRIL_28_-_2011.mp3
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 3:42pm EDT

Though you may know her best as one of the lead vocalists for the award-winning group Sugar Jones, Hamilton native Andrea Henry is more than just an accomplished vocalist. She is a visual artistist, performer, singer, songwriter, model, theatre performer. She is an artist-performer who has been a familiar face in Rock Paper Sistahz over the years appearing in "After All," "Zong," "Only You," and "Wise Women." Her artwork was featured in the art installation "Full" for Rock Paper Sistahz 8. For Summer Works 2009, she worked as a Set/Costume Designer in the play "Keen." Emerging from a hiatus, this multi-faceted artist continues to explore all her artistic avenues. Andrea is of Dominican heritage who was born in Hamilton, Ontario and now lives in Toronto, Ontario. During our interview, Andrea talks and shares about her first introduction to performing was with the Creole Dancers, her first singing performance "Save The Best For Last" by Vanessa Williams was in grade eight, the history of her involvement with the group Sugar Jones and what she learned from it, how she got into visual arts, how important giving back to the community is, why did she take time off and why did she decide to come back and what her future holds. If you want to find out more about more about Andrea, please go to: http://www.myspace.com/andreahenrysoul/photos/albums/my-photos/648282 EVENT: hair.Art.photo Park Monday, May 16, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Artscape Wychwood Barns (map ), Studio 251, 601 Christie St. Pay What You Can Suggestion $10 - $15 Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.comPodcastTwitter"The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan PageiTunes

Direct download: VIBE_AND_VEGAS_SHOW_-_ANDREA_HENRY_-_APRIL_27_-_2011.mp3
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 10:45am EDT

Sharron McLeod is a jazz vocalist who is well established in Toronto and New York City. Sharron has shared the stage with some of jazz's most exciting musicians such as Jane Bunnett, Greg Tate, Archie Alleyne, Salome Bey, Jimmy Lovelace, Jackie Richardson, Yoron Isreals, Gord Webster, Duane Burno, Elliott Levine, Lewis 'Flip' Barnes and Frank Falco. Along with regular club and festival appearances in Toronto, Sharron has performed in Europe and the United States. Trained as a classical flutist and trombonist, Sharron's focus naturally evolved to encompass jazz. Following the success of For the Love of Abbey at the Trane Studio in December, Sharron is bringing her tribute to the late great jazz diva Abbey Lincoln to the Rock Paper Sistahz 10th anniversary festival. She will perform and recall the music of Ms Lincoln along with her own personal anecdotes and observations about this legendary and iconic artist. During our interview Sharon talks and shares about growing up in a household were her mother was a fan of opera, classical, reggae and world music, the moment when she fell in love with jazz, her first musical performance as singer, her special relationship with her "musical mother" the late great Abby Lincoln and how her tribute came into being, how her performance at this year's "Rock Paper Sistahz " came about ; and her future plans. To find out more about Sharron, please go to : www.myspace.com/sharronmcleodRock Paper Sistahz Festival Opener - Sharron McLeod in a Tribute to Abbey Lincoln Tuesday, May 10th, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at Artscape Wychwood Barns (http://maps.google.ca/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=103504369285256632619.000463ae727d781146556&source=embed&ll=43.646494,-79.39667&spn=0.134153,0.263672&z=12 ), 601 Christie St. Toronto, Ontario Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vibe-and-Vegas-Show/155099174532923 God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.comPodcastTwitter"The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook Fan PageiTunes

Ms. Peters grew up in Toronto, Ontario. She moved with her family to Weymouth Falls, Nova Scotia with her family at the age of 13. In the early 1980's, she started her media career in rural Nova Scotia as the afternoon Newscaster for Annapolis Valley Radio. She then went on to anchor the CHSJ television news out of Saint John, New Brunswick before joining CBC Television News. In 1996, she left the world of broadcast news and started her own production company. During is a founding member of Women In Film and Television-Atlantic, a member of Actra Maritimes and has served as Chair as the Diversity Board and is also a member of The Writers Guild of Canada. She has appeared in more than 20 films and numerous stage plays. During our interview, Ms. Peters shares some of her journey with us from growing up in Toronto and moving to the east coast of Canada, her first performance doing a one-woman show with seven characters, her first commercial playing the role of a five year old when she was eighteen, some of the challenges of being a Black and female news anchor in the 1980's, why she started her own production company, the story behind her latest film "AFRICVILLE: CAN'T STOP NOW". Ms. Peters also gives some advice for those who would like to follow in her footsteps. If you would like to find out more about Ms. Peters, go to: If you would like to contact Ms. Peters, please go to: "Africville: Can't Stop Now" is ; part of "Flimsy Things!" on Wednesday, May 11th from 8 p.m. to

Gary Pieters is a school administrator in the Toronto school board with over 15 years of experience in the education sector and sits on many community boards. He was born in London, England then went to Ghana at four months of age. Gary was raised by grandmother until he was seven years old. He then went to Canada for a bit then went back to Guyana until he was nineteen years old. Gary has a Bachelor of Arts in African History and Politics and Bachelor of Arts in Teacher Education (Primary and Junior). He has been a teacher in Southern California. In 1999, he became a teacher in the Toronto District School Board. In 2005, he became a principal at a school in the Toronto School Board. In this interview which was recorded just before the recent Canadian federal election, Gary talks and shares about various subject including the importance of minorities getting involved in the current federal elections and the importance of voting and it is important to vote, what he felt was the number issue of the recent Canadian election, the importance of cities in Canada, the many examples of current Black leadership in Canada, time is now for Blacks to get involved in the political process and what it will it take to get more young Blacks involved, ; the importance of Africentric schools and the contrast between American vs. Canadian schools. During the recent Canadian election, Gary was a volunteer citizen blogger for CBC News during the last election. You can read his final entry at You can also read Gary's article, "Who's afraid of Africentric?", in which he comments on why Africentric secondary school in Toronto

Direct download: VIBE_AND_VEGAS_SHOW_-_GARY_PIETERS_-_APRIL_16_-_2011.mp3
Category:Citizen Journalism -- posted at: 9:34pm EDT

Marlon Reid is Vice President, Treasury Credit, Investment Banking - TD Securities and Past President of The Urban Financial Services Coalition - Toronto Chapter . During our interview, Marlon shares shares some of his challenges he encountered with the educational system when he was younger and what was the gamechanger that sent him into another direction, shares some of his challenges he encountered with the educational system when he was younger and what was the game changer that sent him into another direction, how he stayed strong and didn't quit, the importance of mentorship, how he got involved with the conference, memories from last year's conference and how it impacted him, what needs to be done to maximize young Black men's talents and words of inspiration and encouragement for young Black men. The conference is being held at George Brown College on May 5, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.


Neil Le Grand is an analyst at Trez Capital Corporation in Toronto, Ontario. He was born in Oakville, Ontario and has a degree in Economics from the University of Windsor. Neil is also the Chair Of Community Outreach for . During this interview Neil shares about his experience with the educational system, how he got involved with "Stand Up! Young Men's Conference" and some of his experiences from last year's conference, what do young Black men need help with, why he takes his time to help out young Black men and the importance of events like "Stand Up! Young Men's Conference". Please note that our show will be using various forms of social media for this event. We will will be sending tweets, sending out messages via our show , recording interviews and streaming some of them live and for later broadcast and other stuff. Here is how you can follow us during the conference: Twitter: or @vibeandvegas Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at Please feel free to email us at info@blackcanadianman.com. If you live in North America, you can leave us a message at 1-866-280-9385 (toll free). Please feel free to "Like" the "The Vibe and Vegas Show" Facebook fan page at God bless, peace, be well and keep the faith, Vibe and Vegas info@blackcanadianman.com