The Folding Chair with Osyrus Bolly

Kaye Chambers is a multi-million dollar top producing agent specializing in first time home buyers and military personnel and families. Proud mom and die hard Eagles fan. Go Birds. Increasing homeownership among Black people requires a multifaceted approach that addresses historical and systemic barriers to accessing homeownership. By implementing equitable policy solutions in a comprehensive and coordinated manner, policymakers can help address the longstanding disparities in homeownership rates and promote greater equity and opportunity for Black people in the housing market. Kaye Chambers is dedicated to helping her clients find their perfect home, she's very passionate about her profession. Ms. Chambers is an exceptional real estate agent who can serve clients effectively and ethically, through transparency, problem solving, empathy and her strong communication skills she ensures that all of her clients receive top-notch service and guidance throughout their real estate journey. Follow on IG: @closedwithkaye Email: kaye@closedwithkaye.com

Why Black History Matters Celebrating Black history and sharing cultural resources is crucial for promoting accuracy in historical context, combating stereotypes, celebrating achievements, empowering communities, fostering understanding and inspiring action towards a more just and equitable society. Also highlighting Black art is essential for preserving cultural heritage, promoting recognition and appreciation, increasing representation and visibility, infusion in education, building community, and empowering individuals and communities to express themselves creatively and authentically. We celebrate Black History Month with all educators, artists, and allies exploring the works of Black artists/educators, who have used their talents to express the triumphs, struggles and experiences of the Black community. Enjoy exploring this list - Osyrus Bolly Films The Barber from Little Rock We Have Just Begun a film about the 1919 Elaine Massacre & dispossession Rustin on Netflix Shirley starring Regina King releases on Netflix March 22, 2024. Origin official trailer Bob Marley: One Love How Quawntay "Bosco" Adams Helped Produce the Peacock Biopic from Behind Bars WE GROWN NOW drops April 19, 2024. The Astronaut Who Lost His Helmet trailer and film coming soon Sweetwater on Hulu Literature Everyday Is A Sunday by Obafemi Kinsiedilele The Vegan Soul Food Guide to the Galaxy by Afya Ibomu End of The Line: History of Little Rock's West Ninth St. by Berna J. Love Ananse Journal by Patrick Oliver A Revolutionary for Our Time: The Walter Rodney Story by Leo Zeilig Demonic Grounds: Black Women and the Cartographies of Struggle by Katherine McKittrick Beasts of Prey by Ayana Gray ARSNICK: The Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in Arkansas Blood in Their Eyes: The Elaine Massacre of 1919 by Grif Stockley, Brian K. Mitchell and Guy Lancaster The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson Ella the Banker by Liam Sprinkle and Shamim Okolloh Music/Podcasts MICHAEL by Killer Mike 3X GRAMMY winning album by Killer Mike Jon Batiste "World Music Radio" Linger Awhile by Samara Joy The Folding Chair podcast [REDACTED] History podcast Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox podcast Therapy for Black Girls podcast One Mic: Black History podcast Questlove Supreme podcast Candice Ivory - When The Levee Breaks (The Music Of Memphis Minnie) Bilal + HighBreedMusic present: VOYAGE-19 The Music of Yuni Wa

The Folding Chair podcast examines the case of Marshall Ray Price, who died after what officials say was a consensual boxing match with another inmate at Greene County Jail in Paragould, Arkansas in December 2022. We recently spoke with Price's daughter Julian about her fight for justice and decriminalization efforts. Marshall Ray Price died at a local hospital while in custody of the Greene County Sheriffs Department on December 8, 2022. Price’s injuries were said to be the result of a consensual boxing match in jail. The other “boxer” was said to have toilet paper and socks wrapped on his hands and hit Price twice. This is not consistent with witness testimony. Price died a very violent and painful death. The Sheriffs narrative and outcome is linked here give it a read yourselves. https://neareport.com/2023/03/14/no-charges-in-marshall-price-jail-death/ According to the coroner Price died of a ruptured spleen, multiple broken ribs, a brain stem injury and other injuries that are not consistent with a two punch boxing match. Price was only 2 weeks in on a 10 year sentence for possessing kratom, a supplement that’s legal ten minutes from his home another state over. Witnesses in the jail said they heard Price calling for help for 5 hours before help arrived and the manner in which Price was treated by medical staff was cruel and inhumane. Price died before his family was even notified. We believe possession of kratom should not result in prison time for anyone, kratom can be used for pain relief, management of opioid withdrawal, depression relief, mood enhancement, energy etc. Price was in possession of kratom to sober up after a 20 year addiction when he was arrested in Greene County, kratom is legal minutes away in Missouri. Mitragyna speciosa (commonly known as kratom, a herbal leaf from a tree of the Rubiaceae family is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family native to Southeast Asia. It is indigenous to Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea, where it has been used in herbal medicine since at least the 19th century. It has opioid properties and some stimulant effects. #KeepKratomSafe

Dr. Airic Hughes is an entrepreneur, artist, philanthropist, and faculty member in the Department of History at the University of Arkansas. His research examines Black geographies in America through the lens of federal interstate development in his hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Hughes is the founder and CEO of Visionairi Enterprises. Final quote by Katherine McKittrick Check out these links to learn more about Black geography and the importance of storytelling. https://www.truvisionairi.com https://www.micheauxfilmlabs.org https://katherinemckittrick.com/ https://www.amreese.com/

Celestine Wesley, recipient of the 2023 EJ Miller Lifetime Achievement Award. A Tribute to Mrs. Celestine Wesley featuring Dr. Raquell Barton, Lynnise Wesley, Velva Jones, Freeda Williams, Madison Wesley, Pastor Ricky Hicks, Denise McCoy, Bobbie Banks, Sherry Cobb, Lasonya Smith, Kent Moore, Cassie Bey, Bill Kopky and Kymara Seals.

Kirsten Keels is a proud NWA native turned Ivy League and international scholar. A first generation, low income student, Kirsten is a recent graduate of Princeton University and Fulbright Fellowship Recipient whose work revolves around global Blackness and popular music. Primarily, Korean Popular Music (K-pop). She seeks to reveal the ways that Black music acts as a foundation or undercurrent in much musical activity, even while that foundation is seldom explicitly acknowledged. Or better yet, how Black music has combined with local cultures to create new genres, movements, culture, etc. Black music IS popular music. As a vocalist, she also works to combine her love of music making and community (when she can). Kirsten currently works as the Program Manager for Equity, Inclusion, and Community and the Bard Queer Leadership Project at Bard College at Simon's Rock. She can be reached further at: kkeelsbusiness@gmail or give her a follow. Ig: k_keeels, tiktok: k.keels

Tyson Jackson is the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Black With No Chaser, playing a key role in managing the company, developing its leaders, and guiding its growth. He balances his demanding career with his roles as a husband and father, and is deeply involved in community and political organizing, especially within the Black community in the US South. As an advocate, he works hard to combat systemic racism and supports human rights, extending his efforts to fight for technological equality and against digital bias. Additionally, Tyson is passionate about art, merging his creative talents in digital media, music, and video with his activism for social justice. Visit the website https://blackwithnochaser.com/

Tiffeni Fontno ​Creator, Educator, Librarian, Literacy & Curriculum Activist and Student Tiffeni has worked as a classroom teacher, school librarian and technology teacher. She currently works in in higher education, in academic leadership. ​ She taught children's literature in HIgher Education and is an active member in the American Library Association. Fontno earned her doctorate in the Leadership of Organizations program at the University of Dayton's School of Education and Health Sciences. Tiffeni is from Cleveland, Ohio and loves her hometown. Please support our librarians and protect our libraries, for more info visit uniteagainstbookbans.org

Do we really have to explain why Black History matters? This year the state government and the Arkansas Department of Education has declared war on African American History/Black Studies. On this special episode of The Folding Chair podcast, Osyrus Bolly gives listeners the latest news about the AP African American History course being taught in a few high schools in our state, why the it's under attack in the state of Arkansas and our next steps as education advocates.

Representative Vivian Flowers (D) Rep. Vivian Flowers is serving her fifth term in the Arkansas House. She represents District 65 which includes a portion of Jefferson County and Arkansas County.For the 94th General Assembly, Rep. Flowers serves on the House Education Committee and the House Insurance and Commerce Committee. Rep. Flowers also serves on the Joint Budget Committee. Rep. Flowers earned a degree in Political Science and Professional and Technical Writing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree from the Clinton School of Public Service. She currently resides in Pine Bluff

Katina Booth White is a proud native of Little Rock, AR. Her love and enthusiasm for STEM and youth inspired her to obtain a degree in Middle Childhood Education, with an emphasis in math and science. Katina began her career in education as an Integrated Science, Project Lead the Way, and Robotics Instructor. In this role she successfully led multiple teams to regional and nationals awards in both VEX and BEST robotics. Katina was awarded 2018 Sherwood Teacher of the Year and 2020 Forest Heights STEM Academy Teacher of the Year. Additionally, she was invited to be a keynote speaker for the 2018 March for Science. She was selected as one of twenty five educators across the nation as a 2021 Ford Unsung Hero Award Recipient. Currently, Katina serves as Vice President for the National Technical Association- Arkansas Chapter and Media Director of National Association for Geoscience Teacher Education Division and on the DEI Committee for the National Association for Geoscience Teachers. In 2021, Katina merged her passion for equity/inclusion and STEM by accepting an offer from UAMS Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. UAMS is largest academic health center in the state of Arkansas. She is the inaugural Curriculum Coordinator for the UAMS Pathways Academy. In this role, Katina spearheads curriculum design crafted to pique the interest of youth in an effort to one day shift the status quo of today’s health care workforce. She's created several award-winning, nationally recognized, culturally-relevant STEM programs and opportunities for grades K-undergraduate. Using multiple pedagogies, she co-creates intentional curricula tailored to impact and enrich historically excluded youth (minority, rural, low socio-economic, etc.) in underserved areas. In 2022, she co-authored and published 2 books: STEM Looks Like Me and Dear Sis, I love you.. Anthology of Black Sisterhood. Katina is the mother of a beautiful, bright, and creative young girl named Jai. She considers motherhood her favorite way to serve. She continually aims to provide an environment that affords her daughter the gift of positive self-efficacy, self-esteem and passion to learn. It's this grounding that fuels Katina's passion to impact her community and students for the better. She truly believes that everyone possesses a gift and a light that must be shared with the world for us all to reach our greatest heights as a society. Her goal is to make sure that all children be given the tools and provided the opportunity to let their light shine and become unapologetic about who they were created to be “A Manifestation of Greatness!”

Adaja Cooper is a national award-winning, published artist from Little Rock, Arkansas. Born in Magnolia, Arkansas, Cooper has always expressed a passion for art at a young age. Cooper's art has also been published in the Mahyue Magazine, the Little Rock Soirée Magazine, and Hendrix College’s Aonian Literary Magazine. She created multiple paintings for the Central Arkansas Library System, one which is featured on a billboard in Little Rock, Arkansas. Cooper has been in multiple galleries including the Hearne Fine Art Gallery, Mosaic Templars Cultural Museum, and The Baum Gallery. She was named a finalist for the 2022 Arkansas Times "Best of Arkansas" in the Visual Art category and was featured on the cover of the July issue of the magazine. Cooper is a recent graduate of Hendrix College and a recipient of the 2023 Thomas J. Watson Fellowship. During her fellowship, she will travel for a year creating public art that empowers different cultures around the world. Follow her on all social media platforms @adajacooper adajacooperstudio.com

ABOUT PHILLIP MOUTON Trap Jazz is a hybrid of two generations of Black music. A new genre of sound birthed out of the original art forms of contemporary and Jazz standards with a baseline and core of traditional Hip-Hop. Phillip “Philli Moo” Mouton is one of the giants of this genre. Philli Moo is molding his legacy as a premiere saxophonist, in addition to his skills as a singer, producer, and drummer. He is the former student of legendary jazz trumpeter Clark Terry Ron Carter, the great saxophonist and music aficionado Gerald Johnson, and his father, pianist Carl Mouton. An alumni of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), Mouton completed a B.S. in Music. While in school, he was a member of the M4 Marching Band and he is a current member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Hosea Long was born in Cross County, Wynne, Arkansas. From early life, he’s entertained dreams that were at odds with others. He became a Star Trek fan from the first airing of the TV show in 1966 and has remained a staunch fan. He attended the AM&N College in 1969 and graduated from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in 1973, one year after AM&N became a part of the University of Arkansas. He later received a master’s degree in Interpersonal and Organizational Communications from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He enjoyed a forty-one-year career in Arkansas government, working in several state agencies, including the governor’s office. Human resources management consumed most of his time in public service, 37 years. He enjoyed the last 23 years of his career serving in the human resources department at the university of Arkansas for Medical Science. The last 15 years there were spent as the associate vice chancellor/chief human resources officer. Retirement came joyfully in January 2013. Hosea is married to Christene Long. They have three adult children. God has blessed this family with eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Hosea Long has been a member of Saint John Missionary Baptist Church since 1985, serving on the finance committee, budget committee and in several other volunteer capacities. His true calling is Sunday school teacher. He’s led the mixed class (married and single), “Connecting with Christ” for the last 30-plus years. He enjoys the company of his wife, studying God’s word, blogging, and is an observer of all things spiritual. He now serves as the group leader for the Saint John Chronic Illness Support Group. He leads this group as a sufferer from a chronic illness himself. He was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a form of blood cancer in 2000. He relapsed in 2018 and is currently living with a low level of cancer cells in his body, enjoying a high quality of life. Retirement is the best job he’s ever had, and God is truly his BFF.

Billy Thomas, M.D., M.P.H., is the former and first Medical Director of the 12th Street Health and Wellness Center. He is a Professor of Neonatology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) and former Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion in the Center for Diversity Affairs (CDA). Dr. Thomas earned his Medical Degree at UAMS in 1980. He completed his internship and residency training in Pediatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences/Arkansas Children’s Hospital. He subsequently completed a fellowship in Neonatal/Perinatal medicine at Case Western Reserve/Metropolitan General Hospital and later received a Master’s in Public Health from the Tulane School of Public Health. Dr. Thomas combines an active clinical practice with his duties as the Co-PI (Principle Investigator) on two NIH funded program grants. His clinical service is primarily inpatient and focuses on the care of critically ill neonates. In addition to his clinical responsibilities he teaches and mentors not only students and residents but also junior faculty. He also serves on multiple committees with a primary goal of increasing institutional diversity through the recruitment and retention of minority and underserved students and faculty. Dr. Thomas is the first Black Neonatalogist in the state of Arkansas.

Kaleem Nazeem was released from prison on August 10, 2018, after serving 28 years and 11 months. Today, his is a proud member of the Incarcerated Children’s Advocacy Network(ICAN). Since his release, he has received his associate degree in Energy Control from ASU-Newport and advocated for fair sentences for juveniles, prison reform, and social justice for impoverished communities. Kaleem works as a Movement Builder with DecARcerate. Additionally, he volunteers with the Arkansas Poor People’s Campaign, works with incarcerated youth at the Jonesboro Juvenile Detention Center, and serves as a board member for Compassion Works For All. This was a long overdue conversation, we encourage everyone to support the criminal justice legislation Kaleem mentions in this podcast.

Wesley Peters is a native of Little Rock, Arkansas and he is the Creative Officer of Revolt Renaissance Publishing. For the "Arkansas Black History" Coloring Book - Volume 1 visit https://adaja-cooper-studio.myshopify.com/ Learn more about Revolt Renaissance Publishing at https://revoltrenaissancepublishing.com/

The Why Black History Matters event will stress the importance of teaching Black history throughout the year and not just in February. Joining on The Folding Chair podcast us for the #BHM conversation are special guests Stacey McAdoo and Kwami Abdul-Bey. This discussion is meant to empower others through discussing strategies and activities to promote Black history education that will affirm, inspire and educate the public. Year-round discussion and study of Black history also provides important context for how we got to where we are today and a deeper understanding of the issues we still face in this country. We must also prepare ourselves for the legislative attacks on Black history under the guise of critical race theory ban in Arkansas and nationally. Stacey James McAdoo Stacey, our “forever” 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, is the founder of the spoken word collective called Writeous Poets from Little Rock. She is also a 21-year educator, the founding Executive Director for Teach Plus Arkansas and the creator and host of the education podcast “A Mile in My Shoes: The Walk and Talk Podcast.” Visit her blog at www.stillstacey.com to learn more. Kwami Abdul-Bey Kwami is the Elections Coordinator/Organizer at the Arkansas Public Policy Panel. He is also a public historian and legislative drafter who serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas Historical Association and the Board of Directors of the National Lawyers Guild--Arkansas Chapter. In a past life, Kwami taught 7th grade social studies at Henderson Junior High School.

This is live discussion about Senate Bill 71, Against SB71: An Attempt to End Affirmative Action with advocates Rosa Velázquez and Ryan D. Davis. Ryan D. Davis, Little Rock Freedom Fund Co-Founder: Ryan is dedicated to his family, his work, his church and the community. He's a native of Little Rock where he serves on the boards of various justice and community based organizations, including Arkansas Public Policy Panel, Arkansas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, Decarcerate Arkansas, Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (chair), Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families(vice-chair). He's a Co-Founder of Little Rock Freedom Fund. Ryan's writings has appeared in Crisis Magazine, Black Books Bulletin, Arkansas Times, Sphinx, Stand News, The Chicago Defender and Black Issues Book Review. He is the co-author of Conversations in Color. Davis is an advocate for children, who represent the only future we have. He subscribes to the Kikuyu proverb “Work with the clay while it is still wet.” Ryan D. Davis is an ordained elder in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Associate Pastor at Bullock Temple C.M.E. Church. Rosa Velázquez, Advocate and Community Organizer Rosa is an advocate and community organizer. she leads impact work in Arkansas and around the country with more than 12 years of community organizing, power building, public policy and philanthropic skillset. Rosa immigrated from México when she was four years old, and has made Arkansas her home. She is a locally and nationally recognized advocate for immigrant's rights and played a critical role in developing the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program. Locally, Rosa led the work for in-state tuition equity, DACA Nurses, DACA Teachers and professional licenses, now laws in Arkansas. She is passionate about social justice, education and racial equity. She has a history of uplifting and cultivating undocumented youth, Latinx organizers, and mentoring powerful women of color. Rosa's current project includes directing The Movement Institute, a Black and Brown led community organizing accelerator aimed at building and shifting power in Arkansas and the deep South. Rosa and her rescue Siberian Husky, Whiskey, have made Little Rock their home. ***************************************************************** More about SB71 If passed, this bill would ban the use of affirmative action in Arkansas. It will prohibit state governmental institutions from considering race, sex, sexual orientation or ethnicity, specifically in the areas of public employment, public contracting, and public education. It would gut state and local protections against discrimination. This will have a major impact on enrollment in medical schools and graduate programs for underrepresented groups as well. Arkansas would become the 9th state to ban affirmative action if this bill is passed into law. SB71 is an attack on equal opportunity that could end minority scholarships, support for women owned businesses, and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Read the bill here: https://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/FTPDocument?path=%2FBills%2F2023R%2FPublic%2FSB71.pdf

Just Joy Hair is an innovative hair company that specializes in natural hair care products and services. With an urban and carribean feel, Just Joy promises vivrant hair experiences. Our Ceo LaRonda Joy Davis started the company with her clients in mind. As a natural stylist, she promotes healthy hair and protective styles. 90% of her clients were natural and were uneducated on how to manage their own hair. They trusted the products she used and inspired her to create her own. She started with Just Joy Hair Oil for her loc and braid customers. Just Joy Hair Oil promotes growth, improves the moisture retention, and aids as a protectant against the sun, bug bites, and skin abrasions. Her network loved the oil and inspired her to create shampoo and conditioners. With them in mind, Just Joy has 11 amazing products for them to enjoy. Our Products are carefully formulated with ingredients you can find in your kitchen or if you’re on an island, right in de yard. We are proud to share sensational paraben and suffocate products to our customers. Visit her website https://justjoyhair.com/ for more information.