From Ben’s Chili Bowl to ASCEND – Empowering Black Men to Greatness: guest Ben Ali
By Lana Reid | November 12, 2025 As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Ben Ali, Author, Entrepreneur, and Co-owner of the legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl, to discuss his mission to empower and elevate Black men through purpose, leadership, and community service. In this conversation, Ben shares insights from his new book, ASCEND: A Black Man’s Guide to Elevation, Success, and Purpose, and reflects Read More
Advocating for Black Communities Is Not Anti Anyone. It Is About Protection.
One of the most common assumptions people make about Black advocates for Black communities is that our work is rooted in hostility toward others. That if you choose to speak openly about Black community issues, you must be anti-white. Anti-Asian. Anti-Latino. Anti-something. That assumption is wrong. It misses the point entirely and, quite frankly, serves as proof of why Black advocacy is still necessary. As someone with a lifelong commitment Read More
Changing the Narrative on Black Fatherhood | The Power of Community: guest Matt Prestbury
By Lana Reid | November 5, 2025 As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Matt Prestbury, founder of the Facebook group Black Fathers, to discuss the movement he created to uplift and connect Black men through shared experiences of parenting. Prestbury reflects on the inspiration behind forming a digital space where fathers could find brotherhood, encouragement, and understanding. He also speaks about how Black Read More
Why the World Knows the Stereotype, but Not the Story: Rethinking the Visibility of Black Excellence in America
The world can easily recognize a “ghetto” stereotype, yet millions of people have never heard of the Divine Nine, the historic Black fraternities and sororities that have produced generations of leaders, scholars, and community builders. This article explores why negative images dominate media coverage while real Black excellence remains unseen.
Read More
BIG Talks Mentorship | Empowering Young Black Men Mentally: guest Benjamin Glover
By Lana Reid | October 29, 2025 As part of the Black Men Matter series, Lana Reid sits down with Benjamin Glover, Founder and CEO of BIG Talks Mentorship, to discuss the importance of mental health, mentorship, and leadership development among young Black men. Glover shares the journey that led him to create BIG Talks Mentorship and how the organization is dedicated to breaking stigma around mental wellness in the Read More
Peel Dem Layers Back | Hip-Hop, Mental Health & Healing Black Men: guest Archie Green
By Lana Reid | October 22, 2025 In this episode of the Black Men Matter series, host Lana Reid speaks with Archie Green — Hip Hop artist, mental health advocate, and Founder of Peel Dem Layers Back (PDLB). Archie opens up about his personal journey, the power of hip-hop as a healing tool, and how his organization is creating safe spaces for Black men to prioritize their mental health. About Read More
Access Isn’t Acceptance: How Black Gen X and Gen Z Navigate Authenticity in a Still-Unfinished America
By Lana Reid | October 20, 2025 For Black Gen Xers, showing up in predominantly white spaces — integrated schools, workplaces, neighborhood associations — was often less about belonging and more about survival. We entered those spaces as pioneers, not guests. We quietly assessed the room, gauged who was safe, and decided when to speak up and when to pause. Meanwhile, for Black Gen Z, the picture looks different: visibility Read More
The Power of Storytelling | Driving Change & Helping Nonprofits Grow: guest Jordan Thierry
By Lana Reid | October 15, 2025 As part of the Black Men Matter series, Lana Reid speaks with filmmaker, writer, and activist Jordan Thierry about the power of storytelling as a tool for social change. Thierry discusses the inspiration behind his documentary Grandma’s Roses, which highlights the labor and love of women in Black families, and his groundbreaking film The Black Fatherhood Project, which opens dialogue about the realities Read More
Bison Impact Group | Connects the Black Community to Golf to End Domestic Violence: guest Russ Green
By Lana Reid | October 8, 2025 As part of the Black Men Matter series, Lana Reid speaks with Russ Green, Founder of Bison Impact Group, Inc. Green shares how he is leveraging the game of golf to connect the Black community, support HBCU students, and raise awareness about domestic and intimate partner violence. He highlights BIG’s signature programs, including clinics for beginners, youth and caregiver outings, and the annual Read More
Kind Mentoring | Youth Empowerment, Education & Life Skills: guest Xavier Smith
By Lana Reid | October 1, 2025 As part of the Black Men Matter series, Lana Reid speaks with Xavier Smith—Intervention Specialist and founder of Kind Mentoring. Smith’s journey from studying Criminal Justice at Morris College to creating a youth mentoring organization highlights the transformative power of guidance, education, and community support. His mission demonstrates how mentorship and intervention programs can change lives, promote positive choices, and create safer schools Read More