Welcome to Across The Mic with Julio Taku where I, Julio Taku (pronounced Jew-Leo Tah-Coo), cover issues pertaining to the different intersections of Blackness in areas such as politics, fashion, music, activism, academia, art, sex work, health care etc. Guest appearances from professionals and creatives in their respective fields will provide insight and unique perspectives to the issues discussed.
This episode, I'm joined by Amaru Jones, a community, activist, Cortland University alumnus and one of the founders of Leaders of the New School; a community organization aimed at providing empowerment & programs to enhance underserved youth. We discuss the importance and accessibility of local politics and how to enhance your community.
Amaru's Instagram: https://instagram.com/theleadersofthenewschool_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
The Leaders of the New School: https://instagram.com/theleadersofthenewschool_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
29 Apr 2022
Milette Millington - Being Disabled in an Ableist Society isn't Easy
This episode, I'm joined by Milette Millington, a journalist, disability activist and alumnus of the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. We discuss the invisibility with which the Disabled community is treated, the struggles they face on an infrastructural level and how to combat these issues.
Milette’s Capstone: Capstone | Portfolio (https://milettem98.wixsite.com/portfolio/capstone)
Milette’s Website: Newsgathering | Milette Millington's Journalism Portfolio (https://milettem98.wixsite.com/portfolio)
Milette’s LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/MiletteMillington (https://linktr.ee/MiletteMillington)
14 Mar 2022
Don't Let Stoicism Kill You.
You ever seen a swan gliding across a lake? Beautiful. Elegant. Noble even.
They're paddling their little webbed feet for their lives to stay afloat. Churning up more water than Michael Phelps in the 200m freestyle.
That was my life for a while. Grace above the surface and utter chaos underneath to maintain it.
In the time since my last episode (over a year ago), I've been through three jobs, survived Covid, worked on a music video shoot, purchased my first car, found love, therapy, my beard connects better now, got a family dog, academic setbacks and had more growth as a man than I've ever before. In between moments of grief and joy I've had plenty of time to look introspectively. I learned that I can be stoic to a fault. It's one thing to be faced with adversity and have the gumption and resilience to face it head on and make it; it’s another to do so at your own expense and disregard your support system. Few if any of us are “self-made” in a world that relies on collaboration. Accept assistance when offered and let it be known when you need it. You’re no less because of it. I promise you.
Life has come and gone so fast that it spins my head to imagine what we've all been through individually and as a global population.
I know it's been a while since you last heard from me. I hope you haven't forgotten the sound of my voice.
3 Feb 2021
Perla Ruby Bernardez - Being a Black Woman is to Fight Erasure
This episode, I'm joined by Perla Ruby Bernardez, owner of The Narrative and PBA&L. We discuss the intersectionality, the major roles Black women play in the civil rights movement and the erasure they undergo.
The Narrative Instagram: https://instagram.com/_selten_?igshid=3nad9zb8xm60
The Narrative Website: http://www.thenarrative.online/
*This was recorded during the week of the 2020 presidential election.*
3 Feb 2021
Tracey Edwards - Being a Leader is Knowing When to Pass the Torch
This episode, I'm joined by Tracey Edwards, Regional Director of the NAACP, mother of three/grandmother of three, breast cancer survivor and activist. We discuss the importance of engaging in local politics, her transition from parent to administrator and her time in public service.
*This was recorded during the weeks leading up to the 2020 presidential election.*
18 Dec 2020
Miya Jones - Being Executive-In-Chief of Your Own Publication
This episode I'm joined by Miya Jones, founder and executive-in-chief of Shades of Long Island. On this episode we discuss the importance of being able to author stories about your community and telling the untold stories. We also speak about supporting local publications, businesses, individuals and the importance of family. Her impact through Shades of Long Island transcends the articles and will do much more for the Black and brown community on Long Island. Support and participate in local media to see yourself reflected in it.
Shades of Long Island Website: https://shadesoflongisland.com/
18 Dec 2020
Iman Olden - Being a Production Assistant in LA
This episode I'm joined by Iman Olden, production/executive assistant for film and tv. We discuss the landscape of Hollywood during a racial reckoning and it's effects in front and behind the camera. Iman tells of how she has demystified celebrities and not getting star struck. We also speak about career paths and engaging in them while in college.
Iman’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/ibehatai?igshid=1kxt6jtxo382p
Iman’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iman-olden-47426695
18 Dec 2020
Danielle Hawthorne - Being a Young Businesswoman
This episode I'm joined by Danielle Hawthorne, CEO of "Scotch Bonnets by Dani". On this episode we discuss how she amassed over six figures in revenue and the support she received to get there. We also speak about her manufacturing process, her family's support of her business, her personal hair journey and the importance of valuing your business. Black women's hair is an integral part of their identities and Scotch Bonnets by Dani seeks to help protect their crowns.
Danielle's Instagram: https://instagram.com/danidestinyyy?igshid=1ou51zhzyrra4
Scotch Bonnets by Dani Instagram: https://instagram.com/scotchbonnetsbydani?igshid=14oseyfjpo4aa
Scotch Bonnets by Dani website: https://www.scotchbonnetsbydani.com/
18 Dec 2020
Qadirah Abdur-Rahman - Being a Brilliant Businesswoman & Entrepreneur
This episode I’m joined by Qadirah Abdur-Rahman, financial advisor, CEO of Brilliant Girl Finance, Minte Essentials, executive producer of Viral Debates and all-around tour de force. On this episode we discussed how she stays afloat while managing so many different businesses and being practical with your ambition. She gives advice on financial literacy and how she manages to maintain multiple sources of income. This is information people pay for!
Qadirah’s Instagram @bellaagunz: https://instagram.com/bellaagunz?igshid=1rsbeesu66u2b
Brilliant Girl Finance @brilliantgirlfinance: https://www.brilliantgirlfinance.com/post/6-moves-to-make-right-now-with-1-000-in-the-bank
Viral Debates Instagram @viral.debates: https://instagram.com/viral.debates?igshid=5f45lkjx1agi
Website: https://linktr.ee/viraltv.series
Minte Essentials @minte.essentials: https://www.minteessentials.org/
*I currently have construction going on at my home so please forgive some of the background noise. I tried my best to edit it all out.*
18 Dec 2020
Milnalis Diese - Being a Creator & Working in your Purpose
This episode I’m joined by Milnalis Diese, designer, storyteller, content strategist and CEO of Created 2 Create LLC. On this episode we discussed the impact of the many hats she wears and how she establishes boundaries and routines for herself. We also speak about the role she played in the set design of “Crazy Rich Asians” and the impact it had on her life. She also shares a personal story about how she began Created 2 Create and her spiritual reawakening she experienced. Lastly, she even provides some tips on how to step up your social media game and build an aesthetic for your page.
Milnalis’ Instagram: https://instagram.com/bythemil?igshid=1318sx05g40j5
Created 2 Create: https://instagram.com/c2c.nyc?igshid=1xtm3vnx3e7qr
Milnalis’ Email: milnalismedia@gmail.com
*I currently have construction going on at my home so please forgive some of the background noise. I tried my best to edit it all out.*
18 Dec 2020
Verdel Jones - Being an Educator is a Lifelong Journey
This episode I’m joined by Verdel Jones, host of “Conversations with Verdel Jones” and “Let’s Kick it with the Joneses”, current district director of guidance and support services at Plainedge school district on Long Island. Conversations with Verdel Jones seeks to educate people through dialogue with experts and professionals in their respective fields. On this episode we discuss the importance of sharing your gifts with the world and expanding your horizons through different mediums. We also discuss the effects of the political climate on our well-being, how to combat that and not becoming disillusioned with politics.
- Conversations with Verdel Jones: https://www.youtube.com/c/ConversationswithVerdelJones/ - Let’s Kick it with the Joneses: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8qAQlT9LIKLrHR_onkvs0w
18 Dec 2020
Etlin Flores - Being a Black Woman at a PWI is Exhausting
This episode I’m joined by Etlin Flores, creator of the She Is Fierce Project and podcast. She Is Fierce is an online platform geared towards empowering Black women and women of color and highlighting their experiences in predominantly white institutions (PWIs), friendships, relationships and more. On this episode we discuss her experiences at PWIs as a grad student and a member of the university staff. We also discuss the hardships faced by the "overachieving Black girl" and how they maneuver a world that falsely promises them success if they follow conventions, inclusivity in regards to Afro-Latinx women and the importance of creating spaces for yourself when they don't already exist.
The She Is Fierce Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-she-is-fierce-podcast/id1437103193
She Is Fierce Instagram: https://instagram.com/sheis.fierceee?igshid=1gaogccamkyr8
Queen2Queens website: https://queen2queeens.com/
Queen2Queens Instagram: https://instagram.com/queen2queeens_?igshid=11n0zpvmmiqpk
30 Nov 2020
Black Frost - Kayla Boyd
Founded by Kayla Boyd, Black Frost is a Christmas merchandise brand that promotes the representation of Black Christmas figures during the holiday season. They provide seasonal products, such as ornaments and fashion tops that celebrate diversity, embrace culture, and bring awareness to issues that matter the most within our community. The mission of Black Frost is to provide quality season products that customers can identify with during the holiday season. In addition to selling merchandise, they serve as a liaison for service opportunities. Their Give Love initiative specifically focuses on the healing and development of Black and Brown communities. They are strongly committed to recognizing community needs by actively working to connect people with resources. If you’re looking for merchandise with Black Christmas figures or looking to give love during the holiday season, check them out at www.shopblackfrost.com or @shopblackfrost on all social media platforms.
Use code JOYFUL55 for 15% off all any purchases at Black Frost!
Website: www.shopblackfrost.com
All social media: @shopblackfrost
29 Nov 2020
Gifted: Wrapped in Purpose - Canayo Amasiani
Founded by Canayo Amasiani, Gifted is a new Black owned business dedicated to helping you build confidence in yourself by putting emphasis on your own individual talents. The full name Gifted: Wrapped In Purpose was created because we believe every individual serves a purpose and has the tools to walk in that purpose. We provide products that give you the space to get in tune with who you are, and what you are capable of. We want to see you embrace your purpose with confidence, and have fun doing it too!
Use discount code ATM20 for 20% off any purchases at Gifted!
Website: www.giftedbynayo.com
Instagram: @giftedbynayo
29 Nov 2020
Grow With Gera & MERAKI Apparel - Geraldin Noemis Diaz
In Grow With Gera, Founder Geraldin Noemis Diaz seeks to empower and enlighten young professionals to live life to their fullest potentials, through weekly content cultivated for those who need guidance on their journey through life. Her focus areas include mental, physical and emotional wellbeing for recent college graduates, and undergraduate students. MERAKI Apparel seeks to bridge the gap between the Black, Afro-Latinx and Latinx community through clothes. MERAKI Apparel came about during a time of political and financial despair. This is why every word and every design is particularly chosen to help us move forward in a progressive direction. MERAKI Apparel also donates a portion of proceeds to the Bowery Mission, a homeless shelter in NYC in hopes of helping end homelessness.
Use discount code ATM20 for 20% off any purchases totaling $50 or more dollars at Meraki Apparel!
Websites: www.linktr.ee/geraldinnoemis
Instagram: @growwithgera - @merakilives
29 Nov 2020
Cozy N Cute Kids Boutique - Priscilla Weston
Founded by Priscilla Wesson, Cozy N Cute Kids Boutique is a black owned online shop providing cute and practical clothing for children. Whether it’s for a school, party or a day at home we have you covered. Be cute, have fun, in comfort, with Cozy N Cute Kids Boutique.
Use discount code ATM15 for 15% off any purchases at Cozy'N'Cute Kids Boutique!
Link: www.cozyncutekidsboutique.com
29 Nov 2020
Shop Hoodicorn - Toni Roy
Founded by Toni Roy, Shop Hoodicorn is a Bronx based brand that caters to everything cute, convenient, and 420 friendly. Home of the“IKYSI” Fanny Pack. Whether you're on the go or only have a few minutes left for break; these unisex smoke bags are here to save the day! Each bag comes fully equipped with your smoking essentials: 1 airtight doob tube, 1 torch lighter, Tic Tacs, and Hand Sanitizer with just enough room for your keys and cash! Check it out and be sure to follow @ShopHoodicorn on IG and Twitter for announcements, giveaways, and good vibes.
Use discount code ATM15 for 15% off any purchases made at Shophoodicorn!
Website: www.shophoodicorn.com
Instagram: @shophoodicorn
24 Oct 2020
Season 1: Black Woman, this is for you.
Black women are the blueprint. Plain and simple as that.
Their influence and range shape culture. Their strength and willpower defy all odds. Their minds and spirits create whole worlds. Their love conquers all.
There is never a day that passes by that I am not amazed and enamored by Black women.
They are God's gift to the world, but they are not meant to only be in service to us.
Times have never been easy for Black women. Especially this year.
This whole first season is dedicated to Black women.
Lay your burdens down and allow us to celebrate you free of appropriation, misogynoir, disrespect or shame.
I see you. I care for you. I love you.
Black woman, this is for you.
15 Oct 2020
ATM with JT Trailer
Hello and welcome to Across The Mic with Julio Taku!
This is a short introduction of what to expect from the podcast in future episodes! Feel free to leave a voice message using the Voice Messages link, email or social media to suggest ideas and topics for events and topics you would like me to cover. Suggestions are always welcome.
Follow me on social media and share this podcast with friends and family to get the word out!
Instagram - julio_taku and acrossthemicjtaku
Twitter - Julio_Taku and AcrossTheMicJT
Email - acrossthemicwithjtaku@gmail.com
Voice Messages - https://anchor.fm/julio-taku/message
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