Humanity Chats with Marjy

Belinda Hodasi Jones—an artist with deep roots in Ghana, West Africa—shared her journey and artistic inspirations in a recent interview on Humanity Chats,.

Born with an innate passion for art, Belinda was nurtured in her creative pursuits by the cultural environment of Ghana and later through her academic experiences at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. In reflecting on her evolution as an artist, Belinda expressed her profound connection to the history and heritage of her homeland, embodying it through her work.

Belinda’s current art exhibition, which resonates deeply with Black History Month, explores the crossroads of African and European encounters and their enduring legacies. Her pieces depict not just historical moments but intimate recollections of a culture that is changing and, in some aspects, vanishing. These visual narratives show her commitment to preserving the rich tapestry of African traditions and memories through her art.

The current exhibition for Black History Month, is on display at the Gateswood Studio Center at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, and is scheduled to run through the end of February. Belinda invites everyone to experience her art—a testimony to the stories, the nostalgia, and the heritage she holds dear.

Through storytelling and immersive art, Belinda Hodasi Jones ensures that the rich narratives of African heritage continue to inspire and educate, emphasizing the significance of Black History Month. Her investment in this commemorative time is not just about reflection but also about active education and cultural preservation.

For those who wish to dive into Belinda's art, her website provides an insight into her work. Click HERE to visit the website.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

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We are humans.  
From all around the world.  
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And that is humankind. 
Your friend, Marjy Marj

A retired educator, Dr. Foley continues to work as an advocate for children grappling with trauma and mental health challenges. Her integrated approach leans heavily on the transformative power of social and emotional learning, showcasing her commitment to the emotional wellbeing of the children she encounters.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening.  Share with a friend.  
We are humans.  
From all around the world.  
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And that is humankind. 
Your friend, Marjy Marj

Marjy Marj announces the Building Bridges Tour, explains its purpose, and shares her experience from the Northeastern leg of the tour.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening.  Share with a friend.  
We are humans.  
From all around the world.  
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And that is humankind. 
Your friend, Marjy Marj

Seasoned television director and award-winning author Jeffrey Blount chats with Marjy Marj about his newest book Mr. Jimmy from Around the Way.

Blount's new book release sparked insightful reflections on life, carrying the promise to inspire important conversations. A fun fact that may surprise many is that despite his illustrious career in Washington, D.C., and NBC News, Blount identifies as a farm boy from Virginia. His humble beginnings, growing up on a family farm and running a country store, have deeply shaped his narratives.

Blount's latest protagonist, Mr. Jimmy, is a testament to his own upbringing and experiences. Mr. Jimmy is a billionaire who, amidst personal chaos, retreats to rural America, reflecting Blount's own safe space growing up. The crux of the story revolves around Mr. Jimmy's journey towards redemption. Raised by parents who believed in assisting their fellow human beings, Mr. Jimmy is inspired to help a poverty-stricken community despite his initial reluctance. His journey is a representation of Blount's aspiration for more people to see each other's humanity first and understand that every life is worth saving.

Blount's book is not solely for adults but can also be appreciated by young adults who are at an inflection point in their lives. His books, mostly centered on African-American stories, are intended to bring everyone to the table. His goal is to illustrate the breadth of Black culture and achievement, to inspire the younger generation that they can be successful in all realms.

Blount's passion for storytelling extends beyond his writing. He is a firm believer in mentorship and the importance of adults investing in the lives of young people. According to him, one of the most significant contributions an adult can make is to guide and stand by a young person during their struggles and triumphs, thereby becoming their roadmap towards success.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening.  Share with a friend.  
We are humans.  
From all around the world.  
One kind only. 
And that is humankind. 
Your friend, Marjy Marj

Monica Okrah, a Harvard MBA, investment banking professional, digital marketer, social impact co-founder, and board member, has an inspiring journey that has led her to become a successful coach. Initially, she envisioned a long-term corporate career, but starting and growing her family shifted her to a different path. The genuine relationships she developed with her clients and the impact she made on their lives inspired her to build a business based on her own path.

Monica's clients have not only been admitted to their choice schools but also earned over $25 million in scholarships. Monica believes she's found her purpose through coaching.

In the episode, we discussed the topic of how to get unstuck, which is a common issue for many people at the start of the new year. Monica shared her experiences and tips for breaking free from such mental blocks. She talked about her unexpected journey to bodybuilding and how the discipline and consistency she learned from it helped her get unstuck in other areas of her life.

One of the crucial points Monica talked about was the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and discipline. She emphasized the need to set standards for oneself and to live by these standards regardless of what happens in life. She also highlighted the importance of opening oneself to new experiences and learning opportunities by participating in activities you wouldn't typically engage in.

Monica's journey to self-improvement didn't just stop at bodybuilding and her career. She also shared her practice of writing love letters to herself, reflecting on her achievements, dreams, and aspirations. This practice, she believes, fosters a positive and encouraging mindset that helps one get unstuck.

Her conversation was a reminder that sometimes, getting unstuck doesn't always require drastic measures. Sometimes, it's about the small, consistent steps we take daily towards self-improvement and self-discovery. As Monica puts it, we just have to start, focus on being better every day, and surround ourselves with the right people who can help us grow and learn.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening.  Share with a friend.  
We are humans.  
From all around the world.  
One kind only. 
And that is humankind. 
Your friend, Marjy Marj

Satreva Dogan discusses the transition to 'empty nesting', a term referring to the period in a parent's life when their children leave home. It's a period of adjustment, a time when the house becomes quieter, and each family member begins to chart their own path.

Satreva's open and honest dialogue about empty-nesting offers solace and guidance for those in similar situations. She highlights the importance of nurturing relationships, fostering open communication, and allowing things to occur naturally.

One noteworthy aspect of the conversation revolves around how parents handle the newfound solitude when their children leave home. Satreva emphasizes the importance of rediscovering oneself and being intentional about spending quality time with your spouse or other loved ones. She wisely notes, "You just really have to be intentional about what you choose to do with your time now that they're gone."

The conversation wouldn't be complete without touching on the social and emotional aspects of the holiday season. While it is often painted with cheer, it can also induce feelings of loneliness and sadness for some. Satreva encourages us to extend grace, express love without limits, and cultivate a heart of gratitude during this season.

Satreva's candid conversation serves as a gentle reminder that life is a journey of continuous learning and adjustment. Whether you are an empty-nester, or someone navigating through life, her experience offers wisdom and companionship, reminding us all that we are never alone in our journey.

About Guest

Satreva Young Dogan is a dedicated community servant in Greenville, SC, with over 25 years of service. A Registered Nurse for 23 years, she owns and operates Complete Care Management Services, an In-Home Care Provider in Spartanburg, SC. Satreva has initiated numerous community efforts, including a weekly food bank, a senior feeding program, and outreach programs that provide essential items to families in need. As a mentor, she has guided many young girls, sharing wisdom and support. Satreva has had leadership roles at the Children’s Museum of the Upstate and Christ Church Episcopal School, and is a past recipient of the Whitney M. Young Jr. Humanitarian Award. A mother and a wife, she lives her life by the verse I Thessalonians 4: 11-12, aspiring to lead a quiet life, mind her own business, and work diligently so she may lack nothing.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening.  Share with a friend.  
We are humans.  
From all around the world.  
One kind only. 
And that is humankind. 
Your friend, Marjy Marj

Liberty Canzater is a woman who is making an impact in her community through her work as president and founder of The Butterfly Foundation (TBF) and Monarch Café. Liberty's mission with TBF is to empower and transform the lives of economically challenged individuals and families, helping them become self-sufficient and confident citizens.

TBF has been providing supportive services to chronically homeless individuals and families with disabilities in Spartanburg, Greenville, and Anderson Counties. They launched a Culinary Job Training Program to equip unemployed, underemployed, homeless, and previously incarcerated adults for a career in the food service industry. Their work has had resounding success, with individuals completing this 15-week program and maintaining an 88% job placement rate among participants.

In January 2023, Liberty's innovative venture, the Monarch Café, evolved as the only commissary kitchen with a pop-up restaurant component in the Upstate. This concept allows food producers, caterers, and food truck owners to rent a commercial kitchen space on a flexible, hourly or daily basis to prepare and sell food. It also provides food entrepreneurs with the opportunity to offer a full-service restaurant atmosphere to their customers without the overhead of maintaining a commercial facility.

Throughout our conversation, Liberty emphasized how crucial it is to do what you love, be open to advice, and think broadly to continually evolve. Her story serves as a testament to her commitment and resilience, and it is indeed a source of inspiration for budding entrepreneurs.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening.  Share with a friend.  
We are humans.  
From all around the world.  
One kind only. 
And that is humankind. 
Your friend, Marjy Marj

Meet Aba Cato Andah, known as "The Hopemonger".
She's a Psychotherapist, Transformational Speaker, Mental Health Advocate, and co-author of the motivational book "Letters of Hope to My Younger Self", a collaboration with Zoe Baraka.

A book stemmed from the concept of the Brewing Hope Show, "Letters of Hope to My Younger Self" is an epitome of teamwork, bringing together not only Aba and Zoe but also 39 contributors who helped manifest the book into reality.

For nearly two years, Aba and Zoe collaborated virtually. Despite meeting in person less than 24 hours before their book launch, this dynamic duo built a relationship akin to sisterhood. It was an emotional journey of getting to know each other while simultaneously creating a powerful piece of literature. Every part of the book, from conceptualization to publishing, was an act of collaboration.

Their collaboration process involved deliberate planning and tapping into each other's strengths. They set goals, established roles, and analyzed what each could bring to the table. This meticulous approach led to a successful blend of their talents, propelling the project forward despite unexpected twists and turns.

Aba emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic, clear communication, and nurturing relationships in any collaboration, whether virtual or in person. She also notes the need to consider legal aspects and encourages looking for collaborators at different levels, as diverse perspectives and skill sets can enrich the final product.

Aba's story is not just about successfully publishing a book; it's about the power of collaboration, the strength of relationships, and the transformative journey of creating something meaningful together.

Congratulations to Aba, Zoe, and their team for bringing "Letters of Hope to My Younger Self" to life.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening.  Share with a friend.  
We are humans.  
From all around the world.  
One kind only. 
And that is humankind. 
Your friend, Marjy Marj

Selassie, a registered nurse with over 17 years of experience, shared her wisdom about friendship – a lesson she learned from her mom and continues to foster to this day.

Growing up, Selassie's mom's close-knit circle of friends was so tight-knit that she initially thought they all were family. This tight bond opened her eyes to the power of authentic relationships and the importance of nurturing these connections. She learned that if you show your true self, you're more likely to sustain your friendships. The friendships you treasure are a mirror of who you are - if you crave empathy, be empathetic; if you value reliability, be someone others can rely on. In essence, you need to embody the qualities you seek in your friends.

Besides having a successful career - which includes a masters in Nursing Informatics, a role as a utilization review nurse at a top 3 medical insurance company, and owning a home health agency, Gad Healthcare LLC, Selassie also takes time to give back to her community. One of her remarkable contributions is through Mfantsiman Old Girls Association (MOGA) USA, where she serves on the executive board. In 2020, she coordinated a cookbook "MOGA89 Delight" to raise funds for her high school's project.

Balancing her career, philanthropic efforts, and personal life, Selassie still prioritizes fostering her friendships. It's a testament to the importance of sustaining relationships in our lives, regardless of our busy routines.

This episode is a reminder that friendships, like any other relationship, require nurturing, authenticity, and a good dose of empathy to flourish.

Are you the friend that you need in your life?

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening.  Share with a friend.  
We are humans.  
From all around the world.  
One kind only. 
And that is humankind. 
Your friend, Marjy Marj

Dr. Julie Jones is an Associate Professor at Converse University, where she also received her BA degree. An innovative educational development professional, Dr. Jones has had an exceptional journey since starting her teaching career in 1999 and has taught various grades, both in general and special education.

Dr. Jones maintains an active research agenda with interests that blend instructional technology and pedagogy with creativity and play. She directs the capstone course in child and family studies, empowering Converse seniors to apply the skills they've acquired into health and community work across the upstate.

At the height of the pandemic, Dr. Jones and her colleague, Jed Dearybury, published a bestselling book, The Playful Classroom (Wiley Jossey Bass), which continues to have a profound impact on classrooms worldwide. In November 2022, Dr. Jones expanded on the concept to a broader audience with her book The Playful Life: The Power of Play in our Every Day.

Dr. Jones' conversation on Humanity Chats revolved around the power of play and how it can be harnessed in our everyday lives. She emphasized the importance of being intentional friends and reminded us to treat every day as a gift. Encouraging us all to find joy in everything we do, she urged us to say yes to opportunities that bring us happiness and be decisive with our refusals. This philosophy also extends into her work, where she uses play as a tool to help facilitate a transition from traditional classrooms to a digital, one-to-one educational experience.

Aside from her research on play, Dr. Jones has contributed significantly to the field of education through numerous articles in instructional technology, school leadership, and instructional practices for at-risk students. She also served as the editor of the Teacher Education Journal of South Carolina and presided over the South Carolina Association of Teacher Educators.

In her own words, Dr. Jones describes her life's work as an answer to God's question, "What did you do with all that I have given to you?" We are happy to have had the opportunity to learn from her and look forward to her future contributions in the education field. To delve deeper into Dr. Jones' philosophy on the power of play, and to catch more insights, check out her podcast, We are Playful, available on all major podcast platforms.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening.  Share with a friend.  
We are humans.  
From all around the world.  
One kind only. 
And that is humankind. 
Your friend, Marjy Marj