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https://www.bonitahamptonsmith.com/books/

Bonita Smith is author of a new book "Dear White Women, Dear Black Women." A powerful collection of letters between Black and White women, interwoven with stories of pain, forgiveness, and the transformative power of compassion. This collection aims to bridge the divide between women and start the healing of a nation’s soul. Bonita is currently the Chief Operating Officer of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Change in Atlanta Georgia.

Bonita grew up in Mariana, Arkansas which appeared as a small, impoverished town to outsiders but to her and her community was to her a place "rich in love" where neighbors shared everything from food to childcare, embodying the beloved community concept before she even had words for it.

Smith's leadership philosophy draws from unexpected sources – her experience as a basketball point guard taught her the power of offensive strategy, while caring for her quadriplegic brother revealed how organizations become paralyzed when leadership disconnects from the team. Her stark metaphor of leaders as "the neck" of an organization provides a vivid understanding of how energy and vision must flow freely to create movement and impact.

The raw vulnerability Smith brings to this conversation is breathtaking. She shares a pivotal moment where she nearly chose a destructive path before finding her purpose through faith and prison ministry. This turning point led her to become the first female chaplain in DeKalb County Jail. Her approach to difficult conversations through storytelling demonstrates how leaders can create space for truth and reconciliation.

What sets Smith apart is her radical reimagining of leadership as fundamentally rooted in love. She provocatively challenges conventional thinking about diversity and inclusion, arguing they are merely outcomes of love-conscious leadership, not standalone solutions. "If you are constantly dealing with outcomes that you're trying to dismantle, that's not the problem. You have to get to the root causes," she explains. Her call for leaders to do their inner healing work first turns leadership development inside out, focusing on wholeness before strategy.

Smith's declaration that she's "not opening doors for anyone - I'm taking the hinges off" perfectly captures her approach to creating fluid opportunities rather than gatekeeping. Her vision for women discovering their power to transform families, organizations, and societies offers hope for healing our deepest divisions. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just beginning your journey, this conversation will challenge you to lead from love and build a legacy that truly matters.

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Ralph Smithers Jr., journey from northeast Columbus through Mifflin High School and Ohio State University reveals the power of unexpected paths. Despite being a self-described "C student" and late bloomer physically (just 5'3" and 103 pounds in 9th grade), Ralph found his calling through service and relationship-building. Now leading inclusion, belonging and community engagement at Encova Insurance, he demonstrates how cultivating authentic connections creates ripple effects far beyond what we might imagine.

The conversation takes us through Ralph's foundational influences—parents dedicated to public service, a strong church community that anchored his faith, and the life-changing scholarship that allowed him to graduate debt-free and later create the "Bucking the Trends" scholarship for others.

What happens when your name is mentioned in a room you're not in? For Ralph Smithers Jr., this question represents the essence of personal legacy. "I hope that you know if my name is spoken in a place that I'm not at, it'll at minimum bring a smile to someone's face or it'll bring like 'hey, that's someone we can trust,'" he shares in this deeply reflective conversation on building a lasting impact.

What truly distinguishes this episode is Ralph's reflections on legacy-building beyond accolades. His approach to board service intentionally stretches him beyond comfort zones, allowing him to discover new passions while bringing diverse perspectives to each table. "I hope that people would say he saw things in me that I didn't see in myself, and as a result, my life is better," he says, capturing the essence of servant leadership.

Ready to rethink how you're building your own legacy? Join us for this conversation that will challenge you to consider: What will people say when your name is mentioned after you've left the room?

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Angela Pace powerful story weaves through the nurturing community of Columbus's historic Poindexter Village (the "Blackberry Patch") where three generations of women taught her about determination and sacrifice. With candid warmth and infectious humor, she shares how her grandmother and mother instilled in her a love of learning, proper English, and unwavering faith that would become the foundation of her broadcasting career.

One teacher's belief changed everything. When Angela Pace's sixth-grade teacher drove her home and told her mother, "This girl needs to go to college," a new path opened for a young girl from Poindexter Village who had never imagined higher education as part of her future.

The journey wasn't smooth. Angela reveals the heartbreaking challenges she faced – from her mother's death during her high school years to experiencing blatant racism as a young reporter in Newark, where police officials deliberately withheld stories from the "little Black girl with a teeny weeny 'fro." Yet for every obstacle, Angela encountered champions who recognized her talent and created opportunities, including former teachers who literally drove her to Capital University to help her re-enroll after she had to drop out to support her siblings.

Her broadcasting career brought extraordinary experiences – covering Princess Diana's funeral, reporting from the Nagano Olympics, and even meeting Nelson Mandela. But Angela's greatest pride comes from connecting with the Columbus community and inspiring younger journalists who tell her, "I want to be Angela Pace." Now honored as one of Columbus's Top 50 Icons, Angela doesn't see herself as a trailblazer but as "encouragement and maybe hope" for all the other kids from neighborhoods like hers.

What does legacy mean to Angela Pace? It's "doing something that somebody will remember, hopefully for all the right reasons." Listen now to discover how faith, mentorship, and perseverance shaped a broadcasting legend whose grandmother "prayed her through college" and whose story continues to inspire generations.

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As President and CEO of the Ohio Black Expo, Sherri Hamilton brings a fascinating blend of technical expertise and community vision that's reshaping how we think about empowerment. Want to experience the Ohio Black Expo's impact firsthand? Join thousands at the Riverfront Culture Fest on May 24-25, featuring everything from health screenings and youth activities to cultural performances and business showcases. Visit OhioBlackExpo.com to learn more about getting involved.

From her early days taking apart electronics as a curious child to her groundbreaking work as a programmer analyst in the Air Force during Desert Storm, Sherri's journey reveals how STEM skills can become powerful tools for community transformation. Enjoy this powerful episode.

The conversation takes us through Sherri's upbringing in Columbus during the 70s and 80s, where a strong "village" of family, church, and community members shaped her values. She candidly shares what it was like being often the only Black woman in technological spaces, and how that experience drives her passion for creating pathways for the next generation through initiatives like youth STEM programs and partnerships with COSI.

What's truly inspiring is how Sherri approaches community building - rejecting competition in favor of collaboration, focusing on amplifying rather than overshadowing others' work. Under her leadership, the Ohio Black Expo has become far more than an annual event; it's a comprehensive platform addressing critical challenges facing Black businesses and providing youth with transformative opportunities.

The wisdom Sherri shares about legacy-building resonates deeply: "When I think about legacy, I think about my parents. Is what I'm doing making them proud? Is what I'm doing walking in God's will? Am I doing things that help people or am I doing things that hurt people?" Her powerful mantra - "The best way to predict your future is to create it" - serves as both challenge and inspiration.

Want to experience the Ohio Black Expo's impact firsthand? Join thousands at the Riverfront Culture Fest on May 24-25, featuring everything from health screenings and youth activities to cultural performances and business showcases. Visit OhioBlackExpo.com to learn more about getting involved.

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Commissioner Kevin Boyce's remarkable journey from childhood tragedy to trailblazing public service offers a masterclass in resilience and purposeful living. When his father was murdered at age seven, Boyce found himself navigating life with a single mother working multiple jobs to make ends meet. What could have been a story of limitation instead became one of extraordinary possibility through what Boyce calls his "village" - recreation leaders who ensured he had lunch when food was scarce at home, teachers who advocated for him during troubled times, and coaches who nurtured his natural abilities.

The conversation reveals how Boyce's athletic background shaped his life philosophy: "It's not about how you start off in life, it's how you finish, and you can determine how you finish." This mindset carried him through becoming the first Black commissioner in Franklin County's history and co-founding Adelphi Bank - a modern iteration of a historic Black-owned financial institution that once catalyzed business development in Columbus's King Lincoln neighborhood.

Perhaps most compelling is Boyce's creation of RISE, an organization exclusively focused on addressing poverty and racism through innovative approaches. His story about a county employee who couldn't accept a promotion because it would cause her to lose childcare subsidies illuminates the complex barriers facing working families - and his determination to create real solutions. Through it all, faith remains his centering force, offering grace during struggles and guidance during successes. When asked about his legacy, Boyce looks not to professional accomplishments but to raising sons who embody compassion and service - a powerful reminder that our most meaningful impact often comes through the lives we touch most directly. Join us to discover how your own journey, regardless of its starting point, can become a legacy that transforms communities for generations to come.

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Chris Broussard's story is uniquely powerful and he is transparent about the spiritual journey that transformed his life. Despite achieving what many would consider the American Dream—promising career, loving relationship, financial security—he describes feeling an emptiness that only surrendering to faith could fill. On his 21st birthday, this decision became the foundation upon which he's built everything since, guiding his priorities: God, family, and career.

Chris Broussard's remarkable journey from sports-loving kid to nationally recognized analyst offers a masterclass in building a life of purpose and impact. The accomplished Fox Sports personality opens up about finding his path by combining what he enjoyed (sports) with what he was gifted at (writing), eventually landing an internship that launched his career at major outlets including ESPN and Fox Sports.

As one of the first African-American sports analysts at ESPN, Broussard recognizes how representation matters. "You can't be what you can't see," notes host Tim Brown, underscoring how Broussard's visibility paved the way for others. This commitment to lifting others extends through his King Movement, an organization spanning 20 cities that fosters brotherhood among Christian men.

Perhaps most compelling is Broussard's wisdom about balancing ambition with family life. Throughout his demanding NBA coverage years, he made strategic career shifts to remain present for his twin daughters. His parting advice resonates deeply: the choices we make during the crucial decade from junior high through college largely determine our next 50-60 years. "Your younger self has to protect your older self"—words well worth carrying forward.

Don't miss Chris speaking live in Columbus on April 26th and Cleveland shortly after. Subscribe now for more conversations building lifelong legacy through faith, family, and purposeful work.

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Judge Guy Reece's remarkable journey from a Mississippi sharecropper's son to a decorated military officer and groundbreaking African-American judge captivates with its powerful message of perseverance and purpose.

Growing up in the segregated South before his family relocated to St. Louis, Reece's childhood foundation of hard work and determination became the bedrock of his future success. When drafted during the Vietnam War, rather than simply accepting his assigned position, he excelled at testing and earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant, eventually being awarded a Bronze Star for his service.

The path to becoming a judge wasn't straightforward. Beginning with culinary aspirations that went unfulfilled, Reece's life took unexpected turns through military service, where he discovered his interest in law while serving as trial counsel despite having no formal legal training. After thirteen years of active duty, he pursued his law degree at Ohio State University, maintaining his military connections through the Army Reserves, where he eventually achieved the rank of Colonel.

Making history as the first African-American elected to the Franklin County Common Pleas Court, Reece's judicial career spanned over twenty years. In a remarkable display of partnership, he later resigned his position to support his wife's groundbreaking corporate opportunity in Indonesia, demonstrating his belief that success is meant to be shared.

Today, Judge Reece continues mentoring law students and young attorneys, driven by his philosophy that "if you plant that seed, potentially it'll grow." His message to young people facing today's challenges resonates with simplicity and power: "Do your best. Nobody can take that from you." What seeds of excellence are you planting in your community that might grow into something extraordinary?

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https://www.youngmengrowing.org/event-details/black-male-teen-summit-2025

The Young Men Growing Mentor Program is hosting a leadership summit on April 19th at Cuyahoga Community College. Gary Hicks Sr. is transforming lives one young man at a time. As founder and CEO of Young Men Growing, his mission pulses with urgent purpose: to shift how young men see themselves from "just kids" to "growing men" with responsibilities and purpose.

What happens when a rebellious young man is given the tough love, guidance, and mentorship needed to transform his life? Gary Hicks, founder and CEO of Young Men Growing, takes us on his powerful journey from resistance to revelation.

Gary shares how being uprooted from Cleveland to Tennessee to live with his father changed the trajectory of his life. Though he fought against it initially—getting expelled from school and kicked off basketball teams—this foundation of hard work and accountability became the bedrock of his approach to mentoring young men today. "My father would hire me every morning and fire me at the end of the day," Gary recalls, a lesson in responsibility that shaped his character.

Basketball became Gary's lifeline, providing structure and opportunity when he needed it most. But the real transformation came during college when a simple question about God's existence led to a profound spiritual awakening that redefined his purpose. Today, Gary channels these experiences into Young Men Growing, focusing on five critical areas: leadership development, financial literacy, education, social-emotional learning, and community engagement.

The conversation delves into one of Gary's most powerful principles: "Maturity does not begin with age, but with the acceptance of responsibility." Through this lens, he guides young men to embrace their circumstances and take ownership of their lives, regardless of their youth. His approach addresses modern challenges like technology dependence and the struggle with stillness, while emphasizing the critical role of male leadership in families and communities.

Most moving is Gary's reflection on his personal legacy—loving God and family above all else. "I care to see a young man smile, I care to see a woman who, when they have a good man, they smile and carry themselves different," he shares, revealing how true mentorship creates ripple effects across generations.

Want to support this important work? Join the Young Men Growing connect at youngmengrowing.org to learn how you can help build the next generation of leaders.

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