In this episode of Perspective, Ted provides an interesting discussion for his listeners as he dedicates the time to discussing fraternities, sororities and Greek life. While Ted himself is not a member of a fraternity, he opens up the discussion to speak with three men from different Greek organizations, who are all members of the Divine Nine, the name given to denote the nine African-American Greek organizations. During their conversation they discuss their personal experiences in their respective fraternities both during and after college, the opportunities that experience has provided for them, as well as the impact it continues to have on their lives, each identifying that the reason (at least in part) for their personal success is somehow tied to their connectedness to their Greek organizations. While they speak to their own experiences in fraternity life, the topic of hazing is also addressed as it is a point of contention within today’s collegiate environment. The group dedicates time to discussing the historical intention of fraternities (promoting brotherhood, scholarship, community involvement, mentorship) which in many respects seems to be in opposition to how they are seen in today’s climate (promoting partying, unwanted hazing, exclusivism). The 4 likewise discuss how those apparent differences can be reconciled as they review how many organizations are pouring back into the local community through different community initiatives, projects and philanthropy, which is consistent with their historical design. As the conversation resolves, Ted and his guests also take time to discuss the somewhat contentious performance from Beyonce at the recent Cochella festival which many interpreted as an homage to HBCU’s (Historically Black College & Universities) Greek culture, while Beyonce is not herself a member of a Greek organization. While some felt her performance respectfully appropriated Greek culture, others were offended by it, which the group reviews. Ted hopes to offer the listener a fresh perspective into Greek life from those who have dedicated their lives to it and seen the tremendous good it can offer for young collegians looking for a way to be poured into while pouring into others and their community.   Follow today’s participants on Twitter & Instagram @apitts56 @iamrichaun @csurratt   Learn more about HBCU’s (Historically Black College & University’s): https://hbculifestyle.com/category/hbcus/history/   Learn more about the Divine Nine: https://hbculifestyle.com/the-divine-9-sororities-and-fraternities-on-hbcu-campuses/

In this episode of Perspective, Ted sits down with Kevin Marshall for an intriguing look into the modern legal system. Kevin is the Managing Attorney with the Marshall Law Group in the Atlanta area & a practicing criminal defense attorney. During his time with Ted, Kevin shares with the listeners the unique life circumstances that inspired him to initially consider a career in the legal profession as well as his experience as a young attorney in today’s political & social climate. He also helps the listener better understand the purpose & role of the legal process in society despite its flaws as well as the importance of having citizens speaking into the process of electing law makers in order to address the issues that are inherent in the legal system. As their conversation unfolds, Ted & Kevin discuss many timely topics, including what it takes for Kevin to be an attorney that others can relate to & identify with. Additionally he speaks to the historical stereotypes of what a prototypical legal professional looks like & what it has required for him to build his practice with clients who trust him & his expertise. Likewise he highlights the need for other young attorneys to be the types of people who are role models for younger generations despite what others might assume to be limitations do to their race or personal life circumstances. Throughout their conversation together the two also speak to issues currently hitting media headlines like the details around rapper Meek Mill’s prosecution, incarceration & recent release as an example of potential flaws in the American legal system & how they should be addressed to be more effective. The topics of police brutality & school violence are also discussed with the intent of giving a new lens through which to view the topics in light of Kevin’s professional experience. Their hope is that you will gain a new perspective on these timely topics & that you as the listener will be enabled to see that regardless of your life’s circumstances or your personal environment, you are able to step beyond that to make a future that is your own.

In this episode of Perspective, host Ted Winn talks with Damien Conners, Vice President of Promise & Impact at the Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. Damien has earned multiple degrees, including a Masters of Divinity from Princeton University. He is committed to working for social justice & sustainable positive change in communities.  During the course of the conversation Ted & Damien discuss civil rights organizations such as the NAACP & Sustainable Economies Law Center as well as current social justice movements "Black Lives Matter" & "Me Too”. The two begin with emphasizing the importance for those experiencing injustices or hardships to speak up & make their presence known to local elected officials, specifically city councils & school boards. And it becomes evident that this presence is even more crucial in light of our country’s growing plutocracy. Ted’s hopes are that this conversation may stir listeners to action & involvement while enabling them to gain a new perspective on these important issues. Follow Damien Cooper on twitter @DameAlexander

In this episode of Perspective, Shawnda Chapman Brown joins Ted for a conversation centered primarily around sexual abuse and it’s effects on women of color in particular. Shawnda is a researcher and social justice advocate who lives and works in New York City. With a particular focus on marginalized and vulnerable populations, Shawnda has gained broad experience by both developing as well as implementing research, monitoring and evaluation materials both in the U.S. and internationally. Partially fueled by her own experiences, her work has focused on racial justice, gender justice and understanding the ways girls of color get pushed into the criminal justice system.  Shawnda is able to speak with a unique level of insight and empathy on topics like these. While she and Tedd share some of their own stories, they also give significant time to discussing accusations of the sexual misconduct of recognizable figures like R. Kelly and Bill Cosby. The two discuss the balance between being sensitive to victims while also upholding the belief that as adults we have a responsibility to deal with past trauma in order to better ourselves and function better in relationships. As an application, Shawnda advises listeners to review their opinions and patterns of behavior, even to recreate new ones when necessary, as a means of gaining a new perspective on these important issues. Follow Shawnda Chapman Brown on Twitter @shawndachapmanb Learn more about the Vera Institute of Justice, where she is a program specialist:https://www.vera.org/projects/ending-girls-incarceration-in-new-york-city

In this episode of Perspective, Ted sits down with television writer and producer Cooper James. Cooper has written for many well-known shows like Hangin' with Mr.Cooper and The Jamie Foxx Show as well as other shows on major television networks. As an African American male who has successfully established himself in the television and film industry, Cooper is able to offer listeners unique insights into his journey through this industry. From the onset, James traces the beginning of his career trajectory back to a high school English class which he desperately tried to escape. But it was in that class that James found confidence in his writing ability and better learned the importance of doing hard things in order to succeed in life.  Likewise Ted and Cooper take the opportunity to remind young listeners that seeing and learning about different career paths can be life-changing as James offers his behind-the-scene insights into some of what it takes like to be a TV writer. James also talks about how he has felt the need to be mindful of creating more opportunities both for himself and other African Americans in the industry as he continues to move up in his career—an approach he calls “lifting as we climb”. The dialogue the two share goes far beyond the extensive list of James’ peronal achievements and is relevant to any social justice-minded listener with the hope that a new perspective on these important issues can be given. Follow James Cooper on social media @ShrinkWrapMedia

In this episode of Perspective, Ted sits down with revolutionary multi-GRAMMY award winner Kirk Franklin who is one of the most widely recognized and awarded gospel artists, music creators and entrepreneurs of our time. However, both Ted and Kirk’s musical careers take a backseat for most of this engaging conversation. Rather, the two discuss many important social issues including the editing of Kirk’s speech at the Dove GMA awards where he addressed the need for the church community to stand up and be a Christ-like voice in the midst of racial, social and gender inequality in America.    Kirk also takes the time to share his heart about racism in Christianity and the need for civil discourse between black and white Evangelicals as well as what it means to be a source of support and positive engagement for women speaking out against acts of sexual abuse through the #MeToo movement. The two also cover other varied topics like what it takes to create music that transcends genres and working with “secular” artists like Chance the Rapper.  Follow Kirk on Twitter & Instagram @kirkfranklin Find out more about Kirk Franklin & his music: http://www.kirkfranklin.com/bio/

In this episode of Perspective, Ted sits down with actor, producer and activist Jesse Lipscombe to discuss several important topics, including racial tensions, the use of racial slurs and other topics in our culture related to racial/gender equality. During their conversation Jesse shares some of the personal challenges he has faced and how he is using his influence to bring much-needed attention to these areas in our culture. While recognizing that healthy conversations about these topics can be challenging, they discuss the need for making these types of conversations available for everyone in order to educate people on the harm of hatred and bigotry. Jesse also gives the listeners an inside view into the #MakeItAwkward campaign which was designed to combat racism, misogyny, homophobia and hatred of all kinds.   Follow Jesse on Twitter & Instagram @thelipscombe   Find out more about Jesse: http://miasummit.com/team/jesse/   Learn more about the "Make It Awkward Summit": http://miasummit.com/

In this episode of Perspective, Ted sits down with political commentator, author, lawyer, educator, activist and tv personality Keith Boykin to hear Keith’s perspective on a number of timely discussion points. During this honest conversation Ted and Keith share in-depth dialogue on many topics, including the current state of our country, racial resentment, the mistreatment of women and minorities, institutional biases and how the country is adapting to the 24-hour news/media cycle as the main source for news and current events. During the discussion Keith also draws on his personal experiences and diverse career paths to offer his insight into these topics and discuss what he sees as the key ways that we as a country can embrace our values in order to really see the change we desire and become who we really are. Additionally Keith offers helpful insights into the political spectrum from his own experience with and knowledge of political campaigns. Ted and Keith’s conversation will force you to consider the current state of our country and institutions with the hope that we will all be able to learn from each other’s perspectives to become a better community and people.   Keith is on Twitter at @keithboykin   Keith Boykin’s Website: https://keithboykin.com/   Keith’s Referenced Books: https://keithboykin.com/books

In this episode, Ted talks with Cheryl Fortune—talented singer/songwriter, mother and Houston native.The two discuss issues close to her heart, but also relevant to listeners. From discrimination she faces as a black woman in the music industry to being a survivor of domestic violence, Cheryl kindly bears her heart to Ted and listeners. The two share experiences and offer hopeful insight to listeners. With the rise of the MeToo movement and others like it, Ted & Cheryl’s conversation is surely an important one. Cheryl Fortune’s Website: http://iamsimplycheryl.com

In this first episode, Ted speaks with educator Michael Bonner about some ideas that the country and our communities can use to improve our current education system. Many believe our country is dealing with a crisis amid epidemics with school violence, discrimination and ineffective educational philosophies. Michael and Ted discuss these issues and others to review varying methodologies that may help to create a better edcational system for America's children in hopes that a new perspective will bring the much needed answers so many are looking for. Michael is on twitter and instagram at @michaelbonner_  Michael Bonner on Ellen:                                                                                                                                                                                          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN6gKAfEwZ8 Find "Get Up or Give Up" by Michael Bonner:  https://www.amazon.com/Get-Up-Give-Almost-Teaching/dp/1682615871/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522866009&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=get+up+or+get+out+michael+bonner