Shots fired! This podcast is a very strong message for Doug Ducey, Az's Governor. Nia Starz joined to share some of the silly banter. Kenneth discussed bills that are being passed that many of AZ's citizens may not be aware of. These bills will strongly affect POC and this is a Call-To-Action  for POC and allies to get in FORMATION! Kenneth went off on this one. Tap in and Check out Unity 4 Arizona FB page to stay updated.

Former Senate Candidate, Sarah Tyree, joined us for the first episode of season 2. She is a woman of many titles and accomplishments and also a dear friend of Kenneth Smith. They spoke on the pros and cons of her experience running for office, The Unity Collective's progress and updates, and her business, Intuitive Transformations. This episode gets real, passionate, and informational. Thank you to our listeners for hanging with us and welcome back to The Middle with Kenneth Smith! IG: KennethUnity FB: Sarah Tyree

The Organizer of the Black Lives Matter mural project, Gizette Knight, spoke about the journey to getting the project done and how it started. A leader and visionary discusses the obstacles, her documentary, the 28 murals, and doing things the right way in Phoenix. The journey started in November of 2020 and by January 2021 became something much more powerful. We want to Thank Gizette Knight for her efforts in making Phoenix a spot of inclusion and black history exposure. Kenneth and Gizette also reflect on planning the Unity March that occurred in early 2020 and how they both rose to their leadership positions. A powerful episode that reflects on black history and 2 friends' history that shifted to them "walking in their purpose". "This is why black lives matter and I'm gonna show you in 28 ways" - Gizette knight To contact Gizette Knight: [email protected]

Jacob and Sam stopped by to discuss their first responder program for Phoenix called the Neighborhood Organized Crisis Assistance Program (NOCAP). This program would benefit the Phoenix Police Dept as well as our communities vulnerable citizens suffering from mental distress, homelessness, domestic violence, drug dependence, etc. This community-based program follows the model that was implemented in Eugene, Oregon (CAHOOTS) previously and worked successfully. Tap in right now to hear about a ground-breaking program that will change how we assist our communities and prevent deadly encounters with the police. NOCAP will be having an online forum as well that would like to hear from the citizens, the people, you. March 20th @ 1pm. Join the UNITY FOR ARIZONA FB page to stay updated. You can also follow NOCAP on social media: IG: Nocap.phx FB: NOCAP PHX IG: Kenneth Smith IG: Nia Starz

This week we spoke with the Owner and Creator of Summer Soulstice Boutique, Baseemah Penna. She shared with us how she started her business, running into racism, and visiting Ghana. She also shared the many uses of wearing waist beads and the cultural background. We also shared our Giveaway information. So check out this episode for an inspirational story from a black, woman, business owner in California. Summersoulsticeboutique.com https://instagram.com/summersoulsticeboutique?igshid=19psktdgz69jd

Dr. Ryan Starzyk joins us to discuss veterans and what areas in our system are lacking to really support them. Dr. Ryan Starzyk is a former State Senate Candidate and a veteran, himself, who also discusses a proposal to help them integrate back into civilian society and help the economy. They also touch on addiction, suicide, education, and their healthcare. Make sure to share this with your friends, family, and vets so we can start making a positive difference for the people who fought for our country. Thank you to Dr. Ryan Starzyk and the Bluefire Group. Please visit: www.womensmemorial.org 

Kenneth Smith and Special Guest, Laila Reid, are back together again. This time they share some delicious reviews for some local restaurants that they believe were worth sharing. They also shouted out some online black businesses to encourage putting your black dollars to work. Get a paper and pen because you're going to want to save the addresses and information for these restaurants after you hear what they have and hear their ratings. Our most fun episode yet takes you around the valley and discloses why these businesses should be supported. "I wanted to savor every bite". Save Barrio Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/867537700323100/permalink/1058115027932032/

Kenneth Smith and special guest, Laila Reid, discuss the negatives and positives of sending your children to school during a pandemic. Kenneth and Laila, both educators, touch on the CDC guidelines, expectations, important signs, and solutions. The middle brings you the perspective from the side of an educator and the side from a parent and what's really important for our children.

Kenneth Smith sits down with an icon in the Drag community, Nevaeh Mckenzie AKA Karrington Valenzuela, as they discuss the LGBT community joining BLM. Also, breaking down minority communities supporting each other and the dangers they face. They discuss scary statistics in the black and gay community, African Americans in legal representation, and the legislative Call-To-Action. 

Kenneth Smith introduces himself to the world. As an Educator with over 15 years of experience Kenneth and his Sister, Nia Starz, start their first podcast getting to the real. Discussing where they started, social justice issues, MLK day, Unity, speaking to AZ Governor Doug Ducey, and the legislative watch. When speaking on what the middle is they try to bring forth a mission of Unity and the few phases of social activism. Their journey is just getting started and they have a long path ahead to truly meeting equality and justice. Don't miss the middle perspective on politics and current events.