John Washington interviews Michael Alexander
John Washington interviews Rusha Grinstead from the Oregon Health Plan
John Washington interviews Dennis Franklin, drift community's Hype Man.
he behavioral health system is overwhelming our communities. We see it every day—rising addiction, untreated trauma, families struggling to get the care they need. How did we get here? And who’s really doing the work to fix it?On this episode of Black Beat Podcast, host John Washington keeps it real, raw, and unapologetically Black with two powerhouse leaders in behavioral health:🔹 Ebony S. Clarke – Director of Behavioral Health at the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) 🔹 Dr. Kate McLaughlin – Executive Director of the Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral HealthThey break down: 🧠 The truth behind Oregon’s behavioral health crisis 🚨 How racism, economic oppression, and trauma fuel mental health struggles 💰 Why billions are being spent—but access to care is still a struggle 🔑 The new game plan to train mental health professionals before it’s too late ✊🏽 How communities can take back control and demand real solutionsThis ain’t just a conversation—it’s a wake-up call.
John Washington, CEO of Flossin Media and host of the Black Beat Podcast, is joined by this episode's co-host, Fawn Aberson (Editor of Flossin Magazine), to speak with Julia Mines (Executive Director) and Kayla Moore (Program Director) of the Miracles Club, a Black-led addiction recovery center that has been a lifeline for the community for over three decades.Portland's homelessness crisis has reached alarming levels, exacerbated by the fentanyl epidemic and the unintended consequences of Measure 110, which decriminalized drug possession. Black neighborhoods, in particular, are bearing the brunt of these intersecting crises. Tents line city streets, businesses report an increase in break-ins, and families face daily reminders of the trauma caused by addiction. Amid these challenges, culturally responsive organizations like the Miracles Club provide a vital bridge between harm reduction and recovery, offering solutions tailored to the unique needs of Black communities.Tune in for a compelling discussion that uncovers the roots of trauma and explores actionable solutions to address our addiction crisis.
A discussion with Stanley Pinkin
John Washington interviews Sonja Ervin
This podcast is produced by Flossin Media
Alex Gebreab speaks with Tyrone Hendrix about his entrepreneurship in Portland, and his drive to bring back the Portland black music scene.
Jill Stein is a Harvard-educated doctor, a pioneering environmental health advocate, and an organizer for people, planet, and peace. She has helped lead initiatives to fight environmental racism, injustice, and pollution, to promote healthy communities, and to revitalize democracy. She has helped win victories in campaign finance reform, racially-just redistricting, and the clean-up of incinerators, coal plants, and other toxic threats. She was a principal organizer for the Global Climate Convergence for People, Planet, and Peace over Profit.Dr. Stein is running for president with the Green Party to offer a choice for the people outside the two-party system. Our host John Washington is accompanied by co-host Fawn Aberson and Michelle Darr to discuss the 2024 presidential campaign which includes: Going against the two dominant party candidates American dollars going towards war machines Climate concerns with food, water, and air Thank you for being a part of our show where we take pride in improving people's perceptions of capability, significance and influence in their lives and in their communities.
Dr. Roger J. Thompson is in his fourteenth year at the University of Oregon where he serves as the Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management. He is responsible for services that contribute to enhancing the student experience, recruitment, retention, and graduation. His portfolio also includes providing continuing and professional education for the community.His remarkable journey with University of Oregon is coming to a close as he begins his next chapter of his career as the 31st President of Saint Mary’s College of California. Our host John Washington is accompanied by co-host Fawn Aberson to embark on Presidents Thompsons remarkable journey and to discuss with us: Recent legal changes affect on affirmative actionIs education still the pathway to wealth? Political climate on college campusesThank you for being a part of our show where we take pride in improving people's perceptions of capability, significance and influence in their lives and in their communities.
Lincoln Roy is a genre-blending artist who embodies Hip-hop Reggae/Afrofusion. He was born in Los Angeles to Caribbean parents and learned to play the drums and keyboards at 12. LR has released various songs like “Two Seats” and “Coastin” to show his ability to crossover Hip-hop and Reggae and showcases Lincoln Roy’s talent and style. His Latest single, “2 Shots” Dec.19th 2023 is a Hip-hop/ Afrofusion record that showcases Lincoln Roy as a pioneer in the genre blending lane. Tune in to this episode of Black Beat Podcast where John Washington dives back into the music industry with emerging artist Lincoln Roy. Here’s what they take the mic to talk about: Kendrick Lamar vs Drake’s recent rap beefFusing Hip Hop and Afro Beats to make a new genre of music Developing as a artist and creating a team to help support LR’s growthDoes it make sense to sign a record deal in today's age? Thank you for being a part of our show where we take pride in improving people's perceptions of capability, significance and influence in their lives and in their communities.
Oregonians know Ron as a senator who listens. Always citing the need to “throw open the doors of government,” he holds an open-to-all town hall meeting in each of Oregon’s 36 counties each year. Thus far he has held more than 680 meetings. Wyden’s dedication to hearing all sides of an issue and looking for common sense, non-partisan solutions has won him trust on both sides of the aisle.Wyden has taken the lead on policies that are helping to grow the economy in areas like improved infrastructure through his Build America Bonds program, micro and nano-technology, e-commerce, and incentives for cleaner sources of energy.Tune in to this episode of Black Beat Podcast with John Washington and Fawn Aberson as they talk with Senator Wyden about:Alarming racial disparities in mortgage lending practices at Naval at the Navy Federal Credit UnionThe call for a thorough review to ensure fair lending practices for allA new legislation introduced by Senator Wyden to crack down on companies using price fixing algorithms to inflate rentsThank you for being a part of our show where we take pride in improving people's perceptions of capability, significance and influence in their lives and in their communities.
Shannon Singleton is running for Multnomah County Commission for District Number 2. With nearly 30 years of experience as a social worker, she has dedicated her life to improving social safety net services. She brings a wealth of knowledge and frontline experience that is essential for sparking the transformation our community desperately needs. Shannon's core values, striving for equity, staying accountable to the community, and showing courageous leadership are reflecting her impressive career. From providing direct services as the housing policy advisor and director of equity and racial justice in the office of Governor Kate Brown, Shannon has been a staunch advocate for those most in need.Singleton is running for Multnomah County Commission for District 2 because she knows we can be a community that lives our values. As a social worker for almost 30 years, she believes she’s the only candidate with front line experience needed to spark an overdue transformation desperately needed to improve the social safety net services provided by the County.Tune in to this episode of Black Beat Podcast with John Washington and Alex Gebreab, to hear their conversation with Singleton regarding:Her motivation to run for District 2 and addressing the districts issuesTackling homelessness and alternate solutions and shelters Effective ways to support small businesses and getting them the resources they need Thank you for being a part of our show where we take pride in improving people's perceptions of capability, significance and influence in their lives and in their communities.
Nate McCoy, Representing the Oregon chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC), which represents construction, design, professional services, and helping businesses of color thrive. They just busting through the door, but busting through the door and getting some economics. So what we're centering today on this show with you is talking about something not new to black people, which is disparity studies..By Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers, NAMC represents the interests of millions of skilled minority workers across the country. Through a network of local chapters and in collaboration with strategic and corporate partnerships, NAMC assists members with building capacity by providing access to opportunity, advocacy, and contractor development training.Learn more about NAMC here: https://www.namc-oregon.org/Tune in to this episode of Black Beat Podcast with John Washington and Fawn Aberson, as they discuss with McCoy:They recent disparity study in Oregon and how to handle this new informationThe economic fluctuation for African Americans in Portland and people are leaving the city “The answer to social justice is economic justice” and how to achieve itThank you for being a part of our show where we take pride in improving people's perceptions of capability, significance and influence in their lives and in their communities.
Sam Adams, running for Multnomah County Commissioner District 2, has worked as a mayor, city commissioner, mayoral chief of staff, nonprofit leader, entrepreneur, and consultant. He has more than 35 years of hands-on experience leading and collaborating with diverse teams to create, develop and implement policies, plans and strategies that have helped Portland, Oregon be one of the best cities (Bloomberg Business Week 2012) and the most sustainable large city (Mother Nature Network 2009) in the nation. After leaving the Mayor's office, Adams was the founding director of the World Resources Institute's (WRI) US program, expanding WRI's work with American states and cities, and creating new research partnerships with think tanks in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. He served as the Executive Director of the 100-year-old civic improvement nonprofit, the City Club of Portland.Tune in to this episode of Black Beat Podcast with John Washington, Amber Ontiveros, and Fawn Aberson who speak with Adams about:What sets him apart from other running candidates in District 2The dysfunctionality that Multnomah County has had and how to address the urgent needs. Ensuring Multnomah County's Black community is fairly represented in the wealth and resources of the countyThank you for being a part of our show where we take pride in improving people's perceptions of capability, significance and influence in their lives and in their communities.
Fay Stetz-Waters is the Civil Rights and Social Justice Director for the Oregon Department of Justice. As the Director of Civil Rights and Social Justice, she is committed to increasing the Department’s impact on civil rights issues affecting marginalized and vulnerable Oregonians. Fay has been a strong advocate for justice her whole life. She enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at age 17, where she worked as a field radio operator. While working as a 911 dispatcher at night, Fay earned a bachelor’s degree in history and graduated with honors from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. She attended Lewis and Clark Law School, where she wrote on constitutional issues like marriage equality, transgender rights, and crime victims’ rights.Tune in to this episode of Black Beat Podcast with John Washington and Amber Ontiveros who speak with Stetz-Waters about:
Thank you for being a part of our show where we take pride in improving people's perceptions of capability, significance and influence in their lives and in their communities.
Leslie Goodlow joined Portland Housing Bureau in the City of Portland as the Equity and Business Operations Manager in September of 2012. She manages Compliance, Human Resources, Finance & Accounting, Administration and Contracts. The housing bureau currently has a budget of over $300 million with 81 FTE. She is the Bureau lead on equity goals related to recruitment, hiring, training and contracts. Leslie is also the co-sponsor of the N/NE Neighborhood Housing Strategy, an effort by the city of Portland to provide opportunities for displaced residents to move back into NE Portland.
Tune in to this episode of Black Beat Podcast with John Washington and Fawn Aberson who speak with Leslie Goodlow and Divisha Gordon about:
Thank you for being a part of our show where we take pride in improving people's perceptions of capability, significance and influence in their lives and in their communities.We want to hear from you.For more unapologetically Black stories and inspirational media coverage of capable, significant and influential motivators in our community, follow us on social media and send us your thoughts:Phone: (503)-841-5032Email: info@flossinmedia.comWebsite: https://www.flossinmedia.comIG: https://www.instagram.com/flossinmedia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flossinmedia/Twitter: https://twitter.com/flossinmediaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/flossinmediatvLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flossin-media/ This video is produced by Flossin MediaFor more about us, visit our website www.flossinmedia.comFollow us on social media @flossin media for updates of our events, publications, podcast episodes, and more!
Greg, a seasoned leader with over two decades in transportation, both in the public eye and behind the scenes, has been crafting the future of how we move. From Maryland to Michigan, and now right here connecting Oregon and Washington, Greg is pioneering the new Interstate Bridge to not just stand up to seismic shakes but to open economic avenues in ways we’ve yet to see.But Greg’s not just about beams and bolts; he’s pushing for a bridge built by the many and for all—a workforce reflective of the community it serves. Greg is a pioneer, taking the helm on the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project and opening up the economic revenues in ways that we've never seen.Tune in to this episode of Black Beat Podcast with John Washington and Fawn Aberson who speak with Greg Johnson about:
Thank you for being a part of our show where we take pride in improving people's perceptions of capability, significance and influence in their lives and in their communities.
Azalea Renfield is the founder and former Executive Director of United Educators Association for Affordable Housing (UEAAH). She is now the new Executive Director of the Williams and Russell CDC, a vital organization spearheading a transformative project in Portland, Oregon. She continues to spend most of her professional career advocating for housing that is more accessible, affordable, scalable, and sustainable for low to moderate income communities. Azalea has served on many boards, commissions and committees all around the Bay Area, including the San Francisco Human Rights Commission as an Equity Advisory Committee member. Tune in to this episode of Black Beat Podcast with John Washington and Fawn Aberson who speak with Renfield and peers about the project's cultural importance for Portland's Black community, policies to address the housing crisis, and ensure that community engagement and participation remain authentic and inclusive throughout the development process. You can learn more about the Williams and Russell CDC here: https://www.williamsrussellcdc.org/ Thank you for being a part of our show where we take pride in improving people's perceptions of capability, significance and influence in their lives and in their communities. We want to hear from you. For more unapologetically Black stories and inspirational media coverage of capable, significant and influential motivators in our community, follow us on social media and send us your thoughts: Phone: (503)-841-5032 Email: info@flossinmedia.com Website: https://www.flossinmedia.com