Blackbelt Voices

Choosing AR 103 with Dr. Karama Neal: Shamim Okolloh's Journey from Nairobi to Little Rock

Choosing Arkansas with Dr. Karama Neal shares stories of those who chose Arkansas as their home. In this episode, Dr. Neal talks to Shamim Okolloh. Shamim was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and came to the U.S. at age 19 for college. Unsure about staying or returning home, she moved to Little Rock to attend the Clinton School of Public Service. She fell in love with the state and has found a supportive community in Arkansas, balancing her career in banking and her family life. We hope these conversations inspire you to learn more about professional, educational, social and other opportunities in Arkansas, and soon, choose Arkansas for yourself! Send us feedback at choosingAR@gmail.com.

Choosing AR 102 with Dr. Karama Neal: California native Jean Block builds a life in Arkansas

Choosing Arkansas with Dr. Karama Neal shares stories of those who chose Arkansas as their home. In this episode, Dr. Neal talks to Jean Block, the CEO of the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority.  We hope these conversations inspire you to learn more about professional, educational, social and other opportunities in Arkansas, and soon, choose Arkansas for yourself! Send us feedback at choosingAR@gmail.com.

Choosing AR 101 with Dr. Karama Neal: Welcome Home, Samantha Evans

Choosing Arkansas with Dr. Karama Neal shares stories of those who chose Arkansas as their home. We want to help you make the Natural State your natural choice. On today's episode, we talk to Samantha Evans about what brought her back to her home state after living away for many years. We hope these conversations inspire you to learn more about professional, educational, social and other opportunities in Arkansas, and soon, choose Arkansas for yourself! Send us feedback at choosingAR@gmail.com

Introducing "Choosing Arkansas" with Dr. Karama Neal

Dr. Karama Neal, principal of Neal Firm, aspires to help Arkansas achieve its full potential as a place where Black people can thrive. Achieving this potential requires not only the engagement of current Black Arkansans but also the economic, social, and political involvement of Black people with ties to the state — whether it's through kinship, friendship, business, or general interest.Facilitating this engagement and potential relocation involves helping these "potential Arkansans" 1) update their knowledge of current housing, employment, entrepreneurial, social, and other opportunities; and 2) learn from the paths and experiences of others who have moved to or returned to Arkansas and are enthusiastic about their choice and current quality of life.Through her "Choosing Arkansas" series, Dr. Neal will share the stories of Black newcomers and returnees, highlighting their positive experiences and the opportunities that exist within the state. Her goal is to inspire others to see Arkansas as a place where they can build successful and fulfilling lives.

Growing Together Part 2 of 2: Urban Farmers Cultivating Community in Little Rock | Gabriyel El-Bey and Laverne Davis

This is part two of our dive into urban agriculture. We’re talking about how Black farmers and growers are creating solutions to the lack of healthy food options in their communities. Be sure to listen to Episode 41 with Leroi Emerson, who serves on the board for Urban Patchwork. In this episode, we’re talking to Gabriyel El-Bey, the owner and operator of Turtle Island in Little Rock, Arkansas, which is one of Urban Patchwork’s farm partners. He’s joined by Master Gardener Laverne Davis.  Since it opened in June of 2022, Turtle Island has provided residents in the South End neighborhood of Little Rock with fresh, nutritious produce from more than 20 local growers. Education and community is at the center of it all.