Immigration attorney Akua Poku shared her inspiring personal story and insights into immigration law, detailing her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to serving immigrant communities. Here are some of the key points discussed:

• Personal Journey to Immigration Law: Akua relocated from Ghana to the U.S. and encountered significant challenges transitioning her legal career. Despite skepticism and hurdles, she built her own law practice, beginning with intellectual property law and eventually pivoting to immigration in response to the needs of her clients.
• Cultural Understanding in Legal Representation: Akua emphasized how her shared cultural and experiential background with clients helps her offer more nuanced legal support, particularly in navigating issues such as proving the legitimacy of marriages and understanding immigrant struggles.
• Insight Into Immigration Trends:
• With changes in U.S. administrations, the immigration landscape could experience stricter enforcement policies, including mass deportations or denaturalization initiatives.
• Akua stressed the importance of preparation, such as maintaining complete immigration records and seeking lawyer guidance rather than navigating complex immigration laws alone.
• Advice for Immigrants:
• All immigrants—naturalized citizens, green card holders, non-immigrants, and undocumented individuals—need to stay proactive and informed about their rights and responsibilities.
• A central piece of advice was to consult an immigration attorney before submitting applications to avoid mistakes that can lead to severe consequences like deportation or case denials.
• Global Reach of Services: Akua's firm supports clients across the U.S. and worldwide, reflecting immigration law's federal nature and the firm's capacity to work virtually with a wide array of clients.
• Encouragement to Immigrants:
• Akua underlined the possibilities of living the American Dream with hard work, rule-following, and resourcefulness. Her firm prioritizes each client’s case, ensuring personalized attention and zealous advocacy.

For further information or assistance, visit akpokulaw.com, or find Akua on social media using the handle @AkPoku across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Akua Poku and her team are ready to help you through your immigration journey with expertise and compassion.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening. Share with a friend.
We are humans.
From all around the world.
One kind only.
And that is humankind.
Your friend, Marjy Marj

An episode featuring Reverend Audrey Hailstock, where we chat about overcoming life's obstacles and embracing gratitude. With her extensive background in education and ministry, Reverend Hailstock offers invaluable insights on conquering fears, resetting mindsets, and practicing thankfulness. She encourages listeners to persevere because overcoming fear requires action and a deep-seated belief in oneself.

Key Talking Points

1. Conquering Fear: Reverend Hailstock emphasizes that fear is not just being scared but a significant barrier that prevents progress. She highlights the importance of mindset shifts and encourages tapping into faith, self-belief, and the discipline of taking consistent action to overcome obstacles.
2. The Role of Mindset: The discussion underscored the necessity of a mindset reset. Recognizing and addressing self-limiting beliefs can transform potential into reality. Words have power, and Reverend Hailstock's message revolves around speaking life into one’s potential and casting out negativity.
3. The Effect of Procrastination: Procrastination, born from fear and uncertainty, was tackled as an issue needing discipline, consistency, and the grit to overcome. It's essential to take small steps toward goals and maintain momentum to achieve success.

A Message for the Holidays
Gratitude and Giving Thanks: Reverend Hailstock stresses the importance of gratitude as a daily practice, not confined to special occasions. Thankfulness enhances one’s outlook on life, and acknowledging even the smallest blessings can shift perspectives significantly.There is power in appreciation and positivity. Therefore, we are encouraged to reflect and show gratitude.

About Guest
Rev. Audrey Hailstock is an alumna of Erskine College with a BA in English. Beyond her spiritual commitments, Audrey leads the Spartanburg County Alliance of Ministers’ Wives and Ministers’ Widows as president. A former middle school teacher, her passion shines through her recent literary work, "OVERCOME NOW," and her love for preaching, teaching, and inspiring others.

Rev. Hailstock is married to Dr. James L. Hailstock, founder and pastor of New Day Baptist Church in Spartanburg, SC. She is the daughter of the late Pastor Fred L. Sweeney Sr. and Rev. Shirley Ann King Sweeney,

Guided by her favorite verse, Matthew 5:16, Rev. Hailstock strives to let her light shine, encouraging others in their faith journey.

About Overcome Now
"Overcome Now" by Reverend Audrey Hailstock is available in bookstores and online.
Discover the life-changing path with Audrey Hailstock's "Overcome Now", a guide to navigating out of life's wrong zones by cultivating empowering thoughts and actions. This insightful book equips you to create the roadmap you need to achieve victory with clarity and purpose. Say goodbye to feeling lost or stuck in dead-end situations, and embrace a future filled with success and direction. Whether you're searching for a breakthrough or looking to gain traction in your personal journey, "Overcome Now" offers the tools and encouragement you need to transform your life and reach your desired destination.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening. Share with a friend.
We are humans.
From all around the world.
One kind only.
And that is humankind.
Your friend, Marjy Marj

Jo Watson Hackl is a storyteller at heart.

In this episode of Humanity Chats, Jo unravels the joy of scavenging through nature. We discover how her childhood explorations transformed into adventures that engage people in celebrating the simple beauties in their surroundings. Whether through writing, speaking engagements, or her interactive activities, Jo emphasizes the profound impact of nature on mental well-being and happiness. She encourages us to to embrace the benefits of nature, enrich our experiences, and let joy guide us in unexpected ways.

About Jo
A native of rural Mississippi, who now lives in Greenville, South Carolina, Jo is the author of Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe, published by Random House Children’s books. Smack Dab was awarded the Southern Book Prize and is an Amazon Teacher’s Pick and a “Read Across America” selection.

A first-generation college graduate, Jo is on a mission to help students build skills that promote grit and resilience, improve writing skills, and connect with nature.

She is a keynote speaker and also loves to do school visits.

You can find free reader and educator activities and grant opportunities on Jo’s website at https://JoHackl.com.

Jo is also the founder of www.Outdoorosity.org, a free resource for information and inspiration about nature. As a way to connect people with the outdoors, six days a week, Jo posts photos from nature using the hashtag #JoyScavengerHunt

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening. Share with a friend.
We are humans.
From all around the world.
One kind only.
And that is humankind.
Your friend, Marjy Marj

In a world where so many of us have the privilege of worrying about what we want for dinner, it’s easy to forget that this is not the reality for everyone. "Feed Me Before the Sun Sets" is a heartfelt initiative founded by Dr. Eliza Osae Kwapong that aims to rally communities around the globe to combat hunger.

By combining her love of nature and her passion for helping others, Dr. Osae Kwapong encourages people to participate in outdoor activities while raising awareness and funds to support those who struggle with hunger. The initiative is not just about providing meals; it’s about building a supportive community and promoting a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally.

Whether it's through walking, running, or dancing, each step taken is a step towards ensuring no one goes to bed hungry. This unique blend of fitness and philanthropy reminds us that big impacts can start with small acts of kindness, uniting us in the fight against hunger.

Through Feed Me Before the Sun Sets, Dr. Osae Kwapong aims to combat hunger by ensuring that everyone has access to a nutritious meal before the end of the day. Her primary goal is to foster a sense of communal responsibility and active participation in the fight against hunger.

Currently, Feed Me Before the Sun Sets is engaged in a month-long challenge, where participants are encouraged to stay active daily, whether through running, cycling, swimming, or any other physical activity. Contributions are gathered through donations linked to each participant's activities, bringing both awareness and action to the cause of ending hunger.

This is a call for community-driven change; a chance for each of us to step up, quite literally, and take part in a fitness-driven mission that has the potential to transform lives. So lace up your sneakers, grab a friend, and share your journey online, while inviting others to contribute. Let's harness the strength of our steps to not only uplift ourselves but also feed those who need it most.

Meet the Founder

Founder, Dr. Eliza Osae Kwapong is an enthusiastic advocate for nature and fitness. With a background in higher education, instructional design, and digital education, Dr. Osae Kwapong combines her professional knowledge with her love for the outdoors to inspire others to join her in this humanitarian endeavor. Her experiences of generosity and compassion during travels abroad have fueled her desire to make a tangible impact in the fight against hunger.

Learn More

To discover more about Feed Me Before the Sunsets, or to participate in our initiatives, please visit their website at feedmebeforethesunsets.org. You can also get involved by tagging the organization on social media or collaborating with them through platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Whether you walk, run, or dance, every step you take helps further the mission.

Also, feel free to reach out via email at feedmebeforethesunsets@gmail.com for any inquiries or to share your efforts. Join Dr. Osae Kwapong in creating a healthier world, one meal at a time.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening. Share with a friend.
We are humans.
From all around the world.
One kind only.
And that is humankind.
Your friend, Marjy Marj

In today's interconnected world, the challenge of merging personal faith with active community engagement is more pressing than ever. How can we as individuals demonstrate grace, embrace diversity, and lend our support to one another in meaningful ways?

Building bridges across different backgrounds involves more than just understanding; it requires intentional actions that foster connections and promote unity.

In our recent Humanity Chats episode with Pastor Monica Aryitey, the conversation seeks to explore practical approaches to harmonizing our spiritual beliefs with our communal commitments, encouraging a path toward deeper understanding and solidarity.

About Monica

Pastor Monica Aryitey is the author of "Muse With Me," a 365-day devotional, providing daily insights and encouraging readers to find strength in the stories of biblical figures who, despite their brokenness, discovered God's abundant grace.

Born in Ghana, she has lived in Worcester, Massachusetts for nearly two decades. As an attorney, Monica holds licenses in both Massachusetts and New York and has a Master’s Degree in Law from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Alongside her legal career, Monica co-founded and co-pastors Faith Fellowship, a multicultural church in Worcester. Her journey as a spiritual leader is matched by her role as a devoted wife and mother to three children: Joseph, Jude, and Faith.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening. Share with a friend.
We are humans.
From all around the world.
One kind only.
And that is humankind.
Your friend, Marjy Marj

In commemoration of Black Business Month, Jevertus Burnett joins Marjy Marj on the Humanity Chats Podcast to explore the concept of wealth, business, and philanthropy in today's society.

Jevertus articulates an important point: while there may be technical differences in how wealth is categorized, fundamentally, Black wealth is no different from the wealth of any other racial or ethnic group.

However, history tells a different story, one where people of color, particularly African Americans, have faced systemic barriers to wealth-building opportunities. This term "Black wealth" serves as a definition - encouraging Black individuals to engage in meaningful discussions about their financial futures and take ownership of their economic destinies.

Furthermore, it's refreshing to recognize that, contrary to popular beliefs, the Black community currently has access to more resources than ever before. With rising earnings and job opportunities, it's essential for the community to play an active role in conversations surrounding wealth.

By coming together to share knowledge, Black People can foster generational wealth and ownership that transcends individual effort.

As we celebrate Black Business Month, this occasion is integral to the broader conversation about empowerment and representation in business. According to Jevertus Black Business Month is more than just a commemoration; it's an ideal opportunity to highlight the diversity of Black-owned businesses, many of which continue to be under-appreciated.

His experiences in financial services reveal the surprise many Black entrepreneurs feel upon discovering the wealth of reputable Black-owned companies across various sectors. This realization exemplifies a key element of Black Business Month—it gives a voice to stories often overlooked and showcases the products and services emerging from the Black community.

By elevating these businesses, we not only celebrate their accomplishments but also foster a culture of collaboration and support. In today's world, where representation is crucial, Black Business Month empowers consumers to intentionally seek out and uplift Black-owned businesses, nurturing a strong sense of community and solidarity. This initiative also opens the dialogue for Black philanthropy, encouraging individuals to utilize their resources strategically to uplift their communities.

Ultimately, Black Business Month is not merely an observance but a call to recognize and actively support Black entrepreneurs, transforming the landscape into a powerful movement for economic empowerment and social change.

About Jevertus

Jevertus Burnett is a Senior Internal Consultant at New York Life Insurance Company, where he focuses on individual disability and long-term care planning. With strong skills in communication, public speaking, and education, he is dedicated to helping top financial professionals create robust financial strategies that encompass vital insurance options for their clients. Passionate about promoting awareness of these critical planning areas, Jevertus engages with diverse communities nationwide through informative seminars and workshops, reinforcing his commitment to inclusion and education.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening. Share with a friend.
We are humans.
From all around the world.
One kind only.
And that is humankind.
Your friend, Marjy Marj

Belinda Hodasi Jones—an artist with deep roots in Ghana, West Africa—shared her journey and artistic inspirations in a recent interview on Humanity Chats,.

Born with an innate passion for art, Belinda was nurtured in her creative pursuits by the cultural environment of Ghana and later through her academic experiences at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. In reflecting on her evolution as an artist, Belinda expressed her profound connection to the history and heritage of her homeland, embodying it through her work.

Belinda’s current art exhibition, which resonates deeply with Black History Month, explores the crossroads of African and European encounters and their enduring legacies. Her pieces depict not just historical moments but intimate recollections of a culture that is changing and, in some aspects, vanishing. These visual narratives show her commitment to preserving the rich tapestry of African traditions and memories through her art.

The current exhibition for Black History Month, is on display at the Gateswood Studio Center at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, and is scheduled to run through the end of February. Belinda invites everyone to experience her art—a testimony to the stories, the nostalgia, and the heritage she holds dear.

Through storytelling and immersive art, Belinda Hodasi Jones ensures that the rich narratives of African heritage continue to inspire and educate, emphasizing the significance of Black History Month. Her investment in this commemorative time is not just about reflection but also about active education and cultural preservation.

For those who wish to dive into Belinda's art, her website provides an insight into her work. Click HERE to visit the website.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening. Share with a friend.
We are humans.
From all around the world.
One kind only.
And that is humankind.
Your friend, Marjy Marj

A retired educator, Dr. Foley continues to work as an advocate for children grappling with trauma and mental health challenges. Her integrated approach leans heavily on the transformative power of social and emotional learning, showcasing her commitment to the emotional wellbeing of the children she encounters.

Humanity Chats - a conversation about everyday issues that impact humans. Join us. Together, we can go far.

Thank you for listening. Share with a friend.
We are humans.
From all around the world.
One kind only.
And that is humankind.
Your friend, Marjy Marj