Unapologetically Black Unicorns

Dr. Ikwunga Wonodi (he/him) is a psychiatrist, an Afrobeat Poet and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Wonodi talked about what afrobeat poetry represents and his personal journey in becoming an afrobeat poet. They talk about pidgin, how afrobeats has been used as a vehicle for change, his poem and songwriting process and his message on homelessness and mental illness.

To listen or purchase Dr. Woondi’s music check out:

"...

Dr. Jorge Partida del Toro is a Curandero, a Psychologist with international experience working with child soldiers and building intentional communities and he’s an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Partida Del Toro gives the backstory for how he got into psychology and how his grandmother played a significant role. They talk about institutional and structural racism, mixing Curanderismo Healing and Western Psychology and valuing...

In this interactive episode of Unapologetically Black Unicorns, Keris transforms complex policy into “The Medicaid Maze”, a storytelling board game that reveals the real-life challenges of navigating Medicaid. Through dice rolls and card draws, she explores how small policy shifts and everyday barriers can drastically affect people’s health coverage and stability. Blending empathy and advocacy, this episode invites listeners to ret...

Alvin Lee (he/him) is the Executive Director of GENup and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Alvin shares the backstory of how he got into student activism and what it is like being a young person in a space with older adults. They talk about why education is a fundamental issue for everyone, how his work in education impacts BIPOC communities and why representation matters in school curriculum.

For more information visit: ht...

In this reflective episode of Unapologetically Black Unicorns, Keris shares a powerful piece of writing she discovered from her late father titled “The Pursuit of Happiness in Angry Times.” Through his reflections on finding peace and balance amid chaos, Keris explores how his words resonate with today’s world of uncertainty. It’s a reminder to embrace nuance, open-mindedness and the “shades of gray” needed to find happiness in our...

Keris reflects on the power of being seen and finding belonging in spaces where leaders look like her. She shares how representation restores, heals and inspires, helping to glue the broken pieces of identity back together. Remember that showing up fully and unapologetically is both resistance and hope.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is now: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Contact the show: UBU@UnapologeticallyBlackUnic...

Ayaan Moledina (He/Him) is the Federal Policy Director at SEAT and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Ayaan shares how he knew he wanted to get into the advocacy space at a young age and how it led to him getting in front of Congress to discuss mental health and suicide prevention. They talk about why it’s important to discuss suicide with students in schools and colleges, ways in which students can be aware of the resources ...

Keris reflects on the 60th anniversary on the March on Washington. The March on Washington was an integral part of the Civil Rights Movement, and Keris focuses on how it brought everyone together for such important causes as jobs and freedom. Keris’ late dad reads a section from Martin Luther King’s speech “Creative Maladjustment” and Keris gives some important background and context for that speech and it ends with a clip of her d...

Emma Hunt (she/her) founded Signed By Stories and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Emma shares why she started Signed By Stories to bring public attention and awareness to the lack of effective, linguistically accessible and culturally affirmative mental health services for deaf and hard of hearing people. They talk about the experiences of growing up a child of a deaf person (CODA), always improving accessibility and trus...

Chris Thomas (he/him) is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of “The Defensive Line” and Martha Thomas (She/her) is the Co-Founder and Chief Education Officer of “The Defensive Line” and they are both Unapologetically Black Unicorns. Chris and Martha share the impact of their son Solomon Thomas (Cowboys Defensive Tackle) and their late daughter Ella and how they were inspired to start “The Defensive Line” which promotes comm...

Keris dives into the real history of Labor Day, exploring the lives, struggles and exclusions of workers from the 1800s to today. From unsafe factory floors and the Haymarket Affair to modern gig work and systemic inequities, this episode examines who has been included, and who has been left out, of labor protections. Join Keris for a discussion on dignity, equity, mental wellbeing and why honoring rest is an act of resistance.

The...

Charlotte Blease, PhD (she/her) is an Academic, Author, Public Speaker and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Charlotte talks about what influenced her to write a book about AI in health care and the pros and cons of technology in the health care system. They talk about how AI could combat built in biases, how generative AI is already appearing with doctors and patients and truly working on getting the patient the best care possibl...

Alicia Harris (she/her) is an artist who created her own Tarot and Oracle decks and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Alicia talks about the importance of representing recovery in her decks and how she was able to express herself through her artwork. They talk about their healing journeys, following your intuition when interpreting cards and taking that leap of faith and trusting everything will work out.

Etsy: https://www....

Desiree Delonia (she/her) is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA) with the Disability Rights California, she is also an author, an artist and an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Desiree wrote a book entitled “Rooted in Belonging: A Black Woman’s Guide to Cultivating Inclusive Workplaces” for the Black woman who's been carrying the culture while being overlooked in the process. They talk about the concept of...

Sam Tsemberis (he/him) is a community psychology practitioner, the Founder/CEO of the Pathways Housing First Institute and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Dr. Tsemberis shares how Housing First got started and why it’s a person-centered program. They talk about the decimation of our public housing system, the questions to ask if you’re entering a housing program and steps for advocates to encourage more housing first model...

Gabby Arriaga (she/her) is the founder of Del Toro Mental Health & Wellness and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Gabby shares how meditation and breath work has helped improve her life and why it’s important to embrace your inner child. They talk about how recovery looks different for everyone, the idea of symptom suppression and Gabby’s love-led movement.

For more information on Del Toro Mental Health Wellness visit: ...

Ellis Gordon Jr. (he/him) is treasurer of NAMI Urban Los Angeles and he is the former husband of Bebe Moore Campbell. Ellis shares the story of how he met Bebe Moore Campbell and why it was so important to name the month of July after Bebe. They talk about the inception of NAMI Urban Los Angeles, how NAMI is community-centric and community-centered and continuing the goal of erasing the stigma.

This episode is sponsored by Jansse...

Emily Dossett, MD is a Reproductive Psychiatrist and Michele Nguyen, MD is a Maternal-Fetal Medicine physician and they both are Unapologetically Black Unicorns. Dr. Dossett and Dr. Nguyen share the purpose of Reproductive Psychiatric Advance Directives (Repo PAD) and how it’s in an opportunity and tool to empower the person receiving services. They discuss the intersection of reproductive justice and mental health, the barriers in...

Elizabeth Morrison PhD, LCSW, MAC (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a certified Master Addiction Counselor, the Co-Creator of the LCA and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Elizabeth talks about the Lay Counselor Academy and why lived experience is key. They talk about tapping into people’s core gift, supporting employee mental health and why we don’t need to fix people when they share their struggles with you.