BLAC
Re-Membering
Podcast

Meet our guest Morgan Whiting

Morgan Whiting, a resident of Louisville, Kentucky, brings a wealth of experience and insight to the podcast. Growing up in Cordon, Indiana, as a woman of color in an all-white community, she offers a unique perspective on the impact of community on personal identity. With her background in environmental advocacy and her personal journey through different living environments, Morgan provides valuable insights into navigating racism, adoption challenges, and the intersection of environmental racism and air quality. Her commitment to fostering relational resilience and authenticity, combined with her dedication to storytelling and cultural preservation, makes her an invaluable guest for individuals seeking guidance on personal identity and social justice.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore the profound influence of community on shaping personal identity. 
• Equip yourself with strategies to effectively confront and overcome the challenges of navigating racism and adoption. 
• Discover the critical link between environmental racism and air quality, and its impact on communities. 
• Cultivate relational resilience and authenticity in navigating personal and professional relationships. 
• Truly hear the power of storytelling in preserving and celebrating cultural heritage. 

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore the hidden ecological toll of the petrochemical industry and its implications for environmental conservation.
• Uncover the intricate relationship between agricultural pesticides and human health, revealing the need for informed decision-making in farming practices.
• Discover innovative approaches to remediating abandoned oil and gas wells, shedding light on sustainable land reclamation efforts.
• Embrace indigenous perspectives on land stewardship, acknowledging the wisdom and practices that can guide sustainable environmental management.
• Examine legislative initiatives aimed at mitigating land pollution, emphasizing the importance of policy interventions for environmental protection.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Gain an understanding of the intricate dynamics of environmental justice in Kentucky and Florida, uncovering the impact on marginalized communities.
• Highlight community organizing for social change, unlocking the potential to create meaningful and lasting impact within local communities.
• Explore the profound effects of mining operations on local communities, gaining insight into the challenges faced by those living in affected areas.
• Cultivate cross-racial solidarity for social justice, harnessing the power of unity to drive positive change and inclusivity.
• Develop strategic approaches for effective advocacy and lobbying, empowering yourself with the tools to influence policies and bring about environmental justice.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Maximize new small business tax deductions for tax savings in your new business.
• Empower Community and unlock the benefits of credit unions for fostering local economic growth and financial inclusion.
• Master personal and business budgeting strategies and take control of your finances with expert strategies for effective budgeting.
• Safeguard your finances and arm yourself with the knowledge to identify and avoid money scams while making safe and smart investment decisions.
• Explore Alternative Economies for Wealth Building and discover innovative ways to build wealth through alternative economic channels.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

The conversation also highlights the economic potential of agriculture, the impact of industrial activities on air quality, and the transformative power of education and mentorship. With a deep understanding of the topic and a professional tone, Trevor Brown's insights provide a thought-provoking exploration of cultural and environmental changes, making this episode a must-listen for those interested in environmental science and community empowerment.

Meet Farmer Brown

AKA Farmer Brown Tha MC, Co-Founder of Black Soil: Our Better Nature is an author, illustrator, musician, & environmental educator.

Claiborn wrote and illustrated his first book “W.A.N.D.A. P. (We Are No Different As People) in 2009. Since then, he has authored more than 23 titles, mostly children’s books. In 2015 while earning his B.S. in Agriculture, Food, and Environment at Kentucky State University Land Grant College, Claiborn created and developed “Farmer Brown Tha MC”.

Through this creation he has conducted more than 230 presentations/workshops in classrooms, churches, community events, and other public venues about agriculture and Ag related careers to tens of thousands of youths and families in Kentucky and across the country. 

In 2017 he and partner Ashley Smith co-founded “Black Soil, Our Better Nature, an Agritourism and farm-to-table dinner Ag-business connecting Black farmers and producers with broader urban markets in KY. Since then, Black Soil has generated more than two million dollars as an aggregator within the Ag community with various partnerships opening markets for dozens of local producers and providing locally grown produce options for thousands of families across the commonwealth. 

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

In this episode, you will learn:

• The key differences between a W2, W4, and 1099 Forms and gain clarity on the purpose and implications of each form to make informed decisions regarding tax obligations and filings.
• How to strategically adjust W4 withholdings to maximize take-home pay while meeting tax obligations accurately.
• And gain better insight into developing comprehensive tax planning strategies tailored to personal and business financial situations for optimal tax efficiency.
• Discover actionable methods for identifying and leveraging tax deductions specifically relevant to freelancers and small business owners.
• Learn practical techniques for organizing finances to simplify tax preparation and enhance overall financial management efficiency.

Resources mentioned in today's episodes:

• Visit GIP Financial's website to access their tax prep checklist and other resources for small business owners
• Use this special link for a discount tax consultation
• Download GIP Financials' Tax Prep Checklist
• Follow GIP Financials on social media for regular updates, tips, and educational content
• – YouTube: GIP Financials
• – LinkedIn: GIP Financials
• – Facebook: GIP Financials
• – TikTok: @gipfinancials
• – Instagram: @gipfinancials
• Explore the Grant Vault on hello skip.com to find grants that your business may qualify for.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

• Differentiating between W2, W4, and 1099 forms equips small business owners with essential knowledge for managing employee tax documentation effectively.
• Implementing tax planning strategies for individuals empowers small business owners to optimize their tax liabilities and maximize their financial resources.
• Understanding the benefits of hiring a tax professional enables small business owners to access expert guidance, minimize errors, and stay compliant with tax regulations.
• Mastering the intricacies of tax deductions for small businesses allows owners to minimize tax burden while maximizing eligible deductions within legal boundaries.
• Grasping estimated taxes and payment schedules empowers small business owners to proactively manage their tax obligations, avoiding penalties and interest.

A special thank you to Patryce Rispress and PAK Accounting for her time, knowledge, and expertise.

Connect with PAK Accounting

• Website
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• Linkedin
• Facebook

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Listeners can gain a deeper understanding of mutual aid, the impact of poverty on mental health, and the importance of self-care in community organizing, making this episode essential for activists and organizers in conservative communities seeking to enhance their strategies for mutual aid and self-care.

Meet Unique Dunston

Unique Morgan Dunston is a 28 year old native of Marshall County, Alabama and a community organizer. She has an associate’s degree in American Sign Language from Bishop State Community College. Unique also has a Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education degree from Western Governors University. Unique is the founder of Reclaiming Our Time, a Marshall County based organization that advocates for racial and social justice as they work to eradicate poverty in order to form better communities. She has organized many protests against police brutality, confederate monuments and symbols, prisons, and other injustices. She also founded the Community Free Store of Marshall County which provides all community members with the necessities she believes all people deserve without any exchange of labor or money.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Uncover the unique ways mutual aid can thrive in traditionally conservative settings, fostering community resilience and support. 
• Examine how poverty shapes mental health within marginalized communities and learn effective strategies for providing holistic support. 
• Gain insights into the fundamental distinctions between mutual aid and traditional charity, and understand their respective roles in community empowerment. 
• Discover the invaluable perspectives and strategies of Black leaders in community organizing, elevating the voices and experiences essential for meaningful change. 
• Equip yourself with practical techniques and insights for maintaining personal well-being while engaging in impactful community organizing efforts. 

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

Our special guest is Sonja Jones

Sonja Jones, the powerhouse behind GIP Financials, is a dynamic figure in the realm of business, accounting, and funding. With a diverse entrepreneurial journey that includes ventures in real estate, music education, and school operations, Sonja has established herself as a prominent expert in empowering entrepreneurs to navigate the complex landscape of finances and taxes. Her extensive credentials, including a Bachelor's degree in Music Education, a Master's degree in Instructional Design and Technology, and certifications in education finance and QuickBooks, underscore her dedication to providing comprehensive financial acumen. Sonja's commitment to demystifying taxes and her emphasis on education and relatability set her apart, making her a valuable resource for small business owners and entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their financial knowledge and confidence in tax planning.

Resources mentioned in today's episodes:

• Visit GIP Financial's website to access their tax prep checklist and other resources for small business owners
• Use this special link for a discount tax consultation
• Download GIP Financials' Tax Prep Checklist
• Follow GIP Financials on social media for regular updates, tips, and educational content
• – YouTube: GIP Financials
• – LinkedIn: GIP Financials
• – Facebook: GIP Financials
• – TikTok: @gipfinancials
• – Instagram: @gipfinancials
• Explore the Grant Vault on hello skip.com to find grants that your business may qualify for.

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.

My special guest is Patryce Rispress

Patryce Rispress is a seasoned accounting and business consultant with over 20 years of experience in financial management, bookkeeping, tax planning, and business strategy. As the founder of PAK Accounting, she has helped startups, nonprofits, and real estate investors establish solid financial foundations, maintain compliance, and optimize their financial performance. Her expertise includes business structuring, grant management, payroll services, and project management, with a strong focus on helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of finance, budgeting, and tax strategy. She has worked clsoely with startups and established businesses to implement scalable financial systems, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth. With a hands-on, client-focused approach, Patryce provides strategic guidance to businesses looking to streamline operations, maximize profitability, and position themselves for success. She also partners with financial advisors, grant writers, and legal professionals to offer comprehensive support beyond accounting. Her passion for empowering entrepreneurs and helping businesses thrive has made PAK Accounting a trusted resource for those looking to build and scale their ventures effectively. Patryce was born and raised in Columbia, Ohio, and relocated to North Carolina. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time with her children and family, traveling, cooking (including the lost art of canning), and serving as her family's unofficial historian.  

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Demystify tax implications for entrepreneurs and empower them with expert insights for strategic financial planning.
• Implement tax planning strategies tailored to small businesses, ensuring optimized financial management and compliance.
• Cultivate the importance of financial literacy in the Black community to foster economic empowerment and sustainable wealth generation.
• Embrace the transition from cosmetology to an accounting career, leveraging diverse skills for a successful professional journey.
• Secure your business's financial future by choosing the right tax professional, ensuring expert guidance and compliance excellence.

Resources

• Visit PAK Accounting's website to learn more about their services and expertise in financial management, bookkeeping, tax planning, and business strategy.
• Follow Pak Accounting on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram for regular updates, tips, and insights on taxes, finances, and business strategies.
• Stay tuned for more information and advice on demystifying taxes in the upcoming episodes of the Tea on Taxes series.
• Share the Tea on Taxes series with your community to spread the knowledge and empower

The mission of the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) is to build a multi-state campaign that amplifies black voices, dismantles the colonized narrative of Appalachia, and uses story-based strategies and solutions that center the voices and lived experiences of Black Appalachians.

For more stories and information about The Black Appalachian Coalition please visit www.blackappalachiancoalition.org.