Unapologetically Black Unicorns

“Enjoying the Message as it’s Received” with Dr. Ikwunga Wonodi

Rest in Peace and Power: this episode is a replay of UBU#75 to honor and remember our time in Unapologetically Black Unicorns with Dr Ikwunga Wonodi.

 

https://www.forevermissed.com/ikwunga-okogbule-wonodi/about

 

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.

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

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

"Calabash: Afrobeat Poems by Ikwunga Vol.1": https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ikwunga/30240928

“Deep Sleep”: https://music.apple.com/us/album/deep-sleep/270004179

“You Are Far from Insignificant” with Nicole Kwan

Nicole Kwan (she/her) is a mental health advocate and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Nicole talks about how mental health was stigmatized in her own culture and how she found people to talk to and support her. They talk about the focus on immigrant mental health, getting more young people to the table and the importance of compassion, kindness and empathy.

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

“The Fool’s Journey”

Keris recaps 2023 by sharing her spontaneous trip she made on a train and what she did this new years. Keris was inspired by a tarot card of “the fool’s journey” and how the wise fool is about embracing new beginnings, expanding your horizons and the willingness to take risks. She talks about how she realized she could control how she wanted ring in the new year and she also wants you to know that if you’re feeling lonely during this time that you’re not alone.

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

“Magical Black Santa”

Keris recorded this podcast on Christmas and shares a Christmas memory from her childhood. She shares the struggles people have during the holiday season and the magic of a picture she saw of a Black Santa when she was young. Keris remembers the sacrifices her dad made and she wants you to know that it gets better.

 

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

“Conservatorship” with Alex Barnard

Alex Barnard (he/him) is a sociologist and an Assistant Professor of Sociology at New York University and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Alex is a part of a project looking at all the bills that reference involuntary treatment, forced medications, civil commitment, guardianship and conservatorship. They talk about getting to why people are refusing services and how listening to that person’s “why” is one of the best ways to understand them plus a look at some important local bills in California.

For more information on “Conservatorship: Inside California’s System of Coercion and Care for Mental Illness” by Alex V. Barnard visit: https://cup.columbia.edu/book/conservatorship/9780231210256

Also to learn more about Alex Barnard visit https://alexvbarnard.org/

 

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

A Tour of Unapologetically Black Unicorns

Keris takes you on a tour of the podcast. You can access Unapologetically Black Unicorns wherever you get your podcasts and you can also view separate playlists of the podcast on YouTube. Keris shares what each playlist is about, access to discussion guides and suggesting ways in which to use the podcast.

For all information on the UBU podcast visit https://linktr.ee/UnapologeticallyBlackUnicorns

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

“Tootle’s Theory” with Stancil Tootle

Stancil Tootle (he/him) is a blind Black man from rural Georgia, in long term recovery who has been a life-long advocate, and he is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Tootle shares how his family and his road to recovery both influenced his advocacy. They talk about the recovery movement and the intersection of disability, encouraging everyone with a disability to vote and being more accessible.

Visit Third Eye Radio Network: https://www.thirdeyeradionetwork.com/

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

“Letting Go in Order to Grow”

Keris goes solo to take some time out to thank her family. Keris shares a personal story about when she was involuntary hospitalized that caused her to move to the east coast with her parents. She reflects on the emotional goodbye when she moved back to the west coast and how her parents needed to let go in order for Keris to grow.

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

“Behavior is a Language” with Gaby Arriaga

Gaby Arriaga (she/ her) is a passionate advocate for kids and she is an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Gaby shares how she got involved in the field of social work and how she leads with kindness and being genuine They talk about having empathy for kids and their situations, supporting struggling families, the issues with kids getting pushed out of school systems and Gaby’s vision for a new nonprofit.

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

“Crisis Through a Lens of Grief” with Nze Okoronta

Nze Okoronta (they/them) is the Peer Services Program Director for SOAR Case Management Services overseeing Solstice House Peer Run Respite and Peer Run Warmline and they are an Unapologetically Black Unicorn. Nze shares their mental health journey and how they are working with the same Warmline they called while in crisis. They talk about their experiences with peer respites, not using anything carceral in the program and dealing with crisis through a lens of grief.

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