Truth's Table

From Philadelphia, singer/songwriter/musician Leah Smith bends R&B, gospel, and pop to create her smooth, signature sound. Her long awaited debut LP, Tenderheaded, soars with wit, potency, and Smith's lilting soprano that effortlessly imbues each lyric. Smith's start in professional music began in 2007. After attending the prestigious Creative and Performing Arts High School in Philadelphia, Smith toured extensively with GRAMMY award winning gospel group, Israel and New Breed. After a decision to leave the group and move back home, Smith won the 2008 Philly Rising Open Mic competition at one of Philly's premiere music venues, World Cafe Live. As part of the winner's package, Smith earned free studio time with which she recorded her revelatory debut EP, Beautifully Made. Visibility from this genre-bending project positioned Smith to be a sought after featured artist on many Christian Hip Hop records, most notably Trip Lee's hit "Sweet Victory." After an extensive break fr

In this episode, Ruth Naomi Floyd takes a seat at the table with Ekemini. Ruth has been at the forefront of creating vocal jazz settings that express Christian theology for over 20 years. A vocalist and composer on the international music scene, Ruth has dedicated a discography of five compact discs explicitly dedicated to a sacred jazz expression. Blessed with a soaring mezzo-soprano voice, critics have praised Ruth’s discography for its distinctive sound of progressive ensemble jazz that is seamlessly blended with explicit Biblical messages of unwavering faith in God. Ruth leads her own multi-faceted ensemble and her music consists primarily of original compositions. A committed music educator, Ruth is Director of Jazz Studies at Cairn University, Langhorne, Pennsylvania. Ruth conducts several vocal clinics as well as lectures on the history and celebration of African American Spirituals, the Blues, Jazz and African American Gospel Music. Ruth is also an award winning fine art photographer specializing in b

In this episode, Seaux Chill takes a seat at the table with Ekemini and Michelle to discuss his musical background and his approach to music. Nabil Ince, stage name Seaux Chill, is an artist originally from Columbia, MD who has been in the Chattanooga area for the past few years. Piano is his first love, playing since he was 6 years old. However, Seaux Chill also loves writing, composing, and producing music largely influenced by pillars of black music. In 2018, he graduated from Covenant College with a bachelors of arts in jazz piano. He currently functions as the Program Director for a children’s music ed non-profit called East Lake Expression Engine and continues to build towards his own music career. His music can be found on all streaming platforms and more about Seaux Chill’s work can be found at www.seauxchill.com. He is the man responsible for Truth’s Table’s magnetic theme song. Take a seat at the table with us and you might hear a live rendition of our the Truth’s Table theme song. Pull up a chair,

It’s June, which means that it’s Black Music Month! The women of Truth’s Table are kicking off their Black Music Month Series and Xavier Omär joined them at the table. How does Xavier Omär want to be remembered? As a risk taker, a classic voice, an artist who blurs musical lines and fearless dreamer. And, with these big goals, the fearless dreamer. And, with these big goals, the singer-songwriter isn't wasting any time. His debut studio album, Bonfire, released on 09/02/14, was followed by his EP with Sango (Soulection) titled Hours Spent Loving You, and singles Blind Man & Hesitate. Xavier Omär takes pride in his songwriting ability and is most excited by the reward of evoking specific feelings in his listeners with his music. He draws inspiration from artists of all genres, including James Blake, Arcade Fire, Kanye West, Mumford & Sons, John Legend, Frank Ocean, The Beatles, and Sam Smith. Xavier Omär grew up as a military brat, moving across the country and as far as japan, but he claims Ge

In this episode, Ekemini, Michelle, and Christina talk about the blood of Jesus. Why the blood matters, why it is central to our Christian faith, why it still works, and why this teaching is more commonly preached about in the Black church. Pull up a chair, grab your notebook as you listen to this bloody episode. Hosts: Michelle Higgins (twitter.com/AfroRising) Christina Edmondson (twitter.com/DrCEdmondson) Ekemini Uwan (twitter.com/sista_theology) Producer: Joshua Heath (twitter.com/J_DotMusic4) Executive Producer: Beau York (twitter.com/TheRealBeauYork) Special Thanks To: The Witness: A Black Christian Collective - www.TheWitnessBCC.com (twitter.com/TheWitnessBCC) Podastery - www.podastery.com (twitter.com/Podastery)

Kim Cash Tate is the author of several books, including Cling: Choosing a Lifestyle of Intimacy with God and her fictional Promises of God series. Kim is also a Bible teacher with an active YouTube channel featuring Bible studies and practical, biblical teaching. She has spoken in several cities with Women of Faith and has been featured on national broadcasts such as The 700 Club and Discover the Word. She has also written as a contributor for Desiring God and She Reads Truth. Formerly, Kim clerked for a federal judge and practiced as a partner in litigation with a large Midwest law firm. She and her husband Bill currently reside in St. Louis, Missouri. They have a son and daughter who are both college students. Kim can be found online at http://www.kimcashtate.com and on social media platforms @kimcashtate. Pull up a chair and have a seat with us! Follow Kim Cash Tate: Twitter: @kimcashtate Instagram: @kimcashtate Facebook: @kimcashtate https://www.facebook.com/kimcashtate/ YouTube: @kimcashtate ht

In this episode, Christina and Ekemini are joined by LaTasha Morrison, President and Founder of Be The Bridge and Lisa V. Fields President and Founder of The Jude 3 Project to discuss their experiences as single black women. You do not want to miss this important episode. Pull up a chair and bring your homegirls to the table as Ekemini, Lisa, and Tasha open up about this part of their lives. Follow LaTasha Morrison: Twitter: @LatashaMorrison, @beabridgebuilder Instagram: @LatashaMorrison Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BetheBridge/ Website: www.beabridgebuilder.com Follow Lisa V. Fields: Twitter: @LisaVFields, @jude3project Instagram: @lisavfields, @jude3project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jude3project/ Website: www.jude3project.com Articles mentioned on this episode: 1.5 Million Missing Black Men by Justin Wolfers, David Leonhardt, and Kevin Quealy https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/04/20/upshot/missing-black-men.html Singleness: My Only Companion written by Ekemini Uwan https://w

Issa crossover episode with the Red Couch Podcast! In this episode, Propaganda and Alma invited the women of Truth’s Table to have a seat on their Red Couch. Together, the four of them discuss the current events everyone is talking about at the moment. Pull up a chair or find a comfy spot on the couch! Subscribe to the Red Couch Podcast on iTunes and everywhere else you listen to your podcasts. Follow the Red Couch Podcast on Twitter @theredcouchpod Hosts: Michelle Higgins (twitter.com/AfroRising) Christina Edmondson (twitter.com/DrCEdmondson) Ekemini Uwan (twitter.com/sista_theology) Producer: Joshua Heath (twitter.com/J_DotMusic4) Executive Producer: Beau York (twitter.com/TheRealBeauYork) Special Thanks To: The Witness: A Black Christian Collective - www.TheWitnessBCC.com (twitter.com/TheWitnessBCC) Podastery - www.podastery.com (twitter.com/Podastery)

In this episode, Christina and Ekemini are joined by Anna C Douglas to discuss the power of humor. Anna is well known across the nation for her ability to make people laugh. Her love for making people laugh began at a early age while in fellowship with friends and family. The North Carolina native has made TV appearances, toured the country with some of the top internet sensations and collaborated with numerous gospel artists. She cleverly intertwines her love for God into her comedy. Pull up a chair and grab your teacup as they discuss humor as resistance. Follow Anna: Instagram: @annacdouglas Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/comedianannaDouglas/ Hosts: Michelle Higgins (twitter.com/AfroRising) Christina Edmondson (twitter.com/DrCEdmondson) Ekemini Uwan (twitter.com/sista_theology) Producer: Joshua Heath (twitter.com/J_DotMusic4) Executive Producer: Beau York (twitter.com/TheRealBeauYork) Special Thanks To: The Witness: A Black Christian Collective - www.TheWitnessBCC.com (twitter.com/TheWitnessBCC) Pod

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford is a Licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia and the host of the popular mental health podcast, Therapy for Black Girls. Her clinical focus is helping women recover from breakups and she is passionate about creating experiences and holding space for Black women to become the best possible versions of themselves. Her work has been featured in Bustle, Women’s Health, BuzzFeed, Teen Vogue, Essence, and O, The Oprah Magazine and she was named in Huffington Post as one of “10 Black Female Therapists You Should Know.” Pull up a chair and have a seat at the table with us as we get to know Dr. Joy! Hosts: Michelle Higgins (twitter.com/AfroRising) Christina Edmondson (twitter.com/DrCEdmondson) Ekemini Uwan (twitter.com/sista_theology) Producer: Joshua Heath (twitter.com/J_DotMusic4) Executive Producer: Beau York (twitter.com/TheRealBeauYork) Special Thanks To: The Witness: A Black Christian Collective - www.TheWitnessBCC.com (twitter.com/TheWitnessBCC) Podastery - www.podastery.com (twitte

In this episode, Christina and Ekemini play the Black Card Revoked by Cards For All People as they discuss times that their blackness has been policed and confess when they have policed the blackness of other people. Pull up a chair and grab your teacup as they discuss the importance of upholding black dignity. Hosts: Michelle Higgins (twitter.com/AfroRising) Christina Edmondson (twitter.com/DrCEdmondson) Ekemini Uwan (twitter.com/sista_theology) Producer: Joshua Heath (twitter.com/J_DotMusic4) Executive Producer: Beau York (twitter.com/TheRealBeauYork) Special Thanks To: The Witness: A Black Christian Collective - www.TheWitnessBCC.com (twitter.com/TheWitnessBCC) Podastery - www.podastery.com (twitter.com/Podastery)

Pass The Table: To Our Listeners, With Love by Truth's Table

In this episode, Christina discusses the Apostle Paul’s strategies when engaging and harnessing cultural differences as well directly addressing bias that is out of step with the Gospel. Get your notebooks out and pick a sturdy desk as Christina teaches us about socio-cultural polarization and the interculturalist, the Apostle Paul. Hosts: Michelle Higgins (twitter.com/AfroRising) Christina Edmondson (twitter.com/DrCEdmondson) Ekemini Uwan (twitter.com/sista_theology) Producer: Joshua Heath (twitter.com/J_DotMusic4) Executive Producer: Beau York (twitter.com/TheRealBeauYork) Special Thanks To: The Witness: A Black Christian Collective - www.TheWitnessBCC.com (twitter.com/TheWitnessBCC) Podastery - www.podastery.com (twitter.com/Podastery)

Amena Brown is a poet, speaker, author, and event host. Named one of Rejuvenate Magazine’s Top 40 under 40 Changemakers, Amena is the author of five spoken word CDs and two non-fiction books: Breaking Old Rhythms and her latest release How to Fix a Broken Record. She has performed and spoken at events across the nation such as Creativity World Forum, IF Gathering, and Chick-fil-A Leadercast, as well as touring with Gungor, Ann Voskamp and the Voices Project Historically Black College and University Tour. Amena is also the host of the How to Fix a Broken Record podcast miniseries about her book of the same name and the co-host of podcast Here for the Donuts. She and her husband, DJ Opdiggy, live in Atlanta where they host an open mic every fifth Thursday at Urban Grind Coffee. Pull up a chair and have a seat at the table with us! Follow Amena on all of her social media platforms: Website: http://www.amenabrown.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/amenawrites Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/amenabee YouTub

From time to time, we, the women of Truth’s Table invite our listeners to learn about our respective ministries, gifts, and work. In this episode, Ekemini gives a piercing talk entitled, “The Fall: How Did We Get Here?” What does Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden have to do with the Dakota Access Pipeline, The Flint Water Crisis, and the Black Lives Matter Movement? Ekemini explicates the answer by giving a systematic and biblical theology of the impact of sin in us and in this world. Get your notebooks out and pick a sturdy desk as Ekemini teaches us about The Fall. Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elUUHOBQIdA

In this episode, Ekemini, Michelle, and Christina are talking about friendship at the table. How they met and what it means to have good friendships. Pull up a chair, grab your teacups, and get ready to cackle! Hosts: Michelle Higgins (twitter.com/AfroRising) Christina Edmondson (twitter.com/DrCEdmondson) Ekemini Uwan (twitter.com/sista_theology) Producer: Joshua Heath (twitter.com/J_DotMusic4) Executive Producer: Beau York (twitter.com/TheRealBeauYork) Special Thanks To: The Witness: A Black Christian Collective - www.TheWitnessBCC.com (twitter.com/TheWitnessBCC) Podastery - www.podastery.com (twitter.com/Podastery)

In this episode, Rev. Duke Kwon joins Christina and Ekemini at the table to discuss ecclesiastical reparations. Duke Kwon is the Lead Pastor of Grace Meridian Hill, a congregation in the GraceDC Network located in Washington, DC. He spent his early years in Southern California, then journeyed to the East Coast for his undergraduate studies at Brown University (A.B.). After working as an analyst at a management consulting firm, Duke began his formal training for pastoral ministry at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div., Th.M.). During his time in New England, he also served on the campus ministry staffs of Grace Covenant Campus Church (KAPC) and Reformed University Fellowship Brown/RISD, where he also met his wife Paula. Duke moved to Washington, DC in 2004 to serve as the Assistant Pastor of GraceDC’s “anchor” congregation, Grace Downtown, then in 2011 planted its second congregation, Grace Meridian Hill, a neighborhood church located in one of the most ethnically and economically diverse parts of the

In this episode, Morgan joins Christina and Ekemini at the table. Morgan Dixon is the Co-Founder of GirlTrek which is a groundbreaking three-year-old national nonprofit based in Washington, D.C that inspires and supports African American women and girls to live their healthiest, most fulfilled lives - simply by walking. Through grassroots organizing and award-winning social media campaigns, GirlTrek supports over 120,000 walkers, 500 volunteers and inspires an ever-growing network of 200,000 supporters. GirlTrek is quickly becoming a “go-to” organization in the public health space. They have built partnerships with such companies as Kaiser Permanente, National Park Service and First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Campaign. Prior to co-founding GirlTrek, Morgan was on the front lines of education reform. She served as director of leadership development for Achievement First, the largest charter school networks in New York City where she trained and supported 23 school principals. Before Achievement First

In this episode, Ekemini, Michelle, and Christina discuss Ryan Coogler’s blockbuster hit movie, “Black Panther.” Listen in and take a trip to Wakanda as the women of Truth’s Table snatch wigs like Okoye snatched hers and ours! Hosts: Michelle Higgins (twitter.com/AfroRising) Christina Edmondson (twitter.com/DrCEdmondson) Ekemini Uwan (twitter.com/sista_theology) Producer: Joshua Heath (twitter.com/J_DotMusic4) Executive Producer: Beau York (twitter.com/TheRealBeauYork) Special Thanks To: The Witness: A Black Christian Collective - www.TheWitnessBCC.com (twitter.com/TheWitnessBCC) Podastery - www.podastery.com (twitter.com/Podastery)

In this episode, William A. (“Sandy”) Darity, Jr. joins Christina and Ekemini at the table. Dr. Darity is the Samuel DuBois Cook Professor of Public Policy, African and African American Studies, and Economics at Duke University. He is the founding director of the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity, and he has served as chair of Duke’s Department of African and African American Studies. Darity’s research focuses on inequality by race, class and ethnicity, stratification economics, schooling and the racial achievement gap, North-South theories of trade and development, skin shade and labor market outcomes, the economics of reparations, the Atlantic slave trade and the Industrial Revolution, the history of economics, and the social psychological effects of exposure to unemployment. He has been a Visiting Scholar at the Russell Sage Foundation (2015-2016), a fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (2011-2012) at Stanford University, a fellow at the National Humanities Center (1