Cage Free Voices Radio

Gain insight as BlaqueStone discusses the importance of #vulnerability and #love during tumultuous times. About the Duo: BlaqueStone is a Neo Soul/Hip-Hop couple who has an influence of the smooth sounds of the 90's.  "From notable styles and a stunning stage presence, BlaqueStone’s music is standing out as an entity all its own. The quality of art, music, and dedication put forth by this industrious couple is definitely making a mark and impact on the music community" is one of the many reviews of BlaqueStone. The couple consists of rapper/singer/song writer and producer Nyne (Marcus Webster). The other half is singer/ rapper/song writer Cortney Knight, known as Queen. BlaqueStone has traveled up and down the east coast and has received a positive response.   They also do outreach. This associates with the outreach they do in their music. Homelessness is a major issue, just as much as injustice and a commercialized system. The couple was able to speak about this issue live with Revolt TV in New York City. With reviews from One Love Massive, AfroPunk, TeamBack Pack and their video being accepted to BET soul channel, BlaqueStone is a strong and positive force moving.  BlaqueStone has committed their music, time and lives to promoting reality, good music and love. Find out more about BlaqueStone at: www.blaquestone.com

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Bathsheba Smithen

In this episode, Bo Maduakor and Jamell Turner both discuss the process of unpacking personal baggage to connect with self and change the lives of others. Bo Maduakor, from Alexandria, Virginia, is 25 years old. He currently attends Virginia Military Institute and is one of four children. Bo has a huge heart for youth. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Jamell knew at a very young age that he had a gift of song but because his family didn’t believe in him, he didn't pursue singing in his youth. Jamell wasn't raised in the church but the Lord showed him the way. By the age of 20, Jamell realized the gift that was so naturally inside and began going on numerous auditions and being rejected because of his lack of confidence for the past 10 years. He is part of TD Jake’s Potter’s House Choir, a Dallas’ Best Contestant, Musical Fine Arts Actor at the Potter’s House and was a Featured artist for the Potter’s House Choir Live Recording.

In this episode Vicu Schek and Philisha Adair speak about the power of love and words to help us better prepare--as a nation-- for a new year and shift in presidential power. Vicu Scheck is a 17-year-old singer-songwriter. Adopted from Romania as a baby, Vicu lives with his family in Maryland. Vicu performs in the DC area and enjoys an ever-expanding and enthusiastic following. His musical influences range from Michael Jackson, Usher, and more. Mostly self-taught, Vicu plays acoustic and electric guitar, the drums, and piano. Going by the name V.I.C.U, he has just completed his first EP. After completing high school, Vicu plans to join the NYC and LA musical communities. Vicu has been playing and performing for 3 years. He has played at the Kennedy Center and at the Lincoln Theater through the DC Arts Program in 2016. Vicu has performed at over 30 Open Mics and has studio clients where he helps them record (helps arrange and sings/ writes/collaborates) their music. Song: Matthew Shell - Dance Shake (feat. IhsAn Bilal, Vicu Schek aka V.I.C.U & Yoed Nir String Production) From the album "Spiritual Relationship: The Deeper Meaning" Release Date: October 9, 2015 Label: Narked Records Find out more about Vicu Schek here: www.vicuschekmusic.com Philisha was introduced to music at an early age. Her musician/singer father and her late mother who sang, wrote songs, and directed the choir, were the influences that shaped and encouraged her musical talent. She has been singing all of her life and she really started to take music seriously at the age of 14 when she answered the call of worship on her life. Encouraged by her Sunday school teachers she began to seek the Lord at an early age for confirmation of her destiny. Shortly thereafter she wrote her first song “Get Ready.” Many other songs would follow and by the age of 16 she started a group and started touring to local churches to share the gospel through song. As an adult, Philisha has taken her project solo and is excited to share a new sound of worship that incorporates all of the musical influences that she grew up listening to. She is currently working on a new project that includes the writing and musical collaboration of multiple talented writers and producers that helped her capture her journey and create a worship experience in a new and refreshing way. Every Single Word · Philisha ℗ 2016 Philisha Released on: 2016-03-25 Find out more about Philisha: www.facebook.com/philishaadair

In this episode, 24-year-old, Jauan Addison takes us down a road that is fraught with issues, misguidance, and disappointment to a destiny that is filled with possibilities. Jauan Addison is a native of Alexandria, Virginia. He is a sophomore business major at Coahoma community college, in Mississippi and also holds the title, the Headway student of the year. Jauan now serves as student government association president, Phi Theta Kappa honors society member, and Most Valuable Player (MVP) and captain of the Coahoma Community College Track and Field team.

Sixteen-year-old, singer and poet, Stacey Baffour-Danso talks about her struggle with self-image and her fight to overcome depression in order to set others free. Stacey Baffour-Danso is an aspiring singer and writer from New Jersey. She is a junior in high school and has been singing in her school choir for years. She is also apart of her church's youth ministry, Kingdom Business Youth Ministry at First Baptist Church of Hillside. With the ministry, she has sang, danced, and acted at many different events for the past four years. Being raised in the church, she has always found it in her nature to be generous. In the future, she hopes to study psychology in college and become a psychiatrist to use her profession to give back to her community and provide care for impoverished mentally disabled people. She loves providing encouragement to young girls, so that their self-esteem grows and they are proud to be themselves, no matter how they look.

Melanin Reigns is spoken word artist, emcee, mentor and also the owner and operator of the multi faceted brand Melanin Reigns Essentials.  More than just a writer or entrepreneur, she is 360 degrees of a creator.

Malique Hawkins is a 14 year old professional actor, mime, model, and orator. Malique has 12.5 years of varied experience in stage, television, film, and print. In this episode, Malique Hawkins provides his perspective on racial tension in America, and the impact it has on self-image.

In October, we held our first annual, Mirror Images Conference. Educators, parents, and students alike all came together to address one of the major issues plaguing our communities: functional illiteracy. We heard from Dr. John Hodge, Dr. Trenace Richardson, Ray Nelson, Talaya Simpson, Darren Reed, Bridget Adams, Dejone Fowler, and BtheMovement. Through activities, panel discussions, entertainment, and break-out sessions, community members were able to have open dialogue with educators concerning perceived challenges, cultural norms and practices that directly impact the learning process. Our annual Mirror Images Conference provides: professional development for educators and administrators who are tasked with ensuring increased student outcomes; a training ground for parents who serve as determining factors in student performance; and a platform for students who are the recipients of the educational services provided.

Episode 2: Self Image & Defying Labels- James Zito by Bathsheba Smithen