On this week's edition of The Spark Weekly.

A White woman Pheobe Kilby contacted Betty Kilby Baldwin, a Black woman. sawing she suspected they are connected through slavery. That started a conversation and led to a book called Cousins. They both join us for The Spark Weekly,



Also on the program, Dr. Dhiman Chattopadhyay is a professor at Shippensburg University and an author of two books, the first one related to journalism in India and the second takes a broader look at journalism practices around the world, he joins us on The Spark to discuss his two books and his life as a news reporter abroad before coming to America.

On this week's edition of The Spark Weekly.
A White woman Pheobe Kilby contacted Betty Kilby Baldwin, a Black woman. sawing she suspected they are connected through slavery. That started a conversation and led to a book called Cousins. They both join us for The Spark Weekly,
 
Also on the program, Dr. Dhiman Chattopadhyay is a professor at Shippensburg University and an author of two books, the first one related to journalism in India and the second takes a broader look at journalism practices around the world, he joins us on The Spark to discuss his two books and his life as a news reporter abroad before coming to America.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at https://witf.org/programs/the-spark.

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from <a href="https://www.witf.org">WITF</a>, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at <a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

The Spark

When people come together and talk about really interesting topics, great questions spark better understanding and opportunities for new ideas to form. On The Spark from WITF, hosts Scott LaMar and Aniya Faulcon start the conversations about what’s happening in the world and at home. Share your ideas at <a href="https://witf.org/programs/the-spark">https://witf.org/programs/the-spark</a>.

The Spark Weekly 5.5.24: Pheobe Kilby and Betty Kilby Baldwin; Dr. Dhiman Chattopadhyay

Denzel Brown, a native of Lancaster and a graduate of McCaskey High School, has carved a path of academic and professional achievement that underscores his commitment to economic empowerment. Brown furthered his education at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) and Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. His career trajectory includes significant experience in the banking sector, having worked at Santander Bank, BB&T, and First National Bank of Pennsylvania. During his tenure in these institutions, Brown excelled as a lender and relationship manager, cultivating vital business relationships and gaining valuable insights into financial services.

Brown's expertise and passion have led him to ASSETS, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming communities through social enterprise and economic development. He firmly believes that the key to bridging the economic gap for women and minorities lies in business ownership and success, which can be fostered through accessible business capital tailored to these often underserved markets. This perspective is informed by his understanding of the systemic barriers that these groups face when navigating traditional lending channels.

Statistical evidence underscores the challenges that minority communities encounter in the financial sector. As recently as 2019, a significant portion of Black and Hispanic households were without basic banking services. Specifically, 13.8 percent of Black households and 12.2 percent of Hispanic households lacked a checking or savings account, a stark contrast to the 2.5 percent of white households without such accounts. This disparity is often attributed to a deep-seated mistrust of banks among many Black and Hispanic individuals, a sentiment that Brown recognizes and seeks to address through his work.

Brown's approach involves not just providing knowledge but also ensuring that business capital is readily available and specifically tailored to meet the needs of minority entrepreneurs. By doing so, he aims to foster an environment where economic success is attainable for all, thereby narrowing the economic divide. His work at ASSETS reflects a broader mission to empower communities by dismantling financial barriers and creating inclusive opportunities for economic growth.

Denzel Brown, a native of Lancaster and a graduate of McCaskey High School, has carved a path of academic and professional achievement that underscores his commitment to economic empowerment. Brown furthered his education at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) and Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. His career trajectory includes significant experience in the banking sector, having worked at Santander Bank, BB&amp;T, and First National Bank of Pennsylvania. During his tenure in these institutions, Brown excelled as a lender and relationship manager, cultivating vital business relationships and gaining valuable insights into financial services.
Brown's expertise and passion have led him to <a href="https://assetspa.org/">ASSETS</a>, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming communities through social enterprise and economic development. He firmly believes that the key to bridging the economic gap for women and minorities lies in business ownership and success, which can be fostered through accessible business capital tailored to these often underserved markets. This perspective is informed by his understanding of the systemic barriers that these groups face when navigating traditional lending channels.
Statistical evidence underscores the challenges that minority communities encounter in the financial sector. As recently as 2019, a significant portion of Black and Hispanic households were without basic banking services. Specifically, 13.8 percent of Black households and 12.2 percent of Hispanic households lacked a checking or savings account, a stark contrast to the 2.5 percent of white households without such accounts. This disparity is often attributed to a deep-seated mistrust of banks among many Black and Hispanic individuals, a sentiment that Brown recognizes and seeks to address through his work.
Brown's approach involves not just providing knowledge but also ensuring that business capital is readily available and specifically tailored to meet the needs of minority entrepreneurs. By doing so, he aims to foster an environment where economic success is attainable for all, thereby narrowing the economic divide. His work at ASSETS reflects a broader mission to empower communities by dismantling financial barriers and creating inclusive opportunities for economic growth.

Senior Loan Officer at Assets Denzel Brown discusses the importance of financial literacy and banking

Shelby Witmer, a seasoned family and child services worker with over 25 years of experience in education, recently addressed the critical issue of how poor mental health contributes to the school-to-prison pipeline. Witmer emphasized the need for new systems to support vulnerable and misunderstood children. With a strong focus on mental health advocacy and creating trauma-informed communities, she highlighted the work of Mental Health America of Lancaster County (MHALC). At MHALC, the commitment to helping individuals achieve mental well-being is paramount. The organization advocates for a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. While many people focus on physical health through diet and exercise and spiritual health through personal beliefs, mental health often remains neglected. Witmer pointed out that neglecting mental health undermines the ability to achieve one’s full potential.

MHALC’s mission is to promote optimal mental health through advocacy, education, and support. Witmer's visit underscored the organization's dedication to fostering a community where mental wellness is foundational. She called for greater awareness and systemic changes to better support children at risk of entering the school-to-prison pipeline, stressing that mental health care is essential for a healthy, thriving society. Through their work, MHALC aims to create a society that values and actively supports mental well-being, recognizing its critical role in overall health.

Shelby Witmer, a seasoned family and child services worker with over 25 years of experience in education, recently addressed the critical issue of how poor mental health contributes to the school-to-prison pipeline. Witmer emphasized the need for new systems to support vulnerable and misunderstood children. With a strong focus on mental health advocacy and creating trauma-informed communities, she highlighted the work of <a href="https://mhalancaster.org/">Mental Health America of Lancaster County (MHALC)</a>. At MHALC, the commitment to helping individuals achieve mental well-being is paramount. The organization advocates for a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. While many people focus on physical health through diet and exercise and spiritual health through personal beliefs, mental health often remains neglected. Witmer pointed out that neglecting mental health undermines the ability to achieve one’s full potential.
MHALC’s mission is to promote optimal mental health through advocacy, education, and support. Witmer's visit underscored the organization's dedication to fostering a community where mental wellness is foundational. She called for greater awareness and systemic changes to better support children at risk of entering the school-to-prison pipeline, stressing that mental health care is essential for a healthy, thriving society. Through their work, MHALC aims to create a society that values and actively supports mental well-being, recognizing its critical role in overall health.

Child services advocate Shelby Whitmer discusses school to prison pipeline

The immensely talented spoken word artist Thunda Khatt recently stopped by to share insights into her creative world and discuss her latest endeavor, THUNDA N MIMOSAS 'Men Have Feelings Too.' This dynamic and captivating poetry showcase is set to take place at the renowned Zoetropolis Theatre in Lancaster, promising to be a highlight of the local arts scene. During her visit, Thunda Khatt delved into the inspiration and passion driving this event, offering a glimpse into what attendees can expect from this compelling experience.

Scheduled for June 9th, MEN HAVE FEELINGS TOO  is a poetry showcase dedicated to shedding light on the emotional experiences and vulnerabilities of men. This event aims to create a thought-provoking dialogue about masculinity and the often-overlooked topic of men handling their emotions. By bringing these issues to the forefront, Thunda Khatt hopes to foster a deeper understanding and empathy within the community. The MEN HAVE FEELINGS TOO showcase is a special edition of the popular poetry brunch series curated by the inimitable Thunda Khatt. Featuring an all-male cast and crew, this event aligns with Men’s Mental Health Month in June, making it a timely and significant occasion. The showcase is set for Sunday, June 9th at 11:30 AM, and promises to offer a poignant and reflective brunch event that attendees won’t want to miss.

During her discussion on The Spark, Thunda Khatt emphasized the importance of creating platforms where men can express their emotions freely and without judgment. She highlighted that societal expectations often suppress men's emotional expressions, leading to detrimental effects on their mental health. By providing a supportive environment through MEN HAVE FEELINGS TOO, Thunda Khatt aims to challenge these norms and encourage men to embrace and articulate their feelings. And as tickets are limited, Thunda Khatt urges those interested to secure their seats soon. This event not only promises to be an artistic triumph but also a meaningful contribution to the ongoing conversation about mental health and emotional well-being, particularly among men. Whether you are a poetry enthusiast or someone interested in the complexities of human emotions, this event is sure to offer valuable insights and inspiration.

The immensely talented spoken word artist Thunda Khatt recently stopped by to share insights into her creative world and discuss her latest endeavor, <a href="https://zoetropolis.com/special_events/thunda-n-mimosas-men-have-feelings-too/">THUNDA N MIMOSAS 'Men Have Feelings Too</a>.' This dynamic and captivating poetry showcase is set to take place at the renowned Zoetropolis Theatre in Lancaster, promising to be a highlight of the local arts scene. During her visit, Thunda Khatt delved into the inspiration and passion driving this event, offering a glimpse into what attendees can expect from this compelling experience.
Scheduled for June 9th, <a href="https://zoetropolis.com/special_events/thunda-n-mimosas-men-have-feelings-too/">MEN HAVE FEELINGS TOO </a> is a poetry showcase dedicated to shedding light on the emotional experiences and vulnerabilities of men. This event aims to create a thought-provoking dialogue about masculinity and the often-overlooked topic of men handling their emotions. By bringing these issues to the forefront, Thunda Khatt hopes to foster a deeper understanding and empathy within the community. The MEN HAVE FEELINGS TOO showcase is a special edition of the popular poetry brunch series curated by the inimitable Thunda Khatt. Featuring an all-male cast and crew, this event aligns with Men’s Mental Health Month in June, making it a timely and significant occasion. The showcase is set for Sunday, June 9th at 11:30 AM, and promises to offer a poignant and reflective brunch event that attendees won’t want to miss.
During her discussion on The Spark, Thunda Khatt emphasized the importance of creating platforms where men can express their emotions freely and without judgment. She highlighted that societal expectations often suppress men's emotional expressions, leading to detrimental effects on their mental health. By providing a supportive environment through MEN HAVE FEELINGS TOO, Thunda Khatt aims to challenge these norms and encourage men to embrace and articulate their feelings. And as tickets are limited, Thunda Khatt urges those interested to secure their seats soon. This event not only promises to be an artistic triumph but also a meaningful contribution to the ongoing conversation about mental health and emotional well-being, particularly among men. Whether you are a poetry enthusiast or someone interested in the complexities of human emotions, this event is sure to offer valuable insights and inspiration.

The Spark Weekly 5.5.24: Pheobe Kilby and Betty Kilby Baldwin; Dr. Dhiman Chattopadhyay

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