Author: Eric Gurna

November 27, 2012 / / podcast
October 31, 2012 / / podcast

raffi

Children’s Troubadour Raffi is famous worldwide for his beautiful songs, including, “Baby Beluga,” “Bananaphone,” “Willoughby Wallaby Woo” and so many more. While I only really got to know his music when I became a father, millions of people who grew up with his music now have children of their own. They are known as Beluga Grads. From his lyrics, it’s clear that Raffi cares deeply about children, and about the environment. But only recently did I learn about his work with the organization he founded, the Centre for Child Honouring, that seeks to “advance Child Honouring as a universal ethic, an essential code of conduct for all to embrace.” The Centre’s vision is articulated in its Covenant for Honouring Children, and further expressed in an anthology edited by Raffi and Sharna Olfman,

September 14, 2012 / / podcast
August 14, 2012 / / podcast

jakada-imani

“I grew up as one of those kids who came from an ‘at risk’ background. And what made a difference for me was that I had a youth program that wasn’t just about providing me services, but that was about investing in me as a leader.” – Jakada Imani

I’m happy to announce that this is the twentieth episode of Please Speak Freely! This is a special episode to me personally because I interviewed my best friend since seventh grade, Jakada Imani. Jakada is the Executive Director of the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights. Through organizing, leadership development and advocacy, the Ella Baker Center unlocks the power of low-income people, people of color, and their allies to transform California and inspire the world.

June 19, 2012 / / podcast