Episodes
Thursday Feb 25, 2021
Yvonne Blake & Will Toms and Dave Silver
Thursday Feb 25, 2021
Thursday Feb 25, 2021
This episode kicks off with Hakim’s Bookstore owner Yvonne Blake and a discussion about community building. She runs the shop — one of the oldest African American bookstores in the country — that her father opened in West Philadelphia in 1959. Then, the hosts catch up with Will Toms and Dave Silver, two multi-talented Philadelphians making names for themselves and making space for Black creators. The pair, who made Forbes’ 2021 30 Under 30 list, founded studio/shop/production house/event space REC Philly to put the city’s creative economy into the hands of makers. Their grant-funded #BlackMusicCity project helps Black creators pursue their goals. Tune in to hear how these passionate Philadelphians are creating real, sustainable change by sharing knowledge and resources.
Thursday Feb 11, 2021
Tommy and Codie Elaine Oliver & Crystal Streets
Thursday Feb 11, 2021
Thursday Feb 11, 2021
Season 2 of Love + Grit kicks off with love and positive energy. Hosts Laiya, Rachel and Justin welcome Tommy and Codie Elaine Oliver, the power couple behind Black Love Inc. After Philly native Tommy met Codie Elaine at a film festival, the two poured their passion for storytelling into a multimedia company and digital platform that’s worked with Viola Davis, Tia Mowry and other celebrities to tell dynamic stories of love that often go overlooked, including their Doula Dads series featuring Sterling K. Brown. The positive vibes continue with Crystal Streets, a jeweler and diamond concierge (and proud Central High School grad from Mt. Airy!) — who works with ethically sourced materials and healing crystals to make sure stars like Rihanna, Jay-Z and Mariah Carey look — and feel — stunning.