Fighting for Fatherhood: One Black Father's Battle for Custody, Justice, and His Daughter

Fighting for Fatherhood: One Black Father's Battle for Custody, Justice, and His Daughter

In this powerful episode of YANA: You Are Not Alone, host James Trice sits down with retired military veteran, youth advocate, and father James Ware to discuss his deeply personal journey through the family court system. After becoming the primary caregiver for his daughter, James found himself facing false allegations, protective orders, legal battles, and the emotional toll of fighting for custody as a Black father.   Together, they explore the challenges many Black men encounter when navigating family courts, the stereotypes that often work against them, and the resilience required to remain present for their children despite overwhelming obstacles. James shares how faith, perseverance, documentation, and an unwavering commitment to his daughter helped him overcome adversity and ultimately secure custody.   This conversation goes beyond one man's story. It shines a light on fatherhood, justice, parental rights, healing, and the importance of Black men remaining engaged in the lives of their children. It is a candid, emotional, and inspiring discussion about what it means to fight not only for custody, but for connection, dignity, and family.   If you've ever wondered what Black fathers face behind the scenes in custody disputes—or if you're looking for a story of perseverance, faith, and unconditional love—this episode is one you won't want to miss.

Finding Your Voice: Frank Sentwali Gardner on Literacy, Legacy & the Power of Words

What does it take to find your voice—and why might it be one of the most important skills a young person can develop? In this powerful episode of YANA: You Are Not Alone, host James Trice sits down with renowned spoken word artist, educator, mentor, and basketball coach Frank Sentwali Gardner for a thought-provoking conversation about literacy, mentorship, Black manhood, and the transformative power of words. Frank shares his journey from discovering hip-hop and poetry as a young boy to becoming a respected artist and educator dedicated to helping young people find their voice. Together, James and Frank explore the connection between reading, writing, impulse control, emotional intelligence, and long-term success—especially for Black boys and men navigating today's world.

“When Is It Gonna Stop?”: Reggie Ferguson on Grief, Redemption & Saving Black Lives in South Minneapolis

In this powerful and deeply emotional episode of YANA: You Are Not Alone, host James Trice sits down with South Minneapolis community leader Reggie Ferguson — founder of the Agape Movement and a man whose life journey spans street violence, incarceration, devastating personal loss, and spiritual transformation.   Reggie opens up about growing up in South Minneapolis, his past involvement in street life, and the painful “life-changing moments” that forced him to confront the cost of violence. From losing loved ones and watching families break apart, to the heartbreaking murder of his own son, Reggie shares the raw truth behind grief, revenge, restraint, and healing.   The conversation also dives into the work of the Agape Movement at 38th & Chicago following the murder of George Floyd — including violence prevention, restorative justice, youth mentorship, prison outreach, community patrols, and efforts to bridge the gap between police and the community.   More than an interview, this episode is a testimony about accountability, Black brotherhood, redemption, and the urgent need for spaces where Black men can speak honestly, heal openly, and love each other through pain.

Guy Bowling - The Cost of Absence: Black Men, Fatherhood & Systemic Barriers

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, James Trice sits down with fatherhood advocate and community leader Guy Bowling to unpack the realities Black men face in America — from absent fathers and generational trauma to systemic barriers that impact families and communities. Drawing from nearly 35 years of work with low-income and non-custodial fathers, Guy shares how his own experience growing up without a father shaped his mission to help men become present, engaged, and empowered fathers. Together, James and Guy challenge harmful stereotypes about Black men, expose policies that often work against families, and explore how trauma, poverty, incarceration, and lack of support systems continue to affect Black fatherhood. But this conversation also goes deeper — into healing, purpose, peace, and what Black men need to truly thrive. Guy speaks candidly about the importance of Black men having safe spaces to be vulnerable, accountable, and supported by one another. He emphasizes the power of mentorship, community, emotional healing, and the discovery of one’s God-given purpose. He also shares his hope that Black men move beyond survival mode and begin experiencing peace, joy, healthy relationships, financial stability, and fulfillment.

Surviving Prison, Cancer, and the Streets: Mayor Ferg’s Story of Redemption

James “Mayor Ferg” Ferguson joins YANA: You Are Not Alone for a raw, emotional, and deeply inspiring conversation about survival, redemption, faith, and brotherhood.   After spending 31 years incarcerated for murder, Ferguson opens up about the painful realities of prison life, the spiritual awakening that transformed him behind bars, and the purpose he discovered through restorative justice and mentoring other incarcerated men. Known inside prison walls as “Mayor Ferg,” he became a voice of encouragement and leadership for men searching for hope in dark places.   But his greatest battle came when doctors diagnosed him with a rare and aggressive brain cancer while he was still incarcerated, giving him only three weeks to live. Nearly two decades later, Ferguson is still here, still fighting, and still using his testimony to uplift others.   In this powerful episode, Ferguson shares: * How prison changed his life forever * The moment he surrendered his life to God * What it means to survive cancer against all odds * Why family and community matter so deeply * The work he’s doing now through Agape to help formerly incarcerated people rebuild their lives * His message to Black men about unity, love, and healing