Afro Aloha

Behind the badge-Examining power, policing, and Justice in Hawai'i

In this compelling episode, Bridget Bickerton-Morgan, Managing Partner at Bickerton Law Group, breaks down the complex realities of the justice system in Hawai‘i. She discusses the recent dismissal of the Lindani Myeni lawsuit. Bickerton Law Group filed the suit shortly after the shooting and killing of Lindani Myeni by Honolulu Police Department in April 2021. We dive into the disparities in police use-of-force standards, and the unique challenges faced by Black, Micronesian, and Pacific Islander communities. Bridget dives deep into the dangers of immunity, the nuances of assault and negligence claims, and the fight for accountability within law enforcement. This episode is a hard-hitting look at justice, equity, and the power of speaking truth to systemic issues. To learn more about Bickerton Law Group, visit www.bsds.com To learn more about Afro Aloha, visit www.afroaloha.com

“Caring with Dignity: Nate Dixon on Supporting Hawai‘i’s Kupuna”

In this heartfelt episode of the Afro Aloha Podcast, Amy Benson sits down with Nate Dixon, CEO of Senior Helpers West Oahu, a leading in-home care service dedicated to supporting Hawai‘i’s aging population. A retired U.S. Air Force veteran and longtime community leader, Nate shares his journey from serving his country to serving Hawai‘i’s kupuna (elders) with compassion, cultural sensitivity, and dignity. We explore the critical importance of elder care in the islands, the challenges families face in caring for aging loved ones, and how Senior Helpers West Oahu is working to fill the gaps with heart-centered solutions. Nate also opens up about the personal values that drive his leadership and how he sees care work as a form of community-building and legacy preservation. Whether you're caring for a loved one now or thinking about the future, this episode offers insight, resources, and inspiration. To learn more about Afro Aloha, visit www.afroaloha.com IG: www.instagram.com/afroalohapodcast To learn more about Senior Helpers West Oahu, visit https://www.seniorhelpers.com/hi/kapolei-ewa-beach/

Crisis, Culture & Classroom: Dr Paula Major on the Future of Education in Hawai'i

In this thought-provoking episode of the Afro Aloha Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Paula Burton Major — educator, cultural advocate, and systems change leader — to explore the urgent challenges and transformative possibilities in Hawai‘i’s education system. With decades of experience championing equity and culturally responsive teaching, Dr. Major unpacks how historical erasure, systemic bias, and the lack of Black and multiracial representation have created deep cracks in the classroom — and what it will take to heal them. This episode is a call to action for parents, educators, and changemakers who believe that every child in Hawai‘i deserves to be seen, heard, and empowered through learning. This episode is sponsored by Keith Major Sr. To learn more about Afro Aloha, visit www.afroaloha.com and follow us on social media at @afroaloha and @afroalohapodcast.

"Into me, you see." Relationships, sex, and intimacy with Dr. Jacqueline Sherman

Dr. Jacqueline Sherman (Dr. Jac) is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Intimacy and Relationship Coach, and Military Spouse based in Honolulu. In 2022, she released Sexfirmation Cards, the first sexual wellness card deck for women. The deck helps women boost their sex confidence and enhance their intimacy by developing a practical sexual self-care practice. Dr. Jac has become a sought-after resident relationship/sex expert for ESSENCE Magazine, and featured contributor in XoNecole, Bustle, Madamenoire, and USA Today. In this episode, host Amy Benson and Dr. Jac discuss relationships, sex, intimacy, and the various factors that may impact how we engage including trauma, patriarchy, etc. They discuss navigating deep connection in a transient place like Hawaii, viewing pleasure as a birthright, and Dr. Jac's sexual wellness deck. To learn more visit, www.drjac.co This episode is presented by Afro Aloha, Hawaii's Cultural Hub for black locals and travelers. Website: www.afroaloha.com www.instagram.com/afroaloha www.instagram.com/afroalohapodcast

Naivasha: From shaping black media & global brands to now farming on Oahu.

In this transformative episode of the Afro Aloha Podcast, host Amy Benson sits down with the visionary Naivasha, also known as Vasha. A powerhouse creative strategist, former Creative Director for Blavity, Travel Noire, and AfroTech, ultra-marathoner,, make-up artist, club promoter, thespian, display designer, music video director, wellness magazine creator, holistic nutritionist, corporate media creative director, agency owner, event producer, and now a regenerative farmer. Vasha shares her remarkable journey from shaping global Black media and culture to planting roots—literally—on the island of Oahu. Naivasha takes us through her evolution from designing impactful narratives in the digital and media space to answering a deeper calling—one that led her away from boardrooms and into the land. She opens up about her transition from shaping the identities of Blavity, Travel Noire, and AfroTech—brands that have empowered Black voices and innovators worldwide—to building Get Redy Farm, a space that nourishes the body, mind, and community through regenerative agriculture. Located in Waimānalo, Hawaii, Get Redy Farm is more than just an agricultural project—it’s a movement. Dedicated to growing nutrient-rich red vegetables and flowers. Hawaii’s urgent need for food sustainability, with the state still importing 85% of its food supply, Vasha shares why food sovereignty is a crucial part of community resilience and how the farm bridges creativity, wellness, and sustainability. Amy and Vasha dive into self-care not being an individual act—it’s a radical form of community care. We discusses how wellness has been commercialized in recent years, often reduced to products and aesthetics, when in reality, prioritizing well-being was historically a revolutionary act for Black and Indigenous communities. From farming to creative storytelling, she breaks down how true wellness is about sustainability, accessibility, and collective healing. Vasha challenges us to rethink how we engage with wellness—moving beyond trends to practices that nourish both the self and the collective. Follow Get Redy Farm: www.instagram.com/getredyfarm This episode is presented by Afro Aloha, Hawai'i's cultural hub for black locals and travelers. Website: www.afroaloha.com Instagram. www.instagram.com/afroaloha