Preparing for Tomorrow: Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas on AI, Workforce and Community Investment

Preparing for Tomorrow: Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas on AI, Workforce and Community Investment

On this episode of The Bloc Power Hour with Sarah Harris, we welcome California State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Chair of the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee and representative of California’s 28th Senate District. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas has dedicated her career to advancing worker protections, economic justice, and equitable opportunity. From her leadership in the Justice for Janitors movement to co-founding the Los Angeles Black Worker Center and serving in the California State Senate, she has remained committed to uplifting working families and historically underserved communities. Sarah and Senator Smallwood-Cuevas discuss the future of work, artificial intelligence, workforce development, small business readiness, LA28 procurement opportunities, the Historic South LA Black Cultural District, America’s 250th anniversary, and how California can ensure that communities are prepared to participate in and benefit from the next era of economic growth.

Stay the Course: Ronda Jackson on Visibility, Growth & Becoming Unstoppable

What does it take to build a thriving business while overcoming adversity, navigating market shifts, and staying committed to your vision? On this episode of The Bloc Power Hour with Sarah Harris, serial entrepreneur, author, and Strategic Business Advisor Ronda Jackson shares her remarkable entrepreneurial journey and offers practical strategies for business growth. Drawing from her upcoming Black Business Association workshop, Stay the Course™: From Invisible to Unstoppable, Ronda discusses how entrepreneurs can strengthen their visibility, clarify their value proposition, identify growth opportunities, and create actionable roadmaps for success. Listeners will also hear about Ronda's work through In the Mix, her advocacy for small businesses, and her commitment to workforce development and community empowerment. Whether you're launching a new venture or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode delivers inspiration and actionable insights to help you stay the course. Key Topics: * Entrepreneurship and resilience * Business visibility and growth strategies * Marketing and business development * Small business advocacy * Workforce development * Community impact * Leadership and perseverance Guest: Ronda Jackson, CID Founder & CEO, In the Mix, Inc. and Studio D Contract Finishes Strategic Business Advisor | Award-Winning Entrepreneur | Author Connect: Website/Links: linktr.ee/missrondajackson Instagram: @missrondajackson_

Preserving the Groove: Clifton Moseley on Music, Media & the Stories Behind the Songs

In celebration of Black Music Month, Sarah Harris sits down with Clifton Moseley, Founder and Producer of the award-nominated We Luvv Rare Grooves podcast, for a conversation about music, media, culture, and legacy. For more than a decade, Clifton has preserved the stories behind some of music's most beloved artists through thoughtful interviews and authentic storytelling. From George Benson and Dionne Warwick to The Whispers and Con Funk Shun, We Luvv Rare Grooves has become a trusted archive celebrating the people behind the soundtrack of our lives. Sarah and Clifton discuss the importance of preserving Black music history, the evolution of podcasting and media, artist ownership, the business side of music, and Clifton's current production projects. They also explore why these stories matter and how future generations can continue protecting and celebrating Black musical excellence. Key Topics • Black Music Month • Music preservation and legacy • We Luvv Rare Grooves podcast • The stories behind classic songs • The business of music • Podcasting and media evolution • Artist ownership and intellectual property • Music journalism and storytelling • Black cultural preservation • Current creative and production projects Guest Bio Clifton Moseley is the Founder, Producer, and Co-Host of We Luvv Rare Grooves, the award-nominated music podcast celebrating its 10th anniversary. A native of Pittsburgh's historic Hill District, Clifton has dedicated the last decade to preserving music history through conversations with legendary artists, musicians, songwriters, and producers. His platform has featured icons including George Benson, Dionne Warwick, Marcus Miller, Melba Moore, The Whispers, Con Funk Shun, Gerald Albright, Karyn White, and many others. Through authentic storytelling and artist appreciation, Clifton continues to celebrate and preserve the legacy of Black music for future generations. Call to Action Listen to past episodes of We Luvv Rare Grooves and continue supporting platforms that preserve the rich legacy of Black music and culture. Follow @BlocPowerHour and subscribe to The Bloc Power Hour with Sarah Harris wherever you listen to podcasts.

Leading with Joy: Tiera Click on Mental Wellness, Authenticity & the Courage to Be Yourself

Leadership begins long before a title is earned. In this episode of The Bloc Power Hour, Sarah Harris sits down with Tiera Click, Joy Strategist, Authenticity Coach, and Founder of When the Mind Clicks, to explore how mental wellness shapes the way we lead, serve, and show up for others. Tiera shares insights on imposter syndrome, burnout, self-sabotage, nervous system regulation, and the importance of authenticity as a leadership skill. Together, they discuss how leaders can move beyond survival mode, reconnect with their sense of self, and cultivate genuine joy while navigating life's transitions. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, parent, community advocate, or emerging leader, this conversation offers practical strategies for strengthening your mental wellness and unlocking your full potential. Guest Information Tiera Click, M.A. Counseling Psychology, B.A. Communication Founder & Joy Strategist When the Mind Clicks, LLC Office: (818) 488-0885 Website: www.whenthemindclicks.com [http://www.whenthemindclicks.com] Locations: Woodland Hills & Rancho Cucamonga, California

The Sound of Legacy: Martin Ludlow on Building the Los Angeles Jazz Festival

Martin Ludlow, Founder and CEO of the Los Angeles Jazz Festival, joins Sarah Harris for an inspiring conversation about building a world-class cultural event rooted in community, economic opportunity, and artistic excellence. The inaugural Los Angeles Jazz Festival aims to become one of the largest jazz festivals in the world and the largest Black-owned jazz festival ever. With performances spanning beaches, parks, cultural venues, and neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles County, the festival brings together global talent while creating opportunities for businesses, artists, youth, and communities. Sarah and Martin discuss the power of jazz as a cultural force, the economic impact of major festivals, support for minority-owned businesses, youth development through music education, environmental sustainability, and Los Angeles' growing role as a global destination for arts and culture. Whether you're a music lover, entrepreneur, community leader, or simply passionate about the future of Los Angeles, this conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of culture, commerce, and community impact. www.lajazzfest.com [http://www.lajazzfest.com]