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As Black History Month comes to a close, ATI Podcast Hosts Craig Reed and Carl Pickney engage in a reflective and thought-provoking conversation on the enduring impact of Black Americans across culture, education, policy, and innovation.

Anchored in the origins and purpose of Black History Month, the discussion honors the contributions of historical Black Americans whose influence continues to shape society. Through insightful dialogue, Craig and Carl connect the legacy of these trailblazers to today’s cultural landscape, social climate, and the ongoing pursuit of justice, equity, and equality.

This episode serves as both a celebration and a reminder: Black history is not confined to a single month, but lives on through progress, resilience, and collective responsibility.

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Recorded in Lebeau, Louisiana, ATI Podcast Host Carl Pickney, joined by Guest Co-Host Ernest Chambers, leads a powerful and nostalgic conversation with Mayor Joseph Irving, Jr. of Palmetto, Louisiana, and James Romar.

Mayor Joseph Irving, Jr., a proud member of the Palmetto High School Class of 1983 and Carl’s classmate, shares reflections on leadership, legacy, and the responsibility of serving as Palmetto’s first Black mayor. James Romar, Class of 1982, former State Champion in Track & Field and standout basketball athlete, offers insight into the discipline, pride, and perseverance shaped by their upbringing. Ernest Chambers, also Class of 1982, former basketball athlete, retired Army professional, and current cybersecurity specialist, brings a dynamic perspective bridging past experiences with present-day purpose.

Together, the guests reflect on their shared roots growing up in Lebeau, Louisiana, the strength of lifelong relationships, and the enduring influence of the Village of Palmetto. Their conversation honors the storied elders whose wisdom, values, and example continue to uplift and empower future generations.

This episode is a testament to heritage, connection, and the lasting power of community.

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In November, ATI Founder & CEO, Dr. Craig Reed, presented at the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Conference, hosted by the National Association of College Deans, Registrars, and Admissions Officers (NACDRAO) in Greensboro, North Carolina. In addition to his presentation, Dr. Reed recorded a special podcast episode live from NACDRAO’s College Fair for high school students.

Founded on the campus of North Carolina A&T State University, NACDRAO is proudly celebrating 100 years of impact and excellence. The organization was created to provide a space for Deans and Registrars of Black colleges to connect, collaborate, and share best practices that strengthen student success and institutional growth.

Listen in as Dr. Reed and ATI Co-Host Carl Pinkney reflect on the lasting influence of HBCUs, mission-driven organizations, and educated communities—and the vital role they’ve played in shaping African American history, accomplishments, and legacy. This episode is topped off with a live recording from the College Fair, capturing the energy, hope, and promise of the next generation.

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Join us for another powerful session of Women to Women. ATI Podcast Co-Host Chance Thweatt sits down with author and advocate Ms. Shalisa C. Shaw for a candid and inspiring conversation centered on voice, lived experience, and artistic truth. Together, they explore what it truly means to walk confidently in your power as a woman—honoring where you come from while allowing those roots to guide your journey forward.

This episode also delves deeply into the role of faith in shaping identity and sustaining purpose, examining how belief, self-discovery, and resilience intersect as we navigate life’s challenges and transitions. Through reflection and storytelling, the conversation invites listeners to consider how embracing faith, reclaiming identity, and owning one’s truth can lead to healing, clarity, and empowerment.

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In this episode, we pause to reflect on the true meaning of equality—not as a slogan, but as a lived belief that shapes how we see ourselves and how we treat others. As we enter the holiday season, this conversation invites us to slow down and reflect. The holidays are not just a time for celebration, but an opportunity to show up differently—to extend grace, practice inclusion, and choose understanding over division. Equality begins with how we see people, but it’s sustained by how we treat them. It's a reminder to be the change we hope to see, honoring the worth of others, which starts with honoring your own self-worth. When we live rooted in truth, dignity, and equality, we create space for healing, unity, and hope—during the holidays and beyond.

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Join us as we sit down with Mr. Andre Walker, Program Director at ATI and a Master Mason. We dive into what the organization is all about, how it supports the community, and why groups like this may matter now more than ever.

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Join Podcast Co-Host Chance Thweatt for the first Women-to-Women episode of Season 3—a powerful conversation centered on resilience, identity, and sisterhood with Kendall Phills. Through heartfelt and thought-provoking dialogue, Chance explores how the experiences shaping our communities also shape who we become as women.

Together, we’ll reflect on the strength it takes to persevere, the courage it takes to protect our mental health, and the grace it takes to honor our self-worth.

Tune in for a conversation that celebrates the beauty, power, and purpose of women everywhere.

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Join Founder and CEO Dr. Craig Reed as he sits down with Dr. Vincent Franklin, college professor and retired Master Gunnery Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps. Together, they take listeners on a thought-provoking journey through culture, identity, and the evolving meaning of what it is to be American.

Drawing from their shared military experience, Dr. Reed and Dr. Franklin explore themes of equality versus assumption, and the tension between earning your way and the expectation of being given something. Through candid reflection and historical insight, they challenge listeners to engage in a deeper conversation about equity, opportunity, and the importance of equal access for all.