Our Unseen Roots

11/24/2025

Our Unseen Dads - Chris Rothwell

Chris shares his perspective on identity, community, and the challenges of balancing his various roles. He discusses his father, describing him as a smart, disciplined, and hardworking former federal law enforcement officer who instilled "old school values" like high standards and being a provider. Chris learned "what to do," but also "some things not to do," realizing his father struggled with working on his own challenges. This led Rothwell to emphasize the importance of self-care and investing in his own health for his family's sake.

When discussing what he teaches his daughters, he focuses on those positive "old school values" learned from his father, such as hard work, discipline, service, and the value of education.

Rothwell identifies the "unique joys" of being a Black dad, highlighting the happiness of creating a positive, loving environment for his daughters that allows them to grow without the stress he experienced as a child. His "greatest superpower" is resilience, especially given the challenges he's faced, including losing his mother at age 18.

Chris shares his perspective on identity, community, and the challenges of balancing his various roles. He discusses his father, describing him as a smart, d...

08/27/2025

Our Ep. 29 Venita Fields

In this inspiring episode of "Our Unseen Roots," Venita Fields shares her powerful journey from growing up in segregated Mississippi to becoming a successful entrepreneur, finance professional, corporate board director, wife, mother, and grandmother. Grounded in the values instilled by her parents and community—who navigated and resisted systemic barriers during the Civil Rights era—Venita reflects on the drive and determination that fueled her pursuit of leadership and influence.

Venita discusses the challenges Black women face breaking into corporate boardrooms, emphasizing the importance of resilience, preparation, and relationship-building. She shares how leveraging her financial expertise and years of investing experience helped her secure seats on multiple corporate boards and how long-term networking through nonprofit service has opened pivotal opportunities.

Candid and insightful, Venita sheds light on the responsibilities and complexities of board service, including the impact decisions have on employees and stakeholders. Throughout, she highlights her unwavering commitment to bringing a diverse voice to the table and influencing positive change in corporate America.

This episode offers a compelling look at perseverance, legacy, and the critical role of representation in leadership.

In this inspiring episode of "Our Unseen Roots," Venita Fields shares her powerful journey from growing up in segregated Mississippi to becoming a successful...

08/14/2025

Our Ep. 29 Venita Fields...Coming Soon

07/26/2025

OUR Ep. 28 Chloe Smith

In this candid and deeply personal interview with “Our Unseen Roots,” Chloe Smith opens up about her multifaceted identity as a public health researcher, marketer, interfaith convenor, budding entrepreneur, and Morehouse School of Medicine MPH candidate. Chloe shares her journey from Evanston, Illinois, to New Orleans, and now Atlanta, reflecting on how each city has shaped her both professionally and personally.

She discusses pivotal life moments, such as her transition to Atlanta for internships with the CDC and Morehouse College, and the challenges and growth that followed. Chloe delves into her spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of obedience and strength rooted in her faith, and how aligning her actions with her values has nourished her.

As a young Black woman navigating multiple roles and ventures, Chloe highlights her “superpowers”—strength, obedience, integrity, open-mindedness, and grace (especially grace for herself)—and discusses the importance of rest and self-care. She reflects on her support system, including her parents, family, church community, and friends, and describes how these relationships have encouraged her assertiveness and emotional intelligence.

Chloe also speaks about her work in public health, driven by a desire to create tangible change in communities, from health screenings to consulting for nonprofit organizations. She underscores her excitement for the future, her entrepreneurial ambitions, and her hope to one day lead her family’s business and launch her own nonprofit.

When asked about support from the community and Black men, Chloe advocates for empathy, openness, and collaborative partnerships. She concludes with a vision for making a global impact in public health and for exploring deeper questions of liberation and empowerment for Black women.

In this candid and deeply personal interview with “Our Unseen Roots,” Chloe Smith opens up about her multifaceted identity as a public health researcher, mar...

07/24/2025

OUR Ep. 28 Chloe Smith…Coming Soon!

As a black woman, what is your greatest superpower?

07/21/2025

I had a difficult(to me) conversation with my wife, a couple of hours ago. It was difficult because I didn’t want to digest what she was feeding me. I now realize, she WILL correct me if im wrong, I may have been treating her like she was invisible and refused to listen to what she was saying…for that, I will do better. I will listen more intently and ask questions for clarity.

How can I and other black men, that treat black women like they’re invisible, do better?

06/16/2025

Our Unseen Dads - Dino Robinson

This episode of *Our Unseen Dads* features Dino Robinson, who shares his unique journey as a father. Dino discusses his upbringing, the lessons he learned from his own father (including the importance of accountability and self-empowerment), and how he applies those lessons to raising his daughters, including a stepdaughter. He details the challenges and rewards of fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of adapting his parenting style to each daughter's unique personality and needs. The episode also highlights Dino's creation of ShoreFront, a local history project born from his own genealogical research, and connects his personal experiences with his dedication to preserving Black history in his community.

https://youtube.com/shorts/APQ2Fk_SUWw?si=DInL5KRWtR_RorHA

This episode of Our Unseen Dads features Dino Robinson, who shares his unique journey as a father. Dino discusses his upbringing, the lessons he learned fro...

05/18/2025

Our Ep. 27 Kayla Henning

This episode of "Our Unseen Roots" features Kayla Henning, a community school director, discussing her identity and work within the Black community. Kayla describes her unique perspective as a Black q***r woman, highlighting the importance of care as resistance and the need to balance interpersonal support with systemic change. She shares a powerful success story illustrating the impact of genuine relationships, and discusses the critical needs within the Black community, particularly the emotional toll on Black women. The conversation also touches on the role of Black men as allies, the need for community resources, and Kayla’s vision for a future where systemic violence doesn't impede Black women's ability to thrive.

This episode of "Our Unseen Roots" features Kayla Henning, a community school director, discussing her identity and work within the Black community. Kayla d...

05/05/2025

OUR Ep. 26 Lisa Laudé

In this episode of "Our Unseen Roots," Lisa Laude, a corporate trainer and coach, shares her inspiring journey. Laude discusses her unique perspective as a Black woman, emphasizing the importance of faith in her career and life. She highlights the critical need for funding and resources to support Black women in the community, citing examples of impactful initiatives and leaders. Laude shares personal stories of overcoming challenges through prayer and rejects the notion of imposter syndrome, emphasizing the high qualifications often demanded of Black women. The conversation emphasizes community support, celebrating achievements, and the importance of voting and advocating for representation. Laude defines liberation for Black women and shares her hopes for the future of the Black community.

In this episode of "Our Unseen Roots," Lisa Laude, a corporate trainer and coach, shares her inspiring journey. Laude discusses her unique perspective as a ...

04/18/2025

It’s Official — The AUX is OPENING!

After 5 years of dreaming, planning, and building…
The AUX is finally ready to open its doors to the community!

Join us for the Grand Opening Celebration and be among the first to experience this one-of-a-kind wellness hub. Come meet and support the amazing tenants who are bringing healing, creativity, and culture to life right here in our community.

Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 11AM - 1PM
Location: 2223 Washington Street, Evanston, IL

There will be music, food, tours, and good vibes all day long. You don’t want to miss this moment!

Help us spread the word by sharing this post. Let’s celebrate what’s possible — together.

Plug into the Heart of Evanston at The AUX!!!

04/16/2025

OUR Ep, 25 Janine Hill

Janine Hill, a mother, business owner, philanthropist, and community leader. Janine discusses the Sandra Denise Hill Memorial Scholarship (which she helped rebrand and expand), her inspirations (including her mother and grandmother), and the unique challenges and contributions of Black women. She addresses critical needs in the Black community, such as health disparities and the need for support for Black female entrepreneurs, and shares strategies for managing emotional labor and overcoming imposter syndrome. Janine's vision for the future includes increased Black entrepreneurship, leadership, and the dismantling of systemic barriers.

This episode of "Our Unseen Roots" features Janine Hill, a mother, business owner, philanthropist, and community leader. Janine discusses the Sandra Denise ...

04/09/2025

OUR Ep. 24 Dr. Felicia Parsons

Dr. Felisha Parsons is a highly accomplished Black woman whose life is a testament to the power of education, community engagement, and unwavering self-belief. A retired educator with over three decades of experience in Evanston and Louisville, Dr. Parsons has dedicated her career to uplifting the lives of young people, particularly Black girls, through her impactful work with the Armor Down Girls program, which fosters confidence and self-esteem. Deeply rooted in her community, Dr. Parsons embodies the values of service and family, drawing inspiration from figures like Muhammad Ali and her own strong mother and grandmother. She identifies self-confidence as her greatest superpower, while acknowledging the importance of self-care and the vital role of Black male allyship in achieving collective liberation. With a profound commitment to education and a hopeful vision for future generations, Dr. Parsons is a powerful force for positive change within the Black community.

Dr. Felisha Parsons is a highly accomplished Black woman whose life is a testament to the power of education, community engagement, and unwavering self-belie...