In this compelling episode of "All The Way Authentic," host Kevin P. Henry sits down with Pa Ousman Joof, the Founder and Executive Director of the Washington West African Center in Lynnwood, WA. Pa Ousman shares his incredible journey from Gambia to the United States, his harrowing experience with ICE, and his relentless pursuit of freedom and community support. Discover how he turned his struggles into a mission to help others and learn more about the upcoming "Sounds of Africa" event on August 17th at Garfield Park in Everett, WA.

Kevin and Pa Ousman delve into the founding of the Washington West African Center and its mission to connect West Africans in Washington with essential resources. Pa Ousman discusses the various programs and services the center provides. Some of these services include the distribution of culturally relevant groceries, after-school programs for children, and support groups for seniors. The conversation highlights the significance of community, resilience, and cultural pride.

The episode also provides an exciting preview of the "Sounds of Africa" event held on August 17th from 1 PM to 7 PM at Garfield Park in Everett, WA. Attendees can look forward to live African music, a vibrant fashion show, authentic African food, resource booths, and a backpack giveaway for kids.

Guest Information: Pa Ousman Joof, Founder and Executive Director of the Washington West African Center. Originally from Gambia, Pa Ousman has dedicated his life to supporting the West African community in Washington through advocacy, resources, and cultural programs.

Learn more about the Washington West African Center.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe! Your support helps us continue to bring authentic stories to light.

The All The Way Authentic Podcast with Kevin P. Henry talks about all things diversity and inclusion, mental health, and empowerment.

Kevin P. Henry has worked in the Diversity-Equity-Inclusion, communications, and training field for over 30 years. He also has extensive experience as a journalist, voice actor, and writer. Currently, he works for the private and public sectors, businesses, organizations, and nonprofits. Kevin utilizes a variety of skills to meet the needs of clients, which include strategic planning, training, facilitation, and writing.

​

While living in Hawaii, Kevin developed educational programs for high school students that focused on career planning, writing, and video production. In addition, he worked with domestic violence survivors and at-risk youth coordinating career planning workshops.

Let's get social!

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Instagram

Find us on the Web

In this episode of All The Way Authentic, host Kevin P. Henry sits down with DanVo'nique Bletson-Reed, president of the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee, to discuss the highly anticipated Nubian Jam. Scheduled for Saturday, July 27th, at Forest Park in Everett, Washington, the Nubian Jam celebrates African-American culture and heritage. DanVo'nique, a long-time resident of Snohomish County, shares her journey and the roots her family has in the community. Influenced by her father's activism, DanVo'nique has carried on the legacy of community leadership, bringing people together through cultural events and educational initiatives.

DanVo'nique elaborates on the mission of the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee, which was founded in 1993 to educate residents about African-American culture. She highlights several key events organized by the committee, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration, Winterfest, and the Root Stems and Roses and Rosebud Celebration. These events are designed to honor the contributions of African Americans and foster a sense of community and cultural pride. The Nubian Jam, which has been a staple event for over three decades, is the committee's signature celebration, featuring a variety of activities that bring the community together in joy and fellowship.

Throughout the episode, DanVo'nique and Kevin discuss the importance of instilling cultural pride and identity in young people. DanVo'nique shares stories from the committee's youth initiatives, such as a recent educational trip to Washington, D.C., where local youth visited the African-American Museum and toured the White House. These experiences are designed to expose young people to their heritage and to plant seeds of cultural pride and awareness. Kevin and DanVo'nique reflect on their upbringings and the significance of community and family in shaping one's identity and resilience.

As they delve into the details of the Nubian Jam, DanVo'nique describes the event's various activities, including the Sweet Potato Pie Contest, sack races, music, dancing, and more. The Nubian Jam is not just a summer event but a meaningful gathering that provides a safe space for the African-American community to celebrate, connect, and support one another. Kevin and DanVo'nique also address the broader impact of cultural celebrations and their importance for the wider community, emphasizing that events like the Nubian Jam and Juneteenth are significant for people of all races. The episode concludes with a heartfelt invitation for listeners to join the Nubian Jam and participate in this enriching celebration of African-American heritage.

Don't miss the Nubian Jam on Saturday, July 27th, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Forest Park in Everett, Washington. Join the celebration and experience the richness and beauty of African-American heritage and culture.

The All The Way Authentic Podcast with Kevin P. Henry talks about all things diversity and inclusion, mental health, and empowerment.

Kevin P. Henry has worked in the Diversity-Equity-Inclusion, communications, and training field for over 30 years. He also has extensive experience as a journalist, voice actor, and writer. Currently, he works for the private and public sectors, businesses, organizations, and nonprofits. Kevin utilizes a variety of skills to meet the needs of clients, which include strategic planning, training, facilitation, and writing.

​

While living in Hawaii, Kevin developed educational programs for high school students that focused on career planning, writing, and video production. In addition, he worked with domestic violence survivors and at-risk youth coordinating career planning workshops.

Let's get social!

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Instagram

Find us on the Web

On June 19th, 2024 Kevin P. Henry was invited to share the history of Juneteenth at Shoreline City Hall for the City's annual Juneteenth event. This event was sponsored by the City of Shoreline and Black Coffee Northwest.

The All The Way Authentic Podcast with Kevin P. Henry talks about all things diversity and inclusion, mental health, and empowerment.

Kevin P. Henry has worked in the Diversity-Equity-Inclusion, communications, and training field for over 30 years. He also has extensive experience as a journalist, voice actor, and writer. Currently, he works for the private and public sectors, businesses, organizations, and nonprofits. Kevin utilizes a variety of skills to meet the needs of clients, which include strategic planning, training, facilitation, and writing.

​

While living in Hawaii, Kevin developed educational programs for high school students that focused on career planning, writing, and video production. In addition, he worked with domestic violence survivors and at-risk youth coordinating career planning workshops.

Let's get social!

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Instagram

Find us on the Web