In Continuum 1 of The Ricochet Effect: Breaking the Cycle – Tobacco, Truth, and Black Health, Dr. Abeni El-Amin sits down with Dr. Valerie Yerger of the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council (AATCLC) to examine the calculated architecture behind tobacco-related harm in Black communities across the United States.

In this edition of The Ricochet Effect Podcast, presented by Project Ricochet, Dr. Abeni El-Amin shifts the lens from spotlighting a single community leader to centering culture, voice, and collective identity through the powerful presentation of her original poem, “Ode: Stronger Together”. This piece, delivered during the 2026 Central Kentucky Black Family Conference, serves as both a reflection and a call to action, grounded in unity, resilience, and the enduring strength of community.

Meet Jeanette Hart and Dr. Margaret McGladrey, leaders of the Lexington-Fayette County Health Improvement Plan (Lex-CHIP). Jeanette is the Quality Services Manager at the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. Dr. McGladrey is an Assistant Professor at the UK College of Public Health. Jeanette and Dr. McGladrey champion health through rich collaborations and thoughtful community planning.

Meet Dale Morgan, founder and CEO of Foundation47, LLC. Dale is a financial literacy educator with deep roots in Lexington, Kentucky. Dale champions health by helping others achieve upward financial mobility.

Meet Asia Smith. Asia is a real estate broker who champions health by bringing awareness to the accessibility of homeownership.

Meet Quron Marks and Justin Edmondson. Coach Marks is a rising leader in college athletics, now in his third year coaching basketball at Kentucky State University. Justin is a senior business major and shooting guard who brings wisdom beyond his years. Quron and Justin champion health through teamwork and common purpose.

Meet Dr. Nicholas Leverette. Dr. Leverette is a chiropractor and the founder of Revive Chiropractic Centers in Lexington, Kentucky. Dr. Leverette champions health through helping people align their body and mind.

Meet Tania Whitfield. Tania is a narrative organizer with the Black Appalachian Coalition (BLAC) and an active member of Voices of Community Activists and Leaders Kentucky (VOCAL-KY). Tania champions health through sharing her light with others.

Meet the Praise Dancers of God’s Chosen Generation who invite listeners into a sacred space where movement becomes ministry and rhythm becomes reverence. In this episode of The Talking Drum: Ricochet Effect Podcast, we honor the young worshippers of God’s Chosen Generation who express faith not only through words, but through embodied praise. Their dance is testimony; rooted in scripture, tradition, discipline, and joy, reflecting a deep spiritual inheritance passed from one generation to the next.

Meet Taca Hollis, 2024-2026 Project Ricochet Urban Art Collective Artist-In-Residence. Taca is a powerful poet and spoken word artist who champions health through her words and performances.