Faith Against Stigma Podcast

 In this podcast episode, Camille Starnes from Wesley AME Zion Church in Charlotte, NC, and Bessie Baker from Rhoney’s Chapel AME Zion Church in Newton, NC share their experiences as First Ladies leading HIV ministries in their respective congregations. They discuss their calling to engage in HIV work, highlighting their efforts in education, testing, hosting awareness events, supporting families,...

In this episode of "Beyond Tolerance," two faith leaders engage in a heartfelt conversation about HIV advocacy and the essential role of faith communities in fostering environments of radical inclusivity. They discuss the transformative power of faith in combating stigma, promoting acceptance, and creating safe spaces where everyone is embraced and loved without conditions. Listen in as...

The conversation centered around the importance of open communication, education, and active listening to end HIV stigma. Speakers emphasized the role of faith in providing a safe space for healing and support, while also highlighting the church's responsibility to break the silence on HIV/AIDS. They stressed the importance of vulnerability and openness in HIV work, and emphasized the need fo...

The church plays a crucial role in addressing HIV stigma and health disparities. Leaders emphasized the importance of connecting faith and health, while acknowledging the need to address harmful theologies related to sex and sexuality. Education and equipping churches to eliminate harmful theologies and stigmatize HIV were identified as key strategies. The conversation also raised questions about...

Dr. Kendra Davis and Tamika Patterson discussed the role of faith in overcoming stigma and past failures, emphasizing the importance of utilizing faith to empower others and create a welcoming community. They also highlighted the role of faith in healing and sharing the love of Jesus, with a focus on healing and love. Later, speakers emphasized the role of faith in overcoming challenges related to...

 This podcast explores the evolving roles of women within Black faith communities, highlighting the challenges and triumphs faced by women as they break barriers and reshape traditional structures. The discussion delves into the historical context of women’s roles in these communities, examining how cultural and religious norms have often limited their leadership opportunities. However, the podcas...

 In this episode titled "Elevating Humanity, A Compassionate Response," Rev. Glencie Rhedrick, a leader with the Charlotte Coalition for Justice and Associate Pastor in the Baptist tradition, alongside Shakethia Rorie, a Nurse Educator at Wake Forest Atrium Health and member of Zion Memorial Baptist Church, discuss their approaches to fostering compassion and justice within their communi...

 In this episode titled "Bridging the Gap: How Does Love Show Up for PLWHIV?", Rev. Sophia Russell, Executive Director of Positive Wellness Alliance, and Dr. Raven Scales from United Health Care explore the ways love and compassion manifest for people living with HIV (PLWHIV). They discuss the critical role that both healthcare and community organizations play in supporting PLWHIV, empha...

Activism Toward Being Human and Treating Others as Human" is a compelling podcast that explores the vital role of HIV advocacy within faith communities. Join us as we engage with two influential faith leaders, activists, and community members who are passionately working to dismantle stigma and promote compassion. Together, we discuss strategies and share stories that emphasize the importance...

Faith leaders explore critical conversations about HIV advocacy and the intersection of faith, community, and compassion in this work. This message is from two extraordinary faith leaders who have dedicated their lives to breaking down barriers and promoting the love of God within and beyond the church walls. Join us as we delve into a vital conversation about the role of the church in showing unc...

ASHLEY COBB is an Atlanta-based sex educator, speaker and HIV activist known for my open and forward-thinking approach to sexual freedom, sexual pleasure and practical sex advice. Armed with a wealth of data, evidence-based research, and cultural insights, she committed to becoming a leading voice in the field of sex education, HIV education, and pleasure for Black women, and to empowering individ...

Faith Against Stigma Episode 1 In Episode One of the Faith Against Stigma Podcast, Candice Benbow, Author and Public Theologian,  discuses the act of liberation as we move toward wholeness. Candice Benbow explains how community is essential to our collective wellbeing and provides insight on how we are connected to those who came before us by saying, "I didn't get anywhere by myself.&quo...

Faith Against Stigma  Episode 2 In Episode Two of the Faith Against Stigma Podcast, Rev. Dr. Nathan Scovens, Pastor of Galilee Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, NC and Leah McNair, Founder and Executive Director of Sister Circle International,  discuses why faith against stigma is not just about "them", but it's about "us."  Both Scovens and McNair discusses fait...

Faith Against Stigma  Episode 3 In Episode Three of the Faith Against Stigma Podcast, Apostle Gloria Samuels, Senior Pastor of Great Commission Community Church, Inc.  in Winston-Salem, and Buddist Monk, Heiwa No Bushi, Co-Director at Wat Thepnimit Mediation Center,  discusses the process of critiquing their faith and the process of re-learning.   Featured Guests: APOSTLE GLORIA SAMUELS-LEAK  is S...

Faith Against Stigma Episode 4 In Episode Four of the Faith Against Stigma Podcast, Iya Dr. Funlayo E. Wood, and Rev. Dr. Daran H. Mitchell,  discusses faith, stigma, and fear among religious leaders. They contend that faith cannot exist with fear, and in order for the Black Church to move beyond toxic theologies they need to rise above their fears.  With an emphasis on God's power and the ne...

Faith Against Stigma Episode 5 In Episode Five of the Faith Against Stigma Podcast, Dr. Brian Shackleford of Old North State Medical Society,  discusses their work in combating HIV stigma through faith-based initiatives. As a medical doctor, Dr. Shackleford shares his personal experience diagnosing and treating HIV patients while also relying on faith for restoration and healing. He contends that...

Faith Against Stigma Episode 6 In Episode Six of the Faith Against Stigma Podcast, Rev. Dr. Kia Hood and physician Dr. Tracei Ball,  emphasizes the importance of faith in dismantling stigma around HIV/AIDS.  With two distinct backgrounds as a Clergywoman and Medical Clinician, our featured guests, talks about the importance of creating spaces for young people to ask questions about their bodies an...

Faith Against Stigma Episode 7 In Episode Seven of the Faith Against Stigma Podcast, physician Dr. Tracei Ball and Rev. Dr. Jovon McPerry, discuss how HIV stigma manifests in individuals, communities, and healthcare settings, and how it requires ongoing education and empathy.  Rev. Dr. McPerry shares his personal story when testing positive  for HIV and the importance of having the HIV conversatio...

Faith Against Stigma Episode 8 In Episode Eight of the Faith Against Stigma Podcast, former Commissioner Fleming El-Amin, of Winston-Salem, NC, provides an Islamic perspective on HIV and stigma within the Muslim community.   El-Amin emphasizes the importance of breaking down barriers and leveraging faith and action addressing HIV stigma; encouraging listeners to put their beliefs into practice and...

Faith Against Stigma Episode 9 In Episode Nine of the Faith Against Stigma Podcast, HIV & Faith Ambassador, Franetta Bryant Jones,  discusses her work as a nurse and how her faith and HIV intersect with nursing.  Our featured guest stresses that education is power, so educate yourself and to ask yourself, "What if it was you?"  How would you want to be treated, especially from your f...

Faith Against Stigma Episode 10 In Episode 10 of the Faith Against Stigma Podcast, HIV & Faith Ambassador, Bishop Roger Billingsley-Hayes,  explains the need for an inclusive theology that provides a contextually understands a loving God, the human condition, and Scripture.  Bishop Billngsley-Hayes discusses his journey reconciling his spiritually and sexuality. He is a witness to the love of...

Faith Against Stigma Episode 11 In final episode of season one of the Faith Against Stigma Podcast, Physician Assistant Lashay Shaw and Rev. Melissa McQueen Simmons,  discuss the beauty of all of humanity and how HIV still persist, though science has advanced.  Our featured guests explain strategies for collaborating to reduce HIV and stigma.  We have to encourage faith leaders and medical provide...