"Our Families, Our Communities"

Our Families, Our Communities is an internet radio talk show which brings the issues of Black communities; parenting, family structure, youth, education, violence, employment and various other topics to the forefront for discussion and proactive resolution. We encourage everyone to join us each week as we discuss these issues with family/community organization directors, activists, educators, public officials and authors with a mission to pursue positive change within Black communities.

For Our Listeners - We're Now Live!

We created this blog as a means for you to communicate with us. Your voice matters! Use this forum to post your comments about our shows, connect with featured guests, present ideas or exchange resources and information. Occasionally we will host live chats with our guests so you can interact with them directly. We encourage you to log on to our site and join our mailing list so you can receive our weekly programming schedule which highlights our show topics and featured guests.

We are pleased to announce that "Our Families, Our Communities" is now broadcasted live via BlogTalkRadio.com! You can call in and speak to our guests live on the air by dialing (646) 915-9640. If you can't call in IM your questions and comments and they will be read on the air. You can IM the show via the following services:

AOL - Name: pqceo
MSN - PureQ
Yahoo - pqceo531

If you would like to be a featured guest or suggest a topic for upcoming shows, e-mail us a pqstaff@purequality.com.

This Week's Show - "Why Are So Many Black Men In Prison?"

This week on "Our Families, Our Communities" we will be interviewing Demico Boothe, Author of "Why Are So Many Black Men in Prison?" Join us live Wednesday, December 13th @ 7:00pm EST on "Our Families, Our Communities" via BlogTalkRadio.com. Click on the logo below to listen to the show.

Why Are So Many Black Men In Prison?

African-American males are being imprisoned at an alarming and unprecedented rate. Out of 10.4 million Black adult males in the U.S. population, nearly 1.5 million are in prisons and jails with another 3.5 million more on probation or parole or who have previously been on probation or parole. Black males make up nearly 75% of the total prison population, and due to either present or past incarceration is the most socially disenfranchised group of American citizens in the country today. This book details the author’s personal story of a negligent upbringing in an impoverished community, his subsequent engagement in criminal activity (drug dealing), his incarceration, and his release from prison and experiencing of the crippling social disenfranchisement that comes with being an ex-felon. The author then relates his personal experiences and realizations to the seminal problems within the African-American community, federal government, and criminal justice system that cause his own experiences to be the same experiences of millions of other young Black men.

Our Featured Guest - Demico Boothe

Demico Boothe is considered by many to be an expert on the criminal justice system as it relates to African-Americans. He served 12 consecutive years inside of federal prison and was released in November of 2003. During his incarceration he read over 500 books and dedicated his time to self improvement, study, writing, and mentoring young minorities at local halfway houses and drug rehabilitation centers in Memphis, Tennessee.

Spot Light Resource Of The Week

This week's spotlight resource of the week is the book "Why Are So Many Black Men in Prison?" by Demico Boothe. This book gives a comprehensive account of how and why the prison industry has become a predatory entity in the lives of African American Men. It explores how mass targeting , criminalization and incarceration of Black male youth has helped to create the largest prison system in the world!
Order your copy today!

Listen to Past Shows Now!

If you missed this week's live interview with Demico Boothe, Author of "Why Are So Many Black Men in Prison?" click on the play button below, listen and post your comments!

Upcoming Shows!

Live interview with legendary international reggae artist and producer MIKEY DREAD.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006 at 9:00pm EST. This interview is the first of a twelve part series of Our Families, Our Communities' "Roots & Culture Series" which consists of discussions with Jamaica's most influential people in arts & politics.

*Listen to our informative and provactive interview with Professor Griff of Public Enemy

Friday, January 5, 2007.