Podcast
Scratchwerk ^EDU
Hosted by Scratchwerk Tech · EN
"Scratchwerk ^Edu," hosted by Ronnie King, CEO of Scratchwerk Tech and founder of the MyVillage Project, is a dynamic podcast at the nexus of Black communities, technology, business, education, and current events. Each episode dives deep into the role of emerging technologies in promoting equity, enhancing workforce development, and reshaping education.
Join Ronnie as he explores how technology can be leveraged to uplift and empower marginalized communities through insightful discussions with experts, activists, and innovators. From the practicalities of tech entrepreneurship to the impact of community-led initiatives, "Scratchwerk Edu" is an essential resource for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and social change.
Learn about the success of tech incubators such as "Coding in Color", which has trained over 2,000 students in emerging skills and secured over $800k in funding to support young Black tech entrepreneurs, and discover how initiatives like the MyVillage Project Community Fund has united organizations and disbursed over $4M to support 220+ Black-led nonprofits across the country. Tune in to be informed, inspired, and involved in reshaping a more equitable tech future.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Werk Week News Update - TikTok’s Ticking Clock, Auto Safety Wars, and Trump’s AI Stargate
Jan 22, 202500:14:28Tap to summarizeUnfolding political narratives reshaping tech regulation take center stage as America navigates TikTok's uncertain future amidst emerging laws and AI advancements under Trump's administration. We explore critical updates on TikTok's ban, new automotive safety laws, and the ambitious Stargate project, examining implications for the tech landscape and safety standards.• TikTok's uncertain future amid national security concerns • Trump's executive order offers a 75-day extension for TikTok divestment • New AEB regulations set to require advanced technology in cars by 2029 • Automotive industry challenges the feasibility of safety requirements • Stargate project: Trump and OpenAI's ambitious AI initiative • Potential job creation and economic impact surrounding AI infrastructureSend us a text
Transcribe →
Conversation with Dr. Kimberly Allen - The Intersection of Data, Advocacy, and Leadership
Jan 20, 202500:57:27Tap to summarizeDr. Kimberly Allen, a trailblazer in data analytics and community advocacy, joins us for a journey through her inspiring career. From her formative years at Florida State University to founding People-Driven Data Consulting LLC, Dr. Allen's story is a testament to the power of data in driving meaningful change. As she shares her experiences with the Jacksonville Public Education Fund and initiatives like the Jacksonville Community Remembrance Project, listeners will learn how data can be both a tool for empowerment and a catalyst for societal transformation.We tackle the urgent need to rethink education standards, especially for the Black community. Traditional assessments often miss the mark, failing to capture the strengths of African-American students. Our conversation centers on creating educational environments that are supportive rather than punitive, focusing on cultural relevance and true intelligence evaluation. By acknowledging systemic flaws, we aim to inspire educational systems that uplift, rather than undermine, the confidence and potential of Black students.Sustaining Black-led nonprofits and building generational wealth is a complex challenge that demands culturally informed decision-making and strategic planning. Dr. Allen sheds light on maintaining integrity in the nonprofit world, while advocating for diverse funding streams and assembling strong teams. Her insights reveal pathways to creating sustainable businesses that contribute to long-term financial stability, ensuring that future generations can focus on broader ambitions rather than financial burdens. This episode is an enlightening conversation on the intersection of data, advocacy, and leadership.Send us a text
Transcribe →The Algorithm of Love: Can Romance Be Measured?
Jan 17, 202500:18:11Tap to summarizeCan love really be quantified, or is it an enigmatic force that defies measurement? We take you on an emotional journey, reminiscing about the innocence of a sixth-grade summer camp crush while examining how our perceptions of love evolve from the flutter of passing notes in middle school to the late-night phone calls of high school. Each stage of life brings with it a new understanding of what love can be, challenging us to redefine it as we grow. Can we truly be "partially" in love? Join us as we ponder the possibility of feeling love in percentages and whether our definitions change with time and experience.Fast-forward to the digital era, where love has taken on new dimensions with the rise of online dating. A staggering 40% of heterosexual relationships now begin online, reshaping the landscape of love and connection. Is there a personal "formula" for love, and could technology eventually crack it before we do? As gamification and data collection weave their way into the fabric of romance, we invite you to explore the complexities of measuring love and relationships. Reflect on your own love story, and consider how technology might one day understand our emotional labyrinth better than we can comprehend ourselves. Send us a text
Transcribe →Werk Week News Update - Apple Stands for DEI, AI Unicorns on the Rise, and CES 2025 Highlights
Jan 15, 202500:21:04Tap to summarizeThis week's episode dives into the clash over DEI initiatives as Apple stands firm against pressures to withdraw its diversity programs, amidst a backdrop of retracting commitments from other tech giants. Additionally, the discussion explores the rise of AI unicorns and innovations revealed at CES, emphasizing the critical intersection of technology, culture, and corporate responsibility.• Apple's resistance to DEI proposal leads conversation on corporate equity • Overview of generative AI's impact and significance in modern tech • Definition and exploration of unicorn companies in the AI space • Key players emerging in the AI unicorn trend • Highlights from the Consumer Electronics Show and its significance • Introduction of innovative products unveiled at CES • Notable products include LG's portable TV and NVIDIA's computing solutions • Examination of consumer AI tools like the Wonder Petal garden cameraSend us a text
Transcribe →
Conversation with Rep. Angie Nixon - The Fight for Social Justice and Education Equity
Jan 13, 202500:51:16Tap to summarizeAngie Nixon, a powerhouse in politics and community activism, shares her inspiring journey of balancing her roles as a Florida House Representative and the owner of Cafe Resistance, a community-focused bookstore and coffee shop. Ronnie King and Tia Leathers interview Angie as she opens up about her deep commitment to fostering community engagement and social justice in Jacksonville, Florida. Learn how her unique space not only champions true American history, including Black history, but also serves as a vibrant hub for civic responsibility and grassroots organizing. Her passion for empowering the community through initiatives like the Melanin Market and her children's book, "The Adventures of Moxie McGriff," paints a vivid picture of her dedication to making a meaningful impact.Explore the challenges and triumphs of creating safe spaces for learning and activism amidst increasing book bans in public schools. Angie discusses strategies for holding elected officials accountable and highlights the systemic issues within the education system, such as inequitable access to resources. The conversation emphasizes that voting is merely the starting point for community involvement and stresses the importance of continuous engagement and advocacy to achieve sustainable change. Angie's insights into community organizing, from offering free tutoring to hosting inclusive events, underscore the transformative power of collective action.As we navigate the complex political landscape, Angie Nixon calls for direct action and emphasizes the importance of community over proximity to power. Reflecting on historical movements like the Black Panther Party, she advocates for a return to grassroots efforts to address local challenges and build trust within underserved areas. With a focus on empowerment and equity, Angie inspires listeners to reject mediocrity and strive for equitable access to quality services. Her call to action encourages us to unite and uplift our communities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a better quality of life.Send us a text
Transcribe →Is (Are) Reading Scores Really That Important?
Jan 10, 202500:23:20Tap to summarizeDid we record this good enough? Lol What if society has been emphasizing the wrong metrics in education for decades? As a student who excelled academically yet struggled with reading and writing, I share my personal journey to challenge the status quo surrounding reading scores. Despite alarming statistics showing that a significant number of students, particularly among Hispanic and Black communities, are not reading at grade level, we question the continued focus on these numbers. This episode unravels the deep-rooted issues of literacy, adult illiteracy, and the persistent question of whether our education system's emphasis on reading scores truly reflects the broader purpose and impact of reading in our society.We move beyond traditional literacy to explore the true essence of communication. In a world where technology is rapidly reshaping how we connect, we consider alternative methods of communication that transcend conventional norms, especially within the African-American community. From leveraging AI tools like spellcheck to translating religious texts into contemporary slang, language is evolving to bridge gaps across generations and cultures. By embracing diverse linguistic forms and non-verbal communication, we aim to redefine what it means to share and consume information, urging creative thinking to reshape cultural expression and communication for the future.Send us a text
Transcribe →Werk Week News Update - Apple’s Health Ambitions, Meta’s Free Speech Shift, and Job Market Trends
Jan 8, 202500:21:04Tap to summarizeThe episode discusses the evolving job market, highlighting the increasing duration of unemployment for millions of Americans, and emphasizes the shift towards entrepreneurship. It also covers Apple's transformation into a health-focused company with advanced tracking technologies and examines Facebook's controversial moderation changes reflecting a broader discourse on free speech and misinformation. • Analysis of the increasing unemployment duration in the U.S. • Discussion on the need for an entrepreneurial mindset in today's job landscape • Exploration of Apple’s health technology advancements through wearables • Examination of Facebook’s shift away from fact-checking towards community moderation • Implications of social media changes on public discourse and societal connectionsSend us a text
Transcribe →
Conversation with Bishop John E. Guns - The Role of Faith and Church in Communities
Jan 6, 202500:52:09Tap to summarizeJoin us for an uplifting and insightful conversation with our distinguished guest, Bishop John E. Guns, as he shares his journey of turning a Southern Baptist church into a beacon of hope and resilience, enlightening us with his background as Dean of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology.The heart of our discussion navigates the profound connection between faith, personal choice, and social justice. We explore how the Black church has been pivotal in empowering communities to confront societal inequities, offering a blend of spiritual and moral guidance. Bishop Guns passionately discusses initiatives like Operation Save Our Sons, inspired by his own challenges and the need to uplift young Black men. As we wrap up, the focus shifts to the church’s indispensable role in community success, with inspiring examples like St. Paul’s food, clothing, and educational programs. Bishop Guns emphasizes living proactively without fear, drawing wisdom from Ecclesiastes to inspire us in challenging times. We celebrate the vital contributions of programs like Books and Burgers, recognizing the importance of outreach and spiritual teachings in shaping confident and empowered individuals. This episode is a testament to the enduring role of faith in uplifting communities and promoting positive change in society.Send us a text
Transcribe →Quantum Consciousness: The Paradox of Being Woke
Jan 3, 202500:18:43Tap to summarizeCan the pursuit of uniqueness actually make us more predictable? Our latest podcast episode challenges this notion by exploring the fascinating interplay between consciousness and quantum phenomena. We delve into the evolving field of quantum studies, examining how fundamental concepts like gravity and time might connect to human consciousness. Imagine reality itself as a quantum event, with artists like Michael Jackson embodying this idea by merging seamlessly with their craft. Through a thoughtful discussion, we reveal how fully immersing ourselves in our passions can elevate us to a state of unconscious excellence, where true magic happens.Continuing our exploration, we confront the societal norms that often turn us into predictable entities, operating through AI and media filters without questioning their origins. This episode is a call to action to embrace true individuality and find genuine moments of connection by living consciously and being present in our daily activities. By choosing when to engage mindfully and when to lose ourselves in our talents, we discover the power to create impactful change in our lives. Join us on this journey as we strike the right balance between being awake to the world and allowing our passions to guide us to unconscious brilliance.#MyVillageProject_KnowledgeSend us a text
Transcribe →Werk Week News Update - Predictions for 2025 (AI Agents, DEI Support, and Remote Work)
Jan 1, 202500:17:40Tap to summarizeThe episode explores our predictions for 2025, focusing on the rise of AI agents, the challenges facing DEI initiatives, and the ongoing debate surrounding return-to-office mandates. With a mix of insights and predictions, the discussion highlights the potential impacts on the workforce and workplace dynamics.• Discussion on the evolution of AI, from basic machine learning to advanced AI agents • Predictions for AI agents performing daily tasks in the workplace • Concerns about AI's impact on employment and the necessity for retraining • DEI efforts post-George Floyd and the resulting political backlash • Challenges facing corporations in maintaining DEI commitments amidst external pressures • The state of employee sentiment towards return-to-office mandates • Predictions of increased entrepreneurial ventures as workers seek autonomy Follow us on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!#MyVillageProject_TrainingSend us a text
Transcribe →