Join us for another brand new episode of the iFocus audio podcast. Our Host, Heidi Powell-Prera interviews an amazing woman with fantasic ideasl foe women utilizing her platform NetworkedIt, meet Tsunami.

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Join our host, Val Thompson, on this enlightening episode of the iFocus podcast as he invites a stimulating discussion with Reverend Ray Mackey, chairman of the Biz Mackey Foundation. In a riveting conversation, Reverend Mackey etches the remarkable journey of his great-uncle, the legendary Negro League baseball catcher, James Riley 'Biz' Mackey, tracing his humble beginnings as a farmer to his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Biz Mackey, known as one of the pioneers in international baseball, used the sport as a platform for African-Americans to showcase their talent globally during times of segregation. Besides his immense contributions to the sport, Mackey played an instrumental role in coaching and mentoring players who made significant strides in Major League Baseball, as discussed in this intriguing conversation.

Reverend Mackey also highlights the influential role of the Negro League Baseball in shaping the current world of Major League. The episode concludes with insights into the heart of their mission at the Biz Mackey Family Foundation: to preserve Biz's legacy and fuel future generations with the spirit of baseball.

Additionally, the conversation touches upon the instrumental role played by the bestselling book "A Giant Behind the Plate," chronicling Biz’s remarkable life, and hopes for a future film or documentary.

In a special episode commemorating Black History Month, iFocus Podcast welcomes the internationally acclaimed leader, Ambassador Andrew Young, Jr., a towering figure in the fight for civil rights. This episode encapsulates an enriching conversation with host Cynthia Blandford, where Ambassador Young illuminates his incredible life journey filled with concerted efforts to abolish racism, war, and poverty, and how these endeavors have shaped America.

Dive through the vivid recollections of his monumental service with Southern Christian Leadership Council (SCLC) under the mentorship of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Gain firsthand knowledge of his strategic policy-making initiatives as Georgia's representative in Congress, including the creation of the Chattahoochee National Park and advocacy for the Urban Housing Act. Fascinate yourself with his dedicated service as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, where he advocated for human rights globally and played a pivotal role in ending apartheid in South Africa.

The episode also delves into Ambassador Young's transformative leadership as the Mayor of Atlanta where he worked to establish the city as an international metropolis, an endeavor culminating in the successful hosting of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. Uncover how sports have served as a platform for him to drive peace and unity among nations.

Furthermore, hear from Ambassador Young on the engaging cause of competitive equality, his proactive stance towards global health crises, and his deep-seated faith in sports as a catalyst for national healing. Discover how his lifetime of service led to the creation of the Andrew J Young Foundation, a cornerstone of his lasting legacy.

End this episode with a glimpse into Ambassador Young's 90th birthday plans, a celebration intertwined with advocating peace and raising funds for indispensable causes. Explore his forward-thinking views on environmental conservation, food security, and the integration of agriculture with technology, hinting at his vision of a sustainable future.

Gift yourself this inspiring journey with Ambassador Andrew Young—a saga of resilience, unyielding purpose, and a relentless pursuit for global betterment. Do not miss this compelling narrative strung together with anecdotes of sport, justice, peace, and the indomitable human spirit.