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Join Founder and CEO Dr. Craig Reed as he sits down with Dr. Vincent Franklin, college professor and retired Master Gunnery Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps. Together, they take listeners on a thought-provoking journey through culture, identity, and the evolving meaning of what it is to be American.

Drawing from their shared military experience, Dr. Reed and Dr. Franklin explore themes of equality versus assumption, and the tension between earning your way and the expectation of being given something. Through candid reflection and historical insight, they challenge listeners to engage in a deeper conversation about equity, opportunity, and the importance of equal access for all.

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In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of the African Triangle Initiative, we unpack the charged intersection of military policy, national leadership, and social equity. Sparked by the recent convening of the Department of Defense in Washington, D.C.—held in tandem with the Congressional Black Caucus' own summit—this episode dives into the complex, often contentious conversation surrounding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

What does DEI really mean? How has its language been co-opted or misunderstood? And more critically—how has it been used both to empower and to marginalize? This isn’t just a critique—it’s a call to awareness, reflection, and action. Whether you’re a policymaker, service member, activist, or concerned citizen, this episode challenges you to interrogate your assumptions and engage with DEI beyond the buzzwords.

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Step into the journey through the formative years of Dr. Craig Reed, CEO and Co-Founder of ATI. In this raw and introspective episode, “The Doc” reflects on his upbringing, the challenges and triumphs that shaped his worldview, and the powerful ways life experiences mold who we ultimately become. With honesty and depth, Dr. Reed invites us to examine our own stories and confront the defining question at the heart of this conversation: “Who the Hell Are You?”

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This episode explores the powerful impact news has on individuals and communities—shaping opinions, influencing emotions, and even guiding daily choices. We examine how some people actively consume and internalize news, while others avoid it altogether, and the reasons behind both behaviors. The conversation highlights the challenges of navigating slanted or biased reporting, raising critical questions about trust, truth, and perspective.

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Welcome to Season 3 of the African Triangle Initiative podcast—where stories, history, and vision intersect across 13 countries and territories, including Germany, Romania, Japan, and the United States.

In this powerful opening episode, we turn our hearts and minds toward a theme that has carried generations: hope.

What does hope mean for the African American community—a people just 159 years removed from slavery? How do we continue to hold on to it, grow it, and live it, even in the face of persistent challenges? And what does the path to hope look like when it’s built from both struggle and strength?

Join us as we explore the meaning of hope—its roots, its relevance, and its revolutionary power. Let this be a moment of reflection, restoration, and rising.

This is more than a podcast. It’s a movement. Welcome back.

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Step into the heart of Palmetto, Louisiana—once home to one of the largest concentrations of Black landowners in the South, a place where the soil holds the memory of generations who built, cultivated, and preserved a powerful legacy. This sacred ground is more than just land—it is a living testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring spirit of community.

Join Carl Pickney, Co-Host of the ATI Podcast, as he broadcasts live from this storied region for a very special episode featuring Pastor Dale Fontenot of New Life Church of God, and founder of Project Hope. Together, they explore the deep-rooted love, kinship, and heritage that bring families home—not just for reunions, but for reconnection, celebration, and the nurturing of shared identity.

This episode is a moving tribute to communal legacy and cultural pride. It honors the history that shaped us, the families who define us, and the spiritual bonds that continue to ground and inspire us. You’ll be reminded of the importance of coming together, of honoring where we come from, and of preserving the stories that make us who we are.

Tune in to be uplifted, empowered, and inspired to cherish the ties that bind—and to carry forward a heritage that fuels the soul and strengthens generations.

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Celebrate the rich history of the Pickney family as we mark the 50th Anniversary of the Pickney Family Reunion in the Palmetto/Rideau Community—live from Lebeau, Louisiana. Co-Host Carl Pickney along with his 1st Cousin Johnny Pickney and over 150 attendees lead us on a heartfelt journey through generations of love, resilience, and togetherness, including live via zoom, 97 years young, Mrs. Eula Mae Carmon, Lake Charles, Louisiana, the oldest living relative.

Carl and Johnny invites the family's eldest members (widows of their fathers, Marjorie and Joycie) to share treasured stories and memories, offering a powerful reflection on the origins of this enduring tradition. Beginning with data from the 1800s leading up to the 1910 census, Carl, Johnny and other relatives have traced the roots of the Pickney family and close relatives. They have used this data as a contribution to inform and educate ourselves on the rich beginnings of the reunion that has become a cornerstone of their heritage and the reason this family continues to celebrate together for over 50 years.

This is more than a gathering—it is a tribute to the strength, unity, and enduring spirit of the Pickney family.

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Broadcasting from historic St. Landry Parish, ATI Podcast Co-Host Carl Pickney leads a special episode in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Pickney Family Reunion. But this episode is more than a celebration—it’s a tribute to legacy.

Carl sits down with the family’s matriarch and eldest member, Dr. Barbara Pickney, a lifelong civil rights advocate and trailblazing leader in early childhood education. With over five decades of service, Dr. Pickney has been a powerful force in advancing equity through her work with the Head Start Program in St. Landry Parish, and as a former President of the Louisiana Head Start Association.

Through this heartfelt and deeply personal interview, Dr. Pickney shares profound wisdom, hard-won knowledge, and powerful reflections on justice, family, and purpose. This episode is a reminder that our stories matter—and that our journey becomes our legacy.