"Chocolate Never Sounded So Good!"
Artwork by Nikki Williams Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved
Your Place to find out what's Going On with today's
Creatives and Innovators
Welcome Beloved to the Chocolate Scoop Podcast "The Chocolate Scoop" podcast is a Cultural Arts series consisting of Theatrical and Literary Performances, Music and Art, News, and Interviews, Celebrating the Sweet Mocha-Middle, Melanin-Rich Creative Spirit of People of Color
Please sit back and relax
And Experience a mixed media of Melaninized mocha magic presented by today's Creator's and Innovators!
... AND AS A SPECIAL BONUS ...
"Vibes & Jives from the ArtBeat Archives" - Radio Recordings from the Vintage Vault Spanning 1990 - 1998
We Invite you to enjoy rare excerpts from our digitalized Vintage Recordings from the ground-breaking radio show "ArtBeat of Harlem" (originally broadcast from WHCR 90.3 FM Harlem Community Radio from 1990 - 1998). "ArtBeat...) was produced and hosted by Nikki Williams.
"Kindness is Kontagious - Never get Immune to it!" - N.W.
This Poem is dedicated to all of the Loving Spirits who have Blessed and those who WILL Bless me as Guests on "The Chocolate Scoop" WE VOW FIRST TO
'DO NO HARM!'
Like all Brilliant thoughts and ideas sparked in and by the Spirit
One must empty out their doubts and fears and allow one's Senses to Ear it
Then and only then can the heart and mind hear it/
Rest your Self Beloved, on the curve of your sweetest dream
Curve your smile along the edge of your facial seam
Your musing music: the "All Things are Possible with God" theme/
Creators Innovators See'rs and Be'ers, Embrace your Selves as Gifted Group
Graced by God to circle the world in Miracles - Hosanna'ed in a
Holy Love Loop
Melanin Musings made Magic, sweetly swept up and cradled in the
Psalm of Spirit:
The Chocolate Scoop
- Nikki Williams Christmas Day 2025
Thank You God for Your Continued Blessings
Artwork of Sweet Peaceful Young Woman and 45 Records Collage by Nikki Williams Copyright 2021/2025
"The Chocolate Scoop" Episode 1 January 1, 2026 - Nikki Williams' Mocha Musings Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
Disclaimers: (Please note that guests and/or topics are subject to change)
Please note that the view points and/or opinions expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the view points and opinions of The Chocolate Scoop Producers and their Affiliates
PROLOGUE
"The Chocolate Scoop" First Episode
"Been Hallelujah'ed" - 36 Years of an Artist's Journey Reflected
in Laughter and Tears
By Nikki Williams Creator, Producer & Host
JANUARY 1, 2026 Thank You God for Your Mercy and Grace!
PODCAST #8 MARCH 15, 2026, 8PM to 9:30PM
"The Chocolate Scoop" Podcast #8 PART 1 "And So, Yet Shall They Speak" A Presentation During Women's History Month
Nikki Williams, Producer and Host of “The Chocolate Scoop” is joined in an extremely informative and fact-packed conversation with Ms. Cheyney McKnight, Founder and Owner of “Not Your Momma’s History,” a firm that consults and aids museums, historical sites, historical societies, private businesses, etc. in developing specialized programming about slavery and the African experience within 18th and 19th century America.
Cheyney McKnight is the Founder and Owner of “Not Your Momma’s History,” who is a graduate of Simmons University and holds a bachelor’s degree in political history. More information about “Not Your Momma’s History,” can be found on its social media pages as well as its YouTube channel which has over 200,000 subscribers and 5 million views.
"The Chocolate Scoop" Podcast #8 PART 1 "And So, Yet Shall They Speak" Nikki Williams Producer and Guest Cheyney McKnight
"The Chocolate Scoop" Podcast #8 PART 2 "And So, Yet Shall They Speak" Nikki Williams Producer and Guest Cheyney McKnight
PODCAST #7 MARCH 1, 2026, 8:00 PM to 9:45 PM
""The Chocolate Scoop" Podcast #7: "The Rhythm and Rhyme Of It All" - Music and the Shaping of Black Manhood
Join Producer/Host Nikki Williams as she is reunited with former Bronx Writers Corp members Mr. Azekiwe Providence and Mr. Steven Sapp. Mr. Providence is a Photographer, Performance Poet, Documentarian, Educator, and Community Curator. Mr. Sapp is a Writer, Poet, Director, Performance Artist and Co-founder of two organizations: "The Point" and "UniVerses." In this in-depth and extended discussion, both guests share their thoughts on how music, in particular, Rap and Hip Hop, informed and shaped their understanding of Black Manhood back in the early days of the music genre's inception. Like Rap and Hip Hop, both Artists were raised in the Bronx with Fathers who heavily influenced their sense and style of Artistry. In addition to being Educators and Practicing Artists, Mr. Providence and Mr. Sapp, speak about their personal strategies of how they look to reach today's young up and coming Artists.
BELOVED, PLEASE OPEN BUZZ SPROUT LINK DIRECETLY BELOW TO HEAR PODCAST
Azekiwe (pronounced ah-zeek-quay) Providence is an American artist, photographer, documentarian, and educator of Afro/Puerto Rican descent. Born in Harlem and raised in New York City, his creative process specializes in Hip-Hop and urban culture with a concentration in graffiti writing. Azekiwe’s work archives everyday life through exploration, observation and investigation of the identity of the people inhabiting urban America. The subjects of his photographs include codified messages and images that serve as evidential findings reflecting the socio-political climate of the community used for education. These narratives serve as autobiographical commentary chronicled before they vanish. “Record, share, and reflect.”
PODCAST #6 FEBRUARY 15, 2026, 8PM to 9PM
"The Chocolate Scoop" Podcast #6: "The Dreams Eye See" Visual Storytelling through Theater, Photography, and Film
TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST #6 "The Dreams Eye See" February 15, 2026 on BUZZSPROUT.COM PLEASE RIGHT CLICK ON LINK OR COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER THE LINK DIRECTLY BELOW
Barbara Chirinos, a dynamic force in the arts and cultural sectors, recently joined Spelman College as the inaugural artistic director of the Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation and the Arts (CI&A) and the LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Samuel L. Jackson Center for the Performing Arts.
With a career spanning over three decades, Chirinos has made her mark through groundbreaking programs, cultural preservation, and advocacy for underrepresented voices. From stage managing U.S. national theatrical tours of iconic Black plays by James Baldwin, George C. Wolfe and August Wilson, etc., working with New York City’s New Federal Theatre, to founding and curating Vancouver’s longest-running Black History Month film series to curating films for the "Drum is Calling," a vibrant, interactive festival of traditional and contemporary Indigenous and cross-cultural films and performances, celebrating Indigenous artists, to producing and managing one of Canada’s largest international music festivals to managing four theatres consecutively, she has championed authentic storytelling across North America.
With a career spanning over three decades, Chirinos has made her mark through groundbreaking programs, cultural preservation, and advocacy for underrepresented voices. From stage managing U.S. national theatrical tours of iconic Black plays by James Baldwin, George C. Wolfe and August Wilson, etc., working with New York City’s New Federal Theatre, to founding and curating Vancouver’s longest-running Black History Month film series to curating films for the "Drum is Calling," a vibrant, interactive festival of traditional and contemporary Indigenous and cross-cultural films and performances, celebrating Indigenous artists, to producing and managing one of Canada’s largest international music festivals to managing four theatres consecutively, she has championed authentic storytelling across North America.
Melvin R. McCray III is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, photographer, educator, and cultural historian whose five-decade career has been dedicated to preserving African American history and empowering communities to tell their own stories. A Princeton University alumnus (Class of 1974), McCray has distinguished himself as both a consummate media professional and a passionate advocate for underserved populations.
A New York City resident since age five, McCray continues to merge his professional expertise with his commitment to community empowerment and cultural preservation. Through his teaching, filmmaking, photography, and leadership of the Digital Media Training Program, he has created pathways for young people to document their own histories while building a comprehensive archive of African American achievement and resilience for future generations.
Please go to www.melvinmcray.com for full Biography
PODCAST #5 FEBRUARY 8, 2026 8PM to 9PM
Premier Podcast Brother's Gonna Work it Out' Podcast #1
TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST #5 "Brother's Gonna Work it Out" February 8, 2026 on RIVERSIDE.COM PLEASE RIGHT CLICK ON LINK OR COPY AND PASTE INTO YOUR BROWSER THE LINK DIRECTLY BELOW
https://riverside.com/shared/exported-clip/08445e3436bc95a7ab08
"The Chocolate Scoop" podcast #5 premiers with the first podcast of "Brother's Gonna Work it Out" - Black Men in the Arts Speak about Roles and Responsibilities as Black Male Creators.
The first podcast starts with a conversation with Jamaican born Mr. E. Lloyd Napier, Educator, Actor, Director, Playwright, Visual Artist. Mr. Napier speaks about his Jamaican roots, his professional career in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and other parts of the United States.
Mr. Napier also shares reflections on his Artistic Career spanning over a fifty-year period, as well as his reflections on the influence of the late Theater Visionary, Mr. Woodie King, Jr., on Black Theater and the Arts. Recorded February 8, 2026
E. Lloyd Napier
College Professor/Actor/Director/Writer/Visual Artist
Graduate of Church Teacher's College, Howard University BFA, City College N.Y. M.A., Post Graduate in English Georgia State University
Member of Actors, Equity, Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Radio and TV Artists.
PODCAST #4 FEBRUARY 1, 2026 8PM to 9PM
"Sistahs Share the Sacred" A Poetic Love/Song Celebrating Sistahood and the Enduring Power of Faith PART 1
"Sistahs Share the Sacred" A Poetic Love/Song Celebrating Sistahood and the Enduring Power of Faith PART 2
PODCAST #4 FEBRUARY 1, 2026 8PM to 9PM
"The Chocolate Scoop" Podcast #4: "Sistahs Share the Sacred" A Poetic Love/Song Celebrating Sistahood and the Enduring Power of Faith
An Inspirational Creative Conversation with Authors, Poets, and Performance Artists, Josefina Baez, and Tumani Ra'ine Jordan. In this inspirational and Heartfelt episode, two dynamic Women Artists of the African Diaspora - one African Dominican, the other African American, share poetry, prose, and insights that cross "so-called" borders and boundaries. Join us in this Sistah Soul Connection of Culture, as we Celebrate the power of Faith and Sacredness of Sistahood.
Josefina Baez (Dominican Republic/USA). Orphan. Celebrant. Creative expressions shared: Storyteller, ArteSana, performer, writer, theatre director, educator, devotee. Founder and director of Latinarte/Ay Ombe Theatre (April 1986). Alchemist of artistic/creative life process,Performance Autology© (creative process/live creating/creative life based on the autobiography of the doer in conscience; In life phases -youth, elderhood, illness and death). Joy is the vital element present in her narrative, practice and teachings.
Photo of Josefina Baez by Susurro Sonora
Photo: Tumani Ra'inie Jordan
Tumani Jordan is a mother, educator, writer, poet, performing artist and motivational speaker. She has self published several poetry books. Her latest is titled, "In the Light We Awaken, Poetically Speaking." She has put her, Soul Journey of Enlightenment on paper. Through poetry and dream travel, she has learned to, "speak without words, feel without touch and see beyond the veil."
This book is published under her pseudo name, OraCal T.
PODCAST #3 JANUARY 25, 2026 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
"Love & Passion Carolina Style - Creating a New LP" PART 1
"Love & Passion Carolina Style - Creating a New LP" PART 2
PODCAST #3 JANUARY 25, 2026 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The Chocolate Scoop Podcast: "Love & Passion Carolina Style - Creating a New LP"
North Carolina and South Carolina born Jazz Musicians and Educators Mr. Tyrone Jefferson and Ms. Terri Davis, join both the Carolina's together in a riveting and honest discussion about the Passion and Deep Love that an Artist, Creator and Innovator, have to have in order to navigate through the ups and downs of Artist Living. Both Musicians will also speak about their Carolina and New York-based Experiences as Artists and Faith Believers.
Photo: Tyrone Jefferson
Tyrone Jefferson lives in North Carolina. He currently acts as Executive Director of A Sign of the Times of the Carolinas, a non- profit organization focused on reaching out to the community through music and educational programs that reflect the heritage of African Americans. In 2013 he was the recipient of the Harvey B. Gantt Center award. A Sign of The Times of The Carolinas preserves the legacy of the African Diaspora through music, dance, and spoken word. We educate, inspire, and unite communities with powerful performances and cultural programs. Join us in celebrating history, resilience, and the power of artistic expression!
Trombonist, composer, arranger, producer, and visionary, Tyrone Jefferson makes music that chronicles his journey, opens his heart and mind, and allows him to share his worldview.
Dexterous and inventive as a player and creator, his solid foundation in music theory and knack for the nuances of rhythm and melody shine through in his vibrant performances, arrangements, and compositions.
With a career spanning nearly 50 years, he stands firmly behind his artistic mission: to promote the rich and diverse history of those in the African Diaspora through music, dance, and the spoken word.
www.asignofthetimes.org ktjefferson@hotmail.com
info@asignofthetimes.org (704) 399-0243 Facebook Instagram LinkedIn
TERRI DAVIS Vocalist, Lyricist, Composer, Arranger and Educator Born in Beaufort, South Carolina to lovely vocalist Pauline Davis and alto saxophonist and educator, Earl Davis, who jazz giant Wayne Shorter described as: "Earl the Pearl, the opera singer who played like Cannonball," Terri was exposed to beautiful music in the womb.
A graduate of Howard University, with a Bachelors of Music in Jazz Studies and a Masters of Music in Jazz Vocal Performance, Terri has shared the stage with jazz greats Wynton Marsalis, Lonnie Plaxico, Geri Allen, Carmen Lundy, Cassandra Wilson, Marc Cary, Anthony Wonsey, Steve Williams, David Durrah, Rahn Burton, Bruce Edwards, Bobby McFerrin and jazz ensemble Afro Blue. Performances with Cotton Club Big Band and the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra are among Terri's list of accomplishments. Recently, she was the featured vocalist, accompanied by world-renowned saxophonist Bill Saxton and Grammy nominated pianist Marc Cary, at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Terri also recently performed at The Lincoln Center Atrium where she was the featured vocalist in the Marc Cary Band, “Indigenous People”. This performance landed her a first time photo/article in the New York Times, The Amsterdam News and on New York One. She is also a featured vocalist for the Thursday evenings Harlem Sessions led by Marc Cary at Ginny’s Supper Club. Terri also recently performed in the Catskills, on the Exit Zero Jazz Festival and at The Lincoln Center Atrium where she was the featured vocalist in the Marc Cary Band, “Indigenous People”.
Terri's recordings include: "Plaxico" (Lonnie Plaxico); "Irridescence" (Lonnie Plaxico); "Virgo" (Doug Carn); "Steal Away" (John Blake featuring Afro Blue); "Afro Blue Christmas" (Afro Blue) and "The Best is yet to come" (Afro Blue).
Enchanting audiences with warmth, wit, and world class jazz vocalization of standards, contemporary and original songs, Terri Davis' show is a "must see." She has been the featured vocalist at several New York venues such as Cleopatra’s Needle, Maison Harlem, Ponty Bistro, Chez Lucienne, Chocolat, (Harlem), Gin Fizz (Harlem) Sistah’s Place and For My Sweet (Brooklyn) with upcoming dates at New Harlem Besame Restaurant and Bar. Sundays she headlines the Sunday Brunch at actor/painter Alvin Clayton's upscale Alvin & Friends Restaurant and Bar in New Rochelle, New York every other Sunday.
She is a licensed New York City Public School Teacher, Shape NYC certified and licensed Zumba Instructor.
(For bookings and interviews contact: 347-885-8479 or terridavis7@yahoo.com)
Photo of Ms. Terri Davis
JANUARY 18, 2026 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
"They'll Be Singing Over Me"
PODCAST #2 JANUARY 18, 2026 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The Chocolate Scoop Podcast: "They'll Be Singing Over Me"
A Conversation with Innovators and Creators, Dr. Kevin McGruder, Antioch College, Ms. Lorraine Currelley, Producer, Educator, Author, Poet, and Dr. Lindamichelle Baron, York College, on the Triumphs and Challenges of Creativity, Education, and Innovation as it Relates to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Kevin McGruder (he/him), is Associate Professor of History at Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio. He received a B.A. in Economics from Harvard University, an M.B.A. in Real Estate Finance from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in History from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Before pursuing doctoral studies, he worked for many years in nonprofit community development, including as Program Officer with Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Director of Real Estate Development with the Abyssinian Development Corporation (Harlem), and as Executive Director of Gay Men of African Descent (New York City). Kevin also owned two retail businesses with products celebrating Harlem (Home to Harlem, 1990-1991; Harlemade Styleshop, 2000-2008). Kevin is co-author of The Emancipation Proclamation: Forever Free, and of Witness: Two Hundred Years of African-American Faith and Practice at the Abyssinian Baptist Church of Harlem, New York, author of Race and Real Estate: Conflict and Cooperation in Harlem, 1890-1920, and of the biography, Philip Payton: The Father of Black Harlem, and editor of Home at Last: The Writings of AIDS Journalist LeRoy Whitfield. He is currently researching and writing a biography of Harlem Renaissance writer/physician Rudolph Fisher. https://tinyurl.com/YSMLKDay
Lorraine Currelley, MS-Mental Health Counselor, was born and raised in Harlem. Ms. Currelley has a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and graduate specialization in Thanatology (grief & bereavement) from the College of New Rochelle Graduate School. A BA from the College of New Rochelle School of New Resources. She’s a graduate of The New York State School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University
She’s a writer, NY USA Lifetime Beat Poet Laureate, a spoken word performance artist and a multidisciplinary artist. She’s the executive director for the Bronx Book Fair aka The People’s Book Fair and the founder and executive director for Poets Network & Exchange. The former president and a founding member of the Harlem Arts Fund. Lorraine Currelley is widely anthologized and a multi awards recipient among them the New York Public Library Arts for a Lifetime Award, 50 Most Influential Women of North America, and the Platinum Eagle Award of Excellence.
Her advocacy and activism centers on social & environmental justice and equity, anti-ageism, human & civil rights and marginalized communities.
//www.lorrainecurrelley.comDr. Lindamichelle Baron (pseudonym Lindamichellebaron) has been sharing her culturally rich poetry, and powerful inspirational, educational, affirmational and motivational insights to public schools, colleges, churches, foundations, organizations, and institutions throughout the country for decades. You may have witnessed her high energy, joy filled, and provocative presentations as a keynote speaker, professional developer, master of ceremonies, and/or as a performing artist. A few of her honors and awards include: Network Journal’s 25 Most Influential Women in Business; Alliance of Black Educators of New York’ “Educator of the Year;” and the New York City Middle School Principal’s “Friend of Education.” Dr. Baron has been celebrated as all the above and more.
Although, she received her doctorate in Cross Categorical Studies from Columbia University’s Teachers College, she is most proud of recently being selected the inaugural poet laureate for the largest town in the United States, the Town of Hempstead. Years earlier, she was also bestowed the designation of Village Griot, by the village of Hempstead. Lindamichelle published her own collection of poetry when she was in her early twenties, as a college student at New York University, and while a teacher in the renowned Crispus Attucks School, in Brooklyn, NY. She is best known, in the world of education, for her poetry collections, and idea books: “The Sun Is On,” “Rhythm & Dues” and “For the Love of Life.” She recently published her Legacy Edition of poetry, “Just Sayin’.” Her poetry has also been included in numerous poetry anthologies for children and young adults. Dr. Ba ron used her academic prowess and educational background to co-author a k-8 language arts textbook series, “The Write Direction” for Modern Curriculum Press, which was a subsidiary of Pearson Publishing.
Please look for her new collection of poetry, “Just Sayin’ Rhythm and Rhyme, Legacy Edition,” available for presale today.
She is an associate professor in the Department of Teacher Education at York College, CUNY, where she has also been chairperson. She is currently faculty advisor for the international honor society for teachers, Kappa Delta Pi (KDP). Dr. Baron is the chair of the York College Africana Studies Center Board, and director of the center. Three York College administrations have trusted her to be the emcee for York College graduations. She has published multiple journal articles and book chapters in areas of critical literacy, social justice and culturally relevant, sustaining practices. To paraphrase one of her poems:
We’re trying to describe her.
We’re adding this and that and such and such,
But we still can’t capture all of her,
because she is just too much.
JANUARY 11, 2026 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
"The Chocolate Scoop" Podcast Number One: "The Gift of New Beginnings" January 11, 2026 Guests: Dr. Venis Wilder Henry and Attorney Kevin S. Sylvan Nikki Williams Producer/Host
PODCAST #1 JANUARY 11, 2026 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM
The Chocolate Scoop Podcast: "The Gift of Beginning Again" - AConversation with Innovators and Creators, Dr. Venis Wilder Henry and Attorney Kevin Sylvan
Photo: Dr. Venis Wilder
Dr. Venis Wilder is a board-certified physician leader born and raised in South Florida. She is the current Regional Medical Director of Broward and Palm Beach County at Sanitas Medical Center. She is a graduate of Duke University, Harvard Medical School, and Columbia University/New York Presbyterian Hospital, and has an Executive MBA from Emory University. She is passionate about creating healthy communities and designing systems which help everyone achieve their optimum health. She is the owner and CEO of a holistic spice company named Aunt Alberta's Spice House, which is one of the topics that she will be speaking about today. She is married and has a 10 year old daughter named Norah.
Please click on the link below to visit and support Dr. Wilder's business "Aunt Alberta's Spice House" - Healing Foods for the Soul https://www.aaspicehouse.com
Kevin S. Sylvan has been on the scene as a musician, actor and singer for over thirty years. A guitarist with a severe bass voice, Kevin has done voice-over recordings, commercials, narration, industrial ads, Live Radio plays, on-stage script readings, choral work, poetry and more. He has also served as an emcee, stage director, musical director and writer. He has worked on numerous past Nikki Williams productions.
A one-time volunteer High School teacher, now an attorney with decades experience, Kevin has a private law practice with a Wall Street office and specializes in Criminal Defense work. He engages in litigation including trial throughout New York State.
Photo: Attorney Kevin Sylvan