The Resident Legal Diva

It tells the story of a Leroy “Plump” Rogers who has been incarcerated for the last 30 years - his pain, triumphs, faith and fight for freedom. You can get the book on Amazon, where it has made the top selling list in the Spirituality category! Link is here.
#prison #faith #transformation #author #redemption #secondchances

This #MondaysWithMelba, the #WomensHistoryMonth series continues with Cortes Maria Lewis James! She’s a longtime advocate for women in our community - especially those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. She’ll be discussing one of the FEW good bills in Florida this legislative session - Ava’s Law, which would protect pregnant women who are in jail - allowing them to give birth out of custody. The law is named after baby Ava who died after her mom gave birth to her in Alachua County Jail and her pleas for help were ignored by the guards/staff.

Be sure to reach out to your legislators if you are in #Florida and encourage them to support Senate Bill 730 and House Bill 779! You may find your legislators here.

Learn more about Dignity Power here!

#avaslaw #staywoke #tallahassee #florida #miami #legislature #women #pregnancy #jail #prison #dignity #blackmaternalhealth #residentlegaldiva

This #MondaysWithMelba, I’m launching the #WomensHistoryMonth series featuring ladies who are making a difference in our community! First up is Mahlia Lindquist, who is the founder of LEAP: Ladies Empowerment and Action Program and Dragonfly Boutique! Her organization works with women who have been incarcerated. Did you know that over 80% of women who end up in prison are survivors of sexual assault, molestation or domestic violence? Re-entry work is literally life saving and prevents crime.

Learn more about LEAP for Ladies at www.leapforladies.org; visit Dragonfly Boutique in person or online at www.dragonflyboutique.org.

Lastly, learn more about the bad bills being introduced this legislative session in Florida here; be sure to reach out to your legislators to vote NO!

#reentry #criminaljustice #women #survivors #bethechange #reform #florida #community #miami #residentlegaldiva

This #MondaysWithMelba, talking about the awful shootings in Orlando of a reporter, woman and 9 year old child — and why the Florida Governor and Sen. Rick Scott are completely off the mark in going after State Attorney Monique Worrell.

The reality of what’s behind their attacks is even more ugly.

#crime #florida #politics #prosecution #orlando #homicide #gunviolence #podcastersofinstagram #podcast #residentlegaldiva

It’s the last #MondaysWithMelba for #BlackHistoryMonth! Might as well kick off #WomensHistoryMonth early by featuring Janey Tate of Hy-Lo News South Florida! We talk about the importance of Black owned media, especially now, how she was able to build a media outlet from scratch, and ways to keep millennials engaged in politics. 

Learn more about Janey Tate, subscribe to HyLo News or reach out to her with your advertising/marketing needs at https://hylonewsmiami.com/

#blackmedia #blackownedbusiness #womenownedbusiness #florida #miami #politics #millenial

#BlackHistoryMonth series on Black entrepreneurs continues on #MondaysWithMelba! Had a great chat with @michaelhalltm of @medium.four - where we explored getting more diversity in tech, social media, branding and politics. Learn more about Mike and hit him up for your social media, design, website and branding needs -- take note if you are planning to run for office!

Medium Four can be found at https://mediumfour.com/

#tech #media #socialmedia #branding #residentlegaldiva #melbaforjustice #blackownedbusiness #blm #podcast #podcastersofinstagram #politics

It’s Black History Month! All February we’ll be featuring Black owned businesses and experts.

New year new you? Is adding more healthy eating habits one of your goals? This #MondaysWithMelba we hang out with @juicedefined founder @missfathiyyah Tia Doster! Topics include how she got on this path, differences between juicing and smoothies, and why she is part of the revitalization of Opa Locka. Learn more about her, and order her amazing juices at https://linktr.ee/juicedefined

 
#melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #blackhistorymonth #blackexcellence #blackownedbusiness #blackattorney #blackgirlmagic #facebook #linkedin #youtube #podcast #podcastersofinstagram #juicing #health #residentlegaldiva #healthiswealth #miami #florida

It’s Black History Month! All February we’ll be featuring Black owned businesses and experts.

We’ve heard a ton in the news about changes to the immigration process - what does it all mean? This #MondaysWithMelba we dive into the citizenship process, Title 42 and the new parole program for folks fleeing certain countries with immigration attorney @legallytrem Tremaine Hemans! Learn more about her and reach out at www.hemanslaw.com. 

#melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #immigration #blackhistorymonth #blackexcellence #blackownedbusiness #blackattorney #blackgirlmagic #facebook #linkedin #youtube #podcast #podcastersofinstagram

Very excited to have on LinkedIn guru and author of “I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace” Elizabeth Leiba! We’ll talk about her experiences (super similar to my own) as well as what inspired her to write this book. We also chat about the importance of teaching accurate history. 

Learn more about her and purchase her book via www.LizLeiba.com.

#DEI #author #history #blackhistory #blackhistory365 #melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #residentlegaldiva #linkedin

It’s a new year — is one of your resolutions to get your money right? Then this #MondaysWithMelba is the show for you! Finance guru Sherylle Francis gives tips on how to manage your finances in tough economic times and surviving a layoff. 

Learn more and contact Sherylle at https://sfrancislaw.com/about/

#moneysavingtips #moneymatters #financialliteracy #melbaforjustice #finances #money #linkedin #finance #residentlegaldiva #moneymoves #podcast #podcastersofinstagram #facebooklive

#MondaysWithMelba is back! As I do every year, I honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by reading and breaking down some of his lesser known speeches. He was SO much more than ”I Have A Dream”.

This week, it will be the speech “Give Us The Ballot” - and how this ties to current day battles on voting and gerrymandering. I’ll touch on the @aclufl lawsuit against the city of Miami for drawing the voting maps to dilute the power of Black and Hispanic voters.

Tune in at 6pm - Facebook Live, YouTube, LinkedIn, or later in the week on IGTV or wherever you get your podcasts!

Also don't forget to re-register to Vote By Mail if you live in Florida!

#ElectionsMatter #drmartinlutherkingjr #MLKDay #MLKDay2023 #melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #voting #gerrymandering #podcast #podcastersofinstagram

In the final #MondaysWithMelba for 2022, we’re chatting about preserving your mental health during the holidays with licensed therapist Russell C Correa! Let’s face it - the holidays can be stressful for a number of reasons - events on overload, irritating or toxic family members, grief over the loss of a loved one, or politics at the dinner table. We’ll talk about ways to preserve your peace through the holidays and into the New Year.

Also, in light of the horrible murders at Club Q in Colorado Springs, folks may feel triggered and/or scared. Russell shares a few ways to center yourself when the news cycle gets to be too much.

On that topic, after this week, the show will be on holiday break until January!

You can reach out to Russell at russell@zetaconsulting.org.

#mentalhealth #selfcare #holidayseason #love #loss #grief #holidays #ClubQ #ColoradoSprings #lgbtq+ #ally

In this episode of #MondaysWithMelba…whew chile. I’ll be breaking down what happened in Florida on Election Day. It was a red wave that was completely avoidable but for major mistakes by the Florida Democratic Party.

Get ready because I’m going IN - WITH receipts.

But of course, I have proposed solutions as well.

**I neglected to shout out Marleine Bastien on her Miami Dade County Commission win, Summer Lee, first African American woman in Congress from Pennsylvania, and Mary Pelota, who beat Sarah Palin to be the first Indigenous member of Congress from Alaska.

The article I referred to regarding Manny Diaz is here. 

#Election2022 #ElectionDay #voting #democracy #Florida #miami #Democrats

Have you voted yet? If not, tune in for info on what to do at the polls and who to contact if you have a problem!

If you have your vote by mail ballot at home, DO NOT MAIL IT. It won’t get there in time (has to be received by 7pm on Election Day). Drop it off at the Supervisor of Election’s office of your county on Election Day Tuesday.

Learn more about what's on the ballot and where to vote at www.vote411.org (courtesy of @leagueofwomenvoters).

Problem at the polls? Call 1.866.OUR.VOTE which is the @866ourvote Election Protection Hotline.

Check my Facebook, Instagram or Twitter feed for Florida candidate recommendations.

#vote #elections2022 #yourvotematters #yourvoteyourvoice #melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #residentlegaldiva #podcast #podcastersofinstagram #politics #florida #electionday

In this episode, I chatted with Summer Blaze Aubrey attorney, activist and member of the Blackfeet and Cherokee Nations about Indigenous People’s Day (formerly known as Columbus Day), the plight of missing and murdered Indigenous women/girls, and ways to learn more accurate history! 

Share your thoughts in the comments.

#indigenouspeoplesday #mmiwg2s #history #missingandmurdered #protectwomen #femicide

In this episode of #MondaysWithMelba, I give Hurricane Ian updates, but also talk about the horrific political stunt in Martha’s Vineyard by the Florida governor that wasted nearly $2 million that could have gone to relief efforts. I break down some of the immigration nuances too and what it means for our pockets.

A great org that is doing relief work on the ground for Hurricane Ian is The Smile Trust - donate or volunteer with them if you can.

Read more about the relationship between agriculture and undocumented migrants here. 

Also, NPR did a great piece on the "Reverse Freedom Rides" in the '60s -- which was basically what the Florida gov repeated when he flew the migrants to Martha's Vineyard. It didn't work then, and it ain't working now!

#melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #residentlegaldiva #hurricaneian #marthasvineyard #history #florida #politics #vote #Facebook #spotify #googleplay #applepodcasts #podcast #podcastersofinstagram #immigration

On this episode of #MondaysWithMelba, I’m chatting with Pinellas County (FL) State Attorney Candidate Allison Ferber Miller! Pinellas folks, did you know the last time you were able to vote on this seat was 30 YEARS ago? Time for a change! Looking forward to talking about her platform, and the big changes she wants to make. She’s a fresh (but experienced) progressive face. Vote by mail ballots go out in the next few weeks - let’s get election ready! 

And if you live in the area, please stay safe from #HurricaneIan.

Check out her website to learn more, volunteer and donate at https://millerforstateattorney.com/

#melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #residentlegaldiva #prosecutor #vote #Elections2022 #pinellas #stpete #clearwater #florida

This #MondaysWithMelba, we’re talking about the dolla dolla bills y’all! Finance guru Sherylle Francis will be on to talk about creating a financial plan (yes, even in these tough times) and building generational wealth. t's less about "get rich quick" and more about how to save, the importance of life insurance, and how to leave something behind for your family. Learn more about Sherylle Francis at https://sfrancislaw.com/

#melbaformiami #residentlegaldiva #finance #wealth #savings #financialplanning #money #moneymoves #retirement

On the next #MondaysWithMelba, it’s Florida Primary Eve! I’ll be sharing updates on the arrests for “voter fraud” in Florida, reminding folks of some of the key races, and some of the key issues at stake this election - including the removal of State Attorney Andrew Warren. Election Day in Florida is Tuesday, August 23.

Check your vote by mail ballot status, confirm your polling place and see what races are on your ballot at www.vote411.org. Problems voting? Call the Election Protection Hotline -- it's nonpartisan -- at 1.866.OUR.VOTE. 

#melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #residentlegaldiva #tampa #florida #miami #vote #elections2022 #voting #prochoice #lgbtq🌈 #blm #podcast #facebooklive #podcastersofinstagram #twitter #youtube #primaryelection

Hi RLD Family, still keeping you #ElectionReady in Florida! You may have met Raquel before when she was running for Miami Beach City Commission. Now, she's running for Florida State Senate -- against someone in office who has made racist, homophobic and anti-choice comments. Learn more about Raquel's platform and what's at state in the primaries and this November! Check out her website www.Raquel.vote.

#Elections2022 #vote #yourvotematters #florida #miami #residentlegaldiva #MelbaforMiami #MelbaForJustice #saygay #lgbtq #staywoke #prochoice #politics

In this #MondaysWithMelba, I chatted with judicial candidate Brenda Guerrero who is running for Miami-Dade Circuit Judge! She has a long history of public service - learn more about her at www.brenda4judge.com!

Don't forget, as we reel from the changes from the Supreme Court, local judges are the beginning of the pipeline to state supreme courts, courts of appeals and eventually the Supreme Court. That's why voting for judges is so important!

August 23 is just around the corner - be sure that you are election ready!

#Election2022 #vote #melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #podcasts #facebooklive #igtv #googleplay #spotify #applepodcasts #anchorfm #florida #miami #voting #supremecourt #roevwade 

We have a lot to discuss on the next #MondaysWithMelba.

The Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade will have a sweeping impact - not just on women but on members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Orlando Gonzales of @savelgbt and I discuss the path forward post-Roe as well as SAVE’s advocacy work. Did you know they endorse candidates? No more "I don't know who to vote for"! Learn more about SAVE here. 

 
#pridemonth #lgbt #melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #residentlegaldiva #roevwade #reprorights #prochoice #vote #abortion #podcast #facebooklive #spotify #applepodcasts #googleplay #supremecourt

In Part 2 of #MondaysWithMelba about the aftermath of Uvalde, Buffalo, and other shootings, firearms instructor @lu_tactical and I got REAL.

Black women have been the fastest growing population of new gun owners - myself included. In this era of an increase in publicized racial violence (because let’s not get it twisted – it’s always been happening, but with social media we are now more aware of what’s happening nationally), and the inability/unwillingness of some our legislators to do anything to keep our communities safe, should people of color be arming themselves?

And, is gun control racist? We explored some of the history that makes current gun owners of color very concerned about the path forward.

There is never a perfect solution, but with information, we can make the best decisions we can while not causing more harm.

Learn more about Lu Tactical at https://www.lutactical.com/

#uvalde #buffalo #2A #blackgirlsshoot #guns #concealedcarry #opencarry #blackpanthers #history #firearms #blm #selfdefense #blackgunowners #facebooklive #igtv #podcast #blackopencarry

Hey y’all, on the this episode #MondaysWithMelba, Eddie McGovern from CERA is joining me to discuss school safety in the wake of Uvalde, TX and so many other mass shooting incidents. He’s created an app that will help cops and paramedics be more efficient in these incidents, resulting in lives saved. Learn more about CERA here.  

I’ve been really quiet in the wake of Buffalo and Uvalde because I needed a minute to process the horror. I also don’t want to weigh in without some type of solution. We’ve got to move past “thoughts and prayers” to real action - that may not come from our elected officials. We should keep applying political pressure through our votes/voices, but in the meantime what else is out there? Does tech hold a possible answer?

As a teaser for next week, the topic will be self defense in communities of color - including the rapid rise in legal gun ownership by Black women (myself included).

#melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #residentlegaldiva #schoolsafety #uvalde #buffalo #ceraapp #nomorethoughtsandprayers #massshooting #vote #parkland

Frustrated? Support groups like Southern Birth Justice, National Network of Abortion Funds, and in Florida, join the Stay WOKE Go VOTE movement!

#SupremeCourt #RoevWade #reproductiverights #prochoice #abortion #vote #Elections2022

Meet Aramis Ayala, candidate for Florida Attorney General. In light of the disturbing news on reproductive access coming from the Supreme Court, the role of the Attorney General in advocating for ALL Floridians becomes even more critical. Attorney Generals have the power to advise the governor and the legislature, launch lawsuits on behalf of the people, among other things. Link to learn more, donate and volunteer is https://www.aramisayala.com/

#miami #florida #vote #attorneygeneral #melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #residentlegaldiva #elections2022 #cjreform #reproductivejustice

Whelp, Florida legislative session is over....somewhat...for now. Rep. Fentrice Driskell and I chatted about the good, the bad and the downright ugly that resulted from this session. There are a whole bunch of new laws that are being contested in court, with a huge impact to be felt by all of us in the years to come. The path forward? Show up and VOTE!

Learn more about Rep. Driskell -- volunteer and donate -- at www.fentriceforflorida.com.

#MondaysWithMelba #melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #residentlegaldiva #fentriceforfl #CRT #dontsaygay #florida #politics #elections #elections2022 #tallahassee #education #vote #votingmatters

From daughter of the district, to teacher, to attorney. See why I wholeheartedly endorse Ashley V. Gantt, Esq. in her campaign to be the next representative for District 109. To learn more, donate, and see upcoming events, go to https://ashley.vote/. If you are local, join us on Friday, April 15 (Good Friday) for a fish fry in Overtown! RSVP here.

#elections2022 #vote #Miami #mondayswithmelba #blacklawyersmatter #winwithblackwomen #shewillrise #publicservice

Election season is in full swing on #MondaysWithMelba! This week we are chatting with @daniel.horton.diaz, who is running for the Florida House. Tune in to learn more about his platform and see why he is my first endorsement for the 2022 election cycle. Even if you don’t live in the district, you may know someone who does!  

Volunteer, donate and share his website -- www.danielforflorida.com

#EachOneTeachOne #miami #florida #politics #vote #elections2022 #votingmatters #saygay #cjreform #melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #residentlegaldiva

Tune in, get to know her, and share the information! Learn more and donate at https://www.keepjudgeihekwaba.com/

#melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #residentlegaldiva #vote #elections2022 #shewillrise #confirmkbj #confirmjudgejackson #blackgirlmagic #blackfemalelawyers

The #womenshistorymonth series continues on #mondayswithmelba!

Confirmation hearings began this week for Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. While we watch and hope, let’s not forget the judges we elect in our own backyard! This week, meet Judge Miesha Darrough, who will be on the ballot in Miami this August.

Learn more and donate to her at http://www.keepjudgedarrough.com/

#miami #florida #confirmkbj #winwithblackwomen #blackgirlmagic #residentlegaldiva #melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #vote #elections2022 #judges #blackgirlmagic #shewillrise

It’s #womenshistorymonth at #MondaysWithMelba!

Judges play such a huge role in our daily lives, and it is in the local setting that we develop the pipeline to eventually, the Supreme Court.

All this month, I am featuring 4 Black female judges that are running to keep their seats in Miami this August. Get to know them!

In this episode, meet Judge Julie Harris-Nelson. If you'd like to donate to her campaign or learn more about her, hit her website at https://www.miamijudgejulie.com/

#winwithblackwomen #residentlegaldiva #vote #elections #elections2022 #miami #florida #judges #confirmjudgejackson #confirmkbj #melbaformiami #melbaforjustice

This is gonna be a fun #MondaysWithMelba! Chatting with @missfathiyyah of @juicedefined about her path to owning her first shop in Opa Locka, (Florida) the importance of small changes for health/wellness, and supporting Black women owned businesses.

Tune in and be sure to check out her site - she delivers in South Florida via her website www.thejuicedefined.com and @ubereats! 

#melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #residentlegaldiva #blm #florida #supportsmallbusinesses #supportblackownedbusinesses #buyblack #blackhistorymonth #blackhistory365 #civilrights #opalocka #healthandwellness #juicing #womenshistorymonth

It’s #womenshistorymonth!

And, we just got our first Black female supreme court nominee in Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson!

But you know I always have to bring it back to the local level. Judges play such a huge role in our daily lives, and it is in the local setting that we develop the pipeline to eventually, the Supreme Court.

All this month, I am featuring 4 Black female judges that are running to keep their seats in Miami this August. Get to know them!

First up, @judge_ayanaharris. Learn more about her and donate to her campaign at www.KeepJudgeAyanaHarris.com

 
#winwithblackwomen #residentlegaldiva #vote #elections #elections2022 #miami #florida #judges #confirmjudgejackson #confirmkbj #melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #MondaysWithMelba

My guest is Dr. Tameka Bradley Hobbs from Florida Memorial University, the only HBCU in South Florida.
Besides being an author, a professor, and my forever #WCW due to her brilliance and kind heart - she’s an expert on critical race theory.
We will break down the fact, fiction and why this is suddenly red meat for a sector of the Republican base. There’s a bill flying through the Florida legislature to ban CRT from being taught…meanwhile, it is only being taught in law school! What half of folks are calling CRT is actually the teaching of US history. It’s not the same thing at all.

So basically…they don’t want you to learn about slavery and how it affected our country to this day. Like it never even happened 🤨

#melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #residentlegaldiva #blm #florida #criticalracetheory #education #facts #blackhistorymonth #blackhistory365 #civilrights #history #hbcu #florida

#mondayswithmelba with Tony Lesesne! Did you know that The Chicago Defender, a Black owned newspaper, was critical to African Americans leaving the South to find jobs in the North during the Great Migration of the early 1900s? We chat about the history/reach of Black media, how best to support and its continued relevance today - you don't have to be a person of color to benefit! Learn more about Black Owned Media Alliance (brainchild of Dexter A. Bridgeman)-- like, share and comment on this chat!

#BlackHistoryMonth #blackmedia #blm #history

#melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #residentlegaldiva #georgefloyd #blm #florida #politics #abortion #reprorights #criticalracetheory #lgbt #lgbtqia #civilrights #elections #vote #freespeech #policereform

Here's my final #MondaysWithMelba for 2021! I get into the Rittenhouse verdict vs the McDaniel verdict in the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. I also cover the use of civil law suits to fight back against racism. Sound off in the comments -- including what topics you'd like to see me cover in future episodes!

Have you ever met an executive chef who is also a scientist?? Check out my #MondaysWithMelba with Vidya Maharaj, MPH, CSSGB where we talked about staying safe from #COVID19 over the holidays, her amazing spot @diyamiami in Miami Beach influenced by her family's Trinidadian heritage (which we share!), and easy ways to accommodate vegans/vegetarians at your holiday table with more than a salad! Baked stuffed pumpkin? Yummy!! And that's just one recipe! We also talked about women's empowerment and the importance of supporting each other.

On this #MondaysWithMelba check out the great chat I had with two amazing female practitioners on the barriers women of color face when it comes to health care. @thehealingplace_pllc Yolande McCray and @milahdatwoman Kamilah Cross broke down why mental health is so important. Both are accepting clients for therapy so hit them up!

Also, Black women in the US face higher rates of mortality in giving birth, and are more likely to die at the hands of their intimate partners. If this applies to you, do not suffer in silence. There are resources to help you! Learn more @ncadv and @nationalblackdoulas.

#domesticviolence #domesticabuse #blackmaternalhealth #selfcare #mentalhealth #dvawarenessmonth #melbaformiami #melbaforjustice #endabuse #protectblackwomen #believesurvivors

Continuing with local elections, see my interview with City of Miami Beach Commission Candidate Raquel Pacheco! As a fellow Miami Beach resident, the drama that has occurred between welcoming visitors of color vs other tourists weighs heavily on my mind. We need real leadership who will make sure everyone is welcome to enjoy all that South Beach has to offer, not just some. Learn more about Raquel and why supporting her was an absolute no brainer - #ShesTheChange! Her website is here.