Let's get to know each other better

Lisa Henry

Lisa Henry is one of those rare individuals that, on the surface, seems amazing. When you get to know her - really know her - you realize that "amazing" is woefully insufficient.

Lisa is a world-renowned Jazz artist and educator, social / political activist, public speaker, actress, writer, and a mom to another amazing being.

She is the founding director of BLACK MEN MATTER - an organization developed to help Black men in America heal, grow and succeed.

She is also the survivor of a heart attack, stroke, pneumonia, and a brain aneurysm - all occurring at the same time! That she is still here is a miracle! That she shares her insights with us on the topic of Black Love and Relationships is a blessing!

James Jeffley

James Jeffley is an award-winning international speaker and trainer, a published author, musician, minister and the founder of The Church of Higher Consciousness - an organization dedicated to helping elevate human consciousness in all walks of life.

An accomplished public speaker in his own right, James is a two-time Finalist in the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking.

Like Lisa, James brings years of experience in relationships, parenting (his son recently turned 21) and has experienced divorce, the death of a child, and many of the ups and downs of relationship.

Why are we doing this?

"That's a really good question! We will both probably regret this at some point." - James

But seriously... Lisa and James have often shared the stage as musical colleagues playing at numerous gigs in the Midwest (Lisa singing, James playing bass). They've known each other for quite a while. Once James moved to the West Coast, they maintained contact. Though they weren't playing music with each other, their conversations often turned to parenting, relationships, social justice, the state of the world, etc... The conversations were lively, funny, deep, rich, and often very insightful. They have a great rapport and, while they don't always agree on everything, they still respect and value each others' experience.

"I've often said to Lisa that we should record some of our conversations, or invite other people to join in - especially the conversations about what's happening with Black people and relationships. Just as many Black people have had challenges and trauma "shopping while Black," "driving while Black," "voting while Black," etc... we believe that many people also find dating and relationships difficult to navigate... while Black.

We're not therapists, or social workers (well, Lisa has been), nor do we purport to have all (or any) of the answers about Black relationships. We do think we have some interesting thoughts, takes, and tips on how to heal, connect, and thrive as we experience "Loving While Black." Join us for the conversation! Let's see what we can discover, learn, and begin to heal together." - James

Why Black Love is important to me:

“I believe in Black Love, yet everywhere I turn, there is evidence of fragmentation, anger, and dialog that drives us further away from each other, instead of bringing us closer together. I want to explore the State of Black Love and how it needs to be nurtured and strengthened. I want to explore how Black men and women must now now intentionally work on their mental, spiritual and physical health, in order to be the best love partners they can be. I want to explore this next dimension of Black Love.” - Lisa