The BIG We

15/11/2024

WOW! Thank you to all the Memphians who came out to our in-person co-op cafe hosted in collaboration with Southeast Center for Cooperative Development: Democratizing Society to learn about co-ops and learn more about an upcoming 7 Week Co-op Academy!

This is the place for you if you’ve:

🌱 Had inspirations to start a business but keep running into obstacles

🌱 Started a business but don’t want to continue it on your own

🌱 Are interested in building something from scratch or providing a needed service, but want to conduct business in an equitable manner

🌱 Want to learn how to build a business that can be co-owned by its workers, ensuring community and cultural preservation and democratic decision-making

DM us for more information and head to for an upcoming free, interactive class that explores the basics of the co-op business model, the history of co-op, and more.

WOW! Thank you to all the Memphians who came out to our in-person co-op cafe hosted in collaboration with Southeast Center for Cooperative Development to learn…

15/11/2024

DAY 2, PART 1: Welcome to Memphis continued with a day of reflection and power. After hearing from Brent Leggs, Executive Director of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, the group embarked on a powerful Historic Site Tour.

The tour included a visit to the beloved Historic Clayborn Temple, where participants witnessed the removal of its 3,000-pipe organ for restoration. We also stopped at R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home, where Martin Luther King Jr. lay in state, and visited Fourth Avenue and Vance Street.

At the National Civil Rights Museum, Justin S. Hopkins, Psy.D. guided the group in processing the trauma of the stories shared, standing in the place where Dr. King gave his life in pursuit of justice. The group also paid tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, at her birth home, honoring the generations of neighbors who have lived in the community, leaving behind visions, wishes, and prayers for the future.

Lunch was hosted at the Withers Collection Museum & Gallery on historic Beale Street, where a private collection of Dr. Ernest Withers’ iconic civil rights photographs was shared. The group then walked to the Orpheum Theatre to see the preserved Black-only balcony entrance, part of The Balcony Project, and concluded the afternoon at The Halloran Centre with a fireside chat featuring our founder anasa troutman and Christina Hollenback of Justice Capital.

Together, we explored pathways to a Sustainable Financing & Community Ownership Model. It was an incredible day that we will not soon forget.

📷 Ben Brown Jr

DAY 2, PART 1: Welcome to Memphis continued with a day of reflection and power. After hearing from Brent Leggs, Executive Director of the National Trust for…

14/11/2024

This week, Anasa Troutman, Historic Clayborn Temple, & The BIG We are reminded that the work happening within our communities is the work that will ultimately save us all. It is through each other that we will find our collective salvation.

Words cannot fully capture the pride we feel for Memphis and the privilege we had last month to share our values with state, county, and city officials, alongside investors and foundations.

"Welcome to Memphis" provided a powerful platform to present our vision for restorative development in the city. This vision encompasses Public Health and Safety, Community Ownership and Governance, Environmental Repair and Resilience, and Culture and Creative Placemaking—and we made sure to bring it to life.

Day 1: Tuesday, October 15th

The event kicked off at Central Station Hotel, where we were warmly welcomed by Tamika Turner, the granddaughter of Baxter Leach, one of the courageous sanitation workers from the historic 1968 I AM A MAN strike. Attendees heard from distinguished speakers, including Beverly Robertson, former President of the National Civil Rights Museum and former CEO of the Greater Memphis Chamber, as well as Christina Hollenback of Justice Capital and our very own Anasa Troutman.

Stay tuned for highlights from Day 2!

This week, anasa troutman, Historic Clayborn Temple, & The BIG We are reminded that the work happening within our communities is the work that will ultimately…

13/11/2024

05/11/2024

Episode 5: Love Is Community feat. Anasa Troutman is now LIVE ❤️

In today’s episode, Anasa shares a major milestone— the first convening of 40 funders and partners who traveled to Memphis from across the country to support The BIG We! She also dives into personal reflections on building a team, navigating challenges, and stepping into the version of herself that can bring this vision to life.

Join us for exciting updates on rebranding, next steps for The Big We, and how dreams of love, safety, joy, and abundance for everyone keep evolving in this community.

🎙Available wherever you get your podcasts.

14/10/2024

Episode 5 of The Africatown Revival podcast is available now 🌊

In this episode, Kamau Sadiki, a scuba diver and maritime archaeologist shares his connection to the Clotilda shipwreck and delves deep into the powerful narrative of resilience, healing, and reconnection with ancestral waters.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎙

11/10/2024

This week’s POP 3 has arrived and you’re gonna want to remember these ones!

The documentary about is receiving its theatrical release on November 1st but we were first in line to see it in a special preview. No way we were missing out on Luther’s buttery vocals in surround sound before everyone else! 😍

‘s exhibit - Edges of Ailey is sure to make you weep. It’s literally Alvin Ailey’s life in a room and it’s beyond gorgeous. If you don’t have a trip to NYC planned, MAKE ONE ✈️

STEVIE WONDER IS ONE OF THE GOATS 🐐 and the most impactful five years of his discography is getting dissected and discussed in its own podcast on called, The Wonder of Stevie. The guest list is STACKED and it’s hosted by Wesley Morris, a Pulitzer Prize winning Culture critic.

09/10/2024

08/10/2024

Episode 4: Love, Broadway, and The C.H.E.S.S. Board feat. Chester Gregory is now LIVE ✨🎭❤️

In this episode, Broadway actor and singer Chester Gregory shares his journey from Gary, Indiana, to the bright lights of Broadway. He also emphasizes the power of listening to oneself, to the art, and to others; and gives us a glimpse into his latest project, The C.H.E.S.S. Board.

A deep dive into love for music, teaching, and making meaningful connections through art— this episode is a must listen!

🎙 Available wherever you get your podcasts.

01/10/2024

Our next guest on The BIG We Podcast is Chester Gregory! 🙌🏾

An accomplished actor, singer, and songwriter known for his Broadway performances and dynamic stage presence, Chester Gregory is deeply committed to fostering community and creativity, which is reflected in his work with the CHESS BOARD community. This community initiative focuses on using the arts to inspire and uplift individuals, creating a supportive space for collaboration and personal growth.

We cant wait for you all to hear his conversation with Anasa during episode 4!

Available Tuesday, October 8th, wherever you get your podcasts 🎙️

30/09/2024

“People have a tendency to think that it’s this big, overwhelming thing. It doesn’t have to be. We connect however we can. How you wear earrings/jewelry/dresses, how you loc hair or go natural, how you put pictures of your ancestors up in your house. There are little things you can do to reclaim your culture.” – Delisha Marshall

Episode 4 of The Africatown Revival podcast is available now!

In this episode, Delisha Marshall, a 6th generation Clotida descendant, and Veda talk about the erasure of their culture and how they are reconnecting, retaining, and reclaiming it.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎙️

27/09/2024

This week’s POP 3 is here and it is GOOD!

is on fire right now 🔥 not only is ‘How to Die Alone’ funny af, her production company Big Hattie Productions is set to produce a TV adaptation of the viral TikTok story “Who TF did I marry?” and we can’t wait!!

and show us what a healthy, fun, and loving relationship looks like in their podcast “We Don’t Always Agree” ❤️

NEW MUSIC FROM SADE 🙌🏾 While it’s heartbreaking that not releasing a new album, we’ll take her first new song in six years! Especially since it’s on an album uplifting trans awareness and Sade has even dedicated her track to her transgender son Izaak.

24/09/2024

Episode 3: Live from Root to Harvest feat. Bertram Williams Jr. is now LIVE 🌱❤️✨

In this episode, actor and social entrepreneur Bertram Williams Jr. shares his passion for healing and community-building through creative practices with Anasa. He also reflects on his grandfather, who embodied strength and care without many words and how .sundry , a community hub that brings together people of all ages, came to be.

Brimming with stories of familial love, community care, and some exciting developments in season three of P-Valley, this episode is not one to miss!

🎙️Available wherever you get your podcasts.

16/09/2024

Episode 3 of The Africatown Revival podcast is available now!

In this special episode, Veda invites her family to share their stories, celebrating the legacy of Africatown through personal narratives. Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of family history, linking past, present, and future.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🎙️

14/09/2024

This week’s POP 3 is here!

This summer has been FULL of good content and we want to highlight some favs. has a new song called ANOINTING ft. . 🎶

“You have the anointing, and you all know.”

Next up is *for the nerds*: scientific legend and NASA astrophysicist has a new podcast with called Does It Fly.

It’s not Star Wars or Marvel––it’s straight up science. 🧪

And finally, has gotten into directing and we’re thrilled. Her new SCARY movie, Blink Twice, is out now. We hear got tickets on Friday to see it… 👻

10/09/2024

Episode 2: Loving & Living a Life of Gratitude feat. Carmeon Hamilton is now LIVE 💖

In this episode, Carmeon joins host Anasa Troutman and opens up about raising her son with a strong sense of character and authenticity, reimagining the future of masculinity, and embracing the beauty of everyday moments. The two also discuss why overachievement isn’t the ultimate goal— what truly matters is leading with heart and spirit.

Filled with insights on love, equity, and gratitude, this episode will inspired you to live more intentionally.

🎙️ Available wherever you get your podcasts!

06/09/2024

This week’s POP 3 is here 🎶📚🎬

So far, 2024 has been a year of fantastic media, music, and film! It’s also been a year of revisiting stories that have become more relevant now than ever.

This week…

🎬 We watch: the film “Bob Marley: One Love”
📚 We read: Octavia Butler’s “Parable of the Sower”
🎶 We listen: Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter”

What are your POP 3 of 2024 so far?

04/09/2024

We’ve got some BIG guests joining us during season 6 of The BIG We Podcast 💖

Up first: Carmeon Hamilton!

A celebrated interior designer recognized for her innovative and thoughtful approach to creating spaces that reflect individuality and style— Carmeon Hamilton is the winner of HGTV’s Design Star: Next Gen and star of Reno My Rental. She’s gained widespread acclaim for her ability to transform homes with her unique design vision and joins host Anasa Troutman on episode 2 of The BIG We Podcast!

Available Tuesday, September 10th, wherever you get your podcasts 🎙️