In this special Juneteenth episode of Verde's Folding Chair, we pull up to listen to members of All of Us or None, a grassroots civil rights organization working to restore rights, dignity, and opportunities for formerly and currently incarcerated people.

Through powerful conversations with organizers, advocates, and directly impacted community members, we explore what freedom truly means in a nation where millions continue to be shackled within the confines of modern-day slavery. From voting rights and civic engagement to healing, community building, and the fight to end mass incarceration, this episode highlights the people doing the work and the vision driving the movement forward.

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is an ongoing fight. Pull up a folding chair and join us for a conversation about justice, liberation, and the collective power of people coming together to free us all.

Because ain't none of us free until all of us are free!

Most independent Black womxn authors face a relentless hustle, but Verde Arzu's journey proves the power of determination, community support, and living your truth. Celebrating her one-year bookiversary, Verde shares raw insights into her creative hustle, rejections, wins, and the unshakeable belief that your voice deserves space.

Verde opens Season 4 by grounding us in the urgent realities impacting Black womxn and educators. She breaks down key insights from The 2025 State of Black Women in California Report by the California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute, and makes it clear: this is a report we all need to read.

In solidarity with teacher strikes across Northern California, Verde Arzu is on the ground, interviewing protesters calling for stable, safe schools for students and educators. Voices include lead organizer of the We Can't Wait campaign, Denisha Jordan, TRUE Secretary Anna Aguilar, and CTA President David Goldberg.

Missed her? She’s back—tapping into the conversations we can’t afford to ignore. Don’t miss this one.

In this episode, Verde Arzu reflects on the significance of Michelle Obama, particularly in relation to Black women's empowerment. Inspired by an article written for the Grio by Natasha S. Alford, Verde shares a powerful poem dedicated to Michelle Obama, emphasizing themes of self-assertion, mental health, and reclaiming personal time. The poem serves as a celebration of Michelle Obama's impact and a call for Black women to prioritize their well-being.

Today is #givingtuesday and I’m stepping outside of my comfort zone and asking for your support in giving to this Black queer indie author!

Being small (but mighty) and independent has many rewards. Being able to write the stories that are often missing from major publishing houses is one of them. Your support will help me continue to do just that.

“Radical generosity invites people in to give what they can to create systemic change.” givingtuesday.org

In this conversation, Verde Arzu and Liberation Attorney Carmen Nicole Cox pulls up to the table again to discuss the historical context of slavery in California, the implications of involuntary servitude as a form of modern slavery, and the importance of voting YES for Proposition 6. Tune in now! You don't want to miss this historic conversation, RP&F!

In this episode of VFC, Author O'Jay Barr pulls up to the table to discuss her published Black queer series, The Other Side and authors like Alice Walker who inspire her to keep writing. Barr is authentic and unapologetic as she shares her coming out story, staying fulfilled after the nest is empty, and the power she finds in her sisterhood circle of writers. Rainbow Peeps & Friends, some priceless gems are dropped in this one that can't be missed!

The Writer Verde Arzu is interviewed by photographer and community activist, and educator Kachiside Madu of Make-It-Madu Images. On this episode Arzu is pulling up HER chair and giving her Rainbow Peeps and Friends an inside look!