Sunday Safe Spaces
This is a program hosted by April Jackson and Wesley Hamilton select Sundays. Join them on their livestreams and podcast for insightful discussions that dive into pressing issues, hot topics, and current events, featuring a diverse lineup of guests. April and Wesley draw from their lived experiences at the intersections of race and disability, creating an inclusive and thought-provoking dialogue. Through personal stories and expert insights, they explore healing and wellness tools for the mind and body, with the aim of inspiring and empowering listeners. With over 50 episodes and guests sharing lived experiences, Sunday Safe Spaces is dedicated to supporting the community by fostering connection and understanding, especially in a society where marginalization is all too common. Tune in for conversations that challenge, inform, and uplift.
Check out our 50th episode!
Sunday Safe Spaces: Episode 50: Caregivers Support
For our 50th episode, we’re celebrating caregivers and exploring what true support looks like—emotionally, physically, and within community. This month, we welcome Sharise Nance, founder of HandinHand Counseling Services and advocate for caregiver mental health, and Astrid Arroyo, caregiver and Open Up board member. Together, they’ll discuss the importance of caring for those who care for others, with our hosts April Jackson and Wesley Hamilton.
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April Jackson
Host
Open Up Pittsburgh’s Advocacy specialist April Jackson is also an empowering facilitator and coach. April ignites passion and fosters collaboration in individuals and teams. With over twenty five years of experience in education, administration, and leadership, she cultivates inclusive environments where everyone thrives.
April incorporates mindfulness practices to create a supportive and human-centered space. This, along with her commitment to equity, ensures all participants have a chance to contribute and achieve their goals. April's background in holistic support aims to empower all people.
Wesley Hamilton
Co-Host
Wesley Hamilton stands (sits as he would say) as a paradigm of resilience and empowerment, challenging the world to rethink its perception of disabilities and embrace the power of disruption and personal transformation. His journey from paralysis to purpose-driven living has made him an influential figure in reshaping narratives around overcoming obstacles and harnessing one’s potential.
Born and raised in Kansas City, Wesley’s early life was marked by challenges unique to African-American men. His life took a dramatic turn just after his 24th birthday when a severe injury left him paralyzed below the waist. This life-altering event, however, did not deter Wesley. Instead, it fueled his determination to redefine his life and purpose.
Wesley’s response to his paralysis was nothing short of extraordinary.
https://wesleyhamilton.life
Open Spaces
Sunday Safe Spaces is part of Open Spaces programming. Join our Open Spaces Newsletter for tools to help navigate social settings and explore individual and collective growth through community storytelling and conversations around wellness and identity.