Tag Archives: Alan Headbloom

10 Foreign Words That Are Hard to Say

February 19, 2016Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Education, Food, How-To's, WKTV Projects10 mispronounced words, Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong, LanguageJoanne

Feel Like You Belong is focused on helping migrants fit into America and feel like they belong.

Language is a barrier for many people. Not only is it tough for those learning English as a second language, but think of the many conversations you’ve had with others that just didn’t seem to click. Better yet, think of the conversations you have with your best friends and why they flow so freely. It’s because you both GET each other, right? Cultural references roll off the tongue, slang flows freely, and you both truly understand exactly what the other is trying to communicate.

For those new to the English language, it can be difficult to learn all the nuances that come with being fully immersed into a culture. That’s why Feel Like You Belong is trying to help. In this segment, Alan untangles 10 commonly mispronounced words that English has adopted from other languages.

Feel Like You Belong – Arturo González Vargas: From Mexico, with Love, Art, and Compassion

February 2, 2016Area Education, Local Faces, Non-ProfitsAlan Headbloom, Arturo Gonzalez Vargas, Feel Like You BelongJoanne

By: Alan Headbloom

If you ever needed convincing that Arturo González Vargas was passionate about the power of non-profits to transform lives, spend just five minutes with this young man to dispel any doubts. For 18 months, the Grand Rapids Community had the privilege of sharing his wisdom, energy, and optimism for all things empowerment. An Atlas Fellow from Monterrey, Mexico, Gonzalez Vargas worked as a tireless advocate for Kids Food Basket, an organization providing daily nutrition to thousands of school children in Western Michigan.

Takunda Mavima: Second Chance, One Choice

November 2, 2015Area Education, Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, WKTV Projectsa rise from the ashes, Alan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong, Takunda MavimaJoanne

Three years ago, Takunda Mavima had the world by the tail. He was an immigrant child whose family had worked its way into Middle America. He was an honors student who’d recently attended his senior prom. With a scholarship to Grand Valley State University, he was poised to enroll in the pre-pharmacy program and chase his professional dreams. Then, a night of drinking turned his life literally upside down. In this interview, we look at tragedy, forgiveness, and a rise from the ashes.

Hispanic Chamber After-Hours Event to be Held at WKTV

October 19, 2015Area Education, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming EventsAlan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, WKTVJoanne

Afro-Caribbean artist Erick Picardo talks with FLYB host Alan Headbloom at WKTV.

It’s time to fix your hair, check your make-up, and get ready to go under the television lights!

This October’s After-Hours networking event for the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be co-hosted at WKTV with Alan Headbloom and his show Feel Like You Belong. WKTV is located at 5261 Clyde Park SW in Wyoming, MI.

In addition to networking, appetizers, and drinks, Chamber members and their guests will have a chance to learn about community access television from WKTV General Manager Tom Norton. Attendees will learn how to create Spanish-language content for local broadcast and get tours of the facility by WKTV staff.

To conclude the evening, a Chamber member will be interviewed in front of guests on the set of Feel Like You Belong, a program that tells immigrant stories. Afterwards, guests will have a chance to take photos on set with FLYB host Alan Headbloom.

The October 22 event kicks off at 5:30 and concludes at 7:00. Chamber members should RSVP online at www.hccwm.org. Potential members can call the Chamber office with questions at 616-452-3960.

Christine Lee: An Open Book

September 14, 2015Area Education, Local FacesAlan Headbloom, Christine Lee, Feel Like You BelongJoanne

Born to South Korean immigrants, Christine Lee has always been aware of her “otherness” as a child growing up in white America. From “strange” lunches brought to school to the disappointing launch of Margaret Cho’s All-American Girl, Lee has been waiting for Asian-Americans’ glimpse of inclusion in America’s grand mosaic. It finally arrived when she watched–with her white boyfriend–ABC’s novel Fresh Off the Boat, a weekly sitcom featuring a Chinese-American family and their everyday culture clash in Orlando, Florida. Alan talks with Christine about diversity, inclusion, and the function of storytelling.

Jorge Gonzalez: Community Connector

August 31, 2015Local Faces, WKTV ProjectsAlan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong, Jorge GonzalezJoanne

Jorge Gonzalez is a community connector. Born in Michigan to immigrant parents, he spent part of his youth in Mexico and part in the Grand Rapids Public Schools. With a background in banking and community development, he is the perfect choice to lead the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce into its next phase of growth. Join us as he talks about the power of education and the need for all citizens to be culturally competent in today’s marketplace.

Emily Lee: Asian. American. Philosopher. Mom.

August 19, 2015Area Education, Local FacesAlan Headbloom, Emily Lee, Feel Like You BelongJoanne

Growing up in South Korea, Guam, and the Bronx gave Emily S. Lee a close-up chance to reflect on race and identity. We were lucky to catch up with her while she was on speaking tour in the Midwest, and she shared with us her thoughts on immigration, sexism, racism, and motherhood. Her book, Living Alterities, is available from SUNY Press.

Growing Up Ethnic – Amal Berry on Feel Like You Belong

July 29, 2015Area Education, Local Faces, WKTV ProjectsAlan Headbloom, Amal Berry, Feel Like You BelongJoanne

While all the white kids’ moms sent bologna on Wonderbread to school, Amal Berry’s mom packed her “weird” stuff like hummus and kibbeh. Finally, the proud day came: she opened her lunch, saw the coveted white bread sandwich, and took a bite…it was terrible. It turns out her native Lebanese cuisine was not only better tasting, it was healthy too! Berry joins Alan to talk about growing up ethnic and how that informs her daily life…as a parent and the chief diversity officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Luna Atamian: Champion of Entrepreneurship

July 1, 2015Local Faces, WKTV ProjectsAlan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong, Luna AtamianJoanne

Polyglot Luna Atamian has many passions. Armenia, Uruguay, and France – the lands of her heritage. Opera – the art form that gives her solace and energy, whether singing or listening. Immigrant entrepreneurship – the life force that fosters creativity and dynamic companies. And New York City – her adopted city-nation and symbol of what multicultural paradise can look like. Join us as we talk about the spirit she shares with FWD.us founders Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates. An inspiring look at what can happen when one embraces life across the oceans and into one’s dreams!

Kashmir Singh: Lifelong Learner

June 21, 2015Local Faces, Our CitiesAlan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong, Kashmir SinghJoanne

What does an Indian farmer do when his son takes a job in the United States? If you’re 60-year-old Kashmir Singh, you move along with him, take the bus to daily English lessons, and then study for a driver’s license in your new second language. After that, because you’ve worked all your life, you look for any job you can find to feel productive, ultimately becoming the prize employee at the local car wash. As old dogs, can we learn new tricks? One delightfully plucky immigrant demonstrates yes, we can!

Karen Phillippi: Michigan’s Office for New Americans

June 3, 2015Local Faces, Our Cities, WKTV ProjectsAlan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong, Karen PhillippiJoanne

How does Michigan attract and keep top talent? The state government believes it is done by making immigrants feel welcome to live and work there. Alan talks with Karen Phillippi, Deputy Director for Michigan’s Office for New Americans, about such initiatives.

Roberto Torres: The Humble Leader

May 22, 2015Area Education, Local FacesAlan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong, Roberto TorresJoanne

https://youtu.be/XOEWfI1YuQw

Roberto Torres stands tall in the community and not just because he wears cowboy boots and a ten-gallon hat. This humble campesino child learned to fight for his dignity in Anglo schools. He went on to become an avid reader, U.S. Marine, and community organizer. Through the great recession of 2007, he led economic development activities in northern Ohio until being selected executive director of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan. The two proudest possessions in his office? A pickle hamper and a construction helmet. Find out why in this inspiring interview with Roberto Torres.

Brian Kingshott: The Spy with a Sense of Humor

April 30, 2015Area Education, Local FacesAlan Headbloom, Brian Kingshott, Feel Like You BelongJoanne

Brian Kingshott’s mother liked to say her son “came into the world with a bang!” Find out how as Alan interviews Brian Kingshott, an anti-terrorism expert and professor of criminal justice. As a former British intelligence officer, Cornwall and Devon constable, and WW2 bombing survivor, Brian gives us insights on world history and police work… all wrapped up in his inimitable charm and British English accent!

Feel Like You Belong Interviews Praveen Shanbhag: The Name Coach

March 10, 2015Area Education, Our Cities, WKTV ProjectsAlan Headbloom, Feel Like You Belong, Praveen Shanbhag, WKTV productionsJoanne

by Alan Headbloom

Feel Like You Belong on WKTV is your source for real stories about the real people we call migrants. They may be the seasonal workers who traverse the country picking our daily produce. They may be the expatriates who come on temporary assignment for their multinational companies. Or they may be the intrepid souls who have committed to calling these United States their new homeland.

People have been migrating since time immemorial. They have moved for safety from earthquakes and drought. From war and disease. From persecution and economic hardship. They have the same characteristics as our immigrant forebears who gave up the familiarity and comfort of home in order to take risks and build a better life.

Join us here every week with these heroic storytellers and learn about what it is that still makes America a destination for entrepreneurs and risk-takers. The people who moved themselves and their families across deserts and oceans. People who add to each new generation’s vibrancy and can-do spirit. Welcome to Feel Like You Belong.

This week:

Praveen Shanbhag is a smart guy with a PhD in Philosophy. Like most philosophers, he spends time asking good questions. Questions like, “Why can’t universities (who employ really smart people) correctly pronounce the names of their students at graduation ceremonies?” Unlike most philosophers, Praveen went beyond asking; this son of Indian immigrants started a company to help us get each other’s names right. We have a name for that: Genius! See the interview here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zPK4jHdBxTM