Each month, my podcast will spotlight a nonprofit anywhere across the globe that's giving back to its community. Today, we're proud to introduce you to Pat Hines and how she's helping make her city a better place to live.

The Petersburg Center for Development Inc was originally formed as Triangle Center for Development Inc. in 2007 to raise awareness for the Halifax Triangle, the former black business hub in Petersburg. The name was changed to expand its reach and services citywide. The organization will host its 19th Annual Music Festival in 2026. It is the largest festival in the city, held on the Halifax Triangle, featuring local talent, food trucks, and supporting black cultural arts. It is always free and features black entrepreneurs to honor the rich history of our past. Cash App $PCD4Change to support their community first efforts!

I've been given an angel who made me a better man.

Sam Parham, I don't need to insult you or the council because I understand data.

A small city with a poverty rate over twenty percent is concerning and impacts our overall health, as the current council and those behind the scenes haven't seen the urgency to find solutions. Enough about the casino being a game-changer—because I know how poor our infrastructure is and the difficulties our citizens face in finding jobs at a casino, as well as the jobs needed to support a family of four.

For years, I've focused on the city's core issues, while you and others behind the scenes have tried to discredit my reputation. Your childish behavior has cost me money and caused my wife significant stress.

Here's what you're not understanding: whether a Black man is a politician or activist, the media and others often diminish our worth. The lack of trust is clear in the media and among those involved in politics.

Want proof? If you or I had sent the text messages that our Virginia state attorney-elect did, how do you think others would have reacted? What if we were involved with an underage girl—how far do you think our careers would have gone? If either of us had a felony record, do you think we could hold elected office?

So while you and a few colleagues tried to discredit me and others, you only helped a larger strategy—one that actually worked. What strategy? The emasculation of Black men in politics. Lavar Stoney wanted to run for governor but was convinced to run for the second seat. Where is he now? Remember the delegate who wanted to run for Congress but stepped aside?

On a national level, who does the Democratic Party focus on more—Black men or women? Who tends to drop out of high school or struggles to get a college education? Who faces higher incarceration rates?

Black men are promoted more on the PPD Facebook page than any other media source in the area, and that's a problem. So why am I planning to create a wave of political ads against you and your colleagues? Because you forgot that Black men matter—those who are not in organizations, better neighbors, and don't hold titles. You forgot that young Black men are in desperate need of Black mentors, and discrediting mentors hurts our cause.

Sam, who has been devalued more than Black men in Virginia politics? Black men from Petersburg.

We've been devalued and undermined not by whites but by the enemy within. We must find common ground and demand equal treatment in our local and national politics.

Cities are left behind by individuals for numerous reasons, often incorporating a range of economic, social, and personal influences. These factors can include high costs of living, housing affordability issues, crime, a desire for a different lifestyle, and changing demographics.

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." - Eleanor Roosevelt

"The racial wealth gap refers to the disparities in wealth accumulation between different racial groups, particularly the gap between White Americans and Black and Hispanic Americans. This gap is evident in various areas, including homeownership, access to capital, and overall net worth. The gap has persisted and even widened over time, despite some wealth growth for Black and Hispanic households."

• "Community Engagement: Engaging with Black communities to understand their needs and preferences can help create more relevant and beneficial marketing initiatives".