CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas PBS) — Big Piph is THE Hip Hop Adventurer – a Stanford-educated, world traveling, motivational speaking artist and musician who has returned to his home state and is using his world view, knowledge and charm to highlight the entrepreneurs, culinarians and all-around creatives across Arkansas. Arkansas PBS will showcase these stories in the digital series “The Glow With Big Piph” premiering Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 10 a.m. at youtube.com/arkansaspbs.

In "The Glow With Big Piph," Piph celebrates minority creatives and artisans as they make The Natural State a little more vibrant and diverse. Season one focuses on a fashion designer, an entrepreneur, a poet, a multi-multifaceted artist, art activists and a vegan chef – pulling back the curtain on their creative processes and seeing what makes them glow.

"My work is often inspired by the community in which I'm submerged,” Big Piph said. “That's why working with Arkansas PBS on this show is a perfect fit.

“I get to interview and highlight many of the Black creatives, entrepreneurs and activists who influence me.”

Episodes in the series will include:

·        “Korto Momolu” – Host Big Piph visits with Korto Momolu, who earned a spot on the fifth season of Bravo TV’s hit show "Project Runway." Her feisty spirit and penchant for vibrant colors earned her the prize of first runner-up at the season’s close. Momolu turned that success into an international career in fashion design. She launched her Women Grow fashion line in September 2019 and set the New York City Fashion Week ablaze.

·        “Joshua Asante” – A modern day Renaissance man, Joshua Asante fronts two local indie bands, Amasa Hines and Velvet Kente. He discusses with Big Piph distributing what he calls “astral soul” – a blend of electronic and soul music wherein one can sense the presence of many artistic forebears in fluidity. Asante is also an accomplished photographer whose portraitures present an intimacy to black culture and create a dialogue between the artist and his audience.

·        “Jamee and Norel McAdoo” – Big Piph is joined by the McAdoo siblings, Jamee and Norel, who are multifaceted artists whose achievements range from music to writing to poetry. They have monetized their talents as published authors, musicians and spoken word artists. In the wake of social unrest across the country, these siblings have been blazing a trail of thoughtful expression and artful activism for a new generation looking to leave the world better than they found it.

·        “Benito Lubazibwa” – Benito Lubazibwa discusses his many entrepreneurial ventures, which are exceptionally influential in Central Arkansas, with Big Piph. Lubazibwa's company, Remix Ideas, is cultivating and empowering first time idea makers and business owners. Through the Little Rock Night Market, he strives to create avenues and venues for communities of artists and craftsmen from around the world. Each month, the Night Market attracts thousands of eager customers to celebrate artistic diversity.

·        “Elnora Wesley” – Elnora Wesley began to dabble in veganism as a kid. Now, she brings her unique blend of soul food and vegetables to her restaurant, The House of Mental Eatery. The restauranteur’s motto, “Let food be your medicine,” permeates all her efforts to bring healthy food alternatives to her community. Big Piph visits with Wesley about moving House of Mental from its modest counter-order spot in Little Rock into a full-fledged food truck, taking her mission out to the people.

·        “Chris James” – Big Piph talks with Chris “The Journey” James, a national award-winning spoken word poet, author and playwright. His poetry has taken him all over the country, but the place James feels most at home is in North Little Rock at The House of Art, one of Arkansas’s poetry venues. As a teacher artist, James hosts teaching workshops that develop writing and performance art for K-12 students. Through teaching spoken word and poetry, James challenges people to value art and speak their truth.

This entertaining and insightful series will explore cultural inspirations, entrepreneurial drive, artistic activism and delicious concoctions Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Nov. 10-Dec. 15 at youtube.com/arkansaspbs.

Epiphany “Big Piph” Morrow is an active Hip-Hop Ambassador having executed talks, workshops, events and performances in over 10 countries. He is a renowned TEDx speaker who has worked with various institutions from higher education to corporate to nonprofit sectors including Wharton School of Business, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the National Association of Social Workers. He also flourishes connecting with younger individuals, working with colleges, high schools and special youth organizations. He distills his decade-plus of experience through the lenses of creativity, culture, self-reflection, race, humor and a global mindset. After working with numerous nonprofits and leading Global kids – Arkansas, he recently conceived The F.A.M. project as an ambitious incubator for high school students at the intersection of community, entrepreneurship and Hip-Hop. Big Piph was raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and attended Stanford University, where he received his B.S. in mechanical engineering.

Arkansas PBS is Arkansas’s only statewide public media network, which enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. Arkansas PBS delivers daily, essential, local, award-winning productions and classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers through multiple digital platforms, including on-demand services and YouTube TV, and the distinct channels Arkansas PBS, Arkansas PBS Create, Arkansas PBS KIDS, Arkansas PBS WORLD and Arkansas PBS AIRS on SAP. Members with Arkansas PBS Passport have extended on-demand access to a rich library of public television programming. Arkansas PBS depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. Additional information is available at myarkansaspbs.org. Arkansas PBS is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro) and KETZ (El Dorado).

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