Active Allyship...it's more than a #hashtag!"

Sunni and Lisa decided to end the year with a compilation of excerpts from several of this year’s episodes.  It was hard to decide which episodes because there were many insightful, candid and moving conversations between the two and their guests.  Those discussions provided insight, hope and resilience.

As they peered in the rearview mirror of 2020, an Unprecedented year to say the least, it offered a time for reflection.  Lisa put out a call to the Universe for a co-host, Sunni heard the call and responded Hint: “What Were You Marinated In?” has the deets. Now 6 months and over 25 episodes later, here they are with an active Social Justice platform!  Because of their passion, the ideation process was easy enough, the name was tweaked several times until they settled on “Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  

Simply stated, the goal of the podcast is to “Inform. Engage. Educate. Act.” 

2020 in review:

How it started: a pandemic, a crazy ass Presidential race for the White House, the murders of Ahmaud Aubrey, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and countless other innocent BIPOC victims. These victims died at the hands of a law enforcement culture that offers no consequences for police brutality. (at least that’s how it’s seen in the eyes of too many) 

How it ended: a vaccine for the pandemic, Biden-Harris will be leading the country and an ongoing movement by and for the people: A Revolution! (It is being televised by the way)

Here’s a list of the episode experts…

• What Were You Marinated In?
• The White Ally Toolkit w. Dr. David Campt
• Against All Odds: Prince Edward County’s Refusal to Educate (Systemic Racism in Education)
• The Umbrella of Racism
• Mindfulness During the Revolution w. Dr. Monea
• The 21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge w. Debby Irving
• Everyday Bias: Identifying and Navigating Unconscious Judgements in Our Lives w. Howard Ross
• What are you doing to End Racial Inequality w. Karen Fleshman
• Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America w. Michael Eric Dyson

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… 

Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

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n the Did you know Segment… Sunni and Lisa discuss some good news!  Ben and Jerry’s (the ice cream guys) is a huge proponent of justice, equality and equity, huge!  They also have a new vegan ice cream inspired by Colin Kaepernick called “Change the Whirled”.   

Ben and Jerry compiled a series of good news stories on their IG page…stating “We’re not sad to see 2020 go.  But despite the pandemic and all the other challenges, some good things really did happen this year…”. Some of the stories include: Record number voter turn-out, the Miami School System invested in Students (ikr, seems like a no-brainer), Renewable Energy hit a new high and LGBTQ Candidates won big all over the country in this years election.  During the segment, the ladies also discussed St. Louis’s Workhouse Project.  According to news.stlpublicradio.orgThe name “Workhouse” dates back to 1843. The city’s ordinance at the time said those committed to a similar institution would work off a fine or forfeiture before he or she could be released. In the early 1900s, the Workhouse was on St. Louis’ south side and inmates worked in nearby quarries, according to the St. Louis Public Library.

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa discuss the holidays and what it means to them.  Lisa is Jewish and celebrates Hanukkah and Sunni is non-denominational, celebrating Christmas in a way that many might consider non-traditional.  Sunni is of the mindset that her presence and Love is sufficient, especially since she’s a giver throughout the year.  Lisa on the other hand, shares Jewish traditions and one in particular that involves latkes and potato chips!   

Holiday traditions, television shows, music etc.  Lisa is fortunate enough to have snow and go sledding with the family… Sunni on the other hand, there is no snow, none!  She’ll hangout with her boyz (standard poodles) Mr. Brown and Max and her big sister for the holidays!

The ladies also offer hints for next year’s podcast and what you can expect in the ActiveAllyship.Podcast IG space. 

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

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On the Did you know Segment… Sunni and Lisa discuss the most recent rally featuring none other than the Proud Boys, you know, Trump’s boys, “Stand down and Stand by”.   According to the Washington Post, the Proud Boys showed up and wreaked havoc in the Nation’s Capital!  The Proud Boys incited chaos leading to property damage and physical altercations, there were multiple stabbing victims, at least 23 arrests…the list of mayhem is longer!  To be fair, there were also counter protesters in attendance. (That’s all I’ll say about that).

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa discuss Lisa’s interview with Michael Eric Dyson!  Yes! None other than the legendary professor,  actor and author of Twenty-Three books.

Just as all guests on the show are asked, he too was asked, what were you marinated in?  Michael Eric Dyson shares highlights of his upbringing in Detroit.  He was marinated in love and self-respect, born from a black womb. (Trust me, you’ll want to hear with your own ears!)

Michael Eric Dyson shares his passion for black excellence and his love for everyone, no matter their color.  His latest book "Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America" is set-up beautifully with letters to a number of innocent people of color who were murdered in America.  Those letters were crafted to the likes of Emmett Till, Elijah McCain, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland.  Dyson shares his thoughts on what it means to be a martyr.  He also shares his thoughts on cancel culture, pretty much, it doesn’t deliver what it promises. Provocative and enlightening are a few of the words that come to mind for his efforts in creating this phenomenal book!

Here’s a very fitting, timely and brilliant quote from Dyson, “The next white allies are not easily dissuaded from the task at hand, their feelings not easily hurt, their determination to help is not easily derailed and their desire to make progress towards racial justice is not easily discouraged.” ~ Michael Eric Dyson

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

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On the Did you know Segment… Sunni and Lisa discuss one of the hottest topics on social media, former President Barack Obama’s audible thoughts on the “Defund the Police” term.  Let’s be clear, he doesn’t have issue with the movement, his concern is the ability of the movement to reach far and wide.  According to stltoday.com (St. Louis Post-Dispatch), “Obama is right. The “Defund the Police” slogan just makes reform more difficult.”  Social Media has been up in arms over his comments…Tune in to hear the entire discussion! 

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa converse with Rozella “Rosie” Kennedy, Project Founder of the Brave Sis Project and inspired leader.  What a remarkable woman!  As evidenced by her upbringing, she has lots of layers and textures, she’s most definitely a package of personality!  You already know that Rosie shares what she was marinated in as a child on into her adulthood ~ living in a space of duality.  And right on cue, the discussion of assimilating and code-switching comes into play (hint). Great Conversation!

The Brave Sis Project, Rosie shares her journey to discovering the need for and developing this journey journal for women of color. It’s very engaging, very!  She shares her experience looking for a planner and tada!  So many unsung heroes representing women of color …it was created for the people she knows. So multidimensional!  Rosie shares her vision for the mission and future of the Brave Sis Project and the next exciting ventures for Brave Sis!  You can hear the excitement and Love in Rosie’s voice when she shares the birth and future of her “third daughter”! Please visit www.bravesis.com to read the full “Story of Brave”. Rosie also shares how Kathy Caprino’s book"Breakdown, Breakthrough: The Professional Woman’s Guide to Claiming a Life of Passion Power and Purpose,"  helped her to get back on track when she wasn’t sure which way to turn, feeling a sense of hopelessness. What a rebirth!  Phenomenal conversation about arriving! Being fearless!  Moving forward in spite of… the magic negress mindset!

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

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On the Did you know Segment… Sunni and Lisa discuss a major decision made by the Supreme Court on behalf of the Indigenous People located in Oklahoma.  According to NPR …The Supreme Court recognizes sovereignty in much of Oklahoma.  NPR goes on to state that… a recent Supreme Court ruling has given Native Americans in Oklahoma renewed sovereignty over their tribal lands - an area of roughly 19 million acres.  The land in question marked the end of the “Trail of Tears” for the five tribes that underwent forced relocation in the mid-1800s: the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Seminole and Muscogee Creek.  They built a new life in eastern Oklahoma, only to have their land stripped away, bit by bit, over the next century and a half.  

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa recognize Indigenous People by honoring their truth, heritage and culture. Their story must to told - the true story of what really happened, i.e. Columbus Day, Thanksgiving and broken treaties etc.  The “whitewashed” versions are perpetuated and forced upon millions of students via text books across the nation. Unfortunately, the lies have become reality for many around the country.  The rich history of Native Americans, the perpetrators, invaders, terrorists; the atrocities and broken treaties have not been told.  Well, buckle up and listen, the truth is told on this episode. 

You will be awe struck by the unfiltered conversation between the ladies and Simon Moya-Smith (Oglala Lakota Nation), writer, activist and professor of new media.  Simon shares what he was marinated in - he grew up knowing the truth about the role of the invaders!  While others in the country were being spoon-fed lies about the heritage and culture of the Indigenous People, the elders made it their business to ensure the truth would be kept alive.  As Simon says, “there’s a difference between bullshit and lies”…of course you’ll have to tune in to get the full story.

Sunni and Lisa felt that it was not only super important, but super impactful to highlight the truths about the rightful landowners of these “United States”.  

If you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

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On the Did you know Segment… According to CNN, Sacramento County has declared Racism a Health Crisis!  The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the resolution and outlined ways to promote racial equity.

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! Sunni and Lisa finally met Karen Fleshman!  What an amazing woman!  Karen is a mentor, activist, entrepreneur, attorney, author, educator, proud San Franciscan, and a single soccer mom. She’s also the founder of Racy Conversations, a workshop facilitation company, to inspire the antiracist generation. Her first book White Women We Need to Talk: Doing Our Part to End Racism, will be published by Sounds True in 2021.

First things first, they hear what Karen was marinated in… let’s start with her growing up in a “Sundown Town”.  Do you even know what that is?  Let’s just say she didn’t realize it until much later.  We are thankful that she is using her experiences to propel her to the Racy Conversations and other platforms.  We discuss all the places that systemic racism shows up to include housing opportunities or the lack thereof for people of color. They also talk about “enrichments” for whites aka “white welfare”.  

Lawd Geezus, the ladies discuss the voting percentages of white women, at 55% while, white millennials and gen-Zs were not far behind in casting their votes for Trump. This leads to another conversation related to the disconnect between white woman and women of color.  Where is the sisterhood? Where is the disconnect? Of course you’ll have to tune in to hear this!  Ladies, Ladies, Ladies…there is much work to be done!  

There’s also excitement around learning that President Elect Biden’s platform and priorities include Racism as a top priority for his administration.   

“The master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house”…what a layered , textured conversation and most definitely gem dropping!

O wait, if you aren’t already, please follow us on IG|Twitter @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two… Be sure to Listen. Subscribe. Rate. Review. Share. the podcast!

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On the Did you know Segment… It’s Transgender Awareness Week! According to Gladd.org…each year between November 13-19 the Transgender Community highlights news and issues impacting the LGTBQ.  November 20th is a day of remembrance, honoring Transgender people whose lives were lost and acts of anti-transgender violence that took place on a particular year.

Lisa and Sunni share movies and docu-series watched on HULU and HBO specific to the Transgender Community.  Great educational resources! We are allies for everyone!  We Inform. Engage. Educate. Act.

On this episode of Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag! - we converse with Dr. David Campt, author of the “White Ally Toolkit” about the way forward.  I’m sure you know by now that the election has been called for Vice-President Elect Biden.  However, the sitting president and his supporters, are unrelenting in their quest to dismantle the election system and the voice of the American people as we’ve come to know it. Chile, you’ve gotta listen to this!

We get it, just as is with Sunni and Lisa, some are exhausted, some have disconnected for their peace of mind and sanity.  No pun intended, but this race was/is not for the faint of heart!  

There’s so much more that could be written in this description, but we know that you’re going to tune it for the rest!  

O wait, if you aren’t already, please follow us on Twitter|IG @activeallyship.podcast! And of course, there’s our Facebook Page, Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Drop us a line or two…

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The ladies were so excited about this episode, they didn’t even discuss the “Did You Know Segment”.  Heck, the whole 2020 Election is a “Did You Know?”

Sunni and Lisa waste no time jumping right into the 2020 election results, the impact and what’s to come! And the winner is… Joe Biden President - Elect w. Kamala Harris, the first ever woman and to boot woman of color as the Vice President Elect!!!!!!  Make no mistake, the country is clearly divided with a margin of only 4 million ballots to determine the winner (sad AF right?!).

The raw emotion of so many from all walks of LIFE… ALL cultures, communities, heck, everyone was represented!  The all out street parties and fireworks took place literally, world-wide!  New York, Washington, DC, London, Paris… our allies from other countries even expressed jubilation over the election results! 

Minorities as a collective could finally breathe a long awaited sigh of relief.  African Americans, Latinos, immigrants, Muslims, so many, so many felt their shoulders relax just a little knowing that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Where were you when you found out the results of the 2020 election?  Who voted for who? Whew!  Lisa and Sunni discuss the voting percentages of white women and men.  It’s pretty scary that so many are of the “Dying White” mindset. You’ll have to listen to hear the discussion, but you already knew that…lol

Sunni and Lisa delve into the baseless “fraudulent” claims by the republican party that will most definitely adversely impact the ability of the President/Vice- President Elect to ensure a smooth transition.  Even the General Services Administration is in on this debacle, what in the entire fcuk are these folks thinking?!  Of course the ladies share their thoughts!

There is light at at the end of the tunnel.  Chime in on our facebook page… Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Well, don’t just chime in, follow us as well *smile*

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On the Did you know Segment… Lisa and Sunni discuss… the UNprecedented early voter turnout for young people and Texans!  Exciting news - an estimated 7 million young voters between the ages of 18-29 did the damn thang!  According to National Geographic “many young voters were specifically driven by racial inequality, gun violence and climate change.

And those Texans, you know they like to do things big!  Texans cast 9 million early ballots, topping the state’s total turnout for 2016!  They ain’t playin!  Folks are not playing, there’s so much at stake! And as suspected, this wasn’t going to be an easy one!  This indeed is a nail-biter!  Who knows, it could be another few days or weeks before we actually know the results.  The question is, what then?! (But that a topic for another time, maybe the next time) 

Our guest this week is Pavel Paulinich, he’s civil rights activists for all, to include the LGBTQ community.  Paul is also the flipp’in creator of Karens Going Wilds on instagram!  If you haven’t seen those videos, fasten your seatbelts!  I betchu didn’t know Karens Going Wilds has over 700k followers on IG!  There are also YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook platforms. 

First and foremost, Pavel shares what he was marinated in as a child growing up in Peru.  Yes, he’s Peruvian!  He migrated to the United States when he was young. Of course you’ll have to listen to get the deets! Anyhoo, Pavel shares the cultural perceptions of skin tones based on the ideology of his elders.  We all (well minorities for sure) know that subconscious programming via television and media outlets is pervasive. Meaning, even a culture that has little to no representation of folks with blonde hair and blue eyes, will find themselves tuning into commercials, soap operas and the like with people that do not resemble the majority population. 

Moving right along, newly acclimated to the US, unbeknownst to him, racism was right around the corner, ready to raise its ugly head and strike!  Be sure to take deep breaths while Sunni and Lisa delve into this conversation with Pavel!  How could they not want to know more?  Have not forgotten, bet you want to know just how the “Karens Going Wilds” came to be?  That’s what Sunni wanted to know too! 

If you have suggestions for topics you’d like to hear, simply chime in on our facebook page… Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Well, don’t just chime in, follow us as well *smile*

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On the Did You Know segment… which is the framework for today’s show.  Sunni and Lisa discuss current events.  Re-Imagining the Police: Responding to Mental Health Crisis, San Francisco’s The Caren Act, The Upcoming Election: BIPOC and Voting, Active Allyship in Action! 

On this episode, Lisa and Sunni discuss yet another very recent killing of a black man - this time in Philadelphia, the victim’s name is Walter Wallace Jr. who was having a Mental Health Crisis.  His family called for intervention, instead, their son was killed right in front of them! *Lawd Geezus* 

Sunni is uber expressive regarding the continued assault on men of color and the BIPOC population PeriodT.  Discussing the differences between the arresting officers and their interactions with white people versus their interaction with minorities.  Both Lisa and Sunni agree, something has got to give! *fcuk*

These ladies are excited to know that San Francisco is aggressively making strides to enact legislation that will ensure the criminalization of calls to the police based on LIES and RACISM.  *sing it with me* You about to lose your job (and go to jail)! 

There is light at the end of the tunnel, discussion around the opportunity to be an “Active Ally” in real life is based on Keraun Harris’ encounter with a white woman and her camera.  Chime in on our facebook page… Active Allyship…it’s more than a #hashtag!  Well, don’t just chime in, follow us as well *smile*

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