All the Things—PNW

In honor of Juneteenth and the liberation of Black individuals, today's episode dives into the specificities of the Emancipation Proclamation. Our hosts break down the "smoke and mirrors" utilized to dismiss the needs of Black Americans and neglect legislative redress of the generational trauma and poverty inflicted by the federal government. Moving forward, they discuss more substantial ways to support black communities and memorialize both the historical and present crimes committed against black lives.

Today, the trio celebrates the success of their first Sisterhood Summit quarterly event. They reflect on what Sisterhood means, while modeling what strong multicultural, multiracial, multigender, and multigenerational relationships look and feel like. Discovering our strengths allows us to empower each other.

May first commemorates International Workers' Day, which celebrates labor rights and the protection of the working class. May first also marks May Day, a spring festival from Ancient Roman times. Erin reminisces on her Alma Mater's mandatory May Day festivities and points out the irony of funneling money and resources into archaic European traditions instead of supporting and investing in the community (many of whom are BIPOC). Fernell and Dr. J discuss the continued reverence of the Eurocentric ideals/customs and their detrimental consequences.

Though the conclusion of the Derek Chauvin trial brought a renewed sense of justice and trust to many white folks, the murders of Daunte Wright and Ma'Khia Bryant at the hands of police brutality contradicted this white comfort. Often, white individuals and institutions place the blame on black victims for "not complying", as if disobedience warrants a death sentence. Though George Floyd's death was filmed and televised, it took the system 330 days to convict his murderer. Today on ATT, Fernell and Erin share their own stories of raising black children in a culture that threatens their right to existence. Dr. J discusses the willful choices that white parents must make to model antiracism for white children, and teach them to protect their black peers. The three discuss the struggle that black folks face in humanizing themselves in white space, and make their recommendations for a better future.

Today's ATTPNW begins with a well-known aphorism: "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all". Though harmless at face value, sentiments such as these enable white supremacy and erase the oppressed by weaponizing niceties. The trio delves into the nuances of these aphorisms, and continues on to the complacency, the willful ignorance, and the selective empathy ingrained in White Supremacy Culture.

As the world honors the death of a Black man who was killed publicly by police-sanctioned violence, we also acknowledge the anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—both on Easter, the day that commemorates christ's resurrection. On this episode, the trio discusses faith, how it relates to racial identity, and how it can be weaponized by those who misunderstand. What differences have these historicized events made in your life? What will it take for you to rise?

Paternalism, or the practice of controlling less powerful groups for their supposed best interest, and the individualistic nature of White Supremacy Culture are the subject of this installment of "All the Things—PNW". Dr. J, Fernell, and Erin identify the paternalism embedded in whiteness and the ways in which it holds POC communities hostage. They discuss the problem with individualism in a systemically racist culture, the division that it enforces, and its overall paradoxical qualities. 

On this episode of "All the Things—PNW", Erin, Dr. J, and Fernell explore the sense of urgency that white supremacy instills in our culture. From panicked decision-making to conformity, the three friends tackle the toxicity and hypocrisy of a futile sense of urgency.

Fernell, Erin, and Dr. J take on the topic of defensiveness on today's "All the Things—PNW". They examine the psychology of defensiveness and consider why it is that criticism is always associated with shame in our culture. Drawing on their own experiences, they discuss how to grow and learn from situations that challenge your perspective.

Today, "All the Things—PNW" dives into the idea of cancel culture. The trio discusses the history of "canceling", radical love, and who is truly silenced when we don't hold abusers of power accountable.