Beyond Race Podcast

Brian and VJ welcome their first listener guest – Nik!  They discuss Nik’s experiences living in 3 different countries, family, favorite episodes, media, racism and diversity training at home and work.   

VJ and Brian welcome awarding winning writer Toni Ann Johnson for a lively conversation about her new novella Homegoing and her challenges with growing up in one of the few Black families in the predominantly white suburb of Monroe, New York.

VJ & Brian explore the disturbing death of a 13-year-old Latino boy, the violent history of racism against Latinx people and the lethal split-second decision standard. 

VJ & Brian discuss the history and question the future of the police institution in America.  Unconscionable police brutalities dictate that change needs to happen in order to save lives.  Our intent is to educate and make us all think about what “To Protect and To Serve” should mean in our country. 

VJ & Brian discuss the trial and verdict of George Floyd's murderer. We share our thoughts about the trial, the verdict and the great lengths the prosecution has had to go to gain people's awareness and understanding.

VJ and Brian talk about the new wave of voter suppression laws that are sweeping states across the country under the guise of "Voter ID Laws" and making America "safe" against voter "fraud". Buckle up and Hang on for this one!!!

VJ & Brian have an engagingly moving conversation with Rev. Aldana Allen, Pastor  of the 
Providence United Methodist Church in Western North Carolina. The Reverend is making a name for himself in bridging racial divides as he leads a primarily white congregation.

https://www.pumc-salisbury.org/

This week, VJ & Brian talk to author  of "10,000 Miles With My Dead Father's Ashes" Devin Galaudet.  Devin is also the Editor and Publisher of the well-established, "In The Know Traveler" series of websites, and  also publishes several other travel-inspired websites.
We talk to Devin about his Baha'i faith and how that faith brought him to a feeling of peace, tranquility and how his faith enhances his acceptance of all races.

https://devingalaudet.com

https://www.amazon.com/Devin-Galaudet/e/B079P8S6JJ%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

VJ & Brian talk about learning skill sets that have been proven to get through to people set in their beliefs. These tips could well put you on your way to convincing others that racism is real.

VJ & Brian talk about words and expressions that are considered offensive. We explore their origins and talk about whether they're still considered offensive or perhaps have become so diluted through time they have come to mean something else. There are others on our list that started out innocently and people have made them offensive. Do YOU use any of them?