Kua and Kendra sit down with Dr. Janice Gassam Asare—organizational psychologist, consultant, and LinkedIn’s #1 Top Voice in Racial Equity—to discuss the alarming job losses facing Black women and the broader backlash against DEI. Drawing from her recent writing, Dr. Gassam Asare connects today’s challenges to a long history of resistance that follows progress, and offers insights on how we can build workplaces and communities where Black women and other marginalized groups can thrive. Lastly, she shares her gem of the day and insights on her new book; "Rise and Resist" How to Reclaim Workplace Equity and Justice".

In this episode of Black Gems Dive In, Kua and Kendra tackle the latest headlines and hard truths impacting our communities. They begin with the sharp rise in unemployment among Black women—over 320,000 jobs lost since April under the new administration—before turning to the BBC’s report on U.S. immigration raids in Los Angeles, where lifted limits give ICE a green light for racial profiling. For the Deep Dive, they break down The Hill’s coverage of gerrymandering madness spreading to Missouri and what it means for democracy. As always, they close with their Gem of the Day to leave listeners with something real and reflective.

In this episode of Black Gems Dive In, we explore the latest headlines impacting Black women in the workforce and leadership. We unpack the Justice Department’s investigation into Chicago’s hiring practices following Mayor Brandon Johnson’s celebration of Black hires, and dig into troubling new data showing that Black women experienced the steepest job losses in April—shedding 106,000 jobs. We also preview the upcoming Women of Color Summit happening June 4–5 in Niagara Falls, NY, with virtual sessions in July. Guests Karen King and Sara Taylor join us to discuss this year’s theme, A C.A.L.L. to Action: Commit, Assemble, Leverage, Lead, and what the summit means for collective empowerment. 

In this episode of Black Gems Dive In, Kendra and Kua explore the cultural and political whirlwind of the moment. Our Diversity Dispatch covers the ongoing Target consumer boycott—what sparked it, how it’s evolving, and what it says about corporate accountability. For our Hot Topic, we revisit the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency and reflect on how those early decisions still shape the chaos we’re navigating today. Then, we take a Deep Dive into the weight of being the “first” or “only,” centering Shedeur Sanders and the disrespect he faced during the NFL Draft. We wrap, as always, with our Gem of the Day to leave you with something real and reflective.

In this episode of Black Gems Dive In, we unpack the appointment of a man fearful of Black pilots to the U.S. Air Force advisory board and examine how Trump continues to stack military boards with MAGA loyalists like Michael Flynn and Charlie Kirk. We then explore the potential impact of major tax changes that could devastate student loan borrowers, particularly in marginalized communities. Our Deep Dive focuses on Chief Justice John Roberts publicly rebuking Trump after calls for a judge’s impeachment. We wrap up with our Gem of the Day—an uplifting moment to carry you through.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. LaShonda Brenson and Kimberly Victor, two researchers from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies—America’s Black Think Tank. Together, we explore their groundbreaking work tracking racial diversity among top Congressional staff and why it matters more than ever.

We discuss the deep disparities in representation on Capitol Hill, the institutional and cultural barriers to entry for people of color, and how a lack of diversity directly impacts policymaking for marginalized communities.They share data-driven insights, personal stories, and actionable steps for increasing equity in the halls of power. From the rollback of DEI efforts during the Trump administration to the current hiring trends in Congress, this conversation uncovers how representation—or the lack of it—shapes our democracy.

Check out their work at: https://jointcenter.org/hill-diversity/

In this episode of the Black Gems Dive In, we explore the latest headlines impacting culture, politics, and equity. We discuss artists withdrawing from performances at the Kennedy Center after Trump’s appointment as board chair, examine South Africa and European nations seeking new global allies, and take a deep dive into Trump’s ultimatum for universities to eliminate DEI efforts or lose federal funding. Plus, we close out with our Gem of the Day to keep you inspired.  

In this episode, we dive into the latest Diversity Dispatch, unpacking the DEI Watchlist website and its impact on organizations committed to equity and inclusion. We also break down Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance, exploring the powerful symbolism, imagery, and the controversy surrounding how different audiences perceived it.

Shifting to politics, we analyze JD Vance’s recent tweet questioning judicial authority over the presidency, igniting debates about the balance of power between the executive branch and the courts. What does this mean for democracy, and how could it shape future governance?

Plus, we’re excited to welcome back Kim LaVare, who joins us for this insightful discussion. And, as always, we wrap up with our Gem of the Day—a thought to carry with you through the week.

In this episode of Black Gems Dive In, we dive deep into the uncertain future of DEI under Trump’s administration. With executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity programs, what does this mean for corporate, nonprofit, and governmental DEI efforts? Our guest, Kim LaVare, joins us to unpack the political landscape, historical patterns of equity rollbacks, and what organizations can do to sustain DEI work in a changing environment. Lastly, we share our gems of the day.

In this episode of Black Gems Dive In, we explore the intersection of leadership, technology, and politics in a rapidly changing world. We begin with our Diversity Dispatch: John Hope Bryant’s bold call to action for greater leadership in DEI, emphasizing the critical role of economic empowerment in driving systemic change. Next, we dive into our Hot Topic: the mass migration from X (formerly Twitter) as users flock to platforms like Bluesky and Threads. What’s behind this shift, and what does it mean for activism, digital communities, and the future of online discourse? Finally, we tackle the implications of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in our Deep Dive. How does his election reshape the fight for equity, and what strategies are needed to protect progress in this new political landscape?