Black Like Me

Dr. Gee brings another one of his insightful and raw reflections on a racial justice issue from his own experience and perspective. In the midst of turbulent times that make people protective of their rights, Dr. Gee offers five ways that specifically white allies can stay in the struggle for justice. These five things start with simply acknowledging your privilege and then seeing what you can do most with your position.

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Dr. Alex Gee welcomes LaVar Charleston, PHD and Sherri Charleston to the show for a new series on Black power couples. Their conversation covers the evolution of the Chief Diversity Officer in higher education and understanding that a strategic approach to DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) in institutions is essential. The Charleston's demonstrate how being a couple that are also "thought partners" makes them better at their jobs.

LaVar J. Charleston, Ph.D., is the deputy vice chancellor for diversity & inclusion at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In this role he serves as the chief diversity officer for the university as well as the Elzie Higginbottom vice provost and director of the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA).

Sherri Ann Charleston serves as the first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO) at Harvard University. She is one of the nation's leading experts in diversity and higher education, and assumed her role in August 2020.

Dr. Charleston is a historian trained in U.S. history with a focus on race, women, gender, citizenship, and the law, and an attorney with a specialization in constitutional and employment law. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Affirmative Action Officer at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison. She was responsible for evaluating progress toward the goals of a campus-wide strategic diversity plan. During her leadership, she also oversaw the Office of Employee Disability Resources and undergraduate scholarship programs focused on recruiting and retaining students from historically underrepresented communities.

Dr. Gee has a conversation with Edith Hilliard, a Black elder in Madison. Hilliard's family is one of the longest living Black families in Wisconsin and Madison. Her stories and family anecdotes reveal a rich history of Black culture and heritage in a predominately white state. Edith Hilliard reveals differences in racial dynamics between now and her childhood.

Oral History Interview with Edith Hilliard

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On this episode Dr. Alex Gee responds to the racially motivated shooting in Buffalo, NY with a reflection on what this incident means for the country. You won't want to miss Dr. Gee's raw reaction to a direct attack on the Black community.

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Rev. Jon Edgerton wanted to guide his Illinois faith community through a thoughtful consideration of racial representation in their worship music, but ended up starting a national conversation on white allyship and faith. Dr. Gee and Rev. Edgerton explore how faith, the Black experience, and social justice inform racial justice action. Listen in to the thoughtful but bold conversation about breaking down barriers.

Read more about the topic:

https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2022/4/8/23016850/oak-park-pastor-fasting-whiteness-lent-race-diversity

Check out Rev. John Edgerton's church community:

https://www.firstunitedoakpark.com

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Dr. Gee and Lance Davis connect over their shared experience of time in Ghana. Lance Davis talks about his long journey back to Ghana and the old but paradigm-shattering truths he found along the way. Now for over 20 years, Davis has done work with villages, water, and gold in Ghana. Hear what it means to lead African-Americans back home.

In 2003, Bishop Lance Davis established New Zion Christian Fellowship, now New Zion Covenant, in Dolton, Illinois. In addition to these ministries, Bishop Davis is the founder and Executive Director of Building Our Own Community (BOOC), Inc. which is established in the United States and in Ghana, West Africa. Bishop Davis also established Sankofa Ventures Management, Inc., an international company operating in Ghana, West Africa to create job opportunities for men and women locally and abroad.

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On this episode Dr. Gee is joined by listener Jason Shanley to get his take on an insight into Malcolm X and his development made by his half-sister, Ella Collins. As usual, you will get the kind of raw and honest commentary that you don't get anywhere else. Don't miss this dynamic new segment.

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Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes about his career and making paths to progress in the state. Lt. Governor Barnes is working to create a state that considers equity and living up to the state motto of 'Forward.' Also, hear what the Lt. Gov. has to say directly to Black people in WI.

Learn More about how Toussaint L'ouverture Rose from Slavery to Lead the Haitian Revolution, as discussed by Lt. Gov. Barnes.

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Listen in to a recent event for allies as Dr. Gee and Dr. Terrance Greene discuss the legacy of Black history coming out of Black History Month. As a professor, Dr. Greene provides a deep understanding of Black and white relations through history and now.

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In the first episode of Season 7, Dr. Gee breaks down the inspiration behind the new season's theme of Rising To The Occasion. As always, Dr. Gee provides his unique perspective in a dynamic fashion.

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