Conversations With Carole

May is Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and we end this month with the second of two terrific guests from the Asian American community.  Today's guest is Mai Du (pronounced My-Dew) who entered the United States as a Vietnamese (and ethnic Chinese) refugee and has become one of the leading social justice advocates in Metro Boston. She owns the Way Lum Kung Fu & Tai Chi Academy, which has two locations in Metro Boston. She is also passionate about the Asian American community and has collaborated with others to receive $1 million in seed funding from Congress (Rep. Katherine Clark), which will kick off a capital campaign to create Malden (Mass) 's first Asian American Community Center.

Mai is an inspiration and an example of why AANHPI is such a special month for many in the Asian American community and beyond

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ABOUT MAI DU

Mai Du, named as one of Get Konnected! Boston's 50 Most Influential Asian-American Pacific Islanders in January 2023, has been a community advocate and activist since the early 1990s. As a youth leader, Mai took part in co-founding the Coalition for Asian Pacific American Youth (CAPAY), which engaged AAPI youth across Massachusetts to give voice and visibility to the Asian Pacific American youth experiences and to work towards positive social change.

Throughout her undergraduate and graduate studies at Tufts University, where she earned a Masters in Education focusing on Racial Ethnic Studies and School and Community Collaborations, Mai continued to commit to community organizing and grassroots advocacy throughout the Greater Boston area. Formerly serving as the Director of Volunteer Resources, Youth Programs, and International Social Services for the American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay, and a Kumon Math and Reading Instructor and Franchisee, Mai founded Wah Lum Kung Fu & Tai Chi Academy in 2006, now with a strong presence in Malden and Quincy. In March 2024, Wah Lum Malden and Quincy were recognized as one of Boston's Most Influential Community Organizations by Get Connected (www.wahlumacademy.com).

Mai Du is the co-founder and board member of the Greater Malden Asian American Community Coalition (GMAACC) and the United States Dragon and Lion Dance Federation, board member of the South Cove Community Health Center, and the Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC). In 2020, Mai co-founded the Coalition for Anti-Racism and Equity (CARE). She currently serves as its founding president and continues to champion the statewide effort to advance MA legislation to promote racially inclusive curriculum for K-12 public education. Mai also serves on the GBH Community Advisory Board.
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Here's a recent Boston Globe article about GMAACC and their work in Malden:

https://bit.ly/453eMvX

May is Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month and we end this month with the first of two terrific guests from the Asian American community.  Today's guest is Stephanie Chen, nutritionist by day and activist leader with the National Association of Asian American Professionalism (NAAAP) during her spare time.  We learn about Stephanie's fascinating background that took her all around the United States and three years living in China. She's one of many up-and-coming leaders in her community and cherishes the cultural background, parental guidance, and a sense of progress for her future. Stephanie is an inspiration and an example of why AANHPI is such a special month for many in the Asian American community and beyond

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Meet Stephanie Chen, a rising dynamic force in Boston's cultural scene--she is the new Director of Community Partnerships at NAAAP Boston, where she recently made waves with projects like the inaugural Boston Asian Restaurant Week. When she's not busy with community work, Stephanie works as a registered dietitian at her own practice in Quincy. She enjoys playing sports such as basketball, tennis, and snowboarding but also leaves time to connect with friends and family. With her passion for community, Stephanie brings a unique perspective to any discussion.

Carole details the 10 different ways that she markets her business, stays relevant and keeps getting business year after year.

1 Email List - List Building

(www.amyporterfield.com)

2 Lead Magnets

3 Referrals

4 Podcast

5 Books/Guidebooks

6 Exhibit Booths

7 Guest on Other Podcasts

8 Live Virtual Events

9 Live In-Person Events

10 Social Media Platforms

Speaking & Training. (carolecopelandthomas.com)

Coaching and Consulting.  (carolecopelandthomas.com)

Sponsorships/Events (mssconnect.com)

Memberships (mssglobalsummit.com)

Licensing (mssglobalsummit.com)

Collaboration (ebonyspeakers.com)

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this segment, where you will learn the ins and outs of marketing an ongoing business enterprise.

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Here’s Carole’s Biographical Profile

For over three decades, Carole Copeland Thomas has been an unwavering force in the world of global diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a remarkable journey that began in 1987, she has risen to prominence as an acclaimed TEDx speaker, seasoned trainer, and a thought leader of international recognition. In the ever-evolving landscape of professional development, Carole has seamlessly transitioned to the virtual realm as a Virtual Presenter on platforms like Zoom. She remains at the forefront of emerging trends, keeping a vigilant eye on the concerns and challenges faced by working professionals. Her consultancy work with industry leaders reflects her dedication to staying ahead of the curve.

Bottom Line…You Have To Make Money In Order To Stay In Business!! This podcast will walk you through the 5 main ways that Carole generates income to sustain and grow her business. 

Speaking & Training. (carolecopelandthomas.com)

Coaching and Consulting.  (carolecopelandthomas.com)

Sponsorships/Events (mssconnect.com)

Memberships (mssglobalsummit.com)

Licensing (mssglobalsummit.com)

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this segment, where you will learn the ins and outs of generating steady revenue for an ongoing business enterprise.

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Here’s Carole’s Biographical Profile

For over three decades, Carole Copeland Thomas has been an unwavering force in the world of global diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a remarkable journey that began in 1987, she has risen to prominence as an acclaimed TEDx speaker, seasoned trainer, and a thought leader of international recognition. In the ever-evolving landscape of professional development, Carole has seamlessly transitioned to the virtual realm as a Virtual Presenter on platforms like Zoom. She remains at the forefront of emerging trends, keeping a vigilant eye on the concerns and challenges faced by working professionals. Her consultancy work with industry leaders reflects her dedication to staying ahead of the curve.

Carole's extensive career, spanning an impressive 37 years, has been built on the bedrock of meaningful relationships and impactful partnerships. She has collaborated with a diverse array of local, national, and international clients and sponsors, including corporate giants like State Street Corporation, Walmart, Amtrak, and Emirates Airlines. These partnerships speak to the trust and respect that organizations worldwide place in Carole's expertise.

Her work and exploration have taken her to nearly every state in the US, 32 countries, and six of the seven continents. 

Carole Copeland Thomas is more than just a speaker, trainer, or thought leader; she is a transformative force shaping the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her illustrious career and dedication to her cause have made her a beacon of hope and change in an ever-evolving world.

You can reach Carole at: www.carolecopelandthomas.com

[email protected]

There are people in my family who still don't understand what I do for a living. This podcast will walk you through a day in my life and how I have been a professional communicator for more than 36 years. I've worked for large and small organizations and have continued to reinvent myself for decades. That's the best way to stay competitive and relevant in the marketplace. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this segment, where you will learn about who I am and what I do for a living.

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Here’s Carole’s Biographical Profile

For over three decades, Carole Copeland Thomas has been an unwavering force in the world of global diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a remarkable journey that began in 1987, she has risen to prominence as an acclaimed TEDx speaker, seasoned trainer, and a thought leader of international recognition. In the ever-evolving landscape of professional development, Carole has seamlessly transitioned to the virtual realm as a Virtual Presenter on platforms like Zoom. She remains at the forefront of emerging trends, keeping a vigilant eye on the concerns and challenges faced by working professionals. Her consultancy work with industry leaders reflects her dedication to staying ahead of the curve.

Carole's extensive career, spanning an impressive 37 years, has been built on the bedrock of meaningful relationships and impactful partnerships. She has collaborated with a diverse array of local, national, and international clients and sponsors, including corporate giants like State Street Corporation, Walmart, Amtrak, and Emirates Airlines. These partnerships speak to the trust and respect that organizations worldwide place in Carole's expertise.

Her work and exploration have taken her to nearly every state in the US, 32 countries, and six of the seven continents. 

Carole Copeland Thomas is more than just a speaker, trainer, or thought leader; she is a transformative force shaping the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her illustrious career and dedication to her cause have made her a beacon of hope and change in an ever-evolving world.

You can reach Carole at: www.carolecopelandthomas.com

[email protected]

I'm a lifetime member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and have always been proud of its history. The AME Church is the oldest or one of the oldest Black denominations in the United States, with its 1787 roots nestled in Philadelphia as the nation formed its beginning. Richard Allen, the first elected and consecrated Bishop of the AME Church, was the visionary founder of this denomination. Allen's global insight and insistence on the denomination keeping its Methodist roots have been the foundation of the growth and expansion of this organization. 

With 20 Districts worldwide and 2.5 million members, people like Rosa Parks, US Representative James Clyburn, and Los Angeles' first Black Mayor Tom Bradley represent the AME Church's finest.

Today, the AME Church represents 39 countries on five continents worldwide. This includes India, Canada, the various Caribbean nations, Europe, and many parts of Africa.

Today's podcast explores the Church's historical foundations and origins in social justice, anti-slavery, and human rights. Discover the enduring legacy of faith, resilience, and social justice. Join us as we uncover the untold stories of courage and triumph that define the essence of this remarkable institution. Tune in and be inspired by the spirit of faith and freedom that continues to shape communities worldwide.

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Resources:

Websites 

www.ame-church.com

http://www.tellcarole.com/understanding-the-ame-church.html

Books

The African Methodist Episcopal Church by Dennis Dickerson

Religious Experience and Journal of Mrs. Jarena Lee, Giving an Account of Her Call to Preach the Gospel

by Jarena Lee (First Woman Licensed To Preach in the AME Church in 1852)

Black Indians and Freedmen: The African Methodist Episcopal Church and Indigenous Americans, 1816-1916

by Dr. Christina Dickerson-Cousin

Historical Event in 1865

My ancestor, Rev. William Gaines, a freed slave who, in Savannah, Georgia, on January 12, 1865, sat with other black leaders in conversation with General William Tecumseh Sherman to figure out what to do with so many newly freed slaves. My relative is listed as the SIXTH member of this meeting. Here is the link to read more: 

http://www.freedmen.umd.edu/savmtg.htm.

Leadership strategist Galen Bingham takes us on his personal journey through the corporate doors of success, evolving into executive coaching. He's a generation corporate veteran; Galen successfully leveraged three decades of executive experience at Kraft Foods, Imperial Sugar, and Coca-Cola, traveling and living in multiple states and cities across the US. His executive coaching business has skyrocketed, influencing the path of over 975 executives in seven countries.

In today's podcast, we will talk to Galen about his path to success in corporate America and as an executive coach. He'll walk us down his path as an African-American leader when the stakes are high and the opportunities even higher.

Galen is a certified Executive Coach who offers insight from 30 years of operating experience with Fortune 500 companies and 6 years of experience as a brick-and-mortar retail franchise owner. He has been an industry leader at Kraft Foods, Imperial Sugar, and Coca-Cola North America. Galen is a sought-after speaker and coach, serving premiere non-profit boards where he provides oversight in governance, board development, CEO selection, and organizational leadership. He is host of The Whiskey, Jazz & Leadership podcast – which streams on all podcast platforms in 20 countries. Most importantly, he has been a husband to Monique for 29 years and father to Landis, who is a Bio-Chemistry major at Spelman College. 

For more information about Galen, visit www.KilnGlobalCoaching.com

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For information about our podcast discussion about plans of the conservative right in the US after the November 2024 presidential election, visit www.project2025.org

Steeped in history going back to the early 1900s, nine Black fraternities and sororities have paved the way to economic progress, educational aptitude, and social relevance throughout Black communities across the United States. They are a part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, founded in 1930, and it remains a vibrant organization in our nation to this day. 

I am a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, one of the "Divine Nine." Vice President Kamala Harris is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and pledged on the campus of Howard University. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. The list goes on and on with celebrities and notables who represent all nine organizations.

Today will look deeper into Black Greek organizations and see why they are important and how they are relevant in today's times. For some, they are simply elitist, irrelevant, and archaic groups mimicking White organizations. I completely refute that and will tell you why in this podcast! You'll also learn how racism fueled the success of each one of these groups.

The National Pan-Hellenic Council consists of the following nine organizations:

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.

Learn more at The National Pan-Hellenic website, which links to all nine Greek organizations. https://www.nphchq.com

As we end our salute to Women's History Month, there are big shoes to fill when the conversation turns to two great Americans. One was a national icon who sat at the table with the great civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The other was a local/regional hero, the first African-American hired as a news reporter for WBZ TV here in Boston. Regardless of their popularity on the national stage, their effectiveness is far-reaching and has had social and economic implications for many years.

Dr. Dorothy Height was a trailblazing pioneer whose determination to champion the cause of Black and Brown communities was light years ahead of those who wanted gradual progress. Dr. Height was born in 1912 in Richmond, Virginia, and lived a robust 98 years until her passing in 2010. I knew her as the National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and as my sorority sister. I had the pleasure of meeting her on several occasions and always admired her outrageously beautiful hats.

Sarah-Ann Shaw was a fiercely proud and feisty woman of action. Her role in Boston civil rights activities led her to become the first African-American reporter and journalist for WBZ TV, where she served for 31 years from 1969 to 2000. Everyone knew and loved Sarah Ann. You knew that when she reported on the news stories, it would be fair and accurate. She even deliberated on joining the television station because she never wanted to compromise her integrity. That's what we all loved about her.

Sarah Ann passed away on March 21, 2024 at the age of 90. Her daughter Klare and their family will hold a memorial service for Sarah-Ann on April 27, 2024, at my church, Bethel AME, in Boston.

In preparing for this broadcast I talked to Klare and she reminded me that her mother admired the work I was doing in diversity, equity, and inclusion. I was deeply humbled just to hear those comments. Her legacy was so widespread that a friend and colleague of mine in the United Kingdom read about her in her local newspaper and wanted to know more.

The late and great Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm said, "Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this earth." We can all now say that the rent has been paid in full for Dr. Dorothy Height and Sarah-Ann Shaw. May they both rest in power as they continue to inspire us with their earthly actions and deeds.

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SARAH-ANN SHAW

Bay State Banner:

https://baystatebanner.com/2024/03/27/sarah-ann-shaw-the-passing-of-a-boston-news-pioneer/

Davis Funeral Home

https://www.davisofboston.com/obituary/Sarah-Ann-Shaw

Boston Globe

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/21/metro/sarah-ann-shaw-obituary-wbz-journalist/?p1=Article_Inline_Related_Link

History Makers

https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/sarah-ann-shaw-41

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DR. DOROTHY HEIGHT

Wikipedia 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Height

History Makers

https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/dorothy-height-39

National Park Service

https://www.nps.gov/mamc/learn/historyculture/dorothy-irene-height.htm

Biography

https://www.biography.com/activist/dorothy-height

Critical Race Theory CRT has become a political football tossed around the United States so much that the original concept is unrecognizable to those who originated it in the 1970s. It is a legal framework that examines the complexities of racial discrimination, and it is connected to power, gender, and other societal categories. Contrary to popular opinion, CRT has never been taught in elementary schools, let alone other secondary classrooms. This podcast is designed to separate fact from fiction so that you will be a more informed listener as you share this podcast with others. Definitely discuss it so that your friends, family, and colleagues can learn from the accurate perspective you share with them.

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Websites:

www.understandcrt.com

www.mssglobalsummit.com 
(Carole's Online DEI Course that discusses CRT as part of her membership)

Online Course:

Promoting DEIBM Advocacy In A World Of Misinformation

www.mssglobalsummit.com

Books:

Faces At The Botton Of The Well
Atty. Derrick Bell

Race, Rights, & Redemption: The Derrick Bell Lectures on The Law and Critical Race Theory

Janet Dewart Bell

Critical Race Theory: The Key Writings That Formed The Movement

Edited by Kimberlé Crenshaw

White By Law: The Legal Construction of Race

Ian Haney López