Welcome back to another insightful episode of Embodied Justice. Today, host Dr. Judy Lubin is joined by Dr. Venessa M. Perry, an esteemed organizational psychologist, executive coach, and racial equity leader. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Perry has dedicated her career to fostering transformational change in public health, leadership development, and organizational equity. As the CEO of Health Resources Solutions and author of the forthcoming book The Path to Inclusivity: How to Create Safety, Well-being, and Belonging for Black Women in Financial Services, she brings a wealth of knowledge on dismantling systemic barriers and creating spaces where Black and Brown women can thrive.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• The Future of Racial Equity and DEI Work – The challenges, shifts, and opportunities for organizations committed to meaningful change.
• Leadership & Well-Being for Women of Color – The importance of soul work, self-care, and navigating workplace environments that often overlook the needs of Black and Brown women.
• Menopause & Workplace Inclusivity – Why it’s time to address the impact of menopause on women in leadership and how organizations can foster more supportive spaces.

About Our Guest

Dr. Venessa M. Perry is an organizational psychologist, executive coach, and racial equity strategist with over two decades of experience in leadership development, public health, and organizational change. As the CEO of Health Resources Solutions, she works to transform workplace cultures and foster inclusivity. Her upcoming book, The Path to Inclusivity, provides a framework for creating workplaces where Black and Brown women experience safety, belonging, and success. Through her expertise, Dr. Perry is reshaping conversations on equity, leadership, and well-being in professional spaces.

Tune in for a powerful conversation on reimagining equity, leadership, and well-being in the workplace.

Thank for spending your precious time with us!

This episode is brought to you by the Center for Urban and Racial Equity. To learn more CURE and the Embodied Justice Program and Retreat, head to https://urbanandracialequity.org/embodied-justice-program/

In the premiere episode of Embodied Justice's second season, host Dr. Judy Lubin sits down with the talented Bayo Akomolafe. A speaker, poet, and philosopher, Bayo is renowned for his thought-provoking perspectives on global crisis, social change, and the transformative potential of embracing chaos. Together, they dissect the exhaustion often felt in activism and discuss unconventional frameworks for creating just and equitable communities. This episode is an invitation to rethink how we engage in resistance and to consider finding hope and beauty amidst societal upheavals.

In this episode:

• Rethinking Activism: Dr. Judy Lubin and Bayo Akomolafe explore the limitations of traditional resistance frameworks and introduce the trickster philosophy as a transformative alternative.
• Navigating Exhaustion:Discussion on the collective fatigue felt by Black change makers and how acknowledging this exhaustion can guide us toward sustainable activism.
• Post-Activism Possibilities: A deep dive into "post-activism" and the potential of blackness as a cosmic, counter-hegemonic force for redefining success and liberation.

About the Guest:

Bayo Akomolafe is a celebrated speaker, poet, and philosopher whose work weaves in the wisdom of African culture and Yoruba cosmology. He is the founder and elder of the Emergence Network, offering new perspectives on ancient problems through the trickster philosophy. Akomolafe's writings challenge conventional views of activism and community, inviting us to embrace the uncertainties and potentialities of our chaotic world. Justice and Belonging in Times of Crisis with Bayo Akomolafe.

To learn more about Bayo’s work, head to his website: https://www.bayoakomolafe.net/

Thank for spending your precious time with us!

This episode is brought to you by the Center for Urban and Racial Equity. To learn more CURE and the Embodied Justice Program and Retreat, head to https://urbanandracialequity.org/embodied-justice-program/

 In this enriching episode of “Embodied Justice”, Dr. Judy Lubin converses with Toyin Ajayi, founder of Outdoorsy Black Women. The discussion navigates through Toyin’s inspiring journey of building a community for black women interested in outdoor activities, the transformational power of connecting with nature, and the imperative of rest in the zone of social change and racial equity work. Toyin passionately underscores the therapeutic essence of nature, the importance of mindfulness practices, and the critical safety measures necessary to ensure black women can freely enjoy and benefit from outdoor experiences.

In this episode you will learn about: 

• The Restorative Power of Nature: Toyin Ajayi emphasizes the significant impact nature has on personal well-being and rest. Nature provides opportunities to wake up naturally, encourages patience, and reinforces the idea that one cannot control everything. This connection to the natural world can lead to a more restorative and balanced life.
• Safety and Community in Outdoor Spaces: Safety concerns, especially with respect to encounters with white supremacists, are a stark reality for black women in outdoor settings. Toyin discusses the steps Outdoorsy Black Women takes to create a safe community, including an exhaustive screening process for membership and stringent measures against potential threats.
• Mindfulness and Living in the Moment: Through practices like journaling and taking quiet moments, along with more adrenaline-pumping activities such as skydiving, Toyin underscores the importance of mindfulness. Recognizing the rapid changes in nature acts as a powerful reminder to live in the present and appreciate the moment. She encourages everyone, even city dwellers, to find simple yet meaningful ways to connect with nature.

Tune in to explore these profound insights and appreciate the significant interconnection between nature, well-being, and social justice work, as shared by the remarkable Toyin Ajayi. Join the conversation and learn how to bring these transformative ideas into your own life.

About Our Guest:
Toyin Ajayi is a visionary leader and founder of Outdoorsy Black Women, a vibrant community of over 7,000 women dedicated to reconnecting with nature and reshaping the narrative around black women's presence in outdoor spaces. With a deep passion for adventure and wellness, Toyin has transformed her personal journeys into a movement that emphasizes the healing power of nature, especially for overworked and trauma-affected individuals. Her diverse and exhilarating outdoor experiences, ranging from skydiving to walking barefoot in nature, underline her commitment to promoting holistic well-being. Toyin's dedication to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for black women in the outdoors stands as a testament to her leadership and advocacy in advancing racial equity and communal care.

Connect with Our Guest:
On the Web: outdoorsyblackwomen.com
On Instagram: @outdoorsyblackwomen/
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutdoorsyBlackWomen

Thank for spending your precious time with us!

This episode is brought to you by the Center for Urban and Racial Equity. To learn more CURE and the Embodied Justice Program and Retreat, head to https://urbanandracialequity.org/embodied-justice-program/

In this enlightening episode of “Embodied Justice”, Dr. Judy Lubin sits down with the distinguished poet, scholar, and black feminist, Alexis Pauline Gumbs. Together, they delve into the teachings and life of Audre Lorde and explore how her profound insights into survival and resilience can guide today’s black change makers. This conversation highlights the importance of rest, community, and deep connection with the Earth in advancing racial equity and justice. Alexis shares her wisdom on balancing personal well-being with the critical work of social change, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of black feminism, environmental justice, and community healing.

In this episode you will learn about: 

• Audre Lorde’s Legacy of Resilience and Survival: A multifaceted approach to survival, particularly in the face of personal and societal challenges. Highlighting Lorde’s ability to navigate her cancer diagnosis with holistic self-care and her experiences with war and trauma provide a profound blueprint for today's activists.
• The Connection Between Environmental Justice and Black Feminism: Gumbs draws poignant connections between the civil rights movement and environmental justice. She discusses how the actions of figures like June Jordan and Fannie Lou Hamer inform the black feminist movement today, particularly in addressing reproductive justice and climate crises.
• Embodied Practice and Grounding with the Earth: The crucial practice of grounding and connecting with the Earth daily. Gumbs and Dr. Lubin share personal grounding techniques and discuss how these practices can foster deeper community ties and personal resilience, enriching the social and political movements they support.

Tune in to this episode to immerse yourself in the rich dialogue between Dr. Judy Lubin and Alexis Pauline Gumbs, and uncover the transformative wisdom rooted in black feminist thought.

About Our Guest:
Alexis Pauline Gumbs is a trailblazing poet, scholar, and black feminist whose work embodies the heart of queer black troublemaking. Renowned for her innovative and deeply resonant writing, she fuses personal, political, historical, and imaginative dimensions to create profound connections and healing. Grounded in the rich heritage of black feminism, her early influences include a feminist household and exposure to the works of Audre Lorde. Gumbs' scholarship spans across a myriad of topics, from environmental justice to reproductive rights, consistently emphasizing resilience and survival through the lens of black feminist theory. As a Monument Lab fellow, she delves into the creativity and wisdom that emerge from surviving climate catastrophes. Alexis Pauline Gumbs' contributions extend to community workshops and reflective sessions that invite participants to engage deeply with ancestral knowledge and their own inner worlds.

Connect with Our Guest:
On Her Website: alexispauline.com
On Instagram: @alexispauline

Thank for spending your precious time with us!

This episode is brought to you by the Center for Urban and Racial Equity. To learn more CURE and the Embodied Justice Program and Retreat, head to https://urbanandracialequity.org/embodied-justice-program/

In this episode of "Embodied Justice," host Dr. Judy Lubin engages with life coach and motivational speaker Marcus Bridgewater. Together they explore how the act of gardening can foster personal well-being and community growth. Marcus shares his journey, noting how gardening reveals life’s parallels and promotes qualities like patience and resilience. This episode highlights the importance of creating conditions for growth, both in gardens and communities.

In this episode you will learn about: 

• Collective Balance and Individual Roles: Marcus uses the analogy of diverse heights and abilities to illustrate that everyone has a vital role in contributing to the greater good, promoting choices that benefit all and foster biodiversity.
• Gardening and Community Building: Through a story about rescuing sweet potato ivy, Marcus parallels nurturing plants with supporting people, emphasizing the need to address unjust choices and build communities through diverse growth.
• Mental Health and Urban Nature Connection: Highlighting the benefits of nature on mental health, Marcus offers advice for urban dwellers to create shared green spaces and find natural elements in their surroundings, fostering holistic well-being.

Listen to this episode for an inspiring take on how gardening can lead to personal growth, community stewardship, and a deeper understanding of justice. Marcus Bridgewater’s insights remind us to make choices that contribute to a balanced and collectively beneficial world.

About Our Guest:
Marcus Bridgewater, a celebrated life coach, motivational speaker, and philosopher, is renowned for his unique approach to holistic personal development through the art of gardening. Known fondly as "Garden Marcus" on social media platforms, Marcus captivates audiences with his profound insights into the interconnectedness of nature, well-being, and community growth. His journey began with a transformative experience in nurturing sweet potato vines, leading him to discover profound life lessons and principles reflected in the natural world. In addition to being an eloquent storyteller and advocate for kindness, patience, and positivity, Marcus is also the author of the upcoming book "Seasons of Growth". 

Thank for spending your precious time with us!

This episode is brought to you by the Center for Urban and Racial Equity. To learn more CURE and the Embodied Justice Program and Retreat, head to https://urbanandracialequity.org/embodied-justice-program/

Welcome to today's episode of Embodied Justice, where Dr. Judy Lubin and our guest, Kelsey Blackwell, dive deep into the power of reconnecting with our bodies through somatic practices. Join them as they explore how societal programming influences our detachment from our bodies and discuss transformative ways to reconnect and embrace well-being, especially for those carrying the burden of racial inequities.

In this episode you will learn about: 

• Reconnecting with the Body: Kelsey shares her personal experiences and stresses the importance of coming home to one's body. She discusses how recognizing and prioritizing bodily needs and sensations is crucial in breaking free from the trauma held within our bodies, often exacerbated by societal pressures and historical baggage.
• Somatic Practices and Trauma: The conversation reveals how somatic coaching can aid in addressing and healing from trauma. Kelsey outlines the 'For Star' model she uses in her coaching, which helps individuals focus on what life is guiding them toward and embodying a state of liberation and well-being.
• Self-care in Racial Justice Work: Both speakers highlight the somatic and emotional toll on individuals, particularly people of color, engaged in racial justice work. They discuss the importance of honest self-assessment regarding one's passion and boundaries in this area, emphasizing the need for self-care and suitable support systems to sustain efforts without burnout.

About Our Guest:

Kelsey Blackwell is a distinguished somatic coach, author, and speaker who specializes in empowering women and gender nonconforming people of color to reclaim their confidence and self-worth. Through her work, she addresses the deep-seated impacts of societal and institutional oppression, offering transformative approaches to unhook from these debilitating systems. Kelsey's expertise in navigating spaces of diversity, equity, and inclusion informs her comprehensive methods which facilitate a reconnection with the body's wisdom and an embracing of one's full potential. Her commitment to decolonizing the body and advocating for mental and emotional liberation makes her a pivotal voice in the quest for genuine and sustainable social change.

Thank for spending your precious time with us!

This episode is brought to you by the Center for Urban and Racial Equity. To learn more CURE and the Embodied Justice Program and Retreat, head to https://urbanandracialequity.org/embodied-justice-program/

In the inaugural episode of our podcast, Dr. Judy Lubin hosts Michelle C. Johnson, a formidable voice in the realm of sacred activism and racial equity. Michelle brings her wisdom to the forefront, discussing the transformative power of collective healing, the crucial role of our personal responsibilities within that process, and the practices that ground us in the pursuit of a better world. Delve into the intersection of healing modalities and social justice as we unearth the importance of connecting with our ancestral roots and the role of individualized practices in thriving amidst societal challenges.

In this episode, you will learn about:

• The significance of sacred activism in the framework of social justice and how individuals can contribute to collective healing.
• The importance of acknowledging ancestral and present-day trauma and the role of various contemplative and healing practices in the journey of recovery.
• How Michelle C. Johnson integrates yoga, social work, and racial equity to guide others toward reducing suffering and embracing the beauty of a shared, healed future.

About Our Guest:

Michelle C. Johnson is a racial equity trainer, social justice activist, intuitive healer, yoga teacher, and author. With a commitment to healing injustice in the world, Michelle has integrated a compassionate yet powerful approach to addressing systemic oppression. Her work is deeply influenced by the teachings and strengths passed down from her ancestors and the wisdom of her mother and grandmother. Michelle is the author of the influential book "Skill in Action" and the upcoming "A Space for Us," which dive into the integration of her spiritual practice and a lifelong dedication to social change.

To discover more about Michelle's transformative work, or engage with her teachings, visit her website, https://www.michellecjjohnson.com. Find her on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/skillinaction

Thank for spending your precious time with us!

This episode is brought to you by the Center for Urban and Racial Equity. To learn more CURE and the Embodied Justice Program and Retreat, head to https://urbanandracialequity.org/embodied-justice-program/

Thank for spending your precious time with us!

This episode is brought to you by the Center for Urban and Racial Equity. To learn more CURE and the Embodied Justice Program and Retreat, head to https://urbanandracialequity.org/embodied-justice-program/