Everyday Conversations on Race

In this episode of Everyday Conversations on Race, host Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist, invites Dr. Lonny Avi Brooks, a professor of communication and Afrofuturism, to discuss his unique background as a Jewish, Black, and Native American individual. Avi and Simma explore the intersectionality of race and religion considering recent conversations on anti-Semitism and racism. The conversation also delves into the concept of Afrofuturism and its significance. Tune in to gain insights and engage in an Everyday Conversation on Race.

Dr. Lonny Avi Brooks emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting the rich cultures and dignities of others for personal growth and self-understanding. When you disregard or suppress someone else's culture, you limit your own potential for a fulfilling life. He shares what it means to him to be Black, Jewish, and Native American in his everyday life and the impact it has had on his relationships, and the actions he has taken to eliminate racism, antisemitism, and all forms of hate. He recounts his earliest memories of going to synagogue with his brother and how he integrates and loves who he is today. Lonny Avi Brooks is busy traveling and speaking on Afrofuturism, is active in synagogue and Jewish life, as well as involved in Native American communities.

Key Points in this episode:

• Recognizing and appreciating diverse cultures, allows individuals to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

• How systemic oppression, crime, and homelessness are all results of a lack of understanding and respect for differences and denial of opportunities and inequality. By disrespecting and trivializing other cultures, people who subscribe covertly or overtly to white supremacist culture not only harm others but also hinder their own growth and understanding of the world.

• Experience of being Black and Jewish in a mostly white Jewish synagogue

• Dismantling the myth that all Jewish people are white and looking at the depth, complexities, and similarities amongst Jewish people across the world.

• How Afrofuturism serves to preserve and expand Black culture. Guerrilla tactics are used to showcase the existence, power, and potential of Black people. By appreciating and valuing the culture and history of others, individuals, both Black and non-Black, can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.

• Why acknowledging and respecting the rich cultures and dignities of others is not only essential for personal growth and self-understanding but also for creating a more just and harmonious society.

• The way that Afrofuturism and other futurisms empower individuals and communities by fostering self-esteem, creativity, and innovation.

• Why it's essential that all individuals know their own history and cultural background to have a sense of identity and motivation that will guide their success. Afrofuturism, along with Indigenous Futurism, queer futurism, Jewish Futurism, and Arab Futurism, provides diverse visions of the future that inspire and empower young people.

• When people know where they come from. their history and the contributions of "their peoples," it encourages them to be more self-confident and creative.

• Why Afrofuturism plays an important role in reclaiming lost cultural heritage erased by colonialism. By leveraging the past and projecting it into the future, Afrofuturism allows individuals and communities to preserve their cultural heritage while envisioning new possibilities. This process is particularly important in the face of attempts to erase the history of Black people.

• The crisis in the US with some state governments and school boards, eliminating African American history from their curriculum. They are "rewriting American history," even claiming that there was "personal benefit from slavery for enslaved people."

• Futurism movements offer diverse visions of the future that represent marginalized communities and encourage individuals to make a difference for themselves and their own groups.

• Why it is essential that people engage in conversations about race and antisemitism, and other "isms" to break down barriers and promote understanding between people of different racial backgrounds.

• Why Octavia Butler, Afrofuturism, Black Panthers. Greenwood, Tulsa, "The Watchman" are all important.

• Simma Lieberman acknowledges that many individuals may feel hesitant or afraid to have these conversations due to the fear of saying the wrong thing, feeling attacked, or being ignored or trivialized. However, this podcast, Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People, aims to create a safe space for these conversations, encouraging listeners to overcome their fears and engage in dialogue.

To learn more:

• Attend conferences and events that focus on race, such as Afrofuturism or Afrocomiccon. By participating in these gatherings, individuals can engage in conversations about race, learn from experts in the field, and broaden their understanding of different racial experiences.

• Read histories of African Americans, Africa, Judaism, racism, antisemitism, and indigenous history.

• Learn about intersectionality across race, culture, and other differences.

Timestamps

[00:01:05] Afrofuturism and identity/ Jewish, Black, and Native American

[00:04:55] Multicultural identity and cultural questioning.

[00:09:38] Mishap at the synagogue with Avi Brooks and his brother

[00:15:06] Hebrew school and re-envisioning inclusivity.

[00:19:16] Systemic white supremacy and culture.

[00:24:33] Ethnic inner-ethnic war/the realities of antisemitism and racism

[00:27:10] Cultural Vibranium and Afrofuturism.

[00:32:06] The Black Speculative Arts Movement.

[00:38:41] Afrofuturism and new creativity.

[00:41:02] African music and artists.

[00:46:31] Attending Afrofuturism and Comic Cons.

[00:49:24] Inclusion in conversation with Dr. Lonnie Avi Brooks.

Guest Bio

Dr. Lonny Avi Brooks is Professor in Communication, Cal State University, East Bay. Co-executive producer, The Afrofuturist Podcast; co-organizer, Black Speculative Arts Movement; co-founder with Ahmed Best of the AfroRithm Futures Group; co-designer of the game Afro-Rithms From The Future. Co-founder, the Community Futures School, Museum of Children's Arts (MOCHA). Research Affiliate@Institute For The Future & Long Now Foundation Fellow and visiting professor@ the Stanford d.school. Author, "From Algorithms to AfroRithms in Afrofuturism" in Black Experience in Design: Identity, Expression & Reflection.

Host Bio

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker and facilitator and the host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People." Simma is the creator of the program, "Inclusive Leadership from the Inside Out."

Contact [email protected]

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)

Connect with Simma:

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From grassroots movements to political advocacy, explore the powerful journey of Dalit activists working towards dismantling caste oppression.

In this episode, you will be able to:

● Shatter the silence surrounding caste discrimination in US-based South Asian communities.

● Delve into the world of Dalit rights activism to understand the struggle against centuries-old caste subjugation.

● Grasp why legislation against caste discrimination in California could be a game changer.

● Realize the paramount importance of caste equity competency in breaking down workplace barriers.

● Get attuned to how somatics can mend the psychological wounds inflicted by caste discrimination over generations.

My special guest is Thenmozhi Soundararajan

Joining the conversation is Thenmozhi Soundararajan, a Dalit rights activist born in the heart of East Los Angeles, bringing a fresh perspective to igniting change for Indian Americans and marginalized communities. Raised in the harsh reality of structural casteism, she uses her lived experiences as the foundation of her fight against this persistent issue. Additionally, she is admired for her talents as a transmedia storyteller, songwriter, writer, hip-hop musician, technologist, and author of The Trauma of Caste: A Dalit Feminist Meditation on Survivorship, Healing, and Abolition. Her story and experiences form an intricate tapestry of struggle, resilience, and commitment, making her an invaluable guest on the topic of Dalit rights and caste discrimination.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 - Introduction 00:01:19 - Guest Introduction 00:03:40 - What is Caste? 00:07:19 - Caste Discrimination in the US00:09:19 - Personal Experience and Hiding Identity 00:16:46 - Addressing Misconceptions about Trafficking 00:17:20 - Structural Caste and Sexual Exploitation 00:18:19 - The Need for Civil Rights Organizations 00:19:35 - Discrimination and the Fight for Caste Equity 00:24:35 - Caste as a Protected Category 00:32:28 - The Impact of Caste Oppression 00:34:09 - Changing Hearts and Minds 00:35:11 - Discrimination within South Asian Communities 00:37:54 - Groundbreaking Conversations and Unity 00:39:10 - Responding to Denial of Caste

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

● Go to the website www.RaceConvo.com to listen to more episodes of the show and engage in conversations about race.

● Please share the show with at least one or two other people who may be interested in having conversations about race.

● If you enjoy the show, please leave a review to help support it. Don't forget to give it five stars if you think it's a five-star show.

● If you'd like to help support the show, you can make a tax-deductible donation by clicking on the donate button on the website.

● To understand more about caste and Dalit rights, visit Equality Labs, an organization fighting for caste equity and civil rights. Learn about their work and support their cause.

● Support the coalition led by Equality Labs and Senator Ayesha Wahab to make California the first state to ban caste discrimination. Stay updated on their progress and join their efforts.

Guest Bio

Thenmozhi Soundararajan is a Dalit rights activist based in the United States. She is a transmedia storyteller, songwriter, hip-hop musician and technologist. She founded Equality Labs, which "is an Ambedkarite South Asian power-building organization that uses community research, political base-building, culture-shifting art, and digital security to end the oppression of caste apartheid, Islamophobia, white supremacy, and religious intolerance." Her work and writings against caste oppression in the United States have been featured in The New York Times and The Washington Post.

Host Bio

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker and facilitator and the host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People."

Contact [email protected]

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)

Connect with me:

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In this conversation on race, Simma talks with John Blake, a well-known author, and journalist with CNN. He reports on race, religion, and politics. His most recent book is, More Than I Imagined: What a Black Man Discovered About the White Mother He Never Knew

John Blake's story begins with a familiar narrative of a biracial child struggling to find their place in a racially divided America. But just when you think you know where the story is headed, a surprising twist throws everything into question. What happens when John meets his estranged white family members as an adult? Will he reject them as he did with his white heritage? Or will he embrace them, leading to a transformative journey of empathy and forgiveness? Join us as we explore John's journey of racial reconciliation and the power of relationships in bridging seemingly impossible divides.

Why Race Is Important

Race is a central theme not only in the personal lives of many individuals but also in the larger context of American society. Understanding the importance of race requires recognizing that it shapes people's experiences, opportunities, and challenges in significant ways. By talking about race and valuing the various perspectives and experiences that come from different racial backgrounds, people can grow in empathy, cultivate meaningful relationships, and foster a more equitable and just society. In the conversation between Simma Lieberman and John Blake, John shares that his own experiences growing up as a biracial child with a white mother and black father has had a profound impact on his life, shaping both his personal struggles and his professional pursuits as a journalist reporting on race relations in America. He emphasizes that race is a key element in understanding and addressing social issues and that acknowledging and embracing diversity can ultimately bring people together and create a better society.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Realize the potential of building bridges across racial divides for a more inclusive society.
• Grasp the impact of compassion and pardoning in breaking the shackles of prejudiced thinking.
• Appreciate how knowledge can be a catalyst for change in combating racism.
• Understand the intricacies of racial outlooks and the space for growth and transformation.
• Appreciate the value of purposeful diversity and interaction in minimizing bias.

The resources and solutions mentioned in this episode are:

• Purchase John Blake's book More Than I Imagined: What a Black Man Discovered About the White Mother He Never Knew
• Read John Blake's articles on CNN about race, religion, and politics
• Participate in Simma Lieberman's facilitated dialogues to bring people together across race
• Practice empathy and forgiveness towards individuals who may hold racist attitudes or beliefs
• Read books by authors like Ibram X. Kendi and Jon Blake to educate yourself on race and racism
• Take action towards creating a successful multiracial, multireligious democracy by working towards racial justice and equality in your community.

The key moments in this episode are

00:00:02 - Introduction

00:01:53 - Why Race Is Important

00:03:54 - Discovering His Mother's Race

00:05:49 - Meeting His Mentally Ill Mother

00:11:02 - Lessons About Empathy and Forgiveness

00:15:52 - The Importance of Relationships in Combating Racism

00:17:47 - The Need for Intentional Diversity

00:19:19 - Telling Optimistic Stories

00:21:57 - The Continual Conversion Process

00:26:45 - Creating Opportunities for Meaningful Contact

00:30:28 - Importance of Diversity in Communities

00:34:52 - The Capacity for Change in Racism

00:37:57 - Cancel Culture and the Importance of Listening

00:41:01 - Personal Music and Book Recommendations

00:42:08 - Recommended Readings and Eric Liu's Work

Guest Bio

John Blake is an award-winning journalist at CNN.com, the online site for CNN and an author. He has been honored by the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, the American Academy of Religion, the National Association of Black Journalists, the Religion Communicators Council and with the GLAAD Media Award. He was most recently the winner of the 2019 Sigma Delta Chi awards for Excellence in Journalism for his online columns on race and politics. His 2020 essay, "There's One Epidemic We May Never Find a Cure For: Fear of Black Men in Public Spaces," was recently selected by Bustle Digital Group as one of the 11 best essays on racism and police violence. The other authors on that list included Ta-Nehisi Coates, Ibram X. Kendi, and Roxane Gay. Blake's book, "Children of the Movement," was a finalist for the 2005 NAACP Image Awards in the Outstanding Literary Work Non-Fiction category and a finalist for the Gustavus Myers Outstanding Book Awards. He has spoken at high schools, colleges, symposiums, and in documentaries about topics such as race, religion, and politics. Blake is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and a graduate of Howard University.

Host Bio

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker and facilitator and the host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People."

Contact [email protected]

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)

Connect with me:

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Twitter

LinkedIn

Tiktok

Website

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Join Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People, the podcast that brings real talk and real change to the forefront.

In a society where race, culture, and identity are often sources of division, bridging the conversation on race and equity is imperative. By fostering open and honest dialogues, organizations can create safe spaces for employees to share their experiences and perspectives, ultimately leading to a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

Simma Lieberman, Sally Helgesen, and Mercedes Martin explored the importance of bridging the conversation on race and equity during their discussion. They acknowledged the challenges of fostering these dialogues and shared their experiences in navigating the complexities of identity, race, and belonging.

Sally reflected on her close relationships with African Americans throughout her life and the impact of their struggles on shaping her understanding of race and equity.

Mercedes, an Afro-Latina woman from Cuba, spoke about her purpose in helping organizations tackle diversity and inclusion by shifting mindsets and embracing collaboration.

In this episode, you will be able to:

● Discover the significance of uniting as a team to create an all-embracing workplace environment.

•Embrace the benefits of acknowledging various personal histories and experiences.

• Acquire tools for seeking common ground and defusing challenging situations to resolve conflicts and misunderstandings

● Explore the expansion of diversity beyond gender, focusing on race and values.

● Recognize the importance of appreciating different backgrounds and experiences.

● Understand the role of individual change in sustaining diversity and inclusion among leaders.

● Learn how to identify commonalities and navigate through difficult situations to overcome division and polarization.

During the episode, Sally Helgesen and Mercedes Martin shared their personal experiences and emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of belonging within the workplace. They discussed the power of embracing people's diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives in order to build stronger connections and more effective workforces. Simma Lieberman highlighted the need to support one another and rise together in the pursuit of inclusion and equity, sharing insights from both Sally's and Mercedes's experiences in the field.

Sally, Mercedes and Simma discuss the urgency of sustainable change and emphasize that in order to sustain change, it is necessary to start from within. They talk about the importance of transforming oneself along with the organization and how change management needs to involve everyone in the organization. They also talk about the fear of leadership in addressing diversity and inclusion, especially pertaining to race, and how it needs to start with a clear why and work with the leadership in understanding the need for change.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:01:13 - Introduction of Sally Helgesen

00:02:26 - Introduction of Mercedes Martin

00:06:49 - Sally Helgesen's motivation for writing "Rising Together"

00:09:53 - Introduction of Mercedes Martin's background and cultural identity

00:19:07 - Creating a Culture of Inclusion

00:22:23 - The Importance of Inclusive Leadership

00:24:10 - Bridging the Conversation on Race and Equity

00:27:20 - Multiple Identities and Belonging

00:35:33 - The Importance of Self-reflection

00:37:24 - Importance of Authentic Leadership for Inclusion

00:39:05 - Characteristics of Inclusive Leadership

00:42:43 - Sustainable Change: Individual and Systemic Change

00:48:00 - Inhabiting the Middle Amidst Polarization

Guest Bio

Sally Helgesen is a renowned expert on women's leadership and an internationally bestselling author, speaker, and leadership coach. Honored in Forbes as the world's premier expert on women's leadership, she has been inducted into the Thinkers 50 Hall of Fame, which recognizes influential leaders in the field of leadership worldwide. Ranked number three among the world's thought leaders by Global Gurus, Sally has recently released her book, Rising Together, which offers practical ways to build more inclusive relationships, teams, and workplaces.

Mercedes Martin is a native Spanish-speaking international executive coach and consultant from Cuba with a wealth of experience in global leadership, diversity, and sustainability development. Working with Fortune 50 companies such as PepsiCo, Proctor and Gamble, Shell Oil, and Kellogg's, Mercedes has helped senior leaders, women, and people of color rise in their careers. As the founder of Mercedes Martin and Company, she continues to focus on supporting leadership in rewiring their mindset and embracing conversations on diversity, equity, and belonging.

Host Bio

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker and facilitator and the host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People."

Contact [email protected]

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)

Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn TiktokWebsite

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From being called the N-word as a child to becoming a successful entrepreneur and leader in the pursuit of racial equality and justice, Randal Pinkett's very personal story is a testament to courage and resilience. Yet, despite his success, Randal still faces an unexpected challenge: convincing organizations to embrace the power of race to drive meaningful change.

After 30 years in business, Randal Pinkett, a trained computer scientist and DEI expert, faced an ironic twist of fate when an acquisitions editor at his publisher challenges him to confront his own deeply held beliefs and write a book on Data Driven DEI, forcing him to embark on a journey to change the people, and ultimately the organizations, around him.

Are you frustrated with trying to improve DEI in your organization, only to be met with stagnant results? Discover how to break through the status quo by leveraging data-driven solutions, targeted universalism strategies, meaningful conversations about race, and effective leadership to cultivate real change.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Randal Pinkett's personal journey as a young Black man impacted by racism that led him to become a leader in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

• Harness data-driven tools to effectively measure diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• What it means to apply targeted universalism strategies to fight systemic racism and promote equality.

• Navigate challenging racial conversations for constructive and positive outcomes.

• Comprehend the critical role of leadership in cultivating inclusive work environments.

• Investigate the effects of social media echo chambers on society and individuals.

00:02 - Introduction, Simma Lieberman introduces the podcast and the guest, Dr. Randall Pinkett, who is an entrepreneur, innovator, and DEI expert. She also talks about the purpose of the podcast, which is to have comfortable conversations about race between people of different races. 02:47 - About Randall Pinkett and Data Driven DEI, Randall Pinkett talks about his background, growing up as a Black person in a predominantly White neighborhood, and his experience of racism at a young age. He also discusses his book, Data Driven DEI which focuses on personal and organizational assessments to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. 08:10 - People Change, Randall Pinkett emphasizes that organizations don't change, people do. He explains that for any organization to transform, individuals must undertake a personal journey of self-reflection and growth. He also talks about the importance of targeting his book towards everyday people, who want to foster more diverse relationships and inclusive behaviors. 09:10 - Randall Pinkett's Entrepreneurial Journey, How his entrepreneurial journey, began at the age of 21 when he started a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training company with three other Black men. He talks about his desire to make a difference in the world and how he centered his company on addressing societal issues as an outgrowth of his lived experiences. 14:30 - Making a Difference in the World, College years in the 1990s, a time when hip hop was coming of age, and there were growing conversations around black consciousness and black economic empowerment. He and his business partners wanted to make a difference in the world and they used their entrepreneurial spirit to address societal issues. 16:26 - The Importance of Giving Back, How growing up in a religious household and being a man of faith has taught him to use his talents and gifts to benefit others. Randal Pinkett believes that success is what you do for yourself, while greatness is what you do for others. 18:20 - The Importance of Addressing Racism in DEI, Pinkett highlights that race is a key identifier when looking at differences in how people experience the world. He stresses the need to assess ourselves for racial biases and preferences and to address them head-on, as they are often the most challenging and polarizing factors in DEI conversations. 24:39 - Taking a Nuanced Approach to Inclusion, Pinkett discusses the importance of breaking down data by different demographic identifiers when assessing inclusion in organizations. He stresses that averages can obscure the experiences of subgroups and that it's critical to identify and address the needs of those who are not being included. 29:36 - The Importance of Seeking Diverse Perspectives, seeking out diverse perspectives when working on DEI initiatives. Being a narrow expert in one dimension can create blind spots and prevent the development of effective solutions. To achieve true diversity, equity, and inclusion, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and seek growth through diverse perspectives. 31:13 - Overcoming Divisiveness in DEI, Pinkett acknowledges that the current political climate has seen an unfortunate mischaracterization of DEI as a divisive movement. He stresses that DEI is actually a countercultural movement that seeks to promote equity and inclusion for all, and that we must work to overcome divisive rhetoric and bridge divides in order to achieve progress. 31:53 - The Importance of Speaking Up, Randal Pinkett emphasizes that it is important to speak up when someone says something wrong or offensive. He believes that people have a responsibility to help others see their mistakes and learn from them. He also discusses the idea of targeted universalism and how it can help achieve diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. 36:11 - Overcoming Personal Biases, Randal Pinkett talks about his greatest challenge in the DEI space, which was being an American from the Northeast. He shares how studying at Oxford and being exposed to different cultures helped him overcome his biases and gain a fuller appreciation for diversity. 39:12 - Dispelling Myths about Racial Equality, Randal Pinkett discusses the myth that remaining silent is better than speaking out about issues of race and racism. He also talks about the myth that individuals are the problem when it comes to racism, rather than the systems and institutions that allow racism to persist. 43:26 - The Four Dimensions of Racism, Randal Pinkett explains the four dimensions of racism: personal, interpersonal, institutional, and systemic. He emphasizes the importance of addressing institutional and systemic racism in addition to personal and interpersonal racism to develop comprehensive solutions. 45:57 - The Myth of Colorblindness, Randal Pinkett challenges the myth that being colorblind is the gold standard for seeing other people. He explains that denying someone's race, gender, or disability status can lead to treating them unfairly and that individuation, seeing people as individuals, is a better approach. 47:41 - Music Playlist, 49:28 - Relevant Films and Documentaries, 51:48 - Randall Pinkett's Books, 54:08 - Building Bridges, Pinkett urges people to get out of their communities of the like-minded and build bridges to connect with people of different backgrounds and ideologies to save democracy. He emphasizes that bridge-building is crucial for connecting neighborhoods, communities, and people who would otherwise be disconnected.

Guests Bio

Dr. Randal Pinkett has established himself as an entrepreneur, speaker, author and scholar, and as a leading voice for his generation in business and technology. He is the founder, chairman, and CEO of his fifth venture, BCT Partners, a multimillion-dollar research, consulting, training, technology, and analytics firm headquartered in Newark, New Jersey.

He is also the first Black person to win "The Apprentice" in 2005.

In addition, he has appeared numerous times on networks such as MSNBC, CNN, and Fox Business News as an expert on topics ranging from business and politics to diversity and inclusion to technology and innovation.

Host Bio

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker and facilitator and the host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People."

Contact [email protected]

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)

Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Website

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In part 2 of this conversation on race, former police chiefs Ed Cronin and Mike Alexander, continue to address the problem of systemic racism in law enforcement, how it has impacted them personally and offer solutions. This is a deeply honest and open conversation on race, racism and the criminal justice system from two former senior police officers.

Systemic Racism in Law Enforcement and How to End It

As a Black police officer in Texas, Mike Alexander faced not only bias, prejudice and racism from his White peers but also from some of the communities he served.

Ed Cronin shares what it was like for him as a white police officer when he became aware of the systemic racism in the department and its impact on the communities he served. Hear his story of how he developed empathy and connection.

By carrying out open and honest conversations about race and racism, it's possible to find approaches that can contribute to a more just and understanding future. In the episode, Ed Cronin discusses his initial assumptions that police officers would be compassionate and empathetic, only to learn about the corruption present in the force. He believes that his own experiences of trauma and violence resonate with the Black community's experience.

Across the world, systemic racism exists in law enforcement and impacts the fair application of law and order. It's essential to recognize and address this persistent problem to create an equitable environment for people of all races and backgrounds. Acknowledging and being aware of systemic racism helps individuals understand and empathize with the experiences of those disproportionately affected by this phenomenon. In Part 2, of Cops Against Systemic Racism, Mike and Ed envision the changes that are possible in the police department to dismantle systemic racism and make a difference in low-income and non-white communities.

After listening to this episode, you will be able to:

· Understand the impact of systemic racism on law enforcement practices.

· Discover the pivotal role of community-focused policing in building trust.

· Learn the importance of empathy, de-escalation, and bias training in police work.

· See the benefits of embracing diversity and inclusivity in police departments.

· Explore how technology can advance transparency and work toward positive reform.

• Gain new insights and envision how a police force can serve communities and dismantle systemic racism

The key moments in this episode are:

04:48 - The Police are Doing What Some of the Public Wants Them to Do, While Other Members of the Public are Harassed and Mistreated,

08:19 - The Problem with Bias in Law Enforcement, 16:30 - Solutions to Address Systemic Racism in Law Enforcement, 19:30 - The Role of Psychological Safety, 43:00 - Showing Empathy and Lack of Empathy. Lessons in Power, Police and Community 46:28 - Neighborhood Architecture and Systemic Racism, 48:05 - Building Relationships Between Law Enforcement and Community

Guests Bio

Ed Cronin has worked in the law enforcement field for over 35 years. His career includes experience as a Police Chief in two cities in Massachusetts. He holds a graduate degree in Criminal Justice Management along with an advanced graduate degree in Organizational Development and Systems Thinking from Suffolk University. He is also a certified executive coach. (Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching)

Mike Alexander is a nationally recognized expert in training and leadership coaching, a specialty that began and flourished during his 38-year career in law enforcement and has defined the years following his retirement from service. Through the U.S. Department of Justice Community Policing Divisions, the thirty-six (36) Regional Community Policing Institute, the Multi-jurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training Center, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, the Texas Municipal League, the International Law Enforcement Administration, and the Texas Police Chiefs Association, he has traveled the nation training officers and community members on ethics and integrity.

Host Bio

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker and facilitator and the host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People."

Contact [email protected]

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)

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You want to listen to this conversation on race with former police chiefs, Ed Cronin and Mike Alexander about the problem and of systemic racism in law enforcement and the solutions to end it.

In this two part podcast episode, Ed Cronin and Mike Alexander, two police officers with vastly different backgrounds, strive to bridge the immense divide between the awareness of systemic racism in law enforcement, and the reality of it through honest conversations and courageous leadership.

Systemic Racism in Law Enforcement and How to End It

Mike Alexander shares his story of being a Black police officer and the struggles he faced with biases and prejudices from his White peers. Both guests agree about the presence of systemic racism within law enforcement, with Mike recognizing the operating system perpetuating this in the force.

By carrying out open and honest conversations about race and racism, it's possible to find approaches that can contribute to a more just and understanding future. In the episode, Ed Cronin discusses his initial assumptions that police officers would be compassionate and empathetic, only to learn about the corruption present in the force. He believes that his own experiences of trauma and violence resonate with the Black community's experience.

Across the world, systemic racism exists in law enforcement and impacts the fair application of law and order. It's essential to recognize and address this persistent problem to create an equitable environment for people of all races and backgrounds. Acknowledging and being aware of systemic racism helps individuals understand and empathize with the experiences of those disproportionately affected by this phenomenon.

After listening to this episode, you will be able to:

· Understand the impact of systemic racism on law enforcement practices.

· Discover the pivotal role of community-focused policing in building trust.

· Learn the importance of empathy, de-escalation, and bias training in police work.

· See the benefits of embracing diversity and inclusivity in police departments.

· Explore how technology can advance transparency and work toward positive reform.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:01:31 - Mike Alexander's background and experience as a Black police officer and then a police-chief in Texas

00:08:01 - Ed Cronin's background and experience as a White police officer and police-chief in Massachusetts and how he developed an awareness of racism in the police-department

00:11:44 - Different Forms of Leadership

00:17:22 - Finding Empowerment and Overcoming Experiences

00:18:03 - Becoming a Police Officer

00:24:31 - Dealing with Racism as a Black Police Officer

00:27:57 - Addressing Micro Issues to Mitigate Macro Issues

00:30:41 - The Potential and Struggle of Law Enforcement

00:34:54 - Overcoming Addiction and Learning About the Problem

00:37:19 - Racism is Real and Needs to Be Addressed

00:40:16 - One Hand Tied Behind the Back When Addressing Injustice, Racism and Bias in the Police Department

00:43:31 - The System of Systemic Racism in Law Enforcement

Guest Bio

Ed Cronin has worked in the law enforcement field for over 35 years. His career includes experience as a Police Chief in two cities in Massachusetts. He holds a graduate degree in Criminal Justice Management along with an advanced graduate degree in Organizational Development and Systems Thinking from Suffolk University. He is also a certified executive coach. (Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching)

Mike Alexander is a nationally recognized expert in training and leadership coaching, a specialty that began and flourished during his 38-year career in law enforcement and has defined the years following his retirement from service. Through the U.S. Department of Justice Community Policing Divisions, the thirty-six (36) Regional Community Policing Institute, the Multi-jurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training Center, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, the Texas Municipal League, the International Law Enforcement Administration, and the Texas Police Chiefs Association, he has traveled the nation training officers and community members on ethics and integrity.

Host Bio

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker and facilitator and the host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People."

Contact [email protected]

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)

Previous Episodes

Joel A Davis Brown: Challenging Norms & Exploring Queer Leadership in an Unpredictable World

Dr. Joel A. Davis Brown is an author, educator, and LGBTQ activist. He is the author of the book The Souls of Queer Folk, which explores the power of queer wisdom and its potential to transform leadership practices. Dr. Joel A Davis Brown set out to explore what it meant to be queer, but found that his research didn't satisfy him. With encouragement from friends, he wrote a book to explore the answer to this question. In The Souls of Queer Folk, he shares the wisdom of the queer community that has enabled queer people to survive and thrive in a hostile world. He argues that this wisdom can help us all to navigate our increasingly volatile society and elevate our leadership practice. He reminds us that queer people are strong and have been fighting for their rights for centuries, and that it is important to stay focused on those who need the most attention.

In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. What is queer wisdom and why is it important? 2. What are LGBTQ leadership lessons and how can they elevate and transform leadership practice? 3. What is the inclusion paradox and how does it illustrate the current situation for marginalized communities? Chapter Summaries:

[00:02:39] Joel Brown introduces his book called The Souls of Queer Folk. Joel talks about Queer Wisdom and its importance.

[00:08:03] Inclusion paradox: The idea that seemingly, if you just look at television and pop culture and media, it could feel like we have a lot more rights than we do. That in and of itself, makes it hard for people to understand that we are actually dealing with very unprecedented, dangerous times. [00:17:59] The wisdom that our community has provided has helped people to avoid discrimination, recrimination and death. And the queer wisdom is informed by a number of different communities. What leadership comes down to is giving yourself permission to be yourself. [00:21:40] Simma asks:

So what made you, Joel Brown, Black gay man who was successful, very successful, made you decide to write this book?

Joe says, "If I may say so myself. I didn't seek to write a book. I think, you know me. I'm doing my thing."

[00:25:49] When we think about culture, we have to recognize that there are three different layers of culture. There are common things and themes that separate the LGBTQ community or distinguish us from others. Are there differences based on the subgroups?

I'm not trying to say that everybody's the same, but there are values, and the values would tie us together, and that's what helps us to build community. There's a qualitative difference in terms of how people socialize. The work, of course, there's more work to be done [00:33:32] In every culture, every group that's been oppressed, there's some parts of culture that are as a result of the oppression. But there's also some parts that are just like part of the culture. It's hard to separate a culture from a system because this is the system as we know it. [00:43:41] Leadership is not just about leading the organization, leading the workforce or leading the team. It's about leading yourself. The queer community has insight and wisdom that can help people to figure out how to reclaim their voice, to be resilient and to be adaptive.

[00:49:03]

Joel's playlist: "I'm listening to a lot of Afrobeats. Also listening to music from Belgium, particularly Brussels. A lot of the hot Hip Hop and R&B in Europe are coming from there."

[00:56:17] Joel Anthony Davis Brown talks about his new book, "The Souls of Queer folk" How understanding LGBTQ culture can transform your leadership practice.

Guest Bio Dr. Joel A. Davis Brown is the Chief Visionary Officer of Pneumos LLC, a management consulting company based in San Francisco, California, and Nairobi, Kenya, specializing in cultural intelligence, leadership development, organizational strategy and change management, and strategic storytelling. Joel is also the co-owner of the Global Inclusion Certification Program, a training and certification company that trains practitioners to support equity work and systems change on a global scale. for As a change agent, Joel works strategically with organizational leaders and professionals to cultivate innovative, creative, and adaptive environments where the cultural genius of everyone can be harnessed and leveraged successfully. In particular, Joel works with organizational clients to foster psychological safety, healing, belonging, and transformation. His work spans 5 continents. His mission is to facilitate liberation for every global citizen.

Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Website

Previous Episodes: From Harlem to Harvard: How Dorien Nuñez Tackled the Racial Wealth Disparity Unraveling Racial History: Benjamin Jealous's Quest for Freedom Navigating Racism and Inclusion with Greg Jenkins, Nirupa Netram, and Elinor Stutz

Related Episodes: Living While Black What is behind the cancel-culture movement? Race, Racism and Hope in 2021

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Dorien Nuñez is a New York City native, amateur astronomer, and former professional Sax player. He has celebrated 50 years on Wall Street, is a first generation college grad from Harvard, and is a proud alum of the New York City public school system. He is a co-founder of a group of Harvard Black and Latinx alumni serving on corporate boards, and is a Senior Fellow at Intentional Endowments Network.

Dorien Nuñez's journey to understanding the racial wealth disparity began in his childhood, growing up in Brooklyn but attending an elite mostly White high school in the suburbs. He was inspired by the achievements of people like Benjamin Banneker, and had mentors like his schoolteachers, who helped him develop his talents. At a young age, he began to understand the importance of money and developed entrepreneurial skills. With the help of his mentors, he was accepted to prestigious boarding schools and eventually Harvard Business School. His experiences gave him the insight to understand the systemic issues in capitalism and banking, leading him to dedicate his career to helping others to invest and create wealth. With his commitment to mentorship, Dorien Nuñez is helping to close the racial wealth gap and empower people to create and achieve unlimited success.

1. Exploring the economic disparities between white and black people in the US.

2. Investigating the role of mentors and how they help individuals succeed.

3. Decoding the secrets to becoming a millionaire by investing wisely.

Chapter Summaries:

[00:03:21]

The wealth disparity between black and white people. What does it mean when we talk about generational wealth?

[00:08:47]

Dorien was born in Harlem and then moved to Brooklyn. Got a scholarship to go to an elite white boarding school, St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire. His first mentors were his school teachers. Ended up going to Harvard Business School.

[00:14:55]

When he was nine years old, he saw an article about the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His mentors saw something in him and nurtured it. This leads him to try to find and mentor high school students and college students.

[00:17:32]

As a child, he was entrepreneurial. "The hardest job to get on Wall Street is your first job." His advice to anybody out there is to learn about money. You can't get rich if you don't know about money.

[00:23:53]

Credit scores are important and people can raise their credit scores. All kinds of free services will help you repair your credit. More and more entities are providing capital to people with lower credit scores. Things are getting easier and better, but you still have to take responsibility and get your budget in order.

[00:31:10]

"Well, when I went away to boarding school, it was practically all mostly white boarding school. I was there to get a good education, to learn what I could, and to take it back home. That was my mission. At age 14, I knew what I was going to do."

[00:31:40]

"The House of Representatives kept Adam Clayton Powell from taking his seat. So if they wanted to, they could keep George Santos in his seat. And in California, they recalled Governor Davis." "We'll send any listeners to this show, who calls in or sends Simma an email a free report on "Ten Things You Could Do To Save Money and Invest and Three Things You Can Teach Your Children."

[00:34:11]

The term Redlining comes from when the banks or insurance company would draw a red line around the neighborhood. They would not loan money to people in Black neighborhoods or sell houses to Black people to move into white neighborhoods. Redlining is not as obvious as it has been in the past, but it still exists and it's an impediment. The only solution is to sue them when this happens. You got to make them pay economically.

[00:36:40]

Dorien's experience with race and racism. How they were treated differently and that being black is not that easy.

[00:44:00]

There are a lot of Black networks that people need to know about and be part of. If you're not part of those natural networks, then you have to find your own and build your own. That's part of wealth building

[00:49:30]

What is in Dorien Nuñez's favorite playlist, films, movies, shows, and books?

Guest Bio

Dorien Nuñez, Co-Founder and Director of Research, OMNIResearch Group. He is also the Co-founder of OMNI Wall St Advantage. Created the OMNI "WOKE" Investment Research based on his decades of expertise in ESG issues and emerging manager/minority business development programs. Has helped launch venture capital funds and loan programs for woman-owned and minority-owned businesses, raised funds for the Emerging Manager Trust which became FIS (now EXPONA), and continues to consult for new and emerging funds.

Host Bio

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker and facilitator and the host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People."

Contact [email protected]

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)

Previous Episodes

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After a DNA test reveals he is a descendant of both Robert E. Lee and a former slave, Benjamin Jealous embarks on a Wild Ride to uncover the truth about the oldest open wound in America and the possibility of bridging the divide between black and white

Benjamin Jealous is ouir guest on this episode of Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People. He is a former president of the NAACP, a civil rights activist, and an author. He is the author of the book, "Never Forget: Our People Were Always Free," which explores racism, the history of the United States, and the power of storytelling.

In this episode, you will learn the following:

1. How is racism still affecting our country today?

2. What can we do to bridge the divide between different groups of people?

3. How did the concept of race originate and how has it been used to divide us?

Chapter Summaries:

[00:25]

The book is about the oldest open wound in this country, the wound of racism. Author wrote it as a series of speeches, or monologues to his computer. The book is a very conversational book, a book a lot of people find surprisingly funny.

[09:38]

Richard Yates Bland was the last white Bland to own my family. Robert Lee was the leader of the black Republicans in Virginia. What gives a slave man hubris to lead entire political parties?

[18:23]

The title comes from something that we believe was first said by our female Kunta Kente of our family if you will. Never forget, our people were always free. That's what all the women in Atlanta I've ever known of were rebellious. And that's what put the steel in their spine.

[28:17]

Dr. King was trying to bring poor white folks and poor black folks together to build a better America. The ultimate purpose of racism is to divide these two groups so they can't assert their right to get out of poverty. The media should show the real face of poverty, which is black and white and brown and Asian.

Guest Bio

Ben Jealous, is the youngest-ever person to have been elected as the national NAACP President; was just named the Sierra Club's Executive Director (the first person of color selected for the post), and is also a University of Pennsylvania, Professor of Practice. Timed for Black History Month, his new book just hit #1 in the African-American biographies category on Amazon. While researching the book, Jealous learned he is a cousin to slave owner Thomas Jefferson, confederate Robert E. Lee; AND a distant cousin of Dick Cheney! The book is dedicated to his grandmother who taught him to 'never forget our people were always free,' which he considers his personal mantra of inspiration—hoping that we all: White/Black, Democrat/Republican—can finally join together to snuff out race; which Jealous says was not what our country was built on in the first place.

Host Bio

Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker and facilitator and the host of the podcast, "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People."

Contact [email protected]

Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information

Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)