In Loving Memory

Due to unexpected and unforeseen challenges, Alexis and Kiah don't have the capacity to put out weekly episodes at this time. But! Will be back soon with more beautiful stories. Stay tuned and thank you!

In this episode, Kiah finishes interviewing Alexis about her time organizing at Columbia University. Alexis discusses the infamous Columbia Tree Lighting Die In, her days with a Blackberry, and changes in relationships with friends, family and herself.

Kiah interviews Alexis about coming of age as a biracial Black girl in a mostly white town in Long Island, New York. Alexis' interpersonal experiences with racism highlight the power of intuitive wisdom. Once she gets to college, Alexis gets a new understanding of, and a new level of rage around, systemic racism. This context gives her the push to both learn about Black radical histories and lead pro-Black organizing on and off Columbia University's campus.

**Content Warning** Conversations about suicide

Alexis and Kiah continue their conversation from the last episode. Like the Kansan she is, Kiah uses Wizard of Oz metaphors to talk about her journey to liberation theology and her fights against racism and Islamophobia in college.

**Disclaimer** Kiah mentions being the first person from Wichita State to get a Fulbright grant, but she is actually one of very few Wichita State students to receive it.

In this episode, Alexis interviews Kiah about watching the Obamas on TV in Wichita, Kansas to working for the Obama White House and all the twists and turns in between. From celebrating with red, white and blue bedazzled Obama t-shirts, to watching the Ferguson Uprisings with white Republicans in Applebee's, to going into Michelle Obama's office the day after Trump gets elected, Kiah paints a vivid picture of what it was like to be a teenager from 2008 to 2016.

After years of sending 8+ min voicenotes to each other, Kiah and Alexis finally decide to create a podcast together. This first episode takes a peek into our brainstorming process and motivations.