InflexionPoint Podcast: Cultivating Change from the Inside Out Creating a Brave Space for Conversations about Personal Transformation, Racism, and Accountability

InflexionPoint Podcast: Cultivating Change from the Inside Out Creating a Brave Space for Conversations about Personal Transformation, Racism, and Accountability

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InflexionPoint Podcast: Cultivating Change from the Inside Out Creating a Brave Space for Conversations about Personal Transformation, Racism, and Accountability episodes

  • Tribute to Phangisile Mtshali
    TRIBUTE TO PHANGISILE MTSHALI
    On December 21, 2022 InflexionPoint Podcast featured a powerful guest and dear friend, Phangisile Mtshali from South Africa. We had an in-depth conversation about the historical plight of Black South African farmers, which in many ways is similar to the historical plight of Black farmers in the United States. This is evident when you think of land as power and the role of the government in both nations.
     
    Mourning a Global Citizen
    On January 4, 2023 Phangisile Mtshali was killed in Estcourt, South Africa. We dedicate this episode to her as a deeply rooted humanitarian, a family and community icon, bold leader, and a dear friend, sister, and colleague to many throughout the world. Phangisile embodied the true spirit of a Global Citizen.

    Giveaways:

    · Antiracism Activation Summit 2023

      Free Limited Access to 15 speakers and resources over the course of 5 days.

      https://theplacetosoar.teachable.com/p/free-access-aras2023

     

    · Tribute to Phangisili Mtshali - Kudoboard

      https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/XbgBAwOa

    · Take action with Global Citizen

      https://youtu.be/rk44Jh4M3A0
    59 min
  • The Need for Historical and Racial Literacy
    Anita, Mavis, and Gail discuss the the first year of InflexionPoint Podcast in terms of the most personally impactful and transformational episodes. They describe the show as influential in terms of historical and racial literacy.
     
    Racial Literacy:
    (1) a concept developed by sociologist France Winddance Twine, UC Santa Barbara Dept of Sociology. She describes it as "a form of racial socialization and antiracist training that ... parents of African-descent children practiced in their efforts to defend their children against racism" in her research done in the United Kingdom with mixed-race families.
    (2) a skill and practice by which individuals can probe the existence of racism and examine the effects of race and institutionalized systems on their experiences and representation in US society.
     
    Becoming racially literate requires that, as educators (and humans), we can:
    • Engage with the emotional content of any conversation that has a focus on race
    • Welcome personal narratives and the lived experiences of all who are involved in the race conversation
    • Talk confidently about our own racial identities
    • Feel confident in creating and engaging in healthy and reciprocal cross-racial relationships
    • Challenge racism at the individual, group and systemic level
      • Historical Literacy:
      The past informs the present to empower the future.
      The past and present, in many ways, influence our future. Paulo Freire, in his book Pedagogy of the Oppressed, says: “Looking at the past must only be a means of understanding more clearly what and who you are. So, you can build the future more wisely."
       
      What Good is History? History matters because history is the fragile tether that not only connects us to what and who came before us, it is by way of history that “then” has become “now.” Asking questions of history brings perspective, knowledge, maybe even lessons.
       

      Giveaways:

      · First Annual Antiracism Activation Summit 2023, January 9-13.

        Join this no-cost virtual summit experience based on 5 themes: Action. Discomfort. Allyship. Community. Holistic.

        Registration closes January 6 at 11:59 PM ET

        https://theplacetosoar.com/aras2023

       

      · National Association of Independent Schools.

        When Race Enters the Room: Toward Racial Literacy in America’s Schools

        https://www.nais.org/learn/independent-ideas/december-2015/when-race-enters-the-room-toward-racial-literacy/

       

      · The Black Curriculum and Head of Equality, Inclusion and Culture at the British Medical Association, Aishnine Benjamin.

        The Cost of Not Being Racially Literate

        https://www.integritycoaching.co.uk/blog/race-equality-and-diversity/not-racially-literate/

      · What Good Is History?:

        https://calhum.org/on-the-importance-of-historical-literacy-what-good-is-history/

      · Thinking Like a Historian

        https://medium.com/literate-schools/thinking-historically-54c6c37d6d64

      · Discover ASALH: Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

        ASALH’s mission is to create and disseminate knowledge about Black History, to be, in short, the nexus between the Ivory Tower and the global public. We labor in the service of Blacks and all humanity.

        https://asalh.org

        Dr. Edna B McKenzie Branch of ASALH in Pittsburgh PA

        https://ednabmckenziepgh-asalh.org
      59 min
    • Being Black Globally - The Plight of Black Farmers in South Africa
      Being Black Globally - The Plight of Black Farmers in South Africa
      This is the fourth and final episode in a series on The Plight of Black Farmers.
       This final eposide on The Plight of Black Farmers features Phangisile Mtshali, a farmer in South Africa. In this conversation she shares her personal experience with farming and the vision she has for the future of her farm. She was born into a family of farmers. Her paternal grandparents were landlord and active crop farmers at the foot of the Drakensberg mountain range.  She set her mind to own a working farm when she was 7 years old and living on a commercial farm. Recently she started a pecan nut orchard and has planted 450 trees with a target of 1000 trees by 2025. She is the founder of the Kwahlangabeza Cultural Hub and Heritage Inspired Hospitality-Farm to Table Restaurant in Estcourt South Africa. Phangisile is also the Director of Corporate Philanthropy with the Bristol Myers-Squibb Foundation.

      Giveaways:

      · Now is the time to get registered for the First Annual Antiracism Activation Summit 2023, Jan 9-13! Featuring 15 dynamic speakers in 5 days. https://theplacetosoar.com/aras2023

      · Select a Complimentary Digital Download from Books to SOAR By

        https://bit.ly/SOAR-Complimentary-Digital-Downloads

      · OMA Center for Mind Body and Spirit: You Are Not Alone Webinar Series

        Healing Through Intergenerational Trauma

        https://omapittsburgh.org/event/healing-through-intergenerational-trauma/
      58 min
    • Being Black Globally - The Plight of Black Farmers in South Africa
      Discussion: Laws of the Land in South Africa Dating Back to the 1913 Land Act and Group Areas Act of 1950, Cornerstones of Apartheid Policy and Segregation
      This is the third episode in a series on the Plight of Black Farmers.
      The Plight of Black Farmers in South Africa: Land stolen under apartheid still hasn’t been given back.
      Broken land promises reveal how South Africa’s Black farmers were set up to fail. Agricultural Apartheid is alive and well in South Africa as millions go hungry. The white minority generally accepts majority rule; it has lost its political dominance but is still privileged in terms of wealth and opportunities, including farming (commercial farming in particular).
       
      Black Famers Association of South Africa formed in 2015. The goal of the Black Farmers Association of South: "We strive to provide and integrated an inclusive approach that recognises human dignity through skills traning and job placement and to unleash the potential of Black farmers to be commercially viable."
      Giveaways:

      · Laws of the land: Apartheid South Africa laws (1948-1993)

        Video Part 1 - https://youtu.be/G7Kp14RgwAU

        Video Part 2 - https://youtu.be/jBjXnOfhDCE

      · Land is Power - Black Farmers Association of South Africa

        https://bfasa.co.za

       

      · Promised land: how South Africa’s black farmers were set up to fail

        https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/05/south-africa-apartheid-land-reform-black-farmers-set-up-to-fail?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

       

      · Agricultural Apartheid Is Alive and Well in South Africa: 14 Million People are Hungry

        One of the most egregious is the plight of small farmers.

        https://www.huffpost.com/entry/agricultural-apartheid-is_b_8970038

       

       

      · Land was stolen under apartheid. It still hasn’t been given back

        https://www.cnn.com/2018/11/20/africa/south-africa-land-reform-intl

       
      59 min
    • The Legacy of Black Farmers in New York State
      The Legacy of Black Farmers in New York State
      This is the second episode in a series on the Plight of Black Farmers.
       
      “All of my life my work has focused on providing opportunity to people. I have a thirst to work hard and do good things everyday. I have been given the gift to create beautiful things.”
      —Pamela Reese Smith
       
      Advocacy. Education. Community Gardening. The Children's Garden.
      Meet Pamela Reese Smith, an Urban Farmer who raises specialty mints and herbs for tea, organic vegetables, and flowers on her small urban farm in the City of Rochester NY. Pamela’s favorite work includes being a member of a team that built the Children’s Garden. Pamela is also a member of the Interim Steering Committee for Black Farmers United NYS, a group of more than 60 Black farmers, educators, and food justice advocates from across the state.
       
      Pamela Reese Smith is a native of Harlem and current resident of Rochester, New York. She has been engaged in community organizing for over 40 years. She graduated from the University of Rochester in 2007 with the highest distinction in her class. In 2012, she was awarded the Community Champion Award from the Rochester Business Journal for her work in her community. Pamela became the Administrator for the City of Rochester in January 2014. During this time, she received the GRO1000 grant to establish a training, education, and demonstration garden that supports over 100 urban gardeners throughout the city. 
       
      Black Farmers United NYS is a group of Black farmers, educators, and food justice advocates from across the state. Without serious investment and intervention, Black farmers in New York State will be marginalized out of existence. Our proposal aims to protect the legacy and ensure the future of Black farmers. They hold the power to radically change how black communities control access to safe, healthy food, and build a collective wealth and health in New York State.

      Giveaways:

      · Black Farmers United NYS members discuss the ongoing legacy of Black farmers in New York State.

        https://www.blackfarmersunited.org/media-presence

       

      · Black Farmers Question USDA Priorities as Black-owned Farms Decrease in the US

        https://youtu.be/01N6p9srveU

       

      · Young Black Farmers Defying a Legacy of Discrimination

        https://youtu.be/Cxbdwsy88V4

       

      · Black Farmers Are Concerned Discrimination in Farming Will Never End

        https://youtu.be/WL66gm3cgXg

       

      · Biden Withdraws Support for Black Farmers

        https://www.johnboydjr.com

        “I’m very, very disappointed in this legislative action,” he said in response to reading the final bill passed by the Senate. “I’m prepared to fight for debt relief for Black, Native American and other farmers of color all the way to the Supreme Court. I’m not going to stop fighting this.”

       

      · Education And Training Community Garden

        https://youtu.be/vQNS8jXLft8

      · Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust

        https://nefoclandtrust.org

       
      57 min
    • The Plight of Black Farmers in the US
      Episode 26 November 2, 2022: The Plight of Black Farmers in the US 
      This is the first episode in a series on the Plight of Black Farmers.
      The plight of modern-day Black farmers in the United States can be traced back to the 40 Acres Promise after Emancipation, Reconstruction, Black Codes/Jim Crow, and the Great Migration. The question is what will the future bring?
      Recently Civil Rights Attorrney Benjamin Crump filed a class action suit on behalf of non-white farmers against the US government for a breach of debt relief - Black Farmers SUE Federal Gov't On $4B Debt Relief Program. This is the topic of discussion with the President of the National Black Farmers Association, Mr. John Boyd, in a conversation with Roland Martin.
      Join Anita, Mavis, and Gail in a discussion of the plight of modern-day Black farmers through the lens of history and the absence of trust in the ongoing fight against systemic racism in the business of farming.
      58 min
    • A Long Talk About An Uncomfortable Truth
      Special Guest: Kyle R. Williams, Chief Empowerment Officer of A Long Talk
       
      "Our goal is to put an anti-racist at every dinner table in America." 
      #ALongTalk2020
      Meet Kyle R. Williams, Chief Empowerment Officer and creator of A Long Talk About The Uncomfortable Truth, hailing from WAshington DC. As a leader and professional educator, Kyle has amassed over 25 years teaching children and adults alike. Change and progress through educational empowerment has always been at the heart of the work Kyle has done. He brings that same focus and energy to the fight for social justice and racial reconciliation into his work as an antiracism activator.
       
       




      Why people need to talk
      Problem: Many institutions, communities, and families see an urgent need for change, but aren’t sure where to start, or are apprehensive about engaging in a process that could be uncomfortable.
      Solution: A Long Talk is a practiced and proven framework that:
      • Educates
      • 'Breaks the ice' of difficult conversations
      • Changes perception of participants from passive to active
      • Allows people to learn from one another and feel more connected
        ...in a setting that is supportive and facilitated so participants of all backgrounds feel comfortable taking part.
         
         
        Take a Seat at the Table of Change: November 10 & 17, 2022 | 7:00 - 9:00 PM EST
        A Long Talk About The Uncomfortable Truth is an anti-racism activation experience. If you believe that a good conversation is what this country really needs, register the next Community Conversation.
         
        Giveaways:

        · Take a Seat at the Table of Change: Register for the November Community Conversation https://info.alongtalk.com/CommunityConversation-Nov2022

        · Take Us to Your DEI Leader: Networks Build Nations

          https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_ziDhvdkTt9CvonrGW8XJ0TalYyIQMi_P8iKhZAnjyh8Glw/viewform

        · Subscribe to the A Long Talk Frontline Newsletter

          https://info.alongtalk.com/NewsletterSign-Up

         

         
        58 min
      • Our First Year in Review: A Look Back and a Look Forward
        Our First Year in Review: A Look Back and a Look Forward

        InflexionPoint Podcast reflects a commitment to Antiracism Activation conceived in 2020.
        Anita, Mavis, and Gail came together in allyship in October 2020. They launched the podcast in response to the murder of George Floyd on Memorial Day May 25, 2020. That day became a moment in history that cause a seismic shift felt around the world. Mr. Floyd's daughter, Gianna, spoke truth to empower action when she said, "Daddy changed the world." And we're not done.
         
        Origin Stories
        In this episode the hosts share their orginin stories. In this context origin stories are defined as action driven in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd. Origin stories represent different paths of action ultimately aimed at the same target—the eradication of racism.
        Looking Back
        • Harmonizing Historical Truth with Lived Experiences - the language of academics coupled with the language of grassroots action
        • Black History is American History
        • Understanding racism vs experiencing racism - activism through coaching model
        • Critical self-reflection and continuous education
          Looking Forward
          Pillars of Activism through Coaching Model: courage, conversation, relationship, accountability
          Activism through Coaching is a catalyst for change
          • Personal/social transformation
          • Generational leadership
          • Foundation of InflexionPoint Podcast
            Two questions: Where do you stand? Can you put your faith in a different future?
            59 min
          • Who Is Allison Gaines? And Why Should You Care?
            Question of the Hour: What is the connection between the backlash over Disney's Little Mermaid (played by Halle Bailey) and Critical Race Theory?
             
            Image by
            Nikkolas Smith 
            Artivist | Author | Illustrator | Speaker
            https://www.nikkolas.art
             
             
             
             
            Featured Guest: Allison Gaines
             
            Allison Gaines is a writer, editor, and unapologetic Black scholar pursuing her Ph.D. in Psychology. She's from New Orleans, Louisiana, and writes about race, women, history, politics, and culture. Allison is the co-founder of Writers and Editors of Color (WEOC), and the editor-in-chief of the CULTURED magazine. You can find her bylines in Oprah Daily, ZORA, Momentum, and LEVEL.
             
             
            In this episode we highlight the thoughts and writings of Allison Gaines. She's a New Orleans native who believes you should care about who she is because every person has value. She's a woman who loves writing about race, equality, women, and history. "And as a Black woman, I plan on stirring the pot through my writing. I won’t be quiet or meek. Our voices are often drowned out, but I will keep fighting for a brighter future."
             
            Questions to Ponder
            Why does a Black mermaid, a mythological creature, make White people angry?
            How Does the Black Mermaid backlash connect to CRT?
            Giveaways:

            · Join Our Private Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/inflexionpointpodcast

            · Allison Gaines Article: Racism Cripples Imagination. That's Why You're Boycotting a Black Mermaid: Why a Back mermaid, a mythological creatures makes White people angry https://medium.com/afrosapiophile/racism-cripples-imagination-thats-why-you-re-boycotting-a-black-mermaid-3e293111234c

            · Allison Gaines Article: White People's Fear of Critical Race Theory Is Based in Ignorance: Separating fact from fiction

              https://readcultured.com/white-peoples-fear-of-critical-race-theory-is-based-in-ignorance-692de80ca5ad

            · NBC News Article: Parents are posting TikToks of their Black daughters getting excited about Halle Bailey in 'The Little Mermaid' trailer

              https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/viral/parents-tiktoks-children-halle-bailey-black-little-mermaid-rcna47398

            · Verywell Mind Article by Kendra Cherry, Author and Educational Consultant: What is Anti-racism?

              https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-anti-racism-5071426
            58 min
          • Internalized Racism Definition and Reality
            Question of the Hour: What is Internalized Racism and How Is It Manifested?
             
            Internalized Racism Definition and Reality:
            "Internalized racism is the situation that occurs in a racist system when a racial group oppressed by racism supports the supremacy and dominance of the dominating group by maintaining or participating in the set of attitudes, behaviors, social structures and ideologies that undergird the dominating group's power." —Donna Bivens, Antiracism Trainer and Consultant
            "As a country, we are in a state of denial about issues of race and racism. And too many of our leaders have concluded that the way to remedy racism is to simply stop talking about race." —Lani Guinier.
             
             
            Imitation of Life in Perspective - 1959 film classic
            Imitation defined - the assumption of behavior observed in other individuals
            Pivotal historical events in Black history between 1950 and 1959.
            Brown vs. Board of Education decision, the murder of Emmitt Till, the dawn of the civil rights movement, etc.
             
            Synopsis 1959 Film Classic Imitation of Life 
            Two mothers facing problems with rebellious daughters.
            Lora Meredith, Annie Johnson, Sarah Jane, Susie
            Two families, two single mothers, two little girls, one Black, one White.
             
            Listen to the conversation as we explore...
            • Internlized racism in children
            • Distorted relationships
            • The Clarks Doll Experiment and Brown Decision

            • Ill-equipped to deal with social injustice - Dr. Lani Guinier

               
              Explore the Social Impact Mastermind: A Transformational Journey Towards Antiracism
              Sponsored by The Place to SOAR.
              Learn More and Apply for a Discover Call at https://theplacetosoar.com/social-impact-mastermind.
               
               

              Giveaways:

              · Join Our Private Facebook Group

                https://www.facebook.com/groups/inflexionpointpodcast

              · Imitation of Life film synopsis

                https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/79029/imitation-of-life#synopsis

              · Internalized Racism: A Definition - Donna Bivens

                https://www.oaronline.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/bivens.pdf

              · On Internalized Racism: 4 Lessons I Learned as an Undercover Asian https://everydayfeminism.com/2015/02/on-internalized-racism

              · From Racial Liberalism to Racial Literacy: Brown v. Board of Education and the Interest-Divergence Dilemma - Lani Guinier, Harvard Law School

                https://edpolicy.stanford.edu/sites/default/files/publications/racial-liberalism-racial-literacy-brown-v-board-education-and-interest-divergence-dilemma.pdf
              58 min

            About InflexionPoint Podcast: Cultivating Change from the Inside Out Creating a Brave Space for Conversations about Personal Transformation, Racism, and Accountability

            From the publisher's feed

            Enter a brave space to ponder solving The Cairo Question. Engage in dialogue based on the premise that dismantling racism goes beyond laws and legislation or politics or economics. It's an inside job…