Inscribing Inclusion

Jocelyn makes it clear she is not arguing for or against formal education. She wants folks to approach the world with curiosity, intention, and exploration. Shout out to Sierra and Angie for discussions that led to this episode.

Literacy Doesn't Just Mean Reading by Patti Marohn https://ssec.si.edu/stemvisions-blog/literacy-doesnt-just-mean-readingAmerica’s Literacy Crisis by Second Thought https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6bPT97NKLg

Proliteracy https://www.proliteracy.org/resources/adult-literacy-facts/

In this quick episode, Jocelyn will share basics about government and why community involvement is important. She encourages listeners to learn who the elected officials are at various levels of government. Jocelyn also highlights Fannie Lou Hamer as an inspiration.

The Speeches of Fannie Lou Hamer: To Tell It Like It Is https://www.upress.state.ms.us/Books/T/The-Speeches-of-Fannie-Lou-Hamer

Find your U.S. Senator https://www.senate.gov/

Find your U.S. Representative https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

Jocelyn shares how she will celebrate Women's History Month using the theme "Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future". Jocelyn discusses engaging with the environment, being financially responsible, building resilient communities, creating leadership opportunities, and intergenerational equity.

Visit the National Women's History Alliance website.

Do you want Women's History Month cookies? Check out Deez Cookies.

Do you want other recommendations from Jocelyn on shopping local or with small businesses? Do you have recommendations to share? Email [email protected] or message on Instagram @inscribinginclusion

Jocelyn highlights some of her favorite Black History figures. While these folks are not frequently spoken of, they were impactful.

For further exploration and sharing, check out these history makers and books.

• Edmonia Lewis
• Arna Bontemps
• Jo Ann Gibson Robinson
• Frederick McKinley Jones
• James R. Rowlett, Jr.
• Ella P. Stewart
• Dr. Patricia Bath
• Charlotte E. Ray
• Charles Hamilton Houston
• Constance Baker Motley
• Barbara Jordan

• American Negro Poetry by Arna Bontemps
• The Montgomery Bus Boycott and the Women Who Started It by Jo Ann Gibson Robinson
• Crusaders in the Courts by Jack Greenberg

It is the centennial celebration of Black History in the U.S. Jocelyn will share a bit of the history, how she plans to celebrate Black history, and tips to help you start your celebration.

A few links from mentions in the episode.

• Aya Thought Studio Black Art Passport
• John Henrik Clarke
• Association of African American Museums

Based on the given definitions, community encompasses proximity, commonality, shared interests or purpose, and interaction. Participation in community is often by choice. Even when you find yourself in a specific location, you determine how much you participate. 

Mentions: Letter from Birmingham Jail, Rainbow Coalition (1960s Chicago)

The King Center

Note: This title is not meant to make light of mental illness. A secondary nonmedical definition is used to highlight the concept of contradictory or antagonistic qualities or attitudes.

Do we really believe what we say? What happens when stated beliefs don't align with actions? I encourage you to consider what you believe (or not) and your expressions of those beliefs.

Questions for Consideration 

• How do you feel about other people? Truly?

• Do you like to help others?

• Do you want people to have access to food, shelter, education, medicine, and good paying jobs?

• Do you want that for everybody or just the people like you?

• Do you make choices that impede or prevent access to folks? Why or why not?

• Do you subscribe to a religion or moral code?

• If you do, how do you live it out?

• If you don't, why isn't it important to you?

• Can a nation profess a religion when the founding documents say otherwise? 

• Can a nation profess a religion when leaders are making decisions that don’t match declarations?

On this episode, Jocelyn is joined by attorney and author Brooke Jackson. Brooke shares her professional journey and what led to her writing Just: A Journey into the Mercy of God.

Brooke also spoke of the Summer Work Experience in Law (SWEL), a program designed to introduce young people to careers in law.

Storytelling is beautiful and important. Learning the histories of our elders and ancestors, gaining insight on luminaries, and making history of our own, Black History is imperative. Keeping stories alive through oral tradition connects us to generations from thousands of years ago and will sustain us for thousands of years to come.

Here are a few links to learn about oral traditions and griots:

• https://www.abhmuseum.org/about/what-is-griot/

• https://our-ancestories.com/blogs/news/griots-living-historians-and-musicians-of-west-africa

Voting resources and history links mentioned in the episode.