Now What

Host: Diane Gil

Special Guest: Antonio Moore, Lamon Gorman, Franschesca Benzant

Episode Introduction:

In today’s episode of the Now What podcast, Diane and her guests talk about Conscious Rap & Hip Hop as they travel back to the year 2000, and its relevance in the present year 2020. 

Episode Summary:

The theme is this episode revolves around two songs: They Schools (2000) and Jesus Walks (2004). Various lyrics are discussed and their importance then and now 

Key Themes: They Schools by Dead Prez

• This song is the first time that the issue of racism was outlined in mainstream hip hop.

• Children of color face discrimination in public schools and tend to think less of themselves by not to respect their own heritage because of this.

• This song changes the traditional ideas of what terms like ‘education’ and ‘success’ mean. The lyrics also explain the types of history being taught to black students in the public school system.

• Dead Prez talks about how real life skills are not taught in the educational setting.

• The complete spectrum of opportunities is not provided to children of colors and they’re only prepared for menial jobs.

• If you don’t agree with what They Schools had to say, they label you as ‘dumb’ and outcast you.

Key Themes: Jesus Walks by Kanye West

• This song talks about relinquishing all control to Jesus.

• The song emphasises on the challenges faced in Chicago.

• The lyrics of the song say that one doesn’t need to be Christian in order for Jesus to walk with them.

• The song broke a lot of barriers in terms of what was considered “acceptable”.

• This song talks about the themes of terrorism and racism.

• In a lot of ways, it can be seen that the song is still relevant to the current times.

• Kanye West comes off as being vulnerable and highlights the importance of black mental health. 

Notable Facts & Statistics:

• Ever since the time of slavery, people have used music as a medium of conveying their emotions. Back in the time, slaves used to sing hymns of freedom.

• Black students represent 31% of the school arrests in America.

• Black students are expelled or suspended 3x times more than their white counterparts. 

• Black students face the  consequences of zero tolerance policy unproportionately more than their white counterparts.

• RBG is a prevalent theme in Dead Prez Music but it also stands for ‘Revolutionary but Gangsta’.

• RBG is also traced back and deeply rooted in the pan-Africanism movement.

Resources:

Listen to They Schools by Dead Prez: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSWwWdAw-h8

Listen to Jesus Walks by Kanye West: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYF7H_fpc-g

Listen to other episodes: https:// podcasts.apple.com/ us/podcast/now-what/ id1439125172 

Rate and leave a review on iTunes, it helps more people discover us and stay connected with things that matter. 

Tell us what you want to hear, and where you're listening from by completing this brief survey: https://survey.libsyn.com/dianegil

REACH US: 

Contact: [email protected] 

Website: www.dianegil.com 

Instagram/Twitter: @dianegil_cwc 

Join us at: www.facebook.com/groups/cultivatewithcourage

YouTube: Cultivate With Courage

This episode was executive produced by: LG Media

Episode show notes by: Tanishka Kherajani

Host: Diane Gil 

Guest: Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez 

Episode Introduction: In this episode of “Now What”, Diane talks with Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez about her journey to political office, the importance of civil engagement, and how anyone can take the first step. 

Dr. Damary M. Bonilla-Rodriguez is a national leading authority on leadership development, especially as it pertains to diversity and inclusion. Her doctoral research about Latina leadership in the United States has served as the foundation for events, conference sessions, publications, and content development in government, private and non-profit sectors. 

Episode Summary: 

This podcast episode includes Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez’s childhood growing up in New York with her grandparents and two sisters. We also get to hear about her journey and inspiration to achieve higher education, and the impact she has made to Latinas across the nation. 

Key Takeaways: 

1. As a Latino, you are sometimes discriminated against because of your accent, stereotypes, and other reasons that do not define who you are as a person, or your contributions to the community. 
2. Being a parent motivates you to push back on issues even if it feels like you are fighting against the world. As a parent the challenges and adversity we strive to overcome is more for our children than it is for ourselves. 
3. In life and in politics, people will smile to your face and say they have your back when they don’t. Don’t let them discourage you. 
4. Latinos have a very strong family culture. As you find your place in this world, know that you are on the right track when you feel the struggle to differentiate your identity and beliefs. It’s part of the journey 

Words of inspiration: “Stay strong as you live your life story and remember your blessings no matter the circumstances you face.” - Dr. Damary M. Bonilla-Rodriguez 

Stay connected with Dr. Damary on Linked In where you can ask to read her doctoral dissertation: "A Profile of Latina Leadership in the United States: Characteristics, Positive Influences, and Barriers." 

RESOURCES 

• HACE - Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement 
• Education Reform Now: edreformnow.org 
• Prospanica NY: Prospanica New York
• AmeriCorps: AmeriCorps
• Voto Latino: votolatino.org 
• NAACP: www.naacp.org 
• UnidosUS: www.unidosus.org 
• Local party office at County levels: (Democratic and Republican parties each have local party offices)
• Google search community board in your local zip code
• Actively support the PTA at your child’s school

Listen to other episodes: https:// podcasts.apple.com/ us/podcast/now-what/ id1439125172 

Rate and leave a review on iTunes, it helps more people discover us and stay connected with things that matter. 

Tell us what you want to hear, and where you're listening from by completing this brief survey: https://survey.libsyn.com/dianegil

REACH US: 

Contact: [email protected] 

Website: www.dianegil.com 

Instagram/Twitter: @dianegil_cwc 

Join us at: www.facebook.com/groups/cultivatewithcourage

YouTube: Cultivate With Courage 

This episode was executive produced by: LG Media

Episode show notes by: Tanishka Kherajani

Host: Diane Gil 

Guest: Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez 

Episode Introduction: In this episode of “Now What”, Diane talks with Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez about her journey to political office, the importance of civil engagement, and how anyone can take the first step. 

Dr. Damary M. Bonilla-Rodriguez is a national leading authority on leadership development, especially as it pertains to diversity and inclusion. Her doctoral research about Latina leadership in the United States has served as the foundation for events, conference sessions, publications, and content development in government, private and non-profit sectors. 

Episode Summary: 

This podcast episode includes Dr. Damary Bonilla-Rodriguez’s childhood growing up in New York with her grandparents and two sisters. We also get to hear about her journey and inspiration to achieve higher education, and the impact she has made to Latinas across the nation. 

Key Takeaways: 

1. As a Latino, you are sometimes discriminated against because of your accent, stereotypes, and other reasons that do not define who you are as a person, or your contributions to the community. 
2. Being a parent motivates you to push back on issues even if it feels like you are fighting against the world. As a parent the challenges and adversity we strive to overcome is more for our children than it is for ourselves. 
3. In life and in politics, people will smile to your face and say they have your back when they don’t. Don’t let them discourage you. 
4. Latinos have a very strong family culture. As you find your place in this world, know that you are on the right track when you feel the struggle to differentiate your identity and beliefs. It’s part of the journey 
   

Words of inspiration: “Stay strong as you live your life story and remember your blessings no matter the circumstances you face.” - Dr. Damary M. Bonilla-Rodriguez 

Stay connected with Dr. Damary on Linked In where you can ask to read her doctoral dissertation: "A Profile of Latina Leadership in the United States: Characteristics, Positive Influences, and Barriers." 

RESOURCES 

• HACE - Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement 
• Education Reform Now: edreformnow.org 
• Prospanica NY: Prospanica New York
• AmeriCorps: AmeriCorps
• Voto Latino: votolatino.org 
• NAACP: www.naacp.org 
• UnidosUS: www.unidosus.org 
• Local party office at County levels: (Democratic and Republican parties each have local party offices)
• Google search community board in your local zip code
• Actively support the PTA at your child’s school
  

Listen to other episodes: https:// podcasts.apple.com/ us/podcast/now-what/ id1439125172 

Rate and leave a review on iTunes, it helps more people discover us and stay connected with things that matter. 

Tell us what you want to hear, and where you're listening from by completing this brief survey: https://survey.libsyn.com/dianegil

REACH US: 

Contact: [email protected] 

Website: www.dianegil.com 

Instagram/Twitter: @dianegil_cwc 

Join us at: www.facebook.com/groups/cultivatewithcourage

YouTube: Cultivate With Courage 

This episode was executive produced by: LG Media

Episode show notes by: Tanishka Kherajani

Host: Diane Gil

Co Host: Antonio Moore

Episode Introduction: In this episode of the ‘Now What’, Diane and her co-host Antonio Moore continue to talk about the continuing anti-racism protests following the death of George Floyd leading to a demand to defund police departments across the nation.

Episode Summary:

The podcast episode is a continued discussion of George Floyd in episodes 14 and 15. Our co-host Antonio shares the history of police dominance rooted back to American slavery and legalized segregation. There is also discussion about the legislation that allows for the continued racial profiling and the authority for police to be an active particpant in system racism without fear of consequences.

Key Concepts:

(1) Reforms: These talk about ways a "positive change" can be incorporated in the police conduct. Likely to increase police funding for technology and training. 

(2) Defunding: Is the reallocation and re-distribution of the police budgets which are heavily shielded by Police Unions. 

(3) Abolish: A complete elimination of the police as a means to an end. Abolitionist theory is to create a world and society where police are not needed at all. 

Main Takeaways:

• Historically police were set up as slave patrols, which evolved in enforcing legalised segregation, and continued racial profiling and to maintain the oppression of black communities.
• If you research the pattern, you will realise the system racism was built from the beginning.
• Get informed on your local city and state elected officials. District Attorneys have significant discretion on whether police are charged with crimes. Demand answers to your state laws and funding of police. It’s okay if you don’t understand, keep asking questions.
• Join organised movements such as Mijente, Black Lives Matter and Equal Justice Initiative to donate monetarily or with volunteering.

• Participate in early voting happening now! Early voting determines your local officials who have the authority of decisions that directly impact police funding, the use of choke-holds, and so many important topics discussed in today’s episode.

Important Resources:

• Mijente: https://mijente.net/

• Black Lives Matter: https://blacklivesmatter.com/

• State Elections: vote.org

• Equal Justice Initiative: https://eji.org/

• Defund the Police Petition: https://www.change.org/p/donald-j-trump-defund-police

Listen to other episodes: https:// podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/now-what/ id1439125172

Rate and leave a review on iTunes, it helps more people discover us and stay connected with things that matter.

Tell us what you want to hear, every suggestion matters!

REACH US:

Contact: [email protected]

Website: www.dianegil.com

Instagram/Twitter: @dianegil_cwc

Join us at: www.facebook.com/groups/cultivatewithcourage

This episode was produced by LG Media

Episode show notes by: Tanishka Kherajani 

Host: Diane Gil

Co Host: Antonio Moore

Episode Introduction: In this episode of the ‘Now What’, Diane and her co-host Antonio Moore continue to talk about the continuing anti-racism protests following the death of George Floyd leading to a demand to defund police departments across the nation.

Episode Summary:

The podcast episode is a continued discussion of George Floyd in episodes 14 and 15. Our co-host Antonio shares the history of police dominance rooted back to American slavery and legalized segregation. There is also discussion about the legislation that allows for the continued racial profiling and the authority for police to be an active particpant in system racism without fear of consequences.

Key Concepts:

(1) Reforms: These talk about ways a "positive change" can be incorporated in the police conduct. Likely to increase police funding for technology and training. 

(2) Defunding: Is the reallocation and re-distribution of the police budgets which are heavily shielded by Police Unions. 

(3) Abolish: A complete elimination of the police as a means to an end. Abolitionist theory is to create a world and society where police are not needed at all. 

Main Takeaways:

• Historically police were set up as slave patrols, which evolved in enforcing legalised segregation, and continued racial profiling and to maintain the oppression of black communities.
• If you research the pattern, you will realise the system racism was built from the beginning.
• Get informed on your local city and state elected officials. District Attorneys have significant discretion on whether police are charged with crimes. Demand answers to your state laws and funding of police. It’s okay if you don’t understand, keep asking questions.
• Join organised movements such as Mijente, Black Lives Matter and Equal Justice Initiative to donate monetarily or with volunteering.

• Participate in early voting happening now! Early voting determines your local officials who have the authority of decisions that directly impact police funding, the use of choke-holds, and so many important topics discussed in today’s episode.

Important Resources:

• Mijente: https://mijente.net/

• Black Lives Matter: https://blacklivesmatter.com/

• State Elections: vote.org

• Equal Justice Initiative: https://eji.org/

• Defund the Police Petition: https://www.change.org/p/donald-j-trump-defund-police

Listen to other episodes: https:// podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/now-what/ id1439125172

Rate and leave a review on iTunes, it helps more people discover us and stay connected with things that matter.

Tell us what you want to hear, every suggestion matters!

REACH US:

Contact: [email protected]

Website: www.dianegil.com

Instagram/Twitter: @dianegil_cwc

Join us at: www.facebook.com/groups/cultivatewithcourage

This episode was produced by LG Media

Episode show notes by: Tanishka Kherajani 

In this episode we spotlight the "Black Street" of 1921 and the ensuing "Race Massacre of Tulsa". 

In this episode we spotlight the "Black Street" of 1921 and the ensuing "Race Massacre of Tulsa". 

Listen as Diane and Alexander Kraft discuss his LGBTQ journey as as Latino

Listen as Diane and Alexander Kraft discuss his LGBTQ journey as as Latino

Join the discussion. In this second episode in the series, we will provide a quick case update, and discuss why we must continue the fight for reform. Diane also shares her experience while attending a protest.