On the Edge with Eddie: Detangling our Black Identities

Eunice Upshaw, a passionate businesswoman and mother, generously shares her personal experiences navigating the intricacies of identity, belonging, and societal expectations as a light-skinned Black woman. Together, we delve into the complexities of being at the intersection of privilege and prejudice within the Black community and society at large.

Throughout our conversation, Eunice provides valuable insights into the challenges she has faced, the stereotypes she has encountered, and the quest for self-discovery in a world that often oversimplifies the narrative. We discuss the importance of understanding and embracing the diverse range of experiences within the Black community.

From a war-torn country to now a Nurse Practitioner, Jeannette George aka Nurse LaVie takes us on a journey of her life as a refugee, running for her life to now saving lives. My conversation with Jeannette sheds light on immigrants moving to the US, a fight for a better life and the health disparities among Black People.

Today, Jeannette is a Family Nurse practitioner, content creator/influencer, using her platforms to educate, motivate, and encourage others to follow their dreams and never give up. You can follow Jeannette on IG (nurselavie), facebook (iamnurselavie) or TikTok (Itslavie). Jeannette graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor in Nursing and International Studies with a minor in African Studies. She completed her Masters in Nursing at Texas Arlington.

A conversation with Raina Harmon on various issues Black People face on daily basis including a perspective on Black History from our viewpoint. From the effects of code-switching, isolation, to black mental health, you don't want to miss this season opener. Raina Harmon is an advocate for social justice reform, she has been the keynote speaker for the CMU Multicultural Celebratory as well as the Liberty High School Diversity and Inclusion Series. To learn more about Raina, listen to Episode 10 of this podcast: It's time to Unify.

On the Edge with Eddie: Season 2 Trailer

My guest, Angelo T. Robinson is an 80% disabled veteran who served ten years in active duty and four years in the Naval Reserves as a Seabee. My vibrant conversation with Angelo T. Robinson uncovers how his travels around the world on military duty influenced his approach to art. Our dialog details the concept of patriotism from his view as a black veteran, the blatant racism in the south to how he is using his art to effect change.

 Angelo T. Robinson is a self-taught artist and photographer. His work exudes a level of spirituality and an organic connection with the human condition. This reflects his experiences growing up as the son and grandson of preachers. Angelo’s creations invite the viewer to participate in a physical, mental or spiritual dialogue with what they experience. Deep vibrant abstracts, joyous colorful mixed-media portraits, and majestic sports pieces are brought to life using vivid colors and bold compositions. Learn more about Angelo and his art at https://www.atrfineart.com/ 

A former coordinator for the Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP), Shalisa Gladney detangles her varied identities from being a black feminist, advocate and womanist. My conversation with Shalisa, who is currently the coordinator of the Afro-American Cultural Center, expands on setting boundaries for a heathy relationship to what it means to be identified as queer.

Shalisa is an educator and advocate passionate about community activism, education and grassroots organizing, especially within Black communities. As a violence prevention educator, she specializes in consent, healthy relationships, dismantling rape culture, and responding to disclosures. She is the president of the UI African American Council and Vice President for Sankofa Outreach connection, an organization that provides social events for women of color in the Iowa City area.

Gabrielle Orr aka Brie, a native of Eagan, Minnesota detangles the complexity of being a mixed race and the struggles that comes with having a black father and a white mother. A volleyball superstar, who at an early age found her identity in sports, my conversation with Brie details her experience as a Black Student-Athlete in a predominately white sport.

In High School Brie guided her team to an AAU National Championship (2014) and a USJO National Championship (2015). She named United States Junior Olympic (USJO) All-American MVP and was selected for the Minnesota State High School League State All-Tournament team as a freshman. In her decorated career at Eagan HS, she amassed 1,271 kills, 1,983 assists, 1,139 digs, 177 blocks and 116 service aces. Off the court, Brie uses her voice to educate and promote justice. She is a current member of the Presidential committee on Athletics student health and well-being subcommittee and the leadership chair for ISAAC, a student-athlete leadership group acting as the voice of student-athletes within UI campus, B1G conference, and the NCAA.

With over 20 years of technology experience including leadership roles, Jerard Butts aka JB, takes us on his journey of growing up in Chicago, surrounded by black love and acceptance of his black self at a very early age. My conversation with JB touches on navigating obstacles that hinders black people from being successful in certain spaces.

Jerard is currently the IT Manager for the U.S. Soccer Federation where he provides leadership, direction and support in the development and deployment of the organization’s information technology initiatives. Prior to joining the US Soccer Federation, JB held several other leadership positions in IT including Assistant Athletics Director for Information Technology at the University of Mississippi and Data Center Operations Director for the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

Judge Kevin McKeever, the first African-American judge to be appointed to Iowa's Sixth District court, shares his story of growing up black in Southside Chicago, his journey in the Navy and now a district court judge. My eye opening conversation with Judge McKeever shares light on the judicial system and the best way to make positive change. 

Prior to being appointed to the bench, Judge Mckeever was an officer with the United States Navy, an Assistant Ramsey County Attorney, a Staff Attorney with ACT Inc. and an Assistant Muscatine County Attorney. Among many involvement in the community and dedication to empowerment of veterans, Judge McKeever also serves as a board member of the African American Museum of Iowa. 

In the 25th episode of Detangling our Black Identities, I continue my conversation with phenomenal Provost Marcella David on the reality of being Black in America. Referred to as an “Oreo Cookie” because she doesn’t fit into the “black mold,” our discussion seeks to answer the question “will systematic racism and social injustice ever get better for black people or do we just have to accept the hatred for change from the majority population?”

Marcella David is senior vice president and provost and professor in the Business and Entrepreneurship Department at Columbia College Chicago. In her role as senior vice president and provost, Marcella serves as the college's chief academic officer and provides leadership for all academic planning and review. Marcella previously served as the provost and vice president of academic affairs at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and held administrative leadership roles at the University of Iowa, including associate dean of the College of Law and special assistant to the president for equal opportunity and diversity. https://marcelladavidphotography.com/about/