This Friends Like Us with host Marina Franklin features guests Dr. Donna J Nickel and Nonye Brown-West. Dr. Donna J. Nickel, an academic from California, discussing her latest book on Claudia Hampton's contributions to affirmative action and black education. The discussion extends to contemporary issues, including the repercussions of ending affirmative action, historical context of race-based discrimination, and the attack on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. The episode aims to shed light on the broader history of race and conservative philanthropy while examining current racial and educational policies.

Dr. Donna J. Nicol Dr. Donna J. Nicol, Associate Dean of Personnel and Curriculum in the College of Liberal Arts and professor of history at California State University Long Beach, brings her extensive background in educational studies and African American studies to her roles. Her research delves into race, conservative philanthropy, U.S. higher education, and the history of African American women's educational activism, with published works in notable journals and contributions to documentaries, showcasing her commitment to academic excellence and social awareness. Dr. Donna J. Nicol's new book and biography : Black Woman on Board sheds light on the remarkable achievements of Dr. Claudia H. Hampton. And chronicles the life of Hampton, the California State University (CSU) system's inaugural Black woman trustee, who later became the board's first female chair. Over two decades (1974–1994), Hampton spearheaded a relentless campaign to establish and protect affirmative action policies within California's public higher education system. More than a biography, this book gives readers a number of practical strategies for how to enact sly civility in the workplace and beyond.

Nonye Brown-West is a New York-based Nigerian-American comedian and writer. She has been featured in the Boston Globe's Rise column as a Comic to Watch. She has also appeared on Amazon, NPR, PBS, ABC, Sway In The Morning on Sirius XM, and the New York Comedy Festival. Check her schedule on nonyecomedy.com or Instagram to see when she's coming to a city near you.

Always hosted by Marina Franklin - One Hour Comedy Special: Single Black Female ( Amazon Prime, CW Network), TBS's The Last O.G, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Hysterical on FX, The Movie Trainwreck, Louie Season V, The Jim Gaffigan Show, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, HBO's Crashing, and The Breaks with Michelle Wolf