This is Volume 2 of “Take This With You“, a special series from Social Justice Origin Stories. Storytelling is a gift, and in this series, storytellers reflect on what they hope stays with you after their episode ends. As you listen to their sharing, consider this moment as an invitation to reflect on your own journey.

00:00 Introduction to 'Take This with You'

00:17 Expressing Gratitude to Mentors and Loved Ones

01:47 The Importance of Representation in Education

02:40 Navigating DEI Work and Social Justice

04:42 Grace and Space: Embracing Differences

09:16 Personal Stories of Struggle and Growth

17:33 Supervisory Principles and Institutional Change

21:40 Empowerment Through Storytelling

22:37 The Fallacy of Hero Worship

25:13 Vision and Perseverance

29:36 We Deserve tpp Grow Old: The Importance of Longevity in Justice Work

32:03 Be Hungry, Be Curious, Be Humble

33:22 Reflect and Act

34:38 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

Visit the Social Justice Origin Stories Project Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Listen to Social Justice Origin Stories on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

Chinyere Neale reflects on a time in her life when the frustration she often felt toward well-meaning but uninformed white people who considered themselves allies in racial justice work became a mirror for her own growth. After attending an LGBTQIA+ ally training at work one day, she came to a humbling realization that she also had the capacity to be well-meaning but uninformed in a different way. The experience expanded her understanding of privilege and oppression, and influenced her approach to life as a “never-ending classroom”.

As a retired global public health educator from Detroit with a multifaceted career, Chinyere reflects on her upbringing in segregated Detroit, her passion for music and the arts, her role as a sexual health educator, and what led her to finally embrace being seen as a teacher. Her storytelling speaks to the importance of authenticity, keeping joy a priority in movement work, and remembering that we all have a role to play in working for social justice.

00:00 Introduction: Multifaceted Careers

01:13 The Journey to Becoming a Teacher

02:10 Social Justice Origin Stories: Project Overview

03:21 Introducing Today's Guest: Chinyere Neale

05:10 Chinyere's Background and Upbringing

07:11 Activism and Community Involvement

08:58 Realizing the Role of a Teacher

12:41 Experiences in Ally Training

25:05 Path to Sexual Health Education

31:29 Landing the Perfect Job

35:52 Reflecting on Career Transitions

38:20 Memorable Moments with Students

39:37 Impactful Student Stories

47:56 The Importance of Joy and Self-Care

54:43 The Role of Art and Music in Social Justice

56:18 Influences and Personal History

01:06:24 Advice for Future Generations

01:08:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

Visit the Social Justice Origin Stories Project Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Listen to Social Justice Origin Stories on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

This is Volume 1 of “Take This With You“, a special series from Social Justice Origin Stories. Storytelling is a gift, and in this series, storytellers reflect on what they hope stays with you after their episode ends. As you listen to their sharing, consider this moment as an invitation to reflect on your own journey.

00:00 Introduction to 'Take This with You'

00:17 Reflecting on Interconnectedness and Cooperation

02:42 Everyday Acts of Impact and Intention

06:12 Building Intentional Communities

13:36 The Role of Learning and Practice

15:35 Understanding Transracial Adoption

19:59 Final Reflections and Call to Action

21:16 Closing and How to Support

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

Visit the Social Justice Origin Stories Project Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Listen to Social Justice Origin Stories on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

Kelly Maxwell reflects on how coming out as a lesbian in the 1990s sparked a deeper examination of her whiteness and a lifelong commitment to understanding her relationship to privilege and oppression. She traces her journey from growing up in an almost exclusively white small town in Ohio to dedicating 17 years to social justice education through intergroup dialogue at The Program on Intergroup Relations at the University of Michigan.

Kelly also shares stories from her family life as part of a multiracial, interracial, two-mom household, and how those dynamics shape her personal and professional values on justice. She speaks candidly about the tensions of institutional “neutrality,” and how she works to align her values with her responsibilities on campus and in her role as Board Chair of the Difficult Dialogues National Resource Center, a nonprofit that supports colleges and universities in using dialogic practice to create transformational change in the pursuit of equity and justice.

You can connect with Kelly on Linkedin.

00:00 Introduction to Intergroup Dialogue

00:45 Personal Transformation Through Dialogue

01:23 Impact on Students and Alumni

02:08 Power Dynamics in Dialogue

03:09 Transition to Administration

04:13 Symbolism and Personal Reminders

05:21 Introduction to Social Justice Origin Stories

06:30 Guest Introduction: Kelly Maxwell

08:09 Kelly's Background and Early Influences

09:53 Discovering Intergroup Dialogue

11:36 Navigating Privilege and Oppression

19:36 Professional Journey and Personal Life

23:52 Adoption and Family Dynamics

26:36 Addressing School Inequities

31:13 The Role of Educators in Social Justice

34:27 Personal Accountability and Family Influence

37:29 Navigating Internalized Oppression and Superiority

42:57 Financial Literacy and Class Awareness

44:00 Impact of Intergroup Dialogue

50:49 Challenges in Higher Education Administration

01:03:14 Reflections on Dialogue and Social Justice

01:10:15 Conclusion and Call to Action

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

Visit the Social Justice Origin Stories Project Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Listen to Social Justice Origin Stories on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

After narrowly avoiding a car accident in a parking lot one day, Angie Freeman (they/them) reflects on how that experience, and their initial reaction in the moments before and after learning the other driver was Deaf, expanded their awareness of their unexamined privilege. The experience set them on a path to learn American Sign Language (ASL), learn more about the lived experiences of Deaf people, and sparked a journey of self-work to more deeply understand how privilege operates. This journey continues to inform their life and work today as a speaker and educator.  

Angie also shares an example from their experiences as a Black, trans, and nonbinary parent that speaks to the importance of teaching children the expansiveness of gender identity and family structures from a young age. 

Their storytelling invites us to start with ourselves, to focus on deconstructing the misinformation that’s reflected through our privileged identities, and to use the power we have in service of equity and justice.

Connect with Angie on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angie-freeman/

00:00 Introduction: Navigating Parental Identity

00:33 Embracing Nonbinary Parenthood

00:56 Teaching Inclusivity to Children

02:23 Correcting Misconceptions

04:20 The Power of Storytelling

05:31 Warm Memories and Acts of Kindness

08:22 Angie's Social Justice Journey

10:51 Recognizing Privilege and Intersectionality

16:42 From Informal to Formal DEIB Work

18:57 Challenges and Growth in DEIB

26:30 The Importance of Language and Small Actions

31:06 The Role of Educators in Inclusivity

33:56 Vulnerability and Continuous Learning

35:35 Finding Identity as a Nonbinary Parent

36:14 Teaching Kids About Diverse Families

02:01 Correcting Misgendering and Advocating for Respect

39:46 Support from a Loving Partner

40:47 Influential Books and Mentors

46:54 The Importance of Authenticity

49:55 Encouraging Allyship and Shared Responsibility

54:00 Moments of Support and Validation

57:28 Reflecting on Social Justice and Personal Growth

01:05:57 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

Visit the Social Justice Origin Stories Project Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Listen to Social Justice Origin Stories on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

This is Volume 2 of The Justice We Imagine, a special series from Social Justice Origin Stories. This series focuses on storytellers' responses to three essential questions:  

When is true social justice possible? What shapes our approach to the work? And why does understanding and sharing our social justice origin stories matter?

As you listen to their responses, reflect on what your answers might be.

00:00 Introduction to Justice We Imagine

00:28 When is True Social Justice Possible?

03:29 What Shapes Our Approach to Social Justice?

05:14 The Importance of Sharing Social Justice Origin Stories

10:49 The Power of Storytelling in Social Justice

12:48 Conclusion and Call to Action

13:29 Closing Remarks and How to Support

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

Visit the Social Justice Origin Stories Project Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Listen to Social Justice Origin Stories on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

As an intellectual activist, Dr. Nadia Brigham has possessed the ability to recognize the patterns of injustice from an early age. She tells stories from her early life, highlighting pivotal moments that sparked her passion for social justice.

She reflects on her journey of completing her dissertation research exploring the ways power is wielded through language and narratives that dehumanize Black people, and how the emotionally difficult process of making meaning of the ways anti-Blackness is transmitted to individuals and throughout our social systems led to the surprising yet purposeful emergence of “Radiant & Rising”, a collection of interactive healing tools for Black people to engage in the daily practice of self-love while combating internalized anti-Blackness.

In explaining the five affirmation themes of Radiant & Rising that are designed to foster daily reflective practices for combating and unlearning anti-Blackness, whether you are Black or not, Dr. Brigham’s storytelling emphasizes the need to counter the lies embedded in anti-Black messages and reaffirms the worthiness that Black people have always had.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

01:34 Host Introduction and Project Overview

02:45 Guest Introduction: Dr. Nadia Brigham

04:39 Nadia's Early Life and Influences

08:02 Formative Experiences and Social Justice Awakening

10:34 Navigating Identity and Education

24:03 The Journey to Radiant & Rising

28:09 Exploring Historical Oppression

28:33 Themes of Commodification and Resistance

29:39 Radiant & Rising: Emergence and Themes

30:56 Expressions of Identity and Community

32:20 Legacy of Love and Resilience

35:22 Influences and Inspirations

43:39 Gratitude and Reflections

48:42 Messages for Future Generations

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

Visit the Social Justice Origin Stories Project Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Listen to Social Justice Origin Stories on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

This is Volume 1 of The Justice We Imagine, a special series from Social Justice Origin Stories. This series focuses on storytellers' responses to three essential questions:  

When is true social justice possible? What shapes our approach to the work? And why does understanding and sharing our social justice origin stories matter?

As you listen to their responses, reflect on what your answers might be.

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of Social Justice Origin Stories

00:24 The Power of Storytelling and Community

01:43 Expanding Connections and Future Plans

04:21 Introducing 'The Justice We Imagine' Series

04:26 Essential Questions on Social Justice

04:49 True Social Justice: Perspectives and Reflections

07:59 Shaping Approaches to Social Justice

11:33 The Importance of Sharing Origin Stories

15:32 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Episode Links:

Resisting Oppression by Building Trust and Connection with Amber Banks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmpT_tnaAi8&list=PLkddd_SjYVRaEicJ3wZn0V1SYiLG-6tcn&index=23

Education as the Practice of Freedom with Chasity Bailey-Fakhoury: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdqSOuQHcQM&list=PLkddd_SjYVRaEicJ3wZn0V1SYiLG-6tcn&index=22

Making Race Heard with Surabhi Pandit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9VJMoOxFRg&list=PLkddd_SjYVRaEicJ3wZn0V1SYiLG-6tcn&index=21

Redefining Design for Social Change with Kyahdric Moses: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmy42tlW9hM&list=PLkddd_SjYVRaEicJ3wZn0V1SYiLG-6tcn&index=20

Student Solidarity as Praxis: Popular Education in Action with Tony Nelson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmy42tlW9hM&list=PLkddd_SjYVRaEicJ3wZn0V1SYiLG-6tcn&index=20

Weaving Past, Present and Future: Healing Timelines with Jouapag Lee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9GbA8JAE9Y&list=PLkddd_SjYVRaEicJ3wZn0V1SYiLG-6tcn&index=18

Facilitating Change: kyle lim on Education Justice and The Power of Unharmonius Organizing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDmic8Mb3Vc&list=PLkddd_SjYVRaEicJ3wZn0V1SYiLG-6tcn&index=17

From Isolation to Advocacy: Confronting Color Evasiveness in Transracial Adoption with JaeRan Kim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXDTCJ9weSk&list=PLkddd_SjYVRaEicJ3wZn0V1SYiLG-6tcn&index=16

Rooted in Baltimore: Barre Jones on Navigating Social Injustice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3A1ODpHHbQ&list=PLkddd_SjYVRaEicJ3wZn0V1SYiLG-6tcn&index=15

The Experiences of Black Chief Diversity Officers at Predominantly White Institutions with O'juan Edwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWlVZS7Mg8A&list=PLkddd_SjYVRaEicJ3wZn0V1SYiLG-6tcn&...

Dr. Emely Medina-Rodríguez, a social researcher and program evaluator committed to equity and culturally responsive practices, shares the story of her journey from Puerto Rico to Chicago and the events that inform her practice and activism as a researcher. Her storytelling teaches listeners about the need to challenge extractive traditional research practices that don’t prioritize the needs of communities, and to have a power analysis be “part of the equation” in research and evaluation.

00:00 Introduction to Culturally Responsive Evaluation

01:50 The Importance of Community Engagement

06:41 Personal Reflections and Social Justice

07:52 Guest Introduction: Emely Medina-Rodríguez

08:54 Early Life and Influences

09:38 Activism and the Teacher Strike of 2013

11:56 Involvement in the Socialist Movement

23:13 Research and Community Work in Puerto Rico

29:58 Challenges and Growth in Academia

41:14 Exploring Radical Ideas in Education

42:31 Balancing Activism and Academia

44:08 The Importance of Cultural Responsiveness

45:43 The JEDI Program Experience

46:55 Mentorship and Professional Growth

48:33 Challenges and Rewards of Evaluation Work

57:21 Engaging with Diversity in Communities

01:14:26 Advice for Future Generations

01:19:23 Final Reflections and Gratitude

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

Visit the Social Justice Origin Stories Project Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Listen to Social Justice Origin Stories on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

Reflecting on significant learning experiences that have shaped his approach to social justice, speaker, author, and coach Dr. Keith Edwards describes education as an act of faith; investing time in cultivating the necessary relationships required to do the work with the belief that we’re making an impact even if we are not around to witness the outcomes.

Speaking from the perspectives of someone who has been invested in and someone who invests that time in others, his storytelling speaks to the importance of unlearning dominant messages of superiority, cultivating critical hope, and understanding the collective damage caused by systems of oppression.

Follow Keith: Visit Keith’s Website: KeithEdwards.com

Check out Keith’s Book: Unmasking: https://keithedwards.com/book/

Evolve: Brave Space Leadership: https://bravespaceleadership.com/evolveinfo

Learn about the Aspiring Allyhood Development Model: https://keithedwards.com/2015/05/05/aspiring-ally-identity-development/

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

Visit the Social Justice Origin Stories Project Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com

Listen to Social Justice Origin Stories on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991

Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/

Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.