Claire Downing, Founder and Principal at The Moonlight Collaborative, shares a story of how witnessing her parents’ activism and the ways they navigated differences as an interfaith family shaped her own commitment to activism; paving the way for her to be able to develop a commitment to continually understand and embrace the complexities of her identities and relationship to privilege and oppression later in life as a white Muslim woman who converted to Islam. Claire also recalls how experiences in toxic workplaces ultimately led her to establish The Moonlight Collaborative, where she partners with organizations that are invested in “creating the conditions for marginalized folks not only to survive, but thrive.”

Her storytelling invites listeners to reflect on their own identities and strengths and to identify their unique place within the social justice ecosystem to drive lasting change.

00:00 Introduction to Personal Motivations in Social Justice

00:26 Exploring Personal Identity and Social Justice

03:29 Understanding Roles in the Social Justice Ecosystem

05:10 Introduction to Social Justice Origin Stories

07:46 Claire Downing's Background and Journey

09:48 Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges

25:45 Impact of Toxic Workplaces on Social Justice Work

32:17 Leadership Matters: The Importance of Values

33:33 The Story Behind 'The Moonlight Collaborative'

36:20 Core Values in Collaborative Work

39:47 Navigating Challenges and Staying True to Values

42:21 Memorable Experiences and Affirmations

49:55 Influences and Inspirations

53:40 Final Reflections and Advice for Future Generations

58:10 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.

Dr. Bryan O. Buckley tells the story of how his Caribbean background and the lessons he learned from watching his grandparents' activism shaped his approach to leading for equity in public health. He reflects on pivotal moments in his life and career, the game-changing impact of mentoring and sponsorship, and how his superpower as a connector enables him to build relationships with people closest to the problems to facilitate change in communities and systems. Dr. Buckley affirms that we are all a part of public health, and share a collective responsibility in making the world a better place. He encourages listeners to reflect on what their superpowers are, so they can use their unique gifts to make an impact in their own ways.

Follow Bryan: https://linktr.ee/drbryanobuckley

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Connection

01:44 Community Intelligence and Kindness

03:08 The Role of Education in Community Engagement

03:44 Public Health: A Collective Responsibility

05:10 Guest Introduction: Dr. Bryan Buckley

07:06 Activating Moments and Personal Growth

07:55 Caribbean Roots and Early Influences

09:31 College Years: Finding Passion in Public Health

15:59 Journey to Public Health: From Medicine to Advocacy

21:46 Current Role and Reflections on Public Health

26:48 A Call from Bryan Peters

27:13 Mentorship and Sponsorship

28:02 Health Equity Leadership

28:19 Challenging the Status Quo

29:56 Resisting Internalized Oppression

31:24 The Importance of Community

33:26 Recognizing Privilege

36:05 Influential Figures and Mentors

40:09 Gratitude and Reflection

44:38 Passing the Torch to Future Generations

45:20 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

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.

In sharing the Social Justice Origin Story of the global Rockstar Woman™ Movement, founder Shannon Cohen recalls how manifesting her dream of establishing truly inclusive professional networks and affinity spaces for women was born from a mix of inspiration, observation, and agitation, with a particular desire to create spaces that were markedly different from the exclusionary, predominantly white spaces she experienced as a Black Woman in her early days as a professional. Drawing on the legacy of resilience and entrepreneurship passed down from her grandparents, Shannon’s storytelling speaks to the power of betting on yourself, incubating your ideas instead of shelving them, the power of collective ambition and cooperative economics, and the importance of healthy hibernation for longevity in social justice work.

Follow Shannon:

shannoncohen.com

00:00 Navigating Networking Events as a Black Woman

01:00 The Birth of the Rockstar Woman Movement

02:05 The Power of Believing in Your Big Ideas

04:14 Introduction to Social Justice Origin Stories

05:22 Guest Introduction: Shannon Cohen

05:46 Shannon's Inspirational Album and Its Impact

09:39 Shannon's Social Justice Origin Story

09:56 The Influence of Grandparents on Business and Justice

13:51 Challenges and Realities of Grassroots Work

16:18 The Importance of Relationships in Business

19:15 Creating Spaces of Belonging and Value

23:52 The Evolution of the Rockstar Woman Movement

29:14 A Family of Healers: Legacy and Inspiration

30:38 The Strength and Struggles of Black Women

32:49 Honoring Ancestors and Self-Care

34:02 The Rockstar Woman Movement

39:33 Values and Cooperative Economics

47:22 Gratitude and Acknowledgment

49:26 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

53:41 Encouragement for Future Generations

59:15 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/

Pastor Phil Jackson shares the social justice origin story of the Firehouse Community Arts Center in Chicago, essential leadership lessons he has learned from his role as founder and CEO, and the ways the Firehouse lives out its mission to interrupt the cycle of violence among youth and young adults in North Lawndale through the power of the arts and faith.

His storytelling affirms the transformative impact of the arts, establishing and maintaining authentic relationships with your community, and stories of how the Firehouse has become a refuge and a source of inspiration and strength for many in North Lawndale.

Connect with Pastor Phil and the Firehouse Community Arts Center on social media:

Instagram: @thefirehouse

Instagram: @Pastorphilspeaks

Instagram: @Church_ontheblock

Facebook: The Firehouse Community Arts Center

Facebook: Pastor Phil Jackson

00:00 Pastor Phil’s Social Justice Origin Story

01:12 The Power of Community Engagement

03:22 Social Justice Origin Stories Overview

05:02 Introduction of Pastor Phil Jackson

06:05 Pastor Phil Jackson's Background and Mission

12:42 The Role of Arts in Community Transformation

20:05 Values and Impact of the Firehouse Community Arts Center

28:01 Revelations and Responsibilities

29:59 Authenticity and Leadership

31:40 Managing People and Challenges

32:42 Vision and Perseverance

39:07 Influences and Inspirations

48:36 Reflections on Social Justice

51:48 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

55:05 Final Words and Contact Information

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.

Mia Henry connects common threads between her training as an educator, the 29 Civil Rights tours she organized and led over the past 10 years, and her current work developing educational curriculum on resistance and social justice as the founder and CEO of Freedom Lifted, which offers justice-centered leadership development through online learning, training, and facilitation.

The social justice origin story of Freedom Lifted emphasizes the importance of understanding power as an abundant resource, the critical work of using our power to bring more power to oppressed people, and drawing wisdom from stories of resistance throughout history when people have strived to create a world where power is shared for guidance on how we can better share power within our organizations and movements for justice.

00:00 Introduction to Achievement and Resistance

00:26 Transition from Civil Rights Tours to Curriculum Development

01:00 Exploring the National Civil Rights Museum

02:26 Defining Resistance and Social Justice

04:30 The Role of Black-Owned Farms in the Civil Rights Movement

05:29 Introduction to Social Justice Origin Stories

08:26 Mia Henry's Background and Inspiration

11:26 The Evolution of Freedom Lifted

17:34 Challenges and Learnings in Running Freedom Lifted

27:36 Connecting Identity, Power, and Oppression

32:26 The Importance of Power in Social Movements

36:16 Power Dynamics and Agency

36:46 Defining Power and Its Components

39:06 The Importance of Agency in Organizations

41:49 Historical Context and Justice Work

46:18 Personal Reflections and Inspirations

52:49 Influences and Legacy

01:11:23 Final Thoughts and Wisdom

Connect with Mia and Freedom Lifted

Freedom Lifted’s Website: https://www.freedomlifted.com/

Connect with Mia on Linkedin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miahenry/

Follow Freedom Liftedn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomlifted/

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/

In sharing his story of redemption and transformation, Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur names his experiences navigating systemic oppression, his time in prison for a crime he didn't commit, and the people who invested in him in his life as pivotal moments that activated his commitment to social justice. His storytelling affirms the power of vulnerability, self-forgiveness, and the critical role of education and community in personal and collective healing.

Dr. Shakur also highlights the importance of America confronting its true history, addressing internalized oppression, challenging patriarchy, and remembering our inherent worth and capacity for change.

00:00 Introduction to Liberation and Healing

01:13 Embracing Black History and Resilience

01:36 Personal Reflections and Forgiveness

02:47 Social Justice Origin Stories Overview

03:55 Introducing Dr. Yousef Bunchy Shakur

04:30 Activations of Redemption and Transformation

07:06 The Role of Revolutionaries and Activists

14:36 Understanding Internalized Oppression

21:59 Navigating Patriarchy and Black Exceptionalism

28:15 Community Support and Personal Growth

29:50 Personal Growth and Community Influence

30:25 Challenging Patriarchy and Masculinity

31:17 Impact of Role Models and Community

33:36 Returning Home and Facing Change

37:13 Combating Anti-Blackness and Self-Love

39:39 Liberation Through Vulnerability

43:57 Influential Books and Resources

47:19 Intergenerational Influence and Wisdom

50:19 Final Reflections and Future Generations

54:56 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

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.

Chelsea Pratt, a scholar and practitioner in higher education focusing on inclusive and sustainable organizational cultures, workplace well-being, and addressing workplace trauma, discusses the profound impact of trauma and identity in the workplace.

She speaks on the traumatic effects of ignoring harmful identity-based incidents both inside and outside our workplaces, especially for people who live at the intersection of multiple forms of oppression.

In her storytelling, Chelsea highlights the importance of trauma-informed and identity-conscious supervision, drawing from her experiences and research with The Higher Education Supervision Project, a resource that provides tools for trauma-informed and identity-conscious supervision. The episode explores the significance of centering marginalized voices when creating solutions, effective supervisory practices, and centering social justice principles in supervision to create more equitable organizational cultures.

Learn more about The Higher Education Supervision Project at their website: https://www.higheredsupervision.com/

Follow The Higher Education Supervision on Instagram @higheredsupervision

00:00 Understanding Workplace Trauma

01:33 Introduction to Social Justice Origin Stories

02:42 Meet Chelsea Pratt

04:28 Chelsea's Social Justice Journey

08:40 The Higher Education Supervision Project

11:37 Intersection of Trauma and Identity

22:09 The Power of Effective Supervision

27:36 Supervisory Relationships as a Garden

32:36 Challenging Traditional Work Norms

33:12 Identity-Conscious Supervision

36:22 The Role of Feedback in Equitable Supervision

37:14 Implementing 360 Feedback

42:52 Rethinking Work During the Great Recession

45:06 Navigating Workplace Trauma and Community Care

47:20 Influences and Inspirations in Social Justice Work

59:12 Empowering Future Generations

01:00:20 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/

Social Justice Origin Sto...

*This episode comes with a content warning for discussions about sexual and physical violence which may be distressing or triggering for some listeners. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, it’s not your fault. You are not alone. If you need support, Help is available 24/7 through the National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE and https://hotline.rainn.org/online. The Trevor Project’s trained counselors are available 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386 via chat www.TheTrevorProject.org/Get-Help, or by texting START to 678-678.

Arc Telos “Tay” Saint Amour (they/them) shares the roots of their social justice origin story, discussing experiences including the impact of childhood abuse, violence, abandonment, and systemic oppression on them as a trans, queer, and neurodivergent person. In making connections to how their earlier experiences informed their approach to activism for social justice, Tay also explores the role of shame in preventing social progress and growth at the individual, institutional, and societal levels. Tay calls for us all to engage in the work of being honest with ourselves, critical of ourselves and our systems; highlighting the importance of storytelling in driving social justice and the importance of introspection and openness in creating a more equitable world. They also urge listeners to truthfully engage with their own stories and to consider future generations in their actions.

Connect with Tay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arctelossaintamour/

00:00 Content Warning and Introduction

00:41 The Power of Shame

06:36 Social Justice Origin Stories

07:45 Introducing Tay Saint Amour

08:29 Tay's Background and Identities

10:51 Early Activations and Challenges

19:58 Violence and Abandonment

36:22 Navigating Social Justice Work

53:28 Confronting Personal Shame

55:00 The Power of Storytelling

55:48 America's Shame Box

57:12 Influences and Inspirations

59:04 Identity and Realization

01:02:58 High School Struggles

01:07:49 Positive Role Models

01:14:29 Privilege and Perspective

01:21:52 Navigating Systemic Challenges

01:30:52 The Weight of Shame and Storytelling

01:31:34 Navigating Personal Boundaries and Capacity

01:33:18 The Complex Relationship with Rest and Trust

01:36:00 Resilience and Systemic Oppression

01:37:56 Capitalism and the Burden of Self-Care

01:41:41 The Consulting Dilemma

01:45:07 The Insidious Nature of Capitalism

01:50:31 The Power of Storytelling

02:04:05 A Call to Action for Future Generations

02:07:15 Closing Remarks and Call 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

From her early experiences watching the women in her family to discovering the writings of James Baldwin through his book 'Another Country' and the awakening that followed and the emotional impact of hearing Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Mountaintop speech, Leticia Peguero shares significant moments and influences that shaped her journey into social justice work.

Her storytelling of how she "fell into coaching" connects her personal experiences, her career in philanthropy, and her passion for and transformative work with coaching women of color. She talks about the work of depersonalizing internalized oppression by asking important questions like: "How much of this is personal, and how much is systemic? What is mine to hold? and What belongs to the system?"

Leticia emphasizes the importance of rest in social justice work, the importance of somatic knowing, the legacy of her grandmother and mother, and the vital role storytelling plays in creating lasting social change.

Learn more about Leticia and her work at her website, leticiapeguero.com

00:00 The Book That Changed Everything

01:19 Awakening to Social Justice

03:59 The Power of Storytelling

06:55 Introducing Leticia Peguero

07:31 Honoring Ancestral Influence

10:49 Early Activations and Realizations

16:05 Depersonalizing Internalized Oppression

20:06 Falling into Coaching

24:10 The Philosophy of Coaching

36:02 Reflecting on Coaching and Holding Space

37:03 The Power of Intentional Space

38:51 The Role of a Coach Witnessing and Transformational Coaching

41:29 Unpacking Internalized Oppression

47:09 Gratitude and Influences

56:21 The Importance of Rest

01:03:58 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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.

Dr. Monique Alicia Gamble, a Southerner, a Black queer woman, a digital storyteller, and an assistant professor of political science at a public HBCU in Washington, D.C., shares the significance of storytelling in her academic and creative work, focusing on elevating the stories of people who exist on the margins, particularly those of Black queer women.

Reflecting on pivotal moments in her development, such as the 2016 presidential election and the 2022 midterm election, she emphasizes the importance of visibility, representation, and cultural power. Her storytelling highlights her commitment to making marginalized stories visible, the impact of teaching her innovative Discovery Diversity course on LGBTQIA+ visibility in media, and her plans for future documentary projects, including a project that centers the experiences of Black queer women barbers.

In sharing her experiences, Dr. Gamble models the transformative power of storytelling in education and its ripple effects on social justice.

Connect with Monique on instagram @magcellent

00:00 Monique's personal why with storytelling

00:59 Personal Journey and Marriage

01:46 Political Climate and Vulnerability

03:00 Commitment to Representation and Power

03:51 Social Justice Origin Stories Project

04:59 Introduction of Dr. Monique Gamble

06:48 Impact of Elections on Professional Approach

17:55 Teaching and LGBTQ Visibility

33:22 Future Projects and Filmmaking Aspirations

34:16 Exploring the Experience of Queer Femme Barbers

36:31 The Importance of Queer Representation in Documentaries

40:42 Black Feminist Theory and Its Impact

50:56 The Power of Storytelling and Ripple Effects in Education

01:03:49 Messages for Future Generations

01:05:41 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.