Imagine pulling water out of thin air. It’s actually not that far fetched. Have you ever seen condensation on a cold bottle on a hot day? Well, what you’re seeing isn’t coming from the cold beverage. It’s the warm moisture in the air interacting cold surface and creating water. That’s a crude and basic version of what Moses West, of the Moses West foundation, and his Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) technology are doing. West, a former army ranger turned water innovator, is revolutionizing water access. His groundbreaking technology pulls pure clean water directly from the air, offering a sustainable solution to water scarcity in communities plagued by contaminated groundwater.

West shares his personal journey from military service to water innovation, highlighting the critical need for educational outreach and technological solutions to address global water challenges. His vision extends beyond his invention, it's about empowering communities and creating sustainable pathways for survival in an increasingly hostile environments. While born in the US, West, as he says, was “raised across continents” and this global perspective, coupled with his early exposure to global inequality and human resilience have shaped his humanitarian mission.

Moses West Foundation - http://www.moseswestfoundation.com/

In this episode of Systemic, our host Dan Kimbrough welcomes back guest Brittany Friedman, professor and now author of the forthcoming book "Carceral Apartheid: How lies and white supremacist run our prisons.”

When you think about Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben, what comes to mind? Beloved American food mascots or the caricatures of racist stereotypes for African Americans?

In this episode of systemic, our host Dan Kimbrough sits down with Dr. David Pilgrim, founder and director of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery. We discuss the toxic legacy of the Jim Crow era - a dark chapter in American history marked by systemic oppression, dehumanizing propaganda, and the weaponization of racist imagery.

Dr. Pilgrim shares his personal journey of collecting these objects of intolerance over the past four decades, and the devastating realizations that fueled his life's work. We'll explore how these hurtful caricatures and stereotypes were used to uphold a horrific racial hierarchy, and discover the lasting impact they continue to have on our society.

But this is no mere history lesson. Dr. Pilgrim outlines his bold plan to expand the museum, using the power of witness, understanding, and healing to confront America's painful past and inspire lasting change. We'll hear about the museum's mission to elevate the stories of African American achievement and resistance, and challenge visitors to consider their own role in building a more just and equitable future.

This is an unnerving conversation that will stay with you long after the episode ends. Join us as we reckon with the ugly truths of our history, and find the courage to create the change we wish to see in the world.

Museum Website - https://jimcrowmuseum.ferris.edu/

In this episode of Systemic, our host, Dan Kimbrough, sits with Romain Muhammad, the founder of Diversify World. Diversify World an agency dedicated to bridging diversity, equity, and inclusion gaps between the corporate world and marginalized communities.

Today we discuss the power and resilience of the African diaspora. Romain has conducted extensive research on the political and cultural impact of Africans in diaspora, and he's here to share his unique perspective.

We'll explore the rich tapestry of the African diaspora, challenging the often Westernized lens in which it’s viewed, and delve into the UK context, where Romain highlights the resilience of the Windrush generation and the emergence of the political blackness movement.

This conversation is a call to action, urging us to engage in open dialogues that foster a better global understanding and collective resistance against injustice. 

Join us as we navigate the complexities of identity, home, and the enduring spirit of the African diaspora.

More about Romain:

Instagam -www.instagram.com/romainmuhammad_

Headlines scream the "decline" of DEI, but here's the truth: most efforts have been performative. We're talking black squares on social media, not dismantling systemic bias.

On this episode of Systemic, our host Dan Kimbrough talks with Farah Bala, a Leadership EDIA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Oppression) expert. We unpack why surface-level DEI fails and what true inclusion looks like.

Farah Bala's story reminds us that belonging starts with feeling welcome, regardless of background. We'll also hear from others who navigated identity, immigration, and career changes.

Is DEI dead? No, but the performative efforts are gasping for breath. 

We explore:

• Why superficial DEI efforts fail.

Tune in to find out what real anti-bias work looks like. 

email - [email protected]

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/thefarsightagency/

Website - https://www.gofarsight.com/

#DEI #workplaceculture #antiracism

hen we think of prison, we often focus on the criminal aspect of the institution. These individuals broke the law and are being punished for doing so. But the punishment, as intended, was to be removed from society for a predefined amount of time, and then, as part of your agreement, you are released back into society. But, while in prison, many prisoners are dehumanized and receive treatment that far exceeds their actual sentence. Much of this is due, primarily, to the physical and psychological designs of the prisons themselves. Humane and dignified treatment was never part of the equation, and when you throw in a worldwide pandemic, how does a facility meant to confine and control people, in small dehumanizing spaces, properly care for those in its charge? On this episode of Systemic our host, Dan Kimbrough, speaks with Professor Brittany Friedman, a sociologist from the University of Southern California about the effects of COVID-19 within our prison system. Professor Friedman discusses the design flaws of the US prison system and how they were exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Professor Friedman shares how prisons were never meant to be healthcare facilities and how their punitive culture made containing the virus nearly impossible. She argues the roots of mass incarceration lie in slavery and calls for a complete reimagining of how we address harm in society. This episode of Systemic is sponsored by The Black Equity Coalition. The Black Equity Coalition is a group of experts from diverse fields working tirelessly to address institutional racism and structural impediments that continue to plague Black, undervalued, and underserved communities. Initially focused on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coalition has committed to working towards racial and health equity beyond the pandemic's eventual end by engaging the disparities in the five social determinants of health for the underserved (Our necessary means of health and survival). Through the collective efforts of physicians, researchers, epidemiologists, public health and health care practitioners, social scientists, community funders, and government officials, the Black Equity Coalition is dedicated to ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to health, well-being, and economic stability. For more information, visit blackequitypgh.org For more information about Brittany and her work - https://www.brittanyfriedman.com/

In this episode of Systemic, we hear from food activist Clancy Harrison and discuss the issues of food insecurity and The Food Dignity® Movement. 

Clancy shares stories from her 14 years of experience from a nutritionist to fighting hunger, and explains The Food Dignity® Movement's approach of centering their work around other's lived experiences. We learn about the different levels of food security and insecurity and the internal and external stigmas associated with food assistance.

Clancy also discusses some of the systemic roots of inequities in the food system and offers insights from those she's spoken to and worked with on dismantling biases to better empower communities. 

As a food equity advocate, registered dietitian, and TEDx speaker, Clancy Harrison challenges the way food insecurity is approached and discussed. She is the founder of the Food Dignity® Movement, a strategic program for leaders who want to shift how they approach nutrition outreach by making healthy food access a priority with dignity. Currently, Clancy is an advisory board member for the Pennsylvania American Academy of Pediatrics Food Insecurity EPIC program, Ambassador of the National Dairy Council, and a past President of the Al Beech West Side Food Pantry where she has served over 4 million meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can tune in weekly with Clancy at The Food Dignity® Podcast.

Food Dignity Podcast  -

Structural Racism Exists Within the System Supporting Food Access - 

https://fooddignitymovement.org/podcast/episode-150-structural-racism-exists-within-the-system-supporting-food-access/

A Case for a Food Bill of Rights - 

https://fooddignitymovement.org/podcast/episode-124-a-case-for-a-food-bill-of-rights/

Culturally-Focused Nutrition, a Today’s Dietitian Spring Symposium Feature - 

https://fooddignitymovement.org/podcast/episode-109-culturally-focused-nutrition-a-todays-dietitian-spring-symposium-feature/

This episode of Systemic is sponsored by The Black Equity Coalition. The Black Equity Coalition is a group of experts from diverse fields working tirelessly to address institutional racism and structural impediments that continue to plague Black, undervalued, and underserved communities. Initially focused on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coalition has committed to working towards racial and health equity beyond the pandemic's eventual end by engaging the disparities in the five social determinants of health for the underserved (Our necessary means of health and survival).

Through the collective efforts of physicians, researchers, epidemiologists, public health and health care practitioners, social scientists, community funders, and government officials, the Black Equity Coalition is dedicated to ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to health, well-being, and economic stability.

For more information, visit blackequitypgh.org

In this episode of Systemic our host Dan Kimbrough sits down with Cleveland Way of the Poise Foundation and the Black Equity Coalition.

We discuss how the Black Equity Coalition is working to address health disparities and inequities facing Black communities in Pennsylvania. In this episode, Cleveland Way, the Community Engagement Manager with the coalition, discusses their work focusing on COVID-19 vaccinations and beyond. They are partnering with over 150 community organizations and "ambassadors" already serving Black communities to enhance their efforts and provide resources.

Cleveland explains how their equity-focused approach aims to give communities what they need rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. Hear how data collection and a focus on social determinants of health will help continue improving health outcomes in Black communities in Pennsylvania.

To learn more about the Poise Foundation - https://www.poisefoundation.org/

To learn more about the Black Equity Coalition - https://www.blackequitypgh.org/

To follow up with Cleveland - [email protected]

This episode of Systemic is sponsored by The Black Equity Coalition. The Black Equity Coalition is a group of experts from diverse fields working tirelessly to address institutional racism and structural impediments that continue to plague Black, undervalued, and underserved communities. Initially focused on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coalition has committed to working towards racial and health equity beyond the pandemic's eventual end by engaging the disparities in the five social determinants of health for the underserved (Our necessary means of health and survival).

Through the collective efforts of physicians, researchers, epidemiologists, public health and health care practitioners, social scientists, community funders, and government officials, the Black Equity Coalition is dedicated to ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to health, well-being, and economic stability.

For more information, visit blackequitypgh.org

Hollywood’s representation of underserved and marginalized populations has been under scrutiny since the first film flickered. Authentic storytelling that fully embraces the complexity and vibrancy of any people must be rooted in, and informed by, those people.

On the episode of Systemic our host, Dan Kimbrough, sits down with Dr. Angela Odoms-Young, an Associate Professor, and  Director of the Food and Nutrition Education in Communities Program, in the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell University

Her research explores social and structural determinants of dietary behaviors and diet-related diseases in low-income and Black/Latinx populations and centers on identifying culturally appropriate programs and policies that promote health equity, food justice, and community resilience. Dr. Odoms-Young has over 20 years’ experience partnering with communities to improve nutrition and health and 200+ academic publications, book chapters, and presentations.

We discuss food insecurity from a historical and holistic standpoint, examining how many social determinants of health tie into systemic insecurities and barriers for many communities, not just those of color.  

To reach Dr. Odoms-Young - [email protected]

This episode of Systemic is sponsored by The Black Equity Coalition. The Black Equity Coalition is a group of experts from diverse fields working tirelessly to address institutional racism and structural impediments that continue to plague Black, undervalued, and underserved communities. Initially focused on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coalition has committed to working towards racial and health equity beyond the pandemic's eventual end by engaging the disparities in the five social determinants of health for the underserved (Our necessary means of health and survival).

Through the collective efforts of physicians, researchers, epidemiologists, public health and health care practitioners, social scientists, community funders, and government officials, the Black Equity Coalition is dedicated to ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to health, well-being, and economic stability.

For more information, visit blackequitypgh.org

Asst. Editor - Brandon Carpenella