Systemic

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

On this episode of Systemic, our host Dan Kimbrough sits down with Dr. Melissa Anyiwo. Dr. Anyiwo is an Associate Professor of History and Coordinator of Black Studies at the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania. She is also the Co-Chair of the Vampire Studies Area of the National Popular Culture Association. A transplanted Nigerian-British citizen with a background in race, gender, diversity, and visual archetypes, she writes and presents on vampires and their connection to racial and gendered stereotypes.  She has published several works on teaching diversity using these images. 

Our discussion examines will look at the policing of Black bodies throughout history through the lens of othering. We all know the image of the evil and vile Black man,  the sexy and voluptuous Jezebel, or the docile Mamie. But have we given thought to the purpose of these images and how they further an obsession with controlling and monitoring Black bodies? 

When looking at American media, images and portrayals of Middle Easterners and Muslims have always had a negative and terroristic focus. Given that the media we consume plays a large part in how we interpret and understand the world around us, the images have always been problematic for how these groups are treated in America. 

In this episode of Systemic our host, Dan Kimbrough sits down with Rahimeh Ramezany. Rahimeh is a DEI practitioner with a focus on integrating Muslims and religious identity into DEI practices.  She identifies as a multiethnic Shia Muslim and has a Masters's degree in Intercultural communications and a certificate in Advanced Global Leadership. Rahimeh consulting strives towards genuine inclusion and belonging, drawing from her education and lived experiences as a Muslim woman living in the US. 

Our conversation looks at some basic tenets of the Muslim faith, portrayals of Muslims in media, the importance of religion in DEI spaces, and thoughts on how we can move forward. 

For more information or to book Rahimeh, check out her website www.rahimehramezany.com

Underrepresented students (while we acknowledge that the term includes a wide swath, for this podcast, we're referring to race and ethnicity) entering predominantly white campuses have not only the rigors of higher education to adjust to, but often, also a cultural shift that can leave them feeling lost and alone. While predominantly white institutions (PWI) try their best to diversify there campuses and admit more underrepresented students, what work is being done to retain and graduate these students?

This is where the role of a Diversity Director or Coordinator comes into play. Often these individuals are charged with programming for the wider campus, but also mentoring and creating safe authentic places for these students to have on campus. Throw in recruitment duties, trainings, and assisting with strategic planning and you have a recipe for burnout.

In this episode, our host Dan Kimbrough speaks with Erica Acosta, the Director of Diversity Initiatives at Wilkes University. She holds a BA in Spanish, a MS in Organizational Management and a MBA. She's created diversity awareness and programming at two different universities as well as a Diversity and Inclusion Student Conference. We'll discuss the importance and impact of these positions as well as the difficulties faced in wearing so many hats.

Black history month is usually spent retelling the same stories and highlighting the same figures. And while it is important that we don't forget the struggles and sacrifices of the significant Black American heroes, have you ever wondered about the Black community and figures in your own backyard? Who were the local business owners and leaders, and what places hold significant value in your town's Black History?

In this episode, our host Dan Kimbrough and guest Glynis M. Johns, discuss what happens when someone seeks to answer those exact questions. 

Glynis is the CEO and Founder of the Black Scranton project. Through her work and research, she's shedding light on the untold and often intentionally hidden story of Black Scranton and proudly saying, "We been here!"

You can follow Glynis's and the Black Scranton Projects work at https://www.blackscranton.org/.

In this episod,e our host, Dan Kimbrough, talks with Rev. Joshua Brockway, who is an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren where he serves as the Director for Spiritual Formation and Co-Coordinator for Discipleship Ministries. Rev. Brockway is also an adjunct history professor at Northern Seminary and was recently appointed to the City of Elgin Task Force on Policing. 

We'll discuss the role Christianity has played in perpetuating and upholding systemic racism in America, ranging from Columbus setting sail through modern times. We'll then look at some work being done to address race and systemic racism in and around churches and how they can become a bigger part of the bigger discussion. 

In this episode, our host Dan Kimbrough will explain the history, importance, and practices of Kwanzaa. While many still hold the idea that Kwanzaa is a replacement or alternative to other winter holidays, it is neither. It's a season of reflection and rededication to one's self, family, community, and people. 

In this episode of systemic, we talk with award-winning journalist Ernest Owens about his journey as a black queer man, his work to help reform queer communities in Philadelphia, the work we should all be doing to help empower marginalized groups in the fight against white supremacist ideology. 

Ernest Owens can be found on ernestowens.com

In 1966 the New York Times wrote an article that first referred to Chinese-Americans as the Model Minority. It explained that during a time when billions were being proposed to uplift the Negro, Chinese-American immigrants were building successful lives all by themselves. With no help. 

This was the beginning of labeling Asian Americans as the Model Minority. In the episode, we talk with Madalyn Metzger about the Model Minority Myth and its effects.

Madalyn serves as the VP of Marketing for Everence Financial. Madalyn also speaks about topics such as anti-racism and DEI. She also previously served as the Board Chair for On Earth Peace and is currently on the Board of Trustees for Manchester University. 

Critical Race Theory teaches the truth about American history. The actual truth - good, bad, or otherwise. Learning this truth can be painful, uncomfortable, and bring about shame. Much to the dismay of many, those are good things. By working through our actual history, exploring racism and discrimination, and placing the proper context of how history impacts the country today, we can finally begin to heal the wounds of racism.