The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast

Are the leaders in higher education truly rooted in a social justice framework? Is racial healing possible without addressing the spiritual aspect of humanity? We investigate these questions and more with our guest, Dr. Michele Chatman, who currently serves as faculty at the University of the District of Columbia and as Board President for the Association for Contemplative Mind in Higher Education. Her respect for African spiritual traditions and feminist anthropology make for an enlightening interview.

"Education and learning is not just about training students to get a job to be another cog in the wheel, to just push the status quo, but education is about serving the human spirit, about living in relationship with the earth, about honoring different ways of knowing" - Dr. Chatman

Show Notes:

• The importance of cultivating gratefulness and positivity on a daily basis
• Dr. Chatman's findings from studying urban poverty through the lens of Black men in the 1960's. 
• What is Contemplative Pedagogy?
• Recommended book - Rhonda V. Magee's "The Inner Work of Racial Justice"
• How are you both perpetuating and disrupting institutionalized racism, classism, and sexism?
• Why grounded feminist anthropology deserves more attention
• How Dr. Chatman became grounded in African indigenous ways of being, including the West African Orisha tradition
• Dr. Chatman's experience navigating the culture of academia
• Why showing up in a meaningful and authentic way can help you avoid cultural appropriation 
• A dilemma for many in the social justice space - disengage for self protection or continue to challenge the system from the inside?
• The absurdity of trying to tell Black and Brown children to just calm down and behave
• Are the leaders in higher education truly rooted within a social justice framework?
• Why the times are calling for us to get greater clarity on who we are and what we stand for
• The necessity of bringing a social justice framework to all aspects of life
• Why having racial literacy and fluency is important for leadership teams
• What are some key things we can do to bring about structural change?
• Where are institutions investing resources? Are the leaders truly in charge or are they constrained by other factors?
• There's a lot of talk within social justice spaces - what can we DO?
• What does inclusive teaching mean to Dr. Chatman?
• Why educators need to tend to the whole student, including body, mind, and spirit
• Recommended book - Parker Palmer's "A Hidden Wholeness"

Connect with Dr. Michelle Chatman:

Websites | Healingjusticejoy.com for Dr. Chatman's personal site and Contemplativemind.org for the Center for Contemplative Mind in Society

Email | [email protected]

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

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Shá Duncan Smith is an engaging activist-scholar dedicated to creating a completely inclusive environment for students. Currently, she is fulfilling this mission as the Dean of Inclusive Excellence and Community Development at Swarthmore College. Shá identifies key misconceptions prevalent in the social justice space, with thoughts on pronouns, interfaith education, and more. We also talk about finding joy amidst oppression, moving beyond performative knowing, and developing students' capacity for change.

Show Notes:

• This episode is in honor of Walter Wallace Jr. who was killed by the Philadelphia police force last month
• What specific policies, procedures, and practices need to be dismantled or addressed?
• Why Amer and Shá focus on developing their student's capacity for change rather than trying to directly change beliefs
• The benefits of an interfaith education and understanding
• How to help students move out of the deficit framework
• How Amer and Shá are assisting students of color on college campuses
• What aspects of the higher educational model need the most work to be inclusive?
• Do colleges have a "sink or swim" attitude towards minorities on campus?
• What is the educational value of diversity? Is that lost thru assimilation?
• "We don't always have to perform knowing" - Amer
• Since pronouns are a deeply personal aspect of someone's life, should we be asking new acquaintances about that?
• Why we need to find joy even in the face of oppression
• Resource: Author and activist Adrienne Maree Brown - "Emergent Strategy" & "Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good"
• How to move beyond performative activism and transactional relationships
• What is the leading edge in pedagogy and inclusive education?
• How Covid-19 is uniquely affecting students of color
• How can we balance academic vigor with mental health?
• Why faculty should receive ongoing training to help them implement strategies from the diversity, equity, and inclusion field.

Connect With Shá:

LinkedIn | T. Shá Duncan Smith

Swarthmore's Directory | Shá Duncan Smith

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

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Our guest, Dr. Kijua Sanders-McMurtry, is a world-class pedagog with an earnest desire for truth and justice. Thanks to these traits, she is able to identify deeply embedded toxic patterns of patriarchy and white supremacy, even within some feminist and anti-racist settings. Currently, she serves as the V.P. for Equity and Inclusion and the Chief Diversity Officer at Mount Holyoke College. In this fascinating conversation, we cover how to disrupt Christian normativity and whether skin-folk are kin-folk.

Show Notes:

• How do partisan politics affect the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion?
• Representation matters, but there are further steps needed to dismantle white supremacy.
• How racist ideas and perceptions can exist beyond someone's awareness
• Why no degree or educational achievement makes you immune to racism or stereotypical thinking.
• The importance of embracing other ways of knowing besides intellectualization
• How does a master teacher reach students in profound ways?
• Why affirming students' unique patterns of speech is vital
• How the "Indian boarding school model" is toxic and is still actively guiding many institutions. 
• Dr. Sanders-McMurtry's experience working as an educator in women's only colleges
• How to handle toxic masculinity in diversity, equity, and inclusion settings
• How Dr. Sanders-McMurty's view on feminism has evolved over time
• Why we need stay attentive to the intersection between race and gender
• Books mentioned by Dr. Sanders-McMurtry include "Words Of Fire: An Anthology of African-American Feminist Thought" by Beverly Guy-Sheftall, writings by Lydia X.Z Brown, and "This Bridge Called Me Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color" An anthology edited by Cherríe Moraga and Gloria E. Anzaldúa
• Why we need an intersectional liberatory movement
• "Human hierarchies of any kind, they understood, would do little more than oppress all of humanity." - Ibram X. Kendi
• How the murder of Matthew Shepard ignited Dr. Sanders-McMurtry's to take an even stronger stand for justice
• Who is not being centered or affirmed? How can we do more?
• What actions can be done to transform lives? Mutual aid societies are one example
• "Not all skin folks are kin folks" - Is that true?
• Does patriarchy exist inside of feminist spaces?
• How to address the silencing of Black and Brown women inside of women only settings
• How to disrupt Christian normativity and hegemony
• Anti-racism is NOT about making white people feel better  

Connect with Dr. Kijua Sanders-McMurtry

Mt. Holyoke Directory

LinkedIn | Kijua Sanders-McMurtry

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

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One of the most difficult feats for social justice educators is getting people to look at their internal biases. Thanks to Dr. Kathryn Sorrells' sage wisdom & feminist perspective, we learn how to open dialog by using intercultural communication techniques and invitational language. Now an educator at Cal State Northridge, Dr. Sorrells is highly informed and acclaimed as an author, organizer, and artist. We also cover her thoughts on the multi-racial youth coalition and how to channel anger in a healthy way

Show Notes:

• How to navigate the challenging changes in the Covid era
• What new points of access did we discover during the pandemic?
• Dr. Sorrells' thoughts on the multi racial uprising against institutional white supremacy
• Details into the journey that led Dr. Sorrells to be a leader in this space
• How did the racial dynamics of 1960's Georgia impact a young Dr. Sorrells?
• How to make friends with someone from another culture
• The importance of creating individual approaches to reach segregated communities
• How immigrant worker rights, LGBTQ rights, and the fight for a living wage intersect with the field of equity, diversity, and inclusion
• The importance of approaching your cross-racial relationships with humility and authenticity 
• Why we are blind to some of our own privileges
• What do the numbers behind Trump's popularity tell us about race and gender?
• Does the collective need to remember to care about the common good?
• How political activity from youth groups has inspired Dr. Sorrells
• What does accountability look like? What about when it's not done in anger?
• Scoping out what we need to do next, now that Trump is out of office
• How we can do a better job at defining cultural appropriation
• What does it mean to support an initiative or organization? Is simply saying you support it enough?
• Can anger be productive? How can you channel it in a healthy way?
• What steps educators can take to give their students diverse a diverse set of skills
• How to intentionally invite someone to deepen their commitment to greater racial understanding
• Femininst perspective - shifting rhetoric out of strictly persuasive language to be more  invitational

Connect with Dr. Kathryn Sorrells:

CSUN Directory | Dr. Kathryn Sorrells

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

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We all play a unique and instrumental role in the equitable revival.Tyson Rose is an educator with an impeccable ability to directly inspire students through his optimistic and supportive message.His accomplishments include working as an environmental engineer and working in higher education as an Upward Bound director and a social justice facilitator.In this conversation, we look at Cape Verdean culture,explore how oppressive structures can unify the masses,and assess what makes a bridge program successful

Show Notes:

• How Tyson is navigating these tumultuous times, both personally and professionally
• What does it mean to be a Cape Verdean American?
• Why are the brightest Cape Verdean thinkers and writers not as well known?
• How to re-connect and stay linked to your ancestral roots
• An exploration into New Bedford, Ma with its ethnic diversity and working class culture 
• The intersection of Cape Verdean culture and Blackness
• How Jabreel Khazan, part of the Greensboro 4, directly impacted Tyson 
• What is "Upward Bound" and how does it help disenfranchised people?
• How shared structural experiences unite people across race and culture
• The educational value of Hip-hop, and how Tyson and Amer have advanced this movement
• The value of mentorship and direct interactions with young people
• How to navigate the contemporary challenges in higher education
• Is assimilation necessary to thrive in America?
• Why bridge programs often act more as a dock than a complete bridge
• Details into his current focus of supporting and equipping students to reach their desired positions
• What can educators do to level up their inclusive educational game?
• Why we need to be okay with the messiness of life
• Why reactions are a constrained response to something else
• Are we teaching others that material success is the end goal? Is that helpful?
• Why dialog is superior to debate in this field of study

Connect with Tyson Rose:

University of Hartford Directory | Tyson Rose

LinkedIn | Tyson Rose

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

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Dr. Shakeer Abdullah captures the essence of practical diversity. As an African American Muslim living in the Midwest, he holds a thorough understanding of the complexities of race, culture, religion, and historical contexts. After earning his PhD. and writing on multi-cultural competence, he now consults, speaks, and trains others in achieving diversity and inclusion excellence. Today we talk about breaking free of limitations, challenging Christian hegemony, and paradigm-changing teaching tips.

 Show Notes:

• Dr. Shakeer's connection and reaction to George Floyd's murder
• How Dr. Shakeer's family transitioned from Christianity to Islam
• What was it like to grow up as an African American Muslim in Ohio?
• How Dr. Shakeer broke free of the limitations imposed upon him
• Why studying abroad is especially impactful for minorities
• What is Christian hegemony and how does it affect us all?
• Investigating the relationship between non-academic residents of a town vs residents associated with the school
• How art and creative actions can transform hearts and minds
• Why Dr. Shakeer is passionate about higher education 
• What role spirituality and faith plays in the equality movement
• How colorism affects Muslim communities
• How to honor the unique challenges faced by all races and cultures
• Are students expected to drop their unique identities in college settings?
• "Engaging all of who we are as a resource for learning" - Dr. Amer
• Examining the belief that "bringing religion into the conversation is too controversial"
• What does inclusive education mean and how can educators be more intentional
• "The opportunities are there, you just have to want it" - Dr. Shakeer
• Why you must actually care about the communities and people you serve before you can make an impact
• Why knowledge and awareness are vital skills for those wanting to make a difference
• Performative knowing vs using humility and accepting you don't know something

Connect with Dr. Shakeer Abdullah

Instagram | @shak1906

Practical Diversity Associates Website | pracdiv.com

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

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In this episode, Dr. Rani Varghese, a professor of Social Work at Adelphi University, lucidly contributes practical tips for social justice leaders. Her lifelong dedication to creating equality for all shines through in this episode, reminding us WHY we do this work. Reclaiming herstory requires educators to utilize diverse tools, which is why she focuses on integrative teaching methods, dialog facilitation,and the embodiment of knowledge.We explore how higher education can best serve students,and much more

Show Notes:

• Comparing the responses to police brutality among communities, institutions, and politicians
• How growing up in Cincinnati as a South Asian shaped Dr. Varghese's life 
• Historical and cultural notes of interest about the Indian state of Kerala and the Malayli culture
• Book recommendation - "Privileged Minorities" - Sonja Thomas
• Why using a person's skin color to identify their culture is not wise
• How Dr. Varghese became active in social justice education
• How her background and interest in psychology and social work guides her present day teaching
• Why an organization's strong public statements about inclusivity can make a difference
• Why we can't solely focus on racism without looking at sexism, classism, homophobia, etc. 
• What are the narratives driving people to act as perpetrators?
• How Patricia Hill Collins inspired Dr. Varghese to deepen her work
• "Add difference and stir" - A non-integrative attitude towards diversity
• Why embodied intersectionality engages others more than a simply mental approach
• How does whiteness interface with gender and race studies, both historically and currently
• Why learning about anti-semitism alongside anti-indigenousness led Dr. Varghese to greater awarenesses into the root causes behind oppression
• Why teaching the next generation how to interact and be with other races, cultures, and types of people is vital
• How microaggressions and implicit biases can go undetected
• The importance of teaching the educators HOW to teach and convey their knowledge
• How to find communities that fully support you and your expression of truth
• "Are we teaching in a way that meets the needs of all the students? If not, why?" - Dr. Varghese
• What sets Dr. Varghese's current institution, Adelphi University, apart from other institutions
• Does an institution's focus on grants and publications take away from the student's experience?
• What are some inclusive teaching tips and approaches that educators can implement today?
• "We can't work with a client if we haven't done our own work around whatever that issue is" - Dr. Varghese
• Are vocational programs imposed onto lower income and minority children?

Connect with Dr. Rani Varghese:

Adelphi Faculty Profile | Rani Varghese

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

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There are very few educators with as much passion and wide ranging experiences in the diversity, equity, and inclusion space as Dr. Michael Funk. Thanks to his rich background, Dr. Funk is able to deliver heartfelt wisdom and functional knowledge. As a balanced scholar/practitioner, he ably and eloquently introduces refreshing tools for educators of all types. Topics covered include why intersectional analysis is vital, what the higher educational model is missing, and why education is a practice of freedom

Show Notes:

• Michael's experience as a Faculty Fellow in Residence at NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development
• How growing up in Pittsburgh shaped Dr. Funk's worldview, and why he became intrigued in the study of diversity
• Why education is a practice of freedom
• What sparked Dr. Funk's interest in history
• How working as a case worker in the foster care system led Michael to examine his heterosexual and cisgender privileges 
• How Michael's diverse and winding journey led him to become a leader in higher education
• "Culture Shock" - a unique event Michael co-created that blended music, inclusive work, and politics, among other important topics
• How to find balance between being a scholar and a practitioner
• Why a wide range of experiences, including work, travel, and education are vital to the learning process
• Why synthesized learning is the future of higher education
• How education is changing the trajectory of people's lives, and how that fuels educators to keep going
• How can we incentivize faculty to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion work into their work
• Critiques of institutional education
• What the latest executive order spells for diversity, equity, and implicit bias training.
• What is the logic behind this executive order?
• What does inclusive teaching mean to Dr. Funk?
• Why not every pedagogic approach is for every instructor
• Why inclusion also means transparency and respect
• How to create "power with" models in education, and beyond
• Why we need to explore issues on inter-personal, institutional, macro, societal, and global levels. 
• Don't ask your students to go somewhere that you haven't been yourself
• How to use this time of great uncertainty to come together like never before

How to Connect with Dr. Michael Funk:

NYU Profile | Dr. Michael Funk

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

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In the second part of our interview with The Reminders, we explore the nuances and complexities of language within the social justice space. These types of conversations are what this podcast was built for - to challenge all preconceived notions, even the popular ones. Aja and Big Samir's unwavering commitment to their principles of unity and pursuits for meaningful change are undoubtedly inspirational. These artists and educators embody what this podcast stands for, and makes for an exceptional interview

Show Notes:

• Why we must build or make what we don't see in the world
• How to not let the times beat you down
• Constructive vs. Destructive envy
• Why a healer must be in touch with their strength and power in order to be effective
• What is The Reminders' advice for educators?
• How to be inclusive, create spaces of honesty, and listen even when it's uncomfortable
• Remember the stories you learn along the way
• How educators can change the language around white privilege - does it unintentionally reinforce the very dynamic it is seeking to transform?
• How to bring lower income white people into the justice conversation
• What is the goal of this diversity, equity, and inclusion movement?
• Why context and local dynamics are vital when speaking about race and making changes
• How we can use language that does not unintentionally perpetuate division
• Why anything worthwhile is difficult, and why growth is not linear
• Why economic choices are the people's greatest power

Connect with The Reminders:

Website | theremindersmusic.com

Instagram | @thereminders

Facebook | The Reminders

Twitter | @TheReminders

YouTube | TheRemindersTV

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

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The Reminders are an ultra powerful husband-wife duo whose rooted rhythms and insightful lyrics are inspiring monumental change. In Aja and Big Samir's educational and musical pursuits, they prioritize cultural connection and spread a positive and equitable message. In this heart-to-heart dialog, they share how neighborly love can transform racial relations, and why building bridges between world views is crucial. As 2020 continues to present challenges, The Reminders offer courageous and profound guidance.

Show Notes:

• How has 2020 changed you?
• Why learning and growth happens one small step at a time 
• The difference between reacting and responding
• What if we focused on points of connection rather than racial differences?
• How to talk about constructs without reinforcing their power
• Why creating cultural connections is a priority
• Why what you buy into is based on how the world is presented to you
• Are institutionalized and professional voices more credible than the dusty footed philosopher?
• Why meaning emerges thru experience - and how educators can utilize this truth
• How music opens windows into different realities
• Why words are just symbols for emotions and meaning
• How "The Reminders" ethos and music captures what the Eclectic Inclusion Podcast stands for
• How to create from right where you are
• How a trip to Europe expanded Aja's perception of race and culture

Connect with The Reminders:

Website | theremindersmusic.com

Instagram | @thereminders

Facebook | The Reminders

Twitter | @TheReminders

YouTube | TheRemindersTV

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

Please Share, Subscribe, and Review!