The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast

Michael Benitez is an activist-educator currently serving as Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at Metropolitan State University. Michael's message of empowerment and focus on centering previously excluded voices makes him highly sought after as a speaker and presenter. In this episode, we cover why transforming institutional policy is part of an educator's role, how to leverage students' own identities in their learning process, and why education is KEY in enabling economic mobility. 

"Don't wait for someone you know to get hurt before you start caring" - Michael Benitez

Show Notes:

• Why remote learning is helping to bring in new activists
• Why hope and optimism are necessary components for an equitable future
• How we easily lose sight of the interconnectedness of the global economy
• Why affordability in education is a justice issue
• How higher education enables economic mobility
• Michael's story - From Puerto Rico, to Washington Heights and beyond
• The impact that the collapse of the manufacturing sector had on the working class, especially in the Northeast
• The prevalence of informal stop and frisk in minority communities 
• What is redlining and what is the impact?
• How educators in the diversity and inclusion field are helping to alleviate struggles for countless young people
• Why sharing resources and power is an understated part of the justice movement. 
• There are many ways to press for institutional change - some of us are called to work from the inside, others from the outside
• Why transforming communities is better than just giving back to communities
• Why a more equitable and just world is in the best interest for everyone
• Examples of strategic thinking and tactics to dismantle oppressive systems
• Why challenging inequitable policies is part of an educator's duties
• Why liberation won't be complete until ALL BLACK LIVES MATTER
• What groups are hit the hardest by mass incarceration?
• Do we need a new constitution to represent minority voices?
• Why Michael views "Latinx" as a primarily political identity
• Leverage a student's own identity into their education

Connect with Michael Benitez: 

Website | Speakoutnow.org - For Michael's complete Bio and speaking information

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

Please Share, Subscribe, and Review!

Rosa Clemente is a highly lauded organizer, producer, scholar, activist, and independent journalist. Her long list of accomplishments includes the distinction of being the first Afro-Latina woman to be a vice presidential candidate, with the Green Party in 2008. Thanks to Rosa's life-long efforts in the diversity, justice, and inclusion space, she is able to lead and teach with informed passion. She offers her brilliant commentary and insights into the election, Covid, and the recent pro-justice protests.

Show Notes: 

• How 2020 has exacerbated pre-existing systemic issues, especially within our healthcare system
• What are the implications of large corporations entering the racial justice space?
• What formed Rosa's political and social conscience? 
• Experiences and stories from her stint working in the educational system
• Why Rosa was invited to be the vice presidential nominee with the Green Party in 2008
• What are the differences between the Green Party and Democratic Party?
• Insights into the 2020 election, including what the mainstream is getting wrong
• How the quarantine and virtual educational model pose extra challenges to low income families
• How Covid is exposing privilege in new ways
• How generational failure is leading to a highly depressed youth
• Why the side effects and implications of Covid aren't reflected in the statistics
• How educators can create an inclusive learning environment
• What impact will automation have on our youth and economy?
• Why visionaries adapt, and how the current conditions are opportunity rich
• Are we ready for the next wave of Covid?
• How different institutions are handling the in-person vs. remote education decision

Connect With Rosa Clemente:

Website | rosaclemente.net

Instagram | @blackpuertoricanphd

Twitter | @rosaclemente

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

Please Share, Subscribe, and Review!

D'Lo is a queer/transgender actor, writer, comedian, and community activist dedicated to building an equitable world for ALL. As a multi-faceted artist, he understands the inspirational and motivational powers of creative expression. He reminds us that, as educators and change agents, joy and art are necessary components to altering oppressive structures. In this wide ranging episode, D'Lo offers compassionate practical wisdom for keeping our spirits high during these chaotic times.

Show Notes:

• What is the best way to show up in the world? 
• How we can respond to having our world rocked
• How art can save lives - both for the artist and the audience
• Who in your life is not okay? Who could use support, friendship, and love?
• Why leaders sometimes need to be okay with being led by others
• How did D'Lo get to this point in his life and career?
• How being in the company of political, queer, people of color greatly impacted D'Lo
• "The game is less important when you have the right team" - D'Lo
• How we can instill our artistic side into any pursuit
• Why speaking our truth enables and assists others in expressing themselves
• How to break free of cultural expectations
• Why not knowing what to do with our lives sometimes is COMPLETELY NORMAL
• What is D'Lo's advice for educators? How does he define inclusive education?
• What is contemplative pedagogy?
• Why family conflicts can rattle our foundations
• The importance of working through our emotions, feelings, and thoughts

Connect With D'Lo:

Instagram | @dlocokid

Facebook | D'Lo

Website | dlocokid.com

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

Please Share, Subscribe, and Review!

Ericka Huggins is one of the most experienced, grounded, and impactful women in the field of diversity and inclusion today. As a former educator, Black Panther Party leader, and political prisoner, she has learned the key skills that educators and activists need to thrive. She eloquently explains why authentic empathy, holistic thinking, and intentional action-taking are mandatory tools for change agents. Her inspirational message and practical guidance make for a must listen interview.

Show Notes:

• How the "Eclectic Inclusion Podcast" got its name
• Do challenges lead to transformation?
• How to remain open to opportunity, especially in chaotic times
• Why referring to all the various quarantine laws as "lockdown" is not entirely accurate
• How we stop perpetuating old, ineffective economic models
• How the media and government both contribute to inaccurate historical accounts, particularly regarding Black and Indigenous narratives
• Educational insights from her time as the director of the Oakland Community School
• Why we all need to take action on racism, though our expressions will be unique
• Does change come from the inside out?
• How a purely binary way of thinking can lead to limiting beliefs
• How a centering exercise helped Ericka through a prison sentence
• Why change agents NEED a grounding practice
• Why actions created from a solely angry place are less likely to be successful
• Ericka's words of guidance for handling heavy emotions
• Why it's vital for activists and leaders to show up with empathy
• Why do women typically have longer life spans?
• What helpful roles can white males take to end sexism and racism?
• How admitting that you do not know everything will lead to new breakthroughs in understanding

Connect with Ericka Huggins:

Instagram | @ericka_huggins

Website | erickahuggins.com

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

Please Share, Subscribe, and Review!

As an extremely knowledgeable and thoughtful musician and educator, Zeshan B is ushering in a new progressive era of racial equality. His unifying voice presents a unique path to racial healing. He notes that the challenges and injustices faced by minorities are similar. By standing in solidarity with one another, we can change these systems of oppression much quicker than we can alone. Other topics covered include insights and analysis on microaggressions, cultural appropriation, and inclusive teaching.

Show Notes:

• The importance of self love and compassion during the pandemic
• How artists are facing extra stressors and challenges due to Covid-19
• Why Zeshan's family encouraged his musical career
• Insights into Hyderabadi culture and history
• How microaggressions are affect minorities and are commonplace, even in liberal circles
• What is the "Blue Note"?
• How African American, Indian Americans, and other minorities can unite and help empower one another
• Why we need to center and raise Black voices, especially right now.
• The strong support that the Black community showed Zeshan while he was launching his musical career
• The truth about cultural and racial appropriation
• Why the convergence of music and activism is extremely powerful
• Why true empowerment does not mean anyone else is put down or oppressed
• What is cultural capital?
• The power in supporting Black and other minority owned small businesses
• What is the meaning of inclusive teaching?
• What are the strengths of academia? How can educators address the weaknesses?
• The importance of having more BIPOC in education - including in administration

Connect with Zeshan B:

Instagram | @zeshan

Facebook | Zeshan B

Website | zeshanb.com

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

Please Subscribe and Review!

In Joel Brown's relentless and diligent pursuit for universal justice, he has adapted a highly multifaceted approach. His titles include professor, global inclusion practitioner, storyteller, poet, and entrepreneur. This integrative educational mindset is vital to transforming hearts and minds. In this episode, Joel recounts experiences that highlight the sorely needed shifts needed for an equitable world. We also talk about intersectionality, and the importance of upholding a global frame.

Show Notes:

• How Joel's experience growing up in the racially diverse city of Milwaukee led to his current mission 
• Why a diverse organization or community is not necessarily inclusive or equitable
• Joel's experience of being extraordinarily scrutinized for being Black  
• How the epidemic of hate speech comes in many forms, such as racial, sexual, or cultural
• Why many recognize single problematic issues but fail to see intersectionality
• How to shift the culture to be more inclusive for the next generations
• How to manage cultural differences and similarities
• Why this conversation is GLOBAL, and why that frame is important to uphold
• Is white supremacy a global issue?
• What does inclusive education mean? How can it help educators spread wisdom and knowledge?
• Why we are all simultaneously students and teachers 
• "How, Whom, and What am I teaching?" - Wisdom from Joel
• The importance of a multifaceted educational approach includes somatic, creative, visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements
• Why we don't need to discard our frames, but need to be aware of them

Connect With Dr. Joel A. Brown

Twitter | @joelabrown7 & @lasthomosexual

Instagram | @joelabrown

LinkedIn | Joel A. Brown

Website | Pneumos.com for info on his inclusive management, consulting, and coaching business

Website | Souletry.com for poetry related content

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

Please Subscribe and Review!

As a Standing Rock Tribal Council member, Cody Two Bears was instrumental to the success of the NoDAPL movement. He was one of the youngest tribal council members in history, and continues to champion for youth education and leadership. Now, he is growing his non-profit, Indigenized Energy, which is demonstrating how tribes can achieve self-sustainability. We learn why the Sioux focus on the next 7 generations, how we can each enact equitable changes, and review recent major victories for Native Americans.

Show Notes:

• A recap of the recent major developments in the Native American community - Standing Rock victory, Covid challenges, Washington's football team name change, and the recent Supreme Court ruling involving Oklahoma.
• How his non-profit - Indigenized Energy - is changing the energy paradigm for Native Americans.
• A brief history of the Two Bears family lineage
• Why creating change starts with raising awareness, both locally and globally
• His experience as an elected member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council
• How he brought Barack Obama to his tribe's land
• The history and significance of the NoDAPL movement
• The link between the prophecy of seven generations and the youthful energy at Standing Rock
• How to prepare the youth to become powerful leaders and water protectors
• The vision for his non-profit, Indigenized Energy, and how we can get involved. 
• Why educators need to remember that not everyone has equal internet access
• How Native people are capturing old stories and teachings before elders pass on
• The case for making clean drinking water a natural right for all
• How neglecting certain perspectives in history books has massive implications
• How Black Lives Matter has brought visibility to Native issues
• What has been happening for hundreds of years is coming to light now
• What is the role of new media in raising visibility on Native issues? 
• Why this is a cleansing time for humanity and nature
• "You don't know where you are going unless you know where you've been" - wisdom from Cody's grandmother
• The importance of self responsibility to create the ripples of change that we desire for the world. 
• How to create more equitable exchanges that feel good for everyone
• Learn how to be a good neighbor - share with others who you are and what you are here to do
• Why we need to remember that it's okay to disagree

Connect With Cody :

Facebook | Indigenized Energy 

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

Please Subscribe and Review!

Dr. Khalid el-Hakim is a beacon of light in the racial justice movement. He is the founder of the Black History 101 Mobile Museum, which educates with artifacts dating from the trans-Atlantic slave trade era to modern day hip hop culture. Thanks to this interactive approach, history comes alive and captivates. From his 15 years of experience teaching middle schoolers, to creating the Michigan Hip Hop Archive at Western Michigan, he is the embodiment of the kind of leadership and innovation needed to resolve our racial and cultural issues. In this conversation, we explore Dr. el-Hakim's background, his experience with high achieving hip hop artists, and his life changing conversion to Islam.

Show Notes:

• The history and goals of his Black History 101 Mobile Museum
• How do we address inequalities? How does Covid change the approach?
• Dr. el-Hakim's background - including his family's escape from slavery in Virginia via the underground railroad
• How artifacts can be used to address racism
• How to find your students interests, and then integrate that into their curriculum
• His experience interacting with phenomenal hip hop activist artists like Proof
• How hip hop introduced him to Malcolm X and the beauty of Islam
• The challenges faced when converting to a new religion
• The importance of diverse expressions within the Muslim community
• "Little Black Sambo" - example of a stereotypical, racist, and ill-informed book that programmed American minds for almost a century.
• Why racial and cultural issues won't resolve themselves, we must dialog and take action
• The first step to educate future generations - diversify the educators
• How to engage our youth with the political system

Connect with Dr. Khalid el-Hakim

Website | blackhistorymobilemuseum.com

Facebook | Black History 101 Mobile Museum

Instagram | @bhistory101

Email | [email protected]

Phone Number | 313*645*4197

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Website | amerfahmed.com

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

Please Subscribe and Review!

Show Notes: 

• How our economic model prioritizes commodification of culture and personality
• Would anyone feel the need to put down another if they truly felt whole?
• Bob Marley Wisdom - Why you can educate someone, but they won't act until they feel the conviction behind it.
• How to allow nature to guide and inform our evolution
• Why our inner work matters more than our external actions
• The importance of re-establishing the value and significance of the womb
• Why you cannot extract a sound from the experience that created it. 
• Is your next step going to be a drain or a fountain of energy?
• How art is a purification and filtration process
• Nature doesn't rush but everything gets done!
• Why leaders aren't always in the most visible positions

Connect with Mumu Fresh:

Instagram | @mumufresh

Website | MaimounaYoussef.com 

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

Website | amerfahmed.com

Please Subscribe and Review!

Music and art will play an instrumental role in achieving racial and social justice. Today's episode features the dynamic Maimouna Youssef AKA Mumu Fresh, the Grammy nominated singer, expressive activist, and passionate educator. She shares how imbuing activism with heroic storytelling principles will encourage more inspired decision making. We are treated to a soulful acapella performance, along with insights from her experience supporting Stand Rock, lessons from the life of Malcolm X, and advice for artists feeling unexpressed. Be sure to check out Part 2 of this interview!

Show Notes:

• Why it's common for artists to use their gifts on stage, but feel unexpressed in their personal lives
• The intention behind her music heals, uplifts, and brings people closer to God
• How slavery and escape songs helped build the foundation for many of the popular and iconic musical styles
• What's missing from current day music and art? 
• Is mainstream music white washed?
• How has Malcolm X influenced and impacted Mumu Fresh?
• Why admitting you are wrong and changing is a hallmark of maturity
• Maimouna's experience with Standing Rock, and how she came to understand that water is EVERYONE'S issue. 

Connect with Mumu Fresh:

Instagram | @mumufresh

Website | MaimounaYoussef.com 

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

Website | amerfahmed.com

Please Subscribe and Review!