As a hip hop activist and veteran community organizer, Jasiri X is the ultimate embodiment of an integrated educator. Jasiri's empowering outlook and dedication to positive action are highly needed in these turbulent times. For those feeling stale in their approach to racial justice, or for those newer to the conversation, Jasiri's extensive history with this movement is sure to spark inspiration. In this episode, we talk about the origins of hip hop activism, the need for diverse approaches to create an inclusive society, and why it's vital to have whole communities involved in the quest for equality. 

Show Notes:

• How Jasiri uses technology to continue to educate during Covid-19
• How Jasiri began utilizing hip hop skills as an educational tool
• The history of conscious hip hop
• Jasiri's experience teaching Wiz Khalifa early in his rap career
• The power of community based hip hop and musical collaborations
• Why Jasiri was invited to visit Palestine
• What is his 1Hood organization?
• How generational differences can be utilized to create new organizations
• Why our power to create change requires COMMUNITY SUPPORT
• How Jasiri came together with Black, Muslim, and Jewish communities after acts of violence and hate
• Real life examples of how hip hop icons have made direct impact by bringing attention to Black issues
• Jasiri's message to educators - if you love and respect your students, the interaction will be more fruitful for everyone involved

Connect with Jasiri X:

If you are in the Pittsburgh, PA area, connect for community events!

Original Hip Hop Soundtrack to Paul Robeson's first film "Body & Soul" coming in 2021!

Website | jasirix.com & 1hood.org

Instagram | @jasiri_x & @1hoodmedia

Twitter | @jasiri_x & @1hood

Facebook | Jasiri X & 1Hood Media   

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

Website | amerfahmed.com

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To set the tone for this new podcast series, we have the honor of hosting one of the top experts in the racial and social justice field - Dr. Shakti Butler. As an inspirational facilitator and trainer, she incorporates whole body learning through stories, art, movement and dialogue. Listening to Dr. Butler is symphonic, as she incorporates wise indigenous principles to help solve present day issues. In today's conversation, she shares her dynamic healing vision in creating a more inclusive world. We also explore topics such as the importance of somatic healing, the link between the police and capitalism, and how to end intergenerational trauma. 

Show Notes:

• How Dr. Butler's diverse background shaped her commitment to social and racial justice. 
• How a wide range of influences makes us stronger cultural bridge builders.
• How viewing photos of Emmett Till changed Dr. Butler forever
• Why it's important that young people lead the next generation of social justice
• Will protesting end systemic racism?
• What will it take for us to understand that the markers of success are deeply enmeshed in economic systems?
• What can we do about massive income inequalities?
• Why any healing process shows that resonance is a prerequisite to a sense of belonging
• How do we create a new compelling, equitable vision for humanity?
• Imagine all the good work was having an impact - how would we know?
• Why policing is about protection of property, and not about promoting peace and safety.
• Why the healing process is complex, takes time, and is deeply somatic
• How do we create space for multiple ways of knowing and invite learners to explore possibilities?
• Dr. Butler's experiential teaching methods used while educating in NYC
• The forgotten powers of imagination and play in problem solving
• Why asking the right questions is vital to solve complex, societal issues
• What are the drawbacks of disciplinarian thinking and educational models?
• How do we end the cycles of intergenerational trauma?

Connect with Dr. Butler:

Website | world-trust.org

Instagram | @world-trust

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

Website | amerfahmed.com

Subscribe and Review!

In our polarizing times, the greatest challenge in creating a more equitable and just world stems from our lack of understanding of one another.  'Eclectic Inclusion' features diverse and unique voices who all have a meaningful impact on others through art, education and activism.  Each person will share how their backgrounds and experiences have shaped their journey to become educators and change-agents for a more inclusive world. Hosted by Dr. Amer F. Ahmed, an educator and consultant on diversity, equity and inclusion; 'Eclectic Inclusion' features dynamic individuals that will inspire, motivate, and challenge listeners to create inclusive environments.

In this introductory solo-cast, Amer exhibits his passion for racial and social justice by sharing intimate stories from his life. Amer also explores how a society reckons with past injustices, why we are all educators, and how to expand your abilities to make greater change. 

Show Notes:

• How Amer became a change agent for social and racial justice
• How higher education can generationally alter families
• Why noticing the presence of police is an ingrained response for many BIPOC
• How he balances Indian Muslim values with American culture
• What does it feel like to live in a highly racialized society?
• Reflections from Amer's life changing experience living in a Nelson Mandela led, post-apartheid South Africa. 
• What role does history play in present day reality?
• What happens when a society does not reckon with past injustices?
• How life as an American Muslim changed drastically after 9/11
• How hip-hop activism and spoken word poetry can be used to make change
• What backgrounds and types of people will be guests on the show?
• Why we are all educators in our own way
• How do we harness each other's gifts to create a new path forward?

Connect with Amer and The Eclectic Inclusion Podcast:

Instagram | @dramerfahmed

Twitter | @dramerfahmed

Website | amerfahmed.com

Subscribe and Review!