The Invisible Men

In this episode of the Invisible Men, Ian and Nique engage with Devon Westhill, president of the Center for Equal Opportunity, discussing his personal journey growing up as a mixed-race child in the South, the dynamics of race and education, the role of single mothers, and the importance of social safety nets. The conversation also delves into the distinction between equal opportunity and equity in today's society, emphasizing the need for character-based judgment over race-based outcomes.

Devon discusses the complexities of racial representation in corporate America, the shifting dynamics of equity and inclusion, and the potential impact of AI on the legal profession. He reflects on cultural changes in sports, the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions on education, and offers advice to the younger generation about authenticity and opportunity.

In this episode of the Invisible Men, Ian Rowe and Nique Fajors engage in a deep conversation with Darius Jones, founder of the National Black Empowerment Council. Darius shares his upbringing in a family of educators involved in the civil rights movement, which shaped his understanding of race and empowerment. He discusses the importance of political engagement and the need for effective black leadership, emphasizing that not all leaders who share racial identity will prioritize the community's needs. The conversation also highlights the mission of the National Black Empowerment Council in fostering leadership and creating positive change at the municipal level, as well as the vital role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in empowering black leaders.

Darius Jones discusses the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the complexities surrounding identity and opportunity, and the importance of merit in the black community. He emphasizes the need for innovative strategies to navigate new opportunities and the significance of guarding one's mental space. Darius also shares insights on influential figures in the black community and offers advice for the next generation, highlighting the power of thoughts in shaping reality.

Philip Abode, the lead pastor of Crossover Bible Church and executive director of Crossover Preparatory Academy, joins Ian and Nique to discuss his life journey, the role that faith played in his upbringing, and his work to promote North Tulsa’s flourishing. The conversation highlights the comprehensive community development initiatives he and his colleagues have implemented, including youth sports programs, educational institutions, and healthcare services, all aimed at restoring and empowering their community. He also highlights the need for empowerment through education and development, sharing insights on the rituals and culture established at Crossover.

Erec Smith, a research fellow at the Cato Institute, joins Ian and Nique to discuss his life journey, “wokeism,” and the effects and future of DEI initiatives. Erec shares his experiences as a chief diversity officer and critiques the current state of DEI, arguing that it has strayed from its original purpose. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities facing DEI in the future, as well as the complex relationship between freedom and racism in the black community.

He also discusses his resignation from academia due to the challenges posed by the prevailing woke culture. He emphasizes the importance of agency and self-reliance, arguing against the victim narrative often promoted in academic circles. Smith expresses optimism about shifts in corporate America and the need for mentorship programs that truly support diverse individuals. He advocates for a rethinking of diversity and inclusion initiatives, suggesting a focus on racelessness and individual agency instead.

Michael Bowen, a founding member of Free Black Thought, joins Ian and Nique to discuss themes ranging from race, identity, and the important intellectual diversity within the black community. The conversation delves into Michael's early awareness of race, the cultural significance of jazz and the Black Arts Movement, his experiences in college and fraternity life, the role of black engineers, educational disparities, and the founding of Free Black Thought, which challenges prevailing narratives about race and achievement.

Sarah Bond, the president of Xbox, and Bruce Bond, her father, join Ian and Nique to discuss their relationship, lessons learned from their lives and careers, and their experience of race in America.

Bob Woodson, founder of the Woodson Center, joins Ian and Nique to discuss his career, the future and history of the civil rights movement, and how to promote equal opportunity for all Americans.

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This week, Ian and Nique are joined by Dr. Irvin Scott – director of the Leadership Institute for Faith and Education at Harvard University and former deputy director for K-12 education at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, with over twenty years of experience working as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and chief academic officer. Dr. Scott describes the core elements of what it means to raise three African-American boys: Bibles, books, and balls – all of which transcend race and help affirm one’s place in the world.

Dr. Scott believes fatherhood is critical to human flourishing and explains that policymakers need to address what is causing the absences of fathers, particularly in African-American communities. Watch the full episode to hear the impact that a ninth-grade English assignment had on his academic development and to hear his words of advice to “Darryl.”

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In this episode, Ian and Nique are joined by Shelby Steele – author, columnist, documentary maker, and Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution. Shelby shares how growing up in the milieu of the civil rights movement caused him to be intellectually engrossed in debates about race and America from an early age. His father, despite lacking even a high education himself, pushed Shelby to believe that black people could overcome barriers and achieve great things in life with the right opportunities and the proper attitude.

Later, Shelby describes how white guilt – the idea that white people today are guilty of all past historical injustices – is the most powerful force in western culture. Watch the full episode to hear Shelby describe the impact this has on black America and to hear his words of advice to “Darryl.”

In this special episode, Ian and Nique engage in a one-on-one conversation about key takeaways from the Tokyo Olympics. They also share their reaction to a recent bill signed by Oregon Governor Kate Brown that eliminates the need for students to test proficient in reading, writing, and math in order to graduate high school. Their discussion centers around “Darryl’s” likely reaction to both events. Watch the full episode to hear how Ian and Nique would explain these events to “Darryl.”