SUMMARY: 

In this special edition of Choppin' It Up for Black History Month 2025, host Will Jenkins is joined by Justin Turner and Calvin Blackmon to discuss their personal journeys, the importance of advocacy in professional spaces, and the ongoing challenges faced by professionals of color. They share insights on mentorship, the freight industry, and the impact of racism in today's society, emphasizing the need for community support and understanding. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges they face as Black professionals in business, the importance of representation, and the legacy of their ancestors. They share personal experiences of dealing with racism and the impact it has on their motivation and drive. The discussion also delves into the complexities of parenting in a racially diverse world, emphasizing the need for open conversations about race with their children. Finally, they reflect on their achievements and the pride they take in their journeys as successful Black entrepreneurs and executives. 

TAKEAWAYS: 

• Advocacy is crucial for career advancement. 
• Personal journeys often involve unexpected turns. 
• Excellence is required every day for professionals of color. 
• Mentorship differs from advocacy in its approach. 
• Community support can change career trajectories. 
• Racism still exists and impacts professional experiences. 
• Perception can influence opportunities in the workplace. 
• It's important to pay it forward for future generations. 
• Understanding challenges requires empathy and awareness. 
• Professional success often involves navigating biases. 
• Representation is crucial for advancement in business. 
• Racism can manifest in unexpected ways, even online. 
• The legacy of our ancestors fuels our motivation. 
• Parenting requires navigating difficult conversations about race. 
• Children need to understand their unique experiences in society. 
• It's important to control what you can control in life. 
• Success is often a result of perseverance and hard work. 
• Integrity and reputation are vital in professional spaces. 
• Embracing diversity enriches personal and professional environments. 
• Pride in achievements can inspire future generations. 

CHAPTERS: 

• 00:00 Introduction and Team Dynamics 
• 01:42 Personal Journeys and Career Paths 
• 09:29 The Importance of Advocacy in Professional Spaces 
• 15:01 Understanding the Challenges Faced by Professionals of Color 
• 23:11 The Ongoing Reality of Racism and Its Impact 
• 24:50 Facing Racial Challenges in Business 
• 28:20 The Legacy of Our Ancestors 
• 29:47 Navigating Conversations About Race with Children 
• 32:20 The Balancing Act of Parenting in a Diverse World 
• 39:47 Pride in Achievements as Black Professionals 

KEYWORDS: Black History Month, advocacy, mentorship, professional challenges, diversity, personal journeys, freight industry, career paths, racism, community support, racial challenges, representation, legacy, parenting, black professionals, entrepreneurship, integrity, diversity, corporate world, personal growth

EPISODE CREDITS:

Host, Will Jenkins

Creative Director, Erin Sweeney

Edited and mixed by Keenan McCarthy

Music licensed through Envato

LINKS:

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