Joseph Kazazian: Armenian Dreams

Joseph Kazazian is an Armenian American lawyer, musician, and community leader. Joe takes us on a tour of history, art, activism, religion, and identity. What was the Armenian genocide? Who are Armenians? Where do they come from? We discuss Turkey and Azerbaijan. The Black Panther Party. Growing up in LA. Glendale’s culturally significant beauty. Zanko chicken shawarmas. How to be an activist without destroying your power, health, and soul.  A tour de force from one of LA’s young bright stars. The son of a mechanic and an accountant gives us a series of reminders on what matters in life.

Shout outs to Bezdjians, Gharabedians, Glendale Community College …..

Continuing our conversations of wisdom series with Amira Ahmed, CEO of Sugar Dynamite and former executive in the cosmetics and retail industries. Amira takes us on a tour de force of keeping it real on; body image; skin whitening; cosmetic giants; worldwide control of women and beauty; racism and gender; girls in family and community; raising girls; toxic masculinity; pornography; sex; Egyptian Queen knowledge.

:26 Random French words

9:17 "I am a Mediterranean"

10:18 and yet that is not enough

11:58 there is no race or discrimination in France

12:18 wait. what?

12:35 ode to Ali G and Boutrous Ghali

13:00 you are French, period.

13:45 French revolution cliff note

15:27 what is Universalism?

16:12 Algeria explains France today

17:27 whites are superior is common culture

18:17 the slave trade went through Bordeaux

19:06 we are a nation in denial

19:16 James Baldwin in France

20:13 anti-racism is seen as a threat to France and the French

22:20 you want to Americanize society?

22:59 the intellectual left is racist

34:00 those in charge refuse to admit to the consequences of historical injustice

38:00 religion and society/state

42:09 the people are not neutral while the state is

42:25 the separation of church and state

59:00 there is no discrimination in France

60:00 cheese, wine and what?

60:39 Hassan Hathout's advice on travel

1:04 Frantz Fanon fire

1:11 Rim-Sarah's words of power

In a new series, I call a wise friend and ask questions about life.

Here we have @confessionsofabrowngirl Hanan Fawzy on life, friends, and investing in your happiness. I hope you enjoy these. There are diamonds of wisdom in the hearts and minds of all people.

Our goal should be to mine for that beauty.

Welcome to the beginning of a new series entitled What is Islam? Today, we pause at happenings in Istanbul, Turkey and the conversion of the Hagia Sophia to a mosque. I explain the idea of an origin story and the centrality of supremacy as an identity marker in our time.

I am often asked this question by parents and mentors of teens. This is a video for you and your youth. Bless up. 

Charlie Chaplin in his first speaking role takes direct aim at Adolf Hitler. 

Nina Simone: Mississippi Goddamn Billy Holiday: Strange Fruit Talking to Strangers - Malcolm Gladwell Road to Zion: Damian Marley Jah Army: Damian and Stephen Marley Sandra Bland Cortez meets Montezuma Chamberlain & Hitler