Unlearn And Relearn Podcast

We're coming to the end of 2020. To say this year has been challenging on so many levels is a major understatement. This year has been like moving from one slow moving train crash to another while passing shit show after shit show on the way. In this episode we review the stories and people that meant the most to us over the past year. We left some stories out. We left some people out. Some of the biggest stories of this year would have been the only thing we talked about in years past but they barely registered in a year like this one. From the Coronavirus to the death of George Floyd, the massive protests that happened this past summer, the economic crash, The President and all of his nonsense, It seems like we were hit with one crazy event after the other. So in this episode we try and put this crazy ass year into some sort of perspective while pointing our attention towards the future. We talk about all the good that came out of this year and hope for what we can accomplish going forward.

The events of this year motivated us to make this podcast and do this work. And We are so grateful for all of you that tune in and give us your attention and support.

We also say the names of our fallen this week, Laquan McDonald and Antwon Rose jr. And we highlight 2 Activists, Author and columnist Jimbo Times and Marine Biologist and Climate Activist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson.

The end of the year is here. Please be gentle and kind with yourself and others in this time. Take care of yourself. If you choose to, spend your money where it makes the most impact and does the most good. We'll be back on Jan 5th, 2021 with bigger and better content. And as always, thanks so much for hanging with us as we unlearn the BS and relearn the good stuff.

1. Jimbo Times- JT The LA Story Teller - Gentrification as the new wave of Jim Crow

https://knock-la.com/its-now-time-to-ask-if-gentrification-is-a-fourth-wave-of-jim-crow-policy-857060c11380

2. Dr Ayana Elizabeth Johnson--Marine Biologist building an inclusive climate movement

@ayanaeliza , @how2saveaplanet podcast

Music Credit: 'Low Frequency Music' Track Name: 'Good Day' Music By: Low Frequency Music @ https://soundcloud.com/user-551516820 Official "Low Frequency Music" YouTube

The people of the state of Georgia think elections are so nice they want to do them twice. So on January 5th, there will be a runoff election for 2 US Senate seats. These two elections determine who will control the Senate. The work that led to this moment can not be understated. Organizations have been registering voters since at least 2016 for a possible outcome such as this. Here at Unlearn Relearn, we are not fans of any of the candidates on either side. The two Democrats don't stand for our values and won't fight for real change. We still must vote them in because the alternative is a Senate, led by the truly awful Mitch McConnell, that does nothing but harm.

In this episode we talk about the history of Georgia Elections, the significance of this race, and what we can do to affect positive change going forward.

We also say the names of our fallen this week,  Brandon Bernard and William Howard Green AND we highlight two activists doing great work in the space of electoral politics, Nina Turner and Sonia Renee Taylor, A teacher, poet and writer dedicated to promoting the ideas of radical self-love and liberation.

The holiday season brings so many different challenges. Please take time to take care of yourself. Be gentle and kind. Support our activists in any way you see fit. And as Always, thanks so much for hanging with us as we unlearn the BS and relearn the good stuff.

       2. Sonya Renee Taylor--Author, poet, cute animal squealer unapologetically committed to radical self love as a path to liberation

Music Credit: 'Low Frequency Music' Track Name: 'Good Day' Music By: Low Frequency Music @ https://soundcloud.com/user-551516820 Official "Low Frequency Music" YouTube

This episode brought up many feelings and emotions around judging our levels of engagement in the fight for equality and equity. We’ve been having conversations with friends and the team around: if how much you do is enough and if there's more you can do? There will always be the persistent feeling of being inadequate or not doing enough. Part of the work is developing the tools and resources to manage that feeling. In this episode we talk about how doing what you can, when you can, for as long as you can, is more than enough.

There are those that can do everything from showing up to the protests marches and rallies, take the public actions, make the phone calls, and be in the scene of an active protestor. Then, there are those that believe in the cause and support the mission that simply can not do those things. So we encourage them to do what you can. Whether that is reposting account's info, sharing info supporting march goers, bail funds, advocacy groups, voting, or simply educating yourself so that if and when you have these conversations, you can speak from a place of competent proficiency. There is a role to play for all of us. The key is finding your role and maximizing the impact you have to do the most good.

We also say the names of our fallen, Darius Tarver and Michael Dean, and we highlight The Confess Project, an organization training inner city barbers to be mental health advocates AND journalist and sports commentator Jemele Hill using her voice and platform to promote the ideas of equality.

The Holidays are hitting the home stretch here. Please be gentle and kind to yourself, help where you can, when you can, and stay safe. And as always thanks so much for hanging with us as we unlearn the BS and relearn the good stuff.

1. Confess Project--Redefining mental health culture for Black boys and men

2. Jemelle Hill- Journalist / Sports Commentator 

https://www.instagram.com/jemelehill

https://twitter.com/jemelehill?lang=en

Music Credit: 'Low Frequency Music' Track Name: 'Good Day' Music By: Low Frequency Music @ https://soundcloud.com/user-551516820 Official "Low Frequency Music" YouTube

We are less than 2 months away from the inauguration of the next President. Though, we can't wait until they're in office to do our work. Our work begins now. Our job moving forward is to make sure we are educating ourselves on these politicians, what they have stood for and against in the past, to ensure we raise our voices to hold them accountable now and going forward. The fight is not over. It has only just begun.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have troubling and concerning records when it comes to the issues most important to us. We must get involved in organizations that are mobilizing a proper response and putting the necessary pressure where it can be applied to let this next administration know: we are watching you and we will speak up when you make moves that harm the people. We also discuss how local elected officials were affected by organized movements and how thoughtful strategy can be applied to affect the change we want to see.

We say the names of our fallen this week, Quawan Charles and Michiah Lee. And we highlight two people doing great work in our space, Oklahoma State Legislator Mauree Turner and Dr. Akilah Cadet, doing work with companies on anti-racism, diversity, inclusion, and equity.

We want you to stay safe in these crazy times. Covid is out of control. Please do not travel if you don't have to. Let's make the sacrifice for each other this holiday season and stay home. And as always, thanks so much for hanging with us as we unlearn the BS and relearn the good stuff.

1. Mauree Turner - First Non-Binary Muslim elected to Oklahoma State Legislator

2. Dr. Akilah Cadet --provides people and companies with services that support antiracism, diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging, host her own podcast @changecadetpodcast

Music Credit: 'Low Frequency Music' Track Name: 'Good Day' Music By: Low Frequency Music @ https://soundcloud.com/user-551516820 Official "Low Frequency Music" YouTube

The holidays are here. And we are still in the middle of a global pandemic. This year has forced us to re-evaluate many aspects of our lives. How we spend our money is no different. We live in a consumer driven economy. Which means in order for things to work around here, we must go out and spend our money. According to the system, what we buy makes no difference so long as we buy stuff. Do we need it? Do we even want it? It doesn’t matter. What matters is that we spend.

Over here at Unlearn Relearn, we want to promote the idea that if you’re going to spend your money, be aware of the local options available. Make the conscious decision to spend your money where it will help the most and do the most good.

We also talk about how spending habits have changed because of the impact of the pandemic. How personal austerity affects what we buy and the frequency of our purchases and how corporations treat their employees can have a major impact on if we buy from them or not.

We say the names of our fallen this week. Jonathan Price, Quintonio LeGrier, and Bettie Jones.

And we highlight Dominique Walker from Moms For Housing working on housing insecurity in Oakland, California AND Sonia Ross--Licensed Clinical Social Worker, working on body and mind relationship healing with black women.

Covid is a real concern right now. If at all possible stay home for the Holidays and Stay safe. Take care of yourself and your loved ones and as always thanks so much for hanging with us as we unlearn the BS and relearn the good stuff.

Music Credit: 'Low Frequency Music' Track Name: 'Good Day' Music By: Low Frequency Music @ https://soundcloud.com/user-551516820 Official "Low Frequency Music" YouTube

The election was about 2 weeks ago. The nation spoke and elected Joe Biden as our next President. There's one person that seems to have not caught up with reality and that's the current President. He's spreading misinformation, lies, and undermining the integrity of our election and our democracy. We have to call this madness out and set the record straight. We would all love to move on from this dark chapter in our history. Trump is hell bent on dragging us all down with him. In this episode we talk about the various lawsuits the president and his team have filed over supposed voter fraud and how each one is being dismissed due to lack of evidence. We talk about how Trump has blocked the transition process from going forward and how his election defense fund is nothing more than a last minute money grab to pay off campaign debts and line his pockets on the way out the door. We're all wondering what would happen if Trump lost and now we have our answer. He's going to make this next 2 months as difficult as possible.

We say the names of our fallen this week, revisiting the tragic story of Latahsa Harlins and giving an update on the trial of men accused of the murder of Ahmaud Arbery. We also highlight Public Academic Rachel Cargle and ACLU SoCal doing great work in southern California. Are you ready to pivot? Are you ready to move forward? We are and we have so much work to do now. Make sure you are taking care of yourself and arming yourself with knowledge and information. And as always, thanks so much for hanging with us as we unlearn the BS and relearn the good stuff.

Music Credit: 'Low Frequency Music' Track Name: 'Good Day' Music By: Low Frequency Music @ https://soundcloud.com/user-551516820 Official "Low Frequency Music" YouTube

What a week. We are living through extraordinary and historic times indeed. The election is over and the fall out begins. Joe Biden will be the next President. Kamala Harris will be the next Vice-President. Here at Unlearn and Relearn, we are not fans of either one of them. Our work now will be to highlight their records as we hold them accountable for their actions going forward. Also, we need to break down what happened in the vote count. Trump increased his vote total to record levels only bested by Joe Biden who got more votes. At least 140 million people voted in this election. The most ever. While this is an amazing development, we can't overlook the demographics of who voted and what that means for our work going forward.

There were a few bright spots none-the-less. Drug legalization and decriminalization passed all over the country, propositions that help our most vulnerable passed, and politicians that needed to go, got gone. We also cover the power of organizing and mobilizing and how those efforts had a direct and immediate effect on the results of this election. This was a mixed bag election. Some things to be excited about and other things that point the way towards how much work is left to be done.

We say the names of our fallen for this week Charles Roundtree Jr. and Terrence Clutcher AND we highlight Author Layla Saad (Me And White Supremacy) for setting up a blueprint for competent anti-racism work and the Committee Of Seventy, doing work on voter engagement, registration, and holding elected officials accountable in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area.

There is much work to be done and we are only getting started. So take a break if you need to, relax, reset, and get back into the fight.

And as always, thanks so much for hanging with us as we unlearn the BS and relearn the good stuff.

1. Layla Saad-- Me and White Supremacy

2. Committee of Seventy

Music Credit: 'Low Frequency Music' Track Name: 'Good Day' Music By: Low Frequency Music @ https://soundcloud.com/user-551516820 Official "Low Frequency Music" YouTube

The US 2020 Election is today. If you haven't voted, please do so.

In light of the moment and all the work we've done to get to this point, we wanted to take this opportunity to talk about the reasons we joined this fight. What started out as an episode about our motivations for doing this work ended up being a review of some of our most important show topics. Everything from racism in the wellness space to de-funding the police. This work has given us the privilege of learning more about what's happening in this country and also the great organizations doing amazing work to help solve the problems or alleviate the pain caused by them. No matter what happens in this election, the fight continues. Justice For All is the main objective. A fair and equitable world is what we fight for and no matter who wins, we have our work cut out for us. So take a moment to breath, rest and reset. Then, let's get back to the fight.

We say the name of our fallen this week, Marcus-David Peters and Walter Wallace Jr. And we highlight Vote Save America working to inform and push people to the polls and Ashley Lukashevsky and artist painter using her skills to provoke, uplift, and inspire. One day at a time, we'll get through this. Stay encouraged and stay active. And as always, thanks so much for hanging with us as we unlearn the BS and relearn the good stuff.

1. Ashley Lukashevsky 

@ashlukadraws

2. Vote Save America

Music Credit: 'Low Frequency Music' Track Name: 'Good Day' Music By: Low Frequency Music @ https://soundcloud.com/user-551516820 Official "Low Frequency Music" YouTube

When we talk about racism there is no way we can not mention Climate Change and it's impact on marginalized communities. Environmental racism is affecting the most vulnerable in the most destructive ways. Hurricanes are worse than they've ever been. Sea levels are rising. Droughts are more desperate and wild fires set new records every year with how much of our forest is burned. In this episode we talk about a subject, one that is easily worth hours and hours of discussion, and look at it from one specific angle-- climate change and its effects on black, brown, and poor people in America.

This crisis is the story of struggle. It is the story of civic engagement whether you want to be involved or not. This is the one crisis that eventually will affect us all, rich and poor. This topic leads us down a familiar path, one of being aware. In order to adequately respond to the challenges of climate change you must be aware. Aware of what greedy corporations are doing and the complicit politicians that allow them to get away with it. Aware of how our collective and individual actions exacerbate the problem. Aware of who has real solutions and who's just talking. Climate Change is man-made therefore it is up to us to come together to solve it.

We say the names of our fallen this week, Sterling Higgins and Corey Jones, and highlight two organizations doing amazing work for voting and civic engagement, The Florida Restoration Coalition and The Conversation Truck. We are almost to election day and we thank you so much for supporting our efforts. And as always, thank you so much for hanging with us as we unlearn the BS and Relearn the Good Stuff.

1. Florida Rights Restoration Coalition 

https://floridarrc.com/about/

2. The Conversation Truck 

www.instagram.com/theconversationtruck

Music Credit: 'Low Frequency Music' Track Name: 'Good Day' Music By: Low Frequency Music @ https://soundcloud.com/user-551516820 Official "Low Frequency Music" YouTube

Have you ever noticed how our media shapes narratives? Well we have. In this episode we discuss the impact propaganda and the media has on influencing the masses. Take a look through our history, it seems whenever a group of people make an attempt to rise up and demand better treatment from the system, they are met with disdain, scorn, shame, and a story crafted around them that seeks to invalidate not only their grievances but also their humanity.

We break down the history of propaganda and protesting in the modern era, and discuss how propaganda impacts protesting. The story usually goes something like the following: Who are you to protest? Shut up. You're not doing it right. I would have been on your side if you didn't do "X" or say "Y".  In this episode we do "X" and say the hell out of "Y".  Protesting is messy. It's supposed to be. It's like building a plane as you're taking off down the runway. We correct our mistakes and keep moving. The one thing we don't do is stop. Not for anything or anyone. The propaganda surrounding movements for justice, equity, and equality are not going to be in our favor. Those opposed may say some really terrible things about us but we're fighting for a better world for all, which means changing the one those opposed have become accustomed to.

We also say the names of our fallen this week, Atatiana Jefferson and Robert Ford and highlight Mr. Checkpoint, an activist in LA reminding you to "Always Film The Police", and Knock LA, a Los Angeles based organization informing the public on the details of who and what to vote for and why.

What's your voting plan? Do you have one? If not, get one right now. And Vote early. As always, thanks so much for hanging with us as we Unlearn the BS and relearn the Good Stuff.

1. Mr Checkpoint

2. Ground Game LA  And Knock LA

https://knock-la.com/los-angeles-progressive-voter-guide-november-general-election-2020-fe6e286b3feb

Music Credit: 'Low Frequency Music' Track Name: 'Good Day' Music By: Low Frequency Music @ https://soundcloud.com/user-551516820 Official "Low Frequency Music" YouTube