Ep. #1.7

Summary:

Having traveled the globe as a musician--most famously as Whitney Houston's musical director for over 17 years, guest Michael Baker, has seen what it’s like to be a Black man across the world. Now settled in Italy, where he has lived and worked for 15 years, Michael’s insights into racism have evolved and grown. In this episode, we naturally touch on the pandemic and Italy’s response compared to the US response. As one of the hardest-hit countries initially, Michael Baker shares how Italy's community-mindedness helped them overcome the worst of the pandemic. Pointing out, the deep sense of community and responsibility that fellow Italian citizens have and its stark contrast to the individualistic thinking prevalent in the US. Michael talks about his experience of racism in Italy and how he deals with it and although, he has had many uncomfortable moments in Italy, he has never feared for his life as he has in America as a Black man. He recounts stories of being pulled over by cops after being on tour and getting followed around supermarkets in the U.S looking to catch him stealing. Michael discusses the power structure within the US and how the powers that be, are polarizing people and using age-old tactics to even turn Black people against one another-- and that the racist rhetoric coming from the U.S. has taken hold in Italy and other countries--and how the Italy and others are dealing with this. Michael talks about hatred-- believing that it is the "easy" way out --and insists that people focus on the power of story and that the more we can share and get to know one another, the more we can make our own shifts that ultimately accumulate and lead to meaningful change.

 Key Points From This Episode:

·   The Italian response to the pandemic and how it compares to the US’s reaction.

·   What Michael has seen about how Italy treats Black people and immigrants.

·   Comparing Italy’s understanding of Africa with America’s.

·   The difference in Black culture between Italy and the US, from Michael’s viewpoint.

·   Michael’s daily experience of racism in Italy.

·   How being married to an Italian helps serve as an anchor into society.

·   Michael believes that it is important to correctly frame the older generation’s response to him.

·   What life is like for a Black person in America and how Michael feels when he visits home.

·   Michael’s experience of being excluded in the US because he is Black.

·   Why Michael is fueled by people telling him he cannot do things.

·   Racism is something you will experience for a lifetime.

·   How Michael’s children experience racism, given that they are mixed-race.

·   Why Michael would not let his children walk around at night.

·   The assumptions that people make about why Michael lives in Italy.

·   The rise in racist rhetoric in Italy that trickles down from America.

·   How Michael met Clark Terry, the legendary jazz trumpet player.

·   The incredible story of how Michael’s mother got her Ph.D. while raising four children and with limited resources.

·   What is happening in Italy with the Black Lives Matter movement.

·   Michael’s take on whether current social movements will have a lasting impact.

·   A meaningful encounter Michael had with his neighbor when he visited Duluth.

·   A final piece of advice from Michael!

Retired NHL Player #42 and Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA) Co-Founder, Joel Ward II discusses life as a minority in a predominately white league (Ep. #1.6)

Episode 1.6: Show Notes. 

With the rise of the black athlete over the past 50 years, we often see professional athletes of all races presented together as a great example of the progress and leaps we’ve made in diversity. On this week’s episode, we speak with NHL Veteran #42 and Hockey Diversity Alliance co-founder, Joel Ward II, and have a discussion about how everything might not be as racially idyllic as it seems. Joel discusses what it’s like to be a minority in the NHL, one of the few majority white man’s sports leagues in North America. Joel talks us through specific incidences of racism and prejudice he’s experienced from both the league, and sports fans around the country. It’s these oversights that led Joel to join with eight other hockey players and form the Hockey Diversity Alliance, an organization that has committed itself to increasing visibility of minority players, addressing concerns of racism within the NHL organization, and encouraging POC to become involved in hockey at all levels. Joel also gives general advice as to the steps allies can take in listening and understanding black people, as well as tangible actions that can foster real change within both Canada and the United States. Overlooked history is also addressed as to the black roots from which the game of hockey sprung from, as well as the importance of major black athletes in the fight for acceptance and equality. Tune in to hear more about Joel’s unique and inspiring journey, and how you can make a difference “both on and off the ice.”

Key Points From This Episode: 

• Joel starts by talking about instances of racism in the NHL

• The Hockey Diversity Alliance works to increase diversity in professional hockey

• HDA is trying to get more POC on hockey team staffs and POC kids playing hockey

• Unequal opportunities for Black hockey players like Joel compared to white majority

• Willie O’Ree breaking down barriers as first black player in NHL

• The hidden hockey history of the Black Hockey League the first league in North America

• Joel tells a harrowing story about being pulled over by a cop and fearing for his life

• Experiences of racism that white hockey teammates may not understand

• Addressing the importance of white people educating themselves about racism

• A story about subtle racism in Nashville, and the way allies should listen and believe others

• Words and statements of meaning only go so far, action is what is truly important

• The difference between racism in Canada and the USA is much less than what people think

• The special connection Joel has with Jackie Robinson, and the number 42

• Joel discusses his future in hockey possibly as a coach or trainer

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Joel Ward II

National Hockey League (NHL)

Hockey Diversity Alliance (HDA) -
https://hockeydiversityalliance.org

Akim Aliu

Wayne Gretzky

University of Prince Edward Island

Fredericton, NB

Willie O’Ree - 1st Black Hockey Player in the NHL

Hockey Hall of Fame

Jackie Robinson #42

Sports Hall of Fame in New Brunswick

Black Ice Book

Africville, Nova Scotia

Black Hockey League

Tommy Smith

John Carlos

1968 Olympics 

Statement from the Hockey Diversity Alliance on NHL’s response to racial injusti

Episode # 1.4 -

Former NYPD Captain, turned criminal defense attorney, talks with Ralph & Cayman about the state of America's justice system and the ways we could reform it.




ROBERT'S CASE: PETER LIANG (*AKAI GURLEY MURDER)
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/trial-second-degree-manslaughter-nypd-cop-testify-n497941

ROBERT BROWN'S HARVARD PAPER:
Systems Thinking Approach to Addressing Police Shootings of Unarmed Black Men
A Systems Thinking Approach to Addressing Police Shootings of Unarmed Black Men
https://www.whitespeakpodcast.com/post/episode-3-america-s-justice-system

Opinions | I used to be a police chief. This is why it’s so hard to fire bad cops. By Daniel Oates  6/12/2020 (Former Miami Beach, Aurora & Ann Arbor Police Chief) https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/opinions-i-used-to-be-a-police-chief-this-is-why-its-so-hard-to-fire-bad-cops/ar-BB15ogDt


ROBERT E. BROWN ESQ.

Mr. Robert Brown founded the Law Offices of Robert E. Brown, PC in 2006. Since then, he has represented thousands of clients – and with a very high case success rate. Before opening his own firm, Mr. Brown worked as a lawyer for the international firm of Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, and the renowned firm of Slotnick, Shapiro & Crocker — a leading criminal defense and matrimonial boutique. Prior to his law career, Mr. Brown was a member of the New York City Police Department. He retired as a Captain from the 5th Precinct, located in Chinatown.

Because of his extensive experience in both federal and state courts and as an expert in police procedures, Mr. Brown has appeared as a legal analyst on CNN and Tru TV and has been a guest lecturer at Cardozo Law School. Mr. Brown is also an Adjunct Professor at Boston University, where he teaches a distance learning course in Real Estate Law. He has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, CBS, NBC, ABC, PIX11, and FOX, and in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, New York Post, New York Daily News, DNA Info, Buzzfeed, and the New York Law Journal. Mr. Brown is also a guest lecturer at Michigan Law School, Brooklyn Law School, Cardozo Law School and St. John’s School, of Law.

Early beginnings in law enforcement…

As a Captain, Mr. Brown was the Executive Officer of the Fifth Precinct, located in Chinatown. He supervised over two-hundred members of the Police Department including lieutenants, sergeants, detectives and police officers. Mr. Brown created the innovative Premise Inspection Program using various laws and ordinances to combat illegal Asian Gang activities. He targeted gambling and prostitution operations in Chinatown and closed down several such locations.

As a Lieutenant, Mr. Brown was the Commanding Officer and Chief Investigator of the NYPD’s Special Prosecutor’s Office. As such, he conducted administrative interrogations (GO-15’s) of police personnel accused of high-profile corruption and serious misconduct. Mr. Brown also conducted a Department-wide review of all open criminal cases against members of the NYPD and made recommendations regarding strategy and penalties.

While a member of the NYPD, Mr. Brown targeted criminal enterprises and supervised joint operations with city, state and federal agencies. He was assigned as an investigator to the Drug Enforcement Administration and Queens Narcotics District.

Responding to the recent murder of Jacob Blake, host, Cayman Grant, with the help of posts from social media, responds to the critics and "naysayers" of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. 

Listener Question - (Prelude Ep. #1.4)

WHAT IS QUALIFIED IMMUNITY? 

Host, Cayman Grant talks about "QUALIFIED IMMUNITY"-- what it is, where it came from and why it matters that the Supreme Court has chosen not to review the most recent cases brought for review.


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Episode # 1.3 -

Former Civil Rights Activist, Brenda Delgado discusses what it was like growing up becoming an activist and marching with Dr. King during the tumultuous 1960s. She speaks with Cayman about what that experience was like and how it compares to today--and what Dr. King himself may think of what’s happening here in America 52 years later.

Before there was #resist, there was resist a 1960s movement. The turbulence and civil unrest of the 1960s was never just a protest. It was a movement, a civil movement demanding change. Today's hashtag resist does not exist without this previous movement, or without the sacrifice of those that came before us. What’s going on today represents the same broken political and judicial system from the 1960s—but told from the exact same yet different set of youth. 

The effects of that very powerful and haunting time has transcended into today's modern culture –with the #Black Lives Matter movement -- The only thing that's changed is the calendar year—

The hotbed is back with a new set of youth – the same lens from the same exact American youth of the 1960s. 

Brenda Delgado was one of those youth of the 60's, who grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, during the Civil Rights Movement and was activated at a very young age, marching with civil rights leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

She talks about life growing up in the south as a descendant of a slave owner's son and the legacy of her family, the civil rights movement and where we are today in America.

GOOD TROUBLE: A Tribute to Civil Rights Icon, Congressman, John Lewis
(Ep. #1.3 Bonus)

Honorable John Lewis's Own Last Essay.

The late civil rights icon and Georgia representative John Lewis died on July 17th, 2020 at the age of 80 and was laid to rest on Thursday, July 30th, 2020. His strength and activism inspired millions around the world, his unwavering commitment to justice and equality must never be forgotten.


Honorable John Lewis's Final Words:

"Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation."

John Lewis wrote the essay shortly before his death, and requested that it be published on the day of his funeral. This is the first several paragraphs of it:

"While my time here has now come to an end, I want you to know that in the last days and hours of my life you inspired me. You filled me with hope about the next chapter of the great American story when you used your power to make a difference in our society. Millions of people motivated simply by human compassion laid down the burdens of division.

Around the country and the world you set aside race, class, age, language and nationality to demand respect for human dignity. That is why I had to visit Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, though I was admitted to the hospital the following day.

I just had to see and feel it for myself that, after many years of silent witness, the truth is still marching on. Emmett Till was my George Floyd. He was my Rayshard Brooks, Sandra Bland, and Breonna Taylor. He was 14 when he was killed, and I was only 15 years old at the time.

I will never ever forget the moment when it became so clear that he could easily have been me. In those days, fear constrained us like an imaginary prison, and troubling thoughts of potential brutality committed for no understandable reason were the bars.

Though I was surrounded by two loving parents, plenty of brothers, sisters and cousins, their love could not protect me from the unholy oppression waiting just outside that family circle. Unchecked, unrestrained violence and government-sanctioned terror had the power to turn a simple stroll to the store for some Skittles or an innocent morning jog down a lonesome country road into a nightmare.

If we are to survive as one unified nation, we must discover what so readily takes root in our hearts that could rob Mother Emanuel Church in South Carolina of her brightest and best, shoot unwitting concertgoers in Las Vegas and choke to death the hopes and dreams of a gifted violinist like Elijah McClain.

Like so many young people today, I was searching for a way out, or some might say a way in, and then I heard the voice of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on an old radio. He was talking about the philosophy and discipline of nonviolence. He said we are all complicit when we tolerate injustice.

He said it is not enough to say it will get better by and by. He said each of us has a moral obligation to stand up, speak up and speak out. When you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something. Democracy is not a state.

It is an act, and each generation must do its part to help build what we called the Beloved Community, a nation and world society at peace with itself. Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble.

Voting and participating in the democratic process are key. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society. You must use it because it is not guaranteed. You can lose it. You must also study and learn the lessons of history because humanity has been involved in this soul-wrenching, existential struggle for a very long time...

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Episode # 1.2 - 

Dr. Brian Lowery, Senior Associate Dean, Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, talks with us about his research and what must be done to combat racial justice and how we move toward meaningful change in America.

Episode Links:

• Brian Lowery, PhD
• Washington Post Opinion | To my white friends, the time for talk has passed
• Follow Brian Lowery, PhD on Twitter

Get a free audible book download at  http://www.audibletrial.com/whitespeak

• Washington Post Article: Blacks Ordered Free in Iran - "Islam reserves special rights for women and that blacks for a long time have lived under oppression and pressure in America." 
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1979/11/18/women-blacks-ordered-freed-in-iran/66947cbd-c9b1-4933-ac10-0e400c67e215/
  
  

Several of Dr. Lowery's Published Journal Articles:

Herd Invisibility: The Psychology of Racial Privilege L. Taylor Phillips, Brian S. Lowery. Currents Directions in Psychological Science. May 1, 2018, Vol. 27, Issue 3, Pages 156-162.

The Hard-Knock Life? Whites Claim Hardships in Response to Racial Inequity L. Taylor Phillips, Brian S. Lowery. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. November 2015, Vol. 61, Pages 12-18.

Deny, Distance, or Dismantle? How White Americans Manage a Privileged Identity Eric D. Knowles, Brian S. Lowery, Rosalind M. Chow, Miguel M. Unzueta. Perspectives on Psychological Science. November 17, 2014, Vol. 9, Issue 6, Pages 594-609.

Episode # 1.1 -

Hosts, Cayman and Ralph share the day they realized that America was racist-- and how race was and is inherently built into its fabric. 



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Prelude -

I decided that I would do something a little different before our launch. I came across a post this past weekend (July 4th) that only solidifies why we want to do this podcast. We wanted to make sure we share it with you.

Thanks for listening!


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