"Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance” with Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Newman Leak

In this episode, Tonya and Erika talk about the dangers of states, like Florida, moving to ban education related to race, gender, sexuality, and religion. These restrictions cause harm to students and further marginalizes groups of students, sending the message that they are not valued. It is critical for K-12 education to include ethnic and other studies to help students understand and appreciate diversity in our society.

Education that promotes diversity will help students develop empathy and respect for others, creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Banning these topics only perpetuates harmful stereotypes and prevents meaningful conversations. We need to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students to learn and grow as they discuss these important topics. 

What are your thoughts? Where do you have influence to change the landscape?

In this episode, Tonya and Erika discuss meritocracy and how it impacts our community.  Meritocracy is a system where people get rewarded based on their abilities and achievements instead of their social status or connections. However, this system is often unfair to people of color. Meritocracy doesn't account for the discrimination sometimes faced by people of color and the barriers that make it harder for them to succeed or be rewarded in a meritocracy. For instance, they may not have access to quality education or job opportunities. 

Unconscious biases and stereotypes can also influence hiring decisions and promotions, making it harder for people of color to be recognized for their talents.  Many argue that true meritocracy is impossible in a society that still has issues of racism and inequality.

What does the system look like where you are? What types of challenges have you faced in your workplace?

In this episode, Tonya and Erika address the importance of recognizing and valuing racial diversity in the workplace, schools, and society. Ignoring race can reinforce implicit biases against people of color and lead to isolation, invisibility, marginalization, and ultimately devaluing individuals.  By recognizing and embracing racial differences, we can make strides towards creating a sense of belonging for everyone and addressing racial inequities. 

We'd love to hear your thoughts. What is your comfort level with racial conversations? Have you ever explored what contributes to your level of comfort? What resonates with you from today's podcast?

In this episode, Tonya and Erika explore the unique challenges faced by women of color in society and the workplace. They discuss obstacles such as being perceived as less credible or knowledgeable, feeling excluded from social circles, having limited for growth, lacking a voice, and the need to show up in socially acceptable ways. They also examine the intersection of race and gender in shaping these experiences and acknowledge that discrimination manifests in many forms.

The episode concludes with helpful advice on overcoming the difficulties women of color face in the workplace. What challenges have you encountered as a woman of color in your social and work spaces?

In this episode, Tonya and Erika discuss the presence of bias within all of us and how it has become ingrained into our society as social norms. They explore ways to confront bias and encourage people to learn and improve. 

They also examine how confronting bias can lead to positive change. The co-founders of Just Work, author Kim Scott, and CEO Trier Bryant emphasize the importance of a shared vocabulary, commitment, and norms in this process. 

Bias can be a difficult subject to tackle, but it is necessary to create a fair and equal society in all areas, including the workplace, civic groups, families, schools, and churches.

How do we confront bias in a way that helps people to learn to do better? How does confronting bias helps us to usher in change?

In this episode, Tonya and Erika discuss the importance of using your privilege to make changes in all aspects of society. They expound on what it means to be an ally, how to recognize those who don't have a voice, and lend your privilege to those who are marginalized in our society.

Being an ally is a lifelong process and requires ongoing work. They also explain the eight types of allyship in the Allyship Continuum. No matter where you fall on the continuum, it's part of the journey towards becoming an active ally who can make a positive change by dismantling oppressive systems.

Have you identified which type of ally you are? Are you ready to move up the continuum? Remember, you may have more influence, voice, or agency in one area than another.

Tonya and Erika walk through the history and intentionality behind the design of American policies and practices and what led to racial inequities that we experience now. Through this conversation in their podcast series, “Why is it so Hard? Shining Through the Shadow of Resistance,” they open up issues that have been difficult for us to discuss previously. 

This episode allows the audience to lean into the difficult conversations to create safe spaces and ultimately an opportunity to move forward together. Tonya and Erika encourage you to use each episode as an example to start your conversations about race with your family, community, or workplace. 

How will you start the conversation about race? 

As much as there are factions of society that want to deny it or are resistant to it, the reality is...racism still exists today. And it is still impacting the lives of adults and children across our country.

In this episode, Tonya and Erika discuss how racial stress and trauma affect us, speaking to what is known as “Racial Battle Fatigue.” They share their own stories of the current day and the past that further illustrate how racial stress and trauma are present.  

Listen in and join the conversation as they open up the dialogue about all types of daily experiences of racial discrimination, racial microaggressions, and institutional or systemic racism.

How has the impact of racism informed your view of our society and what do you think needs to be done?

Think back to when you were in school. How many black teachers did you have? What impact did they have on you?

In this episode of TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance," Tonya and Erika discuss how Black teachers play a crucial role in creating a more equitable and inclusive education system. The research is clear about the benefits on Black teachers for not just Black students but students of all races, cultures, and backgrounds. Indeed, Black teachers can serve as a valuable asset to the school community by ensuring the inclusion of necessary voices and perspectives in curriculum, family engagement and student interaction.

Tonya and Erika also share their experiences as educators and provide insight into why black teachers sometimes don’t feel supported in the workplace. Listen in and join the conversation on why Black Teachers Matter.

What if we told you your success as an individual might depend on others? Have you ever considered whether our society's narrative about doing things on your own was missing something?

In this episode of TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance," Tonya and Erika discuss Individualism vs. Collectivism, where Individualism holds individual achievement in high regard, and Collectivism values community, relationships, cooperation, and interdependence.

When we think about our classrooms and the workplace, providing opportunities to collaborate, interact, and work together is a strategy that values a collectivist approach and leads to more innovative, effective, and efficient solutions, and provides personal and professional growth opportunities for the individuals involved.

When have you had some of your greatest successes? Was it you alone or you with others?