Episodes

  • How do Indigenous Native American and Kenyan cultures connect?

    How do Indigenous Native American and Kenyan cultures connect?
    Nov 18 2024
    In this exciting episode of Everyday Conversations on Race, host Simma Lieberman brings together Karen Waukazoo, a Rosebud Sioux tribe member and advocate for American Indians, and Jennifer Ngure, a Kenyan-born wellness coach, to discuss the profound ways culture connects and heals communities. Karen and Jennifer share their personal journeys of overcoming addiction, mental health challenges, and cultural shocks. They reveal surprising commonalities between Native American and Kenyan cultures, emphasizing the importance of community, traditional healing practices, and the role of cultural festivals. Tune in to learn how these two diverse backgrounds converge in their mission to foster resilience and well-being. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 01:37 Karen Waukazu's Journey and Cultural Advocacy 08:05 Jennifer Ngure’s Story and Wellness Advocacy 15:00 Cultural Healing and Community Importance 18:48 Challenges and Similarities in Cultural Practices 26:33 Youth Leadership and Cultural Revival 28:40 Connecting Cultures and Shared Experiences 31:02 Understanding the Mission District 32:12 Exploring Carnival and Its Origins 33:38 The Importance of Cultural Awareness 34:50 Personal Experiences with Cultural Differences 40:54 Challenges and Support in Immigrant Communities 44:46 Addressing Mental Health and Substance Abuse 47:42 The Issue of Missing Persons 51:54 Final Thoughts and Recommendations Guests Bio: Karen Waukazoo (Lakota) is the Interim Project Director of the CRDP Project at Friendship House. Influenced by her parents’ dedication to the Native American Health Center and the Friendship House Association of American Indians programs and the local community, she chose to follow in their footsteps by serving the Bay Area’s American Indian population in her own way. Knowledgeable of both sides of treatment and recovery, Karen has worked in many capacities at the Friendship House program – from a youth volunteer, to the Director of the Oakland Lodge Program, Intake Coordinator to her current position. In her over 15 years of service, she has made it her goal to advocate for quality treatment services for American Indian men, women and children affected by substance abuse and alcoholism. Respect and compassion, as well as knowledge all remaining at the forefront. Jennifer is a seasoned wellness coach, registered nurse, and advocate for culturally informed self-care, with over 18 years of experience in the healthcare field. As the founder of Nimo Wellness LLC based in Boston, she dedicates her work to empowering middle-aged women in the African diaspora as they navigate pivotal life transitions. Born and raised in Kenya, Jennifer brings a unique blend of medical expertise and cultural heritage to her practice, helping women manage stress, build resilience, and reconnect with their true selves. Her signature programs, including the RenewHER Essence Wellness Retreat, dynamic workshops, and the forthcoming Mid-Life Transitions Coaching Program, are designed to create inclusive, nurturing spaces where women feel seen, heard, and supported. Jennifer’s holistic, evidence-based approach celebrates the richness of cultural identity and community, promoting emotional, mental, and social well-being. Click here to DONATE and support our podcast All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas. Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, “Everyday Conversations on Race.” Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences. Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Tiktok Website Previous Episodes Breaking Bias with Anu Gupta How Can Art Eliminate Racism? Growing Up Biracial in a White World: Desiree Chang's Journey of Identity and Race Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating
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    58 mins
  • Breaking Bias with Anu Gupta

    Breaking Bias with Anu Gupta
    Oct 17 2024
    In this conversation on race, Anu Gupta talks about race, bias, and solutions. Anu Gupta thinks we are all biased, and that we all need to be "Breaking Bias," every day. In this episode, he shares his story of how other people's bias almost caused him to take his life. Anu Gupta is a renowned meditation teacher, human rights lawyer, scientist, and author of the book "Breaking Bias.'" The discussion centers around the profound impact of biases, including Anu's personal experiences with racial 'othering' and post-9/11 Islamophobia, which led to his severe mental health struggles. He introduces the PRISM framework (Perspective-taking, Prosocial behavior, Individuation, Stereotype replacement, and Mindfulness) as a set of tools for fostering systemic change and understanding. Anu's initiative, Be More With Anu, and his call to action for greater awareness and inclusive practices highlight the steps people can take to break through their biases. Our society is experiencing a mental health crisis where too many people are "othered" because of skin color, and other differences and feel like they don't belong. By "Breaking Bias," we can increase empathy, connection, and reduce fear of differences. Listen to this episode or watch it on YouTube, but don't miss this conversation on race. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 01:06 Guest Introduction: Anu Gupta 02:18 The Importance of Discussing Race 04:39 Anu Gupta's Personal Journey 10:57 Understanding Bias and Its Impact 27:35 The Prism Toolkit for Reducing Bias 33:49 Understanding Systemic Racial Issues in Policing 34:58 The Historical Roots of Racial Bias 36:53 Kamala Harris and the Intersection of Bias 40:39 Introducing PRISM: A Toolkit for Bias Reduction 43:57 Personal Stories of Overcoming Bias 46:37 Engaging in Conversations About Bias 54:47 Final Thoughts and Resources Guests Bio: Anu Gupta is an educator, lawyer, scientist, and the founder and CEO of BE MORE with Anu, an education technology benefit corporation that trains professionals across corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors to advance DEIB and wellness by breaking bias. His work has reached 300+ organizations training more than 80,000 professionals impacting over 30 million lives. As a gay immigrant of color, he came to the work of breaking bias after almost ending his life due to lifelong experiences with racism, homophobia, and Islamophobia. The realization that bias can be unlearned helped lead him out of that dark point and inspired a lifelong mission to build a global movement for social healing based on principles of mindfulness and compassion. A peer-reviewed author, he has written and spoken extensively, including on the TED stage, the Oprah Conversation, Fast Company, Newsweek, and Vogue Business. Click here to DONATE and support our podcast All donations are tax deductible through Fractured Atlas. Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, “Everyday Conversations on Race.” Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences. Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Tiktok Website Previous Episodes How Can Art Eliminate Racism? Growing Up Biracial in a White World: Desiree Chang's Journey of Identity and Race Will Music Transcend Racial Divides? Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • How Can Art Eliminate Racism?

    How Can Art Eliminate Racism?
    Sep 6 2024
    How can art bring people together in a world divided by race and culture? In this episode of "Everyday Conversations on Race," we explore how creativity can break down walls and build genuine relationships across cultures. Meet two artists who use their craft to challenge boundaries and connect communities. Carlos “Kookie” Gonzalez, a Chicano artist and former gang member, shares his journey from the streets of San Francisco to becoming a renowned muralist. Carlos reveals how he turned his life around through art and now brings people together through community murals that tell the stories of struggle, pride, and resilience. Discover how he engages young people to see art as a path to a better future, rather than a life on the streets. Click here to DONATE and support our podcast Laurie Marshall, an artist and educator, joins Carlos to discuss her "Singing Tree" project, which has united over 24,000 people from 52 countries in creating murals that envision a world of peace and understanding. Laurie describes how this collaborative process invites people to create something bigger than themselves and reimagine what’s possible when diverse voices come together. Together, Carlos and Laurie explain how art can do more than just decorate walls—it can change minds, shift perspectives, and unite people who might never have met otherwise. They share actionable ideas on how anyone, regardless of background or skill level, can use art to spark conversations, dismantle stereotypes, and create new stories that connect us all. Tune in to hear powerful stories of transformation and learn how you can use art to bridge divides and build a more connected world. Guests Bio: Laurie Marshall For 3Laurie Marshall,5 years, Author, Innovator and Artist Laurie Marshall has empowered youth and adults through creative collaboration. She practices Peace Building through Art, inspired by Nature. A visionary educator, she has served mostly low-income children, families and their schools as an Arts Integration and Project Based Learning specialist. Her mission is to nurture creativity, a love of learning, and a collaborative spirit. She is the founder of Unity Through Creativity Foundation and the Singing Tree Project. Carlos “Kookie” Gonzalez was born in the San Francisco Mission District in 1959. He has been drawing and painting since childhood, and is a muralist, activist, visual artist, retired probation officer, and musician. As a young man, he was required to perform community service that involved working with muralists, and he quickly fell in love with the craft. Gonzalez attended San Francisco State University (SFSU) from 1983 to 1991, where he was a member of La Raza Student Organization. With La Raza, Gonzalez protested for multiple causes including solidarity in El Salvador and fighting for migrant farmworkers. He continues to work on private commissions and a mural project for affordable housing in the Mission District. Gonzalez’s work reflects the street life, activism, music, and struggles of life as a Chicano/Latino in the Mission District. Click here to DONATE and support our podcast Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, “Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People.” Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences. Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Tiktok Website Previous Episodes Growing Up Biracial in a White World: Desiree Chang's Journey of Identity and Race Will Music Transcend Racial Divides? Racial Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Death Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating
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    1 hr
  • Growing Up Biracial in a White World: Desiree Chang's Journey of Identity and Race

    Growing Up Biracial in a White World: Desiree Chang's Journey of Identity and Race
    Aug 16 2024
    Imagine how you would feel if you were a biracial child raised by your white mother and knew nothing about your Black father or his culture. People treated you differently from your white cousins and the white kids at school, but you didn’t know why. In this Everyday Conversation on Race episode Desiree Chang, the Director of Education and Outreach for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, joins me. Desiree shares her unique journey growing up in a mostly white community in Amish country, Pennsylvania, and later moving to a diverse high school in Delaware. She opens up about the challenges of finding her identity, feeling like an outlier in her family and community, and discovering her Black heritage in her mid-30s. Desiree talks about her career path, from working in probation and parole supervision, and drug and alcohol counseling, to her current role in civil rights advocacy. Hear her story. and why she believes it’s essential to talk openly about race, and how avoiding these conversations can hurt children and keep ignorance alive. She shares personal stories about the emotional toll of constantly switching between cultural norms, the trauma of navigating a white-dominated world, and the necessity of preparing Black children for the realities they may face. Desiree also offers practical advice for white listeners on how to educate themselves about race and support efforts toward equity and inclusion. Key themes in our conversation include the importance of cultural humility, the impact of microaggressions, the need for genuine allyship, and how education can foster understanding and change. Desiree's honest reflections encourage listeners to think about their own experiences and biases, making this episode meaningful for anyone interested in social justice and personal growth. Tune in to hear Desiree Chang's powerful story and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of race, identity, and advocacy today. This episode will leave you reflecting on your role in creating a more inclusive and equitable world. Desireé Chang bio Desireé Chang serves as the Director of Education & Outreach for the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission. Desireé has been with the PHRC for over four years. Prior to becoming the Director of Education & Outreach, she worked as a Civil Rights Mediator with the PHRC Mediation Division. During her tenure at the PHRC, Desireé has received the Director of Excellence Award (2020), PHRC Social Justice Team Award (2021) and the Employee of the Year, Central Office (2023). Most recently, she was recognized as one of the 2024 PA City & State Above & Beyond honorees. She is a graduate of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Institute (2021) and the Commonwealth Leadership Institute (2023). Desireé has been recognized for her participation on several committees and community social justice collaborative efforts. Click here to DONATE and support our podcast Simma Lieberman The Inclusionist, helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, “Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People.” Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences. Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Tiktok Website Previous Episodes Racial Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Death Navigating the End of Racial Disparities in Healthcare Culture Connects Us Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Will Music Transcend Racial Divides?

    Will Music Transcend Racial Divides?
    Jun 30 2024
    Join Simma the Inclusionist in this episode of "Everyday Conversations on Race" as she discusses how culture connects us. The episode features special guests Kaati Gaffney and Ashel Seasunz Eldridge, who have extensive musical backgrounds. Discover how music shapes their perspectives on race and inclusion. Tune in for insightful conversations and engaging discussions on the power of culture to bring people together. Click here to DONATE and support our podcast Key Moments: [00:00:47] Music as a Cultural Connector. [00:05:01] Cultural unity and division. [00:09:13] Growing up in diverse communities. [00:17:01] Why talk about race? [00:21:13] The power of music. [00:25:00] Cultural Appropriation vs. Homage. [00:29:20] Race and blood connections. [00:34:08] Cultures Clashing. [00:38:47] Cultural Identity and Heritage. [00:41:39] Using culture for peace. [00:46:41] Culture and birthing connection. [00:49:56] Love overcoming fear. [00:54:12] Breaking barriers through music. [00:56:46] Authentic music preferences. Culture can be a powerful tool for connecting people across different backgrounds and fostering understanding and empathy. In the podcast episode, Simma, Kaati, and Ashel provide examples of how sharing cultures can significantly role bring people together. Kaati shared her experiences in the music industry, promoting reggae and blues music across the world. Music festivals serve as diverse communities where people from various backgrounds come together to enjoy music. Both guests share personal examples of how music can be a universal language that can transcend race, and connect individuals on a deeper level. They both say that music, as a cultural expression, can bridge gaps and create shared experiences among people from different cultural backgrounds. Ashel told us a compelling story about using culture to connect and address conflicts. He described a musical event organized by a Jewish friend pre-October 7, to be held post-October 7, which was to include Hebrew songs. “My friend expressed anger and frustration about the situation in Israel and Palestine. Instead of dismissing his feelings, our community created a safe space for open dialogue and understanding. By incorporating Hebrew songs alongside Palestinian prayers at an event, we demonstrated how cultural elements can be used to facilitate conversations, build bridges, and promote reconciliation.” Kaati mentioned her involvement in the birthing community, with different cultural practices and beliefs. “The birthing process serves as a space where cultural traditions and values are honored, showcasing how cultural diversity can be celebrated and respected in various aspects of life.” This episode of “Everyday Conversations on Race,” highlights how culture serves as a common ground for people to connect, share experiences, and foster empathy and understanding. By embracing cultural differences and engaging in meaningful conversations, individuals can use culture as a powerful tool to bridge divides and promote unity among diverse communities. Guests Bio: Ashel Seasunz Eldridge, Chicago born, living in Oakland by way of NY. He has West African/Blackfoot ancestry. Ashel has been working internationally with various shamanic practices since 2005. His ceremonial leadership includes Dagara divinitory and ancestral healing, Japanese spiritual purification, and Galactic Language Activation/Soul Cleansing via Tian Gong. He is Co-founder/Co-Director of Esphera, (umbrella for Essential Food and Medicine (EFAM), Solestial Church, and Earth Amplified, creating liberation through restoring ecosystems, regenerating communities, re-telling our stories, and remembering our divinity. The work spans from recovery support from addiction with the Oakland unhoused to indigenous international hip-hop to Elemental Activism: Rites of Repair (Tantra, Transformative Justice, Quantum Physics, and Divination) Kaati Gaffney Music Marketer since 1994 specializing in Blues and Reggae genresWe offer content on several platforms for fans— but also help festival promoters, bands and musicians reach those fans but also others in the industry. Each Thursday, we also publish the e-publications jam-packed with latest CD and single releases, featured videos, industry news, contests, Roots Radio Airplay Charts, tour dates, and upcoming festivals! Over the years, our company has morphed into a full-service, marketing and publicity company and we boast the largest reggae and blues databases in the world and several media platforms including a top-ranking website and social media pages with a half a million fans. Click here to DONATE and support our podcast Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, “Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People.” Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book ...
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    1 hr
  • Racial Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Death

    Racial Disparities in Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis and Death
    Jun 8 2024
    Why is there an increase in young people dying from Colorectal Cancer? Why are young people dying at a greater rate than anyone else? Are people under 50 too young to get colorectal cancer? In this episode of "Everyday Conversations on Race," Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist, is joined by Lisa Hall, Senior Director of Prevention and Screening at the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, and Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. They tell us why so many people are being diagnosed too late, and why more non-white people are dying compared to white people. Michael shares his personal story of his mother's death and the impact it had on him when he was young. Lisa talks about health disparities and how important her work with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance is to her as a Black woman. Listen to learn more about this critical health disparity affecting people of color and. the racial disparities in screening, diagnosis and deaths from colorectal cancer. At the end of this episode you'll know what you can do for yourself, how you can help your community and how you can support your friends who may be at risk, no matter who they are. Click here to DONATE and support our podcast Key Moments: [00:01:08] Racial disparity in colorectal cancer. [00:06:43] Early detection in minority populations. [00:10:37] Expanding colorectal cancer screening age. [00:15:19] Understanding average risk for screenings. [00:18:35] Screening disparities and awareness. [00:21:19] Advocating for your health. [00:27:13] Importance of early screening. [00:29:52] Resources for colorectal cancer. Guests Bio Michael Sapienza, Chief Executive Officer of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, lost his mother to the disease in May 2009. He turned his profound grief into action, inspiring and challenging the colorectal cancer community, family, friends, and professional associates to follow his lead and dedicate themselves to ending colorectal cancer within our lifetime—now the mission of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Michael served as President and Founder of The Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation from 2010-2015. He was an integral member of the team that led the effort to merge the Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation and the Colon Cancer Alliance, creating the nation’s largest colon cancer specific nonprofit. In 2017, the Colon Cancer Alliance changed its name to Colorectal Cancer Alliance, embracing the entire colorectal cancer community. Lisa Hall is a healthcare leader with extensive, proven expertise in strategic client management and development. During her career, she has applied her proven experience in cultivating and managing successful, complex relationships to drive forward both the client and organizations business agendas; She has done so while demonstrating results for influencing business outcomes achieving solid, consistent, market share and profit gains. Lisa’s business approach exemplifies her skills in consultative selling and building relationships with clients and prospects that ensures long-term, client solutions and business growth. Click here to DONATE and support our podcast Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, “Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People.” Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her for your next DEIB event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences. Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Tiktok Website Previous Episodes Navigating the End of Racial Disparities in Healthcare Culture Connects Us Black Modern Elder Academy: Creating a Space for Authenticity and Diverse Experiences Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating
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    32 mins
  • Navigating the End of Racial Disparities in Healthcare

    Navigating the End of Racial Disparities in Healthcare
    May 23 2024
    African-American Women are twice as likely as the national average to have Alzheimer's disease! Why?? Find out on "Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People, with my guest Asoniti Foster founder of Puzzled 2020, a company focused on mental wellness and Alzheimer's awareness. Asoniti discusses the urgency of addressing Alzheimer's in the Black community, highlighting the alarming statistic that African-American women are twice as likely to have Alzheimer's than the national average. We go deep into the intersection of race and Alzheimer's, to create awareness and the proactive measures that can be taken within marginalized communities. Click here to DONATE and support our podcast Key Moments: [00:03:51] Mental health in Black community. [00:07:07] Alzheimer's risk factors and the problem of awareness. [00:08:10] Alzheimer's disease and the lack of awareness in general and specifically in the African-American community. [00:13:51] Alzheimer's in the Black community and racial disparities in treatment and diagnosis [00:18:18] Exercise benefits for brain health and why it's so important for Black women. [00:22:38] Gratitude as a brain exercise. [00:25:59] Scrolling addiction and relationship to Alzheimer's [00:29:17] Alzheimer's epidemic and Black women. [00:34:33] Alzheimer's unexpected behaviors that most people don't know [00:36:41] Puzzled documentary on Alzheimer's. [00:41:07] Be your own advocate, and bring someone with you [00:46:51] Emotional Intelligence, books, and brain cells [00:48:02] Living longer in Blue Zones, and what we all can do to keep our brains and bodies healthier. Click here to DONATE and support our podcast About Asoniti Foster website: www.puzzled2020.com email: info@puzzled2020.com Facebook: @puzzled2020 Instagram: @puzzled2020 Born and raised in the city by the Bay, San Francisco, ASONITI FOSTER is a content creator /writer/producer and licensed caregiver. After graduating from San Francisco State University, majoring in Mass Communications with an emphasis in broadcast media and writing for television, Asoniti relocated to Los Angeles and held several positions in the entertainment industry. Success was indeed the reward, as she quickly moved up the ladder to eventually write a couple of episodes on Will and Jada Pinkett Smiths’ hit sitcom, “All of Us”. She also worked on a number of other sitcoms, including, One on One”, starring Flex Alexander and Kyla Pratt, “Second Time Around” starring Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kojo, and “Just Jordan” a Nickelodeon show. After the writer’s strike, Asoniti began independently developing and filming various projects. While honing her skills in creating, developing, and producing, a new passion blossomed in her life, care for Alzheimer’s patients. When both her grandmothers passed from the condition, she educated herself about it and planned to be proactive to an ignored class of patients. What she discovered was surprising and saw an opportunity to share her found information. With very little, to no material about why African American women are twice as likely to have the disease she knew it would be fitting to develop a documentary about it. So, she did, and it is titled, “Puzzled”. PUZZLED is an Alzheimer’s awareness documentary that will focus on why women are more like to have AD and why African American women are twice as likely to have it than the national average. And this would only be accomplished working alongside her daughter. As a producer on the documentary, SONI FOSTER-JACKSON is a pre-teen, sassy, smart, socializer, currently enjoying school and extracurricular activities: art, skateboarding, dance, and music – playing the French horn. Although her career goal is to become a veterinarian, she is multi-talented in production and post-production with an eye for creative edits and attractive content. Her voice plays a vital role in the project providing Alzheimer’s awareness from a youthful point of view. Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, “Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People.” Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her for your next DEIB event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences. Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition) Connect with me: Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn Tiktok Website Previous Episodes Culture Connects Us Black Modern Elder Academy: Creating a Space for Authenticity and Diverse Experiences Unpacking Identity, Race, and Representation in Crime Fiction Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating
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    51 mins
  • Culture Connects Us

    Culture Connects Us
    May 9 2024
    Title: Culture Connects Us: Identity and Transformation Do our cultures connect us or drive us apart? Why are our cultures even important? Join Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist, in this episode of Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People, to hear how culture can connect us, with guests Jalila Bell, Kwame Gaylon Logan, and Kayla Marin. They explore the importance of using culture to bring people together and share personal experiences. Galen, the founder of Village Connect, shares insights as a father and grandfather of 10. Tune in for an engaging conversation on race, culture, and building inclusive communities. Shownotes: Have you ever wondered how culture can either unite us or divide us? The creators of the film “Culture Connects Us”, believe that knowing and sharing our cultures can bring us together. If you think you know what culture is, you need to check out this episode of Everyday Conversations on Race for Everyday People, and listen to these stories. These three filmmakers of “Culture Connects Us.”.explore the film "Culture Connects Us" and share their personal journeys and the profound impact of cultural identities. Listen to Kwame Gaylon Logan, Jalila Bell and Kayla Marin talk about how our names hold deep significance and often shape our sense of self. Galen's experience in Ghana for a naming ceremony transformed his understanding of his cultural roots, while Jalila's Palestinian name reflects beauty and illumination. Kayla's attachment to her last name, Marin, highlights the importance of family history and identity. Culture goes beyond mere traditions; it embodies the essence of who we are. Understanding and embracing our cultural backgrounds can lead to greater self-awareness and connection with others. As Galen mentioned, love serves as a unifying force that transcends cultural differences. By celebrating our diverse cultures and sharing our stories, we can break down barriers and foster empathy and unity in society. Join us as we delve into the world of culture beyond what is visible, beyond what is assumed and how culture can be used to divide or connect us all. In this engaging podcast episode, Simma Lieberman, the inclusionist, hosts a conversation with guests Jalila Bell, Kwame Gaylon Logan, Jr., and Kaylah Marin. The discussion revolves around the theme of culture connecting us, exploring the significance of cultural identity and the power of storytelling in bridging differences. The guests share personal stories about their names and cultural backgrounds, highlighting the importance of embracing one's heritage and identity. From naming ceremonies in Ghana to the complexities of cultural integration in America, each guest brings a unique perspective to the conversation. Discover how names hold deep significance and reflect individual journeys towards self-discovery and acceptance. Join the conversation on race, culture, and the transformative power of storytelling in this thought-provoking episode. Don't miss out on the insightful reflections and inspiring narratives shared by the guests as they delve into the essence of culture and connection. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences that shape our identities and relationships. Click here to DONATE and support our podcast Guests Bio Jalila Bell is a dynamic multi-hyphenate whose talents span a diverse array of disciplines. From her accomplished career in law to her passions for dance, production, film, choreography, visual arts, and yoga, Jalila embodies the spirit of relentless exploration and creative expression. Honing her skills at institutions like the San Francisco’s Ruth Asawa School of the Arts and the prestigious American Dance Festival, Jalila has cultivated a rich tapestry of experiences. She holds dual degrees from Mills College and a J.D. from Golden Gate University Law School, reflecting her commitment to both artistic and academic pursuits. As a dancer, Jalila has graced renowned stages with Nyane Khosi Dance NYC, Delucia Benson Dance, and the Vissi Dance Theater, among others. Driven by her passion and fueled by resilience, Jalila infuses every endeavor with creativity and dedication. Through her artistry and expertise, she seeks to ignite curiosity and inspire others to explore the boundless possibilities of self-expression. A native of San Francisco deeply engaged in social activism, Kaylah has dedicated her career to serving various causes through her work with notable organizations such as the Dolores Huerta Foundation, Base Building For Power, Village Connect, Artist for Literacy, Women of Color Resource Center, Black College Expo, Furthermore, her musical contributions to Ron Dellum’s Memorial highlight her ongoing commitment to social justice and activism. In an effort to spotlight Indigenous cultures and land rights, Kaylah collaborated with the Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival, an endeavor that earned her the title ...
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    1 hr and 9 mins