The one in which we talk about the version of history that we learn about Native Americans versus the one we never heard of. This includes the fact that many of the names we know the First People by are not the names they call themselves, and are often even derogatory. The things we must unlearn and learn are deep.
Propaganda
The one in which we are just chatting, After Hours, about lies and fake news. How are some people so susceptible to believing “alternative facts”?!
Insurrections
The one in which we talk about insurrections – what they are and how they come and go. We attempt to understand the events of January 6, 2021 at the US Capitol building and what brought us to this place in history.
Separation of Church and State
The one in which of not having a government that dictates what we may or may not believe and how we choose to worship and pray, or not to do so. Many people fled to the US to avoid or escape religious persecution. This week we talk about the need to maintain protections for religious freedom and to keep religion out of government legislation.
Talking Turkey
The session in which we discuss the real history and meaning of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Blackface
The session in which we explore the history of blackface. We talk about its origins, how it developed over time, and why it’s offensive. Blackface brings up a very disrespectful, demeaning racist societal history. We learned how insidiously such things were a part of our upbringing and it’s part of the racism we are rooting out and working against.
Education Whitewash
Just us Shrinks having an After Hours discussion about the lack of actual American History in our prior education – trying to come to terms with our whitewashed understanding of so many things, on so many levels.
The Power of Story
The session in which we talk to Mark Lyons about the power of stories to create social change. As an author, and director of the Philadelphia Storytelling Project, Mark has worked with youth and adults to create audio stories about their lives. He has worked with inner-city youth using audio stories to improve literacy; with immigrants to document their dreams, barriers and determination, and with veterans who have found a way out of homelessness.
Education Activism
The session in which we meet Samuel Reed III, aka Reed, and Ismael Jimenez to talk about education activism and teacherpreneurship. Reed and Ismael are two passionate and dedicated educators who are core members of the Teacher Action Group (tagphilly.org). Ismael recently spearheaded the founding of the Philly Hub for Liberatory Academics (phlaed.org) while Reed currently focuses most on being a teacherpreneur and helping to promote economic and financial empowerment. Both believe in education as a tool of social change and liberation.
@BlackGirlsEatDC
The session in which we chat with Cornelia Poku, Communications professional by day – foodie/food blogger the rest of the time. We talked about food blogging, relationships, and race.
We spoke with Cornelia in DC on the first weekend in March 2020, right before things totally shut down. The day we met, elbow bumps were the recommended greeting and after the interview we thought maybe we shouldn’t, but we hugged each other anyway. Cornelia is the last person, outside of immediate family members that we hugged.
Once things shut down, we asked Cornelia for an update. Her update: (on audio) Hey everyone, the time we’re in is insane and we all feel helpless. But I’m always looking for things I can do to make some difference. I’m blessed to still be working and definitely trying to give whenever I can. I have also been patronizing small businesses and working with local restaurants to share their special offers to my audience. Hope you’re safe, enjoy the episode.