This is a very special episode as sisters Audrey and Melannie celebrate their mother Alean’s 85th solar return. In the heartwarming and insightful conversation, Mom Alean joins her daughters in the studio to discuss her favorite topic: politics among many things. The discussion is candid, fun and touches on various aspects of life, as Mom Alean shares the wisdom she’s gathered over the years and her hopes for the future.
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Sisters Audrey and Melannie reunite on the mic after being away for some time. They catch up on current events, specifically digging deep into the polarizing vibe around the national elections and impact on the minds of the people. They welcome special guest Carol Coleman Mitchell, founder and CEO of the Institute for Black Justice. The conversation elevates further when they speak on the murder of Sonya Massey by police in her home, the imperative for every citizen to vote and offer shout-outs to local candidates running for political office. The discussion is unfiltered, insightful, and real.
Notes
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Sister Melannie, also known as Peace Queen, is solo on the mic as Sister Audrey continues her radical healing journey! Please send your prayers and good vibes!
In this episode, Peace Queen delves into what it truly means to lead, advocate, and thrive as a Black woman in political leadership. She engages in “truth-tellin'” dialogue with two distinguished members of the Washington State House of Representatives: the Honorable Melanie Morgan of District 29 and the Honorable Kristine Reeves of District 30, who is also chair of the Legislative Black Caucus.
Listen in as Peace Queen and the Sister Queens in the House candidly share their stories about the uniqueness of navigating leadership as Black women and confronting the pervasive impact of systemic racism. This discussion offers a rare glimpse into their journeys, challenges, and triumphs in the realm of public service and advocacy.
Resources:
Tema Okun. 1999. White supremacy culture. Dismantling Racism: A Workbook for Social Change Groups, Durham, NC: Change Work.
https://www.whitesupremacyculture.info/about.html
https://www.dismantlingracism.org/
Washington State Primary Election – August 6, 2024 – Cast Your Ballot!
https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/elections-calendar/dates-and-deadlines
https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=2243&Year=2024&Initiative=false
(https://www.commerce.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/CRP_Factsheet_FullVersion_final-10-17-23.pdf)
https://lcb.wa.gov/se/social-equity-plan
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Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS
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Production Note: Sister Melannie is on the mic solo. Sister Audrey continues her healing journey.
Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr., who is widely known as “Dr. Diversity” joins Melannie to unveil their exciting new collaboration at Pacific Lutheran University within the Continuing Education Department. Melannie is at the helm of creating a groundbreaking program called Anti-Racist Leadership Education, and Dr. Moore has officially committed to this initiative by signing a memorandum of understanding. Together, they delve into the program’s specifics and the potential it holds.
After the break, Melannie and Dr. Moore are joined by the remarkable Dr. Yusef Salaam. Dr. Salaam is renowned for his involvement as one of the “Central Park Five,” a group of young men wrongly accused and imprisoned for the alleged rape of a white woman in Central Park, New York. Subsequently, they were exonerated and are now celebrated as the “Exonerated Five.”
Dr. Salaam shares his plans to visit Tacoma on December 14-15, where he will engage with the community and provide valuable insights on a range of critical topics, including Prison Reform, Black Male Achievement, Juvenile Justice, Voting, Community Engagement, and more.
Resources and Links
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In a thought-provoking conversation, Melannie discusses the critical issue of Anti-Black racism and Anti-Blackness with author and truth-teller Dante King, alongside Rev. Brandy Renée McMurry from the Spiritual Care team at the University of California San Francisco. They draw attention to the unsettling parallels between this pervasive problem and a pandemic. The primary goal of their discussion is to shed light on the historical roots and current consequences of these issues on individuals and systems.
They also delve into potential solutions to address the harm caused and the often-overlooked nature of the situation. Their conversation aims to explore actionable steps that can be taken to confront and challenge this deeply ingrained problem.
Notes:
Anti-Blackness/Colorism (.pdf)
Center for Antiracist Research
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Dr. Karen Johnson, the first-ever Director of the Washington State Office of Equity, was abruptly terminated by Governor Jay Inslee on May 17, 2023. This decision caused a significant fallout, leaving huge numbers of individuals feeling bewildered, hurt, enraged, and emotionally shattered. In light of these events, Sisters Audrey and Melannie engage in an open and honest conversation with Dr. Johnson, delving into the unfolding of the situation and conducting a profound analysis of the underlying white supremacist culture and its connection to her termination. This conversation reaches a depth that many have not yet had the opportunity to hear, as they examine the far-reaching consequences and ripple effects triggered by Dr. Johnson’s dismissal.
Insight into why we named the episode this way: “Kizzy”, is a character in the miniseries adaptation of “Roots.” Kizzy is the daughter of the main character, Kunta Kinte, and his love interest, Bell. Though she is born into slavery, she is portrayed as a spirited, intelligent, and resilient young woman. She possesses a strong sense of identity and carries with her the cultural heritage passed down from her father. Thus, the phrase “Run Kizzy, Run” is used as a command and plea for Kizzy to escape from her life of bondage and seek freedom. It represents the desire for emancipation, self-determination, and the hope for a better future. The characters urging Kizzy to run recognize the dangers and cruelty of slavery and encourage her to flee the oppressive system in pursuit of a life in which she can exercise her own agency.
Links
Press about Dr. Johnson firing
The Making of a Slave: Willie Lynch
Governor’s Office of Equity Creation | RCW 43.06D.020 Office Equity Established – Purpose
Cycle of Socialization & Liberation (Bobbie Harro) (.pdf)
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Sisters Audrey and Melannie joyfully return to the microphone after an extended absence. During their time away, significant events have unfolded in the world, as well as in their personal lives. This episode serves as an honest reflection on the challenges, struggles, and “darkness” that caused them to step away from the mic for a while. However, it also highlights the powerful transformative force of LIGHT that has inspired them to return and use their voices to speak about freedom and liberation.
State Representative Melanie Morgan (D-29th District) takes center stage in this episode as the Sisters celebrate June 19th – Emancipation Day! As the sponsor of HB 1016, a Washington State legislative act aimed at officially recognizing Juneteenth as a legal holiday, Representative Morgan provides valuable insights into the process of turning this bill into law, shedding light on the challenges, strategies, and efforts involved. She opens up intimately about her personal motivation to sponsor the bill and her vision for the long-lasting impact it can have on future generations.
Links
Representative Melanie Morgan Bio (.pdf)
News on Juneteenth as a Holiday in Washington State
House Bill 1016 (.pdf)
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