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

Dr. Moore

Dr. Salaam:

Netflix – When They See Us

Channel 253 membership

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:

Dante King

Anti-Blackness/Colorism (.pdf)

Center for Antiracist Research

Channel 253 membership

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

Channel 253 membership

Press about Dr. Johnson firing

King5.com

Seattle Times

Seattle Times

The Making of a Slave: Willie Lynch

Governor’s Office of Equity Creation | RCW 43.06D.020 Office Equity Established – Purpose

White Supremacy Culture

End White Supremacy

Cycle of Socialization & Liberation (Bobbie Harro) (.pdf)

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

Channel 253 membership

Representative Melanie Morgan Bio (.pdf)

News on Juneteenth as a Holiday in Washington State

House Bill 1016 (.pdf)

U.S. Bill S.475

Guest host Bishop Gwendolyn Phillips Coates joins Sister Melannie in conversation with Dr. Eddie Moore Jr.

Dr. Moore is the founder of the White Privilege Conference and the White Privilege Institute. He joins the conversation to discuss his upcoming presentation at The People’s Gathering: A Revolution of Consciousness Conference.

Notes: Sister Audrey is on sabbatical. She will return to the mic soon.

Links

Sisters Audrey and Melannie unite on the microphone after several weeks away. They catch listeners up on what’s been happening with them which leads to their emotional discussion about the “toll” Black people pay existing in White Supremacist Culture. Their conversation is raw and unapologetic. They conclude with the declaration that the antidote to white supremacist culture is Black JOY!

Links

The Cycle of Socialization (.pdf)

The Cycle of Liberation (.pdf)

White Supremacist Culture

Channel 253 membership

 

The Sisters chat with Christine Harrison, Melannie’s White Woman friend who recently completed her doctoral research on White Women Teaching in majority-Black and Brown Classrooms. Christie shares the concept of her study and findings. In the second half-hour, the Sisters and Dr. Harrison are joined by Cherry Steinwender, Executive Director of the Center for the Healing of Racism out of Houston, TX. They explore an exciting evolution to teach DEI and leadership through the metaphor of golf. Also, announcing – The People’s Golf Gathering!

Links