Divided We Scroll: Election Results, Generational Divides and What Comes Next
Humanize
In this episode, hosts Courthney and Emily reflect on the emotional impact of recent election results, examining the role of misogyny and white supremacy in shaping political representation. They critically analyze the Harris-Waltz campaign’s approach to engaging Black and Brown communities, while exploring Trump’s appeal across generations and the broader cultural shifts since the Obama era. Courthney and Emily discuss social media as both a unifier and divider, considering its potential impact if wielded by leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. They also touch on the Supreme Court's...
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Kalama Rising
Humanize
Can America handle its first female President of color? The unexpected exit of Joe Biden from the presidential race has catapulted Kamala Harris into the spotlight as the presumptive Democratic nominee, and we’re here to unpack this seismic political shift. On this episode of Humanize, we confront the narrative and challenges Harris is bound to face, particularly around race and gender. We dissect the fear-based tactics that often cloud critical issues and discuss the hopes that Harris will tackle pressing concerns like women's reproductive rights and broader social justice issues. This...
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So you got called out. Now what?
Humanize
Can confronting our own biases truly lead to a more inclusive society? Join us as we unpack the complexities of race, culture, and power dynamics within professional settings through Emily's eye-opening experience in a DEI book group focused on climate justice. When a disruptive participant challenges the discussion, Emily steps up, sparking an insightful exchange that underlines the persistent blind spots white people often have regarding the struggles faced by marginalized communities. This episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing these blind spots and the...
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Unpacking DEI: From Political Battleground to Business Innovation
Humanize
DEI is not just a buzzword—it's a battleground. Discover how initiatives meant to ensure equal opportunities are being twisted for profit, and the backlash they face from political factions that misuse terms like "DEI president." In this episode, we scrutinize how DEI has become politicized, drawing parallels to historical efforts like affirmative action. We will unpack the tension between DEI's noble intentions and its potential exploitation within a capitalist framework. But DEI's value in business can't be overstated. We explore how true diversity involves more than just skin color,...
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"Black Jobs" [Mini]
Humanize
Trump's comment about immigrants "taking black jobs" isn't just misguided—it's harmful. Join us as we, Courtney Russell Jr. and Emily Braucher, unpack the damaging implications of such statements on marginalized communities. From the recent presidential debate to the deeper complexities of racially charged language, we express our frustrations and explore how these divisive comments perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce social hierarchies. Our conversation delves into the problematic nature of labeling activities or opportunities as racially exclusive, and how these labels further marginalize...
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S5E7: From Conflict Zones to Colorado: A Candidate's Journey w/Rep Junie Joseph
Humanize
Junie Joseph is a dedicated advocate for human rights, particularly addressing racial inequality and systemic challenges through her work in law. Her perspective on these issues is deeply influenced by her personal experiences of facing danger and adversity, including life-threatening situations that have reinforced her resilience and commitment to justice. In this episode, Junie emphasizes the interconnectedness of issues like diversity, equity, inclusion, and economic disparity, arguing that they must be tackled holistically. Her legislative work, heavily informed by her time as a human...
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S5E6: Inside Incarceration: A Story of Resilience with Leon Kennedy III
Humanize
“I have made mistakes and I have paid the ultimate cost for them and I am still here.” - Leon Kennedy III We are absolutely floored by our conversation with Leon. Here is a man who, through the darkest times imaginable, has reached into the depths of his being to find strength, perseverance and hope. Since his first incarceration at the age of 19 in Virginia, Leon has spent decades of his life behind bars in some of the U.S.’s most violent and corrupt prisons, while also battling a chronic neural disease. He was granted parole 3 years ago and lives with his wife...
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S5E5: Ibram X. Kendi’s “Stamped” on Netflix
Humanize
What would it look like if every person in the U.S. was well versed in the history of racism? Today we are unpacking the Netflix adaptation of Ibram X. Kendi’s “Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America”. This documentary is a must watch if you haven’t already, and check out more of our recommended resources below. Listen to hear us talk about: How denial operates White supremacy fails everyone Community and tribalism Historical opportunities for progress How do the problems of racism we are facing now compare to historical...
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S5E4: Our Responsibility to Community, with Nana Boakye.
Humanize
“We need to build community like our life depends on it.” We are joined today by awe-inspiring Nana Boakye; local philantropist and community builder from Ghana to Boulder. Nana chanelled his passion for soccer into “Kick2Build” community organization, and in this episode we hear how and why he created this inclusive community, and how diversity is celebrated using sports and cultural arts. Listen to hear us talk about: Community building as a long term responsibility Race and intersectionality Capitalism & white supremacy culture ...
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S5E3: Curiosity vs. Complacency
Humanize
Today we are unpacking some big themes from last week’s episode with Dr. Roberto Montoya: “CRT is Race Consciousness”. Join us as we push into edgy territory; asking ‘scary’ questions about race, expanding our comfort zones and as always, leading with love. Listen to hear us talk about: The blindness privilege The discomfort of cultural change Allowing complex feelings Cancel culture vs. curiosity culture Where we’ve come from, bringing in lineage ------------- If you’d like to support us in continuing this work, we’d be...
info_outlineAnti-oppression work requires great introspection and learning of self and habits. According to Brenda Herrera Moreno, the role that we have to play in combating oppression is equivalent to the life journey of getting to know ourselves better.
In our conversation today, Brenda explains how white supremacy invisibilizes and intentionally creates distance from the systems it exploits and extracts. The journey is for people to see the paradigms that shape language, humor, and interpersonal relationships. As we look deeper, we can see that these are the same paradigms that inform policies, institutions and regulations. Once we see them, then we have the opportunity to find alternatives or antidotes. Brenda is the founder of ‘In.Visible Paradigms’, an anti-oppression organization committed to informing and transforming white allies in order to deepen their commitment to the ‘work’, community and movement of anti-oppression.
Listen to hear us talk about
- The ‘Great Unlearnings’ that white participants experience when they start down this path
- What do we mean when we say ‘the work’
- Inherited ideologies that show up in everyday language
- The importance of spaces where white people can be held accountable
- Safety, comfort zones, reactivity
- Events that make white people jump into this work, without necessarily understanding the context of the movement they’re apart of
- Analyzing power and privilege in comfort zones
- Windows of tolerance (how much we can handle before nervous system is activated)
- How ‘love’ and ‘hate’ are shaped systematically and historically.
- THESE activities from Brenda’s ‘In.Visible Paradigm’ program
website: www.invisibleparadigms.com | Facebook and Instagram: @in.visibleparadigms
Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/invisible-paradigms
Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendahm/
RESOURCES
Social Change Wheel 2.0: https://mncampuscompact.org/wp-content/uploads/large/sites/30/2020/07/IAMNCC-Social-Change-Wheel-2.0-Toolkit.pdf
Breakup Letter
Dear ________,
When you show up, I notice you ________. I _______________.
Thank you for what you’ve shown me and committed to instead feel
__________________________.
I know we will cross paths and that’s okay.
Best,
Your name
Brenda’s Example from podcast:
Dear perfectionism,
When you show up, I notice you override my body, I get caught up in self doubt
and rigid thinking, you displace my ability to be present, and instead push me to
set my value with my self worth.
I want to practice lowering your voice and voice of urgency.
Thank you for what you’ve shown me, I committed to instead feel detachment
both in thinking and self healing.
I know we make some cross paths and that’s okay.
Best,
Brenda.
Crush Letter Prompt:
Dear _________,
I’ve been putting this off for weeks now. I noticed I feel ______________writing
to you. You have inspired me to_______________, your __[qualities]________
and __[ability]________ has taught me _________________.
I look forward to getting to know you better.
See you soon,
Your name
About In.Visible Paradigms
In.Visible Paradigms is an anti-oppression organization that is committed to informing and transforming white community members to better integrate themselves into the anti-oppression community, work, and movement.
About Brenda:
Brenda identifies as an anti-oppression practitioner. Born in Mexico City, but partially raised in India, traveled the world, middle school in South Carolina, high school in Wales, and college in Massachusetts. After Hampshire College, Brenda experienced diverse roles in advocacy as a youth program coordinator at a refugee resettlement organization, later as a bilingual counselor for survivors and victims of intimate partner violence, and finally as a peer recovery coach.