010: A Love Letter to Black Women, with Dr. Yanique Redwood

What does it mean to center Black women’s healing, challenge philanthropy’s contradictions, and reclaim joy as a radical act? In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv, sits down with Dr. Yanique Redwood—author, strategist, and former foundation CEO—to explore the emotional, structural, and spiritual dimensions of Black women’s experiences in philanthropy.

Dr. Redwood shares the journey behind her powerful book White Women Cry and Call Me Angry, a memoir that speaks directly to Black women navigating racism in philanthropic spaces. From her early days at the CDC to leading a foundation and now consulting from Jamaica, Dr. Redwood offers a personal reflection on burnout, healing, and the courageous act of specificity.

This episode is a love letter to Black women and a call to build new institutions rooted in justice, integrity, and care.

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In this episode, you will hear:

·       Why Dr. Redwood wrote White Women Cry and Call Me Angry for Black women

·       The emotional toll of racism in philanthropic institutions

·       How healing and pleasure became central to her leadership journey

·       What it means to leave the U.S. as a form of healing

·       The power of specificity in storytelling and advocacy

·       How Black women are creating freer lives across the diaspora

Skills and Tips You’ll Learn:

·       How to protect your mental health while doing racial justice work

·       Why healing is essential for sustainable leadership

·       How to navigate burnout and reclaim joy

·       The importance of community and reciprocity in healing

·       How to stay grounded in your values while challenging harmful systems

Recorded on August 1, 2025

About the Host – Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv:

Michelle Renee Jackson, MDiv is an award-winning storyteller and leader in philanthropy, where she has used her expertise in film, videography, and photography to help organizations secure their largest gifts. She is the Founder and Principal Artist of Simuel + Murray, a production company named after her grandmothers' maiden names, with bases in New York and Los Angeles.

Michelle’s storytelling has transformed how philanthropic organizations connect with their audiences, distinguishing them through compelling visual narratives. Her work has been a game-changer in philanthropy. A sought-after speaker, she has delivered keynotes at institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Hulu, and Georgetown. Michelle is dedicated to helping foundations and nonprofits exceed their goals through the power of story.

🔗 Connect on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellereneejackson/

Instagram: @michelle.renee.jackson

About Dr. Yanique Redwood:

Dr. Yanique Redwood is the author of White Women Cry and Call Me Angry: A Black Woman’s Memoir on Racism and Philanthropy. She is the former President and CEO of the Consumer Health Foundation (now IF: A Foundation for Radical Possibility), and previously served at the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the CDC.

Now based in Jamaica, Dr. Redwood leads a consulting practice called Collective Work, supporting philanthropic organizations in developing racial justice strategies rooted in integrity and healing. Her work centers Black women’s experiences and offers pathways to transformation through storytelling, strategy, and somatic practice.

She is also co-author of We Quit America, a book exploring the lives of Black women who have left the U.S. to live freer lives abroad.

🔗 Connect on:

Websites: https://whitewomencry.com | https://wequitamerica.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanique-redwood

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Produced by Simuel + Murray

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the host and guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organizations they are affiliated with or employed by. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Please consult your own legal or financial professional for guidance specific to your situation.