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.

Overcoming Hurdles

The one in which we talk to Ayo Akindumila, LMFT about athletes and their mental health. Ayo is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with extensive experience working with people coping with stressful transitions. She specializes in working with people dealing with sport related transitions. 

Medical Racism

The session in which we talk about the serious health disparities caused by racism. There is a long history in our country of inequality in healthcare and Black, Indigenous and People of Color in the US are still more likely to be negatively impacted by many contributing factors including provider bias, unequal access, quality of living and other factors. 

Harlem Renaissance

The session in which we talk about the African American cultural explosion that centered in Harlem, New York beginning in the 1920’s. Intellectuals, artists, musicians, writers, and others migrated toward freedom. The result was a celebration of Black pride that offered a deeper awareness and appreciation of the richness, growth, and oppression of African American spirit and culture. 

Crisis in Housing

The session in which we discuss the current Housing Crisis with Occupy PHA organizer, Nadera Hood. Nadera has been advocating for the needs of people without homes for the past several years. She has organized successful protests urging the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) to provide more adequate housing to people who need homes in the area. 

Tulsa Race Massacre

The session in which we learn together about what happened to the area in Oklahoma that became known as Black Wall Street. If you don’t know, it was the Tulsa Race Massacre – when Black residents and business owners were viciously attacked by an angry white mob. We only heard of it recently and indirectly when  a political rally was being planned to take place in Tulsa on the anniversary of this horrendous event. Doing some research, we found that even the Oklahoma educational curriculum did not include this as part of history. Nobody wanted to talk about it or have it be known. We’re doing our part to change that. 

tulsahistory.org

Freedom Riders

If you know about the Freedom Riders, then you know that this episode is about an important model for civil disobedience. The Freedom Riders were activists, including the late Representative John Lewis, who challenged the segregation (and non-enforcement of laws) on the U.S. interstate transportation system. This is a critical story in our history from which we can continue to learn. Take notes. 

Voter Suppression

There are may ways – old and new, legal and illegal – to interfere with the right of people to cast their vote. How can voting be suppressed?  Let us count the ways. And, let us take serious action against all forms of voter suppression.