Three speeches from the October 19th meeting of the Fall Assembly of the Wisconsin Network for Peace and Justice. In our broadcast version we'll have only two of the three speakers, but the podcast version will have all three of them, sharing on a range of peace and justice topics.
Racism
Race & Revolution Through Jazz: The Duke, The Count, & Sachmo
Larry Tye captures history and writes books about transformation, like the progress brought about by the black musicians who captured hearts in the USA. Larry's latest book is The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America, a combination of legends, deep examination, and inspirational story-telling. This is the 9th book by Larry, all of which open hearts and minds with real-life stories.
Past/present religious/spiritual influences: Jewish
Slavery to Jim Crow to Mass Incarceration to Greed: In Pursuit of Freedom For All
Deborah G. Plant is author of the book Of Greed & Glory: In Pursuit of Freedom For All, addressing the direct linkage of slavery, the 13th Amendment, mass incarceration, and the ways in which exclusive wealth and power undermines freedom for all of us.
Converge - Conversations In Color
Media can unite or divide, and the Conversations In Color (CIC) program on Converge Radio (101.9 FM) chooses to unite in depth instead of superficiality.
Friendship Across Race & Difference: Rebecca Meets De'Andrea
Christine Platt and Catherine Wigginton Greene are exploring the potentials and pitfalls of interracial friendships, and, really, all friendships with “the other”.
Faith-full Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion, From Jamaica To Wisconsin: Jeneise Briggs
Institutions & business across the US are increasingly turning to equity, diversity, & inclusion staff to address the continuing problems with racism, discrimination, and bigotry built into the culture, laws, & policies of our country. My own Midwest city and county, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, took a concrete step by hire their first ever EDI Coordinator, Jeneise Briggs, to help structure and focus our attempts to heal the exclusion and wounds which have written-out of mainline culture and the privileges that position brings. Jeneise brings a wealth of talents and training with her, and also experience, both professional and person. Jeneise grew up in a poor Jamaican family, though rich in love and faith. Jeneise got her BA in Mass Communications/Public Relations Mandeville, Jamaica, her MA in Public Administration in Grand Rapids, MI, and her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration & Policy Analysis in Madison, WI. She has previously served Marian University and the State Bar of Wisconsin in EDI roles. This visit with Jeneise provides a snapshot of one community's attempts to alter the local culture to widen democracy and the full embrace of caring community.
Democracy & Self-interest In Anti-racism: Beyond the Books
A visit to an event, "Beyond the Books: A Way Forward for White Allies in Democracy", and some time with the event's main presenter, Gerri Williams.
Social X Change & Hmong & Reasons To Celebrate: Sheng Elizabeth Lor
Sheng Elizabeth Lor founded The Social X Change Project a few years ago, when she set out to help vulnerable groups reduce loneliness and improve mental health and well-being through creativity and connection workshops. Since then Sheng has increased the scope of her work, including helping folks produce & share media to reach out to the community.
Serious Fun with Alastair Moock
Alastair Moock has been playing music in the Philly area since 1995, with a specialty of family music added after the birth of his twins in 2006. He was first place in the 2020 Songs for Social Change, a project of RAWA, with his song Be A Pain.
Singing the Living Legacy
Reggie Harris has always been full of music & inspiration, but never more so than as he finishes his 7th decade on the planet.