Reimagining Black Relations

MJ Fievre, an Haitian writer, author, and publisher who currently resides in the United States, shared the Black experience in Haiti and her objections to anti-whiteness. She emphasized the need for community introspection, communal dialogue without passion, and the social and personal responsibilities of Black people.
"The Black experience in Haiti has a lot to do with colorism. So it's the idea that if you're lighter skinned, you are more beautiful, you are probably more educated, or you have more money. Which used to be true in not so very distant past because when you think about the ramifications of slavery and occupation, even in the United States, people who were considered mixed - maybe the colonizer was one of the parent..." - MJ Fievre

Caroline Manyapye, a South African executive based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, juxtaposed the benefits of colonization with the innate abilities and excellence of Black people, while she shared her personal stories layered with pain and resilience.
"I've got this view and this perception, that we are the most oppressed, simply because we are so powerful and simply because they know our power. They know our power even if sometimes we don't see our power, they see it and they know it. Why would you just oppress something that you are not threatened by? - Caroline Manyapye

Daniel L. Hollar, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Chair of the Department of Behavioral and Social Science at Bethune-Cookman University and CEO of Daninger Solutions Inc., expounded on the impact of adopting main stream values while rejecting indigenous cultural values. He proffered solutions that can protect citizens from negative images of dominant cultures. He touched on various topics including traumas in the Black communities, benefits of building culturally competent officers, and the need to address mental health and suicides in the community. For immediate help, call 800-273-TALK (2755). Dr. Hollar can be reached at [email protected]

"Racism, white supremacy is a criminal enterprise that's organized against Black people. And that kind of surmises it. So, no matter where you go in the world, the system is the dominant system that we are all operating under currently" - Daniel L. Hollar, Ph.D.

Babatunde Ogunnaike, Ph.D., an award winning American Chemical Engineer of Nigerian descent, currently the William L. Friend Chaired Professor of Chemical Engineering and Bio-molecular Engineering at the University of Delaware, spoke on the intersectionality of engineering-sociology-humanity-and cultural anthropology. He affirmed the true story of one woman and the automobile airbag was not a box to be checked, just as the Black race are humans of significant worth.
"Not having women in engineering, not having Black people in engineering, literally it's like going through life with one eye closed. And I typically tell people sitting in the audience - I tell them to close one eye and look at the world and tell me what the world looks like to you. You lose depth of perception. And so when half of your team is sitting on the side lines, and you are only playing with five people on the field..." - Prof. Babatunde Ogunnaike

In a compelling return to the Reimagining Black Relations podcast, Dr. Rob Eschmann fearlessly delves into the stark realities of growing up under the pervasive influence of racial bias and the constant specter of police violence. He shares the deeply moving experience of having to give his own son "the talk," a heart-wrenching rite of passage in a world where the actions of Black person can carry life-or-death consequences. Dr. Eschmann's educational journey, from a magnet school that starkly contrasted with prison-like institutions, profoundly shaped his understanding of racism. His unyielding commitment to the fight for justice radiates throughout the conversation, as he underscores the transformative potential of storytelling to challenge dehumanizing narratives. Through his thought-provoking film, "Choose Your Own Resistance," he extends an invitation to explore the viewpoints of bystanders and stakeholders in the ongoing battle against racism.

Dr. Eschmann further navigates the intricate terrain of online racism, revealing how virtual experiences can inflict comparable harm to their real-world counterparts. He sheds light on the concerning surge in the use of microaggressions and the alarming emergence of digital rage. As he underscores the pivotal role of moderation in distinguishing between free speech and hate speech, he calls upon us to reevaluate the original purpose of free speech – intended for critiquing the government. This podcast episode serves as a poignant reminder to critically examine the stories we encounter, challenge dominant narratives, and actively seek counter-stories that can reshape the prevailing discourse on racial injustice. It stands as an urgent call to action, encouraging us to reflect on our own experiences, question narratives that perpetuate racist ideologies, and actively participate in the collective effort to build a more just and equitable society.
Dr. Rob Eschmann's profound insights and unwavering dedication make this podcast episode an essential and compelling listen, reaffirming the imperativeness of continued resistance, the fight for racial justice, and the potent impact of individual and collective action.