#74 Unveiling the Forms of Racism in the 21st Century

12/01/23 • 31 min

In a thought-provoking interview, Dr. Rob Eschmann, a multifaceted talent from Chicago, unveils the subtle yet pervasive forms of racism in the 21st century. Rooted in his academic journey that began in Chicago Public Schools and culminated in a PhD from the University of Chicago, Dr. Eschmann sheds light on pressing issues, including educational inequality, community violence, and racism. His scholarly work exposes the intricate barriers to racial and economic equity, emphasizing the courageous efforts of everyday individuals in the resistance against these obstacles.
With a scholar-artist's perspective, Dr. Eschmann's book, "When the Hood Comes Off: Racism and Resistance in the Digital Age," delves deep into how technology is transforming our understanding and response to racism. He shares compelling insights on how anonymity online can embolden explicit racism and challenge long-held beliefs. Through his research, he uncovers the unique experiences of individuals responding to racial micro-aggressions and harnessing technology to empower their voices. Dr. Eschmann's interview calls us to action, urging a change in norms and expectations, fostering open dialogue, and inspiring real-world transformative actions within our local communities.
This captivating interview with Dr. Eschmann uncovers the evolving landscape of racism in the digital age, offering both enlightening observations and a powerful call to confront and address these challenges head-on.

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#73 - The Digital Road to Wellness, Fearlessness, and Resilience - Van Williams

In an eye-opening conversation that transcends the ordinary, Van Williams, the Vice President of Information Technology Services and Chief Information Officer for the University of California's sprawling $40+ billion-dollar enterprise, takes us on an inspiring journey through the complexities of being Black in America. From a transformative semester that pushed the boundaries of personal resilience to a deep-seated appreciation for the Bahamas' sense of community, empathy, and kindness, Van's life experiences have uniquely shaped his perspective on leadership, mentorship, and the power of wellness, fearlessness, and resilience.

But this podcast is beyond personal growth—it's a profound exploration of how technology can be wielded as a force for good in the Black community. Van's analogy of AI as a tool, a hammer capable of building or tearing down, challenges us to rethink our approach to racial equity in a digital age. Discover how he envisions AI reducing biases, scanning social networks for truth, and creating buddy systems for success. And as we delve into his vision of co-sponsoring an AI congress, Van reminds us that opportunities in both the private and public sectors are within reach, provided we leverage the unique strengths of Black talent.

Van Williams leaves us with a call to action, including a non-negotiable call for Black youth. This podcast is a testament to the intersection of technology, personal empowerment, and societal change—a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and innovative solutions for a more equitable future.
When you consider being Black in the U.S., it's unlike anything we've ever seen before. Our history is shaped by colonialism, colorism, and culture. Unlike the U.K., where Black people were integrated into existing systems, we, in the U.S., had systems defined on our incredibly strong backs. Our unique situation demands equally unique solutions, although we can still draw inspiration from history however AT THIS STAGE, as an innovator or entrepreneur, we hold a greater chance of moving the needle than from the perspectives of sociologists, economists, or psychologists... - Van Williams

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#75 - Caregiving While Black - Dr. Fayron Epps & Karah Alexander

In a compelling episode of Reimagining Black Relations, we welcome two exceptional guests, Dr. Fayron Epps and Karah Alexander, who are on a mission to enhance the quality of life for Black caregivers. Dr. Epps, with over two decades of experience in nursing and a wealth of knowledge in creating culturally relevant health programs, joins Karah Alexander, a dedicated PhD candidate, to shed light on the unique challenges faced by Black dementia caregivers. Together, they delve deep into the disparities and discriminations that often plague this group, not only within healthcare systems but also in the form of microaggressions from support providers.

Their goal is clear: to bring attention to these distinct challenges and ensure that the larger community understands the experiences of Black caregivers and patients. They emphasized the importance of speaking up, challenging the status quo, and advocating for change. As part of their mission, they offer a caregiving course tailored to the Black community, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to navigate these challenges. To access this valuable resource, simply call or text 678-723-8188. With a focus on systemic change within healthcare, they addressed the need for improved care, citing an experience faced by a Black male caregiver, and explored the historical context that has led to the disparities faced by Black caregivers today. Tune in to this eye-opening conversation and be inspired to make a difference in the lives of Black caregivers.