Reimagining Black Relations

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...

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 o...

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 sc...

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 res...

Archbishop Isiah Mcoshwa Simelane, the remarkable, visionary founder and overseer of the Evangelical Gospel Church of South Africa, whose wisdom transcends borders and generations, graciously offered his profound insight in this awe-inspiring interview. The Archbishop shared enlightening perspectives on the pivotal role of missionaries in shaping the lives of Black South Africans. As he delves fea...

Nii Ayikwei Parkes, an acclaimed Ghanaian-British writer, editor, and a prominent voice among black intellectuals in the UK, delivers a powerful message on the persistent challenges encountered by Black writers. Currently engaged in groundbreaking research on "Philosophical connections between Africa and the African Diaspora in the "New World"" at the Hutchins Center at Harvard...

Fayron Epps, PhD, RN, a nurse with 20+ years’ experience creating culturally relevant programs to reduce health disparities for underserved populations, highlighted significant health findings, negatively impacting the Black community.   Dr. Epps passionately implored patients, their families, caregivers, and spiritual leaders to be engaged, for it is clear the status quo will be insufficient to s...

Dr. Debora Kayembe, Lord Rector of the 440 year old, University of Edinburgh, Scotland and the first person of color to occupy the position. She shared the history of her country of origin as the rape capital of the world, where five women were raped every two seconds. Debora's investigation into the killings of Blacks in her country revealed that the aim was not to kill, but to exterminate....

Dr. Nomsa Khalfani, Co-CEO of Essential Access Health and founder of Khalfani Strategy Group acknowledged the progress that was made in the past, was for the past; she highlighted the need to revisit and update with relevant current advancements. "They referred to me as a militant when I went to college, it's like I became this revolutionist... that was when I officially changed my name,...

Dr. Santos Ramos, an assistant Professor of Integrative Studies at Grand Valley State University is a mixed Mexican-Irish-American. His research and teaching centers on the Intersections of Latin American Studies, Intercultural Competence, and Digital Technology. He introduced the concept of Sovereignty in his work on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, while emphasizing the research necessary for h...

Will Jawando is the Montgomery County Councilmember, attorney, activist, and community leader with a lifelong dedication to public service. He discussed the importance of black fatherhood even in the absence of the real father. He cited several examples including his relationship with President Barack Obama. "I went to five schools before I was in the 8th grade and a lot of the issues were is...

Speakers include:   Dr. Francesca Fajinmi - Founder, Your Black Matters  "Jackie" Dupont-Walker - President, Ward Economic Development Corporation  Oba  Oladepo Towobola - King of Aluti Erin, Dari Erin of Aluti Erin in Yoruba land  Prof. Jacob Gordon - Professor Emeritus, University of Kansas & President, United Nations Association - Gainsville, FL

Derek A. Perkinson, the New York State Field and Crisis Director for the National Action Network (NAN) focused on the responsibilities of Black people in driving solutions to conquer racism. He proffered some do's and don't's for families and communities.   “In our community today, we have negative music, and there is no balance to that. Calling ourselves …..….. degrading ourselves,...

Rodney H. Dixon, Chief Executive Officer of Street Legend shared his thoughts on hidden oppositions. He expanded on his childhood understanding of "The System" and why he embraces the mantra of "coming up with something out of nothing" while affirming that the "Wealth of the wicked is stored up for the righteous".

Chris Ramos, Senior Director of UCLA Student Finance Solutions, shared his perspectives as a mixed-race executive.  He believes the conversation extends beyond race, cultural acceptance and a sense of self-worth are natural extensions that have eluded the mainstream. He emphasized the importance of community connections and the power of travel.

Dr. Ama S. Wray, Professor at the University of California, Irvine, and a performance architect that innovates across disciplinary lines, leading with dance to enter spaces of dance, jazz music, theatre, academia, medicine, technology and activism. Dr. Wray spotlighted her multi-cultural background from the U.K, to Jamaica, United States, and Cuba as she shares her perspectives on Africans and Afr...

Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, the founding president of the Ward Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) in Los Angeles and an appointee of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti as a member of the LA County Metro Board. She shared a compelling story and the influence of King Solomon Dupont.

Jacob U’Mofe Gordon, Emeritus Professor, University of Kansas; Kwame Nkrumah Endowed Chair, University of Ghana; Senior Fulbright Scholar, presented the chronology of the Black History Month Celebration in the United States.

Albert Edmund Lord III, an Emmy Award-winning creative with a slew of industry awards, and more than 35 years of experience in radio, post production, sound editing, live theater as well as independent film and video production, highlighted his work on the "Exhibits on African American Heritage Month legacy project covering 2006 to 2020". He shared his story as a mixed race, Black, White...

Prof. Ayodeji Ogunnaike, an assistant Professor of Africana Studies at Bowdoin College is of Nigerian descent, specifically of the Yoruba tribe. His research and teaching centers around the religious traditions of Africa and the African diaspora including Christianity, Islam, and indigenous African traditions, particularly Yoruba oriṣa worship in Nigeria and Candomblé in Brazil.  He juxtaposed sev...

Dr. Marketus Presswood is an Historian with specialization in the socio-cultural interactions of the Chinese, Africans, and Africans in Diaspora. Dr. Presswood juxtaposed China and the U.S. on the subject of racism. He discussed: the role of China and the U.S. on the global order for Africa and Black Diaspora and emphasized the urgency of establishing the "United African States". "A...

Dr. Irène Y. Kilubi, an Expert Advisor to the European Commission on Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Digitalization, spoke to us from Germany. Irene shared her experiences as one of the first Black families to relocate to Germany from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and how she transitioned from the status quo to her current trajectory. "Many were also jealous, other immigrants like peopl...

Four speakers from the Inaugural Pan-African Youth (PAY) Summit. Prof. Babacar Kante - President of the National Political Dialogue  Commission in Senegal, former Vice-President of the Constitutional Council/Court of Senegal, and an expert in Constitutional law and political science, will speak on Ethics and Power.    Prof. Ivelaw Lloyd Griffith,  Senior Associate with the Center for Strategic and...

Four of the speakers from the Inaugural Pan-African Youth (PAY) Summit. Dr. Jasmine L. Blanks-Jones, a dynamic theatre nonprofit leader, award-wining educator, who holds a dual PhD in Education and Africana Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, speaking on Pan-Africanism . Paulinarh Bolatito Ogunleye is 21 years old. The first female President of the Faculty of Arts Student Union at the Uni...

Rev. Dr. Sharpton , founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), a not-for-profit civil rights organization formed in 1991 with over 100 chapters nationwide, including a Washington, DC Bureau and regional offices across the US, was our Keynote Speaker  for the Inaugural Pan African Youth (PAY) Summit, held on November 13th, 2021. As one of the nation’s most-renowned civil rights lea...