Cultural Dialogues: Countering Racial Trauma One Conversation at a Time

Dr. Melissa Speight Vaughn joins the CEO of CRESTSprogram, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji, for a lively discussion about how Black youth can have agency to investigate and transform their lives. Dr. Melissa Speight Vaughn is a visionary educator, researcher, and cultural exchange advocate dedicated to empowering youth, advancing Indigenous knowledge systems, and fostering global partnerships that bridg...

The CEO of CRESTSprogram, LLC, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji, engages in a conversation with Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings about Black children's educational concerns. Gloria Ladson-Billings is Professor Emerita and former Kellner Family Distinguished Professor in Urban Education in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction and was Faculty Affiliate in the Departments of Educational Policy Stud...

In this episode, the CRESTSprogram Co-Founders, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji and Dr. Constance West, discuss emancipatory research as a transformative approach to conducting inquiry about marginalized communities. For more information about their emancipatory research credential program, visit: www.crestsprogram.com/crests-liberate. Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Dr. Samuel Burbanks, IV engages in a conversation with CRESTSprogram CEO, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji, about biology and Black children's achievement. Dr. Samuel Burbanks is a part-time assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati (UC). He has been an educator for approximately 30 years, having taught in the Cincinnati public schools, where he ran a Black history after-s...

In this episode, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji (CEO of CRESTSprogram) has a conversation with Mr. Larry Hayes, a mental health practitioner in the New Orleans (LA) area who practices Africentric Social Work. Mr. Hayes has been in private practice for nearly 40 years and works primarily with Black clients (adults and adolescents). Mr. Larry Hayes discusses the most pressing mental health needs within t...

Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji (CEO of CRESTSprogram) introduces one of the graduate research assistants, Ms. Tyla Kennedy. Ms. Kennedy is a school counselor in one of the public charter schools in the New Orleans (LA) area and also serves as a graduate research assistant (GRA) with CRESTSprogram, LLC. Tyla discusses her experiences with Black schoolchildren and race-based stress. For more information...

In this episode, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji (CEO of CRESTSprogram) introduces the CRESTSprogram graphic designer, Ms. Jonae Bond. Jonae Bond is a multi-creative with a diverse skill set encompassing brand design, product photography, videography, creative direction, and web design. Her expertise lies in the realms of branding, marketing, content creation, website development, and social media adver...

In this episode, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji (CEO of CRESTSprogram) interviewed one of our graduate research assistants, Ms. Dehjah Vaughn. Ms. Vaughn is a full-time classroom teacher and also a doctoral student. Dehjah discussed her passion for teaching extensively, drawing on her understanding of history and social justice principles. To read her full bio, go to our website: https://www.crestsprog...

In this episode, CRESTSprogram CEO, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji, engages in a lively conversation with Dr. Jeff Wolfgang about the area known as Pediatric Counseling. Dr. Jeff Wolfgang is a clinician, researcher, supervisor, and professor of counseling. He approaches his work from a culture-centered, holistic, ecological perspective. Dr. Wolfgang has specialized in using creative approaches to couns...

In this episode, CRESTSprogram CEO, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji, engages in dialogue with Dr. Michael White. Dr. White is an accomplished, multifaceted New Orleans-based clarinetist, retired professor, composer, musicologist, and jazz historian widely regarded as one of the leading authorities and culture bearers of traditional New Orleans jazz music. You can learn more about Dr. Michael White by go...

In this episode, the CEO of CRESTSprogram, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji, introduces Dr. Ebony White, research fellow. To read more about Dr. White, visit our website: https://www.crestsprogram.com/the-team. Send us Fan Mail

Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji (CEO of CRESTSprogram, LLC) interviews one of the members of her team, Dr. Kimberlee Bow. Dr. Kimberlee Bow is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT), author, speaker, advocate, consultant, and sport and performance consultant. A passionate, dedicated, and devoted professional, she has experience ranging from clinical to direc...

In this episode, we begin our introduction to the CRESTSprogram team members, beginning with Dr. Constance West, co-founder of our firm. During this discussion, Dr. West talks about her past experiences with Black youth in educational and clinical settings. She also talks about her own experiences as a Black student, from K-12 through graduate studies. For more information about Dr. Constance West...

In this inaugural episode, we provide excerpts from the very first webinar offered by the CRESTSprogram team in November 2020. The founders of CRESTSprogram, LLC, Dr. Cirecie West-Olatunji and Dr. Constance West, are interviewed by Dr. Joyce E. King, who holds the Benjamin E. Mays Endowed Chair at Georgia State University. They are also joined by Dr. Michael White, jazz clarinetist, composer, band...