"Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance” with Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Newman Leak

In this episode, Tonya and Erika discuss the importance of using your privilege to make changes in all aspects of society. They expound on what it means to be an ally, how to recognize those who don't have a voice, and lend your privilege to those who are marginalized in our society. Being an ally is a lifelong process and requires ongoing work. They also explain the eight types of allyship in...

Tonya and Erika walk through the history and intentionality behind the design of American policies and practices and what led to racial inequities that we experience now. Through this conversation in their podcast series, “Why is it so Hard? Shining Through the Shadow of Resistance,” they open up issues that have been difficult for us to discuss previously.  This episode allows the audience to lea...

As much as there are factions of society that want to deny it or are resistant to it, the reality is...racism still exists today. And it is still impacting the lives of adults and children across our country. In this episode, Tonya and Erika discuss how racial stress and trauma affect us, speaking to what is known as “Racial Battle Fatigue.” They share their own stories of the current day and the...

Think back to when you were in school. How many black teachers did you have? What impact did they have on you? In this episode of TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance," Tonya and Erika discuss how Black teachers play a crucial role in creating a more equitable and inclusive education system. The research is clear about...

What if we told you your success as an individual might depend on others? Have you ever considered whether our society's narrative about doing things on your own was missing something? In this episode of TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance," Tonya and Erika discuss Individualism vs. Collectivism, where Individuali...

Most people don’t realize where they have bias, yet we all have them. But how does it show up? And when does it show up? In this episode, Dr. Tonya Breland & Erika Leak share examples of recognizing your own bias and some of their own personal experiences. Join us for this conversation in this episode of TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through th...

What does it mean to belong? What happens when we are on a team but we don't belong? Can we offer our best or be the best version of ourselves when we don't feel like we have any connection to the people around us?   Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Leak discuss these topics and more in the latest episode of their DEI Podcast, “Why is it so Hard? Shining Through The Shadow of Resistance.” When...

What exactly is privilege? Why does it matter? And why are there those that refuse to acknowledge that they may have privilege? These questions and others are discussed in this episode. Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Leak discuss how privilege affects everyone in society, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, religion or other identity markers.  In addition, Dr. Tonya Breland shares the challenges t...

Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Leak discuss cancel culture and the challenges related to ostracizing people who commit micro - or macroaggressions. They consider whether it's even necessary to cancel offenders. In addition, they answer the following questions: Who decides what's offensive? What do you do when somebody says/does something offensive? Where do forgiveness and grace come into pla...

In the latest TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series episode, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance," Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Leak discuss whether our society's standard of success is fair and appropriate. When the success of students and adults is measured, are we measuring the right thing? Why are there continued disparities among black and brown st...

Should schools ban certain books? What are they trying to hide from students? In the latest TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series episode, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance," Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Leak share their thoughts on book banning and the missed opportunities for teachable moments. They also talk about their personal experiences as youth an...

What is the role of discipline/behavior in school, and what is its impact on the future of black and brown students in society? In the latest TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series episode, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance," Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Leak discuss the roles they've served in their educational career and share their perspective and e...

In TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance," Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Leak discuss how dress codes in the workplace and schools are inequitable for specific groups of people. They share personal childhood stories about their experiences with dress code regulations they had to follow. Tonya and Erika also explore biases...

Why are students of color underrepresented in AP/Honors enrollment? How can schools create opportunities for all students to gain access to high quality, rigorous learning experiences? In TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance," Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Newman Leak discuss how inequitable AP/Honors enrollment policies...

Will You Stand Up When No One Else Will? TESO Consulting Group's DEI Podcast Series, "Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance," Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Newman Leak discuss the birth of their partnership through working at a state education agency and how they got started addressing inequities in education.  In addition, they will provide examples of how to bring...

“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” - Disney’s Encanto In the latest episode of TESO Consulting Group’s DEI Podcast Series, “Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance,” Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Newman Leak discuss DEI Deniers - people who deny the need to talk about race and even the existence of systemic issues with  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  Listeners will take away strateg...

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” ~ James Baldwin  In the first episode of TESO Consulting Group’s DEI Podcast Series, “Why is it so Hard? Shining through the Shadow of Resistance,” Dr. Tonya Breland and Erika Newman Leak discuss their early memories and experiences with marginalization.  Listen as they answer questions: What did we notic...