Let's Talk: Conversations on Race

SEASON FINALE: In this last episode of Season 7, I talk to Ally Henny, vice president of The Witness: a Black Christian Collective, and author of I Won't Shut Up: Finding Your Voice When the World Tries to Silence You. We talk about her upbringing in rural Missouri, and her journey finding her voice in the wake of Michael Brown's murder.

Here Jenny Thomas tells her fascinating story of being biracial and transracially adopted. She talks about the racism she experienced from her birth mom, and the racial identity instilled in her by her adoptive mom. Hers is a story strength, overcoming and faith.

Here I speak with Dr. LaShunda Leslie-Smith, CEO of Connected Communities, about a better way to lift impoverished communities. Toxic charity is... toxic!

This was such a fantastic conversation with Melody Wollgren, who is biracial Korean. She speaks of growing up trying to assimilate into the white world around her and the emotional dissonance that created.

On this episode, I speak with Author Tasha Jun about her recently released book, "Tell Me the Dream Again: reflections on family, ethnicity and the sacred work of belonging. " She talks about growing up rejecting her Korean heritage, learning to fully embrace it and now raising kids to know who they are. It was a rich, electrifying conversation!

In this episode I talk with author and playwright Monique Franz about the joys and challenges of interracial marriage and the common response of biracial people towards racial injustice.

In this episode we look at the troubling issue of book banning. School districts all over the country are banning books about important Black figures and racial justice. Is it ever ok to ban a book? Joining me is educational leader and therapist Kesha James.

Dr. Jemar Tisby joins us as we discuss his book, "How to Fight Racism: Courageous Christianity and the Journey Towards Racial Justice." Why does pursuing racial justice take courage? We also discuss the exodus of many Black Christians from the Evangelical church. Is racial integration in the church still a viable goal?

Listen in on this incredible with Maya Crane, founder and CEO of Maya Crane Solutions.  She talks with us about the work organizations have to do to not only attract but retain people of color.  This is the last episode of Season 6!  Enjoy and we'll see you in the spring!

In this SPECIAL EPISODE created in honor of Marvin Luther King Jr. Day,  we look at King's trip to Ghana, Africa, and discuss one of his less known speeches, as well as some poignant facts about his life. Joining me is one of my favorite interviewees, my son Ben!