Raising Equity

SCOTUS Dismantles Affirmative Action Jun 29, 2023

How will the affirmative action ruling shape DEI work? How does it influence our conversations about race? In this episode, I react to the recent ruling and highlight where I think we need to focus as we continue to push for progress amidst the backlash.
#DrKira #HeyFolx #SCOTUS #AffirmativeAction #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast #SupremeCourt

How to Have Antiracist Conversations Jun 29, 2023

Have you ever wondered _how_ to have antiracist conversations? In this episode, I speak with Dr. Roxy Manning about her book “How to Have AntiRacist Conversations: Embracing Our Full Humanity to Challenge White Supremacy.” Listen to learn and get some tips for your next conversation!
#DrKira #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast #DrRoxyManning #Antiracist #antiracism

https://youtu.be/ardogL35M_w

Lessons We Can Learn from Target May 26, 2023

What do you think about Target Corp. pulling pride merch? In this episode of Raising Equity, I share three lessons I think we can all learn. I talk about how NOT to be a fair weather ally and how to be consistent in your commitment amidst backlash. Listen and share your thoughts in the comments!

#RaisingEquityPodcast #RaisingEquity #Target #TargetCorp #DEI #ABAR #DrKira #HeyFolx #InTheNews #backlash #ThreeLessons #DiversityDownload

Hiring People of Color Mar 24, 2023

I’ve seen many orgs struggle with hiring practices when it comes to recruiting and retaining people of color. First, let’s change the prevailing narrative: qualified people of color DO exist in all sectors and professions. Are you driving people of color hires away before they ever apply for the job? Or is your organization’s culture keeping POC hires from hanging around? It’s time to get honest about your practices and culture and reflect on WHY you’re having a tough time recruiting, promoting and retaining people of color. Maybe it’s time for an audit?
#DrKira #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast #hiring #diversityhiring #diversity #inclusion #dei #promotions

(this episode is audio-only)

FATIGUE Mar 23, 2023

I’m hearing a lot of stories, from all sides, describing people tired of doing the work around DEI. Fatigue around processing oppression. Fatigue around the marginalized sharing their stories and experiences of oppression. Fatigue around doing difficult work that does not always yield immediate results.
Keep in mind that this work is generational; it’s about ongoing work. When fatigued, find your rest and remember it’s a marathon and not a sprint. Staying clear about WHY your organization is doing this work will help you stay on track.
#DrKira #HeyFolx #DEI #Diversity #DiversityDownload #fatigue #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast

(this episode is audio only)

Diversity in Hollywood Mar 16, 2023

In this episode we learn from Julie Harris Oliver, host of the podcast The Other 50%. She has worked with production companies and producers to address the lack of diversity in the entertainment industry and to foster inclusive and equitable creative spaces. As a White woman doing diversity work, Julie shares how she has grown over the years in her awareness and her ability to take up space but most importantly share space and work collaboratively.
#DrKira #RaisingEquityPodcast #HeyFolx #Hollywood #Entertainment #diversity #DEI #EquityAndInclusion #WhiteFolxWork #WhiteFolkWork #JulieHarrisOliver

https://youtu.be/8P_2SkJgABE

Humans of St. Louis w/ Lindy Drew Jan 10, 2023

Did you know Humans of St. Louis (HOSTL) had a book?! I sat down with Lindy Drew and she talked all things St. Louis and the journey of self publishing the HOSTL book. If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to walk around different neighborhoods of St. Louis striking up a conversation with strangers, this book is for you.
#hostl #hostlbook #LindyDrew #drkira #heyfolx #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast

What Do You Know About Maroon Communities? Dec 07, 2022

Have you ever heard of Maroon communities? Do you know they still exist? In this episode, we learn from Dr. Crystal Menzies (@emancipate_ED) who has traveled the globe studying resistance and liberation movements. This conversation will make you think about how to create practices in your own home that can create liberation within oppression.
#DrKira #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast #MaroonCommunities #CrystalMenzies

Allyship: How to be Better Allies Oct 07, 2022

In this episode, I offer 3 questions we can ask ourselves to improve our allyship. We all have work to do to be better able to show up for groups we aren’t a part of. Let me know what you think and if these questions are helpful!
#Allyship #BeAnAlly #Allies #DEI #DrKira #KiraBanks #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast #HeyFolx

https://youtu.be/8VPMIFROcug

DEI Training. For the Sake of Training? Oct 04, 2022

Don’t engage in training for the sake of training. It doesn’t end well. In this episode, I caution organizations from doing DEI trainings within an organization unwilling or unable to take action.
#DEI #DrKira #KiraBanks #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast #HeyFolx

https://youtu.be/qozueg3mQVg

Change is Uncomfortable Sep 14, 2022

You will see an increase in complaints, concerns, and conflict when you say you want a more inclusive and equitable workplace. Why? Because you asked for it. And it shouldn’t be seen as a problem. The problem is the (hopefully) old climate that made people swallow indignities and hide parts of who they are to get ahead. In this Diversity Download I share 3 tips for navigating culture change.

#DiversityDownload #change #dialogue #heyfolx #DrKira #DrBanks #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast

Don’t Let Your Privilege Paralyze You! Aug 10, 2022

I want to urge to not to let your privilege paralyze you and keep you from creating inclusive spaces. You may not personally feel powerful but what are your dominant identities that shape the norms and values for your organization? What can you to do to get better at creating more equitable spaces where you live and work? I share my thoughts here.
#drkira #raisingequity #raisingequitypodcast #leverageyourprivilege #groupdynamics #organizationalmanagment #organizationalbehavior #privilege #dominantgroup

https://youtu.be/xZKArvGg6Ig

What’s DEI Got to do with Politics? Jun 14, 2022

This question is one political campaigns have had to wrestle with more squarely since protests of 2020. Dog Whistle politics, speaking in code, and talking about identities without directly talking about identities is an awkward dance that needs to stop, but few have figured out the moves. In this episode ARENA Academy’s Director of Training, Julia Leitner (@julesleit), talks about the importance of each part of a political campaign figuring out how DEI fits into their work and how the issues of today call for us each to find out lane and get to work!
#DrKira #HeyFolx #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast #politics #politicalcampaigns #JuliaLeitner #Arena #ArenaSummit #ArenaAcademy

Abortion Rights and Reproductive Justice Jun 02, 2022

Reproductive justice means SO much more than abortion access. This episode is dedicated to understanding how we broaden our aperture to understand the ways movements are connected and talking about abortion is deeper than choice and Roe v. Wade. Yamani Hernandez is a powerhouse in this area and walks us through some education on the topic as well as dos and don’ts.
#DrKira #HeyFolx #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast #abortion #abortionrights #reproductivejustice #YamaniHernandez

Activism in the Workplace May 27, 2022

Activism is here to stay. College students of the 2010’s are now in the workplace, and these employees expect real change. More than ever, the workplace is movement space, ripe with opportunities for social justice and change.
As an employer, how do you support meaningful conversations about employee activism? How do you support workplace activists? How do you work to align to the values of your employees?
#DrKira #HeyFolx #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast #activism #workplaceactivism

https://youtu.be/IXWiyS2RO6c

Raising Anti-Racist Children w/ Britt Hawthorne May 26, 2022

We sit down with Britt Hawthorne author of Raising Antiracist Children: A Practical Parenting Guide. Britt is an antiracist educator and advocate who is committed to raising a generation of antiracist children. We share how we talk to our sons about the latest act of racial terrorism in Buffalo and the ways we keep ourselves and our families engaged in the work of anti-racism.
#DrKira #HeyFolx #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast #BrittHawthorne #RaisingAntiRacistChildren

https://youtu.be/eJ1DZ4XEEGQ

Good Therapy is Good Therapy May 25, 2022

You deserve help and support, and I want you to know that can happen even if your therapist comes from a different background than you. I hear a lot of people who want to match their therapist… on race, gender, sexual orientation. But research has found that it doesn’t guarantee better therapy. Good therapy is good therapy, and you should look for a therapist who helps you feel safe opening up, is non-judgemental and passionate. In this episode I share some questions you can ask and red flags you can be on the lookout for as you seek the help you deserve.
#DrKira #HeyFolx #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #goodtherapy #QTNA

Juneteenth is a-Comin! May 23, 2022

If your org has done nothing to address and improve on the plight of Black folx in your organization then _maybe_ you want to think about how your org celebrates Juneteenth. First an org should consider learning the history and doing its own work. How can you do it respectfully and honor Juneteenth? Allow me to explain…
#DrKira #HeyFolx #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast #Juneteenth #BeThoughtful

https://youtu.be/KjnI7WvOGAk

Racialized Violence – Buffalo Shooting May 19, 2022

We need to be willing to name what is happening in all of the racialized violence scenarios happening. How do you explain, adjust and frame the narrative for your young person?
In this episode I will use my Raising Equity N.E.R.D.S. framework to help explain.
#DrKira #HeyFolx #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast #BuffaloShooting

Talking with Nicole Lee About Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Apr 23, 2022

Now that it’s all over, we can take a deep breath and look back on the road to Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. What are the legal implications of this appointment given where we are as a country? What’s the tea? I talk to movement lawyer Nicole Lee to get her perspective on all things Supreme Court.
#DrKira #HeyFolx #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast #JusticeJackson #KetanjiJackson

That’s a Microaggression! Now What? Mar 15, 2022

We’ve grown to be able to say the word “microaggression.” Now what? Well, the realWork begins- the work to figure out what to do when they happen and how to support targets and hold perpetrators accountable. It’s not reasonable to say we will be free of them, so let’s get real about how we will handle them.
#DrKira #HeyFolx #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast #Microaggressions #DEI #ABAR

Happy Black History AND Black Futures Month! Feb 02, 2022

It’s just as important to celebrate our future as it is to honor our past. So tell me who you are remembering? Who are you following that is setting a vision for how we thrive as a people? What organizations, past and present, are you lifting up? I will be honoring the complexity of Black identity and rejecting the idea that we are monolithic. Happy Black History AND Black Futures Month!
#blackhistory #blackhistorymonth #blackfutures # blackfuturesmonth #heyfolx #drikira #drbanks #raisingequity #raisingequitypodcast

Understanding the Built Landscape for Equity Jan 26, 2022

What is “The Built Landscape?” If you’ve attended any of my sessions, you’ve heard me use this phrase. I break it down here as a framework for understanding and fighting inequity.
#RaisingEquity #DrKira #KiraBanks #HeyFolx #RaisingEquityPodcast

Inside, Outside Work Jan 22, 2022

I am often asked “Should we focus more on internal DEI work or external facing work?” And my response is to think about these two strands of work as both/and rather than either/or. Where did you start? And what have been the pros and cons to that approach?
#HeyFolx #DrKira #RaisingEquity #DEI #DiversityDownload #RaisingEquityPodcast

https://youtu.be/Aq7OU7ZMlMM

Be Teachable! Jan 22, 2022

Are you teachable? How do you respond when someone makes a request of you or corrects you? In this Diversity Download I share a quick story about how we can be less defensive and more open to what people need to feel seen, respected and included.
#HeyFolx #DrKira #RaisingEquity #DEI #Gender #NonBinary #RaisingEquityPodcast #PreferredPronouns #DiversityDownload

https://youtu.be/NNWjCTeyrD0

Does Leadership Have What it Takes? Jan 20, 2022

Lots of leaders say they want to do equity work, but can they? Are they able? Capable? These three questions will help you know if you or your leadership are ready to step into the ongoing work of equity.
#heyfolx #raisingequity #drkira #equity #dei #leadership

https://youtu.be/YM25N20wcVY

Check the Calendar for Inclusivity Jan 17, 2022

Okay, are you REALLY serious about inclusivity? It is all of our responsibilities to check the calendar and know about others’ high holy days and take them into consideration.
#WalkTheWalk #Inclusivity #Equity #RoshHaShanah #RaisingEquityPodcast #Podcasts #RaisingEquity

Did MLK Want Us to be ‘Colorblind’? Jan 17, 2022

Did MLK want us to be colorblind? The answer is a resounding “no!” But I get the question a lot. How do you respond when people minimize race?
#HeyFolx #DrKira #RaisingEquity #MLK #ReclaimMLK #RaisingEquityPodcast

Don’t Make THIS Mistake for Black History Month Jan 15, 2022

Is your org ready for Black History Month programming? Does it fit? Is it connected to anything else the organization is doing? If not, it might do more harm than good.
#HeyFolx #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast #DrKira #DEI #BlackHistoryMonth #BHM #ABAR

Movement & Mental Health Oct 01, 2021

One of the approaches we are taking this season is partnering with a St. Louis NPR podcast “We Live Here,” which shares stories about race and class from St. Louis and beyond with host Lauren Brown. Raising equity includes how we care for ourselves and community while also resisting oppression. Today’s episode is focused on how people have been navigating loss related to the pandemic. Lauren and I take a closer look at ways Black people are embracing mental health and wellness through movement. The pandemic and social justice movements taking place all over the world have created a surge in mental health challenges and racial trauma, specifically in the black community. Hopefully listening to these stories will help you reflect on your own journey and how you can take care of yourself amidst all that has and is happening.

Clustering Black Kids Together in Schools? Sep 16, 2021

Have you ever been a part of a cohort or cluster of people who you have something in common with? Research has found that it can help us feel less alone and less tokenized when we aren’t the “only” or “one of few.”
A principal in a predominantly White school in Atlanta, GA chose to cluster Black students into a couple of classrooms rather than assign the children in a way that left them being “one of few.” Many parents of Black children in the school were appreciative of the decision. One parent is taking legal action and sees it as segregation. In this segment, I talk about the principal’s decision and what we know in psychology about the practice.
#DrKIra #HeyFolx #RaisingEquity #REPodcast

What Happens After the DEI Training? Sep 09, 2021

So you or your org have had their “diversity training.” Now what? What happens AFTER the diversity training? In this episode of Raising Equity, I share some of my thoughts and answers with you.
#DrKIra #HeyFolx #RaisingEquity #REPodcast #Diversity #DEI #ABAR

Beware the Diversity Committee Aug 26, 2021

Hey Folx! it’s not that’ I’m against the now very popular push to form a “Diversity Committee.” It’s just that creating a “diversity task force” or “diversity council” won’t automatically solve your DEI problems.

Leadership still needs to fully understand the DEI problem, so they create a task force to engage folk in the work. Great! But HOW you engage the task force is what matters.

In this episode I break it down for you and provide a few suggestions on how to avoid the diversity committee pitfalls. Thanks for your interest in Raising Equity!
#RaisingEquity #REPODCAST #DrKira #HeyFolx #Diversity #DEI #ABAR #PodcastAlert #Inclusion

Welcome to Season 4 of Raising Equity! Aug 24, 2021

Welcome to Season 4 of the Raising Equity Podcast! A few things are changing this year: Dr. Banks will continue to provide you with the same conversations that you have grown to enjoy along with some new content that reflects the work she’s currently doing. Be sure to check out Dr. Kira Banks on her newly-designed website, https://KiraBanks.com and as always, RaisingEquity.org, the only place to find ALL #RaisingEquity episodes!

#DrKira #HeyFolx #REPodcast

Is Your Company Really Fighting Racism or Just Talking About It? Jun 18, 2020

Is your company really fighting racism or just talking about it? Richard D. Harvey and I co-authored a piece in the Harvard Business Review this week (https://hbr.org/2020/06/is-your-company-actually-fighting-racism-or-just-talking-about-it), and we have more thoughts to share. What are your questions? What is your company doing?
#hbr #harvardbusinessreview #raisingequity #REpodcast #drkira

Talking to Kids About Racism, Ep. 1 Jun 11, 2020

You asked, we delivered. The question of the week was “how do I talk to my kids about what’s going on?!” I’ve gathered an all-star panel of parents who will share how it goes down in their homes. See how to hear more from the panelists below.
#RaisingEquity #DrKira #Minneapolis #BreonnaTaylor #AmyCooper #GeorgeFloyd
Nicole Lee: Instagram @nicoleleeil Twitter @nicoleclee
Adelaide Lancaster: FB /westoriesstl IG: @westoriesstl @aelancaster
E. Bomani Johnson: @ebomani @emergentpathway
Tim Wise: Twitter & FB Tim Wise
Resource mentioned: Teaching for Change, Teaching Tolerance, We Stories, Zinn Education, Eyeseeme Bookstore

Elizabeth McLaughlin on being Transformed, not Triggered May 31, 2020

The pandemic is hitting women differently than for men, partly because we are socialized to be in and for community.
Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin shares “the heroine’s journey” and how being a White woman in particular calls her to be open to continuous learning. She weighs in on the “Karen” meme and the importance of White women recognizing their role in racism.
#RaisingEquity #DrKira #ElizabethCroniseMcLaughlin #WomenLeadership #HeroinesJourney #WhiteFolkWork #racism #Karen #ByeKaren #AmyCooper #GeorgeFloyd #GaiaLeadership #REPodcast

Kid Thoughts on the Pandemic May 28, 2020

“Mom, why are people going back to normal?”
My 13 year old asked me this question out of the blue today. He was seeing social media posts of parties and people hanging out, and it seemed like he was fishing for my opinion. Yet he had opinions of his own and knowledge to drop! Listen in as he shares his thoughts about Covid and the pandemic.
#raisingequity #repodcast #kidssaythedarndestthings #covid #REPodcast #RaisingEquity #DrKira #KidAvery

Waking Up to the Realities of Racism May 17, 2020

You might’ve seen the viral video of a White man running with the TV to make the point that Ahmaud Arbery was racially targeted. But what you might not know is that Richard Demsick didn’t even know who Ahamud Arbery was before he saw friend’s Instagram post about #IRunWithMaud. While the call to run has been met with justified criticism— it attempts to humanize Arbery by making him respectable, a runner, someone that pulls for White sympathy— it also raises the profile of the case reaching people who might not pause to dig deeper. In this episode, I speak with Demsick about what led him to leverage his privilege.
#RaisingEquity #DrKira #RichardDemsick #WhiteFolkWork #WhitePrivilege #LeverageYourPrivilege #AhmaudArbery #REPodcast

It’s Like Emmitt Till All Over Again May 16, 2020

Folx, we’ve been here before. In this episode I sit down with my husband Aaron Banks who is also a lawyer. We discuss the facts around several recent police shootings but more importantly the over arching pattern of facts related to anti Blackness and our society’s complacency with black death.
#AhmaudArbery #IRunWithMaud #BreonnaTaylor #JusticeForBre #SeanReed #NinaPop #saytheirnames #SayHerName #RaisingEquity #REPodcast #BlackLivesMatter #M4BL #DrKira #ABanks

A Chat with My Partner on Work, Life & Reopening May 13, 2020

Unnecessary meetings and holding people in jail simply because they can’t afford bail. Those are two things COVID-19 has pushed us to do differently and I hope we don’t fall back on “business as usual.” As cities and states start to “open up” contrary to public health data, it’s an opportunity to notice what we are eager to get back to and what we hope is a thing of the past.
Join me on this episode as I have an informal chat with my polymath husband, lawyer, photographer, techie and podcast producer, Aaron Banks, discussing what we’re all in a hurry to get back to and what we want to keep from these times.
Be sure to look for the video recording of this podcast on RaisingEquity.org and YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
#DrKira #ABanks #COVID19 #StayAtHome #TheBigSitDown #REPodcast #RaisingEquity #HunkerDown

Decisions, Decisions May 08, 2020

As places start opening up, I’m faced with a series of decisions. My beliefs align with #saferathome and #flattenthecurve, so I have to figure out how what I do, what my family does, as policies and governing bodies loosen restrictions. It’s a reminder of how powerful systems are, how it’s hard to act contrary to the status quo even when we feel strongly. Do we go to camp? Visit family? The answers seemed so clear a few weeks ago. As we shift from public health guiding the way to balancing the demands of commerce and the desire of folx to “get back to normal,” we have to create decision trees to help us hold to our values amidst changing landscapes.
#DecisionsDecisions #DecisionTrees #Covid19 #SaferAtHome #FlattenTheCurve #MoveAtTheSpeedOfEquity #OpenEquitably #RaisingEquity #AtTheSpeedOfEquity #DrKira #REPodcast

Let’s Focus on Health Equity NOT Health Disparities Apr 24, 2020

Dr. Wizdom Powell pushes us to think about how we get to health equity rather than focusing on health disparities. Disaggregating data, a fancy way of saying looking at data by groups, is the main way to start moving towards health equity. What gets measured matters. And we have to know where we are to know where we are headed. Dr. Powell’s work in public health and psychology has helped us make progress towards health equity, and she shares what we can do about inequities Covid-19 has highlighted.
#RaisingEquity #DrKira #HealthEquity #PublicHealth #Covid19 #Coronavirus #UConn #UCHD #REPodcast

A COVID Sneeze is as Deadly as a Mass Shooting Apr 23, 2020

The effects of a sneeze from someone infected with COVID-19 is as much a public health threat as a mass shooting. Dr. Punch pushes us to think about this parallel and to consider how we show up for each other as a community at times like these. A trauma surgeon by training, Dr. Punch is familiar with the severity of ventilators and the ICU and is witnessing people navigating COVID here in St. Louis hospitals. The community center Dr. Punch created, The T STL is a place where they work to treat the whole person before trauma and crisis occur. The world needs more doctors like Dr. Punch, and the St. Louis region is lucky to have them.
INSTA: @punchalicious
Twitter: @laurie_punch
http://www.preparestl.com/
https://www.thetstl.com/
#TheT #Covid19 #Conronavirus #ScrubLikeASurgeon #achoo #publichealth #StLouis #DrKira #RaisingEquity #DrPunch

Don’t Be Scared to Talk to Kids About the Pandemic Apr 19, 2020

The pandemic is making systems visible: branches of government, states rights, safety nets for people who are unhoused, capitalism. We are seeing these complex systems in action (or inaction), so take the time to talk to kids about what’s happening. Kids can understand than more we give them credit for. Raising Equity is about helping them understand systems so they can interrupt and change them. We want them to tackle the hardest academic and sports challenges? Why not the social ones? Tackle talking to your kids about challenges and pivots we are seeing in real time. Raise Equity!
#DrKira #RaisingEquity #TalkToKids #PandemicParenting #CovidParenting

Navigating the Stages of Grief in the Pandemic Apr 06, 2020

Today I want to share with you my thoughts on the “Stages of Grief” as we navigate the pandemic.

Sinophobia, Parenting and Privilege in the Pandemic Apr 04, 2020

PaKou Her has over 20 years of experience in anti-racism organizing and she shares how she and her family are learning about and leveraging their privilege during the pandemic. She talks about Sinophobia- the dislike of Chinese people- how it’s part of a long history, how it impacts Asian Americans more broadly, and how it impacts her own family. Working from home and digitally is her jam, so she shares some great tips that I know I will be implementing pronto!
#parenting #pandemicparenting #Sinophobia #RaisingEquity #RaisingEquityPodcast #leverageyourprivilege #covidkids #PakouHer #REPodcast #AntiRacism #DigitalHygiene #WFH

https://youtu.be/n6sfPwzR1EY

A Small Business Owner Shares Hope and Innovation Apr 03, 2020

How are small business owners doing? Celia Ward-Wallace sits down with me, from South Central LA, to talk about how she and her husband’s small business is navigating Covid-19.

South LA Cafe emerged in the fall of 2019 as an anti-gentrification effort “to build community through coffee, culture, and connection.” It quickly became a hub of South Central, providing access to affordable food in the middle of a food desert.

Celia shares the story of how the cafe lives on despite the limitations on brick and mortar businesses and shares advice about how they have pivoted to make it through. Take her up on her invitation to reach out if she can help you pivot!

www.southlacafe.com
IG @southlacafe on IG
www.celiawardwallace.com
IG @celia.ward.wallace
#DrKira #covid19 #sba #smallbusinesses #familybusinesses #southla #southcentral #hope #innovate #pivot #pandemicpodcast #raisingequity #REPodcast

A Family Fighting COVID-19 Mar 31, 2020

Today, I speak with a woman whose entire family is fighting a COVID-19 outbreak.

What would you do if you AND your family got COVID-19? Lindsay Pera opens up to share her personal and family story. She reminds us of ways we can have agency amidst illness. This episode is a MUST– if you are at home and well or if you are in the throes of it all. The pandemic has lessons to teach us about how to care for ourselves, each other, our community, and the world.

Lindsay shares the protocol she used for treating her family, and you can learn more about this amazing Gratitude Girl on Facebook or her website where she offers free resources to help you get into alignment. I’ve already downloaded her app, Shift Wheel, that helps you track areas you want to grow and shift in your life.

#DrKira #RaisingEquity #REPodcast #COVID19 #family #wellness #gratitude #pandemic #LindsayPera #PandemicLessons #PandemicSurvival #PandemicPreparation #FlattenTheCurve #CurveFlattener #StayHome #CovidCalifornia #CovidTips #Quarantine #GreatIdeas #ThoughtLeaders #CovidHelp #CovidChronicles

Here is the link to the Protocol Document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HJXNoxdeDAUVKWaV4AFtYsAaKi7D1sNUlr1bsFsPnyk/edit
Here is a link to the Shift Wheel tracking app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shift-wheel-of-life/id1360232973
Link to a FB Live in Lindsay’s “Third Door” Series on COVID-19: https://www.facebook.com/ModernMysticsInstitute/videos/424057755097618/
Modern Mystics Institute: Home of the Mystics Society:
https://mysticssociety.com

Lindsay’s Free Resources: https://mysticsgiftemporium.simplerosites.com

Finding Your Resilience Amidst the Pandemic Mar 29, 2020

We are forever changed by the pause this pandemic has caused. In this episode of Raising Equity, Nkem Ndefo creator of The Resilience Toolkit and founder of Lumos Transforms, a non-profit in LA, shares her thoughts about this time.

Ndefo highlights the importance of honoring the wisdom in our responses rather than focusing on trying to change them.

Check out her free webinar, Anchoring Resilience in Turbulent Times:
https://bit.ly/3bCTdW2

#RaisingEquity #REPodcast #NkemNdefo #DrKira #LumosTransforms #COVID19 #Podcasts

Podcasting Amidst the Pandemic Mar 26, 2020

The pandemic has pushed us to revaluate how we do life from work to school to play. It’s shown us that we can make drastic changes– when we want to– and yet, so often we are told that change must be incremental. As we settle into this new rhythm, what are you learning? What do you want to remember? Raising Equity’s producer and my partner, Aaron Banks, joins me for some casual conversation.
#StayAtHome #CoronaVirus #COVID #COVID19 #DrKira #ABanks #RaisingEquity #WineAndPrayer #FlattenTheCurve

A Primary Care Doctor Fighting the Coronavirus Pandemic Mar 22, 2020

In this episode of Raising Equity, Dr. Jaqui Jones shares how primary care is important before, during and after pandemics. How are the health disparities that existed before being exacerbated? What are we learning now that can help us in the future? Dr. Jones also shares her story of becoming a doctor. As Black woman from Chicago who had a full ride playing basketball at the University of Alabama, it was a winding but formative road.
#StayAtHome #CoronaVirus #COVID #COVID19 #DrKira #DrJaqui #RaisingEquity #WineAndPrayer #FlattenTheCurve

A Special Veterans Day Episode Nov 11, 2019

Veterans Day is tomorrow, and I am a strong believer in honoring those who serve. We can be critical lovers of our country—loving it enough to work to make it better, highlighting the stories of veterans whose experiences aren’t like the idyllic stories in the movies, and ensuring they have the services they need. Dr. Marva Robinson, a psychologist who has extensive experience working with veterans, joins us on this episode to talk about the stressors she sees impacting this population.
I dedicate this episode to all those who have served, but most specifically to my Grandfather-in-love, Y.Z. Johnson Jr. who served in the Army, our Uncle Lee Earnest Cummings Jr. (HAPPY BIRTHDAY!) who served in the Army, and my Uncle Richard Scott who served in the Air Force. And Uncle Clifford Banks (Army), too.
#VeteransDay #ThankaVeteran #REpodcast #DrKira #YayYayee #RaisingEquity #Veterans #military #MarvaRobinson #DrMarva #YZJohnson #RichScott #UncleLee #Thesamtr #UncleCliffordDay

One Young Woman’s Journey Towards Activism Nov 08, 2019

Ever meet a young person and know they will make a mark? Young people are consistently the force behind social movements. It’s intriguing to me, then, that we don’t understand how they come to understand the need for activism.
When I met Zahva Naeem, I was impressed by her commitment to being an ally at such a young age. I asked about where her conviction came from and how it developed. I was reminded how important it is that we listen to youth to be of support and more importantly, learn.
#RaisingEquity #REPodcast #ZahvaNaeem #DrKira

https://youtu.be/AUXv8a672CQ

How a University is Publicly Taking Responsibility for its Role in Slavery Nov 01, 2019

Institutions across the country are digging into their history to understand how they were complicit in slavery. Spoiler Alert: they all were. It was the slavery-driven economic system that fueled the growth of our nation and was not discrete based on institutional boundaries. But what does it mean to be accountable? What does reconciliation look like? What about reparations? Saint Louis University in Missouri has engaged in a multi-year archival research process to bring to life the 6 enslaved individuals who the Jesuits brought to St. Louis in 1823. Dr. Jonathan Smith, Vice President for Diversity and Community Engagement, shares about the project and some of the lessons learned.
#SLU #SluHistory #NeverForget #EnslavedNotSlaves #DrKira #RaisingEquity #REPodcast #JonathanSmith #Reparations #The1870Wall

What coping with Racial Incidents Looks Like in Adults and Kids Oct 25, 2019

When people experience or witness racially traumatic events, they can have a variety of responses. Even watching videos can impact your mental health. How do you cope with the ongoing incidents of racial injustice? Do you know what to look out for in yourself and the kids in your life? In this episode, I talk with a psychologist who has experience supporting people in their mental health journey. We discuss “who gets to angry?” “Who is rushed to forgive?” And we provide suggestions for how you might talk to kids and take care of yourself.
#selfcare #drjameca #drkira #raisingequity #REpodcast #racebasedtrauma #resilience #joyinsidemytears

https://youtu.be/s3oK_UXx6Ws

Revolutionary Art Oct 18, 2019

Art can be revolutionary, as a way to capture what is and what can be. Cbabi Bayoc’s work has pushed the boundaries of how we see Black fathers, captured the spirit of the Ferguson Uprising, and graced the walls of countless schools. Raising Equity requires that kids are exposed to images that reflect themselves and others in their full humanity as opposed to narrow stereotypes, and this St. Louis based artist’s work does just that.
#Cbabi #CbabiBayoc #muralist #artist #muralartist #365DaysWithDad #artasrevolution #revolutionaryart #raisingequity #REpodcast #drkira

https://youtu.be/tvAaqBOmi7c

There is Life After Suicide Attempts Oct 10, 2019

Talking about suicide doesn’t make people commit suicide. Too often when people are suicidal, they are told to be “happy for what you have” rather than asked to “tell me more about why you feel this way?” Sometimes we ignore the attempt once it has passed in hopes of moving forward rather than learning from the ideation. In this episode, I sit down with a young adult who has attempted suicide twice, is glad the attempts failed, and is adamant about being open about her mental health journey. I learned a lot and appreciate her willingness to share. #mentalhealthmatters #worldmentalhealthday #drkira #raisingequity #mentalhealth

Protecting Queer Youth Starts with YOU Oct 04, 2019

The second season of Raising Equity is here just in time for Fall!!
Queer youth are often seen as the problem when in reality it’s the environment we have created and sanctioned as adults that is toxic and harmful to queer youths’ mental health. Dr. Katie Heiden-Rootes is therapist who works with families as they do their work to create supportive spaces for queer youth to grow. She also conducts research on how family, relationships, and context affect the well-being of queer youth. I learned a lot, and I trust you will too!
#RaisingEquity #REPodcast

https://youtu.be/i2dcZyZGibA

Gun Violence as a Public Health Issue: What can you do? Aug 16, 2019

It’s back to school time, and wouldn’t it be great if we didn’t need to consider bulletproof backpacks and the kids didn’t have to do intruder drills?!? Gun violence is a hot-button issue but one we can’t avoid.
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America volunteers share how we can work together to prevent gun violence. One thing I learned is saying “gun control” can make some people defensive. Listen to learn the language and legislation you need to know.
#MomsDemandAction #MomsDemandActionMO #Everytown #EndGunViolence #RecessRally #DrKira #RaisingEquity #REPodcast

5 Years After #MikeBrown: What Have We Learned and What is Being Done to Combat Police Violence Aug 09, 2019

Today marks the 5 year anniversary of the state-sanctioned killing of Michael Brown Jr. The Ferguson Uprising that followed his death has inspired countless people to find their place in the movement, including us here at Raising Equity. Brandon Anderson is an activist and entrepreneur from Oakland who created Raheem, a database for reporting police conduct. The site reminds us we cannot fix what we cannot see. He urges us to go beyond counting the lives lost to police violence to gathering the data to hold police, and more importantly the system of policing, accountable.
#Raheem #PoliceViolence #DrKira #REPodcast #RaisingEquity #BrandonAnderson #MikeBrownForever #FergusonUprising #FergusonTaughtMe #FergusonTaughtUs

Living Outside of the Binary Box Jul 26, 2019

How many ways does the idea of gender box you in? Dr. Amber Johnson inspires us to think beyond the either or, beyond the binary. They share personal stories about their journey and how to support children in their gender expression. Dr. Johnson has great suggestions for questions we as adults can ask that model agency in pronouns and dress. Listen in to soak of some of their brilliance and to learn about gender, gender expression and gender identity.

#DrKira #RaisingEquity #REPodcast #AmberJohnson #gender #smashthebinary #genderasasocialconstruct #genderexpression #gendernonbinary #gendernoncomforming #enby #transfuturism

“Is Trump racist?” is not the question. Trump fans the flames of RACISM. Jul 18, 2019

It’s time for us to have more meaningful conversations on what Donald Trump and his presidency really means. Please WATCH, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE this conversation discussing what questions we need to be asking beyond “is Trump’s tweet racist?”
Dr. Richard Harvey studies the psychology of oppression and shares his thoughts about the patterns we need to be paying attention to as a country to understand the bigger questions of systemic oppression and to be able to navigate the residue Donald Trump’s presidency will leave behind.
#DrKira #RaisingEquity #systemicracism #systemicoppression #institutionalracism #criticallover #Trump #racism #RottenBarrel

https://youtu.be/y844NIQ0j5Y

Shutting Down the School to Prison Pipeline Jul 12, 2019

In 2015, EVERY Pre-K through 3rd grade student suspended in the city of St. Louis, Missouri public schools (SLPS) was Black.
Every. Student.
That district had the 2nd highest suspension rate of elementary students in the country. Shut It Down is a program in St. Louis, Missouri that works with teachers and administrators to help create equitable spaces and environments that respond to trauma. Dr. April Warren-Grice, the current project director, shares with us her passion for seeing the genius in every kid and stories of how Shut It Down is changing schools for the better.
#DrKira #RaisingEquity #REPodcast #AprilWarrenGrice #BlackDoctors #Blackademics #ShutItDown #SchoolToPrisonPipeline #SLPS #StLouis

https://youtu.be/1V4vU_zspAc

Love and Magic Meets Black Girl Magic Jul 05, 2019

Who doesn’t want some love and magic in their life? As we continue to explore stories of Black Girl Magic, I am lucky enough to talk to Reine Bayoc, chef and co-founder of SweetArt bakeshop, resident chef at ANEW, and all around conjourer of love and magic. Come get you some.
#BlackGirlMagic #DrKira #REPodcast #RaisingEquity #loveandmagic #sweetartstlouis #loveandmagic #womeninthekitchen #womenrunningthekitchen #plantbasedcomfortfood #blackwomenchefs

Being Latina in Predominantly White Spaces, Pt. 2 Jun 21, 2019

You know when you meet a young person and you just KNOW they are going to set the world aflame? And then you hear them talk about how they are already standing up for themselves and others, and you feel like the world is going to be alright?
In this week’s episode, I talk to a 13 year old young lady, who identifies as Caribbean Latin American, about her experience at school and other spaces. Raising Equity is all about preparing kids to analyze and transform systems. and Aitana is already doing just that! And remember, this is a multi-part series, so don’t forget to listen to my convo with her mother Juliana in last week’s episode!
#RaisingEquity #REPodcast #DrKira #Aitana #Immigrants #LatinAmerica #RisingStar

Being Latina in Predominantly White Spaces, Pt. 1 Jun 14, 2019

In this multi-part series, we hear from a mother-daughter pair about the challenges of being Latina in predominantly White spaces.
How do you raise your child to be proud of herself when her school and city leave her feeling left out? In this episode, I talk with Juliana Varela about how she supports her Latina daughters amidst environments that range from neglectful to down right hostile. She shares the importance of language and culture and how she helps them navigate the Black White binary that often pervades US race conversations. Next week, we will hear directly from her daughter, so make sure to subscribe to the podcast to be the first to hear a rockstar of a young lady.
#RaisingEquity #REPodcast #DrKira #JulianaVarela #Immigrants #LatinAmerica #BeingLatina #BeingLatinx

My Mother-in-Love Jun 07, 2019

We’re back with more maternal wisdom and Black Girl Magic. Mardra Johnson Thomas is adamant that elders need to share with youth, and she does just that. She is a licensed mortician, jazz vocalist and professional actress– to name a few of the lives she has lived. She reflects on growing up after Brown v. Board, being an Army brat, and rejecting fear as a limiting factor, The stories of her grandmother, who was enslaved, remind us how close that era is to today.
#BlackGirlMagic #Motherinlove #MaketheAdjustment #PissinginHighCotton #MardraThomas

https://youtu.be/SwOOPFwHJTA

My Mother’s Experiences as a Black Woman May 31, 2019

Do you know the stories of the women in your family? I knew my mom was one of the first systems analysts at IBM and the CEO of an Urban League affiliate, but I hadn’t heard the full story of how she was targeted by hate when she integrated her grade school in St. Louis or organized to get Black Studies offerings at her college in the sixties. #BlackGirlMagic is right in front of us if we slow down to notice.
#BlackMomsBeLike #BlackMoms #FamilyStoryTime #DrKira #RaisingEquity #WhoRaisedYou

Trans Women are Women May 24, 2019

Wriply Marie Bennet is the truth. From her artwork to activism, Wriply centers the experiences of queer folx of color. Coming up on the anniversary of what became known as Black Pride 4, Wriply talks about the action and the aftermath. What started as a peaceful disruption to call attention to violence against trans folx and police violence, became violent when the police physically assaulted peaceful protesters while parade goers cheered and spit.

From her start with the Trans Women of Color Collective to her recently unveiled project Transfuturism, Wriply’s talent is clear. Listen in on some of this #BlackGirlMagic Let’s celebrate Black trans folx in life, not just mourn folx in death.

#Transfuturism #CelebrateTransPeople #BlackPride4 #ProtectTransPeople #TransRightsareHumanRights # MuhlaysiaBooker

Yes to Abortion Rights, and It’s Much Bigger Than That May 19, 2019

Abortion rights are getting all the press- rightfully so given the bans across the country but the issue is bigger than rights and bigger than access.

Reproductive justice activists and organizations have been working for decades to ensure people have the information and access they need to make decisions for their lives. Pamela Merritt, co-founder and co-director of Reproaction, shares her wisdom and insights to help us see the bigger picture.

Watch to get informed about what you can do and how you can get engaged.

Give at https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/reproaction
-and/or-
https://nnaf.formstack.com/forms/donate
https://www.gwaf.org/donate

#DrKira #RaisingEquity #REPodcast #Reproaction #PamelaMerritt #Abortion #AbortionRights #AbortionFunds #NNAF #StopTheBans

https://youtu.be/biZI_L10tMk

It Takes a Village – Uzazi Village May 17, 2019

Given the recent bill up for a vote in Missouri that would ban abortions as early as 8 weeks and the Alabama decision, centering the needs and care of Black women, who are disproportionately impacted by such bills, is even more pressing.

Hakima Tafunzi Payne (“Mama Hakima”) does just that. She birthed Uzazi Village as a place dedicated to health before, during and after pregnancy to address disparities in health. Mama Hakima has stepped up and stepped out for Black babies, mothers, and the broader community through the education and resources provided by the Village. Listen in on what’s going on inside and outside of Uzazi Village as a testament to how one person’s vision really can change the world.

#BlackGirlMagic #BlackExcellence #ItTakesaVillage #UzaziVillage #DrKira #RaisingEquity #REPodcast #MamaHakima

#BlackGirlMagic Personified May 10, 2019

Black Girl Magic! I sat down with the uber-talented Brittany Ferrell to talk about her latest projects, being a Black woman, and the ways we get lost in the margins and the ways we persist and thrive in spite of it all.
DrKira #RaisingEquity #REPodcast #BrittanyFerrell #BlackGirlMagic #BlackExcellence #YouLuckyYouGotaMama

Use Your Privilege to Highlight Inequity. It’s a Thing: #LeverageYourPrivilege May 03, 2019

In this throwback interview from November 2018, I revisit the actions of four women in Memphis, Tennessee who used their white privilege to highlight how racism, profiling, and discrimination show up in dress codes and physical appearance. These four women made their way to a local Memphis area mall where black men had recently been arrested merely for wearing hoodies. These white women go into the mall wearing hoodies just like the black men and surprise, surprise! They don’t get arrested! A great example of #WhiteFolkWork.
How are you leveraging your privilege? What action can you take that’s comfortable for you but might draw attention to how others are treated unfairly? #DrKira #RaisingEquity #REPodcast

*BONUS* See another interview I did with the Hoodie Moms on the same subject: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQ1yw2yENGE

Leveraging Your White Privilege and Becoming an Ally Apr 26, 2019

Have you ever wondered how White allies become allies? It doesn’t happen over night, and it’s not a final destination. Christie Huck, a founding parent of City Garden Montessori Charter School, shares stories from growing up to making friends as an adult that have shaped her awareness of her White privilege and shaped her identity

#RaisingEquity #WhiteFolkWork #ChristieHuck #DrKira #WhitePrivilege #REPod #podcast #LeverageYourPrivilege

Understanding “White Kids” with Maggie Hagerman Apr 19, 2019

How do we make sure that White kids grow up to White adults who are anti-racist? We understand how they make sense of race. We engage them in conversation. We help them learn the historical and present role of racism. We are intentional and don’t leave it to chance.

Maggie Hagerman was in town recently, and we sat down to talk about her book, White Kids, which follows dozens of White families and kids to understand their ideas about race. #whitekids #raisingequity #offthesidelines #MaggieHagerman #WhiteFolkWork

Debtors Prisons: Close the Workhouse Apr 16, 2019

DID YOU KNOW that some people accused of crimes in St. Louis, Missouri’s “Workhouse” jail spend almost 300 days in jail, only to have their charges dropped?! Debtors prisons, or jailing people simply for the crime of being poor, is still a problem in the U.S. Can it be reformed? Abolished? I speak with activist, nurse, and public health student Brittany Ferrell about ‘Close the Workhouse’ — a campaign to not only close St. Louis’ Medium Security Institution, but to create a vision of community investment and solutions that keep others from falling prey to a criminal (in)justice system.
#RaisingEquity #CloseTheWorkhouse #STLouis

https://youtu.be/ZiR3H2gQ5aM

White Folk Work is a Family Affair Apr 12, 2019

White folk work requires reflection and action. In this episode, I talk to a mother and daughter pair that do just that. Adelaide Lancaster, co-founder of We Stories, and her daughter Eloise spoke out when they felt their community leadership made a hiring mis-step. When asked what advice she would give to other kids who want to speak out she said, “Believe in yourself and just say what you want to say.” *preach!*
#RaisingEquity #DrKira #whitefolkwork #likemotherlikedaughter #WeStories

Homophobia: Helping Kids Make Sense of it All Apr 05, 2019

My 12 year old and I reflect on the homophobia and heterosexism series. The episodes have been a gift. We talk about the different stories we have heard but also the structures that are in place that make the stories of tension and struggle sound similar. Avery and I are grateful for our community and their willingness to share!

https://youtu.be/OAsu7VH2D-Y

Schools Leading the Way in Anti-bias Education Mar 29, 2019

Our schools have to be a part of stopping homophobia. I chat with Dr. Nicole Evans, principal of City Garden Montessori School in St. Louis. The school has an anti-biased, anti-racist commitment and works with the kids from preK through 8 to help them understand their own and others’ identities.
#DrKira #homophobia #antibias #RaisingEquity #CGMS #ABAR #montessori

How to Reject Homophobia in Schools Mar 23, 2019

I get schooled by Jason Heisserer who is the head of school at Crossroads College Preparatory School in St. Louis, MO. He shares tips on how to create a climate that supports kids in navigating their sexual orientation.

How do we have a biology curriculum that is LGBTQ affirmative? How do we have a vocabulary that honors the spectrum of identities?

He addresses these and other questions as a man who has openly identified as queer his entire career as an educator.

#DrKira #RaisingEquity #REPod #JasonHeisserer #homophobia #lgbtq

When the Church Closes its Doors on an LGBTQ Pastor Feb 18, 2019

The United Methodist Church made headlines when it voted to keep a ban on same-sex marriage and LGBTQ clergy. Yet, it’s one of many denominations that claims to be LGBTQ friendly at the same time as having discriminatory policies. I sit down with a woman who is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ. She has experienced and witnessed heterosexism throughout her time in the church. Most recently, she was fired for being a lesbian– despite fully disclosing this fact before being hired. This interview is a part of our broader series on homophobia and heterosexism.

#DoorsOfTheChurchNotOpen #DrKira #RaisingEquity #Heterosexism #Homophobia #REPOD #UMCGC #GC2019

Talking homophobia with David Dwight Jan 27, 2019

David Dwight, Catalyst for Forward Through Ferguson, talks about what he has learned and is unlearning from homophobia at the intersection of being Black and queer. Video recording of this podcast available at http://raisingequity.org

Talking homophobia with Alexis Templeton Jan 27, 2019

Alexis Templeton, college student and Ferguson activist, talks about how homophobia and rigid gender role norms kept their family from letting them live their fullest life.

Talking to Kids About Homophobia Jan 23, 2019

Kids hear and understand the hate of homophobia. It’s important that we talk to them to give them tools to fight it rather than sit by in silence, but that is easier said than done. I took some time to sit down with my pre-teen son Avery to ask him about homophobia and his personal experiences.

Welcome to the Raising Equity Podcast! Jan 21, 2019

Welcome to the first of many Raising Equity podcasts where we explore issues of identity and equity in society! I’m Dr. Kira Banks and I’m your host. We will share stories about what we need to know and do as adults to raise kids to create a more equitable world.

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