The Kira Banks Podcast

Latest Episodes:

New Year New ____? Jan 02, 2025

Show notes

The new year brings lots of commitments, and I want to suggest to you that with all the violence happening that YOU should be at the top of your list. Not in an individualistic, selfish way, but in a way that honors Audre Lorde’s conceptualization of self care. I knew of her famous quote, but over break I read her collection of essays “Burst of Light” to get a deeper understanding. She said “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” So if there’s work to do in the world, or change you want to see, you care for yourself to be able to do that work. You care for yourself to be able to connect with others and move us towards a more humane and liberated world.

Do you know your lane in liberation work?

Are you caring for yourself in a way that helps you show up stronger, longer, and more open to community?

If you answered “no” to either of these questions, I encourage you to reflect on your understanding of self-care compared to Lorde’s framing of caring for oneself as an act of political warfare.

In this episode, I also share another book that I’m toying with creating a virtual book club around. It’s all about self-love. Interested? Let me know in the comments.

SCOTUS Dismantles Affirmative Action Jun 29, 2023

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

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