“Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter.”
— African Proverb
 

Season 1

Episodes

 
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Meet Me

This is my first (ever) episode! lol! I was featured as a guest on the Black Urbanist Radio Show hosted by the incomparable Kristen Jeffers. We talked about my show and what listeners can expect from me going forward. Enjoy!

 
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Earth School

I sat down with Filmmaker Ebrima Ba to discuss his documentaries and experiences working in urban farms in Atlanta. Resources are below!

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Bangin’ Copper Bracelets:

https://www.coppernumo.com/

The Dogon People of Mali:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Dogon

 
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Leaders of the New School

I sat with Steve King to discuss the establishment of the Barack Obama Green Charter High School, the students and their accomplishments. We continued the conversation around agriculture but include the ways it has been used to further oppression. There’s a mild rant about Gentrification, too. Resources are below!

Gentrification:

Checker, Melissa. 2011. “Wiped Out by the 'Greenwave': Environmental Gentrification and the Paradoxical Politics of Urban Sustainability.” City & Society 23(2):210–220

Developing a New Methodology for Analyzing Potential Displacement Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Literature Review of Gentrification, Displacement, and the Role of Public Investment  https://www.urbandisplacement.org/sites/default/files/images/arb_tod_report_13-310.pdf

Farming in Detroit:

"Detroit’s urban farms: engines of growth, omens of change" https://www.michiganradio.org/post/detroit-s-urban-farms-engines-growth-omens-change

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Notes from the Field: Farm to Table

This is the first episode of the “Notes from the Field” series. I visited the Licking Creek Bend Farm in Pennsylvania and recorded part of the tour of the farm’s apple orchard. The farm provides produce to a food co-operative in Maryland and Farmers Markets in D.C. The owner, Mike Tabor, discusses the methods he uses to keep his farm sustainable, the pains of growing apples, and how the use of the term '“organic” can be a deterrent for consumers. Resources are below!

Neem Oil

Campos, E. V., de Oliveira, J. L., Pascoli, M., de Lima, R., & Fraceto, L. F. (2016). Neem Oil and Crop Protection: From Now to the Future. Frontiers in plant science, 7, 1494. doi:10.3389/fpls.2016.01494

From <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5061770/>

Helping Your Plants With A Neem Oil Foliar Spray

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

 
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The Hands That feed

Another #NFTF episode recorded during a trip to L.A. I hung out with a friend and colleague to discuss her career as an event chef transitioning into an Urban Sustainability Practitioner. We talk about the catering scene in L.A. and the global issue of food waste.

Resources

Hawken, P. (2017). Drawdown : The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming. New York, New York: Penguin Books. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.antioch.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=1340569&site=ehost-live&scope=site

A New Produce Warehouse in Los Angeles Will Prevent Millions of Pounds of Food Waste by Nadra Nittle

https://civileats.com/2019/06/27/a-new-produce-warehouse-in-los-angeles-will-prevent-millions-of-pounds-of-food-waste/

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Farm To Table (Part 2)

This episode is another #NFTF and Part 2 of the Farm to Table episode. Charmaine Peters is the manager of the Licking Creek Bend Farm. After working at the farmers market in Adams Morgan, Charmaine stopped by Mellow Mushroom to chat with me. We discuss her origin story, the farm's sustainable practices and challenges. If you're in the DC area, Licking Creek has farmers markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Visit their website www.lickingcreekbendfarm.com for more details.

Back again with another #NFTF episode and a continuation of the Farm to Table conversation. Charmaine Peters is the manager of the Licking Creek Bend Farm. After working at the farmers market in Adams Morgan, Charmaine stopped by Mellow Mushroom to chat with me. We discussed her origin story, the farm's sustainable practices and challenges.

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Dumping in Dixie

This episode explores the key points from Dr. Robert Bullard's book Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class, And Environmental Quality. Published in 1990, this book discusses the findings from 5 Southern communities that endured risks to public health because of environmental burdens. Resources are Below!

Bullard, Robert D. "Dismantling Environmental Racism in the USA." Local Environment, Vol 4, No. 1, (1999), pp. 1-19.

Bullard, Robert D. Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class, and Environmental Quality, New York, NY. Routledge, 2000.

This episode explores the key points from Dr. Robert Bullard's book Dumping in Dixie: Race, Class, And Environmental Quality. Published in 1990, this book discusses the findings from 5 Southern communities that endured risks to public health because of environmental burdens. &nbsp; Bullard, Robert D. "Dismantling Environmental Racism in the USA."

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Movin’ Around

I linked up with Dr. Adonia Lugo to talk about her work with biking and other issues of mobility justice. We get into the intersection between class and mobility, climate change, and highlight the history of transportation. Dr. Lugo is the author of Bicycle/Race: Transportation, Culture, &amp; Resistance. https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books/7833&nbsp;

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The Many Faced Plant

Minorities for Medical Maurijuana is a non-profit based in Orlando, Florida with chapters nationwide. I'm sitting down with Erik Range, to talk about his role in the organization, and the ways they provide comprehensive resources to the community. We have a little fun too. Resources are below!

Minorities for Medical Marijuana is a non-profit based in Orlando, Florida with chapters nationwide. I'm sitting down with Erik Range, to talk about his role in the organization, and the ways they provide comprehensive resources to the community. We have a little fun too. Resources are below!

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ReAfricanization

Sustainable practitioner Afia Raina Turner-Greenley talks with me about the creation of the summit and why she believes it's key for the black community to invest in sustainability. We get into the details of the 4th annual Black Sustainability Summit and the growing black sustainability network.

Sustainability practitioner Afia Raina Turner-Greenly talks with me about the creation of the summit and why she believes it's key for the black community to invest in sustainability. We get into the details of the 4th annual Black Sustainability Summit and the growing black sustainability network. Resources are below!

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These Walls, This Land

Another #NFTF episode! I'm with Brandy Brooks talking about housing, land ownership, and much more! Brandy leads us through a detailed history of housing policy and land theft in the US. Get your notebooks out! Resources, as always, are below!

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The Poo Lagoon

It's a Crossroads crossover! In this case study episode, I'm joined by Kristen Jeffers, The Black Urbanist. We breakdown an article from Propublica around the hog waste issue in North Carolina. Get your splash guard together! Resources are below!

 

Season 2

Episodes

 
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The Shelter or the Street

Kicking off the New Year, we're discussing homelessness, mental illness, and incarceration. Mother, activist, and performer Miasha Forbes shares her personal experiences navigating the criminal justice system and rebuilding her life. We get into the intersection between all of these issues and the black LGBTQ community. Resources are below!

https://www.city-journal.org/housing-shortage-accessory-dwelling-units Comparison of housing crises in LA and New York and recommendations New York could utilize to combat housing shortage. 

https://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/09/nyregion/using-grand-buildings-to-support-those-in-need.html?emc=eta1&_r=0 Article featuring the work of Community Access

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/h/housing-and-mental-health Comprehensive discourse on mental health and the impact housing can have on those living with mental illness.

Aint no meat by Rasheeda green

Ain't No Meat Bih

I got with Doniel from DNH Hair Care to talk about her journey to a vegan diet and her 100% vegan hair care line. We discuss the biggest misconceptions about being vegan and the new plant based crazes.

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Change Your Algorithm

First Notes from the Field episode of the year! I pulled up at Fullfillery in Takoma Park to talk with the owners about their journeys to reduce their waste and their fave products at the store. We talk about climate change, food waste, and the myths behind the zero waste movement. Resources are below!

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Barriers

I talked to father and life coach Ken "Ken Roc" Thompson about the links between mass incarceration and the environment. Incarceration is an environmental justice issue, and Ken discusses the barriers he will face when he is finally released and what keeps him dreaming big. His book "You Can Still be D.A.D." was published this year and available on Amazon! Resources as always, are below!

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Call To Action

Sending out an S.O.S for The National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). I'm discussing why this policy is important and the proposed changes that will have whales smoking cigarettes (allegedly). Resources are below!

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It's Been Real

This episode touches on the coronavirus from a social justice perspective. I touch on racism and xenophobia toward Asian Americans, and the impact pandemics and other social disruptions have on the black community. For the most current information on the virus, please visit the CDC's website. Resources from the show are below.

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It's Been Real Pt 2

I continued the discussion about COVID-19 with Doniel from DNH Hair Care. We talked about the healthcare system in the United States and how we as a black community can be better prepared for the unexpected. You better black-alize! Resources below!

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Nobody's Getting Out

In this #NFTF episode, I talk to Ken Roc about COVID-19 inside the prison system. We discussed one of the many articles about the state of Mississippi and their measures for managing the virus.

Live and Learn

Live and Learn

UDC Professor Seema Thomas and I talk about her background as an urban planner as well as how she prepares her urban sustainability students for the real world. We talk about the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and events happening at UDC. We discuss the challenges facing urban areas as we adjust to our new normal. Resources are below!

UDC Celebrates Earth Day https://www.udc.edu/earth-day-2020/  

"Losing Ground" by Mark Dowie https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/losing-ground

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Unlikely to Resist

In this case study episode, I discuss the environmental cases of Love Canal and Warren County, North Carolina. I walk through the legislation that came out of both of these cases and how they related to what we're experiencing today. Resources are below!

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act https://public.ornl.gov/sesa/environment/policy/rcra.html

 Gibbs, L. M. (2011). Love Canal : And the Birth of the Environmental Health Movement: Vol. Updated ed., 2011 ed. Island Press.

The Drip

The Drip

The drip is always on. This episode I'm walking through the water cycle. I explore how the current US legislation has become ineffective due to rollbacks and how we all need water to survive. Resources are below!

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Radical Imagination

The vision is within you. This episode, Brandy Brooks returns to discuss her radical vision for the future. We talk about the fears that prevent us from envisioning better outcomes for ourselves and our community. Brandy reminds us the importance of using our imagination and urges us to get involved at the local level. There's a book list and resources below!

DC Candidates
Janeese Lewis George, Candidate for DC Council Ward 4
@janeese4dc
Maryland Candidates
Dalbin Osorio, Candidate for Montgomery County Board of Education At-Large
@dalbinosorio
Pennsylvania Candidates
Rick Krajewski, Candidate for PA State House, 188th District
@rickforwestphilly
Nivil Saval, Candidate for PA State Senate, 1st District

Parable of the Sower/Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler 
Emergent Strategy by Adrienne Marie Brown & her blog
Collective Courage by Jessica Gordon Nembhard
This Nonviolent Stuff'll Get You Killed by Charles E. Cobb Jr.

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Hot Dam

On May 19th, 2020 a dam in Midland County, Michigan collapsed causing massive flooding. I do a dive into the history of the Edenville Dam and discuss the environmental health issues impacting Michigan and the rest of the world. #Michigan #Flooding #MidlandCounty #science #water

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The fire

Doing a dive into the Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights and states with upcoming primaries. I'm angry. I'm sad. And it shows. Resources below.

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A Tale of 2 Counties

This is the first episode in the "Curated Convos" series sponsored by Radial Solutions. I chat with Beverly John and Carlean Ponder activists and residents of Prince George's County and Montgomery County in Maryland. We dive deep into the Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights and Public Information Act. We discuss what can be done on the local, state, national and global level to address police brutality.

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Let it Burn

Taking a look at the use of incinerators in the US and abroad. I discuss the Wheelabrator Incinerator in Baltimore, Maryland and discuss the global impact of greenhouse gases. I give flowers to the Baltimore City Council and give a science lesson on the Oxygen cycle. "Confessions" Usher was always my favorite. Resources are below!

Seeing Stars

Seeing Stars

I chat with rising high-school senior Bailei Burgess-Simmons and Princeton-Blairstown Center CEO Pam Gregory to discuss the PBC's history and what drew them both to the program. We talk about the importance of exposure and emotional intelligence

For more information on the Princeton-Blairstown Center check out their website: www.princetonblairstown.org

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Safeguarded by Violence

In 2012, the police department of Camden, New Jersey was dissolved and reborn. Minneapolis is considering the same approach. In this case study, I talk about the history of policing, the differences between defunding and abolition the police, and my emerging ideas for community-based safety. This episode is a love letter to the Black and Missing Foundation and Angela Davis. Resources Below!

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Them PFAS

In this case study episode, we're focusing on PFAS, Per- or Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, and their impact on our water and health. We walk through the history of PFAS and their use in practically everything since the 1940's. I talk about the global impact these chemicals are having. I give flowers to Harriet Washington and give major props to the Environmental Working Group. Resources are below!

Tibetan Plateau Report: Chen, M., Wang, C., Wang, X., Fu, J., Gong, P., Yan, J., et al. (2019). Release of perfluoroalkyl substances from melting glacier of the Tibetan Plateau: Insights into the impact of global warming on the cycling of emerging pollutants. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 124, 7442–7456. https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JD030566

The Teflon coverup:http://redgreenandblue.org/2018/08/22/yet-another-cover-3m-epa-knew-toxic-teflon-40-years/

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Exposure

I'm joined by fellow HBCU alum Lavonya Jones to discuss her work with Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College. Building on the discussion about the gaps in education, we discuss the HBCUvc fellowship program and the ways Coach Jones has pushed the students she works with toward excellence. We reminisce on our time on campus and discuss how HBCUS are taking an active role in the fight for environmental justice.

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Burden vs. Benefit

Leslie Gordon from Urban Habitat talks with me about the housing crisis in Oakland, California and the Bay Area. We talk about the ways Urban Habitat is filling the gaps in the community through coalition building, leadership development, and public policy. We go in depth into land use, Community Land Trusts, and good old gentrification. Resources are below!

Leslie Gordon from Urban Habitat talks with me about the housing crisis in Oakland, California and the Bay Area. We talk about the ways Urban Habitat is filling the gaps in the community through coalition building, leadership development, and public policy. We go in depth into land use, Community Land Trusts, and good old gentrification.

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The Drip Continued

Franz Franta and I discuss her time in Harbin, China and the massive flooding going on there. We talk about this recording breaking hurricane season and how climate change is at the root of the increasingly destructive storms. This episode is sponsored by GlitzNGemz

Franz Franta joins me to discuss the flooding in China and how poor dam infrastructure has lead damage to people and the planet. We talk about the record breaking hurricane season and how climate change has contributed to the increasingly destructive storms. Franz discusses her time living in Harbin and how a toxic spill reminded her of the current experience with the pandemic.

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I misread the assignment

Keeping it light, I review the Abolition 101 webinar put on by Life After Release and other random thoughts.

The juggle and the struggle is real. &nbsp;I got a shoutout from Grim Yells at a Cloud Podcast who asked for funny podcast to listen to...and I suggested mine.

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The Postman Always rings twice

The mail kept running. Joose from "Chiiling with Joose" podcast joins me to share his personal experience working for the United States Postal Service. We talk about the current state of USPS and the impact of decreasing processing facilities and cuts in overtime on postal workers and the delivery of mail. We give flowers to Evelyn Brown the first woman to deliver mail in DC after WWII and lost loved ones. Chiiling with Joose podcast is available on all platforms. Resources are below!

The mail kept running. Joose from "Chiiling with Joose" podcast joins me to share his personal experience working for the United States Postal Service. We talk about the current state of USPS and the impact of decreasing processing facilities and cuts in overtime on postal workers and the delivery of mail.

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A More Perfect Union

Did you know there were actually two New Deals? On this episode, I'm joined by Collin Haynes to discuss the status of COVID-19 and if a "New Deal" a la Franklin D. Roosevelt would be created to fight our current economic status. Yeah, it's nerdy or nothing today! Collin gives the stats on the US and the virus and we talk about Guyana and the similarities between his home country and the US. We share our fear over the COVID vaccine and longing for brunch. You can follow Collin on Twitter. Resources are below!

Did you know there were actually two New Deals? On this episode, I'm joined by Collin Haynes to discuss the status of COVID-19 and if a "New Deal" (a la Franklin D. Roosevelt) would be created to fight our current economic status.

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The Postman Always Rings Twice

Did you know there were actually two New Deals? On this episode, I'm joined by Collin Haynes to discuss the status of COVID-19 and if a "New Deal" a la Franklin D. Roosevelt would be created to fight our current economic status. Yeah, it's nerdy or nothing today! Collin gives the stats on the US and the virus and we talk about Guyana and the similarities between his home country and the US. We share our fear over the COVID vaccine and longing for brunch. You can follow Collin on Twitter. Resources are below!

 

Season 3

Episodes

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Fluidity leads to progress…

Genay, Rose, and Z are alums of the Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute (BCLI) a strategy and program under Urban Habitat in the Bay Area. We discuss how personal experience informs social activism and how BCLI empowers and equips people of color with the tools to join  and run commissions. The ladies talk about what brought them to BCLI and how folks can get involved in their communities to make positive change. We shout out groups doing the work, our families and each other. Resources are below!

https://actionnetwork.org/letters/support-ab-1436-stop-pandemic-evictions-statewide/

Bay Area Housing Justice Organizations 

Causa Justa 

Tenants Together 

ACCE

Oakland Tenants Union

Non Profit Housing Association of Northern California

Oakland’s Planning Commission:  https://www.oaklandca.gov/boards-commissions/planning-commission

Genay, Rose, and Z are alums of the Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute (BCLI) a strategy and program under Urban Habitat in the Bay Area. We discuss how personal experience informs social activism and how BCLI empowers and equips people of color with the tools to join&nbsp; and run commissions.