In today's episode of *Hold My Heels: The Power of Unapologetic Living*, we dive into the history of Black feminism, tracing its roots through the four waves of feminism. We’ll explore how each wave, from the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention to the modern #MeToo movement, often marginalized or excluded Black women. I’ll also highlight key figures like Sojourner Truth and Ida B. Wells, who stood against this exclusion, and discuss how Black feminism emerged as a distinct and necessary force in response. Join me as we unpack the evolution of feminist thought and the ongoing struggle for true inclusivity.
In today's episode, we're diving into a phenomenon many black women experience after emotional hurt: the drive to excel and achieve in every area of life as a response to trauma. Inspired by Maya Angelou's quote, "The need for change bulldozed a road down the center of my mind," we explore why we pour ourselves into success when we're done with pouring into others. This episode unpacks post-traumatic growth (PTG), its link to the Strong Black Woman schema, and how race-based trauma fuels this mindset. Join us as we discuss turning pain into power and the importance of seeking therapy.
I'm back.....In this episode, we explore how Black women manage emotional trauma while still showing up in relationships and spaces. We'll dive into the Superwoman Schema and the “Black Wife Effect” trend, discussing how we often uplift others at our own expense. Join me as we navigate these complex dynamics! Also, the podcast will be moving to airing new episodes on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month!! See you there!!
In this episode, I have a little fun sharing my adventures as a poetry slam contestant. I share my belt-wining poem, "And I Am" and my title defending poem, "Look at Me." If you'd like to hear more, join me in Denver during ISTE.
In Episode 3 of our four-part series on allyship, we delve into the role of disruptive allies in the fight against systemic racism. Learn how to move beyond passive support to active engagement, using your privilege to challenge and dismantle oppressive structures. We explore the distinctions between allies and accomplices, and share ideas surrounding creating brave spaces, participating in direct action, and amplifying marginalized voices.
In today's episode, I dive into the complexities of allyship, sharing personal reflections and experiences. We start with a recent social media debate about whether women would rather face a bear or a man, highlighting deep-seated fears and the added challenges for Black women. I discuss why marginalized groups might prefer certain allies in professional settings and emphasize the need for true support among women. Drawing on Dr. Tiffany Jana's work, I explore how allyship should evolve from learning to active advocacy. I also share my own experiences with allyship's pitfalls, like performative actions and role confusion. This episode is a call to action for allies to move beyond superficial support, embracing compassion, humility, and dedication to foster real change.
We’re diving into the often-overlooked lack of true care and concern for marginalized people in workplaces. Join me as I unpack the definitions of care and concern, revealing how performative allyship perpetuates systemic racism. Through research, real-life examples, and expert insights, we highlight the urgent need for genuine support and actionable change. Don’t miss this powerful discussion on moving beyond superficial gestures to create real, lasting impact for marginalized communities. Let’s work together to dismantle systemic oppression and build a more equitable world!
Join me in the gripping finale of our 5 part series, where we dissect the damaging Jezebel stereotype and its profound impact on Black women. Throughout this episode, we explore how rap dramas exploit Black women’s bodies and the enduring harm of these stereotypes. Dr. AJAX delves into the racist and sexist roots of the Jezebel image, tracing its origins back to colonial ideologies that painted Black women as racially inferior and sexually exotic. The discussion also covers personal anecdotes from Dr. AJAX, illustrating their struggles with false accusations and professional barriers due to these stereotypes. In a powerful closing, the podcast underscores the importance of healing and empowerment through therapy, celebrating the resilience and elegance of Black women as they combat these pervasive threats. Join us for an enlightening dialogue on breaking free from historical chains and paving the way for a future filled with respect and understanding.
"Get Off My Teet" dives into the enduring Mammy stereotype and its effects on African-American women today. This podcast explores the historical roots of this caricature during slavery, its propagation through media, and the societal expectations it has forged. By examining how the Mammy image has justified racial hierarchies and affected the identities of Black women in various sectors including academia, listeners gain insight into the subtle yet profound ways these stereotypes continue to influence perceptions and realities. Join us for a critical reflection on race, media, and the challenging path towards true representation and equity.
Join us in this crucial episode of our podcast series on stereotype threats where we dissect the pervasive "Angry Black Woman" stereotype. This episode delves into how this damaging stereotype is often weaponized against Black women in professional settings, reducing their rightful assertiveness to mere hostility. We discuss the mental and physical toll these microaggressions take and equip our listeners with research-based insights to not only understand but effectively challenge these narratives. Whether you're a victim of these stereotypes, a co-conspirator, disruptor, or ally, this episode offers a robust foundation for understanding and a guide to navigate and counteract these microaggressions. Stay tuned as we explore the deep-seated issues and empower Black women stepping into their greatness against systemic odds.
In this episode, Dr. AJAX discusses the harmful effects of respectability politics and the phrases 'black excellence' and 'black girl magic'. She argues that these phrases, while intended to empower, actually perpetuate unrealistic standards of perfection and uphold stereotypes. Dr. Ajax shares her personal experiences of being harmed by respectability politics in the workplace and emphasizes the need for better support systems and understanding of the psychological effects on black women. She also introduces the concept of stereotype threat and the four types of stereotype threat that black women face. The episode concludes with a call to prioritize self-care and authenticity.
In this episode we embark on an introspective journey through the various dimensions of truth — objective, subjective, complex, and normative — and confront the pervasive realities of institutional, structural, and systemic racism. As we unpack these concepts, we stress the importance of reflection to fully grasp their impact on our lives. We brace ourselves for the inevitable challenges and tough dialogues ahead, fostering a space where deep thinking is stimulated and where Black women find common ground in their shared narratives. This episode is not only a mirror reflecting our lived experiences but also an invitation for allies to step into co-conspirator roles, helping to navigate and understand this path of truth and its intersections with racism.