The Crossroads podcast focuses on environmental justice in the US and countries of the diaspora, changing the image of an environmentalist one episode at a time.
Dr. Velma Deleveaux joins me to talk about her origin story and career in STEM. We breakdown what STEM is and how parents can get their kids engaged in related activities and programs. Resources are below! Learn more about AA Contributions in Science and Technology throughout history. One great place to start is by reading Dr. James Turner from his talk in 2008. https://www.nist.gov/speech-testimony/african-american-technological-contributions-past-present-and-future Kid resources: https://www.create-learn.us/blog/best-online-stem-classes-for-kids/ https://pbskids.org/designsquad/parentseducators/resources/index.html?category=electricity Learn about High - Paying Cyber Security Jobs Without a Degree at: https://careerkarma.com/blog/cyber-security-jobs-without-a-degree/ Learn more about Dr. Deleveaux's story, Insights and STEM advice for student success: https://signitt.com/velma-deleveaux/ https://impactmagazine.medium.com/born-ready-to-go-in-conversation-with-velma-deleveaux-a07edff355bd https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-essential-components-stem-student-success-velma-deleveaux-ph-d/
Taking a stab at President Biden's Infrastructure Bill and the data (or lack thereof) that shows the real cost of getting our roads, bridges and other systems in shape. Resources are below! https://www.forbes.com/sites/niallmccarthy/2019/04/03/report-the-u-s-has-over-47000-structurally-deficient-bridges-infographic/?sh=2de523bf4bdc https://infrastructurereportcard.org/cat-item/roads/ https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/07/16/infrastructure-states-bridges-roads-falling-apart/112127156/ https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-protect-yourself-lead-contaminated-water
I'm joined by Dr. Victor Ayala to talk about the beauty of Puerto Rico and the sad history of sterilization.
In this solo episode, I take a deeper dive into what the Clean Economy is and different ways we can participate in this economy as more and more industries transition into more sustainable practices. https://www.edf.org/climate/100-percent-clean https://insideclimatenews.org/news/28022012/primer-us-clean-energy-economy-pew-brookings-green-jobs-van-jones-republicans-china-obama-solyndra/ https://www.virginiamercury.com/2020/02/20/ten-things-to-know-about-the-clean-economy-act/ https://horsford.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-passes-clean-economy-jobs-and-innovation-act-and-includes-horsford
In this episode I discuss how small actions can make big change. I also discuss the affect global warming has had on the Mississippi Delta and how that contributes to flooding
The first Notes from the Field episode of 2021! I attended Power in the Park put on by local grassroots organizations held in the Long Branch area of Maryland. This event was designed to inform the community about ways to save on their utility bills with the use of community solar and other state-sponsored initiatives. I spoke with representatives from Audubon National Society and Solar United Neighbors who discussed their contributions to further sustainability.
Raymond Nevo talk about the upcoming county council race in Prince George's County, Maryland and how he is the best candidate for an At Large seat. We talk about the housing crisis in Maryland and across the US and why it's so important for citizens to get involved in local politics.
Shauri Naidoo, CEO of Moraka Menstrual Cups joins me to talk about period positivity and her goal of bringing sustainable menstrual health products to all women in New Zealand and soon the world.
Thought leader and activist Mr. Mustafa Santiago Ali joins me to talk about his experience working to effect change at the federal level and his future endeavors to ensure people of color can create wealth in the growing clean economy. https://www.mustafasantiagoali.com
I admit it. I love sugar. Kathy Williams the "Sugar Free Girl" is here to set us (me) straight. We talk about Kathy's journey through a health scare that led her to change her life for the better.
Dr. Christina Hylton from Iron Lion Farms joins me to talk about her experience as a farmer and the importance of land management. We gave flowers to Ebrima Ba my first podcast guest and our ancestors.
Desmond from Independent Thought joins me to discuss the use of private prisons in the US and how they differ from public prisons. We continued the conversation about prison abolition and the importance of maintaining voter rights.
Lavonya and I discuss the importance of acquiring financial knowledge. We delve into Venture Capital, what it is and Lavonya shares what led her to create Consciously Funded. Get your notebooks ready!
I'm joined by author and marketing maven Juleen Moreno to talk about mobility justice and her experience using public transportation. We chat about her origin story and her campaign to seek justice for herself and other victims of drunk driving.
I'm joined by Professor Chole Ahmann to talk about the youth-led movements in Baltimore and the city's environmental history. We chat about the Fairfield Renewable Energy Project and the youth activists responsible for preventing this incinerator from being built. Links are below! HOME | Main Website (chloeahmann.com) South Baltimore Community Land Trust Energy Justice Network Baltimore Compost Collective
In observance of Earth Day, I talk about supporting black farmers and uplifting black, brown, and Indigenous voices and practices. I give tips for reducing our individual carbon footprint and discuss the HEAL alliance's food plan. Resources are below! Show Sponsor: https://www.holmeswholesale.com/dnh-hair-care www.hbcugreenfund.org Ifa | The Prediction Project (harvard.edu) https://www.soulfirefarm.org
We're talking about climate change, what it is and why it's an issue. I'm taking a look at President Biden's infrastructure plan and discussing some essays from Naomi Klein and Lorena Russell. This is only the tip of the iceberg. Resources below as always! FACT SHEET: The American Jobs Plan | The White House All We Can Save
This episode explores the lead crisis in the US and a few examples of well documented cases. I give a recap of some of the bills going on in the Maryland General Assembly and share some inspirational gems. This episode is sponsored by DNH Hair Care
You know how the saying goes about the light bill. Well, we're exploring the real reason energy bills are sky high and what alternatives are available. Resources are below! https://www.solstice.us/solstice-blog/community-choice-aggregation/ Court issues critical decision over ERCOT's ability to be sued - ABC13 Houston
This episode is delving into aquaculture and the AQUAA Act of 2020. I give an update on some of the bills in the Maryland General Assembly and some of the global challenges of a growing population. Resources are below! H.R.6191 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): AQUAA Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress What is aquaculture? (noaa.gov) WHAT IS AQUACULTURE? - Manna Fish Farms
Enjoy this meandering trip through pop culture, horror and how it all somehow relates to environment. I gave tons of flowers and laughed at my own jokes. This episode is sponsored by DNH Hair Care.
Winter came with the disrespect. I'm joined by Erline and Janae, two of my podcast sisters living in Texas, to talk about their experiences during the devastating snow storm. We talk about preparedness and what individuals, families, and communities can do to be prepared for emergencies. Check out Janae and Erline's upcoming workshop here! Other resources are below! Winter storm could cost Texas more than any disaster in state history | The Texas Tribune Texas Vows ERCOT Reform and Review After Polar Vortex (natlawreview.com)
This episode is centered around police accountability and I'm touching on a few bills going on in the current legislative session as well as some social justice issues related to the No Knock search warrant and attacks by police dogs. What's a few more bills, right? Resources below! https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/06/30/fact-check-police-had-no-knock-warrant-breonna-taylor-apartment/3235029001/ Police dogs bite thousands each year. No database tracks them CAHOOTS Archives - White Bird Clinic
Consider this an appetizer. Digging into this year's Maryland General Assembly, I selected a few environmental bills to keep track of. These bills involve food security, PFAS, and other subjects I've covered on the show thus far. I'll be tracking these bills as they make they way through the legislative process. I gave flowers to Petey Greene a DC radio and TV personality who inspired me to start podcasting. Resources as always, are below! https://www.peteygreene.org/ 2021 LEGISLATION - Lorig Charkoudian D20 Campaign (lorigd20.com)
Nikki Thompson is about Charm City Business. During this episode, she and I talk about her work with the Baltimore City Council as well as her knowledge about the Maryland General Assembly. She gives insight into the overall themes of the current legislation session and what barriers have prevented people from having their voices heard. We gave a lot of flowers and had some wine. Resources are below! Baltimore City Council What is the Polluter Pays Principle Under The Environmental Law? (lawnn.com) Expungement: Unit Rule | Maryland Alliance for Justice Reform (ma4jr.org)
The word for this episode is "alignment". I'm joined by Erik Range, the board chairman of Minorities for Medical Marijuana. We discuss the cannabis industry and the barriers preventing black people and other people of color from obtaining access to this growing industry. Erik breaks down the difference between legalization and decriminalization of marijuana and we talk about his forthcoming book that helps folks develop their ideas and turn them thriving businesses. Resources are below! Marijuana laws by state: Map of Marijuana Legality by State (disa.com) MD weed law status: Maryland (mpp.org) Benefits of CBD CBD Oil: What are 9 Proven or Possible Health Benefits? (drugs.com)
This is part 2 of my discussion on nuclear testing with a focus on the Marshall Islands. I discuss the major testing that occurred in the Marshall Islands that not only caused the radiation exposure but the removal of people from their native land. Marshall Islanders didn't take the actions of the US and other countries lying down. Resources are below! Marshall Islands challenges nuclear powers | Green Left Island nations on climate crisis frontline ‘not sitting idly by’ | | UN News Sea Level Rise: Risk and Resilience in Coastal Cities – Climate Institute
In this episode, I'm taking a dive into nuclear testing in the U.S., specifically the Nevada Proving Ground. I'm tying one of my favorite genres, horror, into the discussion through the 2006 film The Hills Have Eyes which includes a note about the history of nuclear testing as the backdrop and driving force for the plot. Resources are below as always! The Cold War: https://www.britannica.com/event/Cold-War Images from Nevada Proving Ground: Photos From an Atomic Bomb Test in the Nevada Desert, 1955 (life.com) Phytoremediation: Phytoremediation | Learn Science at Scitable (nature.com) Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (justice.gov)
Closing out 2020 with a lecture I gave to urban sustainability students at UDC on genetically modified organisms and medical waste and incineration. We've all had to overcome so much this year and I wanted to share a personal highlight, sharing knowledge with future innovators of sustainability. The lecture is called "Human Innovation, Environmental Harm". We made it, y'all! Resources are below! https://melmagazine.com/en-us/story/florida-genetically-modified-mosquitoes https://www.pestsurvivalguide.com/mosquito-lifecycle-lifespan/#:~:text=Mosquito%20Life%20Cycle%201%20Egg%20Stage.%20Mosquito%20lifespan,or%20do%20anything.%20...%204%20Adult%20Stage.%20 https://www.cleanairbmore.org/
In this Curated Convo, Brandy and I talk about her organizational work with Political Healers. We talk about what we're thankful for, what 2020 has taught us, and what we will have to heal from after the pandemic is over. We honored the Indigenous Peoples of Maryland and discussed the upcoming legislative session.
I'm joined by Desmond Price of the Independent Thought podcast to discuss the electoral college and the alternatives to it that have gained traction such as the National Popular Vote. This is the continuation of a chat Desmond and I had about voter suppression and why people feel unmotivated to vote. Resources are below! https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/electoral-college-slavery-constitution https://www.bbc.com/news/business-536106834 Does your vote count? The Electoral College explained - Christina Greer
This is an intro into biodiversity, what is means and why it's important. I discuss our current extractive economy and methods we can use to transition into a sustainable and regenerative one. Resources are below! https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/recommended-native-plants-maryland https://www.livescience.com/27692-deforestation.html www.highcarbonstock.org
First time alone in the studio in a minute! I'm discussing what you can expect from Season 3. I'm talking about the major themes I'm continuing the conversation about and some upcoming collaboration. I give flowers to my community and Zora Neale Hurston.
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 https://cjjc.org/ Tenants Together https://www.tenantstogether.org/ ACCE https://www.acceaction.org/vol-prop15?splash=1 Oakland Tenants Union http://www.oaklandtenantsunion.org/ Non Profit Housing Association of Northern California https://nonprofithousing.org/ Oakland’s Planning Commission The Planning Commission makes decisions on Oakland’s (housing) development proposals and policy recommendations https://www.oaklandca.gov/boards-commissions/planning-commission
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 'Rona, and we talk about Guyana and the similarities between his home country and the US. We share our fears over the COVID vaccine and the DNC. You can follow Collin on Twitter. Resources are below! https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2020/03/15/on-a-mission-to-make-the-world-a-better-place-public-health-consultant-collin-haynes-is-a-special-person/ https://www.panoramas.pitt.edu/economy-and-development/environmental-and-sustainability-issues-guyana
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! https://nypost.com/2020/08/17/what-is-the-usps-crisis/ https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/05/14/the-state-of-the-u-s-postal-service-in-8-charts/#:~:text=Around%20a%20quarter%20(23%25),and%20ethnic%20differences%20do%20exist.
I'm joined by Miasha Forbes, Brandy Brooks to discuss the Non-Profit Industrial Complex (NPIC), including personal experience and history. We use the book by INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence as our framework as we discuss solutions to and the organizations already talking the talk. This episode is sponsored by the Blk Pod Collective. Please check out Consumer health Foundation, Political Healers and the other organizations mentioned during the show.
The juggle and the struggle is real. I got a shoutout from Grim Yells at a Cloud Podcast who asked for funny podcast to listen to...and I suggested mine. So, I decided to keep it light this episode and discuss the highlights of the Abolition 101 webinar hosted by Life After Release.
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. Check out Franz's blog here.
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! Rooted in Home: https://urbanhabitat.org/sites/default/files/Rooted%20in%20Home.pdf Criminalization of Poverty: https://jotf.org/report/the-criminalization-of-poverty-how-to-break-the-cycle-through-policy-reform-in-maryland/
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.
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! States stepping up: https://www.huntonnickelreportblog.com/2019/03/pfas-states-not-waiting-for-epa/#:~:text=They%20include%20Alaska%2C%20California%2C%20Minnesota,14%20and%2013%20ppt%2C%20respectively. PFAS in drinking water, Environmental Working Group report: https://www.ewg.org/research/national-pfas-testing/ PFAS in outdoor clothing: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0045653517306598?via%3Dihub PFAS and water filtration: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-02/du-nai020520.php 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/
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! House Fire: https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2020/06/23/suspected-sex-trafficking-house-burned/ BAMFI Infographic: http://blackandmissinginc.com/cdad/images/BAMFI_Infographic_2018Stats.jpg The Queen Speaks: Angela Davis: Abolishing police is not just about dismantling. It's also about building up https://www.history.com/news/bass-reeves-real-lone-ranger-a-black-man#:~:text=Reeves%20was%20a%20real%2Dlife,Paris%2C%20Texas%2C%20in%201846.
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
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! EU incinerator use: https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/13/science/earth/13trash.html Wheelabrator Incinerator: https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/environment/bs-md-trash-incinerator-pollution-20180820-story.html The Oxygen Cycle: https://byjus.com/biology/oxygen-cycle-environment/#what-is-oxygen-cycle?
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.
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. Cariol Horne Fired cop says "I don't regret it" after stopping police officer from choking suspect MD LEOBR: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-watch/wp/2015/04/24/the-police-officers-bill-of-rights/
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 Shoutouts: @blkpodcollective @buymelaninexp Resources: https://www.ferc.gov/CalendarFiles/20180910172800-P-10808-058.pdf https://www.michigan.gov/documents/snyder/21st_Century_Infrastructure_Commission_Final_Report_1_544276_7.pdf
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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