Don't Touch My Podcast

Over the summer, Don't Touch My Podcast says, "Don't Touch my Politics" as we sit down with political candidates running for the Worcester City Council and School Committee seats.  About Khrystian: Why I'm Running for Mayor  I'm a social worker of almost 30 years, City Councilor, and proud Girl Dad. I've dedicated my life to public service and mentoring young people throughout Worcester.  On the City Council, I led the fight for safe schools with the necessary resources, and successfully brought sports back to middle schools. I fought against increasing residential property taxes, and advocated for a transparent and accountable Government, especially when it came to taxpayers' hard earned dollars.  The same old leadership is failing. Housing prices are skyrocketing, crime and mental health are major problems, and there is too much focus on downtown and not enough on the local economic hubs in neighborhoods across the city. I'm running for Mayor so that you and I can write the next chapter in Worcester's history and build a City that is safe, sustainable, and affordable. I humbly ask for your vote on November 7th.    Khrystian has been an advocate for Worcester's children, youth and families his entire life -  beginning as a student leader of an anti-drug program at Holy Name. After losing three friends to gun violence, Khrystian has dedicated his career to helping local families rise beyond poverty and violence - from his work in child protection to his nearly 20 years leading the Crompton Park Summer Basketball program.A first generation American, Khrystian graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in Sociology and Psychology, and went on to receive a Masters Degree in Social Work from Simmons College and a Public Management & Leadership Certificate from the Sawyer Business School at Suffolk University --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Over the summer, Don't Touch My Podcast says, "Don't Touch my Politics" as we sit down with political candidates running for the Worcester City Council and School Committee seats.  About Maydee: I am a Worcester homeowner, mother and grandmother, with proud roots as an Afro-Latina from Puerto Rico. I have worked for over 30 years on the front lines of service as director of housing at Friendly House, as a health outreach worker, coordinator of a high school graduation project, director of emergency services at Catholic Charities, and now director of the Resiliency Center at Worcester Community Action Council.My career is focused on helping people succeed through education and work. Our community is stronger because of the compassion and respect shown to the most vulnerable among us -- newcomers, working families, youth of color, low-income elders, and those who live on the margins of society. I will bring these same values and priorities to the Worcester City Council. Maydee Morales -- a proven leader who understands the community, fosters partnerships, and exercises fiscal responsibility --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Over the summer, Don't Touch My Podcast says, "Don't Touch my Politics" as we sit down with political candidates running for the Worcester City Council and School Committee seats.  About Tracy: Tracy O'Connell Novick is the mother of three children, two Worcester Public Schools alums, one a rising Burncoat High senior; a former Massachusetts public school teacher; a licensed Massachusetts school business administrator; and a longtime education advocate. Professionally, Tracy is in her seventh year as a field director with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, where she manages social media and focuses on school finance. Tracy is seeking her sixth term on the Worcester School Committee.  During her time on the Worcester School Committee, Tracy spearheaded the Committee's adoption of in-district transportation;  played an active role in the successful search for a new Worcester Public Schools superintendent; has actively reviewed district policy for overdue updates; and has continued to work to direct dollars to the classroom, successfully proposing FY24 funding be moved for a paraprofessional in every kindergarten classroom and an increase in the per-pupil funding for supplies. This continues Tracy's track record of working to get a nurse into every school, to increase facilities funding, and to boost the time and attention on lunch and recess for students. Tracy has continually also been active both on and off the Committee at the state level in advocacy, particularly in equity in school funding. Her online social media is considered the place to keep up with what is happening in Massachusetts education policy by many. Tracy was tireless as an advocate, as a resource, and as an educator in the passage of the Student Opportunity Act, the decades-overdue overhaul of state education funding now bringing billions in state aid to local school districts, and millions to Worcester. Now greeted by "We know: Burncoat" by those at the state level, Tracy continues to press for a new Burncoat High School. Understanding that new high schools only serve some of our students, Tracy also proposed the successful advocacy for the restoration of MSBA Accelerated Repair funding, which has provided millions of dollars in roofs, windows, doors, and boilers to the Worcester Public Schools. She ceaselessly notes that the Worcester Public Schools need and deserve greater capital funding support. While Tracy left the classroom when she had children, she continues to "presume competence," believing that public goods like education are far too important for anyone to be left out, and applies this to discussions of school finance, accountability, curricular standards, and regulations. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Over the summer, Don't Touch My Podcast says, "Don't Touch my Politics" as we sit down with political candidates running for the Worcester City Council and School Committee seats.  We sit down with Jennifer Davis Carey to discuss the overall structure of the Worcester School Committee. About Jennifer: Since 2010, Jennifer Davis Carey has served as Executive Director of the Worcester Education Collaborative an independent, non-partisan education advocacy and action organization. She holds master's and doctoral degrees from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a bachelor's degree from Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges. A veteran educator, she served in various positions in the K-12 and higher education sectors. In 1998, she entered state service and held various senior positions including Secretary of Elder Affairs. Deeply engaged in the Worcester community, Dr. Carey serves on a number of boards in the city. She is also an adjunct faculty member at Lesley University and is a Gateway Cities Fellow with MassInc. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Over the summer, Don't Touch My Podcast says, "Don't Touch my Politics" as we sit down with political candidates running for the Worcester City Council and School Committee seats.  About Katia: My name is Katia Norford and I'm a proud Dominican living in Worcester District 4 for over 20 years. I am married to Carlos Norford and we are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters, Gisela and Shadelis. Together, my husband and I own Carlitos Barbershop, located in 925 Main St Worcester for over 18 years. Before I arrived in the United States, I ran my own business, Katia's Salon, in my home country. I started working when I was only 13 years old, and since then, I have been passionate about serving my community. I have an Associate in science in Accounting graduated from Salter College in 2009. I have been a Board Member of the MSBA for 4 and half years, and I am also a Board Member of the MSCDC and the MSNBBA. I am also the club director at my local church. My goal is to help those around me become the best versions of themselves, and I strive to do this through my work. I am passionate about making a difference in my community and inspiring others to achieve their goals. My mission is to be an example of strength, resilience and determination to all those I encounter. I strive to empower others to make positive changes in their lives and to never give up on their dreams. I love to spend time with my family, travel and learn about different culture. Blessings. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Over the summer, Don't Touch My Podcast says, "Don't Touch my Politics" as we sit down with political candidates running for the Worcester City Council and School Committee seats.  About Robert: Robert Bilotta, is a lifelong Worcester resident. Disability rights advocate and candidate for District 2 City Council. Robert graduated from North High School in 2004, and Worcester State University in 2010, with a bachelor's degree in Communications and Urban Studies. For the past decade, Robert has worked as a disability advocate and caseworker at Center for Living and Working, and Easter Seals Massachusetts. He's served on two Worcester commissions, the Access Advisory Commission for five years, and currently serves on the Human Right Commission. Robert is dedicated to improving quality of life for Worcester residents and improving equity and inclusion for the disability community.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Over the summer, Don't Touch My Podcast says, "Don't Touch my Politics" as we sit down with political candidates running for the Worcester City Council and School Committee seats. In this episode, we sit down with School Committee Candidate, Nelly Medina. More about Nelly: Nelly Medina is a Worcester resident, professional organizer, and advocacy educator specializing in coalition building who has advocated for education equity, workers' rights, immigrant rights, student empowerment, environmental justice, and the youth justice movements and fought alongside parents and educators for student support, parent resources, and pay equity for educators. Nelly has channeled her lived experience as a Parent activist to fight for equity in educating her young son with special needs. Her experience as a youth in foster care, the impact of aging out of the system with a seventh-grade education, and being involved in juvenile court for truancy, have informed her work. She received the Dr.Rev Martin Luther King Social Justice Award, The Massachusetts Green- Rainbow Award, the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus Award, The honor of WooTown Hero, and other recognizable honors. Her organizing skills extend beyond the community, and she has worked for elected officials, Senator Ed Markey, Congressman Jim Mcgovern, and State Representative David LeBeouef taught her that elected representatives work for the constituency, not the other way around, and those relationships are vital to assisting stakeholders in passing legislation and policy to improve --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Over the summer, Don't Touch My Podcast says, "Don't Touch my Politics" as we sit down with political candidates running for the Worcester City Council and School Committee seats. In this episode, we sit down with City Councilor Candidate, Feanna Jattan-Singh. More about Feanna: Feanna Jattan-Singh, is originally from North Carolina, with roots from Trinidad and Tobago, India, and Africa. She settled in the north when she attended Johnson & Wales University for International Business. After College, Feanna started a health and beauty business, and moved to MA when she got married. She moved to Worcester with her husband and family back in 2010. Since 2014 she has worked as a Substitute Teacher at Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public Elementary School. In 2017, Feanna got her Real Estate License and started her career in helping buyers buy their first home. Since then, she has expanded into helping both buyers, sellers, as well as renters to find housing. Feanna is also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Worcester where they do many projects to help the children of Worcester. One of those projects is giving gifts to the children of both Wawecus school and Union Hill Elementary school each year. This year Worcester Kiwanis also started a book program where we gave books to the students at Union Hill school. Aside from that, Feanna is also a member of the Board of Touchstone Community School where her 2 youngest children attend. She also volunteers at Liberty Church in Shrewsbury, MA in the Nursery, most Sunday mornings.  Recently, she went on a trip to Kenya where the team did Leadership training for community leaders, gave out gifts to many students at seven different schools, and attended the first graduation ceremony for the Focus Dream Center Vocational and Technical College. Feanna decided to run for city council district 3 for Worcester, due to a lack of response from the current district 3 Councilor after advocating for a sidewalk for Sunderland Road for over 10 years. She is also trying to get the city to do something about the lack of accountability with the buses being so ineffective. Feanna is also advocating for more affordable housing in the city. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Over the summer, Don't Touch My Podcast says, "Don't Touch my Politics" as we sit down with political candidates running for the Worcester City Council and School Committee seats. In this episode, we sit down with City Mayor Candidate, Guillermo Creamer to discuss his work on the national level, how it can open the door for innovative ideas in the city and how he can show up for marginalized communities. More about Guillermo: Guillermo Creamer Jr. is running for Mayor because it is time for our city to have a choice. Democracy calls for choices, and Worcester has not had a choice in over a decade. It is time to elect someone committed to bold, progressive ideas to take our city to the next level. Guillermo is a local. Attending Elm Park Community School, Nativity School, and Bancroft School, he was educated by many of the best educators Worcester has to offer. As a co-founder of Pay Our Interns, a national nonprofit that has seismically shifted the internship realm throughout the United States, Guillermo has experienced diversity and inclusion firsthand. He committed to bringing those lessons to Worcester. Guillermo most recently served as the Chair of the Human Rights Commission, ensuring Worcester's equity lens always had a voice. During the last 12 months, Guillermo worked on the Worcester Now Next project, the first citywide planning project since the 1980s. As the lead community organizer on the project, he connected with hundreds of residents and small business owners throughout the city to hear their voices and concerns to ensure that they were included in the project.  Guillermo is unapologetic about who he is and what lived experiences he brings to the table. Guillermo is a proud, openly gay man, Latinx individual, and outspoken national organizer. He was raised by two hard-working South American immigrants in Worcester, where finances were always a topic of discussion. Similar to many residents in Worcester, the Creamers were renters in several of Worcester's numerous triple-deckers. From Williams Street to Hamilton Street, the Creamers often moved to keep up with low rent prices to help with overall spending. After attending Elm Park Community School, Guillermo was accepted into the Nativity School of Worcester, where his educational experience put him on the path to earning a scholarship at Bancroft School. The Catholic mentality has stuck with Guillermo and is ingrained in his personal moral compass after being confirmed at St. Peters Catholic Church on Main St. He most notably took on the Bishop when he decided to bestow bigotry on the Nativity School for flying the BLM and Pride flags respectively. Guillermo spoke to over a dozen national news outlets, including a live interview on CNN where he defended Nativity on their decision to continue flying the flags.  In 2017, Guillermo, alongside a close counterpart, launched Pay Our Interns. Within a few short years of uphill advocacy, the organization and overall movement reached a pivotal moment: in a bipartisan decision, Congress agreed to allocate over $14 million for intern pay. This success began a series of wins for the organization and a nationwide movement. To date, Pay Our Interns is responsible for over $100 million in funding allocated for interns in Congress, the White House, and the State Department. The organization's mission is simple but one that is heavily needed within our society: paying interns increases diversity and inclusion and thereby breaks down barriers to entry into the workforce. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Over the summer, Don't Touch My Podcast says, "Don't Touch my Politics" as we sit down with political candidates running for the Worcester City Council and School Committee seats.  As Crisis Pregnancy Centers continue to provide misleading and deceitful information to women, we sit down with Councilwoman Kristen Strezo of Somerville and Dr. Cara Berg Powers to discuss the already established Somerville ordinance and where Worcester stands in the debate. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Over the summer, Don't Touch My Podcast says, "Don't Touch my Politics" as we sit down with political candidates running for the Worcester City Council and School Committee seats. In this episode, we sit down with School Committee Member, Jermoh Kamara to discuss her re-election, her dedication to marginalized groups, and enhancing educational access for our students and WPS families. About Jermoh: Jermoh V. Kamara is a member of the Worcester School Committee. She is also the Associate Director of the Center for Well-Being at WPI. Before joining WPI, she was the Director of Wellness and Health Equity at the YWCA of Central Massachusetts. She was an adjunct lecturer as well for the Interdisciplinary and Global Studies Department at WPI and Clark University where she taught research methods in Project Based-Learning.  A PROUD graduate of the Worcester Public Schools, she graduated from Canterbury Street School, Sullivan Middle, and then from the South High Class of 2011. From South High, Jermoh earned a full tuition scholarship to Providence College where she graduated in 2015 and earned a master's in public health degree from New York Medical College. Jermoh is seeking her second term on the Worcester School Committee this 2023 and ask for your vote and support.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Over the summer, Don't Touch My Podcast says, "Don't Touch my Politics" as we sit down with political candidates running for the Worcester City Council and School Committee seats. In this episode, we sit down with City Councilor-At-Large Candidate, Domenica Perrone, to discuss her connection to the youth, her dedication to equity and public health to increase resident quality of life, and her work in the community during and post-pandemic. About Domenica: Domenica is an Ecuadorian immigrant and the daughter of a single mother who knows firsthand of the inequities we face in our society. Throughout her life she has been a youth worker, an educator, a researcher and public health worker. In these spaces she has seen how policy can play a role in perpetuating these inequities or become a part of a solution. And to her this largely means comprehensive public health strategies. Domenica is running for Worcester City Council At-Large and wants to promote policies that ensure everyone in Worcester has access to happy, healthy and safe lives. This includes funding early education and care and affordable housing solutions, sustainable and green development, positive youth development programming, and celebrating Worcester's diversity through arts and culture. Currently she is the Director for Community Engagement and Volunteering at Clark University, where she continues her career in supporting youth development through community engagement and experiential learning. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Over the summer, Don't Touch My Podcast says, "Don't Touch my Politics" as we sit down with political candidates running for the Worcester City Council and School Committee seats. In this episode, we sit down with School Committee Member, Sue Mailman, to discuss her reelection focus, her connection to vocational schools, and her commitment to creating an equitable school committee and reflective school system. About Sue: Born in Gardner, MA and adopted by loving parents from Worcester, Sue's roots have been in this community from the start. Her mother and father were selfless leaders and alumni of Classical High School, supporting local organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Little League, the Boys and Girls Clubs, and more. Sue graduated from public high school and began working full time, including with her family business based in Worcester, employing and supporting union electricians. In 1986 she welcomed her son, Jeff, who graduated from Burncoat High School. Sue continued her education, attending night classes at Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester State, and Assumption University, eventually going on to take the GMAT, and earn her MBA from Northeastern University in 2003. Today, Sue lives in North Worcester with her husband Jim Chapdelaine. She has 6 step children, Paul & Kevin Mailman, Suzanne Nelhuebel, James, John and Ian Chapdelaine, and 4 grandchildren Ezra and Salem Chapdelaine, Miles Nelhuebel, and Teddy Cross. Sue tragically lost her son Jeff in 2007. In her free time, She enjoys spending quality time with her family, tends to her gardens, loves cooking, cherishes local art, and adores all things Worcester. Sue continues to work to enhance this community that she holds so dearly and she humbly asks for your vote on November 7th. Business Leadership: Sue is proud of the smart and talented union electricians that she has worked with for over 35 years in the family construction business, which she has led since 2002.   Sue has taken great pride in her involvement with the union electrical industry, holding positions with the IBEW/NECA and regional groups supporting apprenticeship opportunities and workforce development. As a contractor, Sue has performed work at WPI, UMass Memorial/UMass Chan, St. Vincent Hospital, the DCU Center, and many other local and regional projects across New England. Community and Non-Profit Work: Following in her father's footsteps, Sue has helped to promote Worcester Technical High School by chairing the WTHS Advisory Board and advancing our local community colleges as a past chair of Board of Trustees at Quinsigamond Community College. Her passion for supporting our youth is reflected through her involvement with the Young Women's Club of America (YWCA) in Worcester, as well as the United Way of Central Massachusetts. Sue helps to advocate for expanded workforce development through the State Apprenticeship Advisory Council and back at home, has co-chaired the technology subcommittee of the Worcester Public Schools Strategy Committee.  Sue is currently a proud board member of U Mass Memorial Health Care. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Over the summer, Don't Touch My Podcast is saying, "Don't Touch My Politics" as we sit down with political candidates running for the Worcester City Council and School Committee seats. In this episode, we sit down with City Council-at-Large Candidate, Johanna Hampton-Dance to learn more about how she is formulating a platform and her current work in the city. About Johanna: Johanna is a familiar presence in our community, hosting the Dear Santa Extravaganza for many years and providing community support by giving out warm home cooked meals PPE during the pandemic, and winter essentials to the unhoused. Johanna is an award-winning artist and radio host as well as a Newton Universal Legendary Award for Social Justice recipient in 2021 for her work in the social justice field. In addition to her work ensuring and connecting people to healthcare and housing resources, she is a committed activist for students with disabilities, inspired by her work with her own child. Johanna has been actively fighting for our elderly residents, wanting to age at home and with dignity. Johanna currently sits on the Affordable Housing Board of Trustees for the City of Worcester, helping to create more affordable housing within the city. Johanna has been committed to fighting for the people of Worcester from a young age because she knows how important it is and how much there is to be done. As a young adult Johanna experienced being homeless and pregnant. After recovering from the loss of her child Johanna was resolved that no mother and no family suffer the way she did Johanna feels that more can and should be done to actually fight for the people in the ot of Worcester. Johanna states." I am running to ensure that our city remains livable for the residents. For decades we have worked together for a better Worcester, with the right people in seats at the table we can find the balance that will keep our residents here while moving our city forward." --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Over the summer, Don't Touch My Podcast is saying, "Don't Touch My Politics" as we sit down with political candidates running for the Worcester City Council and School Committee seats. In this episode, we sit down with District 5 Council Member, Etel Haxhiaj, to talk about her platform, priorities and her stance of the chicken debate. About Council Member Etel: Etel Haxhiaj is the Director of Public Education and Advocacy at Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, where she works on homelessness prevention and advocates for affordable housing at the local, state and federal levels.  Etel is serving her first term as the District 5 Worcester City Councilor where she's been a strong advocate for homelessness prevention, tenant protection, affordable housing, protecting tenants from displacement, climate change, zero-fare public transit, safe and walkable streets. Etel's life story is similar to the story of others who fled violence and poverty. She has called Worcester home since 2001, arriving as a young adult with her parents after fleeing Albania's political upheaval. She is also the mom of two young boys in the Worcester Public Schools.  For the past twenty years, she has served the Worcester community as a youth mentor, served residents in the Attorney General's office, supported families in public housing and homeless shelters, organized mothers to fight for a livable climate for all our children for Mothers Out Front, and worked with public transportation and housing coalitions.  As an advocate, she has served on numerous Boards and Commissions, including being a long-term member of the YWCA of Central Massachusetts. Learn More about Etel: https://etelforworcester.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Jennifer and Giselle sit down with David Ginsburg, Manager of WICN public radio, to ask the question: Do all lives matter? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

This is a bonus episode with The Crucible Cast Members, Karen Richards, and Danica Gabriele. Karen Richards (Tituba) Born in Jamaica and raised in Worcester, MA, Karen is an enthusiastic performer.  Karen is eager to utilize a Caribbean accent with The Hanover Theatre Repertory in The Crucible.  Karen made her debut with The Hanover Theatre Repertory in Macbeth. Karen is a lover of improv comedy and karaoke.  Follow Karen on IG: @KarenKarynKarin & Follow Danica on IG: @gabrieledanica Be sure to check out The Crucible on April 2nd - https://thehanovertheatre.org/event/tht-rep-presents-an-experimental-staged-reading-of-the-crucible-by-arthur-miller/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Welcome to a special episode of Don't Touch My Podcast with special guest, Belén Moyano, an actor and cast member of Hadestown, now showing at the Hanover Theater and Conservatory. As we continue our series on the importance of representation, we hear from Belén's experience and more about her journey in the theater and her advocacy work. Learn more about Belén Moyano: https://www.belenmoyano.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Tune in to this week's episode featuring Cyrille Vincent, Director of Whirlwind - a story about Major Taylor, an icon. About Major Taylor: More than a hundred years ago, when bicycle races drew crowds that filled Madison Square Garden, the biggest draw of all was Major Taylor. As a superstar athlete in the most popular sport of his era, 1899 world bicycling champion Major Taylor saw his racing victories well chronicled in mainstream newspapers as well as cycling publications. Throughout his career, Major Taylor had embodied the role carved out for him by promoters, the press, and the fans, who fed off each other's desires for drama and dollars. ‘'The Black Cyclone'' was allowed on the starting line because of his exceptional talent, but he was constantly reminded, on and off the bike—as a Black American--of his place in the racial order. Learn more about the film here. Follow Don't Touch my Podcast on Instagram and Facebook --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

The angry black woman is a stereotype. A stereotype is defined as a standardized mental picture held in common by members of a group, representing an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude, or uncritical judgment. Underrepresented minority groups often have to overcome widely held stereotypes about their group. Asians, sometimes are dubbed as model minorities with many of the labels and stereotypes about this group being more positive in nature. Although they do experience stereotyping about their lack of interpersonal skills and their inability to be assertive women. Have workplace discrimination and must overcome glass ceilings, which is the invisible barrier that prevents them from career ascension and progression for black women in the workplace. Tune in to episode 7 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

Today we are saying, don't touch my boundaries. Boundaries. What are boundaries? Boundaries are only a problem to people who do not respect you. Personal boundaries are the limits and rules we set for ourselves within our relationships, and that doesn't have to be romantic relationships. It can be friendships, work relationships. all kinds of relationships. A person with healthy boundaries can say no to others when they want to, but they are also comfortable opening themselves up to intimacy and close relationships. How do you create boundaries in your life? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/donttouchmypodcast/support

We loved chatting with Marta Rymer of Hanover Theatre & Conservatory's “A Christmas Carol” production in between her shows! Marta Rymer, she/her (Fiddler/Laundress) is overjoyed to return to The Hanover Theatre's production of A Christmas Carol! Recent credits include, National Tour: Once (Apex Touring). Regional: Once (CCAE Theatricals), The Gift of the Magi (Studio Theatre Worcester), The Tempest (Commonwealth Shakespeare Company), The Spitfire Grill (Oregon Cabaret Theatre), Once (Speakeasy Stage), West Side Story (Fiddlehead Theatre), The New Electric Ballroom (The Acktor's Table), and A Tale of Two Cities (York Theatre). Marta is a graduate of AMDA. Buckets of love to her family and happy holidays to all! www.martarymer.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

We are continuing our Department of Justice series with members of the community to highlight their stories about their experiences with the Worcester Police Department. We sit down with Katherine Aguilar, small business owner and community leader, to listen to the story of her uncle's murder. Cristino Wilfredo Hernandez died in 1993 at the hands of Police Officers using the same methods that killed George Floyd in 2020. **On Tuesday, November 15th, the United States Department of Justice announced a investigation of the Worcester Police. The investigation will assess whether the Worcester Police Department engages in discriminatory policing on the basis of. And sex and whether it engages in a pattern or practice or use of excessive force, they are inviting anyone with information relevant to this investigation to submit that information to their email, which is community.wpd@usdoj.gov.** --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

This week on Tuesday, November 15th, the United States Department of Justice announced a investigation of the Worcester Police. The investigation will assess whether the Worcester Police Department engages in discriminatory policing on the basis of. And sex and whether it engages in a pattern or practice or use of excessive force, they are inviting anyone with information relevant to this investigation to submit that information to their email, which is community.wpd@usdoj.gov. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

Tune in as we discuss some of the economic impacts of colonialism. At the height of its reign, the UK held 25% of the earth's surface as part of its empire. The US has had up to 14 US territories, including Liberia, after enslaved people were repatriated for freedom. For Puerto Rico, it remains with 45% living below the poverty line. Puerto Rico has been in a economic depression for 16 years following the expiration of a US tax code that allowed companies “tax breaks” for doing business in Puerto Rico. Most of Puerto Rico's financial woes directly result from federal regulations that expired, been repealed or no longer apply to Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has been unable to become self-sufficient. Under Spaniard rule, the population of Tainos was exploited as enslaved people, and the island's natural resources were stripped for Spanish gain. Because it is a US territory, it is restricted in how it can trade with other countries. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

While Jenn was conquering the world, Giselle sat down to chat with Valerie Zolezzi-Wyndham, co-founder of Casita Cultura Latina and presenter of the annual Día de los Muertos event. Learn more about Día de los Muertos & Casita Cultura Latina: casitaculturalatina.com/event --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

At its height in 1921, this empire had become a refined worldwide network, ruling approximately one-quarter of all the land on Earth. The nations conquered were linked by trade as well as politics, and this lasted for quite a while. While various countries gained their independence over time, even by 1952 when Queen Elizabeth took the throne, over 70 colonies still existed in the empire overseas. Nothing lasts forever, however. The end of this era, which began in the 16th century, finally came in 1997 when Hong Kong, one of the empire's most prominent territories, was transferred back to China. Today, Queen Elizabeth is the former head of state for 16 Commonwealth countries outside the UK. These include Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Australia, Belize, Barbados, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu. 16 U.S. territories. Yes, but you've probably heard of only the five that have permanent residents: American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

Tune in as Jennifer and Giselle discuss culture, how to understand it and how much they both like rice. What is culture? Culture encompasses religion, food, what we wear, how we wear it, our language, marriage, music, and it is different all over the world. Cultural appropriation is a term used to describe the taking over of creative or artistic forms, themes, or practices by one cultural group by another. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

We had the pleasure to chat with @ericasimonebarnett, cast member of the touring @broadwaycom show @meangirlsbway and discuss representation and what it means to be a part of a diverse cast all while holding it down for the women of color on stage --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

Belonging is that sense you get that you are a valued member of a community. When people feel that they are part of a community, they feel a sense of purpose. A sense of belonging brings meaning into our lives, and this is true for all communities, whether it's your sports teams, your church, your parenting group, or even your workplace. A 2019 survey by BetterUp found that: Workplace belonging can lead to a staggering 56% increase in job performance. It can also lead to a 50% reduction in employee turnover risk. Workplace belonging can lead to a 75% decrease in employee sick days. A single incidence of micro-exclusion can lead to a 25% performance decline on a team project for the excluded individual. We sit down with Rob Stull, Vanessa Joga, David Conner, and Valerie Zolezzi-Wyndham to discuss how we can create a culture of belonging with a Live Audience. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

What is Inclusionary Zoning? Inclusionary zoning would allowed new development to set aside a certain amount of units, a market rate, and an affordable market level, so that individuals who live in Worcester are able to live in those new developments that are coming on into the city. This policy is in place in many other cities in Massachusetts like Boston and Malden and a way to help tackle our housing crisis. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

We advocate for smarter, positive, results-based criminal justice policies to keep our communities safe. These policies include issues that are very important to us: treatment for mental health issues and addiction, judicial discretion in sentencing, and an end to racial disparities at all levels of the system. In part 2 of our Racism & Policing series, we discuss the breakdown of the actionable items recommended by the Council on Criminal Justice - Task Force on Policing to ensure a more comprehensive and safe policing strategy. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

The criminal justice system is heavily impacted by the bias of police mentality and outdated judicial precedents. The system is largely driven by racial disparities and the Black community continues to be a target. The results are brutal and long lasting. "All cruelty begins with dehumanization — not seeing the face of the other, not seeing the whole humanity of the other. A cultural regime of dehumanization has been constructed in many police departments. In that fertile ground, racial biases can spread and become entrenched." Join us in the conversation of racism & police. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

In this special episode of Don't Touch my Podcast, we sit down with Councilwoman Julia Mejia of Boston City Council. We discuss everything from our Afro-Latina roots to how we show up in the world in our authenticity to education and what it means to be a leader. Follow Councilwoman Julia Mejia on Instagram and Facebook at @juliaforboston. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

Psychological safety — the belief that one can speak up without risk of punishment or humiliation — has been well established as a critical driver of high-quality decision making, healthy group dynamics and interpersonal relationships, greater innovation, and more effective execution. The term psychological safety was coined by Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson. She defines it as “a shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking.” Establishing a climate of psychological safety allows space for people to speak up and share their ideas. We talk about simple ways to create psychologically safe environments and why we even have to do this! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

The UK and the United States are the countries where people carry the largest student loan debt. The average college debt among student loan borrowers in America is $32,731, according to the Federal Reserve. This is an increase of approximately 20% from 2015-2016. Most borrowers have between $25,000 and $50,000 outstanding in student loan debt. But more than 600,000 borrowers in the country are over $200,000 in student debt, and that number may continue to increase. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

Critical race theorists base this thinking on a few important observations: Race is a social construct that doesn't have anything to do with biological differences among people, including differences in intelligence or physical ability. This became definitively clear after the Human Genome Project. The U.S., and all of its laws and institutions, were founded and created based on the myth of white supremacy—the assumption that lighter skin and European ancestry meant that white people were better and deserved a higher social and economic position than people of color. Because racism is embedded within our systems and institutions, codified in law, and woven into American public policy, this racial inequality is replicated and maintained over time. Thus, systemic racism shows up in nearly every facet of life for people of color. CRT aspires to empower voices that have been marginalized. Embracing the lived experiences of people of color through research, storytelling, and counter-storytelling—placed in historical, social and political context— is critical to scholarship that examines race and racism in society. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

“Another Leak Indicates Supreme Court Set to Overturn Roe v. Wade. Less than a week after a draft majority opinion was leaked indicating that the U.S. Supreme Court will soon overturn Roe v. Wade and end the constitutional right to an abortion, the pending decision appears to have been confirmed by yet another leak.” NYmag.com We are here to say “Dear Government, Don't Touch Our Bodies!” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

Let's talk about the “school-to-prison pipeline,” a disturbing national trend wherein youth are funneled out of public schools and into the juvenile and criminal legal systems. Many of these youth are Black or Brown, have disabilities, or histories of poverty, abuse, or neglect, and would benefit from additional support and resources. Instead, they are isolated, punished, and pushed out. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

Funding inequities are happening in a context of increased poverty in our schools. In 2013, I documented how the number of high poverty schools had increased by about 60 percent to one out of every five schools in 2011 from one out of every eight schools in 2000. To win this unwelcome designation, 75 percent or more of an elementary, middle or high school's students lived in families poor enough to qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. It's since gotten worse. In the most recent federal report, covering the 2016-17 school year, one out of every four schools in America was classified as high poverty. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. It is important to know that though hunger and food insecurity are closely related, they are distinct concepts. Hunger refers to a personal, physical sensation of discomfort, while food insecurity refers to a lack of available financial resources for food at the household level. In 2020, an estimated 1 in 8 Americans were food insecure, equating to over 38 million Americans, including almost 12 million children. Today, we talk with Maria Ravelli of the Worcester Community Fridges about food insecurity and collective food issues. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

In light of all of the recent news in Boston and Worcester about increased assaults involving roofies at local bars, we sit down with Nikki-Bell Peña, Founder of LIFT Worcester. To find more information about LIFT and the work they do for sexual assault survivors and education, check out their website: LIFT Worcester --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

Today, we will walk through what gentrification means, why it matters and how communities are mobilizing to stop it. Ruth Class wrote her book called London aspects of change. One by one, many of the working class quarters of London have been invaded by the middle-class upper and lower. Once this process of gentrification starts in a district, it goes on rapidly until all of, most of the original working class occupiers are displaced and the whole social character of the district is changed. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

With the baby formula shortage impacting women everywhere, we must talk about the narratives being told to women like "just breastfeed" or "formula isn't the only way to go." For many women, formula is the only way to supply the nutrients their babies need. Not all women supply enough breast milk to maintain their baby's appetite and mother's shouldn't be shamed for it. If we want to be upset about the baby formula shortage, let's chat about why it is happening and how we can change it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

Housing discrimination refers to patterns of discrimination that affect a person's ability to rent or buy housing. In 2020, a black couple sought a second opinion on their home appraisal. The home appraisal was more than ½ million dollars more than the original appraisal given to the black couple. In the second appraisal, they had white friends act as if they were the homeowners. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

Unlike income or education, wealth can be passed directly across generations. Parents can also use their resources indirectly to advantage their offspring's future wealth accumulation, such as by purchasing a home that allows their children to grow up in an advantageous neighborhood. But Latin and Black families, with a net worth of $3020 and $8, respectively, can't achieve this. This is the issue behind legacy and housing. So let's talk about it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support

Black hair is a 2.5 billion dollar industry annually. One Black woman shared her annual budget on hair styling along with $3,000 - Not including any hair extensions, products, etc she may have needed in the styling - and we are here to break down what it means to have black hair. Black hair is tied to slavery therefore, the ability to change our hair texture to something similar to white people is like giving ourselves permission to blend in with white America. Which leads us to the question: Do you have good or bad hair? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/donttouchmypodcast/support