Stiletto Revolution

Dawn gets personal with Chantelle Brown, MSW about the pervasive Strong Black Woman Syndrome and its overwhelming impact on the mental, emotional and physical health of Black women.  Chantelle Brown, MSW is a clinical social worker at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a meditation teacher, and a practitioner of the Contemplative Psychotherapy program at Nalanda Institute for Contemplative Sciences. She runs a monthly BIPOC meditation and healing circle and has facilitated healing forums with the Broadway Advocacy Coalition. Note From the Stiletto Revolution #21: When we are in tune with our bodies and minds, we are in tune with ourselves.

Dawn and Dr. Angela L. Harris celebrate living your best life while single and over 40. The women share stories from their dating life, living single and child free, supporting the movement for racial justice, and trying to survive a global pandemic. Today's Black women are destroying the patriarchal image of the "old maid," and unapologetically embracing the duality of being happy and single, while still having a desire for a romantic partner. Listen along while they empower, uplift, and get real about the ups and downs of single womanhood. Note From the Stiletto Revolution #20: Womanhood is not synonymous with motherhood or marriage. To learn more about Angela and see her fabulous warrior woman shoes, visit our website. Follow Angela on IG @nobibsburpsbottles. Listen to her podcast, No Bibs, Burps, Bottles. Visit her website. Read her blog. Follow us on FB and IG @StilettoRevolutionPodcast 

Dawn kicks off the second season discussing the current uprising in America with Kawana Gray, a 24-year old who lives on the Eastern Shore of MD. Kawana wanted to participate in the protests for racial justice, but none were scheduled to take place in her area. So she did something about it and organized a protest with her cousins and local community members. Now, she is organizing a larger 3-day protest, scheduled to take place June 9-11, 2020.  In this episode, Dawn and Kawana try to process some of the feelings that go along with being Black women during the radical movement for racial justice. Topics discussed include the microagressions at work, Breonna Taylor and how Black women  are often left out of the conversation regarding police brutality, the onslaught of corporate "support" to the movement, and what racial justice in America would feel like. Note From the Stiletto Revolution #19: If you are not helping to change the problem you are a part of the problem.  To learn more about Kawana Gray and see her fabulous warrior woman shoes, visit our website. Follow Kawana on FB @Kawana Gray and IG @_kayyyyg Follow us on FB a IG @StilettoRevolutionPodcast

Natardia shares her Dragonfly Method, an arts-based research method that combines research with performance to engage the voices of the community members being researched. This responsible and culturally competent approach has been used to support Black women in exploring archetypes and stereotypes often imposed on us by the outside world. As a researcher and Drama Therapist, Natardia stresses the importance of serving as a guest when the researcher does not reflect the lived experience of the communities she is researching. Note From the Stiletto Revolution #18: "Love and learn your authenticity so you can be a better guest." To learn more about Natardia Lee Soy and see her fabulous warrior woman shoes, go to our website. Follow us on IG & FB @stilettorevolutionpodcast

When Essence Revealed earned her graduate degree from a top university she worked multiple jobs, but still had trouble making ends meet. So she became a stripper—working in corporate America during the day and dancing for corporate execs at night. After 12 years, she left stripping behind to become a world renowned burlesque performer and a coach for women healing from sexual abuse.  Join Dawn and Essence, as we explore Manhattan strip clubs, healing from sexual trauma, learning to be comfortable in  one's sex and sexuality, and unapologetically living life on one's own terms. We also discuss the recent controversy with TI and offer life lessons for every woman.  Note From the Stiletto Revolution #17: Fight for Your Possibilities and Not Your Limitations. To learn more about Essence Revealed and see her incredible warrior woman shoes, go to our website. Check out the book, S.T.R.I.P - A Stripper's 20 Life Winning Lessons, by Essence Revealed. Follow Essence on IG, FB, and Twitter @Essence Revealed Follow us on IG & FB @stilettorevolutionpodcast Follow Dawn on Twitter @Dawn_LBrown  

Dawn talks with Kameron Greene about the challenge of being a woke woman who loves a hip hop, when it often fails to love us back. Exploring how Black women are often disrespected and betrayed by the music and culture we love and support, this episode is a raw and open discussion, covering hot topics such as Kanye West, R. Kelly, toxic masculinity, hypersexuality, and colorism. Kameron Greene is the host of the Top 23 Countdown and co-host of Spread the Word on 102.3 Radio-Free KJLH FM in Los Angeles.   Note From the Stiletto Revolution #16: Stay woke and aware of all that you consume. To learn more about Kameron and see her warrior woman shoes, visit our website. Follow Kameron on IG:@lbradiochi and Twitter:@radiofreetop23 Follow us on IG & FB @stilettorevolutionpodcast Follow Dawn on Twitter @Dawn_LBrown

This week Dawn talks with LaDeia Joyce, who shares her story of living with HIV and rocking the heck out of life. LaDeia's powerful story of learning to embrace radical self-care and becoming an HIV advocate and creating PositivelyDeia will inspire, educate, and entertain you. Note From the Stiletto Revolution #15: Don't be normal becasue you'll never know how amazing you can be.  To learn more about LaDeia and to see her amazing warrior woman shoes, visit our website. Referenced in this episode: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/gender/women/index.html https://blackaids.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Black-Women-and-PrEP-Brochure-Black-AIDS-Institute.pdf    

Not all women are mothers and that's totally and perfectly normal! In this episode, Dawn explores the benefits of living child-free with Raphaele Wagner, Content Creator of Not A Momma Podcast, a podcast for GenXers who do not identify as mothers. Note From the Stiletto Revolution #14: Live your life proud, loud, and unapologetic. To learn more about Raphaele and to see her warrior women shoes, visit our website. Referenced in this episode: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention I Am a Childfree Black Woman and I Owe My Womb to No One, by Sharronda J Brown  

Ever wonder what an average day in prison is like for a women? Well it may not be what you expect. Listen as Aminah breaks down her typical schedule, communicating wit the outside world, and prison food (I wasn't ready for that food description). Listen to Ep 13: Incarcerated Women, in it's entirety and learn more about Aminah's experience. Follow us on FB and IG @StilettoRevolutionPodcast / Visit our website.

In this episode, Aminah Elster, shares her incredible story of re-entering society after spending 15 years in prison. Join us as we learn from Aminah's transition from domestic violence victim to survivor and now, activist. This episode breaks down the impact of the Prison Industrial Complex on families and communities, from the experience of Black women. Note From the Stiletto Revolution #13: Remember our incarcerated sisters and provide them with the love and support they need. To learn more about Aminah, visit our website. Referenced in this episode: California Coalition for Women Prisoners AB-1764- Sterilization Compensation Bill Legal Services for Prisoners with Children Berkeley Underground Scholars Sentencing Project  

In this episode, Dawn flips the script and becomes the featured guest. Emmy Award-Winning Television News Producer and long-time friend, Rashida Craddock talks with Dawn about living and working in New York City during 9/11. Dawn shares how she overcame depression and became the warrior woman she is today. Note from the Stiletto Revolution #12: There is joy, even in moments of great pain. To learn more about Rashida, visit our website. Follow us on IG and FB @stilettorevolutionpodcast    

Have questions about LGBTQ terminology? This 10-minute breakdown will help you navigate the sometimes muddy waters of culturally competent language and definitions.    Learn more about SMYAL   Follow up on IG and FB @stilettorevolutionpodcast

Is there really a Gay Agenda? This week, Adalphie Johnson, Programs Director of SMYAL, answers this question and more during an open and honest conversation with Dawn about the importance of supporting Black LGBTQ youth and trans women. The two women discuss the disproportionate number of Black homeless LGBTQ youth, homophobia in the Black church and how cisgender women can support our transgender sisters in securing safety during an epidemic of homicides. Plus, Dawn debuts our new theme song! Note From the Stiletto Revolution #11: People are people. Instead of obsessing about our differences, let's focus a little more on our commonalities. To learn more about Adalphie and SMYAL, go to our website To learn more about the Equality Act Follow us on IG and FB @stilettorevolutionpodcast

Dawn and Dr. Pinna-Perez begin by exploring the psychological impact of our country's current immigration policies on children. The conversation quickly evolves into an exploration of historical violence and traumatization of Black and Brown people. Angelica, a daughter of immigrants who were once undocumented, reveals the complexities of her current relationship with her parents who are both staunch Republicans and Trump supporters. This conversation is raw and impactful. Angelica Pinna-Perez, PhD, LCAT, LICSW, REAT, RDT, in an Associate Professor at Lesley University and the Founder of Cervitude Consulting. You can read her full bio and see her favorite warrior woman shoes on our website. Note From the Stiletto Revolution #10: Use your privilege and put yourself on the front line. Follow Dr. Pinna-Perez on IG @angelicapinnaperez and FB @cervitude Follow us on IG & FB @stilettorevolutionpodcast   Resources from this Episode: The Hill Article Academy on Pediatrics Statement The New Yorker Article

Dawn wraps up our three-part series on hair with our first Sistah Circle of Stiletto Revolution listeners. Kandice Brown (IG: _kayellebee_), Kechea Brown (IG: brownberries), Donya Graham (IG: thabestofme), and Yaminah Jackson (IG: peacefuljourney), talk with Dawn about how messages from childhood impacted their perceptions of beauty. These amazing warrior women, ranging in age from 29 to 50 years old, share their personal hair journeys and what has lead them to embrace the true glory of their hair. Note From the Stiletto Revolution #9: Your natural hair journey is your own. It should not be judged by anyone, not even by you. Follow us on iG and FB @stilettorevolutionpodcast

This week we continue our three-part series on Black Hair. In Part II, Dawn explores natural hair discrimination, by talking with three highly influential warrior women. First, she talks with author of the book, Natural Hair in the Workplace: What Are Your Rights, Tracy Sanders, Esq. Then, she discusses NYC's new natural hair ban with Chair and Commissioner of the New York City Commission on Human Rights, Carmelyn P. Malalis. The episode wraps up with California State powerhouse, Senator Holly Mitchell. Senator Mitchell authored the C.R.O.W.N Act (Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair). This episode is chock full of hair-raising experiences. Real, practical advice on the legal rights of employees and students are offered as we break down the difference in federal, local, and state laws. This is an episode no naturalista should miss! Note From the Stiletto Revolution #5: Discrimination Doesn’t Have to Be a Part of Our Everyday Lives. Know Your Rights.   Referenced during the show: Learn more about Tracy Sanders Foundation Follow her on Social Media at https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-sanders-esq-03812848, https://www.instagram.com/naturalhairandthelaw/, and https://www.instagram.com/tracysandersesq/. Learn more about the NYC Commission on Human Rights Learn more about Senator Holly Mitchell. Referenced during the show: Artice on TSA, Article on boy forced to color in hair with magic marker, Teen wrestler forced to cut locs before match, Black teens denied employment at Six Flags due to “extreme hairstyles”, Black teen sent home form school due to wearing braids.  

Join Dawn as she embarks on a three-part series exploring the role of Black women's hair as a form of social and political resistance to oppression. First up, Dawn talks with Kamika King, Founder and CEO of Makeba Co., an artisan hair care company specializing in products for Black women, and I AM Grooming Co., a beard and skincare company that specializes in products for men of color. The women explore the history of Black hair as a social justice movement, offer critical analysis of commentary made earlier this year by famous Black men attacking Black women's hair, discuss Kamika's personal hair journey and inspiration for creating hair care products, and share hair care tips for naturalistas and women experiencing hair loss.  Note From the Stiletto Revolution #7: You do not need to be ashamed or hide your hair loss because there are solutions to help. Follow Us on IG and FB: @stilettorevolutionpodcast Follow Kamika on IG and FB: @lovemakeba and @iamgroomingco   Referenced in this episode:  Mintel HuffPost

This week, Dawn talks with Moms Demand Action activist and volunteer, Brenda Moss of Lynchburg, VA. We hear Brenda's incredible survivor story as a mother who lost her son to gun violence, leaving behind a 13-year old son who lost his hero. Wanna understand how gun violence impacts Black children and women? Well, Brenda breaks it down in an eloquent and powerful way that will motivate every listener to step up and demand change. We also discuss why prayer alone, is not always enough. Listen and let us know what you think on IG and FB.   Note From the Stiletto Revolution #6: Prayers are empty without action.   Follow us on IG & FB @stilettorevolutionpodcast Referenced in this Episode: Moms Demand Action Moms Demand Action Virginia Wear Orange Day - June 7

On May 11, 2019, Dawn lost her Uncle Butch. Uncle Butch was an activist and community leader in Washington, DC and Prince George's County, MD. In an emotional goodbye, Dawn shares her favorite stories of her uncle and offers a glimpse into someone who inspired her to become the women she is today.   

Author and coach, Tammy Washington joins Dawn to discuss wealth inequity in America and how Black women can change the narrative in order to achieve financial freedom. Practical tips for investing, getting out from under debt, and creating generational wealth are provided. Additionally, Tammy answers questions submitted by our listeners.This episode is chock full of information for women at various financial levels. Note From the Stiletto Revolution #5: Create a plan and stick to it. Learn more about Tammy and see her warrior women shoes on our website.   *This episode is lovingly dedicated to Oscar Phillips, Jr. (November 29, 1946 - May, 11, 2019)   Referenced in this Episode: www.TammyWashington.com Millionaire Mind Intensive Women, Race, and Wealth Wealth Gap: Why Are African-American Women Maxing Out? Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki The Millionaire Mindset by Thomas J Stanley   Follow us on social media! IG & FB: StilettoRevolutionPodcast IG: TammyWashingtonSpeaks FB: Tammy Washington Fanpage    

Dawn and Kristie LaTray discuss the National Institute of Health June 2018 report, Racial Disparities in Obesity Treatment. They also explore the fitness and beauty industries’ criticism of Black female bodies. The discussion includes an inclusive definition of the word fit, why the Body Mass Index is racially bias, nutrition tips, and the benefits of yoga. Dawn also offers insight into her personal health and wellness journey. Kristie LaTray is a Health and Fitness Expert and the Creator of This Green Drink. You can read Kristie’s full bio and check out her favorite warrior woman shoes on our website Note From the Stiletto Revolution #4: When Your Mind and Spirit are in Alignment, the Body Follows. Follow Kristie on FB, IG, and Twitter @KristieLatray Follow us on FB and IG @StilettoRevolutionPodcast Referenced in this Episode: The Fitness World Has a Diversity Problem

Long-time friends and colleagues, Dawn and Dr. Tracie Rogers explore the impact of Battle Fatigue on Black Women's mental health. The conversation quickly evolves, into a raw and personal exploration into the intersectionality of race and gender. Self-care tips for Black women to help preserve your sanity in the midst of all the foolishness we encounter are provided along with feedback for White women on how to be a better ally.   Dr. Rogers in the Managing Director of Wholeness and Wellness Counseling Services in Trinidad. You can read Dr. Rogers’ full bio and her favorite warrior woman shoes on our website Note From the Stiletto Revolution #3: Dig Deep, Reach In, but also Reach Out to Your Community. Follow Dr. Rogers on IG @dr.tracierogers and her business @wholeness_and_wellness Follow us on FB and IG @stilettorevolutionpodcast.com

This week Dawn talks with Dr. Shai Butler about the need for more equitable practices in higher education. We analyze the impact of current funding practices (i.e. student loans), dive into the hot topic of the college admission scandal, and learn Dr. Shai's incredible journey from teen mother to PhD. Also, tips for parents with students preparing to enter college are provided. Dr. Shai is a Vice President in the field of higher education and a true inspiration to every person she encounters. You can read Dr. Shai's full bio and her favorite warrior woman shoes on our website Note from the Stiletto Revolution #2: Your horizons will expand when you seek to learn. Follow Us on IG & FB @stilettorevolutionpodcast Learn more about Dr. Shai at www.DrShaiButler.com  

This week Dawn talks with Marquitta Shree Dorsey, PhD, MSW, MBA, about the stressors Black adolescent girls face in today’s society. We explore the impact of technology and social media, tips for parents, and feelings of devaluation girls often experience from school authority figures. Dr. Dorsey is an Assistant Professor at the School of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago. Her research aims to inform interventions that serve Black adolescent females from low-income communities, the second largest group of teen mothers in the United States. You can read Dr. Dorsey’s full bio on our website at www.stilettorevolutionpodcast.com.  Note from the Stiletto Revolution #1: Black girls have a voice. Listen to them. Follow us on IG and FB @stilettorevolutionpodcast