The Parley in All Blue with Mark Dawson

 On the season finale of  The Parley in All Blue, Mark is joined by Dr. Stephen Finley who is the inaugural chair of African and African American studies at LSU. Dr. Finely is an associate professor of religious studies at LSU, as well. He's gonna walk us through how religion, the religion of "whiteness" fuels attacks, or the religion of white nationalism and white supremacy fuels attacks like that in Buffalo at Tops grocery store or at the Tree of Life Senegal in Pittsburgh or at the Walmart in El Paso Texas where the mass shooter in that case was specifically looking for Mexicans or Mexican immigrants. Dr. Finley will also discuss what religious studies mean and how it comes into play in today's society. Highlights from the episode:Teaching Religious Studies Defining Whiteness Religion and the Current State of Society Critical Race Theory and the School System The Mission of Turning Point USA Connect with Dr. Stephen FinleyEmail: scfinley@lsu.edu Connect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

On this episode of The Parley in All Blue, Mark is joined by Abad Leyva to shine some light on the history and culture of Afro Mexicans, i.e Africans in Mexico during and after Slavery. The Port of Veracruz brought in more enslaved people from Africa through their port than the port of Charleston and Savannah combined. Abad Leyva will speak on his experiences and also the African impact on Mexico during slavery. Abad will also discuss the first time he came to America and what early life was like for him as an Afro Mexican in America. Highlights from the episode:Enslaved Africans in MexicoAfrican Culture in MexicoGaspar YangaAbad's journey from Mexico to the U.S.CimarronesConnect with Abad LeyvaTikTok: @tecoanapaInstagram: @AbadTecoanapaConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

On this episode of The Parley in All Blue, Mark is joined by Nancy Flake Johnson, The CEO of the Urban League of Greater Atlanta. She has partnerships with civil rights organizations, corporations, activists, educators, and elected officials. Simply put,  Nancy is a bridge builder. Nancy joins us to talk about her work and the work of the Urban League. We'll also discuss her journey and the unique challenges that we face in today's environment and more. Highlights from the episode:The National Urban LeagueThe Workforce in AtlantaCivil Rights OrganizationNancy's Journey Your Vote Matters  Connect with Nancy Flake JohnsonUrban League of Greater AtlantaLinkedIn: @nancy-flake-johnsonConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

On this week's episode of the Parley in All Blue Podcast, Mark sits down with Richard Grant  to discuss Natchez, Mississippi.  Bestselling travel writer Richard Grant “sensitively probes the complex and troubled history of the oldest city on the Mississippi River.”  Natchez, Mississippi, once had more millionaires per capita than anywhere else in America, and its wealth was built on slavery and cotton. Today it has the greatest concentration of antebellum mansions in the South, and a culture full of unexpected contradictions. Prominent white families dress up in hoopskirts and Confederate uniforms for ritual celebrations of the Old South, yet Natchez is also progressive enough to elect a gay black man for mayor with 91% of the vote. This episode is not one you want to miss. Highlights from the episode:Antebellum HomesSlave trade and CottonNellie JacksonRacism in the SouthDeacons for Defense Resources:The Deepest South of All: True Stories from Natchez, MississippiConnect with Richard Grant Website: www.richardgrant.usTwitter: @richardgrant4Connect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

Continuing our tour of South America, Mark discusses the rich culture of Rio de Janeiro with Dani Mahmoud. Dani is a tourist guide in Rio and takes us on a journey. Mark and Dani discuss how Rio was founded, African influence, the language and religion of Rio and cultural celebrations.  Highlights from the episode:QuilomboAfrican Slave TradeYoruba Cultural InfluenceLittle AfricaSambaBlack Consciousness DayConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

On this week's episode of the Parley in All Blue Podcast, Mark sits down with  Isaco Costa to discuss the African Diaspora and Salvador. Isaco is a tourist guide in Salvador, Bahia and is a specialist in the diversity of historical, cultural, religious and social tourism. Salvador is the capital of Bahia and is known for the Portuguese colonial architecture, Afro-Brazilian culture and a tropical coastline. Highlights from the episode:The rich culture of Salvador, BahiaBay of All SaintsAfrican influence in SalvadorSugarcane plantations in BrazilMichael JacksonConnect with Isaco CostaLinkedIn: @isaco-costaInstagram: @guiaisacosalvadorbahiaConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

On this week's episode of the Parley in All Blue Podcast, Mark sits down with Kali Holloway. Kali Holloway is a monthly columnist for both The Nation and The Daily Beast. Her writings have also appeared in The Guardian, Salon, TIME, Huffington Post, The National Memo and numerous other outlets. She co-curated the New York City Metropolitan Museum of Art 2017 summer performance and film series “Theater of the Resist.” She is the former Director of the Make it Right Project, a national initiative dedicated to taking down Confederate monuments and telling the truth about history. She also was a Senior Writer and the Associate Editor of Media & Culture at progressive news site AlterNet. Before that, she was a producer on the short film DJ Mojo: Music is Life, a producer and the outreach director on the PBS documentary The New Public; Director of Outreach and Audience Engagement for the HBO documentary Southern Rites and the Emmy-nominated film Brooklyn Castle; and Outreach Consultant on the award-winning documentary The New Black; she is currently producing Sunset and the Mockingbird about jazz pianist Junior Mance. Highlights from the episode:Black activism40 Acres & A MuleUSDA Land LawsBlack Land OwnershipBlack Farmers Resources: How Thousands of Black Farmers Were Forced Off Their Land By: Kali HollowayConnect with Kali HollowayLinkedIn: @kali-hollowayConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

On this week's episode of the Parley in All Blue Podcast, Mark sits down with Dr. D'Andra O'rey, a professor of political science at Jackson State University to discuss the story behind the book Mississippi Conflict and change, the current environment around the anti-CRT (Critical Race Theory) propaganda and movement, and they'll put it into context of today's political environment, along with some HBCU history. They'll also touch on the history, music, and culture in the state of Mississippi. Highlights from the episode:What is CRT (Critical Race Theory)Mississippi Freedom SchoolsMississippi Conflict & ChangeLies that were told in schoolIntersectionalityResources: Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong  by James (Jim) Loewen. Mississippi Conflict and Change by James LoewenConnect with Dr. D'Andra Orey LinkedIn: @b-d-andra-oreyConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

On this week's episode of The Parley In All Blue Mark is joined by Heather Infantry. Heather  is a foot soldier for Black liberation who pursues passion-driven projects and works with the aim of transformation. She is currently advancing equitable transit-oriented development as a pathway to Black prosperity. Throughout her career Heather has fostered an ongoing curiosity for people, places and ideas at the intersection of culture and equity.Highlights from the episode:Transportation and EquityTransit Oriented Development Atlanta - MARTA Transportation during The Pandemic The Transformation Alliance Connect with Heather Infantry LinkedIn: @heatherinfantryConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

On this week's episode of The Parley In All Blue Mark is joined by Dr. Lisa Cain.Lisa D. Cain, Ph.D., a graduate of Jackson State Univ. with a B.S.in biology received a Ph.D. in Anatomy at the Univ. of Mississippi Medical Center and was a postdoctoral fellow in the Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. She joined The Univ. of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston faculty in 2017 as Associate Dean for Professional Development and Faculty Affairs, and as a Professor in the Dept. of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences. Her involvement in education spans 30 years. She is the recipient of teaching awards and honors, including the UT System Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award (ROTA) and the Dr. Martin Luther King Service Award. She is a Marshall Goldsmith's Certified Executive Leadership Coach and is an artist who incorporated her love for art into the educational arena.Highlights from the episode:Dr. Lisa Cain's upbringing in Canton, MississippiDr. Lisa Cain's  Career and professional experienceWhat led Dr. Lisa Cain to start paintingDr. Lisa Cain's  style of paintingA deeper look into a few of her artwork piecesResources: www.lisacain.orgConnect with Dr. Lisa CainLinkedIn: @lisa-cain-ph-d-sccConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

On this week's episode of The Parley In All Blue, Mark sits down with Dr. Emanuelle Nuesiri to discuss the empire of Mali.Dr. Emmanuel Nuesiri is the lead Social Science faculty at the African Leadership University (ALU) Mauritius, where he teaches courses in African Studies, Feminist Economics, and Environmental Politics. He holds a PhD from St. Antony's College at the University of Oxford, UK. He has been a research scholar at the Pan-African Institute for Development Buea, Cameroon; Cornell University, USA; University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, USA; and the University of Potsdam, Germany. He has also been a research associate with the Center for African Studies (CAS) at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, a resource person at the Commonwealth Policy Studies Unit (CPSU) London and with the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UN-ECA) Addis Ababa. Emmanuel is presently the Chair of the Natural Resource Governance Framework (NRGF), a global governance assessment and correspondence instrument being developed by the Commission on Environmental, Economic and Social Policy (CEESP) of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).  Emmanuel's academic interests span the history of colonialism in Africa, rights-based natural resource governance, global economic development, and the social science of climate change. . We'll also explore Sundiata the Lion King, and Mansa Musa the Great. Mali is an empire that was founded by Sundiata. This goes back almost a thousand years ago. He defeated the great and mighty empire of Ghana. After Sundiata conquered Ghana, he went on a mission to build the greatest empire ever. The kingdom of Mali had gold. They had developed the technology and wherewithal to mine gold, transport, and sell it/trade gold with their neighbors to the north. The gold that went to North Africa then went to Europe and then it went to China and all other places in between. During this time period, the Kingdom or empires from 1200 through the 1600s about 2/3 of the world's gold came from Mali. Highlights from the episode:History of MaliSundiata The Lion KingThe 9th Mansa: Mansa Musa The GreatMalian ArtAbubakari ll and his voyageConnect with Dr. Emmanuel NuesiriLinkedIn: @emmanuel-nuesiriConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

 On this special episode and addition of The Parley in All Blue, Mark is joined by author and professor Michelle Duster, the great granddaughter of the late, great Mrs. Ida B Wells-Barnett. Yes, the one and only Ida B Wells-Barnett, the civil rights leader, author, one of the founders of the NAACP, and Pulitzer Prize recipient. Michelle has written, edited, or contributed to over 16 books; she's also a public historian, speaker, and champion on racial and gender equity. This discussion goes deep into the life of Ida B Wells-Barnett and her impact not only on black history but American history. Ida was born in 1862 in HollySprings, Mississippi. During the civil war, her parents were enslaved, so the laws at the time meant that Ida would be born into slavery. When the slavery ended in 1865 and slavery became outlawed she was among the first generations of formerly enslaved people to have the opportunity to be educated. She was the oldest of eight children to James and Elizabeth Wells. Her father was a Carpenter and her mother was a cook. Ida and her mother both attended school together. Literacy was banned during slavery so Elizabeth joined Ida in school in order to learn and become as educated as possible. In 1878 at the age of only 16, both of her parents died within a day of each other and one of Ida's siblings died at the same time. That loss of family motivated Ida to keep her family together and raise the rest of her siblings. Reconstruction was a period in America from 1865 to 1877. In 1881 the state of Tennessee started creating "Jim Crow" laws which included  separation of  public transportation by race. Ida became a co-owner of a newspaper in 1889. In 1891 Ida lost her job for writing about the inequalities in the public schools. After The People's Grocery company lynching, Ida started writing in the newspaper telling black people to boycott the Memphis street cars, white owned business and to relocate from Memphis to Oklahoma. There was a mass exodus because of it. She was invited by Fredrick Douglas to go to Chicago to work on a pamphlet that would be produced at the World's Fair. Ida started the very first kindergarten in ChicagoHighlights from the episode:The early life and upbringing of Ida B WellsLife during Reconstruction and the beginning of Jim Crow.The People's Grocery company lynchingIda's role in exposing the injustices and mistreatment of black people and black soldiers during the Elaine Arkansas Race riots.Who is Ferdinand L Barnett?Connect with Michelle DusterLinkedIn: @michelle-dusterConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

On this week's episode of the Parley in All Blue Podcast, Mark sits down with Howard University graduate Yacob Berhane, the cofounder and CEO of Pariti, a venture capitalist platform based in Nairobi that connects  founders with investors. If you're on the continent of Africa and are in the tech space or you're in the start up space looking for capital, Pariti is the go to platform to help bring your ideas to life. Mark and Yacob discuss what led Yacob to this point, his upbringing, what Pariti is, its objective, and how the company is trying to help start-ups not only in Kenya, but all over the world.Africa will have the largest youth population by 2050. Yacob co-founded ALN (African Leadership Network) Ventures, a pan-African accelerator which was based in Johannesburg, South Africa.  Kenya's major industries include agriculture, mining, energy, manufacturing, and financial services. Pariti's capital comes from the U.S.  Yacob has successfully helped raise $20M+ for startups. Prior to Pariti, Yacob was an investment banking analyst at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey and also a brief time with Bank of America Merrill Lynch.Highlights from the episode:Defining ParitiThe Effects of COVID-19 in AfricaAfrican cuisine: Ethiopian vs EritreanCapital and Investors for ParitiGetting started with ParitiResources: Visit the website: https://www.pariti.io/Connect with Yacob BerhaneLinkedIn: @yacob-berhaneConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

On this episode of The Parley in All Blue, Mark is joined by Dr Stephen Owens from the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute to discuss school funding and its effect on impoverished neighborhoods and students. Dr. Owens is a University of Georgia alumni and is an expert in school funding and budgeting. He  breaks down what exactly is going on with the educational system as far as funding and budgeting but especially in low income areas.America ranks 12th in the world in reference to education. In the state of Georgia 50% of all the school budget comes from the State funds directly from the State. 43% comes from local property taxes and 7% comes from the government (usually it's from a specific grant, i.e low income students, students with disability, etc) In terms of metropolitan areas Atlanta has the largest income disparity and income inequality. The amount of state funding that's gone into student transportation has gone unchanged in the state of Georgia since Bill Clinton was in office. We've cut 10 Billion dollars from public schools since 2003! Georgia is 1 of only 8 states in the union that doesn't give money/funding specifically to educate students in poverty.Highlights from the episode:School FundingTax PolicyLearning Loss Due to COVIDLimited Resources in the Education SystemK-12 EducationConnect with Dr. Stephen OwensLinkedIn: @stephen-owensConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

On this week's episode of the Parley in All Blue Podcast, Mark sits down with Howard W. French, an author and a professor of journalism at Columbia University. Today's discussion delves deep into Professor French's book: Born in Blackness: Africa, Africans, and the Making of the Modern World, 1471 to the Second World War. Highlights from the episode:Price of Gold Mansa MusaEurope in 1471The Fort of El MinaPortugal & West  Africa Resources: Born in Blackness: Africa, Africans, and the Making of the Modern World, 1471 to the Second World WarConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

On this week's episode of the Parley in All Blue Podcast, Mark sits down with Spellman professor Dr. Na'Taki Osborne Jelks, co-founder of the West Atlanta watershed alliance and who also serves on the EPA's National Environmental Justice Advisory counsel. Today's discussion is about climate change, environmental risk, solutions, and the troubling menace of Urban Heat Islands. The duo also discuss environmental habits and how we can help improve the climate. Black communities have been disrupted due to the building of highways and roads. Not only disruption but a health impact due to carbon emissions from the cars and different types of air pollution. Black children suffer more from asthma than white children. Communities of color are more inundated with exposure to environmental hazards and stressed than any other community. Highlights from the episode:The Effects of Climate ChangeEnvironmental Justice/Injustice Urban Heat Islands Health HazardsEffects of Segregation Impact the Environment Connect with Dr. Na'Taki Osborne JelksLinkedIn: @na-taki-osborne-jelksConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

On this week's episode of the Parley in All Blue Podcast, Mark sits down with the executive director of Gideon's Promise Ilham "Illy" Askia. Today's discussion focuses on the criminal justice system, what is "Gideon's Promise," how it started and what their mission is along with what services they provide. This highlights American history for ALL it's citizens and how it was changed by one man's letter in 1963 which has benefited and changed the lives of countless Americans of all races, backgrounds, and creedsGideon's Promise and their mission is to transform the criminal justice system by building a movement of public defenders who provide EQUAL justice for marginalized communities. Also by trying to change the narrative created about the communities targeted by mass incarceration and the school-to prison pipeline. Highlights from the episode:Gideon's PromiseCriminal Justice SystemPublic DefendersWho is Gideon?Resources: For more information visit www.gideonspromise.orgConnect with Ilham AskiaInstagram: @illy_askiaConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

On this episode of The Parley in All Blue, Mark is joined by Charlton Hamer,  the Senior Vice President of Habitat Affordable Group. Today's discussion focuses on housing, housing policy, the housing wealth gap between black and white families along with its long history in America. As a child Charlton was interested in cities and it's architectures along with landmarks but didn't really know how to articulate or express his interest. His father wanted him to be an architect and in order to nurture his interests he gave him literature on architecture. While reading, Charlton saw something that really sparked his interests and that was Urban Planning. Charlton has an undergraduate degree along with a graduate degree in Urban Planning and policy from the University of Illinois. Once he graduated, Charlton wanted to be a municipal planner and his first job was as a comprehensible planner for the city of Gary, Indiana. He later worked for the Chicago housing authority to make a greater and direct impact on housing. Getting frustrated with the politics involved, Charlton later started working in the private sector and has been there ever since. Highlights from the episode:Housing Segregation in ChicagoYour Zip Code Matters The difference between Habitat Affordable Group and Habitat for Humanity What was The Great Migration?RedliningConnect with Charlton HamerLinkedIn: @charlton-p-hamerConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

On this episode of The Parley in All Blue, Mark is joined by Dr. Ira Murray who is the President and CEO of United Way of the Capital Area in Mississippi to discuss the acronym "ALICE" (Asset limited income constrained & employed), its meaning, who makes up ALICE and what can we do to close some of the gaps in reference to ALICE. Dr. Ira also speaks on the statistics behind ALICE and what the data is telling us from a national perspective, while also discussing what are some of the policies and things we can do to improve the problem. ALICE is a new way of defining and understanding the struggles of households that earn above the Federal Poverty Level, but not enough to afford a bare-bones household budget. For far too many families, the cost of living outpaces what they earn. Dr. Ira Murray is the President and CEO of United Way of the Capital Area. Dr. Murray received his PhD in Administrative and Policy Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and achieved his Masters degree in Community Development from Vanderbilt University which focused on issues of race and equity in urban education, particularly community-based supports for students in urban contexts. Dr. Murray also went to Florida A&M University (FAMU) where he received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Highlights from the episode:Defining ALICELow Income Families and HouseholdsDr. Murray's Journey The ALICE  Essential IndexThe Pandemic & ALICE Connect with Dr. Ira MurrayLinkedIn: @iramurrayResources:United For AliceConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

In this episode of the Parley in All Blue, Mark sits down with Dr. Khadeja Johnson a professor in the Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Education at Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. Johnson treats patients at Grady Memorial Hospital and is the course director of Fundamentals of Medicine 2, course director of the MD3 Orientation Course, co-course director for Connections: Interprofessional Education at Morehouse School of Medicine, and is a Learning Community mentor.  She is committed to serving the underserved and has a passion for medical education. Highlights from the episode:Getting VaccinatedAccess to Healthcare Long-Effects of Covid-19Connect with Dr.  Khadeja JohnsonLinkedIn: @khadeja-johnsonResources:My COVID-19 Plea Connect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

In this episode of the Parley in All Blue, Mark sits down with Dr. Rhea Williams Bishop. Rhea Williams - Bishop is director of Mississippi and New Orleans Programming for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek, Michigan. In this role, she supports the foundation's efforts to promote thriving children, working families and equitable communities. The Pandemic has affected everyone but none more so than children. Families have been struggling with food, housing, and employment.  Children all over the U.S. were required to attend school virtually, resulting in a severe learning loss. Dr. Rhea Williams-Bishop's philanthropic work has made a tremendous impact on all children. Highlights from the episode:Role Models and MentoringThe W.K. Kellogg FoundationThe Impact of the Pandemic on Children and Families Headstart Segregation/DesegregationConnect with Dr. Rhea Williams Bishop LinkedIn: @rheawilliams-bishopResources: A Chance for Change: Head Start and Mississippi's Black Freedom Struggle By: Crystal R. Sanders Connect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

In this episode of The Parley in all Blue, Mark speaks with Jean Pierre Alfred about how he got started in entrepreneurship, serving in the military, getting into business with his brother and his startup business.   Jean Pierre is an entrepreneur  and a social media influencer.  Mark and Jean Pierre  discuss how important it is to get out of  your comfort zone. It means different things for different people and for JP that meant going to work at a retail store after graduating college and serving in the military. For my audience out there it could mean going back home to live with your parents so that you can save to buy a home or start a business. At some point in life the arrow has to be pulled back in order to move forward. Highlights from the episode:The language of business Starting an appThe transportation industry Being Black in the Tech World Connect with Jean Pierre Alfred LinkedIn: @jpalfred Connect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

In this episode of The Parley in all Blue, Mark speaks with Dr. Tracie Canada about Race Norming and the NFL. Dr. Tracie is an anthropologist and an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of  Notre Dame. Her ethnographic research uses sport to theorize race, kinship, gender and the body. Mark and Tracie define race norming,  how the players are compensated and answers that complex question of whether the NFL is  racist. Highlights from the episode:What is Race Norming?Anti-blackness in college footballThe importance of representationIs the NFL Racist?Defining AnthropologyConnect with Dr. Tracie Canada:LinkedIn: @traciecanadaResources:The NFL's Racist ‘Race Norming' Is an Afterlife of Slavery by Tracie Canada and Chelsey R. CarterConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

Mark and Bill discuss the cultural and  historical organization, The Jackie Robinson West Little League, and how it is so much more than baseball. They explore  the ins and outs of the League and how important an organization like this is to the Black community. The pandemic affected us all but for Bill, he saw this as an opportunity to tap into his creative side. He started taking pictures on long walks and soon fell in love with photography. Bill shares a few photos he took around the city of Chicago. Each photo tells a story full of history and beauty. There's something new everyday.   Highlights from the episode:Jackie Robinson Little LeagueStaying active during the Pandemic and beyond Being fully present  in the momentRichard C. Haley ScholarshipHarold's Fried ChickenConnect with William Haley:Instagram: @wil_liamhaleyYoutube: Chicagoland Baseball Chronicles Connect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

Mark and Erin discuss how public health was affected by the pandemic. They discuss Erin's father, Dr. Aaron Shirley and the MacArthur Genius Grant. Erin and Mark also talk about healthcare in Mississippi and United Health Care. They  explore  the hesitancy of getting the  vaccine for Covid-19 and how important trusted voices are to the Black community. Highlights from the episode:History of public healthDr. Aaron ShirleyHealth Connect ProgramShortage of healthcare providersThe Vaccine for Covid-19Connect with Erin Shirley Orey:LinkedIn: Erin Shirley OreyConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

 Highlights from the episode:The impact of Morehouse College on Calvin and his communityStories and details of Black history from a man who was thereStudying finance and making deals in the US economyThe connection between Black economics and Black powerTalent and leadership throughout Black history and todayConnect with Calvin Vismale:LinkedIn: Calvin Vismale3E Empire: https://emergingeconomicequityempire.org/Connect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

In this episode of The Parley in all Blue, Mark speaks with Lyneir Richardson about building Black wealth. Lyneir is from the Westside of Chicago  who leads a life full of family, work, and helping his community wherever he is. Entrepreneurship is in his blood; he now is CEO of The Chicago Trend and shares his inclusive urban development practices with students at Rutgers college.  Mark and Lyneir discuss how Black-owned businesses can gain capital opportunities and why there is a gap in capital for this community. They discuss the difference between bridging the gap between neighborhoods with abundant amenities and ones that have historically been discriminated against, bringing resources and ownership to black people, and if the commitments made by large corporations after the murder of George Floyd have come to fruition. This episode is full of life stories, important perspectives, and positive feelings.   Highlights from the episode:Building Black wealth through urban developmentSeeing value in people and places that other people undervalueFinding purpose in what you doThe role of elected leaders in understanding the needs of small entrepreneursResources mentioned:Ep 01: The Voting Green BookConnect with Lyneir Richardson:Linkedin: Lyneir RichardsonTwitter: @LyneirRichConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson

Welcome to Mark Dawson's podcast, The Parley in all Bleu. In this episode, Mark discusses the importance of voting rights with Helen Butler. Helen is the executive director of The People's Agenda, a Georgia-based voter's rights organization that advocates for voters throughout the state and into the Southeast.  Voter rights are as important as ever as we see changes in public policy. November 2020 had the highest voter turnout and the most engagement of citizens. New laws in Georgia bring oppression to voters with new restrictions reminiscent of Jim Crow laws. Helen and her team make sure every person can easily and comfortably cast their vote and that no discrimination or oppression will keep voters away from the polls.  Highlights from the episode:Voting rights, specifically in GeorgiaHelen's road to working in public policyCorruption of local county elections officesBlack women's critical role in voting rightsHow Congress is erasing the progress of voting rights Resources mentioned in this episode:The People's AgendaThe Second Mountain by David BrooksConnect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson 

Your host, Mark, shares with you what you can expect from The Parley In All Blue Podcast.This podcast has 4 main pillars: Leadership, History, Culture, and Living Well. In this welcomes message Mark will explain to you what you can expect from each of these pillars.If you want to know when we will be launching the podcast, connect with Mark on Instagram or LinkedIn, so when we launch the podcast, you will be the first to know.Connect with Mark Dawson:Instagram: @iammarkdawsonLinkedIN: @mark-a-dawsonWebsite: www.bentonmuse.comTwitter: @Iammarkdawson