Young Voices For Unity

This finale episode brings a window view into how POC have suffered from encounters with police and some have lost their lives. D99 Juniors Elijah Reed and Quentin Mills discuss the disparities of racial profiling, mental health within law enforcement and the importance of police vs community relationships. Data resource: Mapping Police Violence https://mappingpoliceviolence.org/

In this episode seniors Mimi Nieves and Tanaiya Lake discuss the impact and history of women. In honor of Women’s History Month we talked about how women have progressed because of their bravery and activism over the years. We discussed breaking gender norms, our favorite women and societal challenges. Terms: Suffragist- a person advocating that the right to vote be extended to more people, especially to women. Flex- to gloat, or to boast. Resources: Amend the 14th The Fight for America on Netflix S1 E4 https://www.netflix.com/title/80219054 Graphic Artist:@ANNETTES_ILLUSTRATIONS https://instagram.com/annettes_illustrations?igshid=wsg0dwxw5h97

Authentic Allyship takes courage; in this episode Black Student Union’s President (DGN) Quentin Miller and Umoja member Aamari Taylor talk about how being a bystander can be harmful to those who experience micro/macro-assaults, insults and aggressions.

Wrapping up our three part episode for Black History Month, Sarah and Andy bring more gems reminding BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) that we are beautifully unique and black all year around. More shared stories on African culture, dialects, stereotypes and traditions.

This second part of the interview Sarah and Andy share how colonization influenced African religions, they dispel African stereotypes displayed in American media and more. Africa is a continent NOT a country or language. Africa is very high in linguistic diversity and hundreds of dialects. These students take us to class on the bias of African natives.

This Episode you’ll hear the interesting stories of two DGS seniors and African natives; Andy Agyei (Ghana) and Nalule (Uganda) compare and contrast living In Africa Vs Black American Culture. They paint such a surreal view of how Black people who come from different sides of the globe can have similar and different experiences. Both students describe being multilingual, curriculum differences and false media perceptions.  Stay tuned as this three part interview is packed with gems. African Languages: http://linguistics.emory.edu/home/resources/polyglot/low/low_nc.html Interesting Black History Facts: https://explorethearchive.com/black-history-month-facts

Diving deeper into the variables of governing Systems, DGS student and Umoja member Henry Johnson helps discuss how systems can effect marginalized groups. Illinois State report card: https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/state.aspx?source=trends&source2=graduationrate&Stateid=IL. School suspension prison-to-school pipeline: https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/opinions/systemic-racism-police-evidence-criminal-justice-system/#School Washington Post/Driving While Black Article: https://www.google.com/imgres

Should the marginalized play the blame game? Listen as we mathematically breakdown the equations & variables that add obstacles to deficient systems for many. Don’t forget your (Pemdas), please excuse my dear aunt sally for tutoring me because mom and dad are not capable. Current Umoja President, Camrynn Harper shares her thoughts on how choices may triumph over faulty systems or vice versa. This is a NO CALCULATOR segment of the equity test.

This episode is a cross cutting interview of two DGS students Jessica S. & Ensara S. who attended the “Just Mercy” movie night. The true story of Harvard graduate Bryan Stevenson moved to Alabama to defend those wrongly incarcerated or those not afforded proper representation. One of his first cases is that of Walter McMillian, who is sentenced to die in 1987 for the murder of an 18-year-old girl, despite evidence proving his innocence. . Equal Justice Inititive/owned by Bryan Stevenson: https://justmercy.eji.org/responsive/ Cover artist: Raj Dhanna

Mr. Robinson & Ms. Nolan explains the benefits of TCD courses. As Downers Grove South College & Career Counselors, they help students get a early jump on career paths, trade work & business skills. This bonus episode is full of info! DGS Career Speaker Series: https://www.smore.com/qrnmy Career Resources/TCD: https://www.csd99.org/dgs/counseling-support/career-resources IG: https://instagram.com/dgs_umoja?igshid=ek3pl1aa35l6

DGS Alumni Stella Emezue & Ambria Ford give their insight on how being college freshman can be challenging. Listen as these young Voices share thoughts students may face from start to graduation. We discuss entrepreneurship, post college debt & more. Downers Grove BLM Patch Article: https://patch.com/illinois/downersgrove/hundreds-march-black-lives-matter-protest-downers-grove Downers Grove Protest: https://youtu.be/4K3xUjMcbDQ IG: https://instagram.com/dgs_umoja?igshid=ek3pl1aa35l6

DGS Alumni Stella Emezue & Ambria Ford share how Covid-19 has effected their senior year of high school and freshman year of college. Both ladies are former Umoja members which they also share how the club impacted them from leadership to creativity. Umoja’s “For The Culture” Showcase blueprint article: https://southblueprint.com/20775/news/umojas-for-the-culture-creative-show-gives-voice-to-black-students/

More on the Hispanic/LatinX Heritage. We discuss colorism within the LatinX community. LSU Sponsors & Students are open about how being Hispanic comes with challenges. More talk about the Mexican-American experience & the relativity with the Black culture. (Roma, movie 2018): https://www.netflix.9com/title/80240715 Chicano Movement Article: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.history.com/.amp/news/chicano-movement Chicano Documentary: https://youtu.be/EKBRverGRGw

This episode cross-cuts between Interviews with Latino Student Union. Joined by the club’s Sponsors (Ms. Lopez & Ms. Gutierrez) and two phenomenal LSU students; we dig deep in conversation about the beginning stages of the club and the celebration of Hispanic/LatinX culture. Club Link: https://www.csd99.org/dgs/activities/clubs#latino •Hispanic Heritage Month was created back in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week from legislation sponsored by Representative Edward Roybal of Los Angeles, and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson, and runs from September 15 - October 15 every year. • Hispanic Heritage Month acknowledges five Latin American countries that declared their independence in 1821 from Spain. Those countries are Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Instagram: https://instagram.com/dgs_umoja?igshid=1pwf6g0c0j0fc

This episode is a continued interview of two active students of Umoja club and discussion about the BLM movement, NonPOC allies, gentrification, police brutality and more.  Redlining: https://www.chicagomag.com/city-life/August-2017/How-Redlining-Segregated-Chicago-and-America/ Resource Data links: https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2016/crime-in-the-u.s.-2016/tables/expanded-homicide-data-table-3.xls http://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/featured/stop-accusing-black-lives-matter-movement-ignoring-called-black-black-crime/ Instagram: @dgs_umoja

In our first episode we interview two active students of Umoja club and discuss the BLM movement, NonPOC allies, gentrification, police brutality and more.  Resource Data links: https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2016/crime-in-the-u.s.-2016/tables/expanded-homicide-data-table-3.xls http://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/featured/stop-accusing-black-lives-matter-movement-ignoring-called-black-black-crime/ Instagram: @dgs_umoja