Janelle Gray's Blog

LeShay would like to dedicate this episode to the memory of Monica Roberts, a tireless champion for equality.In this episode of "on air with...", Janelle talks with LeShay Weeks about personal evolution and trans advocacy. Weeks talks about her decision to embrace her power and voice as an advocate, her entrepreneurial spirit and health, the ugly and beauty about community, and Black trans invisibility in the LGBTQ and Black Lives Matter movements.Find us at:iTunes - Click HereGoogle Play - Click HereSpotify - Click HereFollow LeShay's healthy food journey on Instagram @VEGGIECHEFSHAYSHOW and as a cohost of the Transfusion Radio Show @transfusionradioshowAlso, get relaxed by checking out her spa: www.lovethyselfdayspa.com

Editor's note: This piece was written in response to George Floyd's murder.I am a fugitive. I am on the run. I hope my crime never catches up with me.Let me take you to the scene of the crime. It was November 21, 1982. It was a beautiful Sunday evening. Things were going well, then it happened. I can't describe to you what I was thinking when I did it. Even after all this time, I still have no plausible explanation for my crime. It just happened. I was born. I committed the crime of being born Black, and living in America. The crime carries a life sentence.The pigment of my skin was a dastardly deed against the country I was born into. That skin wears another skin. Before it's ever seen, my pigment is nigger, thug, scary, unintelligent, a commodity, easily disposable. I didnt choose either; I'm forced to wear both.My crime of being born with this black skin should have been my blessing. Instead it's been my curse. That skin is beautiful. It's strong, intelligent, powerful, spiritual, charitable, sexy, fun, influential, stylish. Oh that skin, if you could ever see it, can move mountains and walk on water. I wish I could show that skin, but I can't. People simply refuse to see that skin. I'm forced to wear the other.And so, my fugitive journey began. I'm on the run from one and on the run to the other. I'm forced to run away from the skin that was forced upon me. I'm constantly having to peel off layers of that skin so I can show my true skin. But, every time I peel off one layer, like skin, it's just replaced again by the perception of others. So, I run...I run from the layers... They are easily replenished but I keep running. In the midst of running, I start to lose hope. I see the bodies of other fugitives lying in the street. They too, were forced to wear skin other than their own. They too committed an act against humanity by being birthed with magical melanated skin. They didn't run fast enough to shed the skin that was forced upon them.I run, hoping to one day prove my innocence. I run, hoping that I won't have to be tired as Fannie Lou Hamer. I run, hoping that a nightmare will become King's dream. I run, hoping that tears of agony become tears of joy. I run, hoping one day to display the magic in my melanin. I run, hoping one day I will be free to just walk.But today I run, just trying to make it to tomorrow...I am a fugitive. And so, I run...Find out more about J. Johnson at www.instagram.com/going.global.bookandwww.instagram.com/mr._1906travededucator

Janelle and Chris talk with Tiffany Agard and Eric Keeton about "Digital Blackface," "Black Fishing," and "Transracial identity." Realizing these terms can sometimes overlap, they identify the definitions as follows: "Digital Blackface" refers to white/non-Black people using GIFs, memes, emoji, and other images of Black people to express various emotional reactions online. People who describe their racial identity as "transracial" are individuals who assert a racial identity for themselves which differs from their birth race. “Blackfishing” is a term used to describe someone accused of pretending to be Black on social media by using makeup, hair products and in some cases, surgery to drastically change their appearance. The cast discusses these definitions, possible concerns, the historical predecessors, and if they really have any issue with it at all.Articles:@EmoBlackThot is Ready to Re-introduce HimselfWhat is Digital BlackfaceVideos referred to in the episode:Is it OK to use black emojis and gifs?- BBC NewsThe White Internet’s Love Affair with Digital Blackface | Internetting with Amanda HessDigital Blackface (Tik Tok, Gifs & Internet Culture)

In this episode of "on air with...", Janelle talks with Devon Miller and Allison Bret of Dallas Summer Musicals about their program Black Art Matters. Both Miller and Bret expose some of the racist roots of Dallas, Texas, and how they, along with their organization, are working to correct the effects of this racist past through art and theater.Check out DSM's YouTube Channel and their Black Art Mattersseries.Find us at:iTunes - Click HereGoogle Play - Click HereSpotify - Click HereMentioned on the episode:Dallas Truth Racial HealingStory of Allen Brooks

How does the conversation of racial discrimination begin between parents and children? In our home it began when I heard my oldest daughter say the phase “Team Dark Skin.”I have 4 beautiful daughters — all of which are smart, loving, caring and different shades of brown skin. And in that moment I realized in a house full of black people you can still experience racial discrimination and divide.I say to my brown-skinned child, “So, what does team dark skin mean?” She replies, “…well, you know we have to stick together” “Who?! Black people?” And with conviction she says, “No dark skins because you know y’all light skins think y’all are better than us.” I had to pause because I was truly in disbelief that the teenage daughter I have raised to believe she is a beautiful little Black queen is uttering these ignorant words. Upon further questioning, I realized it was a conversation within her friend group and other kids at school. She explained that the dark skin Black kids had to go out of their way to let the light skin Black kids know they too were attractive — or even on the same social level. Once I gathered myself I began a conversation we had never had. Truthfully I never thought about having a conversation about loving yourself within your own race. I also ways wanted them to be able to walk into a room full of non-Blacks and feel worthy and comfortable. So I ask her, “Do I make you feel like I am better than you?” With confusion, she replies, “No.” I proceed, “Do you feel like you are beneath your sister?” Still very confused, she replies, “No.” “So you have pledged your life to a team you don’t believe in?” If real light bulbs appeared above your head, that’s when she would have gotten hers. She realized she didn’t believe that at all but had allowed the insecurities of other to sway her actions. I took that opportunity to remind her and her sisters that we as Black people are one team. It has definitely made my husband and I more aware of how we compliment the girls. We also listen a bit more closely to how they speak to each other and their friends. I have even found myself correcting the things their friends say just to ensure colorism isn’t the basis of conversation. We struggle and rise together. The only way we as a people will continue progress is to eliminate division from within. I know many people want to combat racism from outside of the community, but I think it’s more important we establish self love first. In no way can we require others to respect and love us if we don’t first.

In this episode, Janelle talks with Nathan Dorris, Marsha Jackson, Misti Oquinn, and Britani Peterson about environmental racism, justice, and injustice. The discussion reveals that environmental justice is not only about saving and protecting the earth but also how the effects of neglecting it often heavily impact Black, Brown, impoverished, and disenfranchised communities and what we can do alleviate the problems.Find us at:iTunes - Click HereGoogle Play - Click HereSpotify - Click HereVideos discussed in the episode:A Brief History of Environmental JusticeTEDxGreatPacificGarbagePatch - Van Jones - Environmental JusticeEnvironmental JusticeEnvironmental Justice: Peggy Shepard at TEDxHarlemResources and information mentioned in this episode:Breath is LyfeNetflix Series: Broken, episode "Recycling Sham"Southern Sector RisingInformation about Shingle Mountain:Toxic Shingle Mountain: Blue Star Recycling's Environmental Crisis in South DallasDallas judge says recycling company behind 'Shingle Mountain' acted in 'good faith'Neighbors say mountain of recycled shingles is causing health and environmental hazard

In this episode of "on air with...", Janelle talks with Monica Kay and Billy Myles of Kizomba Harmony about sexual harassment in the dance community. Monica and Billy are world-renowned dance instructors who have taught partner dances all over the U.S. and in over 15 countries. As such, they have learned of the worldwide problem of sexual harassment and assault in the dance community. In this episode, they talk about their experiences and knowledge, the #metoo movement, and what they as individuals and a company are doing to stop harassment in their community and how it can encourage us to deal with it in the world.Find us at:iTunes - Click HereGoogle Play - Click HereSpotify - Click HereLearn more about Kizomba Harmonyhere!Resources:https://www.dancemagazine.com/metoo-dance-2569127206.htmlhttps://www.justforkix.com/dance-talk/coaches/responding-to-sexual-harassment-in-the-dance-world

Editor's Note: This blog is in response to the 2020Echoes on air! Live Event, "How To Be A Good Ally"First, I want to thank the three panelists who shared their expertise and wisdom during Echos Media’s Live Event on “How to be a Good Ally”. As a white woman who wishes to avoid asking emotional labor out of her marginalized friends, yet believes that learning from the source provides the strongest lesson, these types of events fulfil a need in the community. Thank you for your bravery and willingness to help those of us who are behind you on this journey. Synthesizing the multitude of important messages within this program cannot occur in the space provided for this article. Also, my voice isn’t the one people should listen to. I am still very much learning how to be a good ally and am making plenty of mistakes along the way. If you didn’t catch the live event, please stop reading this and listen to the podcast. Those voices will best guide you, as they did me. Those voices told me what I needed to hear to continue the fight. To provide some context, I was in a very low spot while listening to the event. This summer I started an Anti-Racist Learning Club and have learned so much in a short amount of time. Being a teacher, my natural inclinations lean toward providing information to people and trying to see the good in everyone. Due to this, I wasn’t prepared for the pushback. Even though I experience plenty of resistance in my classroom, this type surprised me because it came from those I assumed shared my worldview—friends and family. After two large conflicts with people I love, I entered a state of shock. Add in the pandemic, my mental health disorders, and the stress surrounding reopening schools, and perhaps you can see why my emotional resources had diminished to empty. I didn’t want to log on. I didn’t want to do anything besides lay in bed. But, I have an amazing friend who has never abandoned me even though I have hurt her while on this journey. I couldn’t let her down again, so I logged on. I am so thankful I did as I took away three important lessons from the event. First, I learned that it’s not about me. And yes, I realize I just did a long paragraph about myself. Balancing your own emotions within the context of social justice isn’t easy. However, focusing on your own needs isn’t always appropriate. I learned that from Wendy Koster, a LGBTQIA+ advocate who showed up and took a back seat. Not because her cause isn’t important, nor because she wasn’t a powerful woman or ally, but because the time wasn’t appropriate for her to dominate the conversation. She added to the discussion by sharing many bits of wisdom, but she showed how a good ally knows when to lead and when to follow. Edward A. Mitchell seconded this idea, asking allies to understand when they have the expertise or when they should offer support. Framing my allyship in this context provided a sigh of relief. I didn’t have to lead every fight, and it is inappropriate to do so. I hope to become better in this aspect of my allyship. Second, you must understand your why, as explained by Arther Gregg. Without knowing why you want to be an ally, you cannot do the required work. If your why is to be a savior, that doesn’t cut it. The idea that you will somehow save an entire group of marginalized people on your own is a symptom of an inflated ego. But if you have a solid why and will put in effort, there is a lot of work to do. You must educate yourself and not expect others to do it for you. And as Mr. Gregg said, you must always keep updating your allyship. You don’t arrive at being a good ally and get to put your feet up. Ms. Koster said that you must have humility and realize you will make mistakes. Again, claiming perfection is allowing your ego to run the show, own up to the hurt you cause and dedicate yourself to avoiding it in the future. Like she said, it’s the impact that’s important, not the intent. You must feel uncomfortable with yourself. You also need to care of yourself. To someone like me, this is always on the bottom of my to-do list, but both Mr. Gregg and Mr. Mitchell spoke to balancing the needs for income, safety, and family with your desires to be a good ally. Do not martyr yourself. You will do no good but inflict a lot of damage. Finally, you must commit to the long term. Arthur Gregg said this is a marathon and not a sprint. I realized I had naively held onto the belief that massive changes could occur in a short amount of time. Why I thought this? I have no idea. History shows that change must come from those fighting long term. I realize I have had a mystical finish line in my subconscious mind for years. That is not how this works. Mr. Gregg brought up the Bus Boycotts, an event I teach every year. Those individuals walked and carpooled for over a year. Every single day they showed up by making their own lives more difficult, hoping change would occur. I, a woman with privilege, can do the same. I must do the same.To join Heidi in her fight against racism, check out her Facebook pageThe Anti-Racist Learning Club.

The 2nd Annual Echoes Media Live Event was a huge success! Thank you to our panelists, donors, and attendees who made this event informative and inspiring. In this episode, Echoes Media recognizes that it is possible to be a bad ally — that even with the best of intentions, we’re human and make mistakes. Along with guest panelists Arthur Gregg, Wendy Koster, and Edward Ahmed Mitchell, we discussed the need and impact of allies, ways to be a good one, and ways to avoid causing more injury than good. Arthur Gregg - Assistant Vice President for Multicultural Affairs, University of Texas at Dallas Wendy Koster - LGBTQIA+ Advocate and Ally Edward A. Mitchell - National Deputy Director, Council on American-Islamic RelationsFind us at:iTunes - Click HereGoogle Play - Click HereSpotify - Click HereOr watch the live event on our website:Check out the following links for more information:See more of Edward Mitchell's work with CAIR at www.cair.comCheck out this resource guide Wendy Koster helped to curate atwww.dct.org/andiboi/Guide to Allyship10 Things Allies Can Do3 Pieces of Advice For Folks Considering Themselves Allies in Social Justice Movements

Why do Black women marry white men? This question was asked to me back in 2011 by my, now ex-girlfriend’s landlord. At the time, I remember thinking, “Did that question feel right coming out of your mouth?” Also, “Do I look like the representative for the whole population of Black women?” This led me down a rabbit hole into my own identity; what do I represent? My mother is Black and my father is white. Honestly, if Viola Davis and Clint Eastwood had a love baby, that baby would be me. When I was in first grade, I remember a kid picking on me because I didn’t know what color I was. I went home in tears because I didn’t know I needed to pick a color. My father picked one for me, he told me I was peaches and cream. So, the next day I punched that kid square in the face and let him know I was without a doubt peaches and cream. Later in third grade, a kid picked on me because my mother married a white man — some nonsense about my mother being a “hoe” for choosing a white dude. This is all confusing for a kid, especially a kid that literally should not have to choose. I found making friends to be a struggle; I was too light skinned to be considered Black and too exotic to be considered white. So, what am I? For my ethnicity in high school they went with whatever color my mother was, but just cause I’m Black on paper doesn’t mean I’ll be accepted by the community. What’s weird is if I say I’m Black I get the side eye, but if someone else says I’m Black I get the nod. I’ve experienced racism from strangers but the sting is nothing compared to the racism received from my own people. “Girl, you ain’t Black; you listen to white people music” or “Oh my god, your curls are so cute, can I touch them?”I am mixed. I am the offspring of the idea of no race. I am literally a blurred but defined line of American identity. But how did I get to this — being marooned on an island of the unidentifiable and then realizing everyone else is on an island of ignorance. The golden idea we should be chasing is I support you because you’re person, and that’s all that matters. Race is a barrier and culture is an education.So, the answer I gave the woman who asked, “Why do Black women marry white men?”:Because people fall in love and that has nothing to do with color. The response I wish I had given was: How would you have phrased that question if there were no such thing as race?If we took race away in American culture, how would we identify ourselves? I am not suggesting erasing our history. History is needed to progress, and yet I do not feel as though we have progressed at an acceptable speed. If you one day you woke up and couldn’t describe yourself as a race, could you describe yourself at all? I think you could. It’s your name. Everything that is unique about you as an individual is in your name. It says what you need to be called and begins to paint the picture that is you. It does not gender you, and it is the foundation of getting to know you as a person — not a color. This, of course, will have its obstacles. Again, being mixed, I have been identified as Puerto Rican, Mexican, Spanish, Samoan; hell I even got German one time. But they assumed I was these things and immediately accepted it. When I informed them I was mixed with Black and white, I was immediately an outsider to their world. It may sound pretentious at first, but if we can just focus on being humans, and the best humans we can be, without mentioning our race, would this be more beneficial? You’ll see what makes each of us unique is not the color of our skin. Although that is what makes us beautiful, it’s not necessarily unique. Recognize culture because that is history, but not race because our mentality as humans tends to be team oriented, and race divides us. Instead of asking ‘how can I be a better white person’ or ‘what can I do as a Black person to help the community,’ take race out of the question. That is already an improvement. Just for funsies, try it once. Describe yourself without your race. And if someone asks for your race, refer to it as your culture — not your race. Simply reply, ‘I’m human, like you.’ Or ‘I’m peaches and cream’. I’m not saying it will work, but I think it would be beneficial to try it or something like it. This country is obsessed with race, which is a shame since this country is founded on freedom and the foundation built by nearly every culture on Earth. Maybe if we just referred to ourselves as Americans, we could become an America worth being proud of.