Relando sits down with Surabhi Pandit, Macro Social Worker, equity advocate, and personal friend, to discuss the powerful role leveraging her networks in student government to organize dialogues on race and equity at The University of Michigan School of Social Work had on her journey.
Navigating the challenges of being a queer, Black man in a world not designed for his existence, Moses outlines the values behind his business, Pink Paradox Design Co, and its mission to support and uplift queer, Black, IPOC, and values-aligned businesses through intentional design strategies.
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of ‘Social Justice Origin Stories,’ we sit down with Dr. Chasity Bailey-Fakhoury to explore the personal experiences and pivotal moments that shaped her commitment to equity and social justice. As a former Detroit public school teacher and now a professor at Grand Valley State University, Dr. Bailey-Fakhoury delves into the lessons learned from her grandmother, the challenges faced during her early years, and the powerful influence of Black educators in her life.
Dr. Amber Banks shares her personal journey into activism and social justice work. She speaks on the complexities of trust, how personal and cultural experiences shape trust, and the intersection of trust with race and power. Dr. Banks discusses the importance of creating spaces where individuals can feel seen and heard and stresses the critical nature of repair in the trust-building process. Her storytelling also touches on the necessity of rest and self-care in sustaining activism and promoting resilience against systemic oppression.
I’m a macro social worker, social justice educator, and consultant who uses media and education to advance equity and social justice within people, organizations, and communities. I’ve been reflecting on how oppression thrives in isolation, and how being in community with others offers solutions to many of the problems we face.
Learn more about Relando’s founding beliefs, assumptions, and aspirations that inform his work with Social Justice Origin Stories. Relando also explains the project structure in more detail. Consider this an orientation to get acclimated, as well as an invitation to consider your own story and contributions.
Social Justice Origin Stories is a storytelling project that highlights personal stories and defining moments that have inspired individuals to labor for equity and social justice. Through Truth-Telling: The honest sharing of their experiences, storytellers teach us about themselves, enableing us to learn about ourselves and our world..