Relando Thompkins-Jones
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 started Social Justice Origin Stories because I believe in the power of storytelling and making our experiences accessible to others, because I believe in the liberatory effects of social justice education, to support justice-seekers in finding community and feeling less alone given the relentlessness of oppressive systems, and hopefully to be a resource of support and reflection for those who are thinking through how they could best contribute to the work. We need all who can, to do what they can.
I’m starting Social Justice Origin Stories because I believe in the liberating effects of social justice education. I also want to support justice-seekers in finding community and feeling less alone in the face of relentless oppressive systems. I hope this project can be a source of support, reflection, and inspiration for those who are thinking through how they can best contribute to the work. We need all who can, to do what they can. But I also want to acknowledge something important: not everyone is able to share their story right now. For various reasons, some of us may be unable to share or speak at the moment..
October 5, 2024
In this episode, Relando is joined by longtime friend, Dr. O’Juan Edwards, who, in describing his journey to complete his Ph.D, shares a heartfelt memory of how a chance meeting with Coretta Scott King profoundly influenced his social justice journey. In his storytelling, Dr. Edwards weaves connections to how her life and the legacy of the King family continue to inspire and inform his approach to equity leadership, including the creation of his new business, The Outstanding One Solutions, LLC. He also discusses how that chance encounter influenced his decision to complete his dissertation research, which focused on the experiences of Black Chief Diversity Officers at predominantly white institutions during the anti-Critical Race Theory movement.
October 3, 2024
Barre Jones did not always have an understanding of systemic injustice. In this episode, Barre shares how his moments of activation were sparked during his time in the military, where he felt like he was on the wrong side of the ropes after being sent into Baltimore during the uprising after the murder of Freddie Gray. From his upbringing in Baltimore, Maryland, to his military service and experiences with racial discrimination, Barre’s story emphasizes that while contributions to equity work can vary, they are all valuable.
October 1, 2024
Dr. JaeRan Kim, associate professor of Social Work and Criminal Justice at the University of Washington, talks about the origins of her non-linear path to Social Work and her dedication to social justice, shaped by her personal experiences as a transracial and transnational adoptee from Korea.
October 1, 2024
In this episode of Social Justice Origin Stories, Relando talks with kyle lim, a passionate racial justice advocate and community organizer. Originally from Singapore, kyle shares some of his experiences navigating complex racial identities and confronting systemic inequities in the U.S., particularly in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In his storytelling about the education justice work at the Urban Core Collective, kyle speaks to the necessity of building community power, addressing systemic flaws, and prioritizing material redistribution for genuine social transformation. His storytelling also honors the critical role of youth in driving meaningful change.
October 1, 2024
Tony Nelson, explores his development from his rural Michigan upbringing to becoming an active participant in progressive movements and education. Tony revisits the significance of his time as an undergraduate student at Grand Valley State University, recalling how attending a campus presentation by Jane Elliott served as a starting point for his emerging consciousness and involvement as a student on campus.
October 1, 2024
Jouapag Lee, a passionate advocate for social justice, healing, and liberation, shares her personal journey and motivations. She reflects on pivotal experiences that shaped her activism, including a deeply personal incident of racial and gender-based harassment in college that drastically shifted her worldview and led her into organizing.
October 1, 2024
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.
October 1, 2024
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.
October 1, 2024
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.
October 1, 2024
