DEI experts Samantha Fletcher and Joy Stephens unpack how corporate allyship flourished in public, then faded when accountability and politics entered the picture.Show NotesSamantha Fletcher has been doing DEI work since before the acronym DEI came to be popularized. Starting off her career as a journalist, she worked in newspapers, magazines and radio, becoming known for speaking out and highlighting injustices that needed addressing. She made the career switch to education, and her passion for impacting fairness and justice went along with her. Making her way from grade school teacher to graduate school teacher and course designer to school administrator and host of Daily Border Crossings — the podcast she launched about othering — Samantha has used each platform to be a staunch advocate for equity and inclusion of marginalized groups. She is currently a Director of DEI in the DC area, where she lives with her treasures: her husband, sons, old school hip hop and lemon pepper wings.https://www.samanthafletcher.com Dally Border Crossings on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyDaily Border Crossings on Instagram and TikTokBlack_Harvard_Mama on TikTokjust_samanthaf on InstagramJoy Stephens is a corporate culture consultant for many different industries and companies and has served as a DEI subject matter expert for the last 7+years.https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-stephens-newheights/ From Allyship to Abandon-Ship: How Do We Stop the Cycle?ReferencesAfter AT&T Pens Letter to Trump Ending DEI, Black Internet Is More Than FuriousAT&T commits to ending DEI programsVerizon ends DEI policies to get FCC's blessing for its $20 billion Frontier deal GM, Pepsi, Disney, others scrub some DEI references from investor reportsT-Mobile ending DEI programs as it seeks US FCC approval for 2 dealsGoogle’s DEI Shift: Compliance Necessity or...

We're diving into a topic that's been making waves across all spectrums of society – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, or DEI if you're nasty. We're peeling back the layers of this crucial conversation, from what DEI really means to why it's been catching flak from some naysayers.Today's GuestSamantha Fletcher has been an independent school teacher or leader since 2009 and is currently the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at The Siena School, a school for students with dyslexia and language-based learning differences. Also currently a Research Associate and Instructional Designer at the Harvard Kennedy School, her work focuses on justice advocacy, policy and ways in which technology can be leveraged as a tool to enhance inclusive, fair practices. Samantha is known for her unique approach, an enigmatic way of getting participants comfortably engaged in seemingly challenging or controversial conversations. A contemporary thinker while also rooted in history, she creatively and cleverly uses subjects like hip hop, current events and lesser considered viewpoints to as a basis for lessons that help shift perspectives. Committed to the intersections of tech/STEM and inclusive representation, she recently earned a master’s in Technology, Innovation and Education and is the founder of TIE DIE, a one-of-a-kind identity-centered, interactive, critical thinking program focused on education, exposure and advocacy that prepares teens to thrive in tech spaces after high school. Samantha is the host and producer of Daily Border Crossings podcast, a show that focuses on “othering“ and daily metaphorical borders, people cross. Daily Border Crossings can be found on Apple podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Samantha Fletcher can be reached at www.samanthafletcher.com.Samantha resides in the DC area of the US with her husband and two young sons.Show NotesSamantha's DEI Offerings &amp; DetailsTechnology, Innovation, and Education Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (TIE-DIE)Daily Border Crossings PodcastReferencesUtah lawmaker blames DEI for Baltimore bridge collapse despite cargo ship collisionAlleged Insider says Boeing's woes are symptom of 'failure of our elites' and DEI ‘ripping our society apart’No, ‘Wokeness’ Did Not Cause Silicon Valley Bank’s CollapseHouse lawmakers butt heads on role of DEI in antisemitism, how to improve systemTech companies like Google and Meta made cuts to DEI programs in 2023 after big promises in prior years<a...

On this Women's History Month episode of The Smarty Art Brother, we look at women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of emergency management specialist, Latoya Simmons, a remarkable woman whose expertise has been pivotal in navigating some of the most critical health crises of our time.Today's GuestLatoya Simmons (@royaltycosplay) is an Emergency Management Specialist specializing in responding to infectious disease outbreaks and natural disasters. She has helped investigate numerous national and international outbreaks such as COVID-19, Ebola, and Zika for the state of Kentucky, at the Office of the Surgeon General of the United States, and the at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  Today's Cohost/GuestStephanie (@bonafidesteph) been telling stories since she was a child. Her interest in the written word started with short stories and journal entries about run-ins with classroom bullies and graduated to reporting on the dilemma of being a closeted teenager by the time she was a high school student. That knack for words developed into a career as a journalist accumulating bylines in publications like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Tennessean, Chicago Tribune and the Virginian-Pilot. Outside of journalism, she's worked in nonprofit communications and executive produced and co-created "What's the Word?," a podcast with a comedic take on culture and social issues dissected by two Southern Black girls.Show Notes Diversity and STEM: Women, Minorities, and Persons with DisabilitiesSpecial Topics Annual Report: Women in STEMCareer GirlsSmarty Art Brother Episode 6: Mental Healthbit.ly/m/smartyartbroInstagram | X

As Katt Williams and Monique have shown us, comedians are no strangers to a good ol' fashioned feud. Whether it's a clash of comedic styles, personal rivalries, or just plain old-fashioned ego battles, we'll uncover the stories behind the punchlines, punch-ups and putdowns.Today’s GuestStephanie (@bonafidesteph) been telling stories since she was a child. Her interest in the written word started with short stories and journal entries about run-ins with classroom bullies and graduated to reporting on the dilemma of being a closeted teenager by the time she was a high school student. That knack for words developed into a career as a journalist accumulating bylines in publications like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Tennessean, Chicago Tribune and the Virginian-Pilot. Outside of journalism, she's worked in nonprofit communications and executive produced and co-created "What's the Word?," a podcast with a comedic take on culture and social issues dissected by two Southern Black girls.ReferencesKatt Williams Unleashed | CLUB SHAY SHAYMo'Nique on Hollywood | CLUB SHAY SHAYArsenio Hall Confirms Eddie Murphy &amp; Richard Pryor Rivalry - CH News Show13 Comedian Feuds We Didn’t Know AboutCreditsMusic: Sensei by prazkhanalLogo by D.Fu StudiosEdited by J Mack MediaEpisode art from Adobe Stockbit.ly/m/smartyartbroInstagram | X

In this episode, we sit down with the esteemed Licensed Professional Counselor, Charnel Jackson, LPC, to dive into the critical topic of mental health. Charnel shares her personal journey, highlighting her passion for mental health advocacy and the impact she has made in her community. We discuss the importance of prioritizing mental well-being, dispelling common misconceptions and addressing the stigma around seeking therapy.If you're looking for professional guidance, Charnel is available for counseling services, speaking engagements, corporate training, podcast appearances, and motivational speaking. Connect with her on Psychology Today.CreditsMusic: Sensei by prazkhanalLogo by D.Fu StudiosEdited by J Mack Media bit.ly/m/smartyartbroInstagram | X

The top the black sitcoms (Cosby Show, A Different World, Living Single,Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Martin, etc) are pretty much set in stone but what about the lesser known ones that helped bolster the culture? Today I'm talking with former reporter turned DEI expert Samantha Fletcher, to discuss some black sitcoms that hold a special place in our hearts even if they didn't get the accolades some other shows received.ReferencesThese Are the 10 Highest Rated Black SitcomsThis is a top 10 list of favorites Samantha has been watching lately that she loves for their comedy and/or writing, in no particular order.Chappelle's ShowInsecureAbbott ElementaryRun the worldThe ChiGrand CrewRap ShitBel-AirThe BoondocksHalf &amp; HalfFollow Samanthahttps://www.samanthafletcher.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@blackharvardmamahttps://twitter.com/just_samanthafhttps://www.instagram.com/just_samanthaf/Shoot Your ShotFind out more about "Technology, Innovation, and Education Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity" at www.tie-die.com.CreditsMusic: Sensei by prazkhanalLogo by D.Fu StudiosEdited by J Mack Media bit.ly/m/smartyartbroInstagram | X

In this week’s episode, we have special guest D. Fu of D. Fu Studios. She's an aspiring storyboard artist currently studying animation at the prestigious Savannah College of Art and Design. Join us we unravel the world of animation and dispel misconceptions surrounding this art form. D.Fu sheds light on the diverse industries that benefit from animation, sharing insights into the pivotal role of storyboarding in movies and the intricate animation pipeline.Tune in as we explore the fascinating journey of an animator and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and innovation that goes into bringing animated stories to lifeAnimator ResourcesCartoon BrewStoryBoardArtAnimationMentor.comThe Animator's Survival KitArt Books (for inspiration)The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Creating a ChampionSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: The Art of the MovieThe Art of LucaSoftwareProCreateToonBoom (Makes of Storyboard Pro and Harmony)BlenderShoot Your ShotThe Trevor ProjectD.Fu Sudios: Instagram | TwitterCreditsMusic: Sensei by prazkhanalLogo by D.Fu StudiosEdited by J Mack Media bit.ly/m/smartyartbroInstagram | X

Journalism has gone from one of the most respected and trusted fields to one of the most hated and divisive. The fourth estate has even been described by some as the “enemy of the people”. This newfound dislike couldn’t happen overnight, so what caused journalism to be put on the same level as used car salesmen, strip mall lawyers and Hydra? How many of their problems are self-inflicted and what can be done to solve them? About the guestFredrick Batiste is a communications instructor at Houston Community College and Sam Houston State University. He also currently contributes to HBCUSports.com.Batiste graduated from Southern University and A&amp;amp;M College with bachelors and masters degrees before spending six years covering news and sports at the Hammond (La.) Daily Star. He earned awards for his news writing and sports columns while working in Hammond.Fredrick is currently the College Media Association’s vice president for member training.A Louisiana native now living in the Houston area, Batiste seeks proper South Louisiana food without having to drive back home for it. A fan of professional wrestling, he jokes that everything is pro wrestling when you really think about it. Follow him on Twitter at @FredBatiste.Fred’s Five journalism movies to watchAll The President’s Men: Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford dramatize Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward’s efforts to break the Watergate scandal story. I recommend watching it, along with “Frost/Nixon”, to get some fictionalized perspectives of the reports and the Nixon White House.Added note: Woodward &amp;amp; Bernstein were keynotes at MediaFest 22, a joint convention of the Society of Professional Journalists, College Media Association, and the Associated Collegiate Press. I actually rode on an elevator of Bob Woodward, and the journalism nerd in me was in awe. The Post: Washington Post’s tangling with the government over publishing the Pentagon Papers. Great performances throughout from an all-star cast, and they really captured the tension created by having a hot story that would put them in direct conflict with the government. Zodiac: We’re all detectives in a sense, right? Another all-star cast. And a cat-and-mouse game between the journalists, police and the Zodiac Killer. The crazy thing that no one knows who the Zodiac is/was makes this even more thrilling.Spotlight: All-star cast. Shows how important investigative reporting is and how hard it is. Also, it’s great to hear the actual reporters reflect on this stuff on YouTube.Kill the Messenger: Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner, not Hailee Steinfeld) stars as reporter Gary Webb, who finds the links between cocaine flooding Black and brown neighborhoods and military actions in Nicaragua. Then all hell breaks loose. It is through his reporting we find out who Freeway Ricky Ross is. Gary Webb is an American hero. ———Honorable mentions:Frost/NixonAlmost Famous<a...

Today, we are diving into the world of Black Urban Legends with our special guest and Urban Legend fan, Stephanie. Join us as we explore some of the most mysterious, and maybe even laughable stories that have been passed down through generations in the Black community. Let’s start with Tupac being alive, shall we. Folklore or facts?Stephanie Toone (@bonafidesteph) has been telling stories since she was a child. Her interest in the written word started with short stories and journal entries about run-ins with classroom bullies and graduated to reporting on the dilemma of being a closeted teenager by the time she was a high school student. That knack for words developed into a career as a journalist accumulating bylines in publications like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Tennessean, Chicago Tribune and the Virginian-Pilot. Outside of journalism, she's worked in nonprofit communications and executive produced and co-created "What's the Word?," a podcast with a comedic take on culture and social issues dissected by two Southern Black girls.References/Show NotesVery fake and very wrong Black Urban LegendsUrban Legends Facebook PostMusic: Sensei by prazkhanalbit.ly/m/smartyartbroInstagram | X

Get ready for the Smarty Art Brother on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.I have some very smart friends and this is a chance for me to talk with them on a variety of issues. Sometimes it will be fun. Sometimes it may be serious (hopefully not too often). I want to keep it lighthearted and conversational. Every other week I will have a couple of people on and we will discuss something that interests us.Music: Sensei by prazkhanalbit.ly/m/smartyartbroInstagram | X