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

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