Marquita D. Gooch, MLIS, reflects on the pitfalls and power dynamics of representing a library system publicly, while being limited in her ability to speak freely without fear of retaliation. She talks about the freedom she’s found to be more vocal since leaving traditional library work, and shares how her experiences became catalysts for creating Life After Libraries, her podcast and web series chronicling her journey beyond traditional libraries, and Black in the Stacks, her podcast highlighting the inspiring stories of librarians, authors, advocates, and others from the African American and African Diaspora.

Black in the Stacks is more than a project; it's a way to build narrative power. Marquita believes everyone has a story to tell, and encourages anyone who can to share theirs.

00:00 Introduction: The Spirit of Service in Libraries

01:34 Challenges and Changes in the Library System

02:26 Finding Your Calling in Librarianship

03:25 Going Viral: Highlighting Diversity in Libraries

05:30 The Power of Storytelling and Oral Histories

06:38 Introduction to Social Justice Origin Stories

07:49 Guest Introduction: Marquita Gooch

08:23 Personal Reflections on Education and Libraries

11:19 The Journey to Becoming a Librarian

14:27 Facing Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles

26:13 Navigating Library Politics and Advocacy

38:53 Coping with Loss and Grief

39:46 Making Meaning from Experiences

42:22 Life After Libraries

44:30 Challenges in Librarianship

52:00 Starting Black in the Stacks

57:31 Advice for Creatives

01:03:18 Reflections and Inspirations

01:18:33 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude

Connect with Marquita by searching for ⁨@marquitatheelibrarian⁩ on most platforms.

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

Visit the Social Justice Origin Stories Project Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com Subscribe to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialJusticeOriginStories

Listen to Social Justice Origin Stories on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991 Listen to Social Justice Origin Stories on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iBn70HzO4lFxk7sN3gwAf

Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/ Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjoriginstories.bsky.social Like Social Justice Origin Stories on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841874653 Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sjoriginstories LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQ

Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones.

No one gets to where they are by themselves, and this project would not exist without the collective wisdom of the storytellers who’ve shared their stories with us.

This is Volume 1 of “In Community”, a special series from Social Justice Origin Stories. This annual series brings together the voices of storytellers whose stories were published in a given year.

To everyone who has listened, watched, shared the stories, reflected on your own, and returned for more storytelling, thank you.

Many thanks to the storytellers who have contributed to this project and have trusted me and this space with their sharing.

Systems of oppression depend on silence, isolation, and the belief that change is impossible. Social Justice Origin Stories exists to challenge that belief by sharing stories of resistance, awakening, and commitment to equity and justice. These stories remind us that we're not powerless, we're not alone, and that the work of justice is sustained across time by people willing to imagine and design something better.

Social Justice Origin Stories will return. Thank you for listening.

00:00 Introduction to Systems of Oppression

01:03 Honoring the Storytellers

01:17 Personal Reflections and Activism

02:13 Balancing Joy and Struggle

02:53 Understanding and Challenging Systems

04:49 The Role of Anger and Forgiveness

05:28 Healing and Spirituality

05:55 Rethinking Racism and Social Justice

12:27 Visibility and Representation

23:28 Power and Liberation

27:20 Championing the Journey

28:27 Community Intelligence and Kindness

29:53 The Power of Education

30:50 Planting Seeds of Change

32:08 Cross-Training for Social Justice

34:17 Embracing Neurodiversity

38:10 The Role of Storytelling

49:50 Fighting Systemic Racism

57:57 Conclusion: The Power of Collective Narratives

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

Visit the Social Justice Origin Stories Project Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com Subscribe to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialJusticeOriginStories

Listen to Social Justice Origin Stories on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991 Listen to Social Justice Origin Stories on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iBn70HzO4lFxk7sN3gwAf

Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/ Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjoriginstories.bsky.social Like Social Justice Origin Stories on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841874653 Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sjoriginstories LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQ

Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Re...

Randy Quansah, creator of Kujo's Kid Zone, shares a memory of an early experience with racism at school that sparked his journey of self-discovery and awareness of African history and identity. What began as sharing the lessons he learned with his daughter expanded into considering other kids and their families, which then became the inspiration behind his educational show for children. Randy talks about his dedication to educating children about African history, challenging Eurocentric narratives, the importance of cultural representation, and the necessary cycle of growth that comes from leaning and unlearning about ourselves and the world. His message to creatives is that you are more than enough. Randy wants listeners to understand the power of making the first moves towards implementing their big ideas, and encourages you to just start instead of waiting for perfection, knowing that the act of following your path will create opportunities for you to get to where you’re going.

00:00 Reflecting on Personal and Educational Journeys

01:09 Creating Kujo's Kid Zone

02:04 The Importance of Unlearning and Growth

06:15 The Power of Representation

07:17 Discovering Kujo's Kid Zone

09:38 Intentional Storytelling and Cultural Education

26:37 Challenges and Triumphs in Creative Pursuits

29:12 Exploring Iconic Film Studios

29:49 The Energy of Being Selected

30:43 Moments of Affirmation

32:14 Influences and Inspirations

33:30 The Impact of LeVar Burton

34:58 Gracie's Corner and Positive Change

38:54 The Journey of Authenticity

45:41 Reflections on Social Justice

51:55 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Follow Randy on Instagram @Kujoskidzoneshow

Subscribe to Kujo’s Kid Zone on YouTube and YouTube Kids.

Kujo’s Kid Zone can also be found on Black Oak TV, Telus Optik, and the Sensical App.

Support the podcast by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories

Visit the Social Justice Origin Stories Project Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com Subscribe to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialJusticeOriginStories

Listen to Social Justice Origin Stories on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991 Listen to Social Justice Origin Stories on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5iBn70HzO4lFxk7sN3gwAf

Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/ Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjoriginstories.bsky.social Like Social Justice Origin Stories on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841874653 Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sjoriginstories LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaA...