This is Volume 3 of “Take This With You“, a special series from Social Justice Origin Stories. Storytelling is a gift, and in this series, storytellers reflect on what they hope stays with you after their episode ends. As you listen to their sharing, consider this moment as an invitation to reflect on your own journey.

00:00 Introduction to 'Take This with You'

00:17 Shoutout to the Generalists

01:10 Understanding Racism, Sexism, and Cross-Training

03:46 Personal Stories and Struggles

08:27 The Importance of Authenticity and Making Hard Choices

13:16 Dialogue and Power Dynamics

14:17 Finding Joy and Purpose in Life

19:28 The Role of Art and Activism

21:11 Empowering Leadership and Resistance

26:08 Reflecting on Stories and Taking Action

27:19 Conclusion and Call to Action

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 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.

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. You can also visit the Black in the Stacks Website: https://blackinthestacks.com/

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 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 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.

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 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.

This is Volume 3 of The Justice We Imagine, a special series from Social Justice Origin Stories. This series focuses on storytellers' responses to three essential questions:  

When is true social justice possible? What shapes our approach to the work? And why does understanding and sharing our social justice origin stories matter?

As you listen to their responses, reflect on what your answers might be.

00:00 Introduction to Social Justice Origin Stories

00:28 When is True Social Justice Possible?

03:16 Shaping Our Approach to Social Justice

05:04 The Importance of Sharing Social Justice Origin Stories

11:39 Call to Action and Conclusion

12:24 Subscribe and Support

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 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.

This is Volume 2 of “For Those Who’ll Come After“, a special series from Social Justice Origin Stories. In this series, storytellers reach across time, sharing messages and reflections for future generations, sharing what they want them to know, remember, and carry forward in the ongoing pursuit of social justice.

00:00 Introduction: The Power of Stories

00:28 Messages for Future Generations

01:11 The Ongoing Fight for Social Justice

02:03 Acknowledging Our Roots and Resilience

02:57 Concerns and Hopes for the Future

07:28 Rethinking Work and Challenging Inequities

15:49 The Importance of Chronicling Our Stories

17:51 Final Reflections and Call to Action

19:31 Closing and How to Support

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 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.

Sheldon Gay shares his journey of late identification as gifted and neurodivergent, which fostered his commitment to humanizing Black, gifted, and otherwise neurodivergent experiences to promote acceptance and self-love. Through his podcast 'I Must Be Bug'N,' Sheldon aims to dismantle the pathology associated with labels and celebrate the strengths and challenges, what he terms “the 'cape and the kryptonite” of neurodivergent people.

Sheldon advocates for narrative change and more compassionate storytelling about neurodivergence, reminding listeners that labels don’t have to feel like pathology.

00:00 Introduction to Humanizing Neurodivergent Experiences

00:26 The Impact of Late Identification

01:03 Redefining Labels and Embracing Humanity

02:29 The Gifted Self-Discovery Journey

03:57 The Power of Empathy and Insight

05:10 Activating Change Through Self-Realization

07:22 The Role of Storytelling in Social Justice

08:33 Introducing Sheldon Gay

12:54 The Journey to Creating 'I Must Be Bug'N'

32:23 Reflecting on Social Justice and Personal Growth

33:24 Discovering Purpose Through Technology

34:58 The Power of Storytelling and Advocacy

37:30 Embracing Technology and Leadership

42:58 Influences and Inspirations

01:01:28 Messages for Future Generations

01:03:18 Conclusion and Call to Action

Connect with Sheldon on his website, sheldongayisbugn.com and on instagram @sheldongayisbugn

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 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.

Tracie Jae, human culture strategist and educator describes how her family both shielded her from, and prepared her to engage with racial injustice, and shares about the breadcrumbs that helped her to learn that racism shouldn’t be normal. She tells the story of the birth of her identity as The Quiet Rebel, and breaks down her more HUMAN (Honest, Urgent, Meaningful, Accountable, Nuanced) approach to equity conversations and explains why real social change starts with addressing harm, embracing difference, and staying curious about the stories missing from the narratives we’re told about ourselves and the world around us.

00:00 Introduction to Social Injustices

00:34 Understanding Difference and Community

02:19 The American Dream and Its Discontents

07:59 The Power of Storytelling

09:16 Meet Tracie Jae: The Quiet Rebel

11:53 Tracie Jae's Origin Stories

14:51 The Birth of the Quiet Rebel

17:42 Facing Racism and Injustice

28:24 A More Human Approach

37:51 Addressing Historical Harms and Honesty

38:35 Legislation and Hearts: Critical Race Theory

02:06 The Pine Tree and Cactus Seed Analogy

42:18 The Reality of American Identity

45:32 The Importance of Honest Conversations

04:52 The Shared Trauma and Healing

05:52 The Old House Analogy

53:05 Practical Applications and Human Connections

01:00:23 Sustaining Social Justice Work

01:00:54 The Role of Active Citizenship

01:02:48 Gratitude and Influences

01:04:34 Sustaining the Human Approach

01:09:39 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Follow Tracie on Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/traciejae

Follow Tracie on Instagram @thequietrebelllc

Visit Tracie's Website: https://thequietrebel.org

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 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.