Race & Revolution Through Jazz: The Duke, The Count, & Sachmo

Larry Tye and the cover of his book, The Jazzmen
June 13, 2024

Larry Tye captures history and writes books about transformation, like the progress brought about by the black musicians who captured hearts in the USA. Larry's latest book is The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America, a combination of legends, deep examination, and inspirational story-telling. This is the 9th book by Larry, all of which open hearts and minds with real-life stories.

Past/present religious/spiritual influences: Jewish

Faith-full Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion, From Jamaica To Wisconsin: Jeneise Briggs

Jeneise Briggs
November 23, 2023
Institutions & business across the US are increasingly turning to equity, diversity, & inclusion staff to address the continuing problems with racism, discrimination, and bigotry built into the culture, laws, & policies of our country. My own Midwest city and county, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, took a concrete step by hire their first ever EDI Coordinator, Jeneise Briggs, to help structure and focus our attempts to heal the exclusion and wounds which have written-out of mainline culture and the privileges that position brings. Jeneise brings a wealth of talents and training with her, and also experience, both professional and person. Jeneise grew up in a poor Jamaican family, though rich in love and faith. Jeneise got her BA in Mass Communications/Public Relations Mandeville, Jamaica, her MA in Public Administration in Grand Rapids, MI, and her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration & Policy Analysis in Madison, WI. She has previously served Marian University and the State Bar of Wisconsin in EDI roles. This visit with Jeneise provides a snapshot of one community's attempts to alter the local culture to widen democracy and the full embrace of caring community.

Social X Change & Hmong & Reasons To Celebrate: Sheng Elizabeth Lor

Sheng Elizabeth Lor
May 26, 2023

Sheng Elizabeth Lor founded The Social X Change Project a few years ago, when she set out to help vulnerable groups reduce loneliness and improve mental health and well-being through creativity and connection workshops. Since then Sheng has increased the scope of her work, including helping folks produce & share media to reach out to the community.