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Summary
For this episode, I am in conversation with Drs. Kevin L. Clay and Kevin Lawrence Henry Jr., editors of the book, The Promise of Youth Anti-Citizenship: Race and Revolt in Education. We discuss the narrow confines of citizenship as defined by the state, especially in terms of what constitutes the ‘good’ citizen versus the ‘bad’ or ‘deviant’ citizen. We also uncover the complexities of civic engagement, recognizing political strategies beyond voting, and the need for collective action and engagement in radical organizations. Additionally, we emphasize the need for solidarity and collective action to combat the divisions created by racial capitalism. Explored are the impacts of social proximity on understanding shared struggles and the sacrifices required for true activism. Our conversation culminates in a reflection on the role of love and relationships with youth as a sustaining force in the work.

Takeaways
Traditional civic education has limitations.
Civic institutions are designed to maintain the status quo.
Black resistance is diverse and multifaceted.
Voting is just one aspect of citizenship.
Protests often go unheard, leading to civic estrangement.
The state often does not represent the interests of marginalized communities.
Class dynamics are crucial in discussions about Black capitalism.
The transition to middle-class civics can create divisions.
Solidarity is essential for collective action against anti-citizenship.
Understanding anti-citizenship requires a focus on collectivity. Being in right relationship and solidarity is critical.
We lose the ability to be in solidarity when we are not in community.
Sacrifice and discomfort are often required for solidarity.
Understanding our shared fate is essential for collective action.
The shift in social proximity affects our understanding of community.
We must actively build relationships to understand our neighbors' struggles.
Ignoring global issues impacts our local communities.
Investing in radical organizations is crucial for social change.
Love sustains and propels us in our activism.

Books, Articles, and Scholars Referenced in this Episode:

• Closed for Democracy: How Mass School Closure Undermines the Citizenship of Black Americans by Sally A. Nuamah
• Black Bourgeoisie: The Book That Brought the Shock of Self-Revelation to Middle-Class Blacks in America by E. Franklin Frazier
• "Black Curriculum Orientations: A Preliminary Inquiry" by William Watkins
• Adolph Reed
• William Julius Wilson

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Summary
Dr. Tiffany M. Nyachae and Dr. Ruth M. López question the utility of the identifier “People of Color” and whether we should abandon it as a term of unspoken solidarity and political strategy given the recent social media uproar around the fact that a large percentage of Latinos voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election. In this conversation, they reflect on their experiences as Women of Color and the challenges of navigating social media discussions around race and solidarity. The dialogue emphasizes the need for nuanced conversations about identity, solidarity, and responsibility in the face of anti-blackness and other forms of oppression while offering necessary pathways forward. The conversation also delves into the fragility of masculinity in discourse, the exhaustion of political engagement, and the need for critical conversations around voting and accountability. They emphasize the importance of unpacking terms like “Black and Brown” and the oversimplification of voting demographics in media narratives. As they explore the complexities of racial identity, particularly the term "People of Color" and its implications, they discuss the historical context of this term, its evolution, and the importance of solidarity among marginalized groups. The conversation highlights the challenges of collective advocacy, the need for clear communication, and the significance of teaching future generations about solidarity and social justice. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of understanding individual and collective identities while navigating the complexities of race and politics.

Takeaways
Social media can amplify voices but also complicate discussions.
Anti-blackness exists within various communities and must be addressed.
Racial identity is not monolithic; it varies across individuals.
Political choices can have profound impacts on Communities of Color.
Terminology like “People of Color” can obscure real differences in experiences.
Education is crucial in understanding historical and systemic issues.
Conversations about race and identity require trust and vulnerability.
There's a responsibility to document stories in our communities.
Assumptions about Latinx identities often lack historical context.
Voter fatigue is a real issue in political engagement.
Voting is just one part of a larger political project.
Terms like “Black and Brown' need careful unpacking.
Media oversimplifies the complexities of voting demographics.
Historical context is crucial in understanding racial terms.
Solidarity among marginalized groups is essential for social change.
Teaching children about solidarity is vital for future generations.
Racial terminology has evolved and continues to change.
The narrative around racial identity is often messy and complex.
Conversations about race should be ongoing.

Articles and Books Referenced in this Episode:

• "Anti-Black Latino Racism in an Era of Trumpismo" by Jasmine M. Haywood
• "'People of color' are Protesting. Here's what you need to know about this New Identity" by Efrén Pérez
• The Miner's Canary: Enlisting Race, Resisting Power, Transforming Democracy by Lani Guinier and Gerald Torres
• "'People of Color' as a Category and Identity in the United States" by Paul Starr and Edward P. Freeland

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Summary
In this episode, we showcase the work of Migizi, an Indigenous youth-serving organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tiffany Nyachae is in conversation with Migizi youth workers, Kija Deer and Kaylin Lopez. They discuss their roles, the importance of community, and how Migizi fosters cultural connections and social development. The conversation highlights the significance of providing spaces for youth to explore their identities and the challenges faced by urban Native youth in connecting with their culture. In this conversation, Tiffany, Kija, and Kaylin discuss the importance of cultural identity among Indigenous youth, the challenges of cultural disconnection, and the role of community organizations in fostering support and reconnection to culture. They explore how cultural practices and mentorship can empower youth, the significance of educational support, and the joy found in personal passions. The dialogue emphasizes the need for patience and understanding from adults towards Indigenous youth, highlighting the reciprocal nature of relationships within the community.

Takeaways

Migizi provides a comfortable space for youth.

Cultural practices are essential for youth identity.

Community support is crucial for youth development.

Youth need places to relax and connect after school.

Cultural opportunities help reconnect youth with their heritage.

The importance of mentorship in youth programs.

Urban areas can disconnect Native youth from their culture.

It's never too late to learn about one's culture.

Building bonds within the community fosters growth.

Youth programs should focus on cultural and social development.

Cultural disconnection is a significant issue for Indigenous youth.

Reconnecting with cultural identity is essential for personal growth.

Community organizations play a vital role in supporting youth.

Mentorship from older generations is invaluable for youth development.

Educational support is crucial for academic success.

Youth bring new energy and ideas to community organizations.

Patience and kindness are necessary when working with Indigenous youth.

Engaging in cultural practices nurtures the spirit and identity.

Personal passions, like math and art, contribute to joy and fulfillment.

Building connections within the community fosters a sense of belonging.

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