Listening to Black Voices

Dr. Lisa Merritt on Epigenetics, Access and Equity in Health Care

"Be purposeful, tell the truth, and elucidate what the issues are—and, at the same time, come ready with solutions and strategies."

01/11/2022 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Information Engineer Derik Perry on Artificial Intelligence, Algothrimic Bias and Social Media

"We have to be aware that social media has the potential to do harm and that, purely by the use of it, people are exposed to an algorithmic bias."

12/14/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Talent Agent and Attorney Nurisha Harvey on Activism, Implicit Bias, and Equity vs. Equality

Harvey, who grew up with major civil rights activists, talks about where we are today in the struggle for equality.

11/10/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Marketing Exec Frank E. Griffith Jr. on Living Through Race Riots and Diversity in the Pharmaceutical Industry

"Discern where you need to improve and be open to educating yourself about other cultures."

10/12/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Retired U.S. Special Agent Henry Hunter on His Career at the State Department

Hunter also reflects on the impact of strong women on his life—including his sister, award-winning journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault.

09/14/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Former New York Police Commissioner James H. Lawrence Jr. on 9/11, Vietnam and Peaceful Protests

On September 11, 2001, Lawrence—now a Sarasota resident—was the highest-ranking officer at NYPD headquarters, just blocks from Ground Zero.

08/10/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Rev. Liz Walker on Civil Rights, Faith and Breaking Racial and Gender Barriers

Walker talks about growing up with a front seat to the civil rights movement and her work as a news anchor and pastor.

07/13/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Dr. Nancy Boxill on Creating Change and How Racism Affects Black Families Through Generations

“I’m not so sure we’re spending much time on structural changes, and that’s where the hard work is, in my view."

06/08/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Conductor and Minister Jamal Sarikoki on Music and Keeping Faith in the Face of Racism

Sarikoki, who moved to Sarasota in 2018, is a minister at Venice Presbyterian Church and associate conductor for Key Chorale.

04/13/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Presidential Appointee J. Veronica Biggins on Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Biggins, former Director of Presidential Personnel for the Clinton administration, shares her thoughts on how to fight systemic racism.

03/16/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Educator Teidra Everett on Code-Switching, Tokenism and Creating a Diverse Classroom

“Most students at the primary level are visual learners, so what better way to teach them—and some adults—than by making history come to life?”

03/02/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer on Public Service and Race Relations

Archer, a lawyer and author, was appointed legal guardian to civil rights icon Rosa Parks in 2004.

02/16/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Artist Gale Fulton Ross Is a ‘Freedom Fighter at the Easel’

For 50 years, Fulton Ross has been visually telling the stories of the Black community and its icons.

02/02/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Activist Barbara Nell Langston on the History of Newtown and the Importance of Voting

“I live the village life, which is Newtown,” she says. “I live the stories of this community, and I love it here.”

02/02/2021 By Heather Dunhill

In Their Words

How Have Covid-19 and Social Protests About Inequality and Injustice Affected the Arts?

Local leaders weigh in.

01/18/2021 By Kay Kipling

Listening to Black Voices

Finance Executive Ted Downing on Redlining, the Wealth Gap and Hope for the Future

Downing, a former NCAA track and field star, also recalls his time at the 1968 Olympic trials and the Black Power salutes.

01/05/2021 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Boston Celtics Co-Owner and Business Leader James Cash on Breaking Barriers

A rare interview with the former basketball star and first Black tenured Harvard Business School faculty member.

12/22/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Mote Biologist Jasmin Graham on the Need for Diversity in Science

Graham is the co-founder of Minorities in Shark Sciences, which aims to open doors for underrepresented minority students.

11/24/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Listening to Black Voices

Finance Industry Vet Ed Swan Jr. on the Wealth Gap and the Healing Power of Art

"I want it to be recognized that how we treat and care for each other is more important than how much money we accumulate and attempt to protect."

11/10/2020 By Heather Dunhill

Creative Spirits

John Sims Creates Change Through Art

“I want to get folks inspired to move the culture somehow."

11/07/2020 By Allison Forsyth