Black Gems Dive In Podcast

On this episode, Kua and Kendra discuss how Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives are under attack in many states. The pair discussed the Oscar Winners of 2023, how international talent dominated the Oscar’s, and is #OscarsSoWhite still relevant? 

On this episode, Kua and Kendra welcome, Stephanie Peete, Director of Workforce Development for Say Yes Buffalo, and Co-founder of Second Chapter Bookstore, a Black-owned small business operated in Buffalo, NY. The pair discussed how Resenteeism is the latest trend plaguing workers, and dives into ways that organizations like Say Yes Buffalo are creating career pathway programs for high school graduates. Lastly, Stephanie shares her “gem of the day”. LinkedIn: Stephanie Peete and Second Chapter Bookstore.

On this episode, Kua and Kendra share some exciting news. The pair discuss 5 DEI trends to retire in 2023 in order for organizations to be intentional about how to execute DEI. Lastly, the duo shares their “gem of the day”.

On this episode, Kua and Kendra welcome Dr. Barbara Seals-Nevergold, Founder of the Uncrowned Queens Institute and former president of the Buffalo School Board. They discuss the hot topic of the week, “Smithsonian Committee of WNY Women Making History”. The pair reviews Dr. Seals-Nevergold’s article, “East Presbyterian Church: The Forgotten Congregation”, a piece that dives into three churches that were formed to meet the needs of Buffalo’s African American community. Lastly, Dr. Seals-Nevergold shares her “gem of the day”.

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra discus the hot topic of the week “10 Most Affordable Cities to Buy a Home”. The pair welcome Malkijah Griffiths and Sonya Tareke from Team Real Talk, Inc. to discuss their DEI application and process. They also discus generational point of views in the workplace and how generations can mend bridges to work together. Lastly, they share their “gem of the day.

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week “Adidas Ends Partnership with Kanye West at a Considerable Cost”. The pair also discusses the fear of cancel culture and how it is driving employers off social media, sometimes hindering DEI efforts. Lastly, they share their “gem of the day”. 

On this week’s episode, Kua discusses the hot topic of the week “Changes in leadership of Buffalo nonprofit organizations”. She welcomes Durgham Alyasiri and Leah Daniel who shared their role in the design of the “LOC Step Platform,” an online community designed by BIPOC Leaders for BIPOC Leaders in WNY. The pair also share their “gem of the day”. 

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, ending right to abortion upheld for decades.” In a historic and far-reaching decision, the U.S. Supreme Court officially reversed Roe v. Wade, declaring that the constitutional right to abortion, no longer exists. The pair welcome Shannon Bryant, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Kaleida Health. She sheds light on her roles and responsibilities of providing strategic leadership in the development, implementation and monitoring of diversity plans for Kaleida Health. Shannon shares her journey being the first person to occupy this role and provides us with upcoming initiatives and how data informs her daily decisions. Lastly, Shannon shares her “gem of the day”.

Welcome to Season 4! On the first episode back, Kendra welcomed Chantele Thompson, City of Buffalo Chief Diversity Officer. Thompson shares how she prepared for this position through her previous roles and responsibilities within the diversity, equity and inclusion field. She also discusses assuming the role immediately after May 14, 2022, the day the mass shooting occurred in Buffalo, New York, at a Tops Friendly Markets supermarket, located in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Lastly, Chantele shares her “gem of the day”.

In collaboration with the Buffalo Museum of Science and Delaware North, Black Gems Dive In hosted a live podcast featuring Dr. Russell Wigginton, president of the National Civil Rights Museum.  Reflecting on the tragic events of May 14 in Buffalo, New York where ten innocent lives were taken, the group discussed urgent topics of civil and human rights and the pursuit of social justice through the context of historic milestones in the American civil rights movement.

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “Senate panel tied 11-11 on Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination, forcing an extra vote on her way to being confirmed to the Supreme Court”. The pair welcome Kristin Braye, Manager of DEI at Brooklyn Sports Entertainment (BSE) Global. Kristin shares information on BSE Global’s Supplier Diversity Program and Nets United Games. She also sheds light on how folks can get into sports if they’re interested in sports entertainment. Lastly, Kristin shares her “gem of the day”. 

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra discuss the “grooming gap” and what “looking the part” costs women. They each get personal on how their own appearance has evolved over time and how they’ve embraced their own unique styles in the workplace. The pair also share their “gem of the day”.

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra welcome former NFL players and community leaders; Derek Brim and Adam Redden, to discuss the hot topic of the week, “Why a 20 year effort by the NFL hasn’t led to more minorities in coaching jobs”. The group also discuss the “Rooney Rule” and the culture of the NFL. Derek and Adam also share their “gem of the day”.

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “Biden Promises to Nominate a Black Woman to the Supreme Court”. The pair also discuss the privilege of who is ‘deemed qualified’ and the past history of Supreme Court nominations. The pair also share their “gem of the day”.

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “Biden Won’t Extend Student Loan Relief And Confirms Student Loan Payments Restart February 1”. The pair welcome Leah Daniel, Founder of Fostering Greatness, a grassroots organization that assists transitioning foster care alumni of color from ages 16 to 35 with life skills, housing stability, education, and career advancement, personal and professional development, and full optimal health management. Leah also shares her “gem of the day”.

On this week’s episode, Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “U.S. added to list of ‘backsliding' democracies for first time”. They welcome April Baskin, the youngest person to serve and be elected as Chair of the Erie County Legislature. The group discusses her “Pathway Forward” legislation package and her approach to leading through the lens of equity, gender, race and a younger generation. April also shares her “gem of the day”.

Welcome to Season 3! This week, Kua and Kendra kick off season 3 after taking the summer off. They catch up and discuss what they’ve been up to and what to look forward to in the new season.

On this week’s episode Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “Juneteenth becomes a federal

holiday, now what?” The pair welcomes Vincent Clark, Director of Gift Planning at Stony Brook University. The group discuses Juneteenth, the need for the progression of cooperative economics and the power of the collective dollar. Lastly, Vince shares his gem of the day. 

On this week’s episode Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “Derek Chauvin Verdict and Justice Department Investigation into the Louisville Police Department.” The pair discuss psychological safety and how to garner trust to get authentic input. The pair also chat about resources they use for DEI work and creating buy-in within organizations. Lastly, Kua and Kendra share their gem of the day. 

On this week’s episode Kua and Kendra discuss two hot topics this week, “Local radio host makes insensitive and colorist comments” and “Georgia’s new voting restrictions”. The pair acknowledge and discuss Women’s History Month and highlight recent contributions that women have made both locally and nationally. Lastly, Kua and Kendra share their gem of the day. 

On this week’s episode Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “What the Grammys got right and wrong about diversity, from Beyoncé to BTD”. The pair welcomes Darnell Haywood, Community Responsibility Officer at BankonBuffalo who engages people locally about banking, including financial literacy classes in the Northland Corridor. Darnell also helps to establish DEI initiatives and strives to make everyone feel valued, whether they have one dollar or one million dollars. The group discuss “The Meetin’ after the Meeting” and why people of color need spaces without white people. Lastly, Darnell shares his gem of the day.

On this week’s episode Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “Dr. Seuss Enterprises Will Shelve 6 Books, Citing 'Hurtful' Portrayals”. The pair also discuss anti-blackness, its global impact and how communities of color can also perpetuate anti-blackness. Kua and Kendra also discuss their gem of the day. 

On this week’s episode Kua and Kendra welcome guests Shannon Currie and Jer’Mykeal McCoy, both members of the Urban League Young Professionals in their respective cities. Shannon is an accomplished brand consultant, strategic communicator, influencer, and advocate, with over a decade of experience working with Fortune 500 corporations, institutions, and emerging businesses. Jer’Mykeal is a business and civic leader who dedicates his time to advocating for and empowering the greater Richmond community. He is passionate about bringing more people into the political process and showing them the power of their vote. The group discuss the hot topic of the week, “Black Lives Matter receives a Nobel Peace Prize nomination”. The group also discusses social versus political movements and the progression of civil rights into our current landscape. Shannon and Jer’Mykeal also share their “gem of the day”.

On this week’s episode Kua discusses the hot topic of the week, “Asian hate crimes continue to rise during the pandemic”. She welcomes Olivia Cox, Doctor of Nursing Practice to discuss all things related to COVID-19 vaccines, myths, health equity and why people of color should consider taking the vaccine. They also answer questions from our listeners related to the vaccine and what to expect when getting vaccinated. Olivia also shares her “gem of the day”.

Season 2 is here! On this week’s episode Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “Parents wanted to opt their children out of Black History Month. A Utah school let them”. The pair also discuss the historic experiences that Black people have had while traveling and the Green Book that guided Black people on where to stay safely. The pair also shares their “gem of the day”.

On the season finale of the pod, Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “Biden Chooses All-Female Senior White House Communications Team”. The pair welcome Jamil Crews, CEO/Owner of Crews Control Media. The group recaps our first season of the Black Gems Dive In Podcast and talk about what to expect in season 2. Jamil also shares his “gem of the day”. 

Follow Jamil: https://instagram.com/jamilcrews

On this week’s episode Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “Strides in women leadership roles in sports”. The pair welcome Derrick Parson, social entrepreneur, CEO and Founder of The AppleTree Agency and GRASPIE, a startup ed-tech firm. The group discuss entrepreneurship and the successes and failures that come with starting your own business. Derrick also shares his “gem of the day”. 

Follow Derrick on Instagram: https://instagram.com/MrDap_

Follow Derrick online: https://www.graspie.com/

On this week’s episode Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, The U.S. Election. The pair welcome Lindsey Taylor, NYS Licensed Real Estate Broker and creator of the “Beau Fleuve” Music & Arts Festival. The group discuss generational wealth and the importance of multiple streams of income. Lindsey also shares his “gem of the day”. 

Follow Lindsey:

@BeauFleuveMusicArts

@crownentlindsey

On this week’s episode Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “There Is Nothing Minor About Us’: Why Forbes Won’t Use The Term Minority To Classify Black And Brown People”. The pair welcome Edreys Wajed, artist, musician, writer, jeweler, designer, and one half muralist and painter of The Albright Knox’s latest mural project located at 712 Main Street, Buffalo, NY. The group discuss how to “Eat Off Art” and what it means to authentically and fully pursue your dreams. Edreys also shares his “gem of the day”. (IG: @edreys, @eatoffart)

On this week’s episode Kua and Kendra host their first live show! The pair welcome Leadership Buffalo on the podcast to discuss health equity and health disparities in communities of color. They discuss the hot topic of the week, “The North Face puts $7 Million Toward Diversifying the Outdoors” and how Social Determinants of Health can predict your life expectancy. To learn more about Leadership Buffalo, visit their IG: @LeadershipBuffalo. 

On this week’s episode Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “Starbucks ties executive pay to diversity goals”. The pair welcome Shatorah Donovan, Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Buffalo and co-host of The B Suite Podcast. The group discuss the importance of certifying your minority or women-owned business as well as how diversity and inclusion plays a role in policing. Shatorah also shares her “gem of the day”.

On this week’s episode Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week, “Shaq O’Neal votes for the first time at age 48”. The pair welcome Jasmine Fluker, CEO and Founder of the Pivotal Paradigm Project, a full-service DEI Firm (IG: @pivotalparadigmproject). The group discuss imposter syndrome, how it shows up and what individuals can do to combat it. Jasmine also shares her “gem of the day”.

On this week’s episode Kua and Kendra welcome their first guest to the podcast, ADRI. V “The Go Getta,” radio and media extraordinaire to discuss the hot topic of the week “Megan Thee Stallion’s performance on SNL”. They also discuss diverse representation in the media and showing up as your authentic self. ADRI. V also shares her “gem of the day”.

On this week’s episode Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week “Wells Fargo CEO Blames ‘Limited Pool Of Black Talent’ For Trouble Reaching Diversity Goals”. The pair also share their “gem of the day”.

Produced by Crews Control Media.

On this week’s episode Kua and Kendra discuss the hot topic of the week “An executive order to ban Diversity & Inclusion training”. The pair also talk about “Corporate Social Justice” and what organizations are doing in response to recent events. And finally, they share their “gem of the day”.

Crews Control Media presents The Black Gems Dive In Podcast, a weekly conversation about inclusive cultures and everything in the diversity, equity and inclusion space. The podcast is hosted by Kua and Kendra, two amazing women and practitioners in the diversity and inclusion field. 

The recent climate in our country has forced us to start having more conversations about what it means to be equitable. The COVID-19 pandemic and the social unrest happening in our country has exposed deeply rooted inequalities and many find themselves asking the question "what can I do to help". This podcast will serve as a guide for just that and will give "gems" on how companies, organizations and even individuals need to move in order to have a more equitable society.