Kua and Kendra sit down with Dr. Janice Gassam Asare—organizational psychologist, consultant, and LinkedIn’s #1 Top Voice in Racial Equity—to discuss the alarming job losses facing Black women and the broader backlash against DEI. Drawing from her recent writing, Dr. Gassam Asare connects today’s challenges to a long history of resistance that follows progress, and offers insights on how we can build workplaces and communities where Black women and other marginalized groups can thrive. Lastly, she shares her gem of the day and insights on her new book; "Rise and Resist" How to Reclaim Workplace Equity and Justice".

In this episode of Black Gems Dive In, Kua and Kendra tackle the latest headlines and hard truths impacting our communities. They begin with the sharp rise in unemployment among Black women—over 320,000 jobs lost since April under the new administration—before turning to the BBC’s report on U.S. immigration raids in Los Angeles, where lifted limits give ICE a green light for racial profiling. For the Deep Dive, they break down The Hill’s coverage of gerrymandering madness spreading to Missouri and what it means for democracy. As always, they close with their Gem of the Day to leave listeners with something real and reflective.

In this episode of Black Gems Dive In, we explore the latest headlines impacting Black women in the workforce and leadership. We unpack the Justice Department’s investigation into Chicago’s hiring practices following Mayor Brandon Johnson’s celebration of Black hires, and dig into troubling new data showing that Black women experienced the steepest job losses in April—shedding 106,000 jobs. We also preview the upcoming Women of Color Summit happening June 4–5 in Niagara Falls, NY, with virtual sessions in July. Guests Karen King and Sara Taylor join us to discuss this year’s theme, A C.A.L.L. to Action: Commit, Assemble, Leverage, Lead, and what the summit means for collective empowerment. 

In this episode of Black Gems Dive In, Kendra and Kua explore the cultural and political whirlwind of the moment. Our Diversity Dispatch covers the ongoing Target consumer boycott—what sparked it, how it’s evolving, and what it says about corporate accountability. For our Hot Topic, we revisit the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency and reflect on how those early decisions still shape the chaos we’re navigating today. Then, we take a Deep Dive into the weight of being the “first” or “only,” centering Shedeur Sanders and the disrespect he faced during the NFL Draft. We wrap, as always, with our Gem of the Day to leave you with something real and reflective.

In this episode of Black Gems Dive In, we unpack the appointment of a man fearful of Black pilots to the U.S. Air Force advisory board and examine how Trump continues to stack military boards with MAGA loyalists like Michael Flynn and Charlie Kirk. We then explore the potential impact of major tax changes that could devastate student loan borrowers, particularly in marginalized communities. Our Deep Dive focuses on Chief Justice John Roberts publicly rebuking Trump after calls for a judge’s impeachment. We wrap up with our Gem of the Day—an uplifting moment to carry you through.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. LaShonda Brenson and Kimberly Victor, two researchers from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies—America’s Black Think Tank. Together, we explore their groundbreaking work tracking racial diversity among top Congressional staff and why it matters more than ever.

We discuss the deep disparities in representation on Capitol Hill, the institutional and cultural barriers to entry for people of color, and how a lack of diversity directly impacts policymaking for marginalized communities.They share data-driven insights, personal stories, and actionable steps for increasing equity in the halls of power. From the rollback of DEI efforts during the Trump administration to the current hiring trends in Congress, this conversation uncovers how representation—or the lack of it—shapes our democracy.

Check out their work at: https://jointcenter.org/hill-diversity/

In this episode of the Black Gems Dive In, we explore the latest headlines impacting culture, politics, and equity. We discuss artists withdrawing from performances at the Kennedy Center after Trump’s appointment as board chair, examine South Africa and European nations seeking new global allies, and take a deep dive into Trump’s ultimatum for universities to eliminate DEI efforts or lose federal funding. Plus, we close out with our Gem of the Day to keep you inspired.  

In this episode, we dive into the latest Diversity Dispatch, unpacking the DEI Watchlist website and its impact on organizations committed to equity and inclusion. We also break down Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance, exploring the powerful symbolism, imagery, and the controversy surrounding how different audiences perceived it.

Shifting to politics, we analyze JD Vance’s recent tweet questioning judicial authority over the presidency, igniting debates about the balance of power between the executive branch and the courts. What does this mean for democracy, and how could it shape future governance?

Plus, we’re excited to welcome back Kim LaVare, who joins us for this insightful discussion. And, as always, we wrap up with our Gem of the Day—a thought to carry with you through the week.

In this episode of Black Gems Dive In, we dive deep into the uncertain future of DEI under Trump’s administration. With executive orders aimed at dismantling diversity programs, what does this mean for corporate, nonprofit, and governmental DEI efforts? Our guest, Kim LaVare, joins us to unpack the political landscape, historical patterns of equity rollbacks, and what organizations can do to sustain DEI work in a changing environment. Lastly, we share our gems of the day.

In this episode of Black Gems Dive In, we explore the intersection of leadership, technology, and politics in a rapidly changing world. We begin with our Diversity Dispatch: John Hope Bryant’s bold call to action for greater leadership in DEI, emphasizing the critical role of economic empowerment in driving systemic change. Next, we dive into our Hot Topic: the mass migration from X (formerly Twitter) as users flock to platforms like Bluesky and Threads. What’s behind this shift, and what does it mean for activism, digital communities, and the future of online discourse? Finally, we tackle the implications of Donald Trump’s return to the presidency in our Deep Dive. How does his election reshape the fight for equity, and what strategies are needed to protect progress in this new political landscape?

On this week's episode of the Black Gems Dive In Podcast, we're joined by special guest Jamil Crews of Crews Control Media. For our Diversity Dispatch we break down Dr. Phil’s recent comments on DEI at the Trump MSG rally. Next, our Hot Topic highlights a powerful moment in history: the 1960s civil rights activists who bravely staged sit-ins now having their arrest records cleared. Lastly, we go deep with our Deep Dive on the importance of voting and the power and impact of the Black male vote. Tune in as we gear up for next week’s Presidential Election!  

Join us for an exciting episode of the Black Gems Dive-In Podcast as we broadcast live from the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, D.C. This year marks the 53rd annual legislative conference, and we’re thrilled to discuss pressing issues affecting our communities.

In this episode, we welcome our special guest, Miles Gresham, the Policy Director at Neighbor-to-Neighbor Massachusetts. Miles shares insights on the importance of grassroots organizing and the impact of shifting demographics in cities across the country. We dive into our Diversity Dispatch, highlighting the recent settlement involving the Fearless Fund and its implications for DEI initiatives. We also tackle the hot topic of the recent presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, discussing key takeaways and the importance of policy discussions in the electoral process. Finally, we take a deep dive into Project 2025, exploring its historical roots and the ongoing fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion in our society.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with hope, action plans, and the reminder that we all have the power to effect change in our communities. 

In this week's episode of the Black Gems Dive In, we highlight a Diversity Dispatch, and dive into the recent rollback of DEI efforts by Jack Daniels’ owners, Brown-Forman, and highlight the controversial role of Robby Starbuck in the ongoing battle against diversity initiatives. We also tackle the "meeting industrial complex" and the growing trend of white-collar work being dominated by endless meetings. In our Deep Dive, we explore a revealing Harvard research paper that examines the impact white co-workers have on Black women's careers. And, as always, we end on a high note with our Gem of the Day. Tune in for these timely discussions!

In our latest episode of the Black Gems Dive In Podcast, we explore the intersection of diversity and sports, kicking off with a Diversity Dispatch segment that highlights the diversity within Team USA during the Olympics. Kendra and Kua welcome our guests, all PGA REACH WNY Pathfinder Trustees: John Osberg Director of Development & Foundation Operations, Western New York PGA, Royce Woods VP Community Development Lending, Citizens Bank, Steve Coulton Co-Founder, OnCore Golf, Ron Langhorne Coach and Owner of “I’m Just A Golfer” who dive deeper into the world of golf, discussing how we can continue to catalyze progress in the game, particularly for underrepresented communities. This leads us to a conversation about the impact of PGA REACH WNY in driving accessibility in golf, both in Western New York and beyond, through the efforts of their Foundation Team, Trustees, and PGA Professionals.

In our Hot Topic segment, we delve into the historic story of Alfred Tup Holmes, who played a pivotal role in desegregating public golf courses in Georgia. Kua shares her personal experience of playing 18 holes at the Alfred Tup Holmes Memorial public golf course in Atlanta, reflecting on the significance of this landmark. We wrap up the episode with our Gem of the Day and practical tips on how new golfers can break into the golf scene, offering insights to help anyone, regardless of background, start their journey in the sport.

In this episode of the Black Gems Dive In Podcast, Kua welcomes two distinguished guests, Kim LaVare, Managing Director of Clementine Gold Group, and Natalia Rice, Education, Policy & Creative Director at Clementine Gold Group. In our Diversity Dispatch segment, we dissect an article from the Financial Times titled "Companies Drop DEI Targets from Bonus Plans on Pressure from Conservatives," exploring the implications and future of DEI initiatives in corporate settings. During our Hot Topic segment, we delve into the shocking news of Joe Biden withdrawing from the 2024 Presidential Race, analyzing the potential impacts on the political landscape. In The Deep Dive segment, we engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the Vogue article "What is the Glass Cliff Theory, and What Does It Have to Do with Kamala Harris?" to uncover the challenges faced by women in leadership roles. Finally, the trio shares their insightful Gem of the Day, leaving our listeners with valuable takeaways. 

In this episode of the Black Gems Dive In Podcast, co-hosts Kua and Kendra are joined by Andrew Delmonte, Executive Director of Cooperation Buffalo, to discuss the power of cooperative business ownership in communities of color. The pair discuss the 'Diversity Dispatch' segment analyzing the latest trends in how SHRM, a professional HR organization is removing the “E” in “DEI” as reported by Axios, and a 'Hot Topic' segment addressing the controversy surrounding DEI policies in the Secret Service linked to an alleged assassination attempt on Trump. Andrew shares insights into the historic significance and benefits of cooperatives, highlighting how they contribute to economic security and empowerment. The episode concludes with each participant sharing their gem of the day, leaving listeners with inspiration and actionable insights. For more information on the Changemakers Cooperative Fellowship, visit www.cooperationbuffalo.org. 

On this episode Kua and Kendra discuss the Diversity Dispatch, spotlighting a significant advancement in healthcare equity. New York Medicaid recipients now have access to doulas, a crucial support service for maternal health. The pair also discuss the Hot Topic of connecting to voters of color-exploring key facts about Black eligible voters in 2024, based on a thorough analysis by Pew Research Center. Finally, the pair shares their “Gem of the Day”.

Welcome to this week's episode of the Black Gems Dive In Podcast, where we explore

impactful stories and issues affecting our community.

**Diversity Dispatch:** We begin with a powerful look into the enduring effects of the 1921 Tulsa

Race Massacre. Hear the stories of Black survivors and their ongoing fight for justice.

**Hot Topic:** Our Hot Topic addresses the debate around men and the Selective Service draft.

What are the facts versus the myths? We break it down for you.

**Main Topic:** Finally, we delve into the future of workplace diversity initiatives. Could MEI (Merit, Equality, Inclusion) be the next big thing to replace DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion)? We examine this potential shift and its impact.

Tune in for an episode filled with insightful discussions and perspectives that matter. Don't miss out!

In this episode of the Black Gems Dive In Podcast, we tackle pressing issues in the realm of diversity and inclusion. We start with a Diversity Dispatch on "Meta's AI Council Criticized For Excluding Women And People Of Color," followed by a discussion on Byron Donalds' controversial comments about the Jim Crow era. Our main topic dives deep into the crucial subject of generational wealth with our special guest, Babatunde Cole, a financial advisor and friend of the pod.  

In this episode, Kua and Kendra dive into a significant court ruling of the Fearless Fund, impacting grants given to Black Women Entrepreneurs. The pair also discuss the monumental achievements of the Uncle Nearest Brand and controversial moments in the WNBA, with the latest coverage of the newest rookies and various perspectives of the league. Finally, Kua and Kendra share their “Gem of the Day”.