Higher Education Anti-Racist Teaching (H.E.A.R.T.) Podcast

Collectivity & Solidarity in Antiracist Teaching

Dr. Anna Marie LaChance, a Graduate Assistant at the Vergnano Institute for Inclusion, and Manuel (Manny) Ramirez, a PhD Candidate in the Department of Sociology, both at the University of Connecticut, are rising stars in their fields who actively work to bring intersectionality in the spaces they inhabit. Guided by historical figures, scholars, and advisors, they break down what antiracism means to them and the potential it has to dismantle systems of oppression, specifically in academia. By breaking hierarchical norms in the classroom and bringing validity to student experiences they actively shape what antiracist teaching can look like, setting a new standard for this work. 

Power, Systems, & Structures

Dr. Stephany Santos, an Assistant Professor in Residence and Associate Director & Dr. David G. Embrick, an Associate Professor, both at the University of Connecticut, have made valuable contributions to ODI as faculty affiliates this spring semester. Their disciplines and unique personal trajectory have provided them with perspectives on not only the structural barriers that students and professors experience in their educational journey but also ways in which the field of academia can be improved. Join us as we hear how they have both been impacted by femtors/mentors who ignited a passion in them for antiracist teaching, which they now actively work to pass on to the next generation of scholars. 

Seeking Excellence in Antiracist Teaching

Dr. Monica Cox, a Distinguished Professor of Engineering at The Ohio State University, shares how her upbringing as an only child in rural southeast Alabama and being raised by educator parents provided her with the foundational tools to persist no matter the circumstances. As a professor, speaker, entrepreneur, among other roles, Dr. Cox makes concerted efforts to bridge notions of excellence and diversity work, as they often exist in isolation. Her inquisitive and innovative nature encourages us to think about antiracist teaching in new ways in order to tackle contemporary issues. Join us as we hear more about Dr. Cox's story and how it shapes her approach to this important work. 

Plantation Politics and Campus Rebellions

Dr. Bianca Williams from The Graduate Center at CUNY and Dr. Dian Squire from Loyola University Chicago share their experiences in the academy and how they were impacted, in more ways than one, by the development of their book, Plantation Politics and Campus Rebellions. By engaging in anti-racist teaching efforts, they describe the heavy cost that comes with this work, especially as it's often not supported by higher education institutions. Join us as we hear more about Drs. William and Squire's educational background, what they've learned from their journey in the academy, and their view for the future of anti-racist work. 

Season 2 Finale

In this season finale, Dr. Milagros Castillo-Montoya and Omar Romandia from the University of Connecticut share their reflections on specific takeaways from conversations with their guests throughout the semester. From dance to music, antiracist teaching practices are truly multi-faceted and have the capacity to be transformative no matter the discipline. 

Antiracist Teaching Through Art

Dr. Alexis Boylan from the University of Connecticut and Dr. Melissa Crum from Mosaic Education Network share how their professional and educational journeys inform how they approach antiracist work within art. By being more aware and critical about the visuals we consume on a daily basis, they encourage us to consider how visual expression, particularly through digital media, is intentional and how we might engage with it differently. Join us as we hear more about Drs. Boylan and Crum's work, their educational background, and their perspective on how our interpretations of art can reflect our narratives and positionalities. 

Antiracist Teaching Through Theatre

Michael Bradford from the University of Connecticut and Dr. Christine Mok from the University of Rhode Island share how they integrate their own identities and lives to inform how they approach antiracist work within theatre. By combining their unique lenses and the traditional Western canon in theatre, our guests constantly work to disrupt that canon and create space for what might be possible in and through theatre. Join us as we hear more about Michael and Dr. Mok's work, their educational background and exposure, and their contributions to antiracist teaching in higher education. 

Antiracist Teaching Through Music

Dr. Joseph Abramo from the University of Connecticut and Dr. Joyce McCall from Arizona State University share their perspective on what it means to teach music and music teachers in a way that honors the history and totality of musical genres. Pulling from their own experience and passion for the field, they share new ways of teaching and learning with students that are both bold and humanistic. Join us as we hear more about Joseph and Joyce's work, their musical background and exposure, and their contributions to higher education through music. 

Antiracist Teaching Through Visual Arts & Design

Dr. Oscar Guerra from the University of Connecticut and Dr. Lauren Cross from the University of North Texas share their perspective on what it takes to build upon one's history to cultivate new ways of engaging in antiracist teaching through visual arts and design. Their work emphasizes critical thinking, social investment, and vulnerability, in which they take a moral responsibility to prepare the next generation of scholars, activists, and artists. Join us as we hear more about Oscar and Lauren's work, their upbringing, and their contributions to the world at large through visual arts and design. 

Antiracist Teaching Through Dance

Truth Hunter from the University of Connecticut and Shani Collins from Connecticut College walk us through their process of how they disrupt dominant ideas about dance while cultivating a space for dancers to find themselves and even help them find a voice they didn't know they had. Their work spans multiple continents, which paves the way for a rich approach to their work. Join us as we hear more about Truth and Shani's craft, their history, and their contributions to the broader world through the act of dance.