Jan 19, 2025
Summary:
In this episode of Everyday Conversations on Race, Simma Lieberman
is joined by Dr. Joe-Joe McManus and Juan Lopez, two individuals
who share their experiences and insights into anti-racism and
building true, meaningful interracial relationships. The
conversation focuses on the importance of talking about race, the
difference between being "non-racist" and "anti-racist," and how
everyone can take small actions to fight racism. The episode
highlights the need for intentional relationships across cultures
and races, the significance of sharing personal stories, and the
long-term process of working together to advance freedom and
dismantle racism.
What can you do today to actively challenge racism in your own
life? Keep listening to discover how small, intentional actions can
make a difference.
Show Notes:
[00:00] Introduction Simma introduces her guests, Dr. Jojo McManus,
an anti-racist educator and diversity and inclusion practitioner,
and Juan Lopez, a consultant focused on leadership, organizational
development, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). The trio
shares their personal connections and the powerful community
they’re part of, which focuses on building interracial,
multicultural, and interfaith communities.
[04:30] Why It’s Important to Talk About Race Simma asks Jojo and
Juan if it's still important to talk about race in a world that
sometimes claims we are "post-racial." Jojo and Juan explain how
racism is alive and resurging and why ongoing conversations about
race and racism are crucial.
[08:15] The Founding of Diversity 2000 (D2K) Juan shares how he
co-founded the Diversity 2000 (D2K) community in 1993, a group
designed to bring diversity professionals together to collaborate
rather than compete. This community has grown into a 32-year-long
initiative supporting DEI professionals globally.
[14:00] The Importance of Real Interactions The discussion turns to
the value of truly interacting with people who are different from
us, not just having "diverse friends." Jojo and Simma emphasize
that building anti-racist habits involves more than just
proximity—it requires intentional relationships and actions.
[20:30] Jojo’s Book: A Brother's Insight Jojo discusses his book, A
Brother's Insight: Guidance on Defeating Racism and Advancing
Freedom. He shares how the book was inspired by the death of his
brother and the powerful lessons he’s learned about racism,
systemic oppression, and the importance of being actively
anti-racist.
[26:00] Small Actions Against Racism Jojo and Juan discuss small,
intentional actions that can make a difference in fighting
racism—like inviting someone different to join your group or
calling out racism when you see it. Simma highlights how these
actions can become part of your daily life when anti-racism is
treated as a core value.
[31:00] The Complexity of Racism and Mental Health The conversation
touches on how racism impacts mental health, including how
internalized racism can affect communities. Jojo talks about how
his brother’s death, which was influenced by racism, deeply shaped
his work in anti-racism.
[36:00] The Importance of Self-Care in the Fight Against Racism
Simma and her guests discuss the importance of self-care to prevent
burnout, especially when doing the long, hard work of anti-racism.
Simma shares how she uses Magic Mind, an elixir designed to reduce
stress, improve cognition, and support mental health.
[39:00] Taking Action and Creating Change Jojo emphasizes that
everyone's voice has the power to make a difference in the fight
against racism. Whether it’s through lending your talent or raising
your voice, each person can contribute to making the world more
just.
[42:30] Closing Remarks and Call to Action The episode wraps up
with Simma encouraging listeners to continue the conversation and
engage in meaningful action against racism. She reminds everyone of
the importance of real relationships and community in this ongoing
journey.
Resources:
● Magic Mind Bundle: Get 45% off the Magic Mind bundle
with Simma's exclusive link: magicmind.com/SimmaLJAN (Support
mental health services for the homeless and low-income
communities).
● Book: A Brother's Insight: Guidance on Defeating
Racism and Advancing Freedom by Dr. Jojo McManus is available
online and in local bookstores.
________________________________________
The episode provides actionable ways to learn from, interact with,
and support people from different races, ethnicities, and cultures.
Listeners are encouraged to move beyond passive support and take
small, meaningful steps to stand against racism in their everyday
lives.
Guests Bio:
Dr. Joe-Joe McManus serves as
an Executive Advisor on antiracism and inclusive excellence.
He consults, writes, and speaks widely on topics at the
intersections of antiracism, diversity and
inclusion, and leadership development. His new book, A Brother’s
Insight, offers guidance on
living an impactful antiracist life.
Over the past three decades, Dr. Joe-Joe’s
work has been largely behind the scenes, focused
on developing programs and policy, and advising leaders on
promoting systemic change toward
inclusive excellence. McManus has held faculty, staff, and
executive roles in higher education,
including Chief Diversity Officer. He has served at an HBCU, an
international university, an Ivy
League institution, and at the university system level. He has also
lectured, served on panels,
presented, and consulted across the U.S. and internationally for
more than three decades.
Mr. Juan Lopez co-founded Amistad Associates in 1982 in Oakland, California, with Ms. Giselle Sanchez and a small group of human resource professionals who were working with non-profits, educational institutions and government. In 1987, Mr. Lopez became the CEO of Amistad Associates. In 1988, Amistad Associates relocated to Sebastopol, California.
Juan was the primary consultant for Johnson and Johnson’s Global Multicultural Leadership Program for eight years. In this role he was responsible for designing organizational leadership competencies, using 360’s for professional development, mentoring and developing career strategies for fast track advancement. He worked closely with executive management to evaluate and track progress. His program was recognized nationally and was benchmarked as a best in the field model. Mr. Lopez was a member of the Global Diversity and Inclusion Governance Council with PepsiCo for 5 years and his role was to focus on strategic insight on diversity management, organizational change, leadership development and innovation.
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Simma Lieberman, The Inclusionist helps leaders create inclusive cultures. She is a consultant, speaker, and facilitator. Simma is the creator and host of the podcast, “Everyday Conversations on Race.”
Contact Simma@SimmaLieberman.com to get more information, book her as a speaker for your next event, help you become a more inclusive leader, or facilitate dialogues across differences.
Go to www.simmalieberman.com and www.raceconvo.com for more information
Simma is a member of and inspired by the global organization IAC (Inclusion Allies Coalition)
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