Voices of Change with Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz: The Critical Nature of Us

Defining Us uses the power of media and the promise of education to inspire educators to join the conversation on the socio-political cultural issues that matter.  In this episode of Defining Us…Stacey DeWitt interviews Dr. Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, award-winning associate professor at Teachers College, Columbia University.  

We invite you to join the conversation as she and Stacey DeWitt hold little back when discussing the current debate playing out in our schools and communities. Learn how race and identity intersect in the education space and why leading with love may just be the way forward. 

Powerful Moments 

Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast. .   

• 1:45 - Yolanda's Why Story 

• 17:25 - The Critical Love Needed to Move Forward 
• 27:55 - The Fear That Holds Us Back 
• 29:14 - The Work Begins with an Archeology of the Self 
• 1:04:18 - Schools Are the Place for Big Impact   

Critical Reflection Questions (During and After the Listening) 

Use the following critical reflection questions to make deeper meaning of the topics discussed in this episode. 

• How do my own identity, experiences and knowledge influence my understanding of this topic?  
• How does this topic connect with my current context? 

• What are the implications to my practice? 
• How will I continue the conversation in my school/community/organization? 

Inside the Conversation  

Here is a full list of the individuals mentioned in this episode.  

Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, Kalil Gibram Muhammad, Ibram X. Kendi, Pedro Noguera, Gloria Ladson-Billings, William Tate, Richard Rohr, Abraham Joshua Heschel, Richard Milner, Bell Hooks, James Baldwin  

Continue the Learning 

For more information on some of the important individuals, organizations, and topics discussed in this episode. 

• Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz 

• Pedro Noguera  
• Gloria Ladson-Billings  
• Kalil Gibram Muhammad 
• Ibram X. Kendi 
• Critical Race Theory and Why it is Under Attack 

• Archeology of the Self 
• Radical Literacy Project 
• Columbia Teachers College 

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Our favorite part of recording a live podcast each week is participating in the great conversations that happen on social media and in our comments section.  

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Follow our Host  

• Stacey Dewitt on Defining Us 
• Stacey DeWitt on Twitter 

Contact Us for Additional Information on:  

• Hosting a Documentary Screening and Panel 
• Network Experts and Organizations 
• Professional Learning 
• Multi-Media and Print Resources 

 https://definingus.org/take-action/ 

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