Shows
Black, Brown & BilingüeDecolonizing the Page: Duncan Tonatiuh and the Power of Visual Narrative In this episode of Black, Brown & Bilingüe, we sit down with award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh to explore his creative journey. Duncan shares insights into his unique writing process, the cultural and historical inspirations behind his work, and the deep connection between place, identity, and storytelling. Through a thoughtful conversation, we discuss how his Mexican-American heritage shapes his art and how he uses picture books to honor untold histories and amplify marginalized voices.2025-07-0447 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Call it by its Name! Lissette and Maurice sit down and discuss the truth about DEI and make a commitment to calling out injustice. Diversity, Equity, any Inclusion is not going anywhere. Lets call it by its name!2025-02-1937 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeAmerican Historia: The Untold History of Latinos with Dr. Paul OrtizJoin Lissette and Maurice as they welcome back Dr. Paul Ortiz where he shared insights into his involvement in American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos, a documentary that sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of Latinos in shaping U.S. history. Dr. Ortiz, a historian and author specializing in Latino and African American histories, discussed the importance of elevating narratives that challenge traditional historical perspectives.2025-02-071h 13
Black, Brown & BilingüeFrom Here, From There: A Dreamer Takes on the Supreme Court with Luis Cortes Romero In our conversation with Luis Cortes Romero, he shared his perspective on participating in From Here, From There, a documentary that explores the lived experiences of immigrants navigating identity, belonging, and the complexities of the U.S. immigration system. As an attorney and advocate deeply involved in immigration law, Cortes Romero discussed how the film captures the resilience and struggles of individuals who, like himself, have been shaped by their immigrant experiences.2025-02-061h 06
Black, Brown & BilingüeHow Schools Make Race with Dr. Laura Chavez Moreno In this episode, Lissette and Maurice spoke with Dr. Laura C. Chávez-Moreno about her book How Schools Make Race: Teaching Latinx Racialization in America. The discussion focused on how schools shape ideas about race through policies and practices, often reinforcing racial inequalities. Using a bilingual education program as a case study, Chávez-Moreno highlighted the complexities of racialization for Latinx students and how education can both challenge and perpetuate racism. You can find her book here https://www.amazon.com/How-Schools-Make-Race-Racialization/dp/1682539229/ref=sr_1_1?crid=357VA2TCWBSSY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._dbbD0aGej4cYl9u0c7Lo2T1VlfaVf2nO...2024-10-0653 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeInk and Insights: From Educator to Storyteller with Djuana OkoteteJoin us for an inspiring episode featuring Djuana Okotete, a former teacher who bravely transitioned from education to the corporate world before finding her true calling as a children's book author and reading advocate. Djuana shares the emotional challenges of leaving behind her beloved profession, the unexpected intersections between education and corporate life, and the fulfilling journey of returning to her passion for storytelling. With candid insights into her creative process and the impact of her work on young readers, Djuana's story reminds us of the power of following our passions against all odds2024-05-0644 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeTalk Less, Smile More: Navigating Introverts and Extroverts in the Work PlaceLissette and Maurice talk about their experience being extroverted leaders and how to navigate working with fellow extroverts as well as introverts in the work place.2024-04-0831 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeWho is your Mt. Rushmore?Join Lissette and Maurice as they kick off season 5 with a discussion of who they would invite to dinner and talk all things leadership.2024-04-0632 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeHow to Talk to People who you Disagree With: A Conversation with Journalist Monica GuzmanMónica Guzmán is Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America, founder and CEO of Reclaim Curiosity, an organization working to build a more curious world; and author of I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times.2023-08-0251 min
Black, Brown & Bilingüe5 Tips How Teachers and Administrators Can Add Positivity to Their School with Sandy CristobalSandy Cristobal is a bilingual educator and administrator. Sandy came to the US with her family when she was seven years old. Her trajectory as a newcomer and English learner led her to pursue education and become a teacher and now administrator. In this episode Sandy shares 5 tips for anyone working in a school setting on how to have a more positive work experience.2023-07-1751 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeTaking Control of White Lives Matter and DEI spaces with Civic Cipher Part 2It this part 2 of 2 episode, Lissette and Maurice sit down with two syndicated radio hosts who were gained national attention after they acquired the rights to the "White Lives Matter" copyright so no one can profit off it.2023-06-3051 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeTaking Control of White Lives Matter and DEI spaces with Civic Cipher Part 1It this part 1 of 2 episode, Lissette and Maurice sit down with two syndicated radio hosts who were gained national attention after they acquired the rights to the "White Lives Matter" copyright so no one can profit off it.2023-06-2651 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeExpanding the Fantasy Genre to Mesoamerica with Lizz HuertaIn this first ever intimate interview, Lissette goes solo to discuss Lizz Huerta's first time novel, The Lost Dreamer. A lush, immersive debut fantasy about a group of women whose way of life is threatened by a new king; a fierce celebration of community, sisterhood, and finding our power.2023-05-0446 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeClosing the Attitude Gap with Principal KafeleJoin us on the 1st episode of season 4 as we talked to Principal Kafele @bkafele about the difference between the achievement gap and the attitude gap, the obligations of being a Black principal, what its like to transition from being a principal to being a consultant.2023-04-101h 03
The Counter Narrative: Changing the Way We Talk (and think) About EducationEpisode 141: Interview w/ Black, Brown, & Bilingue PodcastIn this episode, I chat with Lissette Jacobson and Maurice McDavid, the co-hosts of the Black, Brown, and Bilingue podcast, a show designed to unite the Black and Brown communities through education, storytelling, and community engagement. Both Lissette and Maurcie have over a decade of experience serving in education and both are currently principals in the suburbs of Chicago.
During our conversation, we focus on the intersectionality of language and identity. When was the last time you considered the relationship between the two and what did your assumptions or reactions say about your perceptions? For example, Lissette...2023-02-0348 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeLets Recap Season 3In this episode, Lissette and Maurice look back at season 3 and look forward to the future of BBB and their new business venture.2022-10-2144 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeCorrecting the History of Black and Latinx people with Dr. Paul Ortiz Dr. Paul Ortiz is a 1st generation college student and 3rd generation military veteran. He is a Professor of History and Director of the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program at the University of Florida. He is the author of "An African American and Latinx History of the United States." Dr. Ortiz is president of the United Faculty of Florida, AFL-CIO, He is the Recipient of the Cesar Chavez Award, Florida Education Association. He is also a former organizer with the United Farm Workers of Washington State and the Farm Labor Organizing Committee.2022-07-081h 12
Black, Brown & BilingüeNatural Talent vs Discipline Lissette and Maurice discuss what is the key to being successful, having natural talent or discipline and focus? 2022-06-2142 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeDecolonizing the Speech Language Therapy Profession with Warda Farah Warda Farah is a Speech and Language Therapist From London, England and Founder of Language Waves. Language Waves specializes in using an array of methods to provide culturally diverse therapeutic input for schools and local communities.In this conversation, Warda explains how the speech language therapy profession is biopolitical, colonial & racist and much more.2022-06-0749 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeCurriculum and EquityIn this episode, Lissette and Maurice discuss why good equity work needs to be included in school curriculum. 2022-05-1740 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeRoasting: The Cultural Nuance of Showing LoveIn this hilarious episode, Lissette and Maurice dive into the cultural nuance of how black and brown communities show love by making fun of each other.2022-04-2442 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeNavigating White Spaces, Black Nerdom, and an Archnemesis with Jordan Lanfair In this episode, Maurice’s archnemesis and educator Jordan Lanfair talks about a variety of topics surrounding education, black nerdom, navigating predominantly white spaces, and grapples with how to tell his story.2022-04-111h 01
Black, Brown & BilingüeNIU's Social Justice Camp with Dr. Joe Flynn and Dr. James Cohen Returning BBB alumni Dr. James Cohen and Dr. Joe Flynn discuss the past, present and future of NIU’s upcoming Social Justice Camp. This three-day event is designed to bring together educators to investigate multicultural and social justice education. Campers will have significant opportunities to discuss social justice issues, both general and specific to their schools, with experts and colleagues, as well as time for individual reflection and group activities. https://www.cedu.niu.edu/.../social-justice-camp/index.shtml2022-04-1148 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeJoy Uprising with Gabby RiveraLissette and Maurice interview Gabby Rivera to talk about joy, writing, and everything in between!2022-03-1459 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeTeacher shortage, DIVERSIFY Act, and Rep. Chuy GarciaLissette and Maurice interview Rep. Chuy Garcia about the DIVERSIFY Act, as well as the teacher shortage and more!2022-03-0236 min
Black, Brown & BilingüeReflections on Season 2Maurice and Lissette look back at season two and the tumultuous times it covered. They also share some exciting news about where they are headed next before they get to work on season three. 2022-01-1838 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeDr. Leo Chavez and Linda Sanchez: The Long History of the Immigrant "Other"In this conversation with Dr. Leo Chavez, professor of anthropology at UC-Irvine and Linda Sanchez, a student in the program we cover the idea of the long history of the "immigrant threat" that over the last three to four decades has manifested in negative feelings towards Latino immigration. Listen and learn. Contribute to the conversation on social media and share the episode. 2021-12-051h 01Black, Brown & BilingüeThe Hilarity of Rekha Shankar: A Comedian's Perspective on LifeRekha Shankar, former writer and performer for College Humor, lets us in on some of her thoughts about society and culture and how it is reflected in our entertainment. She shares with us some of her motivation for writing and her desire to just be a comedian and not always a "woman of color in comedy." Listen, learn and share.This episode includes explicit language. Listener discretion is advised. 2021-10-191h 00Black, Brown & BilingüeDavid Muhammad: Hip Hop, Education and Social JusticeDavid Mohammed is an educator in the Kansas City area. He also serves as a karate instructor and has released several hip-hop projects. In this episode, David discusses his role as a Black, Muslim teacher in a majority White school and how he has integrated all of his talents into educating students.*This episode contains some language that may be perceived as offensive.2021-09-2236 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeDemocratic Whip, Representative Jim E. Clyburn Discusses Covid 19 and Vaccine HesitancyThis episode is part of a series of short episodes that will focus on the timely conversation of vaccine hesitancy. Democratic Whip and Representative of the 6th District of South Carolina, Jim Clyburn, has been tasked with leading the Corona Virus Crisis Response Committee for Congress. Listen as he shares some updates and insights about the vaccine and other important information. 2021-08-0229 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeLangston Ward and Vaccine HesitancyThis is the first in what will be a series of short episodes that will focus on the timely conversation of vaccine hesitancy. Langston Ward is a program manager for Interfaith Youth Corp. He is using many of the lessons he learned while studying at Harvard and as a classroom teacher to lead a campaign focused on informing people about the benefits of the Covid 19 vaccine. 2021-08-0230 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeThe Complexity of the X in Latinx w/ Dr. Cristobal SalinasThis episode features Florida Atlantic University professor, Dr. Cristobal Salinas who is leading the academic world with his research on the topic of Latinx and the varied other terms used to describe people groups from Latin America. This conversation is as engaging as it is informative.2021-07-2456 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeA Critique of 21st Century American PatriotismAs the 4th of July just passed, listen in on Maurice and Lissette as they discuss their relationship with their home country of the USA. They discuss who is allowed to critique the country and who is told to just be grateful for the opportunities it has provided. It is a powerful, albeit somewhat sporadic conversation that will leave you thinking. 2021-07-1050 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeBro. Henry and Entrepreneurship as a Pathway to LearningHenry McDavid is a published author, motivational speaker and serial entrepreneur. He is the CEO and co-founder of Kikifer's Entrepreneurial Academy, a private school in Rockford, IL, serving students across grade levels and promoting excellence. He also happens to be Maurice's older brother. Listen as he shares knowledge, wisdom, and his perspective on the potential for unity between the Black and Brown communities. 2021-06-1946 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeCritical Race Theory (CRT): Interview with Dr. David StovallJoin Lissette and Maurice as they interview Dr. David Stovall about CRT, engineered conflict, high-stakes testing, and the pandemic. 2021-05-291h 00Black, Brown & BilingüeInterview with Neil deGrasse TysonLissette and Maurice interview Neil deGrasse Tyson to discuss, science, education, and race. 2021-05-081h 01Black, Brown & BilingüeLatinx Representation in the Media: Interview with Felix SanchezLissette and Maurice interview Felix Sanchez, founder of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, and discuss the lack of Latinx representation in the media. 2021-04-2353 minBlack, Brown & BilingüePresumed Alliance with Nicolas C. VacaLissette and Maurice sit down with the author of the Presumed Alliance, Nicolas C. Vaca, to discuss his book, politics, and the road ahead. 2021-04-1157 min
Teachers' Lounge'Black, Brown & Bilingüe' | Teachers' Lounge PodcastOn a new episode of Teachers' Lounge, Lissette Jacobson and Maurice McDavid! They’re elementary school principals in West Chicago and the hosts of the podcast “Black, Brown & Bilingüe”! They talked to Peter about the mission of their show – uniting the Black and Brown communities with conversations & education. We covered identity and intersectionality and what it means in education, Illinois’ culturally responsive teaching standards that Maurice helped write, the non-profits they’re both starting on top of everything else and so much more!2021-04-0257 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeExceptionalism and TokenismIn this season 2 premiere, Lissette and Maurice explore the topics of exceptionalism and tokenism through their own experience.2021-03-2751 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeInterview with Dr. Harlene Ricks ShipleyJoin Lissette and Maurice as they interview Lissette's middle school principal, Dr. Harlene Ricks Shipley. Dr. Shipley was born and raised in Waukegan, IL. Listen as she recounts her story about growing up in segregated Waukegan, to becoming a school administrator, and now running for school board. 2021-02-2142 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeAmbassador of Hope: Interview with Andre NormanLissette and Maurice interview Andre Norman. From illiteracy to gang activity, Andre’s childhood prepared him for nothing less than a life of crime and violence. This behavior eventually led Andre to be sentenced to over 100 years in prison.As a natural-born leader, he quickly rose to the top of the prison gang system where he managed gang activities from within the confines of a maximum security prison. During his two year stay in solitary confinement, Andre had an “epiphany” and he made the decision to turn his life around.2021-02-1349 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeBlack and Brown Youth and the Media: Interview with Clement TownsendJoin Lissette and Maurice as they interview Clement Townsend in this encore episode. Clement Townsend spent 17 years on television as a sports journalist covering the Super Bowl, the NBA All-Star game, the CFB national championship and much more. This is why he so passionate about the media. He has spent the last two years working as a consultant in various schools around Chicago teaching a media program. He has trained 500+ students and has seen some amazing results.2021-01-3041 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeWhat's Love Got To Do With It? Interracial/Interethnic Marriage Pt.2Lissette and Maurice are joined by their spouses, and they get real about their interracial/interethnic marriages from their perspective.2020-12-3138 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeWhat's Love Got To Do With It? Interracial/Interethnic MarriageLissette and Maurice get real about their interracial/interethnic marriages, and how they impact both their professional and personal lives. 2020-12-1252 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeInterview with Dr. Joe Flynn on Hip-Hop EducationProfessor Joe Flynn of NIU's College of Educations takes us to school as he discusses the power of hip hop as a change agent and in particular how it can be used in the current educational process. Listen as he describes how to push past the gimmicks and truly hit the heart of hip hop in the classroom. 2020-11-2846 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeImmigration and Multilingualism with Dr. BahWhile we think of Latin American first when we hear the word immigration, this episode delves into the story of a multilingual professor who journey to the US from the Ivory Coast. Listen to Dr. Abu Bah share his life lessons!2020-10-3140 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeInterview with Lu Rocha and Mental HealthJoin your hosts, Lissette and Maurice, as they talk with Lu Rocha about providing mental health services that are diverse, inclusive, and culturally accessible to everyone.2020-10-0951 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeStories of Mental HealthLissette and Maurice discuss their own personal stories with mental health. 2020-09-2638 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeHate to Forgiveness with Sammy RangelYour hosts, Lissette and Maurice, interview Sammy Rangel about his life, and how he went from living a life of hate to now helping others leave hate groups. 2020-09-121h 02Black, Brown & BilingüeIntersectionality and LeadershipLissette and Maurice talk about their various identities, and how intersectionality has shaped their experience and leadership.2020-08-2950 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeDeconstructing Immigration Myths with Dr. James CohenJoin your hosts, Lissette and Maurice, in this thought-provoking interview with Dr. James Cohen. Some of the topics discussed are immigration, Black & Brown divide, and how educators can have difficult conversations for the sake of their students. 2020-08-1446 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeMovin' On Up: Black, Brown, and Middle ClassJoin your hosts, Lissette and Maurice, as they discuss their trajectory towards the middle class. They also share how this impacts their parenting styles, and how the Black and Brown communities are less securely bound to the middle class.2020-07-3145 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeBlack & Brown DivideYour hosts, Lissette and Maurice, explore the presumed alliance between the Black and Brown communities. How do the economic, political, and social needs of each group differ, and how are they similar?2020-07-1744 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeHamilton, History, and Cancel CultureJoin your hosts, Lissette and Maurice, as they explore cancel culture through the lens of Hamilton and how history is taught in public schools.2020-07-1042 minBlack, Brown & BilingüeA Brotha and a Latina Walk Into a SchoolGet to know your hosts, Lissette and Maurice, two social justice educators, as they converse about language, culture and education.2020-07-0332 min