Roots, Race & Culture

Is someone's race the same everywhere you go? Surprisingly, no: every place has a unique take on race and culture. As the construct of race varies from country to country, where do these categories come from and why do they differ? Join Roots, Race & Culture to explore the different cultural customs that influence how people define themselves different places, with a special spotlight on the difference between the U.S. and Brazil. Both Americans and Brazilians agree that race is generally determined by your ancestry, as well as how you look. Most Americans believe that ancestry determines race, whereas Brazilians are more likely to say appearance or skin color determines race. For example, take two famous figures: President Barack Obama and Brazilian soccer star Neymar, both with similar skin color. Barack Obama self-identifies as black, whereas Neymar does not. Learn more about how self-identification can be impacted by community and culture with hosts Danor Gerald and Lonzo Liggins, joined by two guests: Jackie Chen, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Utah, and Jomens Marques, a food and production engineer with first-hand experience of how ideas of race differ in Brazil and America. 

On this episode of Roots, Race & Culture, meet LaShawn Williams, LCSW, and filmmaker Mauli Bonner, two Black members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hosts Danor Gerald and Lonzo Liggins learn how the religion shapes their lives, their favorite memories, and their interpretation of historical doctrine in the Church. Filmmaker Mauli Bonner creates films about Black history in the Church of Jesus Christ, including his production “His Name is Green Flake,” which tells the story of a 19-year-old Black pioneer who led one of the largest pioneer migrations in America. Hear why representing Black people in religious history and art is iso important to him. LaShawn Williams, licensed clinical social work with 20 years of experience in higher education, gives poignant advice and support to any young Black member of the of Church. Williams discusses how she interprets scriptural doctrine, and the impact it has had on her experience in the faith. Not familiar with the history of the LDS Church? Here’s a quick overview: Originally, when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded by Joseph Smith in 1830, Black members had equal standing to their white counterparts. However, after the death of Joseph Smith, that all changed as Brigham Young took leadership of the Church and helped establish Utah as a slave territory and placed major restrictions on Black church members. It wasn't until 1978 that the Church allowed Black members to once again have full participation within the faith. How does this history shape today’s members? Tune in to find out!

Utah has a history of refugees predating statehood itself, starting with the Mormon pioneers in the mid-1800s. Today, over 70,000 refugees call the Beehive State home. Learn some of the names, faces, and stories from our own backyard. Amandine Akimana, refugee advocate, and Madelaine Lamah, advocate and entrepreneur join Roots, Race & Culture hosts Danor Gerald and Lonzo Liggins to discuss their lived experiences. In this episode, our panel defines the terms immigrant, refugee, and migrant, and discusses the founding of America by refugees. Learn some famous refugees in our history that might surprise you! Join the discussion to get a better understanding of your neighbors and friends.

Join Roots, Race & Culture to unpack cultural and societal barriers that contribute to mental health struggles and explore resources to help Utahns. Hosts Danor Gerald and Lonzo Liggins are joined by two experts in their fields: Niecie Jones, licensed marriage and family therapist, and Stormey Nielsen, LCSW. Both weigh in on how to understand, define, and improve mental health. Mental health can be a taboo topic among many Black families and people of color. However, mental health is a more important issue than ever, as data from the CDC shows suicide rates among Black youth have increased 54 percent since 2019 - surpassing white youth for the first time; and Black adults are 20 percent more likely to experience serious mental health problems compared to the general population. With these alarming statistics in mind, how can Utahns work to normalize and improve their mental health? Find out how to take care of your mental health and find the safe spaces that are right for you. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to the following resources for help: Utah Suicide & Crisis Hotline: 988 SafeUT: 833-372-3388

In America, Jackie Robinson is a household name, known for breaking the color barrier in professional baseball. But did you know that the color barrier in basketball was broken by a Utah native? Wataru Misaka was the first non-white athlete in professional basketball when he was drafted by the New York Knicks. At the time, there were two professional leagues which merged into the NBA in 1949, so this legend of professional basketball has largely gone unrecognized until recently. Meet two people who are working to bring Wat’s story to Utah audiences through a stage play: Aaron Asano Swenson, playwright of "Kilo-Wat", and actor Bryan Kido.

Two of America’s most dynamic fashion designers call Utah home: Fernanda Böhme Birkland, owner of Böhme Apparel, and Kenneth Boggs, owner of Kenneth Boggs Custom. Learn how they broke into the industry, and how their cultural heritage influences their styles, stores, and more. Also, discover the strong influence of Africa and Latin America on American fashion today. Watch Roots, Race & Culture to focus on the intersection of passion meeting fashion.

Our diet can make a difference in how we feel and think. What’s best for our bodies? Learn how conscious food choices impact physical and mental health. Meet Omar Abou Ismail, founder of Rawtopia and food enthusiast. His passion is sustainability and making meals from scratch in his restaurant. Debbie Dworkin, founder of the tea brand Dr. Mushroom, is dedicated to being part of a ‘wellness renaissance’ and making mushrooms available to everyone. Tune in to Roots, Race & Culture to see if the old saying is true that ‘you are what you eat’!

Sen. Luz Escamilla (D) and Sen. John Johnson (R) discuss how they navigate ideological differences to find common ground, even from across the aisle. “I would say it’s about building relationships that keep us in this respectful, civil way of dealing with issues that are difficult and hard,” said Sen. Escamilla. Sen. Johnson added, “I think at the end of the day, we can see needs, and make sure that we take care of those among us. I think that’s something we share.” Join Roots, Race & Culture to see how productive discourse is possible despite deep political divides. By prioritizing relationships over politics, can Americans encourage dialogue, not division?

Chantelle Squires and Ebay Hamilton join this discussion to shed light on the experience of what it is like to grow up with parents from two different racial or ethnic backgrounds, and how that shapes their view of the world. Plus, dive into an exploration of the benefits of a multicultural upbringing. Is there such a thing as a “biracial advantage?”

Explore the challenges and successes of being an LGBTQ+ person of color in Utah. How can we make inclusion intentional to accept and celebrate our differences? Special guests Olivia Jaramillo and Harry Hawkins join in on a comprehensive discussion on the realities of being LGBTQ+ in the BIPOC community in Utah.

Uncover the remarkable story of civil rights activist Joan Trumpauer, a legendary Freedom Rider who worked to help de-segregate America. Trumpauer and her son Loki Mullholland join this episode of Roots, Race, & Culture to discuss topics of voter suppression, gerrymandering, and the importance of every vote.

Explore the racist history that discourages Black and Hispanic communities from engaging in outdoor activities in Utah even to this day. Plus, discover the transformative work of organizations challenging stereotypes and making outdoor spaces more inclusive. Special guests Ashley Cleveland and Esteban Benites-Moreno share their perspectives in this inspiring episode of Roots, Race & Culture.

Explore the careers of BIPOC actors in Utah's theatrical market and learn about the challenges faced by these artists, from implicit bias to casting paradoxes, and the limited local projects available. Yolanda Wood and Jerry Rapier join in a comprehensive discussion on the realities BIPOC actors face and the importance of equitable opportunities in Utah’s entertainment industry.

Examine the disturbing trend of book banning and the exclusion of African American history from school curricula. With Utah ranking among the top five states for book bans, join us as we explore what exactly is being banned and who has the authority to decide. Prepare to explore censorship and the ongoing struggle to ensure an accurate and inclusive representation of African American history.

Discover the rich history and positive aspects of Hispanic American lowriding culture as we explore how it transformed into a thriving community. Connie Mendoza and Nick Peck, two big names in Utah’s lowriding scene debunk stereotypes and highlight how lowriding serves as a deterrent to gangs, imparts valuable skills, and fosters a supportive family dynamic.

Experience the captivating history and profound legacy of Black churches in Salt Lake City in an enlightening episode of Roots, Race & Culture. Uncover the remarkable story of Biddy Mason and her role in establishing the Black Church in Utah. Join esteemed guests Rev. France Davis and Reverend Daryell Jackson as we explore the hidden history and experiences of these diverse congregations.

Lonzo and Danor lead a conversation about diversity and inclusion in businesses and culture overall. The episode addresses the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and how this threatens progress towards equality. The guests, Dr. Sidney Shorter and Nikki Walker, provide their insights and experiences related to DEI challenges.

Celebrate the history of Jazz music in Utah. Along with guests Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin and George Brown, Danor and Lonzo discuss the evolution of jazz in Utah, particularly during the 1940s to 1960s when musicians played at ski resorts and carved out a space for themselves in the music scene. The panel explores the current state of jazz in Utah and how it enhances the state's cultural landscape.

Learn about healthcare distrust in marginalized communities. Lonzo and Danor discuss historical factors with healthcare professionals and advocates, highlighting events like experimentation on enslaved Africans and the Tuskegee Syphilis Study. They explore solutions for rebuilding confidence, including education for healthcare professionals, and creating an equitable healthcare system for all.

Lonzo and Danor host a discussion with Tiffany Rasmussen and Dr. Harjit Kaur about race and beauty standards. Inspired by Malcolm X's 1962 speech, the episode questions negative attitudes towards physical features such as hair texture, skin color, and body shape. The panelists share personal experiences and emphasize the importance of inclusivity and embracing natural beauty.