The Ro & Jo Show/Ro Speaks

We are switching gears! This is our pilot episode of Ro Speaks where the hosts discuss insights related to Jo’s desire to change her negative thought patterns or beliefs. Any information shared should not be used as therapeutic guidance.

The maliciousness of racism and intolerance permeates every aspect of American society both directly and indirectly. Not a day goes by without a report of an awful offense directed towards people of color by their white counterparts. To say that racism is a public health crisis today is an understatement and it is up to us as individuals to be accountable for our hateful actions directed at those who we perceive as different. Our guest J, an Asian- American, will discuss her experiences with racism in North Fulton County Georgia and her feelings about the rise in violent crimes against Asian-Americans. It was actually shocking to hear of her experiences in North Fulton County GA but yet again it wasn't. It shows that racism, white fragility, and the mindset of white supremacy runs deep, so deep nobody knows when they are displaying these behaviors. Listen, like, and share! #stopasianhate

In this episode of Untold Racism we discuss Black History Month and why, for some, opting out may or may not be what you think it is. 2020, once again shed light on the racism that exists in America and the white of things. Fast forward to February 2021 and somehow BHM and school curriculum is a hot topic. We were honored to have a special guest, Laura this episode. She will discuss her experiences this year with the Black History learning curriculum of her children (Kindergarten and Second grade). Laura is home schooling due to COVID, her eyes were opened to the reality of what schools are teaching about Black History. All three of us are still left to ponder... 1. Should history class be revamped? 2. Since Black History is American History should it be taught that way? 3. Is Black History Month another divisive seed planted at an early age? Final thoughts... Black History should be celebrated today and every day! If you have a SIDE HUSTLE and need a place to work, store goods, or host a podcast check out R2W.com!

Black children are placed in foster care 2.2 times more than white children and remain in foster care 2 times longer. On this episode we discuss how difficult it is to get children out of the system once placed, and how a white foster parent tried to keep black children from their family.

Happy New Year! Let 2021 bring us more peace, love, and mindfulness. We are so excited to bring you the second season of Untold Racism. In this episode we talk about the impact 2020 had on us and how we plan to move forward with the Podcast. Future episodes will consist of Inter-Racial Adoptions, Capitalism, the importance of mindfulness, Albert Wilson, and other aspects of Racism that is untold, unseen, and insidious. 

What do you know about Sickle Cell, if anything? We wanted to start off 2020 with something personal and very important to us at the Ro and Jo Show! There are apporoximately 100,000 Americans with Sickle Cell Anemia, however Sickle Cell does NOT have a National Registry like other diseases. It is deadly, and does not get proper attention from the healthcare community. In this episode we explain what Sickle Cell is, who it impacts, and the advances made to cure the disease. Since we recorded this episode "60 Minutes" did a segment on Sickle Cell that touched on some of these issues including how a new treatment using the HIV virus is curing Sickle Cell disease, in fact, roughly 16 people have been cured with this treatment.

Listen to the disturbing clip of Hoover AL high school students sit around while laughing about bigotry, hatred, and murder. It is unbelievable that in 2019 students and teachers continue to flaunt their bigotry as a badge of honor. Listen as Ro and Jo discuss their thoughts on why racism starts at home and ideas on how we can put a rest to the hatred that still seems to grip white America. Are black people getting spiritually lynched in this country? Are we raising baby bigots?

Just a little bit of who we are, and why we want to be the baddest Beez in Podcasting! 

Today we are debunking some of the myths, and questioning stereotypes about interracial relationships and those who judge them!

Are we not all guilty of cultural appreciation?! Is there a gray area here?! But, of course!

We discuss the invisible tension between black & white women. Also, suggesting ways to open up to one another about the problems, stereotypes, and behaviors that prevent building authentic relationships.

Today we are discussing reparations and how it would impact us as a society. Would it heal the trauma that has been caused already or would it create a bigger divide?  We will also explain that 40 acres and a mule is NOT a myth and how Republicans awarded the land and how a Democrat took it back.... Everyone has an opinion on this topic. What is yours?

We are discussing the Tulsa, Oklahoma massacre of a black community known as “Black Wall Street", (the north (black) side of the tracks) which whites called "niggertown". Post slavery, black people in the area were forced to live in this part of town due to segregation, here they created a succesful area that included grocery stores, hotels, shopping boutiques, bars, schools, and blustering community. They started creating wealth for themselves and their families by helping one another build businesses. Until one fateful day when a 19yo black boy walked into the Drexel Building with permission and got on an elevator with a 16 yo white girl; the incidents that unfolded after were horrific forms of destruction and murder.

We are talking about Linda Taylor the infamous "welfare queen". An interesting story that has many layers and sadly we cannot pull them all back because nobody knows them all. Unfortunately only Linda can tell us and may she RIH she died in 2002.  

We are recapping our previous episodes, discussing some of our reasons why, and just having a little fun with it! 

Today we discuss the theory of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome and how it has impacted Black America then and now! The first step to healing is recognizing the problem and moving past it but how can one do that when the world says there is no problem? Just one major issue most people of color face today. We do this podcast every week in hopes of reaching one or two people of both races that may not understand the depths of racism, the impact is has had on all of us, and why there is still an issue at hand. We have to stop whitewashing history, denying the problem, face our fears, get honest with ourselves, and move through this issue with eyes wide open! Check out Dr.Joy Leary's take on the history of slavery here; https://youtu.be/sGx57C2hYsI!

In 2018 there were ONLY 23 days when someone did NOT get killed by police! The USA imprisons more people than any other country in the world! How free are we really? These statistics impact people of color far more than any other race. We discuss some of the issues we hear about, see on the news, and read about. We talk about the amount of innocent men being sentenced for crimes they did not commit due to cross-racial identification, mass incarceration, school to prison pipeline, and police brutality! Criminal justice reform is necessary in this country because it is destroying lives, families, and POC are at the forefront of this issue! 

We discuss the history of black people on film and some of the misrepresentations they suffered due to the history of racism. Typecasting has long been an issue for blacks on film and television, however the narrative is changing. There are many new African-American screenwriters, directors, producers and actors (both male and female). They have ushered in a new, more positive representation for the culture, as well as a command for respect in this industry. There is still a long way to go, but progress is being made!

This episode we discuss colorism and how it impacts you emotionally and socially. Also, that it is actually a global problem not just an American problem. Why does melanin cause so much discomfort not only to whites but to people of color as a whole. Who are you to judge who or what is black enough or not black enough? How do we stop the subconscious impacts of slavery and post traumatic stress passed down by generations before us? If white people start recognizing their role in the problems of racism will that be enough? Is minding your business enough? Is recognizing and appreciating people's differences going to be enough? When will enough be enough? Check out the documentary "Shades of Her: A Commentary on Colorism" it is a documentary that gives a live example on how colorism impacts all shades of brown.

We talk about the book "White Fragility" by Robin Diangelo and how she opened our eyes to so many issues and facts surrounding race in America then and now. It is definitely a must read for those of you who are always seeking truth, knowledge, and a positive change!!