Here you'll find previous week's articles and videos!
Week 1/20
This week’s topic is about a promise of integrity to ourselves. In President Obama’s interview with the Pivot podcast, they discuss some of the ins and outs of what it means to be a leader and the responsibility we have to be gentle with ourselves. President Obama gives the advice to not let people think you do not belong in the same rooms as them. If you want people to believe in you, you have to believe in yourself. As cliche as it might sound, inquiring about your insecurities might expose the subtle ways you hold yourself back. The article dives into practices for how to assess your insecurities and overcome them.
“It may not be your fault that your life has turned out the way that it has but it is your responsibility to live the life you believe you deserve.”
“In a groundbreaking episode of The Pivot, in partnership with Fanatics, we're honored to welcome former President Barack Obama who shares his insight, experiences, and leadership which has inspired millions around the world. We reflect back on his journey to the White House and everything in between while listening to his words on life, politics, family, and the ever-evolving landscape of sports and society. The authenticity of our conversation is powerful, as President Obama opens up with candor, humor, and wisdom, reminding us why he's not only a transformative leader but also a man who’s navigated his life’s Pivots with heart and humility.”
“When you think of confidence, what comes to mind? What about arrogance? The visual — and even behavioral — distinction between confidence and arrogance is hard to pinpoint. When you try to imagine it, you likely think of a person that embodies each of these traits. That’s because outwardly, the behaviors of a confident person and an arrogant one often look the same.”
Week 12/15
Welcome to Kofarah’s Citadel! This website was created with the intention to share resources, art and community. This will be a place where people share ideas and find solutions to community issues.
To fully know something is to explore it. There are sections throughout the website where you can interact with and submit resources, thoughts and opportunities, all with the goal of being unified by nurturing, benevolent & optimistic practices.
Life is complex; we are interwoven into each other's lives akin to the butterfly effect. As a result, there are times we may cause unintentional harm. However, once we’ve been made aware of the harm, it is best practice to repair the harm in a restorative way, such as acknowledgment and atonement along with working on ways to prevent future harm.
There are times when causing harm would be necessary and thus beneficial. Such as rebreaking a leg to let it heal properly. Or compromising the comforts of others to adjust for inequities faced by vulnerable populations. On extreme occasions, the idea of sacrifice may arise in the form of choosing the lesser of two evils or bringing awareness to the greater good of a people and as an extension, the future.
The complexity of harm and its implications may cause too much ambiguity to be understood and practiced in an objective sense. To better navigate the complexity and contribute to the greater good, you may use the creed of Kofarah’s Citadel for building a healthy and ever evolving community.
In this interview author Jason Wilson discusses his books Cry Like a Man & Battle Cry. In both books, Wilson encourages men to reassess how they approach handling deep and complex emotions. He offers methods and insights on how men can alter their way of thinking and work to redefine themselves as undefinable.
“Often used interchangeably with self-care, self-nurturing is in fact very similar in practice, though it goes a bit deeper in intention. Self-nurturing is the idea of determining that we are valuable and deserve care.”
Week 1/24
Hey everyone!
For this week we’re talking about responsibility - specifically, what is our responsibility to our community? The video touches on the importance of having a mentor in your life. A person who pushes and believes you in the moments when you aren’t motivated. The links for the discussion starter are for two biases that have been talked about in DEI sessions: The Just World Hypothesis and The Bounded Rationality. The JWH asks the question - Why do we believe that we get what we deserve? And the BR asks - Why are we satisfied by “good enough?”
The relationship between the video and the 2 links interact with each other in a way of asking, are we doing our absolute best for the people we say we help? When it’s all said and done, will others agree that we gave it all we got?
Lori Hunt is the Director of Multicultural Services and Outreach at SCC. In her video, she discusses her journey through education. She credits her accolades to the support she found in a mentor that pushed her to try again.
The just-world hypothesis refers to our belief that the world is fair, and consequently, that the moral standings of our actions will determine our outcomes. This viewpoint causes us to believe that those who do good will be rewarded, and those who exhibit negative behaviors will be punished. When reading, think about how you’ve expressed or believed in this bias and also how the bias has shaped your world when others projected the bias on to you.
Bounded rationality is a human decision-making process in which we attempt to satisfice, rather than optimize. In other words, we seek a decision that will be good enough, rather than the best possible decision. For this bias, think about how you’ve been impacted by others not trying their best then think about how others may be impacted by you not doing your best.
Week 1/17
Hey everyone!
We’re taking a little side step from the external world of DEI and focusing on some inner work. Carl Jung was a psychologist and psychiatrist who is credited for founding analytical psychology. Jung’s notable works deal with the unconscious mind. One aspect is the Shadow (parts of yourself that you repress and hide from yourself. This can include trauma or parts of your personality that you subconsciously consider undesirable - shame, guilt, imposter syndrome, jealousy, arrogance etc.). The association between DEI and Shadow work is one of understanding ourselves on a deeper level in the realm of these uncomfortable conversations and truths. Not only can exploring Shadow work help on an individual level, but it can also help us uncover universal emotions that consistently come up. Hopefully creating a path towards mastering these emotions and unifying us under the same goal towards a harmonious environment.
The Can’t Afford Therapy podcast is a group of professionals (not licensed therapists) that discuss mental health topics in a manner as if friends were on a lunch date. Their episode on Shadow work touches on some of the work needed to uncover unconscious motivations and how these motivations shape us.
“Join Antoinette, Josh, and SaVon on this week's episode of 'Can't Afford Therapy' as they delve into Shadow's work. The trio kicks things off with a heartfelt check-in, using the feeling wheel to set the tone and create a safe space for exploration. They then proceed to explore the concept of shadow work, shedding light on its definition and its profound impact on personal growth and self-discovery. Next, the cast bravely reveals their shadows and better understands themselves. Lastly, the crew discovers the transformative power of embracing these shadows and learns practical techniques and exercises to navigate this intricate process of self-discovery + MORE!”
By Elizabeth Perry
“We all have traits that we’re proud of, and traits that we don’t feel so confident about. Some of these traits may trigger or embarrass us, so we hide them from public view. These parts make up your shadow self, and it longs to be heard.
However, it’s not always easy to come to terms with our shadow selves. Many people tend to repress those hidden parts of themselves to avoid having to confront that darker side. Even though the shadow still exists, it gets pushed back and forgotten.”
Week 1/10
Hey everyone!
With Martin Luther King Day this upcoming week, here are some resources and information about how the day came to be! There are also some links to a few celebrations going on this weekend. Enjoy!
"What is your life's blueprint?"
"From his rise to notoriety during the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, his leadership of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the March on Washington in 1963, his work toward the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts of the mid-1960s, and his assassination in 1968, Dr. King is very broadly known. But maybe he isn't that well understood. Like many extremely famous people, Martin Luther King can sometimes be drawn as a bit of a flat character, and his ideas can be reduced to platitudes. Today we'll try to give you a fuller picture of the man and leader he was."
"On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law, designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The legislation to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first introduced just four days after his assassination on April 4, 1968. Still, it would take 15 years of persistence by civil rights activists for the holiday to be approved by the federal government and an additional 17 years for it to be recognized in all 50 states. Today, it is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities."
By Miles Bloxson
"Back in the early ‘70s, a group of East Austin activists known as the Austin Black Assembly pushed to rename 19th Street for the civil rights leader after his assassination. They chose the street because it ran through both Black and white communities."
Week 1/3
Hey everyone!
Welcome back! Hope your break was enjoyable and you had some ‘you’ time! To kick off the new year, we’re talking about the significance of music for us and our cultures. Both videos cover some of the health benefits of music. The article discusses the impact music has had on society. Feel free to indulge!
Both videos go into detail about the health benefits of music. They discuss brain and body responses to music and how it can change how we feel and think.
“Music has shaped cultures and societies around the world for generations. It has the power to alter one’s mood, change perceptions, and inspire change. While everyone has a personal relationship with music, its effects on the culture around us may not be immediately apparent. So, how does music affect society? The impact of music on society is broad and deeply ingrained in our history. To demonstrate how deeply our lives are affected by music, let’s delve into the sociological effects of music and how it affects culture.”
Week 12/6
Hey everyone!
For this week we’re covering some of the ways our society lacks inclusive practices for those with disabilities. The first video is told from the POV of someone who was told to keep her disabilities to herself to avoid discrimination. The second video was made with the intention of bringing students in on the conversation about making our society more inclusive. The article breaks down some subtle forms of ableism and some steps we can take to be more inclusive.
Catarina Rivera tells us why employers and leaders have a lot of disabled employees they don’t know about, and shares how to make workplaces better for everyone by prioritizing disability inclusion.
This short video covers some of the ins and outs when it comes to understanding disabilities in our society.
Ableism is a form of systemic oppression, meaning it gives unearned advantages to people who do not experience the world as disabled. This system results in: (a) barriers that people with disabilities uniquely face when trying to navigate the world and (b) unfair treatment and discrimination against people with disabilities. Ableism suggests that some abilities are “normal” or “better,” and ranks people’s worth based on their abilities. As two forms of discrimination that can often overlap, ableism and racism are deeply connected, creating even more challenges for people who are both racial minorities and have disabilities.
Week 11/29
Hey everyone!
For this week, we’re talking about some of the history and experiences of LGBTQIA+ folk. We have two videos. One covers the events and experiences of Stonewall, a major act of resistance against the prejudice and discrimination LGBTQIA New Yorkers faced in the 60’s. The second video and article covers some of the mental health stressors and experiences LGBTQIA folks have felt throughout their lives.
Stonewall Forever is a documentary from NYC’s LGBT Community Center directed by Ro Haber. The film brings together voices from over 50 years of the LGBTQ rights movement to explore queer activism before, during and after the Stonewall Riots. The history of the Stonewall Riots is equally as cherished as it is charged. There are questions of who was there, who “threw the first brick” and who can claim Stonewall. This film doesn’t answer these questions but instead it aims to expand the story of Stonewall by including more voices in its telling. Stonewall Forever brings together queer activists, experienced and new, to look at the movement for LGBTQ equality before, during and after Stonewall. It highlights trans people, people of color and homeless people who were at the forefront of the movement, and who have often been erased from the narrative. It explores how the activism of today stands on the shoulders of the activists who have come before. And it asks us all to recognize the legacy of Stonewall that remains today, when the struggle for queer rights is far from over.
In the summer of 2016 members of the LGBT+ community at King’s College London came together with researchers, service providers, film makers, and diversity and inclusion specialists, with the aims of exploring mental health issues affecting the LGBT+ community. This film is the result.
This report explores the unique mental health outcomes of LGBTQ young people who are Latinx, and provides findings specific to Mexican, Cuban, and Puerto Rican LGBTQ youth. It uses data from a national sample of nearly 6,900 Latinx LGBTQ youth ages 13 to 24 who participated in The Trevor Project’s 2023 National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People.
Week 11/15
Hey everyone!
For this week’s topic, we’re going over some of the stressors both our scholars and colleagues face. Both videos discuss how racial stressors can impact our youth and how youth feel about their racial identity being a means for how others can harass them. The first article talks about stress on the body and the second article covers the long term effects of racial tension and poverty.
"Race-related stressors are prevalent and are linked with racial disparities across the life course. Thus, it is important to understand how experiences with racism and discrimination can contribute to stress, trauma, and other mental and health consequences among children and adolescents of color. This animation sheds light on understanding racial stress and trauma and highlights a few risks and protective factors that can influence healing for youth of color."
"Hear some straight talk from middle-schoolers about race and what it's like to grow up in such racially charged times."
Physicians and public health experts have pointed to one culprit time and again when asked why Americans live shorter lives than peers in nations with similar resources, especially people felled by chronic diseases in the prime of life: stress.
In 2020, the overall life expectancy in the U.S. dropped by 1.5 years, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the reduction wasn't shared equally among the general population; Native American people lost an average of 4.5 years of life expectancy; Black and Hispanic people lost, on average, 3 years, while white people lost only 1.2 years.
Week 11/08
Hey everyone!
November is Native American Heritage month. For the articles and videos this week, we’re going over a brief history of why the month is celebrated along with highlights from various tribes and timelines throughout Texas!
“Albert Bender is a writer, activist and attorney of Cherokee descent. Currently based in Tennessee, he has long been an advocate for Native American cultural preservation and justice. He shares his Brief But Spectacular take on Indigenous cultures and struggles.”
In this ‘Now This’ video, Wade M. Adakai and Antonio Ramirez go over the origins of Native American Heritage month and why they’re proud to celebrate their culture.
This article offers ways to explore and celebrate Native American Heritage month!
The Bullock Museum article goes over some history and facts about Native Americans in Texas.
"More than 14,000 years ago, peoples arrived to what we now call the Americas. Over thousands of years, diverse American Indians built empires on this land, constructing sophisticated cities, and developing elaborate trade networks and complex social systems."
Week 11/02
Hey everyone!
This week we’re talking about the differences between guilt and shame and how these experiences impact us. Navigating these experiences can help broaden our scope for addressing conflicts whether internal or interpersonal. Both the article and video do a deeper dive than the expected and obvious definitions and origins of these experiences. They touch on how we may act from a place of shame and not realize it because we’ve built up a strong defense from ever accepting we could be wrong or unintentionally cause harm. Feel free to do some further research and personal discovery for how these experiences have shaped who you are and who you’ll become.
“What's the difference between shame and guilt, and why do we experience them? Psychologist Dr. Han Ren proposes a new understanding of these primal emotions and illustrates the adaptive roles shame and guilt play in becoming antiracist. Dr. Han Ren is a licensed clinical and school psychologist, consultant, speaker and educator. Her work is deeply rooted in liberation and anti-oppressive work, practicing from a justice-oriented, interpersonal, and systems-informed framework. Dr. Ren utilizes speaking engagements and her broad social media presence to make mental health accessible and applicable in our daily lives. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. “
This article discusses some of the origins and manifestations of shame. In the conversations we have and the content surrounding DEI, a sense of shame might start to arise if one feels like they don’t know enough about a subject or find themselves doing the things that have been deemed harmful to others. Rather than avoid this reality, it would be best to understand oneself and take this as an opportunity to grow and take accountability for these impacts. The article offers some strategies to address these intense emotions.
Week 10/25
Hey everyone!
With early voting happening this week, we’re going to go over a little history of voting in Texas. The video is a quick one from a few students’ perspective and the article covers some facts about voting in our state. Here’s a link to a sample ballot for the upcoming election in Austin.
The video here is a short one. Elementary school children are interviewed and asked about voting and why it’s important. Although the video might be brief, the message is powerful. One of the questions asks the children how they would feel if only one group got to decide what everyone else does. Taking part in your local election can help shape the trajectory of your community in the years to come - just as those who have voted for the current political climate we are experiencing today.
Here’s a snapshot overview of the history of voting in Texas. The article goes over some of the barriers put in place to keep people of color from participating in selecting officials and policies that shape the state. As well as significant federal legislation that has recently impacted the country and voter rights. It also discusses some tendencies people use when they vote and the pros and cons to the method.
Week 10/18
Hey everyone!
This week we’re taking a dive into Austin’s history of segregation. Beginning with the master plan of 1928, the lives of black and brown folks have been shaped then and still have lasting impact today. Both video and article discuss the struggles and truths many Austin residents have faced. Whether you were born in Austin or migrated here, the history and current state of the city are important facts to know about. As the information here stresses, those that do not know their history are bound to repeat it.
This week’s video goes over a brief history of some of the experiences of Black Austinites during the civil rights era. It covers the previous and current struggles of East Austin residents along with the pride these individuals still have for their home.
Here's another article with more Austin officials discussing the impacts of segregation in Austin.
This article was written by Ora Houston, a former city council member. She discusses the impact the 1928 Master plan had on Austin.
Week 10/11
Hey everyone!
To round out Hispanic Heritage month, we’re looking at some of the artistic influences from Latin American culture and artists. Don’t forget, we’re having our own Hispanic Heritage month celebration at the high school this Saturday (10/14) - more details below! There’s also another event being put on at the end of the month by the African American Youth Harvest Foundation. There are more details about registration in the community event section.
To showcase the magnitude of Latino influence on American life, Google Arts & Culture partnered with more than 35 cultural institutions to bring you instant access to more than 3,500 works of art, including paintings, photographs, and murals. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and dive into every detail of Latino masterpieces.
Here's another link to more info and details about the video's coverage of Latino influence on art:
Summary:
“From the iconic works of artists such as Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dalí to contemporary masterpieces by the likes of Fernando Botero, Félix González-Torres, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Hispanic artists have made undeniable contributions to the art world. Referencing their unique cultural influences and imagery, the work of Hispanic artists offers a distinct social perspective that should be recognized and celebrated. As National Hispanic Heritage Month is nearly upon us, let’s review the rich history of Hispanic art and pay tribute to the Hispanic artists of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.”
By: Clair Wu
Week 9/27
Hey everyone!
This week we’re diving into the history and origins of race in the Americas. The video and article cover some of the thoughts at the beginning and duration of slavery; as well as the effects it has on life today. You are encouraged to do some personal research on the topic - feel free to share what you find!
This week’s video covers a brief history of race in America. Beginning with indentured servitude and how it morphed into chattel slavery. The video covers the intentions and motivations for the social construct and how many have used ‘biology’ and ‘anthropology’ to prove their findings.
Summary:
“The Casta System had long and complex implications on Latin American society, some of which may still exist today. Though this system was introduced by the Spanish it continued to be facilitated and encouraged by those in the higher classes of society to ensure power did not fall into the wrong hands. The Casta System created an image and idea of racial mixes in Latin America and enforced the stereotypes that went along with certain races. Race is a complex issue in Latin America and there are still many inequalities present when it comes to different racial groups, with some indigenous peoples still trying to fight for more rights. The Casta system began as a way to ensure power for Europeans by creating a false sense of superiority for themselves and placing those who were not European at the bottom of the hierarchy.”
The Casta system was a means to determine the value and status of a person in Latin America during Spanish colonization. It was a system founded on ‘race’ that granted certain privileges based on lineage. The four distinct races(Spanish, Spanish born in America, Indigenous and African) had varying levels of treatment. When these races had children, their children created new races that also had an expected level of treatment. The Casta system had images and descriptions to determine the race of a person. The slideshow goes over some of the imagery used as well as a list of the new races.
Week 9/20
Hey everyone!
This week we’re looking at some generational differences within the workplace. The TedTalk video dives into the different experiences that have shaped generations and the article covers some of the missed opportunities of collaboration between the demographics. Be sure to check out the journal prompts for some reflections about age identity. Also, it is Hispanic Heritage Month and there’s a link in the community sharing section. Enjoy!
“According to Fancy Mills, the modern workplace is comprised of three different generations, along with three different communication styles. She explores the ways in which we communicate and how we can communicate effectively across generations.“
“Summary:
Are tensions between different generations escalating? In organizations, lack of trust between older and younger workers often yields a culture of competition and resentment that leads to real productivity losses. But when age-diverse teams are managed well, members can share a wide array of skills, knowledge, and networks with one another. Today’s organizations already have the means to help leaders take advantage of these assets: tools that have been used by cross-cultural teams for decades and by DEI initiatives more recently. But these tools are rarely applied to age biases and conflicts. To change that, the authors offer a four-part framework of identifying assumptions, adjusting your lens, taking advantage of differences, and embracing mutual learning.”
Week 9/13
Hey everyone!
Happy almost Hispanic Heritage month! This week’s article and video cover a brief history of Hispanic heritage month. There’s a second video that follows an author that traveled the country to talk about what it means to be Latino/Latinx/Latine in the US. I’ll also be linking an article that covers some of the places in Austin that are celebrating!
The video here gives a brief history of Hispanic Heritage month in the US as well as the difference between Hispanic and Latino(x)(e) folks.
This article gives an overview of the history of Hispanic Heritage month. Did you know that it starts on Sept. 15th due to a handful of Latin American countries celebrating their independence on or around that day? Check out the link for more info!
"Author Hector Tobar took a 9,000-mile road trip across the country last winter exploring exactly that. In an essay for Harper’s and a forthcoming book, “A Migrant’s Light,” he captures the history and experience of Latinos everywhere from Los Angeles to Texas, Florida and New York. He talks to Jeffrey Brown about what he saw and how he thinks about his own identity."
Week 9/6
Hey everyone!
For this week, we’re focusing on fun! The video is a clip from the amazing show Abbott Elementary and the article is one that gives some tips and tricks for making the workplace fun! Feel free to bring them to your classroom or even to your team. Be sure to check out the journal prompts as well as the new months Cultural Arts project!
Check out this compilation of the antics at Abbott Elementary. It’s a mockumentary style tv show that follows the lives of a few teachers at an underfunded school run by an eclectic principle.
This article covers a few tips for making the workplace fun. Feel free to add them to your routine or come up with new ones yourself!
Week 8/30
Hey everyone!
For this week, we’re taking a look at the influence a culture may have on personality & behaviors. The video for this topic touches on a spectrum of cultural differences namely how avoidance and approach develop; as well as collectivist and individual societies. The discussion article is based on a guide to help international students adjust to college in America. It was chosen not because it’s necessarily accurate or inaccurate but for a conversation starter on how some people view Americans. Feel free to use it as a talking piece! Whether you agree or disagree, use this as a means to further the conversation about perceptions about American Culture!
The folks over at Practical Psychology give a brief overview of how culture can influence personality. The spectrum of avoidance and approach cultures is an interesting talking piece. Feel free to explore more of their content!
This article presents as a guide for international college students and how they can adjust better to living in America. The talking points hit on common discussions and disagreements people have, namely in the perception of America from an American’s POV. Let this be a conversation starter amongst your colleagues, peers and friends! Feel free to engage, disagree, question and explore more!
Week 8/23
Hey everyone!
This week’s topic covers some of the socialization processes we all go through. Whether it’s active or passive socialization, we’ve all been impacted by the society we participate in and the social norms we experience everyday. The links and prompts provided were chosen with the intention of understanding that process a little bit better for both yours and our scholar’s sake. Be sure to also check out this week’s community event -
BLACK LEADERS COLLECTIVE SET TO ADDRESS
STATE OF BLACK EDUCATION IN CENTRAL TEXAS
- WHEN:Saturday, August 26, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- WHERE: UT Commons Conference Center. 1010 Burnet Road, Bldg 137 Austin, TX 78758
More details on the below!
Crash Course discusses socialization and how it works. Including an introduction to five main types of socialization. They explore anticipatory socialization from the family, the “hidden curriculum” in schools, peer groups, and the role of media in socialization. As well as a discussion regarding total institutions and how they can act as a form of re-socialization.
Here’s an article that discusses the significance of the Hidden Curriculum within schools. Hidden curriculum refers to the unwritten, unofficial, and often unintended lessons, values, and perspectives that students learn in school. While the “formal” curriculum consists of the courses, lessons, and learning activities students participate in, as well as the knowledge and skills educators intentionally teach to students. The hidden curriculum consists of the unspoken or implicit academic, social, and cultural messages that are communicated to students while they are in school.
Week 8/15
Hey everyone!
This week's video, article and journal prompts discuss some of the internal processes that aren't typically explored, especially in group settings. Hopefully this information can help with some introspection!
The introductory video in the Implicit Bias Video Series from BruinX, the R&D unit within UCLA's Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. This video describes how biases and heuristics can influence our decision-making and behavior without us even knowing it.
Gwendolyn Keita, PhD, former executive director of APA’s Public Interest Directorate discusses how and why to put discrimination on the conversation agenda.