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Ever changed your voice on a Zoom call? Avoided cultural references at work? Second-guessed your tone in every email? That mental gymnastics—known as code switching—is the focus of our thought-provoking conversation about authenticity, cultural appropriation, and the exhaustion of making yourself palatable in spaces that weren't built for you.

Drawing from powerful personal experiences, we explore the painful irony of being told our natural hair is "unprofessional" while watching others be praised for adopting the same styles. Remember those high school moments when white classmates used your skin as a "tanning barometer," wanting your melanin but not your lived experience? We unpack how these seemingly small interactions reveal a larger pattern where everyone wants the flavor but not the responsibility.

This episode goes beyond identifying problems to offer solutions for both individuals navigating code switching fatigue and those committed to creating more inclusive environments. You'll discover why constant assimilation creates versions of ourselves that are palatable but not whole, and how cultural appropriation manifests in everything from Halloween costumes to workplace policies. Whether you're a BIPOC professional seeking validation for your experiences or an ally wanting to understand the emotional tax of code switching, this conversation offers both validation and actionable insights.

Ready to embrace authenticity and help others do the same? Check out our Code Switching 101 mini course mentioned in the episode, which includes two private coaching sessions to help you recognize these patterns and create spaces where everyone can bring their full, magnificent selves. Your culture isn't a costume—and your voice is a powerful tool for change. Subscribe, share with someone who needs to hear this message, and join us in transforming how we show up in professional and educational spaces.

If you’re ready to stop code-switching and start showing up fully — this course is for you.

💻 Head to https://jebehedmunds.com/plans/available-mini-courses/

to enroll today.

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What decides which stories survive the test of time? Who determines which voices echo through history's halls? These questions lie at the heart of our fascinating conversation with Dominique Luster, a master storyteller and dedicated archivist who's revolutionizing how we preserve Black narratives.

Describing her work as "Harriet Tubman meets Indiana Jones," Dominique shares her remarkable journey from theater major to founder of The Luster Company, a groundbreaking archival firm named after her fifth great-grandmother Charity—born enslaved in 1825 and later became an entrepreneur against extraordinary odds. This ancestral connection drives Dominique's mission to uncover, preserve, and celebrate the rich tapestry of Black history that traditional institutions have often overlooked.

Dominique offers profound insights into the power dynamics underlying historical preservation. "History doesn't repeat itself. Humans do," she explains, challenging us to recognize how the mere 1% of documents preserved in archives represents deliberate choices made by those with the power to decide which stories matter. Every preserved photograph, letter, or record reflects not just its creator's perspective but also the values of those who deemed it worthy of saving.

What resonates most powerfully is Dominique's celebration of everyday Black life. Beyond focusing solely on extraordinary achievements or devastating tragedies, she illuminates the meaningful middle—the beauty salon owner who served her community for decades, the thriving neighborhoods that created spaces of belonging, the ordinary triumphs that ground families in their heritage. These stories provide essential "anchor points" that help people understand themselves as part of something greater than themselves.

Ready to preserve your own family's legacy? Listen as Dominique shares practical strategies for conducting oral histories with elders and properly documenting family photographs. These simple acts of preservation might be the difference between stories that live on and those lost forever. Connect with Dominique at thelustercompany.com and through her upcoming contribution to "Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Letting Go."

Learn more about Dominique's Work Here: https://www.thelustercompany.com/

COME SAY Hey!!

Instagram: @cultrallyjebeh_

Facebook: @JebehCulturalConsulting

Pinterest: @Jebeh Cultural Consulting

LinkedIn: @Jebeh Cultural Consulting

Leave a Review on our Podcast! We value your feedback!

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Buy My eBook: Empowering Your BIPOC Students

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"Real change doesn't happen from the top to the bottom—it happens from the center out." This powerful principle sits at the heart of transformative nonprofit leadership that genuinely serves communities through authentic inclusion.

Most nonprofit organizations face a critical disconnect: leadership boards often look drastically different from the communities they serve. This gap undermines effectiveness and perpetuates systemic inequities. When marginalized community members aren't at the table for key decisions, organizations develop blind spots that no amount of good intentions can overcome.

True diversity extends beyond race and ethnicity to include age, ability, language proficiency, gender identity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Tokenism—repeatedly approaching the same individuals from underrepresented groups to serve on multiple boards—creates burnout while preventing organizations from accessing the full breadth of community wisdom. As one nonprofit leader shares, "I don't want to be the token Black woman on this board. I want to be included for my contributions and expertise."

Creating psychologically safe environments where diverse stakeholders feel empowered to share honest feedback, including disagreement, transforms organizational culture from the inside out. This means normalizing constructive criticism, welcoming opposing viewpoints, and abandoning the limiting "this is how it's always been done" mindset that stifles innovation.

Ready to build more inclusive decision-making processes? Start by meeting communities where they are—attend cultural festivals, patronize local businesses, visit different places of worship, and connect with affinity-based leadership pipelines. Evaluate who's in the room when decisions happen and who's missing. Remove participation barriers by ensuring meetings are accessible in time, location, and language. Balance power dynamics so everyone has an opportunity to contribute meaningfully.

Take one bold step today toward more inclusive, community-centered decision-making. The future of effective, sustainable nonprofit leadership depends on it. Share this conversation with colleagues who are ready to transform their approach to community engagement and create governance models where everyone truly has a seat—and a voice—at the table.

COME SAY Hey!!

Instagram: @cultrallyjebeh_

Facebook: @JebehCulturalConsulting

Pinterest: @Jebeh Cultural Consulting

LinkedIn: @Jebeh Cultural Consulting

Leave a Review on our Podcast! We value your feedback!

Follow our Blog

Enroll In Our Mini Courses
Buy My eBook: Empowering Your BIPOC Students

Enroll In My Digital Course: How To Be A Culturally Competent Leader

Buy My K-12 Lesson Plans

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Enjoy the Cultural Curriculum Chat podcast? Share the love! Refer a friend to Buzzsprout and both you and your friend will enjoy exclusive benefits. Click the link...