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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/

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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.

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Ready to transform your classroom with culturally responsive teaching resources? Veteran educator Jebeh Edmunds takes us on a journey through her specially designed lesson plans that celebrate diversity while meeting educational standards.

Discover the Natural Resources unit plan for sixth graders that explores the ecological wealth of the African continent, complete with activities focused on Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai and comprehensive student resources. For seventh graders, the "Young, Gifted and Black" lesson plan spotlights over 50 influential African and African-American figures who have made significant contributions as scientists, activists, and changemakers. Younger students will connect with "Your Name is a Song," a lesson that honors cultural identity through naming traditions, and the "I Am Enough" plan that builds self-esteem and classroom community for second graders.

Each lesson plan is standards-aligned and "prep light," giving you everything needed to implement culturally rich content without spending hours planning. The materials include graphic organizers, presentation rubrics, vocabulary resources, and guiding questions that promote deeper understanding while celebrating diverse perspectives.

Episodes Mentioned:

Young, Gifted, & Black Lesson Plan Gr. 7

Your Name is A Song Lesson Plan Gr. 4

Your Name is A Song Lesson Plan Gr. 3

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Ready to transform how cultural narratives appear in your classroom? Cultural stereotypes lurk in teaching materials everywhere—from textbooks portraying African nations solely through poverty to history lessons reducing Black heritage to just five famous figures. These oversimplifications don't just affect lesson plans; they shape how our students understand the world.

Drawing from my own experience as an educator who once challenged a problematic reading passage only to be dismissed by district leadership, this episode tackles the uncomfortable reality that many curriculum materials perpetuate harmful stereotypes. When Indigenous communities appear only as historical entities rather than vibrant contemporary cultures, or when the achievements of marginalized groups get condensed to token representation, we're not just teaching incomplete history—we're reinforcing biases that students carry into adulthood.

But there's hope in thoughtful curriculum evaluation. By asking critical questions about whose voices are included (and excluded), seeking counter-narratives that highlight innovation and joy alongside struggle, and diversifying our teaching resources, we can create classrooms where authentic cultural understanding flourishes. This episode provides practical strategies for implementing change, from inviting community members to share cultural perspectives to advocating for curriculum audits even when faced with resistance.

The power to dismantle stereotypes lies with educators willing to step beyond comfort zones and outdated materials. Your students deserve teaching that helps them become critical thinkers capable of recognizing and challenging cultural stereotypes. Whether you're just starting this journey or looking to deepen your approach, you'll find actionable steps to create learning environments that celebrate authentic cultural narratives rather than reinforcing harmful generalizations.

Ready to make positive change? Subscribe, leave a review, and visit jebedmonds.com for inclusive teaching resources that will transform your classroom into a space where every student's cultural identity is valued and understood.

Episode Mentioned in show:

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The magic happens when educators and parents join forces as true partners in a child's education. Gone are the days when "parent involvement" meant simply attending conferences or helping with homework. Today's inclusive classrooms demand meaningful engagement where families are recognized as essential collaborators in student success.

Have you ever wondered why some teacher-parent relationships flourish while others remain strained? The answer often lies in intentional communication. As a classroom teacher for ten years, I discovered that establishing positive connections before challenges arise creates a foundation of trust that transforms the educational experience. My simple strategy of scheduling "celebration calls" to a few families each week ensured every parent heard good news about their child multiple times throughout the year.

The CARE framework provides a roadmap for building these crucial partnerships: Communicate Intentionally, Access and Activate Resources, Respect and Respond to Diversity, and Engage in Shared Decision Making. This episode unpacks each element with practical strategies you can implement immediately. From maintaining a 3:1 ratio of positive to challenging conversations to providing multilingual resources that honor diverse family backgrounds, these approaches recognize a fundamental truth: the parent is the expert on their own child.

Research consistently shows that when parents and teachers collaborate effectively, students experience higher academic achievement, improved behavior, enhanced social-emotional skills, and increased self-advocacy. Yet many families—particularly those with diverse learners—feel disconnected from schools due to previous negative experiences, language barriers, or overwhelming information. By acknowledging these challenges and implementing thoughtful engagement strategies, educators can create classrooms where every child and family feels valued, understood, and empowered. Ready to transform your parent partnerships? Start with just one strategy this week and watch what happens!

You can purchase our CARE Framework here:

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Music isn't merely entertainment—it's living history, powerful social commentary, and vital cultural preservation. For African and African-American communities especially, musical traditions have served as a lifeline connecting generations, preserving identities, and speaking essential truths when voices were systematically silenced.

The rich tapestry of traditional African music reveals profound philosophical concepts through its structure. Unlike Western traditions that often separate performers from audiences, African musical traditions emphasize community participation where every person has a role. The polyrhythmic nature—multiple rhythms occurring simultaneously—reflects concepts of balance and community, with each contributing element creating something greater than any individual could achieve alone. These traditions served as oral history, spiritual expression, social commentary, celebration of life transitions, and coordination for collective work.

When enslaved Africans were forcibly transported to the Americas, their musical traditions became both a connection to heritage and a survival mechanism. Elements like call-and-response patterns, polyrhythms, improvisation, body percussion, and emotionally expressive blue notes persisted despite brutal attempts at cultural suppression. From these roots emerged distinctly African-American forms that continue to shape global music: spirituals, work songs, blues, jazz, gospel, rhythm and blues, soul, funk, and hip-hop. Each generation has responded to changing social conditions while maintaining connections to ancestral traditions.

Ready-to-use resources are available to support this important work of connecting students with the profound musical legacies of African and African-American cultures.

Have you considered how music might transform your approach to teaching cultural perspectives? Share your experiences incorporating diverse musical traditions in your classroom!

Lesson Plans Featured in This Episode:

1) African Musical Icons Lesson Plan: https://jebehedmunds.com/shop/reading/african-musical-icons-lesson-plan-grades-9-12/

2) Music Of Africa Unit Plan: https://jebehedmunds.com/shop/lesson-plans/music-of-africa-unit-plan/

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Ready to transform your teaching with multicultural resources that actually reflect all your students? You've just found exactly what you've been searching for.

Representation isn't just a buzzword—it's a critical component of effective teaching. When students see themselves in learning materials, they engage more deeply, connect more meaningfully, and ultimately achieve more academically. Yet finding high-quality, standards-aligned resources that authentically celebrate diversity remains challenging for even the most dedicated educators.

That's precisely why I've created over 70 culturally responsive lesson plans that take the guesswork out of inclusive teaching. From "Your Name is a Song," which helps students explore the beauty and significance of diverse names, to "The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind," which incorporates engineering concepts through William Kamkwamba's inspiring story, these resources seamlessly integrate cultural awareness with academic rigor. The "Cinderella Around the World" unit introduces students to various cultural versions of the classic tale, enhancing critical thinking while exploring both universal themes and unique cultural perspectives.

Shop Lesson Plans in this episode:

1) Your Name Is A Song Lesson Plan: https://jebehedmunds.com/shop/lesson-plans/your-name-is-a-song-lesson-plan-4/

2) I Am Enough Lesson Plan: https://jebehedmunds.com/shop/lesson-plans/i-am-enough-lesson-plan-3/

3) The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind Lesson Plan: https://jebehedmunds.com/shop/lesson-plans/the-boy-who-harnessed-the-wind-lesson-plan-2/

4) Cinderella Stories From Around The World Unit Plan: https://jebehedmunds.com/shop/lesson-plans/cinderella-stories-from-around-the-world-unit-plan/

Sign Up for Our Inclusive Educator Newsletter to get a coupon code for all lesson plans only for our subscribers: https://tremendous-motivator-3920.kit.com/a46bfbcba3

COME SAY Hey!!

Instagram: @cultrallyjebeh_

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Pinterest: @Jebeh Cultural Consulting

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

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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...