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.

Since colonization, Native American rates of diabetes, blood pressure and heart disease have skyrocketed. We’ll discuss the benefits of returning to a simpler pre-colonization Native American diet, including herbs and plants that have been a source of medicine and nourishment for thousands of years.

Colleges across the nation are facing a crisis with the lack of Black and Latino students in STEM fields. We speak with Dr. Ferguson and Juliette Bautista about why Blacks and Latinos aren’t leaning towards STEM careers, and how Utah measures in this spectrum. How can we help to tip the scales and help more Blacks and Latinos to enter these fields?

In the early to mid 1900's, Ogden, Utah had a bustling Black community and a vibrant art scene. We speak with Sarah McClellan and Betty Sawyer about Ogden's rich history from the influx of African Americans seeking work on the railroad, and hear from Camille Washington, co-owner of the Good Company Theatre.

Black culture has developed a unique relationship with social media. How are Utahns using social media to generate awareness and express culture, beliefs and values that have historically been filtered by mainstream media through the lens of white gatekeepers?

Colorism, known as the prejudice or discrimination against those with lighter or darker skin tones, even among people belonging to a shared racial or ethnic group, has been the subject of ongoing debate among communities of color. We’ll explore the history of colorism in America and its lasting implications with University of Utah professor Edmund Fong and current student Darienne Debrule.

Long before Bob Marley, Buffalo Soldiers — Black Americans who served on the Western frontier during the Civil War — were changing the face of the American West. We explore the uplifting, courageous, and inspiring story of Utah’s Buffalo Soldiers. Historians Fiona Robinson and Robert Burch shed light on this misunderstood group of men who helped transform the state of Utah into what it is today.

Black conservatives are often considered an enigma by those on either side of the political spectrum. But pundits expect a record number of Black Republican candidates this year. We speak with prominent Utah Black conservatives Cari Bartholomew and James Evans about their political beliefs, their experiences in the Utah GOP, and their vision for a new Black America.

Can depictions of religious icons in art & architecture have an impact on the deepness of one’s connection to their faith? We speak with Laura Hurtado, Director of the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, about the history of Eurocentric images in Christian art, and Black artist Melissa Tshikamba, whose works diversify religious images, about growing up feeling unrepresented in her own faith.

Is there a “right” or “wrong” way to borrow from other cultures? What does cultural appropriation mean, anyway? We break down the terminology — and the differences between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation — with guests Paisley Rekdal, Utah Poet Laureate and author of the book “Appropriation,” and Erika George, the first African American law professor at the University of Utah.

What is it like being an adopted child with parents of another race? What should parents know before adopting a child of another race? Guests Jennica Galloway, an Indian adoptee raised in Utah, and Jeff Mann, a Black adoptee from Boise, share their stories of growing up, connecting to their cultural heritage, and finding a sense of belonging in a community where very few people look like them.

Roots, Race & Culture invites viewers into bold and honest conversations on identity and culture, centered around the experiences of Black and POC communities in Utah. Hosts Lonzo Liggins and Danor Gerald are joined by newsmakers, change makers, experts, and entrepreneurs from Utah’s communities of color to discuss shared experiences with a healthy dose of humor, empathy, and candor.