19 GIU 2024 · Blind Faith in AI or Inclusive Coding? In this episode we delve into the groundbreaking work of two powerful and brilliant women in the field of Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Joy Buolamwini's research explores the intersection of social impact, technology, and inclusion. She is the founder of the https://ajl.org, a groundbreaking MIT researcher, a model and a poet of code. She is also the author of national bestseller Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines and advises world leaders on preventing the harms of AI. Her MIT thesis methodology uncovered large racial and gender bias in AI services from companies like Microsoft, IBM and Amazon.  Dr. Cathy O’Neil is an American mathematician, data scientist, and author. She is the author of the New York Times best-seller Weapons of Math Destruction, and opinion columns in Bloomberg View. O'Neil was active in the Occupy movement. As a data skeptic she uncovers the dark secrets of big data, showing how our "objective" algorithms reinforce human bias. She believes a lot can go wrong when we put blind faith in big date.  AI in Society and Law Enforcement  "Unregulated and untested AI technologies have put innocent people at risk fo being wrongly convicted." —https://innocenceproject.org/when-artificial-intelligence-gets-it-wrong/ The presumption of innocense is a legal principle that every person accused of any crime is considered innocent until proven guilty. AI-empowered law enforcement sometimes results in the presumption of guilt unitl proven innocent.

5 GIU 2024 · Community Conversations 2024 At InflexionPoint Podcast we are dedicated to the art of listening in authentic community conversations. We challenge our audience to listen actively and intentionally for the purpose of critical self-reflection, in-depth perspective-taking, personal transformation, and ultimately social impact. The 2024 theme explores the Art of Community Conversations in today's climate of systemic and institutional racism, antiracism activation, Equity Diversity & Inclusion, and book banning.   Featured Guest We are honored to have Rev. Desiree Lawson, newly installed pastor of https://www.goodshepherdpresbyterian.org in South Easton MA as our featured guest. Rev. Dawson shares her experience as the first Black woman pastor in a previous congregation.

15 MAG 2024 · Parables for Understanding a Nation's Sins At InflexionPoint Podcast we are dedicated to the art of listening in authentic conversation. We challenge our audience to listen actively and intentionally for the purpose of self-awareness, in-depth perspective-taking, personal transformation, and ultimately social impact. The 2024 theme explores the Art of Community Conversations in today's climate of EDI, antiracism, and book banning. In this Community Conversation we continue our discussion of Christian Nationalism viewed through the Kwanzaa Principle of Imani (Faith).   “Search for the specific term “racism” in the Bible, you wouldn’t necessarily find it. But that doesn’t mean that the problem of racism isn’t in the Bible, or that we can’t learn from God’s Word as we seek to eradicate racism from our communities and churches...Racism has deformed us, as persons, as communities, as families,” says Rev. Dr. Pedro Agudelo. “And racism isolates us from each other, separates us, and we are designed by God to complement each other.” - Oppression is as old as the Old Testament – oppression though enslavement (Israelites in Egypt) - Otherization made plain in the New Testament – Jews/Samaritans The diverse family of God - there’s a level of love that’s there; it's the opposite of racism and has the power to eradicate racism. - Peter’s vision – what God has made clean, you must not call unclean - Racism goes against God’s will/intention for unity – every human being bears the image of God

1 MAG 2024 · Kwanzaa Principle of Imani (Faith) The Imani principle calls for us to believe in ourselves and our capacity to bring about a better society and a better world. On the 7th Day of Kwanzaa, Imani Day, we give thanks and remembrance to family, friends, and historical figures who have contributed to their lives and the betterment of America. This day we remember the faith that our family members and ancestors had to bring us to this point. In this episode Anita, Mavis, and Gail continue their Community Conversation. They examine Christian Nationalism through the lens of the Kwanzaa Principle, Imani (Faith). Join in as they take a deep dive into the ideology of Christian Nationalism, those engaged in active opposition, and The (Unholy) Slave Bible published by missionaries in 1807. Points of Reflection: - Christian Nationalism differs from nationalism, patriotism, and Christianity. - Clergy opposition to Christian Nationalism - The (Unholy) Slave Bible produced by missionaries in 1807 for the use of enslaved Africans. “Let nobody give you the impression that the problem of racial injustice will work itself out. Let nobody give you the impression that only time will solve the problem. That is a myth, and it is a myth because time is neutral.” — Jim Wallis (America's Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America)  

17 APR 2024 · Ujamaa Collective, An Experience That Lasts! Fair Trade | Meaningful Work | Community | Creativity | Wellness FEATURED GUEST: FRANKIE HARRIS, BOUTIQUE MERCHANDISER/SPECIAL EVENT DECORATOR  Ujamaa Collective is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded with a social mission to act as a catalyst to advance Africana Women by providing a fair trade marketplace for cultural, artistic and entrepreneurial exchange through cooperative economics in the Historic Hill District and beyond. “We lift as we climb.” The mission of Ujamaa Collective is accomplished through an artisan boutique, pop-up marketplace events, arts and entrepreneurship programming, and advocacy on health and wealth. The boutique operators, LaKeisha Wolf, Executive Director and Frankie Harris, Boutique Merchandiser/Special Event Decorator, have a  passion for cooperatives, rooted in values of meaningful work, creativity, community and wellness. Ujamaa Collective is located in the Hill District, an historically African American community in Pittsburgh PA. "The Hill, or "Little Harlem" as it was referred to from the '30s thru the '50s, was one of the elite African-American neighborhoods in America. It was home to one of the most vibrant jazz scenes in the country, as well as one of its hottest clubs, The Crawford Grill, which was owned by Gus Greenlee."— https://www.huffpost.com/entry/pittsburghs-hill-district-dream_b_1669867

3 APR 2024 · What Is Your Key Antiracism Challenge? In this episode Anita, Mavis, and Gail continue their Community Conversation making it personal. They each discuss what they each define as their Key Racism Challenge. Points of Reflection: • Based on your George Floyd origin story, what is your definition of yourself after vs before the murder? Has there been a shift? • What is most challenging — knowing yourself, knowing where you stand, or being visible to others? • How does doing the work antiracism connect to your social identity?   Examples of Key Antiracism Challenges: Expressing empathy through perspective-taking along with immersion into the historical narratives and personal experiences of others.  Engaging in conversations about antiracism in all the spaces in which you move - your home, workplace, place of worship, your immediate community, and the communities of those who are different from you.  Engaging in conversations with racism deniers or those who believe we live in a post-racial/colorblind society.  Persuading those who claim to be nonracist or not racist that racism is a problem that affects us all because it is embedded in the social, economic, systemic, educational, and institutional fabric that covers all of America

20 MAR 2024 · The Roots of Policing in America: Slave Patrols  To understand community policing in a contemporary context requires a look through the long lens of history, enslavement, and slave patrols. Where and why did it begin? - Charleston City Watch and Guard (1790s) Charleston, NC Slave Patrols - Majority black (slaves) population - Minority white population terrified at the possibility of slave uprisings wanted a group focused on the control of black people. - Reconstruction/Jim Crow Era - focused on enforcing black codes, the laws and policies meant to control the lives/movement of black people. In this episode Anita, Mavis, and Gails discuss the remnants of slave patrols and community policing in contemporary history.  Community Policing Defined: What/How Community policing is a collaboration between the police and the community that identifies and solves community problems. With the police no longer the sole guardians of law and order, all members of the community become active allies in the effort to enhance the safety and quality of neighborhoods. "In general terms, community policing is not a program; it is not a set of activities; it is not a personnel designation. Rather, community policing is a law enforcement philosophy, a way of thinking about improving public safety." https://www.law.berkeley.edu/files/What_Works_in_Community_Policing.pdf  

6 MAR 2024 · Don't miss this episode of #InflexionPointPodcast on The Transformation Network™. Join Anita, Mavis, and Gail as they discuss "The Art of Community Conversations in Today's Climate of EDI, Antiracism, and Book Banning."   Why Community Conversations? These are an essential tool for promoting dialogue and understanding within communities. The PRESS Model, developed by Robert Livingston, is a valuable resource for facilitating these conversations. In today's climate of EDI and antiracism, community conversations are more important than ever. Join the discussion as the hosts explore the intersection of community conversations and book banning.    Add Your Voice to the Conversation: Join the InflexionPoint Podcast Facebook Community. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1863715990493524   

21 FEB 2024 · Meet Guest Khamil Bailey, Founder of Cocoapreneur, Co-Founder of Greenwood Week Pittsburgh, and The Greenwood Plan | Corporate Consultant | Speaker | Black Business Advocate Khamil's Backstory Begins in East Orange, NJ Then Evolves After Attending University of Pittsburgh. Khamil's vision of thriving Black communities was planted in her home city of East Orange, NJ; and then transplanted to the city of Pittsburgh when she attended the University of Pittsburgh. The evolution includes the Greenwood Plan, Greenwood Week, Emerald City Co-Working Space, and the acquisition of a $4.1M building in Pittsburgh PA. "Life experience and an apparent need pushed me into social entrepreneurship and solving prominent and longstanding issues of inequity against Black Americans. My areas of focus is business, enterprise, and self-sustenance within predominantly African American communities. Read Black Enterprise Article: https://www.blackenterprise.com/downtown-pittsburghs-pitt-building-now-black-owned-aiming-to-ignite-black-businesses/

7 FEB 2024 · Final Community Conversation on the 7 Principles of Kwanzaa. Mavis, Gail, and Anita finish up the series of Community Conversations about the Nguzo Saba: The 7 Principles of Kwanzaa. The goal with the series was to drive home the point that Kwanzaa Principles are working ideals. These ideals can be embedded into everyday life, particularly on the journey towards antiracist activation. In this episode they finish up the final two principles.   Creativity & Faith Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. Imani (Faith): To believe with all our hearts in our people and the righteousness and victory of our struggle. “Be unapologetically powerful and brave. Let no one convince you there are limits or boundaries to what you can achieve.” —Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts   Watch Here: https://youtu.be/cNe8CQnIg9E