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Ever caught yourself making a snap judgment about someone without realizing it? That's unconscious bias at work, and it shapes everything from our teaching practices to our everyday interactions. As educators, these hidden biases can profoundly impact who we trust, how we grade, and even how we discipline students.

In this deeply reflective episode, I introduce myself in a new light—as an author currently publishing my debut novel, "Uncover Your Unconscious Bias"—while guiding you through the essential work of bias awareness. I share the Mirror Moment exercise, a powerful self-reflection tool that asks thought-provoking questions about your comfort zones, leadership perceptions, and reactions when your biases are challenged. This isn't about inducing guilt but fostering genuine growth.

Beyond self-reflection, we explore practical strategies for classroom implementation: challenging stereotypes in lesson plans, examining representation in classroom visuals, and developing the courage to interrupt bias in real-time. I also highlight additional resources, including my weekly blog, the Inclusive Educator newsletter, and specialized courses on Code Switching 101 and Being an Active Ally. These tools are designed to meet you where you are on your journey toward cultural competence.

Remember, awareness leads to action, and action leads to equity. You've already taken the first step by listening. Now, take the free unconscious bias quiz linked in the show notes, sign up for the newsletter to receive your complimentary Mirror Moment PDF, and join me in the ongoing work of creating truly inclusive learning environments. Stay intentional, stay inspired, and most importantly, stay inclusive.

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Storytelling is the heartbeat of cultural education. When students encounter stories from different backgrounds, something magical happens—they develop empathy, affirm their identities, and sharpen critical thinking skills that extend far beyond classroom walls.

Throughout this episode, we explore why multicultural stories are non-negotiable components of effective education. Stories engage the emotional centers of our brains, creating deeper connections to content than facts alone ever could. I share my experience using Maya Angelou's work about a young Xhosa girl and her pet chicken—a seemingly simple narrative that sparked profound conversations about cultural similarities and differences without judgment. We also examine the beloved Anansi the Spider folktales that resonate with students of all ages, demonstrating how traditional stories carry timeless wisdom across generations.

Finding authentic cultural stories requires intentionality. Seek out authors writing from lived experiences rather than those merely observing from the outside. Invite community members—parents, neighbors, local leaders—to share oral histories that might otherwise go untold, especially as books continue to be banned across the country. I provide a step-by-step guide to implementing the powerful "My Name, My Story" exercise in your classroom tomorrow, walking you through how to model vulnerability, facilitate meaningful partner discussions, and guide whole-group reflections that build community while honoring diversity.

Ready to transform your approach to cultural education? Download my name and narrative handout from the show notes, or explore my newly discounted mini-courses designed to help you implement these practices with confidence. Your students' stories are the curriculum—let's honor them together by creating classrooms where every narrative matters.

Maya Angelou's Book: My Painted House, My Friendly Chicken and Me

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What happens when we break free from our reading comfort zones? Nita Creekmore, author of "Read Outside Your Bubble," returns to the Cultural Curriculum Chat podcast to explore this transformative question with host Jebeh Edmunds.

Creekmore's journey began as a Black little girl rarely seeing herself represented in books. "Oftentimes Black little girls were like the little sidekick or the little friend and then they kind of were in and then out of the story," she recalls. This experience fueled her passion for diverse literature and eventually led to her creating the hashtag #ReadOutsideYourBubble, which evolved into both her educational philosophy and the title of her thought-provoking book.

At the heart of Creekmore's approach is the LEAP framework: Learning (incorporating mirrors and windows), Equity (ensuring representation of marginalized stories), Accessibility (finding ways to obtain diverse books), and Purpose/Professional learning (intentional implementation). This comprehensive roadmap provides educators with practical strategies for building inclusive reading environments where all students feel seen and valued.

For teachers hesitant to incorporate diverse literature, Creekmore suggests starting with interactive read-alouds. "I feel like a read aloud is like the bridge," she explains, recommending teachers prepare thoughtful discussion questions and create space for student connections. She emphasizes that diverse books benefit all students—not just those from marginalized backgrounds—by expanding worldviews and fostering empathy.

Creekmore's wisdom extends beyond book selection to address classroom climate, offering insights on community building, professional learning through peer observation, and advocacy strategies like grant writing for book acquisition. Her approach balances scholarly understanding with practical implementation, making inclusive literature accessible to any educator willing to begin the journey.

Follow Nita Creekmore @LoveTeachBless across social platforms and subscribe to her blog at www.love-teach-bless.com

for ongoing inspiration as you expand your own reading bubble and help others do the same.

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What happens when a former classroom teacher transforms her passion for inclusive education into a global consultancy? Dr. Jessica Werner, founder of North Shore Learning, takes us on a journey through the evolving landscape of educational inclusion in this eye-opening conversation.

Growing up in 1980s Central California, Werner witnessed her physician father attending night classes to learn Spanish so he could better serve his patients—an early model of meeting others where they are. This philosophy now forms the cornerstone of her international education consultancy, where relationship-building precedes any intervention.

The pandemic has fundamentally altered education, creating what Werner describes as a "pause" in students' academic and social development. "Kids are behind. Classroom management is, in a lot of ways, out of control—and it's not because students are bad kids, because they've lived through a lot." This new reality demands innovative approaches that address interconnected challenges of mental health, behavior, and learning deficits.

Werner's team begins each school engagement by listening intently to teachers and administrators about their specific challenges. This assessment-first methodology stands in stark contrast to "one-and-done" professional development models. "When it's your life and you're in it all the time, sometimes it's hard to see your blind spots," she explains, highlighting why external perspective can be invaluable.

For parents navigating support for struggling learners, Werner offers both professional guidance and personal empathy. "If you have that feeling as a parent, don't ignore it," she advises, suggesting parents begin teacher conversations by asking: "What are the joys you have working with my child and what's challenging?"

Ready to transform your approach to inclusive education? Connect with Dr. Werner's team at northshorelearning.org and discover how relationship-centered, context-specific strategies can revitalize learning environments for students and educators alike.

Learn More About Dr. Jessica Werner of Northshore Learning Here: https://www.northshorelearning.org/

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Tired of being the on-call cultural encyclopedia? You're not alone.

Every BIPOC educator knows the feeling—you're minding your business at your child's baseball game, shopping for groceries, or enjoying dinner with your spouse when someone approaches with that look. Suddenly you're fielding questions like "Do you speak African?" or "Is that traditional outfit a costume?" or the ever-popular "Do you celebrate the 4th of July?" Questions that could have been answered with a three-second Google search now demand your emotional labor.

In this raw and refreshingly honest episode, we dive into why these interactions are so exhausting. It's not about shutting down curiosity—it's about the assumption that marginalized people should drop everything to educate others, regardless of time, place, or context. These moments represent unpaid emotional labor that we didn't sign up for, especially when they come from educated professionals who should absolutely know better.

But don't worry—I've got you covered with practical strategies for handling these situations while preserving your dignity and energy. Whether you choose to respond with grace by suggesting resources, establish clear boundaries about what you're willing to discuss, or deploy a bit of well-deserved sarcasm, you have options that put your wellbeing first. Remember: no one has the right to make you the unwilling spokesperson for your entire cultural group.

Ready to build stronger boundaries and navigate these interactions with confidence? Subscribe to the Cultural Curriculum Chat for weekly insights, and check out my blog for deeper dives into topics that matter to BIPOC educators. Leave a review, and I'll give you a personal shout-out in a future episode!

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What's in a name? Everything. Your name is your melody, your lineage, and how your ancestors speak through you. So when someone consistently mispronounces it or, worse, substitutes it with something entirely different, that's not just an honest mistake—it's a choice that speaks volumes.

Welcome to this raw, honest conversation about one of the most persistent microaggressions many of us face: name butchering. As your host Jeba Edmonds (not Jabba, not Jebba, and definitely not Jenna) explains, it's 2025, we have advanced AI in our pockets, yet somehow proper name pronunciation remains an "impossible" task for many. The selective difficulty is telling—we can master "Tchaikovsky" and "charcuterie" without hesitation, but diverse names are deemed "too complicated"?

This episode unpacks the deeper implications of name mispronunciation, from the subtle erosion of belonging to the exhausting reality many BIPOC individuals face when they feel forced to change their names for professional advancement or simply to avoid constant corrections. We explore how what might seem like small slip-ups to some represent significant acts of disregard to others, especially when those "mistakes" persist after multiple corrections.

But this isn't just a critique—it's a heartfelt invitation to do better. Learn practical approaches to honoring people's names correctly, understand why it matters so deeply, and discover how making this simple effort transforms relationships and builds genuine inclusion. Whether you're an educator, manager, or someone who values authentic connections, this episode offers the perspective and tools to ensure everyone's name—and by extension, their identity—receives the respect it deserves.

Ready to deepen your understanding? Check out my blog and subscribe to "The Inclusive Educator" newsletter for weekly insights on creating truly inclusive spaces from classrooms to boardrooms. Your journey toward more meaningful, respectful connections begins with something as fundamental as saying someone's name correctly.

COME SAY Hey!!

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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.

COME SAY Hey!!

Instagram: @cultrallyjebeh_

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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!!

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