Episode 115: Never Take No For an Answer

Join us on the 280+ Podcast as we sit down with a remarkable guest, Briaunna Embrey-Banks, the founder and CEO of Owning My Blackness (OMB). Discover the inspiring journey behind OMB, an organization dedicated to empowering black students through education, advocacy, and elevation. Gain insights into its inception, remarkable growth, and the unique challenges faced by educational activists. We also explore the vital topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in today's national climate. Prepare to be engaged as we discuss the intriguing backlash against diverse representation in Hollywood, unveiling an uncanny story related to a popular Horror movie series that defies the boundaries of fiction in our society. Here are the timestamps and topics covered in this episode: (3:25) Demystifying DEI: A comprehensive explanation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, unraveling the essence of this trending concept in headlines. (6:00) OMB: Journey through Briaunna's advocacy organization, dedicated to empowering black students, with a particular emphasis on revealing a history that extends far beyond slavery. (14:52) Never Take No For an Answer: Unveiling the challenges faced during the inception of OMB and gaining valuable insights into the process of starting such a groundbreaking initiative from scratch. (27:24) Underpaid and Under-booked: Exposing the disparities in opportunities and compensation faced by marginalized communities. (37:06) The Grass Isn't Always Greener: Shedding light on the recurring issues encountered when striving to provide better opportunities for our children, regardless of the setting. (50:37) Accomplished and Decorated: Celebrating the achievements and recognition Briaunna has earned over the years proving she's made for this. (1:01:00) This is Nothing New: Engaging in a discussion about the future amidst the passing of laws across the nation aimed at curbing DEI initiatives. (1:05:29) Black Mermaids: Reflecting on the controversy surrounding the casting of Halle Bailey in The Little Mermaid and delving into a thought-provoking video highlighting the hypocrisy surrounding such backlash, emphasizing the historical misrepresentation of characters and figures in cinema. (1:13:00) The Red Summer: Unveiling the chilling connection between the popular horror movie series, The Purge, and an actual event from the past. To learn more about Owning My Blackness (OMB), explore their official website at https://owningmyblackness.org/. Stay updated on their initiatives and upcoming events.