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Black Robe Podcast

The Community Judges The System

The BLACK ROBE PODCAST  is a provocative inter-generational discussion of current justice system events and topics with the Black Community acting as judge of justice system behavior and decision-making.  Watch or listen to the latest episode. To see older videos, please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Channel. 

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Black Robe Podcast| Episode 102 with Laurie Louise Sale

Join us in this special episode as we sit down with Laurie Louise Sale to discuss the upcoming Pierce County Juror Pilot Program.   

As part of a pilot program set to begin October 14 and run through May 2025, jurors who appear for jury duty at the County-City building (which includes Pierce County District Court, Superior Court and Tacoma Municipal Court) will receive $100 per day plus mileage reimbursement.  

This initiative aims to reshape the way we think about jury service, enhancing transparency, fairness, and community involvement in the judicial process. 

We'll dive into the details of the pilot program, its goals, and its potential impact on the justice system in Pierce County.   Whether you're a legal professional, an activist, or just someone interested in how our communities can work towards a more equitable legal system, this episode is a must-listen! 

Tune in for an insightful conversation that breaks down the barriers between the court and the community. 


 If you know a young adult aged 18-35 interested in social justice advocacy fill out the interest form below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuUtGJGsGu4s4abeDD7Dev2cXL49IcwzwY4pyEnBGRO2ieiA/viewform?usp=sf_link 


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Black Men's Mental Health| Episode 101|| Special Guest Isaiah Lenard

In this episode of the Black Robe Podcast, Host and Founder Carol Mitchell Interviews IBJ ACES intern Isaiah Lenard. Isaiah Lenard recently graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, with dual bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Gender, Sexuality, and Race Studies, and a minor in Nonprofit Leadership and Management.  He also co-leads IBJ ACES- a group of young community activists dedicated to planning and implementing transformational change. He is also a co-host of the IBJ Black Robes podcast.  


 If you know a young adult aged 18-35 interested in social justice advocacy fill out the interest form below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuUtGJGsGu4s4abeDD7Dev2cXL49IcwzwY4pyEnBGRO2ieiA/viewform?usp=sf_link 


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Upcoming Freedom Summer Symposium| Episode 100|| Special Guest Andre Jimenez

Have you registered for the Freedom Summer Symposium yet? If not, the time is NOW! We are 5 days away from a day of total liberation! Join us in welcoming Michelle Alexander and other amazing contributors in the fight towards black family liberation!  


Our special guest Andre Jimenez has extensive experience in state and local government, having worked both in his native Washington State and across the country, including in the Mayor's Offices of Chicago and Philadelphia. He is currently an incoming JD candidate at Yale Law School, building on his Master of Public Affairs from Princeton University and his BA from the University of Washington Tacoma.

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Adults with Learning Disabilities (AWLD) CEO & Founder Felix Strozier

In this episode of the Black Robe Podcast, Host Isaiah Lenard and co-host Queleah Collins talk with Felix Strozier Adults with Learning Disabilities CEO.


Adults with Learning Disabilities Foundation was envisioned in 1988 by Founder and CEO Felix Strozier. The foundation is a community based action organization dedicated to bringing awareness to adult illiteracy by working with a team of volunteers and agencies promoting literacy throughout the country. 


To learn more about AWLD visit their website:https://www.awldfoundation.org

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Resident Action Project with Duaa-Rahemaah Hunter

In this episode of the Black Robe Podcast, Host Isaiah Lenard and Founder Carol Mitchell talk with Duaa-Rahemaah Hunter, the Housing Alliance Organizer for Washington Low Income Housing Alliance. Have you or anyone in your family benefit from rent stabilization? 

The Resident Action Project (RAP) is a program of Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, a statewide organizing network led by people who live in low-income/affordable housing, and those with lived experience of housing injustice, instability, and/or homelessness. 

To learn more on upcoming events and initiatives: https://www.wliha.org 


To learn more about the IBJ A.C.E.S Program Launch check out our website: https://instituteforblackjustice.org 


 If you know a young adult aged 18-35 interested in social justice advocacy fill out the interest form below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuUtGJGsGu4s4abeDD7Dev2cXL49IcwzwY4pyEnBGRO2ieiA/viewform?usp=sf_link

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Sexual Abuse and How to Spot It with Nova Be Bold Author DaVandra Wheeler

In this episode of the Black Robe Podcast, Host Isaiah Lenard and Co-host Queleah Collins talk with DeVandra Wheeler an author and advocate dedicated to empowering children and young adults. DeVandra has served as a voice for both groups through community and prior military service. DeVandra’s passion for advocacy comes from her first-hand experiences of sexual abuse at a young age.  

Way's to connect with Nova Be Bold author DeVandra Wheeler:

  https://www.instagram.com/novabebold/

https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=nova+be+bold&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

https://www.facebook.com/novabebold/



To learn more about the IBJ A.C.E.S Program Launch check out our website: https://instituteforblackjustice.org 


 If you know a young adult aged 18-35 interested in social justice advocacy fill out the interest form below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuUtGJGsGu4s4abeDD7Dev2cXL49IcwzwY4pyEnBGRO2ieiA/viewform?usp=sf_link

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What is the IBJ "A.C.E.S" Program and Who are the Host and Co-host behind the Black Robe Podcast?

In this episode of the Black Robe Podcast, We learn about IBJ's A.C.E.S Program and the upcoming 2024 launch date! We also hear from the Black Robe Podcast Host and Co-host who are IBJ Interns, to learn a little bit more about them and their missions towards social justice advocacy. 


To learn more about the IBJ A.C.E.S Program Launch check out our website: https://instituteforblackjustice.org 


 If you know a young adult aged 18-35 interested in social justice advocacy fill out the interest form below: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeuUtGJGsGu4s4abeDD7Dev2cXL49IcwzwY4pyEnBGRO2ieiA/viewform?usp=sf_link

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Social Justice & Activism with NAACP President Jonathan Johnson | Episode 95 || Black Robe Podcast

In this episode of the Black Robe Podcast, hear from NAACP President Jonathan Johnson our host Isaiah Lenard and Co-host Queleah Collins. This is an episode you don't want to miss! Listen as they dig deep gaining knowledge on how to break generational cycles of social justice oppression, and how to take the next steps to see change in their communities.  


Learn more about the Tacoma NAACP chapter below: https://253naacp.org/branch-leadership https://naacp.org

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Alliance for Gun Responsibility with Ryan Disch-Guzman MSW

In this episode of the Black Robe Podcast, The Host Isaiah Lenard, and co-host Queleah Collins hear from Ryan Disch-Guzman, Alliance for Gun Responsibility Community Engagement Director.


We will be diving deep in police brutality, suicide prevention due to gun violence, community safety and way's we can be more responsible while being gun owners. 


Learn about the Alliance new initiatives by visiting their website:

⁠https://gunresponsibility.org/


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Manny Ellis Verdict Reflection with Founder Carol Mitchell | Episode 93 || Black Robe Podcast

In this episode of the Black Robe Podcast, The Host Isaiah Lenard, and co-host Queleah Collins ask IBJ Founder Carol Mitchell her thoughts as a long standing lawyer, advocate and ally to social justice issues her honest and raw opinion over the verdict rendered by the jury in the Manny Ellis Trial.


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Real Talk with Urban League Tacoma CEO Janice Lee | Episode 92 || Black Robe Podcast

In this episode of the Black Robe Podcast, Carol Mitchell and the IBJ ACES team go deep in discussion about the mission of the Urban League and Black Tacoma with new Urban League CEO Janice Lee. 


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Catching up with Thrett of YBMW | Episode 91 || Black Robe Podcast

YBMW is in the house once again! The conversation is rich and goes deep y’all. 


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Podcast

CRYSTAL STAIR STORIES

Personal Stories that Inspire

Mother to Son by Langston Hughes

Mother to Son by Langston Hughes

  • Stories of injustice, inequality, and oppression
  • Stories of survival, renewal and healing
  • Stories of triumph and endurance

Share Your Story

Mother to Son by Langston Hughes

Mother to Son by Langston Hughes

Mother to Son by Langston Hughes

Well, son, I'll tell you:

Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

It's had tacks in it, 

And splinters,

And boards torn up, 

And places with no carpet on the floor -- 

Bare.

But all the time, I'se been a-climbin' on,

And reachin' landin's,

And turnin' corners,

And sometimes goin' in the dark

Where there ain't been no light.

So boy, don't you turn back.

Don't you set down on the steps

/Cause you finds it's kinder hard.

Don't you fall now--

For I'se still goin', honey,

I'se still climbin',

And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

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