How Art, Activism & the Power of Listening Create Change - Jordan Seaberry

As American school children, we learned it by heart, and recited it every day.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America..."

But how often did we then, and do we now, think about the meaning behind the words? "...one nation. Under God. Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Indivisible

What does it mean to be indivisible? It's a question Denise Hamilton explores with intelligence, empathy and disarming approachability in her groundbreaking debut as an author.

"Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences into a Stronger Future" grabs you by the throat on page one of the Prologue, and doesn't let you go.

Through deft storytelling, research and personal reflection, Hamilton challenges us to re-think what it means to build diversity and inclusion in a polarized world where the words and the concepts are increasingly demonized.

It's Not About a Checklist

Hamilton is a nationally recognized workplace culture and DEI expert, and CEO of WatchHerWork, a digital learning platform for professional women.

She has helped hundreds of companies recognize that meeting their DEI goals, if they still have them, is not about a checklist.

It's about helping organizations figure out what their guiding principles are -- and whether they choose to act on them.

It's about maximizing the gifts of everyone involved so that they and the organization can thrive.

Beyond the Workplace

What's so powerful about Hamilton's approach is that it applies far beyond the workplace into every aspect of our relationships, both professional and personal.

The book is chock full of examples that allow you to see yourself in a given scenario, and then challenges you to re-examine your beliefs.

It reveals the power within each of us to enact positive change, and gives us the tools to do so.

Denise is a return guest who first shared her thoughtful perspective with the OVM community shortly after we launched.

We couldn't be more proud to have Denise back to share her powerful new book.

It's exactly what we need to help unify our fractured world.

What is driving the recent conflict on college campuses? One obvious factor is reaction to the Israel-Hamas War.

But my guest this week isn’t sure it’s quite that simple. 

As CEO of the non-profit, BridgeUSA, 25 year-old Manu Meel is in constant contact with students on more than 70 campuses across the country.

The organization helps facilitate conversations among college and high school students with idealogical differences.

In the days and weeks following the October 7th massacre of Israelis by Hamas, Bridge USA heard plenty from its student members.

“There was a lot of pain, there was a lot of confusion as to what to do on campus,” says Manu. “And then as the news cycle started going and as what I call the elite Twitter crowd went to play, and as people started to essentially lose sight of what had happened and focus on what’s the broader implication, what’s my tribe going to say and how do I make the most of this moment — I think then you saw that trickle down into campuses. “

Tribal Politics on Campus 
Political protest on campus is nothing new. 

But America’s tribal politics have reached a fever pitch, finding a fertile home where the freedom to explore and express, typically a welcome right of passage, is now emblazoned with an asterisk.

*Speak your mind at the risk of being demonized by “the other”.

*Explore divergent points of view at the risk of angering your tribe.

*Express your opinion at the risk of being cancelled, or worse..

Glimmer of Hope
It’s no surprise that the tension on college campuses is a microcosm of the tension in America.

But there is a glimmer of hope, Manu assures us, and it’s on these very college campuses.

It’s just that we don’t often hear about it in the media.

You’ll hear about it now as Manu helps unpack the nuances of this complex topic.

This remarkable young leader kicks off the 6th year of Our Voices Matter, sharing thoughtful insight on the generation tasked with leading us into the future.

One that will hopefully remind us how to have civil, constructive conversations with those who look and think differently than we do.

A future where we celebrate and embrace our common humanity rather than blind allegiance to our tribes.

www.ourvoicesmatterpodcast.com
www.lorellemedia.com


This podcast is devoted to empowering us all to better understand each other's differences...one story at a time.  Emmy Award-winning journalist, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, unexpected conversations that reveal our common humanity.  This show is not about politics per se; it is about finding a way to reclaim civility in the context of the contentious times in which we live, by sharing our personal and professional stories, in hopes that others might find a glimpse of themselves.

The eyes of the world are trained on Israel and Gaza like no time in recent memory.

The horror of October 7th ignited a firestorm that will reverberate for generations to come.

Yet, in the midst of unfathomable pain borne by families on both sides of the Israel Hamas War, there is an ongoing search for pieces of peace.

Jewish and Arab Israelis working together toward a shared society.

Even now.

Especially now.

Shared Society

When I learned about the work of Givat Haviva, I knew this was a conduit to having a constructive conversation — not so much about the war itself — but the humans who are impacted and simply want peace.

Even when it comes in pieces.

For the last 74 years, Givat Haviva has brought together Jews and Arabs who live in Israel to work toward a shared society.

One that recognizes the dignity and rights of all its citizens, including the 20% of Israelis who are Arab.

Michal Sella and Mohammad Darawshe work side by side to make the mission of Givat Haviva a reality.

She as CEO of the non-profit, and he as Director of Strategy, together they lead a team of Jewish and Arab Israelis to create the model society they want to live in.

With a focus on education, language instruction, culture, and art, their programs bring Arabs and Jews face to face, often for the first time in their lives.

Their efforts became exponentially more difficult on October 7th.

Doing the Work

In Givat Haviva’s October 2023 newsletter, Sella writes:

“Together with the insufferable anxiety and loss, it is important for me to call your attention to the emergence of other human traits –compassion, demonstrations of responsibility, and coping.

Givat Haviva now faces two major tasks. The first is to help, to the extent possible, civilians and families from the south who were compelled to leave their homes after the most ruthless experiences one can imagine.

The second is to do everything in our power to maintain the calm internally in Israel – to protect the rights of all citizens of Israel, and to protect proper relations between Jews and Arabs within the State of Israel.”

And that is what they are doing, as they cope with their own feelings of anxiety, anger and uncertainty about the future of their families.

It isn’t easy. But Sella and Darawshe remain committed to doing the work.

The Road to Peace

Disillusioned with Israeli leadership, neither has faith in a top down approach to achieving their goal of a shared society.

They are convinced that the road to peace starts from the bottom up — with human to human interaction.

So their efforts focus on breaking down barriers and fostering relationships.

Talking. Listening. Learning.

Engagi

It’s been inspiring to see our friends in the LGBTQ+ community celebrate and be celebrated during Pride Month.

Though, I must say I long for the day when we don’t need a specific month to acknowledge the humanity of those who are marginalized.

No matter who we love, what our race, how we pray or how we identify, we matter. We are human. We belong.

But until that day, I am grateful for each month that shines a spotlight on stories too often overlooked.

Stories that teach us and show us the full, beautiful complexity of what makes us human.

An Unlikely Story Unfolds
As Pride Month 2023 wraps up, I was reminded of a delightful and enlightening conversation I had with two men determined to figure out how to belong, not just fit in.

Chih Lin’s posts on LinkedIn caught my attention a couple of years ago. So, I reached out and before I knew it, I was interviewing him and his husband, Michael Dorsey.

My first question: What on earth possessed two engineers to ditch their corporate jobs in oil and gas, take a leap of faith and launch a business making dumplings? 

And from there, the unlikely story unfolds, taking us along on their quest to simply be who they are.

To stop twisting themselves into knots, just to fit in.

What would it feel like to truly belong?

Because they took that leap of faith, now they know.
www.ourvoicesmatterpodcast.com
www.lorellemedia.com


This podcast is devoted to empowering us all to better understand each other's differences...one story at a time.  Emmy Award-winning journalist, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, unexpected conversations that reveal our common humanity.  This show is not about politics per se; it is about finding a way to reclaim civility in the context of the contentious times in which we live, by sharing our personal and professional stories, in hopes that others might find a glimpse of themselves.

I can hear my dad saying it now: “I have to laugh to keep from crying.” As a little girl, I didn’t quite get it.

But now I do. And it’s safe to say, these days, that’s how most of us feel.

Up is down. Fake is real. Fact is fiction. The world has gone mad.

And we’re all choosing sides — scared to death of what this chaos means for our future.

So. How to cope with it all?…

My guest this week chooses laughter over tears. And he’s talented enough to bring us along for the ride.

Storied History
This week, our nation made history with the arrest and arraignment of the 45th President of the United States.

Certainly, no laughing matter.

But then a political cartoon from Nick Anderson hit my inbox.

I was reminded of the long and storied history of this creative art form, under attack in recent years.

And why I asked Nick to sit down with me shortly after he and a group of fellow Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonists launched Counterpoint a couple of years ago.

8 from the Right. 8 from the Left. Churning out an online newsletter with competing cartoons about the biggest stories of the day. Including the one from this week.

The Power of Political Cartoons
As Counterpoint continues to thrive, Nick’s contributions to the political landscape now extend to his role as Managing Editor of Reform Austin News.

And while he and his team of investigative journalists help Texans understand state politics and politicians, his sketch pad remains by his side.

As stated in Counterpoint, “Political cartoons have shaped our country from its earliest days.

They create the kind of political environment our country needs right now: a balanced, uncensored debate with enough humor to make these critical topics approachable for the dinner table, and to invite healthy discussions among friends.

A nation divided by opinion cannot stand, but a nation composed of diverse opinions and lively debate will land on the best possible consensus. Cartoons can help us get there.”

We need all the help we can get.

“We cannot coexist if we cannot talk to each other — it’s that simple.”

And that complicated. Yet the leaders of BridgeUSA are determined to meet the challenge.

This 7 year-old non-profit is “building a student movement to bring the country together”, led by a dynamic CEO and return guest to Our Voices Matter, Manu Meel.

Lessons Learned
When we first spoke with Manu over a year ago, he was about to embark upon a nationwide campaign across college campuses, aptly called “Let’s F*#king Talk to Each Other“.

I was eager to find out how it went, what lessons were learned, and how the organization is making progress in its mission to fight political division.

Manu more than delivers in this follow-up conversation, offering perspective and insight that belie his youth.

And perhaps most important, he offers hope. I don’t know about you, but I sure need some of that.

The Hopeful Majority
There’s even a bit of breaking news: Manu and BridgeUSA are joining the world of podcasting.

“The Hopeful Majority” podcast launches May 29th.

As a member of the OVM community, I’m sure you join me in welcoming Manu to this space.

We certainly need more amplification of our majority voices in the middle, the 80% who are far too often drowned out by the extreme voices that drive our political narrative.

Yes, our voices matter, too.



www.ourvoicesmatterpodcast.com
www.lorellemedia.com


This podcast is devoted to empowering us all to better understand each other's differences...one story at a time.  Emmy Award-winning journalist, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, unexpected conversations that reveal our common humanity.  This show is not about politics per se; it is about finding a way to reclaim civility in the context of the contentious times in which we live, by sharing our personal and professional stories, in hopes that others might find a glimpse of themselves.

Talking with Jordan Seaberry is like wrapping up in a warm blanket on a frigid, winter night.

You still feel the cold, but the softness enveloping you takes the edge off.

Our chaotic world churns constantly, spewing more mayhem, but somehow, we still have hope.

Jordan and others of his generation give me the sense that ultimately, we’ll be ok.

What is an Artist?

But not without doing the work, and Jordan is among many, spectacular millennials leading the way.

He wears numerous hats. Painter, educator and legislative advocate with a law degree.

Director of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture.

And just like another famous Chicagoan from the South Side, he’s an organizer.

It’s a beautiful blueprint for making lasting change, and fits right into Jordan’s definition of an artist: “An artist is someone who blurs distinctions between fields.”

It Starts With Listening

Whether painting or teaching — advocating or organizing — Jordan’s approach to all of his work starts with listening.

As the host of this podcast who regularly asks you to have the “courage to listen“, now you know why I was so eager to have him on the show.

Jordan’s authenticity and empathy are on full display as he shares a fascinating backstory that connects to the responsibility he feels as an artist.

A responsibility to recognize the dignity of all things and to be an integral part of the community.

What an honor to welcome him to the Our Voices Matter community. Enjoy!

People often ask where and how I find guests for Our Voices Matter.

The short answer is, when I run across a story I think will resonate with our audience, I jump on it.

For this episode, I didn’t have to look very far.

Literally across my desk.

No Subject Off Limits
Jodi Rabitoy is my Executive Assistant at Linda Lorelle Media.

As you might imagine, we talk a lot. About pretty much everything, especially when it comes to the podcast, which she helps produce and market.

No subject is off limits with us — race, mental health, family dynamics, gender identity, marriage, politics, social justice, you name it.

And since we’re both parents of young adults, we talk about that, too.

So when I decided to launch this series amplifying the voices of GenZ and Millennials, I asked Jodi if she and her daughter, Colette, would join me on the podcast.

Lucky for all of us, they said yes.

What Drives Millennial Decision-Making
Colette received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Houston in 2020 and is now a designer at the Houston architecture firm, Regan & Andre.

Jodi has been working with me at Linda Lorelle Media for a little over three years.

She has a Masters in Elementary Education & Teaching from Viterbo University and a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

I was interested in talking with them after Jodi shared with me some of Colette’s perspectives about her future, what is influencing her decision-making and the impact on Jodi as a loving parent who wants the best for her child.

In some ways, it reminds of me conversations with my own Millennial daughter, but interesting, additional themes also emerged.

Hope for the Future
At the end of the day, I think these conversations are important because they help us better understand what each other is going through from a generational perspective.

And from a human perspective.

My generation is leaving a profoundly troubled world with existential consequences for the next generations to deal with.

Sometimes it’s hard for them — and for us — to have hope for the future.

But we have to keep looking for it.

I feel blessed to find hope in conversations like this one.

Here’s hoping you find it, too.

www.ourvoicesmatterpodcast.com
www.lorellemedia.com


This podcast is devoted to empowering us all to better understand each other's differences...one story at a time.  Emmy Award-winning journalist, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, unexpected conversations that reveal our common humanity.  This show is not about politics per se; it is about finding a way to reclaim civility in the context of the contentious times in which we live, by sharing our personal and professional stories, in hopes that others might find a glimpse of themselves.

“When your story is being told, make sure you are the one holding the pen.”

It’s one of Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton’s favorite quotes. And one that has particular resonance in 2023 as powerful, political forces are literally trying to erase parts of American history.

Black history.

But Mouton is holding the pen.

Multi-Genre Literary Artist
A self-described multi-genre literary artist, she is a master at guiding us along her journey, forging a path that leads straight to the core of our humanity.

Who are we? Who do we want to be? And how does our present connect to our past?

From opera to poetry slam — from New York’s American Lyric Theater to Stages Theater in Houston — the 37 year old Mouton is staking her claim as one of the most transformative storytellers of our time.

When Houston Ballet legend, Lauren Anderson, was looking for someone to tell her story, she found an extraordinary partner in Mouton.

Houston’s poet laureate emeritus crafted a script that took a tumultuous narrative and elevated it in a way that took the audience’s breath away.

“Plumshuga” received rave reviews during its recent Houston run, and efforts are underway to take it to other parts of the county.

Never one to sit still, Mouton has a new book set for release next week, March 7th.

Her deft storytelling skills are on full display in “Black Chameleon: Memory, Womanhood and Myth”.

And her new children’s book, “Hush Hush Hurricane”, will be out soon.

Determined to Excel in Everything Possible
Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton has two young children, a boy and a girl.

She is determined to ensure that they know their history.

She is determined to, in her words, “write us back into the history of our country.”

She is D.E.E.P. Determined to Excel in Everything Possible.

How fortunate we are that she is holding the pen.

www.ourvoicesmatterpodcast.com
www.lorellemedia.com


This podcast is devoted to empowering us all to better understand each other's differences...one story at a time.  Emmy Award-winning journalist, Linda Lorelle, guides guests through insightful, unexpected conversations that reveal our common humanity.  This show is not about politics per se; it is about finding a way to reclaim civility in the context of the contentious times in which we live, by sharing our personal and professional stories, in hopes that others might find a glimpse of themselves.

The message comes from Millennial recording artist, Kam Franklin, and her band, The Suffers.

Kam, the Houston band’s lead singer, lives her life leading with love — and the truth, even when it isn’t pretty.

I became a Kam super fan after sitting down with her for the podcast in November of 2020. Her talent, intellect and empathy toward others on full display.

Surviving the Pandemic

Still in full-blown pandemic mode at that time, Kam and The Suffers did everything in their power to keep the band and their music alive.

Fast forward to June of 2022 and the release of “It Starts With Love“, their third studio album reflecting the hard work and hard truths of life.

Our conversation touches on the band’s experiences touring the country pre-COVID, and Kam’s astute, eye-opening observations of how we treat each other as humans.

And how much more work lies ahead of us to simply accept each other for who we are.

Celebrating Life

For all of the truth-telling in The Suffers’ music, there’s an equal dose of celebrating this crazy, fun, messy life we are all living.

You should check out some of their appearances on David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel Live andThe Daily Show.

But only after you check out this episode that captures the essence of who Kam Franklin is, what my generation has to learn from hers, and the secret to healing what ails us.

Spoiler alert: It Starts With Love.