Antiracist

EPISODE 39

EPISODE 39

“Can Virtual Reality Make Our Communities Safer?” w/ Derek Ham

“We must work to view the world through our neighbor’s eyes.” Derek Ham

Would you be willing to walk a mile in the shoes of a Black man in the South at the height of the Civil Rights Movement? Or respond to a life-threatening dispatch call in the place of a modern-day police officer? Through virtual reality simulations, storyteller Derek Ham helps communities do just that, creating a bridge of empathy between people of color and law enforcement officers.

Hear Derek share about:
• His unlikely journey as an African American male in tech
• How virtual reality can disrupt implicit bias and prejudice
• How the non-violent usage of gaming echoes the non-violent protests of MLK Jr 

EPISODE 32

EPISODE 32

“The Nashville Tornado and Black Ownership” w/ Derek Minor

“Are you going to chase the dollar, or are you going to help preserve a community?” - Derek Minor

Nashville-based Derek Minor is a rapper, producer, and entrepreneur whose initiative “Ownership is the New Black” works to develop the next generation of Black owners. In light of the recent Nashville tornado, Derek and Robby talk about how racially-discriminatory government policies have made the Black community particularly vulnerable to displacement through natural disasters and gentrification.

In this episode of the Praise Hands Podcast, hear Derek talk about:
• How to shift from “consumer power to ownership power”
• How Christian music and social justice can co-exist
• The tragic ending of the “Black Wall Street” in Tulsa, Oklahoma

EPISODE 28

EPISODE 28

“The Myth Of ‘Organic’ Diversity” w/ Patrick Chappell

“People want diversity to happen organically, but sometimes you have to be intentional on the way to organic.” Patrick Chappell

Growing up Black in the South, Patrick Chappell attended both predominantly Black and White churches and often felt like an outsider in each. But his pain led him to his purpose: creating grace-filled spaces for diverse relationships and intentional conversations.

Learn from Patrick’s story and expertise on the following topics:
• How he survived a childhood of physical abuse and deep-seated racism
• Why leaders must proactively pursue those on the fringes
• How intentional, encouraging words can overcome fear and division

EPISODE 26

EPISODE 26

“Data And Diversity: A Call To Dig Deeper” w/ Barna Group’s Brooke Hempell

“Averages only tell the average story. They don’t tell a minority’s story.” Brooke Hempell

As the Senior Vice President of Research at Barna Group, Brooke Hempell and her team have interviewed thousands of leaders across America about issues of faith and culture. Yet some of her most meaningful insights have come from pursuing racial reconciliation and church planting in her hometown of Atlanta.

In this episode, hear Brooke share trusted insight including:
• Common Misperceptions About Economic And Racial Realities
• How Millennial and Gen-Z Voices Are Challenging The Status Quo 
• Surprising Data About The Power Of Diverse Worship Music

EPISODE 25

EPISODE 25

“The New Frontiers Of Multicultural Theology” w/ Angie Kay Hong

“Believing that the way that I know God is the way that everybody should know God is called religiously-powered ethnocentrism.” Angie Kay Hong

Angie Kay Hong is a convener, a sought-after voice on issues of church and culture, and a worship leader with experience on staff everywhere from church plants to megachurch Willow Creek Community Church. Fresh off the heels of a summit of multicultural worship academics and practitioners, Angie and Robby speculate about the future of church music.

Listen now to hear Angie speak to:
• Evolving Strategies for Multicultural Worship
• The Christian Populism Of Martin Luther
• How Leaders Can Share Power In Healthy Ways

EPISODE 24

EPISODE 24

“Can We Trust Kanye West?” w/ KJ Scriven

“The church was here before Kanye West, and the church will be here after Kanye West.” KJ Scriven

As well as being the Creative Arts Pastor at Charlotte-area’s Transformation Church, KJ Scriven collaborates as a songwriter and artist with diverse voices outside the local church. Hear KJ’s thoughts on Kanye West, Kirk Franklin at the Dove Awards, and other issues shaping Christian creativity.

Listen now to hear KJ and Robby chat through:
• Scriptural Perspective On The Christian Kanye West
• How Black Musicians Have Shaped The Sound Of American Music
• Creating Music With Those Who Don’t Share Your Faith

EPISODE 23

EPISODE 23

“Rediscovering The Biblical Vision Of Diversity” w/ KJ Scriven

“Proximity breeds relationship, relationship breeds understanding, and understanding breeds compassion.” KJ Scriven

Multiethnic worship pastor and songwriter KJ Scriven has a passion to see the church become the diverse family Jesus envisioned. 

Dive right in to hear KJ and Robby discuss:
• How Slavery Shaped The African-American Worship Experience
• Robby’s Story Of Confronting A Distracting Tambourine Player In Church
• How The Early Church Gave Voice To Underrepresented Minorities