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Breaking Barriers DEI&B Podcast

Breaking Barriers is a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging podcast (DEI&B) that’s all about having raw conversations. Companies have been “using” diversity as a buzzword to distract from the truth. 

DEI&B isn’t something you do. Your business is either living this stuff or it’s not. 

With our guests, we will talk about the real issues that create barriers to a diverse, equitable, inclusive culture where people feel like they belong.

Whether you are a Small business, Enterprise, or community Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging are the keys to your success. Our DEI&B podcast is energetic and fun. 

Our show is centered around where our expert guests lead the conversation. We are the guides on your DEI Journey. If you want a newscast show, this ain’t the Diversity podcast for you. If you want real talk, and honest solutions that inspire you to take real actions that lead to change, then we got you!

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Black Iowa News Founder Fights for Representation and Equity S02 E28

About the Guest:

Dana James is a prominent figure in the journalism industry, particularly championing the voice of the Black community in Iowa. She stands as the publisher and founder of ...
Black Iowa News, which is currently the only Black-owned newspaper in Iowa. With her background as a former reporter for the Des Moines Register, Dana brings her extensive experience to the forefront in her current pursuits. Beyond her editorial capacities, she's the treasurer of the Iowa Association of Black Journalists and has vast involvement within the realm of written media, including a column titled "New Black Iowa." Dana is also a member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative and co-hosts the "Being Heard" podcast alongside Lya Williams. Her diligent work showcases her unwavering commitment to amplifying Black perspectives, showcasing the Black community, and advocating for others.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Dana James speaks up about the challenges and triumphs of running Black Iowa News, which illuminates the Black Iowan perspective on current issues. This conversation delves deep into the importance of representation in media, the handling of Black stories by news outlets, and the role of journalism in addressing community-specific needs and concerns.

Dana reveals how the events of the pandemic and the murder of George Floyd catalyzed her return to journalism, with Black Iowa News coming into being as a necessity to sound the alarm for her community when others wouldn’t. Offering her insights via a digital platform, Dana emphasizes the mission to facilitate interconnection within the dispersed Black communities across Iowa state. This episode, thriving on transparency and empowerment, underscores Dana's commitment to amplifying Black voices in a state that often overlooks its Black population's issues and triumphs.

Key Takeaways:

*Dana James challenges mainstream media's representation of Black communities, emphasizing the need to surface personalized Black narratives.

*Her paper, Black Iowa News, aims to bridge gaps across Black communities in various Iowa locals, striving for statewide collaboration and support.

*Despite the obstacles facing the newspaper industry, Dana persistently drives her business forward, acknowledging the multi-fold support she receives from the community and beyond.

*The discussion reveals a critical view of the "Iowa nice" mentality, scrutinizing its potential to silence oppression rather than fostering true community support.

*Dana emphasizes the significance of using one's voice and platform to tirelessly combat systemic issues and foster generational progress within the Black community in Iowa.

Resources:

Black Iowa News Website: blackiowanews.com
Facebook Page: Black Iowa News
Social Media: Black Iowa News on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter

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DIVERSITY STRAIGHT UP

“Diversity Straight Up” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington dig into the topics of equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement (EDI&E) through authentic and challenging conversations with C-suite leaders. Expect frank questions and honest answers, and real-life lessons on how to leverage diversity as an asset, rather than see it as a liability.

This Corridor Media Group podcast is sponsored by ACT, Alliant Energy, and Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust.”

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