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MonRay Francois is a Claverack resident, who enjoys music--having acquired hundreds of records in his short years on Earth. He also co-leads a band Upper Level which features Unbothered (in partnership with Libby Cabello aka Libby C.). His musical interests cross over to dance. You may find him post-COVID-19 on the dance floors in NYC or Upstate New York where he's known to be a partner's dream.

Among Mr. Francois' many other talents is that of an athletic instructor, a father, and a fierce competitor, especially in Spades and Scrabble. Words are MonRay's forte...and we shall have no shortage of dialogue on Race Talks® where in this episode we highlight lyrical poetry and pay tribute to songwriters as their words provide a musical backdrop to the social climate of the generation often in itself making a profound statement by its use of visual imagery.

Tonight, Mr. Francois will share those lyrics he sees as most impactful in the discussion on the state of racial unrest in America today. Nina Simone and Stevie Wonder selections will be played, as well as both new and well-worn poets of today and decades past as their prose uncovers the stain of police brutality on people, especially males of a certain darker skin tone. The vision is lightened as the TALK continues, however. The "Redemption Song" helps ends Race Talks, providing us with hope for all of humanity as we seek to thrive together-1 HUMAN family on this, the only planet we may all call home.

Selections are also a perfect tribute to our show in April as we celebrate National Poetry Month!

"Race Talks," hosted by intercultural communicator and author Kimberly Y. Erwin, provides expertise on the topic of race and ethnicity. With the national conversation in the media over racial inequity, ignorance or indifference is not a proper retreat. Erwin enjoys speaking with people from every walk of life, ethnic make-up, and varied perspectives to better instruct, engage, and inform listeners with positive and constructive conversations on all things race and ethnicity — which is very necessary to break down structural and societal racism. No topic is taboo. Here, listeners engage with the host, other expert guest educators, activists, organizers, and community members as they disseminate their knowledge (ie. varying terminologies, historical realities, and current opportunities for engagement) for a better informed, appreciative, and active local citizenry.

About the host

An educator, writer, and entrepreneur, Erwin enjoyed her studies as a Hudson High School graduate (attending her senior year at Columbia-Greene Community College) and graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta (noted the #1 Historical Black College and University by "U.S. News") where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French. Upon receiving a Masters in Science degree from the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in Intercultural Communication, Erwin ventured into the areas of international administration, multicultural leadership, and various teaching positions within the U.S. and globally.

Upon returning to Hudson Valley, Kimberly started a media company (OneUniversal Media) endeavoring to give voice to members in communities experiencing gross inequities who yearn to create common means of communicating and celebrating their identity while still challenging societal norms. Erwin is a founding member of Africa's Daughters of the Diaspora (ADD), She holds volunteer positions as a Hudson Area Library Trustee, an on-air programmer at WGXC-FM, and with the Hudson City School District (where her children's book was informed).