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In this broadcast, a conversation of Race: A Binding Illusion focuses on the delusions people have in connection to the term race and how it connects us to our most decrepit past — that of slavery, Jim Crow treatment, and the need for two centuries of civil rights movements to make a way for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream of the one race, human race ideal to spread and become the reality for humanity. The guest for this broadcast is Joanne Louis-Paul, of Nyack, Rockland County, a writer, musician, community builder, and entrepreneur. Louis-Paul brings to the table a formal and informal educational background in communications and media, which informs her efforts to shift the paradigms of work and success in America. She believes media literacy is an important part of changing the often abusive work system, which is deeply tied to racism. Through various endeavors, Louis-Paul seeks to mend the tears in the fabric of societal issues that negatively and disproportionately impact people of color, particularly when it comes to business ownership.

"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).