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Explore ART & POETRY for Exploration and Engagement throughout the diaspora. This episode, with the artistry of two incredible guests, is an exploration of ART & POETRY to share a cultural lens throughout the diaspora:

Ifetayo Cobbins: The Resilience of Black Women in Art & Poetry** As a dynamic force in the world of art and poetry, Ifetayo Cobbins explores the nuances of her artistic expression, focusing on the resilience of black women. An accomplished painter and poet from Hudson, NY, Cobbins uses her paintings to delve into the cultural gifts of black women, reflecting on her own identity. Through powerful spoken-word poetry, she shares stories that pose profound questions about strength, endurance, and perseverance.

**Ron Spears: Bridging Science and the Spoken Word for Global Transformation** Hailing from Detroit, Ron Spears joins us with a unique background in physics and engineering, using his art and poetry to bridge science and spoken word for global transformation. His latest book, "Black Matter Lives," explores manifesting change using the laws of physics, the power of the mind, and the spoken word. Spears, a graduate of Morehouse College and the University of Wisconsin – Madison, brings over 25 years of experience in global transformation consulting projects and community-based initiatives focused on improving the quality of life in Africa and the Diaspora.

Host Kimberly Y. Erwin, a poet herself, will also share her work, "A Children's Book: Ending Racism," designed to acquaint young readers with the history of race and racism in the United States. An enlightening conversation awaits, touching on the importance of looking at ourselves and others as special to communicate effectively.

Don't miss this enriching episode of #RACETALKS on WGXC 90.7FM! Stream live on www.wgxc.org and join the conversation on social media with #WGXC907FM. Engage with us as we explore diverse perspectives and celebrate the power of art and poetry throughout the diaspora. #RaceTalks #WGXC907FM

"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).