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The topic of this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebratory broadcast is race and politics. The conversation will focus on the people, and more specifically on the women in politics now and those who fought alongside the more storied figures of the Civil Rights Movement. Plus an exploration of how politics and business merge. Guests are Tiffany Garriga and GG Melina. Garriga is the former Hudson [NY] Common Council Majority Leader and 2nd Ward Alderperson. She is the owner of Moisturize Me, a line of natural hair and body care products. She is also the founder and executive director of the Black Entrepreneur Market. Melina (Cy Melina-Kai Lauz) is a designer, activist, and founder of GGBB Foundation. In 2013, she became a global sensation when she launched Chrysalis Lingerie, the world’s first underwear brand for transgender women. Melina is a first-generation Filipino immigrant and a new Columbia County resident.

"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).