Be the Bridge Podcast with Latasha Morrison

This episode of the Be the Bridge Podcast is part of our Cultural Views series where we do a deeper dive into societal and cultural issues with the intent of exposing our listeners to opportunities for the reassessment of their own values and perspectives. We have previously talked about gun violence on episode 250 and now we are diving into white Christian nationalism. Podcast host, Latasha Morrison, is joined by Be the Bridge team members Sean Watkins, Elizabeth Behrens, and Micah Smith to dive into a relevant topic impacting our community and our neighbors. At Be the Bridge, we want to make sure that we are equipping you to do this work. So in this episode, we will provide the historical context and present realities of white Christian nationalism.

Make sure you are subscribed as we keep the conversation going. In part two, we will look at how to disciple people through this.

In a gentle and heartfelt conversation, Korean American Storyteller Tasha Jun discusses her new book, Tell Me the Dream Again, with Latasha Morrison on the Be the Bridge Podcast. You’ll hear Tasha vulnerably share about her journey of embracing the whole story of being biracial. They discuss the importance of being specific about our stories, of honesty and community, and of representation. Tasha and Tasha give listeners encouragement on how to persevere through injustice and also how to sit with the feelings of anger and lament and grief. This episode is an invitation to show up as your whole self and know you are worthy of belonging.

At Be the Bridge Podcast, we intentionally interview bridge builders doing incredible work all year long. And it just so happens that we are highlighting an interview Be the Bridge founder and our host, Latasha Morrison, had with Pastor Raymond Chang as we welcome in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month. They have an important conversation surrounding breaking the stigmas of mental health, discipling students, and acknowledging history.

Latasha and Raymond talk about a life-changing trip he took called the Reclaim Trip, where he and others with the Asian American Christian Collaborative toured historical Asian American Civil Rights sites in California. It was a trip that fostered remembering history and reclaiming identity. And he and Latasha even dream up an incredible opportunity for the Be the Bridge community. We are all connected; and gaining historical context helps us better understand, empathize, and lead in the church and in the culture.

Beloved Bible teacher and best selling author, Beth Moore, joins Be the Bridge founder and podcast host, Latasha Morrison, once again on the podcast. They discuss her new memoir: All My Knotted Up Life and some of the stories she shares in it of growing up in racialized settings in Arkansas and Texas. They lament how we find ourselves in a time of being unable to reason together and of people looking away from injustice. Latasha and Beth agree on the need to know definitions in the language surrounding racial justice, that it is good and right to always be learning, and that remembering is a sacred act. They laugh together and share wisdom together. Beth is living proof of humble leadership and dedicated companionship. 

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison

Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown

As a faith leader and activist, Michelle Ferrigno Warren understands the power of proximity and of holding stories with honor and dignity. In this powerful episode of the Be the Bridge Podcast with founder and host Latasha Morrison, she and Latasha talk about God’s heart for justice, the lack of mercy immigrants are met with crossing the border, and the bad shape of the witness of the American Church.Michelle shares about her personal journey in Italy of seeing the empire on display at the Colosseum. And you do not want to miss their discussion of the upside down Kingdom of God as they exegete Isaiah 58 and Matthew 25. This is the perfect conversation for the Be the Bridge community the week of Easter. May we join Jesus and the prophets in the work of resistance, in the work of being disruptors, in the work of granting life and peace.

The NAACP Image Award-winning author, Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts joins Be the Bridge founder and podcast host, Latasha Morrison, for a profound conversation this Women’s History Month. Listeners get the honor of hearing Tracey talk about the sacred relationship of Black women and the women who have personally impacted her. There is beauty and depth, wisdom and vulnerability in Tracey’s story and words. Latasha and Tracey discuss what it looks like to work faithfully without recognition and the words of Jesus in John 5 about being made well as it relates to racial trauma. You’ll be challenged to find what brings you joy and to guard it. And you’ll be encouraged that joy can coexist with sorrow and anger. Listen in to hear the other “L” that Tracey adds to Listen, Learn, and Leverage. Then, head to our social media profiles to discuss this episode with the Be the Bridge community.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:
“I always say that Black folks are the ultimate alchemists. We have learned how to transform pain.” -Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts

“There are people that will get it and some people who won't. And if I'm so worried about the people who won't get it, the people who are here will get overlooked. It's in Matthew where it says you sometimes just gotta shake the dust off your sandals. We're gonna shake the dust off our Jordans and keep it moving.” -Latasha Morrison

“Joy is teaching me to hope.” -Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts

For Women’s History Month, we present a conversation full of the hurts and joys, laments and hopes of a sacred Black story. Marcie Alvis Walker, the woman behind the popular Instagram account Black Coffee with White Friends, joins Be the Bridge founder and podcast host, Latasha Morrison, for a dynamic conversation. They discuss being Black in predominantly white settings, the white backlash that comes after Black gain, and the effects of generational trauma. They dive into the beauty of mercy and what true integration means. You won’t want to miss Marcie’s words about the Asbury revival and the time of Moses in the wilderness.

This conversation will be beneficial to all listeners. And Latasha brings a great reminder for white listeners: “It's an honor when we invite you into these sacred conversations. When we invite you into our pain and our stories, and a lot of times that's for you to listen, and to ask yourself - ‘What is God trying to say to me in this?’ ‘What is God speaking?’ ‘What am I missing?’” 

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:
“It's really important for us to see that it's not about what the room looks like. It's about what our humanity looks like in that room.” -Marcie Alvis Walker

“I believe that what was happening in 2020 was part of revival.” -Latasha Morrison

“It's one thing to be made equal; it's another thing to be treated equal. It's one thing to be made equal, and then treated equal; it's another thing to have equity. It's one thing to be made equal, treated equal, have equity; but it's a whole nother thing to have retribution and reparations and reconciliation - all which are biblical.” -Marcie Alvis Walker

“When you're able to connect culturally it's just a beautiful thing.” -Latasha Morrison 

As one of the founding pastors of Cornerstone Church in Atlanta and a co-founder of Portrait Coffee, John Onwuchekwa knows how to humbly lead and how to nurture a holistic vision of community. In this episode, John and host Latasha Morrison discuss the history of the West End of Atlanta and the example of redlining as systemic racism. They talk about the importance of creating new narratives through opportunities and perspectives. They both share stories of personal grief and how that impacts the work they do. John’s insights into business and community development, Ecclesiastes, and joyful perseverance will bring encouragement and hope. 

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison

Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown

Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts

Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:
“Some people are called to start the work. And then there's others that are called to finish it, to take it on to the next level.” -Latasha Morrison

“Maybe even through the bitterness of life, there's ways to find hope and joy and perseverance.” -John Onwuchekwa

“Where do we go from here? We just take the very next step. And then once we get to that next step where both feet are firmly planted, we ask and answer that same question.” -John Onwuchekwa

Terms:
Redlining - the discriminatory practice in the United States that began in the 1930s of the government outlining certain geographic areas based upon race or ethnicity in order to deny services (both directly and indirectly) such as loans or insurance to someone because they were deemed to be a high financial risk; an inequitable and unjust practice that predominantly affected Black AmericansConnect with 

We welcome in Black History Month with an episode from the Be the Bridge team! Sean Watkins, Kaylee Morgan, and Mariah Humphries join Latasha Morrison to talk about all things Black History Month because Black history is American history and Black History Month is for all people. If you’ve ever wondered about the history of February as Black History Month or why histories are separated in the American education system, you don’t want to miss this conversation. If you want space to feel seen and heard as a Black person during this month, you don’t want to miss this conversation.The Be the Bridge team provides listeners with depth, laughter, and things to lament and celebrate. They give personal stories of what Black history means to them and they give recommended resources and lessons to walk away with. Be encouraged that it is never too late to learn. The incredible Black history many of us missed out on growing up can be redeemed now in how we listen, learn, lament, and leverage our lives. May we work together to make sure the full story is told. May we celebrate the beauty and the resilience of the Black community this month and every month.

Why do politics matter? Why should Christians be engaged in politics? Is social justice compatible with the gospel? Pastor Eugene Cho joins Be the Bridge founder and podcast host Latasha Morrison on this episode to discuss these questions and more. He brings wise insight into faithful living in this time. You’ll be pastored and encouraged by the words and work of Pastor Cho. He and Latasha remind us that even now Jesus is moving and working.

Quotes:
“Here's the most simple reason why I believe politics matter: politics influences policies that ultimately impact people.” -Eugene Cho

“Sociologists are telling us that political identity is growing to become the most dominant way in which we see ourselves in the world. And I think to myself, that's idolatry.” -Eugene Cho

“You cannot love your neighbors if you don't know your neighbors.” -Eugene Cho

In the midst of so much tragedy and so much to lament after recent times of white supremacy raging through racial terrorism and gun massacres, Latasha Morrison spoke with trauma therapist Dr. Anita Phillips for a timely and needed word. Dr. Anita shares about the importance of singing together, of physical touch, and of living sacrificially as a follower of Jesus. She dives deep into God’s design of emotions and the connection between our hearts and brains. This episode is filled with Dr. Anita’s pastoral voice as she invites us into a better understanding of how God created us to feel and to live.

Quotes:
“With everything that we have going on from some of the police violence with Black and Brown brothers and sisters, from Buffalo, to Texas, it's just all really too much to bear. I cannot understand how to do this apart from Christ.”  -Latasha Morrison

“Our mental health, our relational health, our spiritual health is being undermined by how uncomfortable we are and how inarticulate we are and inadequate we are with emotion.” -Dr. Anita Phillips

“When I'm watching Jesus, I see Jesus expressing emotion freely and often with words and with his body.” -Dr. Anita Phillips

On this episode of the Be the Bridge Podcast, founder and host Latasha Morrison is joined by Tiffany Henness and Gina Fimbel to discuss transracial adoption. They talk about the importance of centering adoptee voices and of learning from adoptee’s experiences and ethnicities. This needed conversation deals with the ways our society has gotten things wrong with adoption and the ways to grow and do better. Listen in and lean in so we can build bridges and create safer and healthier spaces for adoptees.

Quotes:
“We think it's important that we empower those where this is their lived experience to do most of the talking. And so we do not want to silence those voices, because they are not voiceless. They’re just unheard.” -Latasha Morrison

“We often talk about adoption in such a simple way: black, white; it's all unicorns and rainbows. And I think that's a really dangerous and problematic way to frame it, because it really severely limits the public's perception about the complex dynamics of adoption and the trauma that's associated with it, not only for first families, but for adoptees as well.” -Gina Fimbel

“When I'm with other transracial adoptees, that's where I have felt the most freedom to be me.” -Tiffany Henness

In this special bonus Christmas episode of the Be the Bridge Podcast, Latasha Morrison is joined by three women she met at Christmas Con this year. Gina, India, and Rena have fun with Latasha discussing Hallmark Christmas movies. Their laughter will get you into the Christmas spirit. They also take notice of the improvements that Hallmark has made with diversity and inclusion in front of the screen and behind it. Movies (even feel-good, predictable Hallmark Christmas movies) broaden our imaginations and help remind us of the power and necessity of representation.

Quotes:
“We were at Christmas Con to feel that Christmas spirit.” -Latasha Morrison

“I'm not really a holiday person. But it's just something about those Hallmark channels. We watch them over and over and over. But it just gives you that good feeling.” -Gina

“I love to see us in roles of excellence.” -India

“I've always been a Christmas person. I love Christmas.” -Rena

Comfort. Peace. Joy. What word would describe this holiday season for you? Latasha Morrison brings together Michele Evans, Micah Smith, and Lauren Brown of the Be the Bridge executive leadership team to share some of their favorite Christmas traditions, memories, and meals. From the tender memories to the funny ones, and the decorations to the gifts, this episode is one full of Christmas cheer and heartfelt thoughts. May we acknowledge the tensions this season holds while embracing the grief and the celebrations. May we join together in laughter and in tears. And may we open our tables whether they hold Coca-Cola salad, cookies, or Breakfast burritos.

Quotes:
“Advent is a time that we remember who we serve. I know without Christ I could not do the work that I'm doing.” -Latasha Morrison

“There's just something about Christmas when everything just kind of slows down a little bit.” -Micah Smith

“There's some beauty in this season in the midst of a lot of brokenness.” -Latasha Morrison

There is so much about American history that we aren’t taught in the American school systems. There is so much that isn’t exposed. But this episode of the Be the Bridge Podcast reveals America’s culinary founding father, James Hemings. Chef Ashbell McElveen and Visual Storyteller Anthony Werhun discuss their new documentary on Hemings with Latasha Morrison. Their conversation is full of untold stories, rich Black history, and collective lament. This is a reminder of the importance of stewarding history well and reclaiming stories that need to be told. This is an episode you do not want to miss.

Quotes:
“We want to make sure that we're passing on the correct information to the next generation because stories matter, narratives matter, history matters, who has power matters, who tells the story. It all matters.” -Latasha Morrison

“Through the making of this documentary with James Hemings, I discovered that literally enslaved Black cooks and chefs created fine dining in America. So James Hemings literally put fine taste in Thomas Jefferson's mouth, not the reverse. And that's the value of this documentary.” -Chef Ashbell McElveen

"James Hemings was a big part of this country's formation. And for some reason, that story has been oppressed for a couple 100 years. It's just this little blurb, but it's much bigger.” -Anthony Werhun

What does it mean that God is global? How can we long for and pursue justice in a beautiful way? Sandra Maria Van Opstal is a second-generation Latina and the executive director of Chasing Justice. She is an amazing author and pastor, leader, and activist joining Latasha Morrison on the Be the Bridge Podcast to answer these questions and more. She powerfully reminds us that we are all connected to one another and that we need one another. They discuss the rich gift that immigrants and refugees are to the church. They talk about the importance of mutuality. And they dive into how to develop leaders across cultures. Join Sandra and Latasha as they lament and hope together, and may we journey collectively into The Next Worship.

Quotes:
“What does it look like to live a lifestyle of justice beyond a hashtag and beyond a protest, but into a lifestyle of compassion and justice?” -Sandra Maria Van Opstal

“If I don't consider myself an evangelical, it's because evangelicals don't consider me. Evangelicals don't consider my community.” -Sandra Maria Van Opstal

There has been a tremendous amount of personal and collective grief over the past couple of years. Navigating it all has been hard. And for those in positions of leadership, it’s been all the more burdensome. So how do we pay attention to the past, look ahead to the future, but live and do the work in this moment? How do we process and grow into all the grief? Author and speaker, pastor, and leader Jeanne Stevens shares beautiful wisdom with the Be the Bridge community about the difference in blame, shame, and guilt and the need to live at peace with God with ourselves so that we can live at peace with others. She and Latasha Morrison talk about the importance of accessing the presence of God. And they discuss what is helpful and unhelpful in the grieving process. This grace filled conversation will help you embrace change, appreciate losses, and remember that you are not alone.

Quotes:
“The scriptures say that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, which is our hope that we can lean on. But the only place where we can experience God is in the present.” -Jeanne Stevens

“What we cannot face, we cannot change”. -Jeanne Stevens

“We cannot experience the peace of God if we don't know how to access the presence of God.
And the presence of God is always the here and the now.” -Jeanne Stevens

“On the other side, there can be joy again. On the other side, there will be hope again.” -Latasha Morrison

This episode brings together faith leaders Kathryn Freeman, Jenny Yang, and Michael Wear to discuss a hot button issue-civic engagement for American Christians.  We'll hear from each of them about what it means for followers of Christ to love their neighbors through politics, voting, and the "third space."  How do we move from awareness to action, and action to advocacy?  Our amazing guests help us understand the challenges and rewards of participation in the political sphere as people of faith.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison

Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown

Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts

Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:

"There's nothing wrong with being political. All of us are political beings, all of us live in structures and governments, and communities in which all of us need to come together to make important decisions that impact the common good."  - Jenny Yang

“The fine line is between being political and being partisan because oftentimes, partisanship can mean blind allegiance to a specific political party or candidate without realizing that there are faults with specific candidates and parties. And not a single political party or person will ever encompass the fully, perfectly balanced agenda that I believe we’re supposed to pursue in our society.” - Jenny Yang

“Faithful political engagement means that you’re willing to put faithfulness over short term political gain. It also means that you’re not just in politics for your own self-interest, that you’re not just going to politics to get your own needs met.” - Michael Wear

“I’m convinced people are going to politics a lot these days for spiritual and emotional needs. We find those needs met in Christ, and so we’re freed up to go into politics to affirm human dignity and advance justice.” - Michael Wear

“There has to be a separation of who I am as an American and a citizen of this democracy, and who I am as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. And I think oftentimes we blend those two things together as if America is a Christian nation, and it doesn’t matter that we’ve made an idol or that we live in a way where those identities are blended.” - Kathryn Freeman

“The reality is, whether you’re liberal or conservative, you should feel like, ‘I can’t go with that, because my first identity is a citizen of the kingdom of heaven.’ And if you never feel that tension, if the country is always doing what you feel like aligns with God, then I would say that the God that you’re worshipping is not the God of the Bible. It’s not the Jesus of the red letters.” - Kathryn Freeman

Milton Stewart joins Latasha Morrison on the Be the Bridge Podcast for an episode dedicated to the Enneagram! As the founder of Kaizen Careers, Coaching and Consulting LLC and one of the very few African American male Enneagram teachers in the world, Milton brings his expertise and wisdom to a conversation unlike others revolving around this tool for self-awareness and empathy. They look at the origins of the Enneagram, how it helps in communication, and how the Enneagram can aid in conversations around racial justice. Milton and Latasha share how important self-awareness is in the journey of caring for our communities and working to bring about justice. You’ll leave this episode with an appreciation for Enneagram work that goes deeper than memes and with a great set of resources to dive into.

Quotes:
“The Enneagram is like a journey or map. When you work with it the right way, it's a tool to help you on a journey to help you find deeper self-awareness to transform yourself.” -Milton Stewart

“When there's diversity and inclusion at the table, it makes for a more robust conversation.” -Latasha Morrison

Leader and author, executive coach, and veteran Marine, Natasha Sistrunk Robinson has a prayer that her latest work would be a classic. Voices of Lament: Reflections on Brokenness and Hope in a World Longing for Justice is a compilation of voices of women of color that is a timeless and unique work full of good words for our souls. Latasha Morrison discusses this rich book with Natasha and Mariah Humphries, Be the Bridge’s Director of Marketing and Innovation and one of the book’s 29 contributors. Listen in as they tackle subjects like recognizing culture as God intended, discipleship and biblical illiteracy, the systemic injustices in Christian publishing, and the challenges of leading as a Black woman. May this episode of the Be the Bridge podcast remind us all of the beauty and necessity of different languages, different stories, different experiences, different histories, and different people groups.

“Women of color, probably more than anyone in this world, but certainly in our country, we understand our lives being interrupted by things we don't have control over. Whether it's systemic injustice or family things or children things. And yet, we persevere through the suffering, through the mourning, through the lament.” -Natasha Robinson

“I wanted to stay very true to who I am as one voice, as a Mvskoke voice, but also part of one voice of a collective. And I thought it was just a beautiful combination of spiritual faith, and then a lived experience of ancestral experience.” -Mariah Humphries

Have you ever questioned if Christianity is a white man’s religion? Have you ever wondered if there is a better way to do missions and church planting? African Missiologist and thought leader, Mekdes Haddis joins Latasha Morrison on this Be the Bridge podcast episode to challenge the Western Church’s view on missions. She invites listeners into a history of Ethiopian Christianity and how the Doctrine of Discovery remains embedded in the modern mission movement. Their discussion points to the brutal impact of good intentions and how church plants can often be facilitators of gentrification. Mekdes reminds us that Black and Brown leaders and pastors are already doing the work and there are wholesome ways to empower, support, and join them in that work. This needed conversation, along with Mekdes’ book A Just Mission, encourages a reframing of missions and a pursuit of racial righteousness.

Quotes:
“Christianity is not Western culture.” -Latasha Morrison

“For anybody that says Christianity is a white man's religion, I would say go and visit the ancient Ethiopian churches that have been there for centuries, before any white man ever came into Africa.” -Mekdes Haddis

“Our good intent does not always produce good impact.” -Mekdes Haddis

If you long to see God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, this conversation is for you. Be the Bridge founder and podcast host, Latasha Morrison, is joined by Pastor Inés Velásquez-McBryde. She brings her heart, experiences, and wisdom to this episode as they discuss the dynamics of multi-ethnic churches. They consider the importance of understanding systemic history in order to plant multi-ethnic churches and the history of colonization in the Americas, the liberating power of lamentation and the hope and beauty of reimagining church. They also connect the struggle of the early church in desegregation and in integration with the continued struggles in the U.S. church today. If you are a pastor doing the work of reconciliation, stay tuned until the end to hear Pastor Inés speak a powerful prayer over you. This needed conversation holds the needed reminders of the gift of the Brown church and the continual goodness of God.

Quotes:
“The immigrant church in the U.S. is a gift. The Brown church is a gift to the U.S. church. We are a means of God's grace.” -Inés Velásquez-McBryde

“Often I found out that people wanted proximity to people of color in the pew, but they did not want proximity to the pain of people of color outside of the pew.” -Inés Velásquez-McBryde

“We are only adopted into the family of God because of justice.” -Latasha Morrison 

“Reckoning has to begin with repentance. And if there's no lamentation, there cannot be liberation.” -Inés Velásquez-McBryde

“This work as a reconciler is a lifestyle and we're always learning.” -Latasha Morrison

If you want to see hope in action, just take a look at our youth! Here at Be the Bridge, we are passionate about equipping and empowering students to step forward in the work of racial healing, racial equity, and racial unity right where they are. For this episode of the podcast, Patricia Taylor, Be the Bridge’s Director of Programs, talks with Kaylee Morgan, Be the Bridge’s Youth & University Program Manager, and two students, Sydney Middleton and Regan Murray, to discuss our youth guide and their involvement in a group. They share the ways they are learning and growing as individuals and as students in a trusted community. They are leading the way in this work, are having brave conversations, and are reminding us to never underestimate the power of small steps along the journey and small conversations in daily life.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:
“We're here to equip the next generation to continue to do the work and empower them to empower those that follow right after them.” -Kaylee Morgan

“We do this work for the betterment of us all.” -Patricia Taylor

“You can't educate others without really educating yourself.” -Sydney Middleton

“You never know how a small conversation could change someone's whole perspective on an issue.” -Regan Murray

“I really do believe this next generation is going to see some monumental things when it comes to justice work in the justice movement and justice actually being served.” -Kaylee Morgan

Lisa Fields is one of the world’s most sought-after Christian apologists and the Founder and President of the Jude 3 Project. She transcends tribalism and creates resources to help the Black Christian community know what they believe and why they believe it. Her story of struggling with Christianity has allowed her to bring clarity to others. And her conversation in this episode of the Be the Bridge podcast with Founder and Host Latasha Morrison points out the necessity of having Black leaders in theological spaces, the necessity of listening with empathy to the real questions people are wrestling with, and the necessity of holding a humble hermeneutic. They discuss the psychological impact of images of white bible characters and Jesus. They also give hopeful reminders of where Christianity began and that God is working things for good. Don’t miss this episode with Lisa Fields and the good work of the Jude 3 Project.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:
“I thought it was important to focus on the African American community, to answer the questions that our community is asking, to approach it the way our community would be able to receive it, and also for people to see themselves as apologists.” -Lisa Fields

“Because I'm not called to one tribe, I understand that I have to transcend the tribalism.” -Lisa Fields

“If you're giving a defense for the faith and you're not doing it with gentleness and respect, you're not doing biblical apologetics. You're doing something else.” -Lisa Fields

With the gun violence epidemic in our country, one brave step we can take is to have courageous conversations. This episode is part of our Take is to the Bridge series where we do a deeper dive into societal and cultural issues with the intent of exposing our listeners to opportunities for the reassessment of their own values and perspectives. Have you ever wondered about the history of gun ownership in the U.S. or of the original intent of the Second Amendment? In a time where we have more guns than people, what does a collective response to this gun idolization and violence look like? Elizabeth Behrens and Gina Fimbel join Latasha Morrison to give historical context into the gun debate. May this conversation remind us that we are all connected and allow lament and hope to foster needed change.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:
“When we're able to apply that lens of history, we're able to really shift our perspective and make some more informed decisions.” -Elizabeth Behrens 

“Part of racial bridge building is to be able to have vulnerable, historically informed, nuanced conversations about race and racism in America. Let's embrace that same mindset, that same sort of path forward with this debate too.” -Elizabeth Behrens

“Hope requires us to take action.” -Gina Fimbel 

“We've made a mistake of thinking that military superiority is a moral superiority.” -Gina Fimbel

“My citizenship is just not tied to me, but it's collective. It's tied to other people.” -Latasha Morrison

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As a public theologian and a midwife of culture for grace and truth, Ekemini Uwan speaks and writes words of truth, of conviction, of wisdom. She joins Latasha Morrison on this episode of the Be the Bridge podcast to discuss the new book she co-authored, Truth’s Table: Black Women’s Musings on Life, Love, and Liberation. They talk through the chapters she wrote on colorism, deconstruction and decolonization, the realities of living single as a Black woman in America, and diaspora dreams. This conversation is packed with deep insights and knowledge. Ekemini shares needed reminders of the fundamentals of our faith and blackness as an image of God. She vulnerably shares parts of her story and heart. Ekemini is a theologian we can all learn from.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:
“Just because we're centering Black women doesn't mean you can't learn. In fact, you can learn a whole lot from a group that is deeply oppressed in this land about what it means to not only be resilient, but to overcome, to persevere, to bask in joy and Black joy.” -Ekemini Uwan

“You cannot be anti-racist and be a colorist. You have to be anti-racist and anti-colorist.” -Ekemini Uwan

It is important in this bridge-building work to be reminded of the good being done on a local level. So for this episode, guest host Dr. Will Gravely is joined by three women who are leading and reproducing Be the Bridge groups through their local church. Lisa Miller, Beth Yokley, and Rikeesha Phelon share their individual and collective experiences engaged in this work. This look into their connections and conversations from their Be the Bridge groups is hopeful for us all and will be helpful for anyone wanting to begin their own local group. They share the important aspects of creating groups that are psychologically safe spaces for people of color, that see this work as part of discipleship, and that know the cost is worth it.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:
“It is so important, not just for people of color and white people who are geared toward justice, but I think the work of anti-racism and Be the Bridge is part of discipleship, and it's part of how we mirror Christ-like behavior to the world.” -Rikeesha Phelon

“We have got to, as brothers and sisters in Christ, be able to have difficult conversations because we're united by the love of Jesus. If we can't have these conversations, who can?” -Beth Yokley

“It's important that Christians have this conversation because of that command of love, but also because we're all created in God's image. Imago Dei. And if we believe that then we need to act like that.” -Lisa Miller

Happy Father's Day from That Sounds Fun Network & Be the Bridge! Today we have a special bonus episode to share with you celebrating dads & all we love about them. In this episode, hosts from all different That Sounds Fun Network shows -- including me -- share what we love about our dads/and advice about being a dad.

What is the significance of Juneteenth becoming a national holiday? How should we celebrate Juneteenth? What are the links between faith and freedom? Listen in to pastor, content creator, and scholar Rasool Berry share the important historical and spiritual contexts of Juneteenth, where on June 19, 1865, the Emancipation Proclamation was enforced in Galveston, Texas freeing Black African Americans who were enslaved. This Jubilee Day carried weighty implications for faith and society then and continues to today. Dr. Will Gravely hosts this incredible conversation for the Be the Bridge community that you do not want to miss.

Quotes:

“Juneteenth is an intrinsic opportunity to build bridges between the past and the present.” -Rasool Berry

“Juneteenth offers us an opportunity to think about both the resistance to that resetting of the relationship but also the ongoing need for us to renew our minds about how we see each other as coequals, and that legacy of that story of white supremacy has still continued throughout time in 157 years since.” -Rasool Berry

“This institution of slavery had implications across every area of life. It wasn't just socially, it was psychologically, even theologically. And so, the Union soldiers did not come to inform, they came to enforce.” -Dr. Will Gravely

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Links:

In this special bonus episode that you will not want to miss, Be the Bridge founder Latasha Morrison talks with Dr. Claudia May. Along with being a professor and the Director of the Reconciliation Studies Program at Bethel University, Dr. May is a poet, scholar, and award-winning children's book author. She joins Latasha in this episode to discuss Juneteenth. They dive into the history, the beauty, the complexities around the important day. The depth of this conversation will bring enlightenment, healing, and hope.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:

“And what the spirituals remind us is that these were composers, creators, theologians, critical thinkers who did their exegesis, did their hermeneutics through the spirituals.” -Dr. Claudia May

“We need to acknowledge pain and injustice, and we address that. But we also need to embrace the truth that Black people are contributors.” -Dr. Claudia May “We need a variety of stories speaking about a variety of experiences that show us that Black people are not monolithic. We're complex human beings and multilayered. We need to see that.” -Dr. Claudia May

“Some of the principles for me of Juneteenth: acknowledging the injustices that we have confronted and ignored and lived through, to learn about and celebrate the histories and contributions of Black people, and applaud our lives and gifts and achievements.” -Dr. Claudia May

“I often say to my students, y'all need to travel, especially my Black students. Y'all to travel to see the impact we're having on world culture. Juneteenth acknowledges those kinds of contributions.” -Dr. Claudia May

“Our artistic expressions give multiple people's ways to access what their truth means to them.” -Dr. Claudia May“That we continue to learn from our ancestors, which is what Juneteenth reminds us. That we are interconnected, and that those in the past can contribute to our present. We don't have to be confined to our ancestors. But our ancestors, the cloud of witnesses shaped us, they can inform how we engage with the injustices that we encounter.” -Dr. Claudia May

As we celebrate the sixth birthday of Be the Bridge, we are peering into the heartbeat of the organization: Be the Bridge Groups. 

Be the Bridge groups. Guest podcast host Dr. Will Gravely connects with two Be the Bridge group leaders, Regina Alexander and Leah Anderson, as they share their experiences in leading and navigating local groups and virtual groups over the years. Be the Bridge groups are where this hard work of moving toward racial healing, racial equity, and racial unity is engaged.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

In the midst of so much tragedy and so much to lament after weeks of white supremacy raging through racial terrorism and gun massacres, Latasha Morrison spoke with trauma therapist Dr. Anita Phillips for a timely and needed word. Dr. Anita shares about the importance of singing together, of physical touch, and of living sacrificially as a follower of Jesus. She dives deep into God’s design of emotions and the connection between our hearts and brains. This episode is filled with Dr. Anita’s pastoral voice as she invites us into a better understanding of how God created us to feel and to live.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:
“With everything that we have going on from some of the police violence with Black and Brown brothers and sisters, from Buffalo, to Texas, it's just all really too much to bear. I cannot understand how to do this apart from Christ.”  -Latasha Morrison

“Our mental health, our relational health, our spiritual health is being undermined by how uncomfortable we are and how inarticulate we are and inadequate we are with emotion.” -Dr. Anita Phillips

“When I'm watching Jesus, I see Jesus expressing emotion freely and often with words and with his body.” -Dr. Anita Phillips

If you’ve ever wondered about the term and concept of whiteness, if you’ve ever wondered how there can be such differences between white Christians and Black Christians, if you’ve ever wondered about how reconciliation and justice play a role in spiritual maturity, this conversation is for you. Pastor David Swanson joins Latasha Morrison to talk through the biblical exegesis and cultural exegesis of racial righteousness and discipleship. Their deep discussion is covered in the beauty and necessity of truth, of hospitality, of perseverance. This episode will leave you with a better understanding of how we got to where we are in the American church context and with hope for the days to come.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:
“What would it look like for a majority white ministry or church to take seriously the call to discipling Christians, so that they stand more and more in solidarity with the whole body of Christ, so that our witness to Jesus could be that much more powerful?” -David Swanson

“This is profoundly spiritual work that we do. As much as we need other resources and tools, at the end of the day this is a work that only the Spirit of God can accomplish.” -David Swanson

“If we're going to do this well in a healthy manner, we're going to have to directly and regularly confront whiteness. We will have to name it, we'll have to talk about what it looks like, we'll have to talk about how it manifests in very specific ways. But we'll have to do that in a way that doesn't just quote, unquote, educate white people, but actually is good news to the people of color in the room as well.” -David Swanson

“When we see each other as God sees us, we wouldn't see our differences as something that sets us against one another, but something that brings us together and causes beauty that points back to God.” -Latasha Morrison

Music has the power to transform and transcend; it can build bridges and recognize intersections. Tongan American creative artist, Aisea Taimani’s honest music does just that. Listen in as he discusses glocal worship with Be the Bridge founder and podcast host, Latasha Morrison. They dive into the value of different worship styles and the necessity of experiencing them. This conversation is a reminder of the intentionally diverse creation of God and the amazing beauty found in the church. Glocal worship is an invitation to celebrate and to lament, to hope and to empathize as we work to bring God’s Kingdom to earth as it is in heaven.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:
“We've always heard local and global. But I think this term [glocal] was just an opportunity to really imagine how we look at the world, especially as a people of faith, recognizing that in order to reach people, you no longer have to travel out of your country.”  -Aisea Taimani 

“Learning the songs from different cultures and different languages has really actually deepened my theology and given me tools to move towards curiosity rather than judgments whenever I experience something that's different, especially in church.” -Aisea Taimani

“I promise you that when you hear my people sing with all of their heart, they have something to teach the rest of the world about who God is.”  -Aisea Taimani

Links:

If you want to see hope in action, just take a look at our youth! Here at Be the Bridge, we are passionate about equipping and empowering students to step forward in the work of racial healing, racial equity, and racial unity right where they are. For this episode of the podcast, Patricia Taylor, Be the Bridge’s Director of Programs, talks with Kaylee Morgan, Be the Bridge’s Youth & University Program Manager, and two students, Sydney Middleton and Regan Murray, to discuss our youth guide and their involvement in a group. They share the ways they are learning and growing as individuals and as students in a trusted community. They are leading the way in this work, are having brave conversations, and are reminding us to never underestimate the power of small steps along the journey and small conversations in daily life.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:
“We're here to equip the next generation to continue to do the work and empower them to empower those that follow right after them.” -Kaylee Morgan

“We do this work for the betterment of us all.” -Patricia Taylor

“You can't educate others without really educating yourself.” -Sydney Middleton

“You never know how a small conversation could change someone's whole perspective on an issue.” -Regan Murray

“I really do believe this next generation is going to see some monumental things when it comes to justice work in the justice movement and justice actually being served.” -Kaylee Morgan

This conversation between Latasha Morrison and Durwood Snead shines light on a restorative work being done in one local community. It highlights a beginning concept of how to make amends, a beginning work of making a wrong right, and a beginning of undoing harm. They talk about the horrific history of Forsyth County, Georgia and the important work of The Forsyth Scholarship. This conversation is a hopeful reminder that active reparations are happening locally and that there is a role for everyone in the process.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:
“A part of that restoration and reproduction work is leveraging your position, leveraging your privilege, leveraging your God given gifts to do something about the systemic issues that we are facing as it relates to racial injustice in our country.” -Latasha Morrison

“We know this is not justice, this is not making things right. But we just feel like it's better to do something than to do nothing. And it's simply an act of love that is for a few people that we wish we could do for more.” -Durwood Snead

“If you live in a predominantly white area historically, there's a reason why it's like that, especially in the south.” -Latasha Morrison

“When we're not overshadowing this with all of our partisanship, and we're not overshadowing this with a lot of cultural things that's happening, and if we're looking at this as a biblical concept, we understand that this is right.” -Latasha Morrison

“The truth sets everybody free. We don't need to hide anything. We just need to lay it out there.” -Durwood Snead

“Until we go back and pull back the covers on some of this history, we don't understand the context.” -Latasha Morrison

Links:

Celebrate Black girl magic with this episode of the Be the Bridge podcast! Author, bridge builder, and speaker, Dorena Williamson joins host Latasha Morrison to talk about her latest children’s book, Crowned with Glory. Listen in to their conversation about the beauty of Black hair and the joy of Black culture. They dive into the need for representation in literature and in publishing, as well as sharing encouragement to be faithful in bridge building work. Let this episode remind you that words matter, diverse representation matters, and good stories matter for the hearts of both children and adults.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser 

Quotes:
"The Creator crowned me with melanated glory, and every day I get to live out my beautiful story." -Crowned with Glory, Dorena Williamson“As a parent, you go through that journey of wanting to teach your children that they are beautiful and worthy of honor the way they are, that they don't need to compare themselves to their white counterparts, or of another race, but that their beauty is beautiful.” -Dorena Williamson“We don't need to go backwards, we need to go forward. And we're getting more diverse, we're not getting more homogenous.” -Latasha Morrison“I believe that we are all image bearers of God. And I believe then, that we should foundationally be teaching that to our children.” -Dorena Williamson“And even if you live in a community that is more homogenous, you still can represent the world in your literature. You can bring the world to your kids through literature.” -Latasha Morrison

If you need to hear the story of a miracle to encourage your faith and to persevere in the work of justice, listen to this interview with Pastor Michael Phillips as he shares his incredible journey of escaping the school-to-prison pipeline. He and Be the Bridge founder and podcast host Latasha Morrison discuss the reality and injustice of the school-to-prison pipeline, the brokenness of our legal system, and the history of our public education system. They dive into the roots of these systems and the way to work toward restorative justice for all. Be empowered to be part of the solution by this thought-provoking conversation.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:

“We often penalize people for what they do at the expense of who they are.” -Michael Phillips

“We see what people do without understanding why. And we judge the what without any information of why.” -Michael Phillips

“It's hard to become what you never see. But it's very easy to become what you're always exposed to.” -Michael Phillips

“2.3 million people are incarcerated in the U.S. And 74% of them that are held in jail, are not convicted of a crime yet.” -Michael Phillips

“What the pandemic uncovered was the pre-pandemic inequities that always existed.” -Michael Phillips

“For somebody to win doesn't mean you have to lose.” -Michael Phillips

“People don't really understand what restoration and reconciliation is. And if anyone should understand it's the people of God, it's the people of faith.” -Latasha Morrison

In this hope-filled conversation, Latasha Morrison and Benjamin Wills focus on what it looks like for students, families, and communities to flourish. As the Founder and Head of School for Peace Preparatory Academy, Benjamin speaks to the reasons why our education system is failing and the importance of being informed by the community you’re serving. They discuss how economics, housing, and historical context play a role in a student’s education. This episode is an invitation into a better way for education in America, one that is holistic, restorative, and human-centered.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:
“To have clear vision, you have to understand the past, you have to be rooted in the present, and you have to have a vision for the future.” -Benjamin Wills

“Education is about creating a community where you feel safe to explore your core identity, and then where you can be launched into the world with the tools to live that out.” -Benjamin Wills

“Gentrification without justice leading it is oppression.” -Latasha Morrison

“There is a real connection to the tangible lived experience someone has and their ability to walk with Jesus in a spiritual way.”  -Benjamin Wills

“If the systems we know have inherent kind of racism built into them, then we have to build something new. That's effectively antiracist work.” -Benjamin Wills

Scholar, leader, professor, and pastor Dr. Will Gravely joins Latasha Morrison on this episode of the Be the Bridge podcast for a conversion that dives deep into church history, multi-ethnic churches, and the way forward for the American church. They discuss the history, theology, and necessity of the Black church. As a pastor of a cross-cultural and community-driven church himself, Dr. Gravely speaks to how to support fellow pastors in similar spaces and how to support pastors of color in predominantly white spaces. Their discussion offers insight and knowledge, solidarity and hope in this current cultural context and on this racial righteousness journey.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:
“Black Christianity was not a product of slavery. The Black church was framed during the time of enslavement, but the Black church in and of itself was birthed in the time of Christ.” - Dr. Will Gravely

“Just by a casual exposure to church history, you'd understand how critical the Black church has been all the way from the time of Jesus up until now.” - Dr. Will Gravely

“The root and foundation of all Christian theology was in North Africa shortly after Jesus ascended.” - Dr. Will Gravely

“The Black church has a wealth of not only history of struggle and triumph but also theology.” -Dr. Will Gravely

“The Black church was born by necessity, not narcissism. The Black church was identified as Black because we were not allowed to worship the same God with white people. And so the Black church had to take on a faith life of its own, not being allowed to worship in the same spaces as whites. And so that's why I think just studying that history is critical.” -Dr. Will Gravely

“My prayer is that we would just be better neighbors to one another and not seek to tear each other down. Even when we make mistakes.”             - Latasha Morrison

Links:

On this episode of the Be the Bridge podcast, founder and host Latasha Morrison is joined by Tiffany Henness and Gina Fimbel to discuss adoption. They talk about the importance of centering adoptee voices and of learning from adoptee’s experiences. This needed conversation deals with the ways our society has gotten things wrong with adoption and the ways to grow and do better. Listen in and lean in so we can build bridges and create safer and healthier spaces for adoptees.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:
“And we think it's important that we empower those where this is their lived experience to do most of the talking. And so we do not want to silence those voices, because they are not voiceless. They’re just unheard.” -Latasha Morrison

“We have to make sure that we're looking through the correct lens, and we're not doing more harm in our effort to do good.”  -Latasha Morrison

“

And I understand that as a leader, we cannot be an expert in everything.” -Latasha Morrison

“I think my experience has been the people I feel the most comfortable with just sharing of myself and talking freely about my experiences are other transracial adoptees. And so I think it's very, very important that transracial adoptive people have healthy spaces where we can connect, where we can be open and honest.” -Tiffany Henness

“When I'm with other transracial adoptees, that's where I have felt the most freedom to be me.” -Tiffany Henness

“We do see ourselves and have organized ourselves as a marginalized community.” -Tiffany Henness

“A lot of the bridge building conversations that I've tried to have with other adoptive parents is really just letting them know that they have to do the work.” -Gina Fimbel

“When you listen well, it will change your life.” -Gina Fimbel

Why do politics matter? Why should Christians be engaged in politics? Is social justice compatible with the gospel? Pastor Eugene Cho joins Be the Bridge founder and podcast host Latasha Morrison on this episode to discuss these questions and more. He brings wise insight into faithful living in this time. You’ll be pastored and encouraged by the words and work of Pastor Cho. He and Latasha remind us that even now Jesus is moving and working.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison

Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown

Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts

Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:

“There are mornings and days I just go, ‘Lord, what is going on? And how do I serve you and be faithful? How do I be a bridge builder in DC during these very challenging times?’” -Eugene Cho

“This is why we have a podcast like this to kind of remind people and to nudge people and to help people realign with some of the most important things. We can get caught up in all the partisanship arguments throughout this pandemic but miss what God is trying to show us or what God is trying to do through us in the midst of that.” -Latasha Morrison

“The reality is, the person who tries to do everything will do nothing well. We're not built to do everything. We just don't have the energy, the capacity, and I think our impact will be really minimal.” -Eugene Cho

‘There's just so much going on around us. And so sometimes you got to breathe, you got to really absorb the gifts of Sabbath and listening and meditating. And then ask God, "Lord, help me to keep on being present, being persistent, being prayerful, being pastoral, being prophetic. And do it all for your glory." -Eugene Cho

“Here's the most simple reason why I believe politics matter:  politics influences policies that ultimately impact people.” -Eugene Cho

This episode brings together Be the Bridge founder Latasha Morrison with Pastor, Author, and thought leader Rich Villodas. Rich is the Brooklyn-born lead pastor of New Life Fellowship Church, which happens to be a large multiracial church with more than seventy-five countries represented in the Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens, New York.  In this episode, the conversations will center around the topic of Racial Reconciliation through the lens of Diversity. As our country grows more diverse it has become a reflection of the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural community groups that we call churches. Latasha’s discussion with Rich will guide us through what true diversity looks like in The Body of Christ, and the intersectionality of Christianity and race here in the American Church.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

“It’s often White people who have written about spiritual formations…” - Rich Villodas

“...the church is to be more than a sanctified subway car we are the new family of God...” - Rich Villodas

“...with all of that diversity, I’ve learned that the Gospel is for all people, that’s the first thing I’ve learned in preaching in this setting…” - Rich Villodas

“There is no one normative expression of worship, bring who you are.” - Rich Villodas

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In this fun holiday episode, Founder and Podcast host Latasha Morrison chats with her friend and Be the Bridge’s Director of Programs, Patricia Taylor, about all things Hallmark! They discuss the progress Hallmark has made over the years in their movies regarding diversity and representation in all forms. (Be prepared for a few spoilers!) Tasha and Patricia even dream up their own Hallmark movie. And then we go from movies to music when Tasha chats with friend and Be the Bridge podcast producer and editor, Travon Potts. They dive into some of the work Travon has done and the important role music plays in film and in our lives. It is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit!

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:

“It’s like that spirit that we say we want all year round where people are kind to each other and love each other. And you know it's gonna be a nice ending. Like there's nothing wrong with having that comfort, you know?” -Patricia Taylor

“When I watch TV I want to escape. So I don't want the same trauma that's happening in the world on my TV, especially Christmas movies.” - Latasha Morrison

“The kitchen is really sacred in our community.” -Latasha Morrison

“When you can identify with something off-screen when you're watching the movie, it just makes you feel seen.” - Latasha Morrison

“Us as Black folks, we want to feel our music.” - Travon Potts

“Just with the sound of the music, I feel the yams and the collard greens and the macaroni and cheese!” -Travon Potts

In this fun holiday episode, Founder and Podcast host Latasha Morrison chats with her friend and Be the Bridge’s Director of Programs, Patricia Taylor, about all things Hallmark! They discuss the progress Hallmark has made over the years in their movies regarding diversity and representation in all forms. (Be prepared for a few spoilers!) Tasha and Patricia even dream up their own Hallmark movie. And then we go from movies to music when Tasha chats with friend and Be the Bridge podcast producer and editor, Travon Potts. They dive into some of the work Travon has done and the important role music plays in film and in our lives. It is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit!

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:

“It’s like that spirit that we say we want all year round where people are kind to each other and love each other. And you know it's gonna be a nice ending. Like there's nothing wrong with having that comfort, you know?” -Patricia Taylor

“When I watch TV I want to escape. So I don't want the same trauma that's happening in the world on my TV, especially Christmas movies.” - Latasha Morrison

“The kitchen is really sacred in our community.” -Latasha Morrison

“When you can identify with something off-screen when you're watching the movie, it just makes you feel seen.” - Latasha Morrison

“Us as Black folks, we want to feel our music.” - Travon Potts

“Just with the sound of the music, I feel the yams and the collard greens and the macaroni and cheese!” -Travon Potts

This episode brings together Be the Bridge founder Latasha Morrison and bestselling author, evangelist, and Bible teacher Beth Moore as they talk about racial reconciliation in the Christian faith. Beth details her own experiences speaking against injustice, dealing with the backlash, and waking up to her responsibilities as a faith leader. She also gives some insight into how Christians can become bold reconcilers who move beyond a head knowledge of Christ into heart knowledge and action.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison

Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown

Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts

Transcriber - Brittany Prescott

Quotes:
“The point of Bible study is to actually love Jesus and not just get a head full of knowledge. So there's got to be a collision there of heart and mind, or it doesn't mean anything.” -Beth Moore

“We read the Bible through our cultural lens.” -Latasha Morrison

“There was not a single time that I've been really outspoken that I would have told you that I was going back on whether or not I should say it. It would have been that I could not have kept from it. And if that's the case, then I can be at peace there.” -Beth Moore

“Politics has not been my big thing. My big thing is the Church. But when it comes to Church, then I'm going to start reacting.” -Beth Moore

“This Jesus thing is life to me….my bread and my meat and my drink is that I am praying so hard to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Because he has that capacity for compassion as well as just being able to spit out what is true. And one of the things that I'm always asking him for, whether it's in this exact wording or not, is that the fire on my tongue would not exceed the fire in my heart.” -Beth Moore

“Our mouth cannot overshoot our heart or our duplicity is going to be exposed.” -Beth Moore

This episode brings together Be the Bridge founder Latasha Morrison with two scholars, Dr. Christina Edmondson Ph.D., and Doctoral candidate Jemar Tisby. Both are thought leaders in the push for racial equity in ecclesiastical spaces. In this episode, the conversations will center around the topic of CRT which is short for Critical Race Theory. We strive, as a podcast, to give you, our listeners and supporters, foundational tools to help you develop a clear historical and biblical perspective as it relates to race. LaTasha’s discussions with Christina and Jemar guide us through critiques of inequities and misrepresentations found anywhere, even in academia, that create racial disharmony.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison

Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown

Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts

This is a throwback to when Latasha Morrison and Jennie Allen talked about the beginning of their friendship journey.

You do not want to miss this episode with Dominique DuBois Gilliard! Dominique explains why the church must be at the forefront of conversations in our culture surrounding systemic sin. This conversation dives deep into the biblical lens in which to view systemic racism and patriarchy, reparations and trauma. And it provides helpful descriptions of confession and repentance. This episode will spur you on in your discipleship journey as well as your bridge-building journey.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:

“One of the things I think we can never lose sight of is the fact that we're doing this work on the ground, and we're also engaging in spiritual warfare, too.” -Dominique

“I think this is a moment. And I think for bridge builders, the thing that we have to recognize is that it's also an opportunity.” -Dominique

“Scripture is clear, privilege is real and it exists. And it addresses it multiple times throughout the biblical text. But scripture is also clear that we are always going to be tempted to exploit privilege for our selfish gain as opposed to taking Philippians two type mindset and really looking at privilege as something that we could steward and leverage to expand the kingdom and sacrificially love our neighbors.” -Dominique

“What happened as a consequence of the church's silence and lack of integrity is that folks outside the church picked up these conversations that we should have been having.” -Dominique

Links:

You do not want to miss this episode with Dominique DuBois Gilliard! Dominique explains why the church must be at the forefront of conversations in our culture surrounding systemic sin. This conversation dives deep into the biblical lens in which to view systemic racism and patriarchy, reparations and trauma. And it provides helpful descriptions of confession and repentance. This episode will spur you on in your discipleship journey as well as your bridge-building journey.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:

“One of the things I think we can never lose sight of is the fact that we're doing this work on the ground, and we're also engaging in spiritual warfare, too.” -Dominique

“I think this is a moment. And I think for bridge builders, the thing that we have to recognize is that it's also an opportunity.” -Dominique

“Scripture is clear, privilege is real and it exists. And it addresses it multiple times throughout the biblical text. But scripture is also clear that we are always going to be tempted to exploit privilege for our selfish gain as opposed to taking Philippians two type mindset and really looking at privilege as something that we could steward and leverage to expand the kingdom and sacrificially love our neighbors.” -Dominique

“What happened as a consequence of the church's silence and lack of integrity is that folks outside the church picked up these conversations that we should have been having.” -Dominique

Links:

Megan B. Brown joins Latasha Morrison on this episode of the Be the Bridge podcast. Megan’s unique perspective as a woman of color, military spouse, and Bible study leader allows for a vulnerable conversation about important topics. Megan shares her journey of embracing her ethnic identity as well as the importance of reading Scripture with the historical context. They discuss her Bible study, Summoned, about Esther, and how she offers a different take on an often misunderstood book.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:

“There's all of this layered intensive work that needs to be done to reach women at the heart.” -Megan

“We wanted to pass that torch to the next generation of understanding properly who our Father in Heaven is and what that implies about who we are and how we should treat one another.” -Megan

“Your ethnic identity is something that God has given you. And when we try to become colorblind about that or when we try to ignore that we do a disservice to a part of God's creation.” -Tasha

“I wanted to diminish the things that were different about me….I wanted to blend because my separateness or my differentness was such a point of pain. People were mean.” -Megan

“And I just remember always feeling like I had one foot in each space, but I was welcome in neither.”  -Megan

“I'm always painfully aware of my differences on the outside before I'm aware of anything else when I'm around new people.” -Megan

In this episode of the Be the Bridge Podcast, Dr. Eric Mason joins Latasha for a deep conversation surrounding deconstruction, biblical literacy, and racial reconciliation. This episode is full of biblical wisdom and cultural insight. Dr. Mason also gives great recommendations for resources you will want to get and listen to.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:

“The Gospel restores all people's dignity. It makes us fully in the image of God through being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.” -Dr. Mason

"In the era of misinformation, in the era of information memes and urban legends, biblical literacy is a must. We cannot assume that people understand the faith." -Dr. Mason

“Urban Apologetics is not just for Black people. This is for Christians. These are books that our white brothers and sisters should be getting and teaching from also.” -Tasha

“The devil always over promises and under delivers.” -Dr. Mason

“So if repetition exegetically is a sign of biblical emphasis, then we need to emphasize what God emphasizes. And if Jesus pulls justice as a hermeneutical lens to use in interpreting the Bible, we should.” -Dr. Mason

“Justice is a reflection of God's character.” -Dr. Mason

“You can't be a Christian and not deal with justice. It's unchristian to ignore justice.” -Dr. Mason

“Can you imagine having to answer to Jesus that you left a church because the pastor was calling you to value a person because they weren't treated justly?” -Dr. Mason

“You will know racial reconciliation is happening in your church when white people can submit to Black people.” -Dr. Mason

“I think that it's very important that there be a racial IQ growth in the body of Christ.” -Dr. Mason

Links:

The Be the Bridge Facebook Ministry group was formed in 2020 and is a place for those in leadership in the church to lean into the conversation of racial righteousness. It provides a courageous space for learning, growing, and helping the Church lead in a proactive way. In this episode, founder of Be the Bridge, Latasha Morrison, is joined with the leader of the ministry group, Mariah Humphries, as well as two of the members of it, Brian Kilde and Annie Banceu, to share their experience in the group. This podcast episode reveals their journey of what pushed them into bridge building work and why they continue in it when pushback comes. It will encourage you to know you’re not alone in this important work.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:

“Ultimately, one of the reasons for starting Be the Bridge was because I really wanted to see the Church, the body of Christ, be more of a credible witness in this conversation.” -Tasha

“Sometimes people don't know, because they don't have the information. But when they're provided the information, they do better.” -Tasha

“I've got a heart for the American church. And for me to have a desire for the American church to change, I need to be able to also have a heart for those who are leading the American church.” -Mariah

“This work starts with humility.” -Tasha

“At Be the Bridge, we're not trying to convince people of stuff. We want you to come already convinced and ready to do the work and ready to replicate and reproduce the work.” -Tasha

“It is a place to make mistakes, it is a place for us to be educated and trained and discipled and relearn.” -Brian

“Racism is a place of spiritual formation just as much as every other area of life, and is a sin that needs to be called out, confessed in humility, and repented from, and repaired.” -Brian

“People of color, leaders of color, pastors of color, help me see fuller God's glory in imago dei.” -Annie

“It's my heart and my passion for the Church to take on a rightful place in this conversation and not be reactive but be proactive, because this is such gospel work.” -Mariah

Links:

Ellie Holcomb is a singer-songwriter and author based in Nashville, TN who joins Latasha Morrison on this episode to discuss her personal journey toward racial righteousness. She shares how she started a Be the Bridge group, how this bridge-building work has impacted her life and a recent trip she took to the Grand Canyon, and about her new song called “Bridge.” Listen in and hear about the growth that can happen from listening and beauty that can come from curiosity. Be encouraged with this conversation of the power of diverse authentic community in being light and hope in this world.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:
“There's a current of God's love that runs deeper than our deepest ache and sorrow. And that will carry us when it feels like we can't carry on any longer.” -Ellie

“Because I think it's so easy to stay safe and comfortable with what we're familiar with. And I think actually, we're missing out when we do. And that's where I started realizing I'm like, oh my goodness. This has been my loss from not intentionally listening to my Black and Brown brothers and sisters.” -Ellie

“If you actually really start listening to the people in your life who are Black and Brown, who have had different experiences than you, you will grieve. You will grieve. If you start researching history, there will be and there should be grief.” -Ellie

But the beauty for me has become that my understanding, as we've walked through this book, as we've listened, acknowledged the truth, repented, lamented, and then started this work of rebuilding, the gospel has become wider and higher and deeper and more wonderful and more colorful, and more powerful than I ever imagined.” -Ellie

Jamie Ivey is an author and speaker, talk show host, and the popular podcast host of The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey. She joins Be the Bridge founder Latasha Morrison for a great conversation where they discuss the difference between empathy and sympathy, share wisdom in parenting, and give encouragement for the times you get pushback in this bridge building work. Jamie also opens up about her Native heritage. This conversation will be helpful and hopeful.

Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison
Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown
Producer, Editor & Music By - Travon Potts
Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

Quotes:

“One of the things that has really been important for me is to think through what voices can I elevate because of the people who are listening to me?” - Jamie

“My brain and my eyes and my heart have been opened wider than I ever imagined they could have been. And that's taken work. And I’ve taken heat for it in some ways.” -Jamie

“Empathy is the difference of sitting in it with someone. Sympathy is when I'm a bystander but I'm not sitting in it with you.” -Tasha

“It's not my children's responsibility to open my eyes up to racial injustice in our country.” -Jamie

“If you're raising a Black child and you're white, their experience in life is going to be 100% different than yours. And you want your child to feel like they can tell you and that you are an advocate for them.” -Jamie

“I love to tell people, it's not always what people do in front, but it's also what they're doing behind the curtain.” -Tasha

“This work is spiritual work. This is discipleship. This is spiritual formation that we're going through.” -Tasha“You have to be teachable. And if you're not teachable, that is exhausting to a person of color.” -Tasha

“This is not my work. This is God's work. And that's what sustains me.” -Tasha

“I started Be the Bridge because of the local church. So I want to see the Church whole and well. And when we get it, the world gets it.” -Tasha

“I hold on to my ancestors before me that hoped for a better future.” -Tasha

“Like our ethnicity, our culture comes from God. And it's expansive. Look at all the people and languages that God has created. And so when that is stolen from us, or when that is withheld from us, there's disruption that happens in God's original design. And so it's about the reordering of things, reconciliation. Justice is about the reordering of things.” -Tasha

“I wish that people would enter into spaces and conversations with people and trust that their feelings are real.” - Jamie

“I think the hope is we see glimpses of change...And if there were so many stories of change, there's hope for everyone to also change as well.” -Jamie

“Broken systems create broken language.” -Tasha