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 MorrisonSenior Producer - Lauren C. BrownProducer, Editor, & Music - Travon PottsTranscriber - 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 Links:Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration  book by Tracey Michae’l Lewis-GiggettsThen They Came for Mine: Healing from the Trauma of Racial Violence  book by Tracey Michae’l Lewis-GiggettsHeARTtalk with Tracey Michae’l  PodcastHeArtspace: A Newsletter for Our Healing Journeys by Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts Connect with Tracey Michae’l Lewis-GiggettsHer WebsiteInstagramTwitterFacebook Connect with Be the Bridge:Our WebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitter Connect with Latasha Morrison:FacebookInstagramTwitter Not all views expressed in this interview reflect the values and beliefs of Latasha Morrison or the Be the Bridge organization.

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  Connect with Marcie Alvis Walker: Her Website Instagram Twitter Black Eyed Stories Substack Preorder Everybody Come Alive: A Memoir in Essays book by Marcie Alvis Walker Connect with Be the Bridge: Our Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Connect with Latasha Morrison: Facebook Instagram Twitter Not all views expressed in this interview reflect the values and beliefs of Latasha Morrison or the Be the Bridge organization

Hello Be the Bridge listeners! My name is Lauren C. Brown. I am the Senior Producer of this amazing podcast. Today I get a chance to come from behind the scenes to share with you some pretty exciting news. But before I do that, I would like to first say thank you for subscribing and downloading this wonderful resource. We appreciate you so very much! So now fasten your seat belts. Are you ready? I'm pretty excited. Coming in March, we would like to announce the BTB Academy! A new way to access material, courses. It's coming March 1st! Yes, it's pretty exciting! The Be the Bridge Academy is the online learning platform to inspire, equip, and partner with people and organizations through training programs, webinars, and courses. Using the Be the Bridge content and resources from reputable thought leaders and institutions. Choose courses that fit your current knowledge and experience, and work through curriculum that will help you become equipped and empowered in your racial literacy journey. So be on the lookout for more details on all of our social media platforms. We appreciate you and we will see you soon. Take care! Stay Updated: Subscribe to Our Email List Follow BTB on Facebook Follow BTB on Instagram Follow BTB on Twitter

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  John Onwuchekwa: His Website Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Connect with Be the Bridge: Our Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Connect with Latasha Morrison: Facebook Instagram Twitter

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. Links: Become a Recurring Partner of Be the Bridge Shop the Be the Bridge Store Recommendations: The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson Dr. Brittney Cooper Eloquent Rage by Dr. Brittney Cooper Elizabeth Eckford picture on first day of school The Charles H Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit  Connect with Kaylee Morgan Connect with Sean Watkins Connect with Mariah Humphries  Connect with Be the Bridge: Our Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Connect with Latasha Morrison: Facebook Instagram Twitter Not all views expressed in this interview reflect the values and beliefs of Latasha Morrison or the Be the Bridge organization.

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 Links: Connect with Eugene Cho: His Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Bread for the World Connect with Be the Bridge: Our Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Connect with Latasha Morrison: Facebook Instagram Twitter Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts Transcriber - Sarah Connatser Not all views expressed in this interview reflect the values and beliefs of Latasha Morrison or the Be the Bridge organization

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 Links: Connect with Dr. Anita Phillips: Her Website Instagram YouTube Facebook Twitter Connect with Be the Bridge: Our Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Connect with Latasha Morrison: Facebook Instagram Twitter Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts Transcriber - Sarah Connatser Not all views expressed in this interview reflect the values and beliefs of Latasha Morrison or the Be the Bridge organization

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 Links: Resources: Be the Bridge TRA Resources Be the Bridge Blog of Resources for Transracially Adopted People of Color Be the Bridge Panel Discussions: Colin in Black and White Connect with Tiffany Henness: Patreon Instagram Journeying Home: Advent Readings for Adoptees Deconstructing their Faith Tiffany’s LinksConnect with Gina Fimbel: Instagram Connect with Be the Bridge: Our Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Connect with Latasha Morrison: Facebook Instagram Twitter Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts Transcriber - Sarah Connatser Not all views expressed in this interview reflect the values and beliefs of Latasha Morrison or the Be the Bridge organization

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 Connect with Be the Bridge: Our Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Connect with Latasha Morrison: Facebook Instagram Twitter Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts Transcriber - Sarah Connatser Not all views expressed in this interview reflect the values and beliefs of Latasha Morrison or the Be the Bridge organization

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 Links: Resources Mentioned: She Reads Truth - Advent 2022: Joy of Every Longing Heart Truth’s Table - The King is Coming: An Advent Devotional Other Advent Resources: “Advent Devotionals Highlight Immigration and the Black Church Tradition” article on Faithfully Magazine Mary Had a Baby: An Advent Bible Study Based on African American Spirituals by Cheryl A. Kirk-Duggan “2020 ADVENT RESOURCES, WEEK 2: BLACK LITURGIES” article on Emerging Scholars Network  Connect with Be the Bridge: Our Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Connect with Latasha Morrison: Facebook Instagram Twitter Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts Transcriber - Sarah Connatser Not all views expressed in this interview reflect the values and beliefs of Latasha Morrison or the Be the Bridge organization.

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 Resources Mentioned: James Hemings: Ghost in America’s Kitchen documentary on Amazon Prime Video James Hemings: Ghost in America’s Kitchen Facebook profile James Hemings: Ghost in America’s Kitchen Instagram profile James Hemings: Ghost in America’s Kitchen website Shannon LaNier Voices of the Civil Rights Movement Black Culinary History Connect with Chef Ashbell McElveen: His Website Facebook Instagram Connect with Anthony Werhun: His Website Facebook Instagram Connect with Be the Bridge: Our Website Facebook Instagram  Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

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 Links: Resources Mentioned: A Rhythm of Prayer The Next Worship Voices of Lament Forty Days on Being an Eight Enneagram Daily Reflections book set The Next Worship Bible Study Connect with Sandra Maria Van Opstal: Her Website Instagram Connect with Chasing Justice: Their Website Facebook Instagram Podcast Network Connect with Be the Bridge: Our Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Connect with Latasha Morrison: Facebook Instagram Twitter Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts Transcriber - Sarah Connatser Not all views expressed in this interview reflect the values and beliefs of Latasha Morrison or the Be the Bridge organization.

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 Links: Ads: Get 25% off your first year of the Abide premium app by texting BTB to 22433Connect with Jeanne Stevens: Her Book: What’s Here Now? Her Website Facebook Instagram Soul City Church Connect with Be the Bridge: Our Website Facebook Instagram TwitterConnect with Latasha Morrison: Facebook Instagram Twitter Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts Transcriber - Sarah Connatser Not all views expressed in this interview reflect the values and beliefs of Latasha Morrison or the Be the Bridge organization.

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 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE Podcast link: https://podlink.to/BeTheBridgeSocial handles/links: Instagram: @LatashaMorrisonTwitter: @LatashaMorrisonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LatashaMMorrison/Official Hashtag: #bethebridge Download Abide Sleep and Pray Meditation today and text my promo code BTB to 22433 today to get 25% off!

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 Links: Ads: Become a Recurring Partner of Be the Bridge Shop the Be the Bridge Store Resources: Forty Days on Being an Eight book by Sandra Van Opstal The Enneagram for Black Liberation book by Chichi Agorom Know Justice, Know Peace book by Dr. Deborah Egerton The Complete Enneagram book by Beatrice Chestnut Reclaiming You book by Sharon K. Ball The Body Keeps the Score book by Bessel Van Der Kolk Milton Stewart: Kaizen Careers Kaizen Careers Facebook Kaizen Careers Instagram Kaizen Careers LinkedIn Do it for the Gram Podcast Do it for the Gram Podcast Instagram LinkedIn Be the Bridge: Our Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison  Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown  Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts  Transcriber - Sarah Connatser

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 Links: Ads: Become a Recurring Partner of Be the Bridge Shop the Be the Bridge StoreResource Mentioned: Voices of Lament book edited by Natasha Robinson Leadership LINKS Connect with Natasha Robinson: Her Website Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube Connect with Be the Bridge: Our Website Connect with Latasha Morrison: Facebook Instagram Twitter Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts Transcriber - Sarah Connatser Download Abide Sleep and Pray Meditation today and text my promo code BTB to 22433 today to get 25% off! Not all views expressed in this interview reflect the values and beliefs of Latasha Morrison or the Be the Bridge organization.

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 Links: Ads: Become a Recurring Partner of Be the Bridge Shop the Be the Bridge StoreResource Mentioned: A Just Mission book by Mekdes Haddis Connect with Mekdes Haddis: Her Website Just Missions Facebook Group Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Connect with Be the Bridge: Our Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Connect with Latasha Morrison: Facebook Instagram Twitter Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts Transcriber - Sarah Connatser Not all views expressed in this interview reflect the values and beliefs of Latasha Morrison or the Be the Bridge organization.

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 Links: Ads:Become a Recurring Partner of Be the BridgeShop the Be the Bridge Store Connect with Pastor Inés Velásquez-McBryde:InstagramTwitterBlogThe Church We Hope For Connect with Be the Bridge:Our WebsiteFacebookInstagramTwitter Connect with Latasha Morrison:FacebookInstagramTwitter Host & Executive Producer - Latasha Morrison Senior Producer - Lauren C. Brown Producer, Editor, & Music - Travon Potts Transcriber - Sarah Connatser Not all views expressed in this interview reflect the values and beliefs of Latasha Morrison or the Be the Bridge organization.

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 Links: Ad for Epic Will:  EpicWill.com [use promo code BTB20 for 20% off] Become a Be the Bridge Partner: BeTheBridge.com/giveShop the Be the Bridge Store: Shop.BeTheBridge.com Be the Bridge Youth:   BTByouth.com instagram.com/btbyouth twitter.com/btbyouth tiktok.com/@bethebridge_ Be the Bridge:  BeTheBridge.com  facebook.com/beabridgebuilder/ Latasha Morrison: latashamorrison.com/ facebook.com/LatashaMMorrison

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 Links: Ads: Become a Recurring Partner of Be the Bridge Shop the Be the Bridge Store Resources Mentioned: Truth’s Table Podcast episode with Lisa Fields and Latasha Morrison Video of Muhammed Ali talking about white Jesus Unspoken Movie Courageous Conversations Conference Jude 3 Project Podcast Jude 3 Project Online Shop  Connect with Lisa Fields: Instagram Twitter  Connect with Be the Bridge: Our Website Facebook Instagram Twitter Connect with Latasha Morrison: Facebook Instagram