Diversity-The Sip Everyone Needs

This episode involves a panel of three Black men who share their perspective and experiences as Black men living in America. They provide their perspective on the Black Lives Matter Movement; The Top Issues Black Men In America Face; and Black Fatherhood. They went personal and deep, sharing their own experiences and how those experiences have helped shaped their mentality and the men they are today.  You can find them on Instagram at: Roy: @mitchellverse_publishing Deonte: @the_deebo_show Myke: @myke_bee

In this episode of Healing Mentalit-Tea I interview my brother and artist Don Dixon. In addition he is the author of two children's books "Dandelion" and "Darwin the Dreamer" both books offer opportunities for processing pain and healing. Don at the age of 15, received a full scholarship to the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. It was here that he began to really take his art seriously and dive into learning more about fine art. After majoring in Visual Arts at Interlochen Arts Academy in 1996, Don went on to Savannah College of Art and Design, completing his education at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, and graduating with a BFA in Animation and Digital Media. Don’s first job was at WMS Gaming in Chicago doing animation in both 2D and 3D. From there, he moved to Texas to work at Green Grass Studios, then on to Florida to work at Ignition Entertainment doing video game animation, followed by a stint in Hawaii working on the hit TV Show Veggie Tales. Currently, Don works in Dallas, Texas, at Reel FX working on feature films such as, The Book of Life, Free Birds, Rock Dog, Sherlock Gnomes and most recently Scoob. Recently he has begun an art collection entitled Pain and Process. This collection was an outcome of the pain he was experiencing given what is occurring in society, particularly after the death of George Floyd. His work is amazing, people are saying this collection is a depiction of the words they could not find to describe what they were feeling.  Don Dixon can be found at any of the following links: Instagram: @pain_and_process_collection @scrib_creative @don_dixon78 Facebook:  Don Dixon https://www.facebook.com/AnimationDreamer Be sure to check out his pages. Also if you haven't already, subscribe to Healing Mentalit-Tea and write a review. 

This episode is a conversation among three invited guest who discuss their experiences as Black women when it comes to education, career training and career. I am excited to introduce these three ladies to you: Tina Dixon, B.M. is an Account Director for a Fortune 500 Technology Company. She has over 15 years of experience in Digital Marketing and Account Management. She also happens to be a trained musician, having studied at prestigious institutions like Interlochen Arts Academy where she attended for high school and then went on to New England Conservatory of Music, where she earned her Bachelors in music. Tina lives and works in New York City, New York with her fiancé, Tomasz. Rhonda Lloyd, M.A. is currently a fifth year doctoral candidate at Florida School of Professional Psychology at National Louis University. She earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Cincinnati in 2011. She further earned a Masters degree in Forensic Psychology in 2014 from Argosy University and a Masters degree in 2018 from Florida School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. She has presented at both national and regional conferences. She has received additional training in conducting therapy and psychological assessments within the forensic, community mental health, and private practice setting. Her interests within the field include work with children and adolescent, developmental disabilities, forensics, and diversity. This summer she will be entering the final state of her educational training as she starts her clinical internship. Grissel Lloyd is currently a Clinical Psychology Doctoral candidate at the Florida School of Professional Psychology at National Louis University. She has been a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) for the past 15 years and a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) for more than 8 years. She has also presented at numerous regional and national conferences. Grissel’s experience is varied and include providing services to adults and juveniles in the criminal justice system as well as working with children, adolescents, adults, and their families in their homes, schools, community, clinic, and private practice. As a BCBA, she has extensive experience working with individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities, as well as significant emotional and behavioral concerns. Grissel has an integrative and holistic therapeutic approach to treatment that is personalized to the needs of the individual and/or family. Current clinical interests include identity development and health/mental seeking behavior. This summer she will be entering the final state of her educational training as she starts her clinical internship.

In this episode, I welcome Dr. Anne Jackson as we have a conversation about some of the difficulties people have when it comes to discussions of racism in America. Dr. Jackson discusses her own experiences as well as the insights she has gained through having difficult dialogues with her family and friends. Dr. Anne Jackson is a licensed clinical psychologist who maintains a private practice in the Tampa Bay area, she can be found at www.manateecounseling.com 

I am so excited to share this episode with you. This is a conversation between the highly esteemed Dr. William Cross and I. We discuss the current state of unrest across the United States. Dr. Cross is a renown psychologist and doctoral graduate of Princeton University. He is most noted for his development of the Nigrescense Theory in 1971, as well as his book "Shades of Black: Diversity in African American Identity."  He has a profound perspective on the current Black Lives Movement, given his theory was developed during the era of the Civil Rights Movement shortly after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King. So please sit back, and enjoy a conversation that will lead to insight and broaden your perspective on current events in society. You can order "Shades of Black: Diversity in African American Identity" at:  https://www.amazon.com/Shades-Black-Diversity-American-Identity/dp/087722949X/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Shades+of+Black&qid=1592998654&sr=8-2 Be on the look out for his next book, coming in 2021!!!

This is an informative episode that will contribute to a greater understanding of what White Privilege is, as well as what you can do about it. Dr. Gary Howell is my expert guest and he is a licensed psychologist and associate professor who specializes in issues of diversity. Listen as we engage in difficult dialogue regarding what White Privilege is, Why it is difficult for White people to understand and accept, as well as the ultimate consequences of it.  If you would like more information or to contact Dr. Gary Howell you can visit him at his website: http://www.centerforpsychologicalgrowth.com/ and be sure to follow him on Instagram @centerforpsycholocialgrowth 

This episode discusses the implications of protesting systemic racism while highlighting how and why history is repeating itself. 

I recorded this episode with a heavy heart and exhaustion from the disparities within our society. This episode is for you, but also for me, this episode is an attempt to heal my own brokenness caused from living is a broken society that is embedded with systemic racism. My hope is that you gain and spread healing as well. 

You don't have to be a 2020 graduate to enjoy this episode. Listen as 2020 graduate Eric I. Reaves shares his perspective and experience as a 2020 Graduate during COVID-19.