August 2, 2021 "James Baldwin"

Today we’re wrapping up season two by reminiscing on some of our favorite episodes! We can’t believe we’re nearing 150 episodes, and we can’t wait to do more!We will be taking a three-week break, but until we come back, please share and subscribe! We’re absolutely binge-able, so make sure to go back and listen to some of those episodes you may have missed. If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Sir Alexander Fleming, the Scottish scientist known for the discovery of penicillin, the first effective antibiotic substance! After years of research, Alexander’s discovery led to him being awarded the Nobel Prize, and is described as “the single greatest victory ever achieved over disease.” Happy birthday, Alexander!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of James Baldwin, an American novelist, playwright, essayist, and activist whose works are considered part of mid-twentieth century American canon! Growing up in Harlem and overcoming the hurdles of being a black man in America, Baldwin’s works explore racism, sexuality, and class distinction. Happy birthday, James!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of Anita Hill, an American lawyer who became a notable figure by shedding light on sexual harassment in the workplace. By exposing Clarence Thomas, and bravely sitting through contentious Senate committee hearings, she raised awareness of the pervasive nature of workplace harassment and paved the way for more women to fight against it. Happy birthday, Anita! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of the Micki J. King, and American Olympic diver who won the Gold in the 1972 Summer Olympics! A dominant figure in women’s sports, Micki paved the way for women not only in Olympic sports, but also ensured women had a place in military academies after spending her career in the Air Force. Happy birthday, Micki! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of the Karl Menninger, an American psychiatrist who pioneered psychiatric treatment during the 20th Century, and tried to break the stigma surrounding mental health! An advocate for social issues, Karl is known for founding the Menninger Clinic and Foundation in order to treat “the person as a whole.” Today, the Foundation is one of the leading research facilities for mental illness. Happy birthday, Karl!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of the Connie Kurtz, an LGBTQ activist who is known or her successful lawsuit against New York’s Board of Education in order to gain benefits for same-sex domestic partners! After coming out later in life, and marrying her best friend Ruth, Connie spent her life being a pioneer for equal rights for the LGBTQ community. Happy birthday, Connie! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of the Ida B. Wells, an American journalist, educator, and early civil rights leader! Throughout her life, she continued to be knocked down, but she persevered, advocating for civil rights, women’s rights, and suffrage. Happy birthday, Ida!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of the Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani activist known for her commitment to girls education! After an assassination attempt, Malala has continued to speak up for women’s rights, and at the age of 17 was the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Happy birthday, Malala!If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]

Today we’re celebrating the birthday of the Paul Seiko Chihara, an award winning American-Japanese composer! Paul’s work and style, drawing from his difficult childhood in a Japanese internment camp, is full of rich tradition and reflects the influence from his Asian heritage. Happy birthday, Paul! If YOU want a birthday shoutout, email us with your name, and a little bit of information about you, at [email protected]