Public event recording. In recent years, and especially since the murder of George Floyd in 2020, American discourse seems to increasingly drive global conversations and shape political alignments. How relevant are American arguments to the British context? And do we lose anything locally - in politics, culture, and society - when we import American themes? Event co-hosted by Persuasion and the Equiano Project. Panellists Tomiwa Owolade - Writer, critic and author of This is Not America: Why Black Lives in Britain Matter. He has written columns, essays and book reviews for many publications, including the Times, the Spectator, the FT, UnHerd, the Evening Standard and Literary Review and is a contributing writer at the New Statesman. Tomiwa’s interests include identity politics, liberalism, social protest movements, and religion. James Bloodworth - English writer and the author of two books, The Myth of Meritocracy and Hired: Six Months Undercover in Low-Wage Britain. His work has appeared in the Times, the Guardian, the New York Review of Books, the New Statesman and elsewhere. Sonia Sodha - Chief Leader Writer and a columnist for the Observer. She is a former head of public services and consumer rights policy at Which?, the Consumers’ Association, where she led their work on public services. Moderator Inaya Folarin Iman - Journalist, campaigner and the founder and director of the Equiano Project. She has written for The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Times, The Sun, The Spectator, Spiked and several other publications. Learn more about Persuasion - https://www.persuasion.community/ Learn more about The Equiano Project - https://www.theequianoproject.com/ Watch the full video on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNVyO9jqzws

How should we navigate issues of race and identity in 2024? Join Inaya Folarin Iman, Ayishat Akanbi, Patience Xina, and Ada Akpala as they reflect on key "racial" incidents that occurred in 2023 and discuss their predictions for the race discourse in 2024. They discussed the incidents involving Ngozi Fulani and Lady Hussey, the "Peckham hair" scenario, media coverage of the Nottinghill Carnival, and the controversy surrounding Tyla not identifying as "black." Reflecting on these incidents prompted discussions on the following: Why asking someone where they are from is considered offensive.Whether Asian people have monopolised the "black economy".How race is perceived and treated differently in various countries.Online discourse and criticisms faced by successful black individuals.Violence in subsections of the "Black community."The importance of having honest conversations about knife crime in London. And much more. Ayishat Akanbi is a writer, cultural commentator, stylist and artist. https://twitter.com/Ayishat_Akanbi https://www.instagram.com/ayishat_akanbi https://www.youtube.com/@theequianoproject Patience Xina is a YouTuber and social commentator that discusses a variety of topics related to modern Western culture. https://www.youtube.com/@PatienceXina https://www.instagram.com/patiencexina Ada Akpala is a social commentator, writer and Content Manager for The Equiano Project https://twitter.com/ada_akpala https://www.instagram.com/ada_akpala Inaya Folarin Iman is a Broadcast journalist, writer and Director, Equiano Project https://twitter.com/inayafolarin https://www.instagram.com/inayafolariniman About The Equiano Project: The Equiano Project, founded in August 2020 by Inaya Folarin Iman, is a debate, discussion, and ideas forum. We facilitate conversations about and promote the values of freedom, common humanity, and universalism. Learn more about our work - https://www.theequianoproject.com/ Connect with us: https://twitter.com/EquianoProject https://www.facebook.com/TheEquianoProject https://www.instagram.com/theequianoproject Subscribe to our SUBSTACK https://theequianoproject.substack.com/

Today's discussion with Inaya Folain Iman revolves around the question of whether Britain owes reparations for its historical role in slavery. Advocates argue that reparations can address historical injustices and contribute to global equity, while critics contend that determining responsibility and calculating reparations pose complex challenges. One such critic is today's guest, Rasheed Griffith. Rasheed is the Executive Director of the Caribbean Progress Studies Institute. He has previously worked in the finance industry in Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. Griffith studied Mandarin Chinese in Beijing and has written several pieces on the triangular relationship of the US-Caribbean-China for publications including The Diplomat and Lawfare. His policy research focuses on China’s geoeconomic and financial engagement with the Caribbean. Rasheed's blog on reparations can be accessed HERE. You can also watch the discussion on YouTube.

Tackling the Rise of Antisemitism in the UK Why is it that in a culture that invests some ethnic identities with high moral value, that Jewish identity doesn’t seem to have a place within today’s hierarchy of identity politics? And why is a war over 3,000 miles away provoking such intense reactions among people in Britain who have little direct connection with, or often knowledge of, the Middle East? Don't Divide Us and The Equiano Project co-hosted a public event on 11th December 2023, featuring a panel of esteemed speakers and thinkers. The event focused on a crucial discussion about antisemitism and the factors contributing to its increase in the UK. Panellists: Stephen Pollard: Author and Editor at Large of the Jewish Chronicle. Prof Frank Furedi: Sociologist and Executive Director of the think-tank MCC Brussels. Khadija Khan: Journalist and writer, focusing on human rights, primarily women’s rights, as well as minorities and extremism. Daniel Ben-Ami: Author and journalist; his books include "Ferraris For All" (2010) Moderated by Alka Sehgal Cuthbert, Director of Don’t Divide Us You can also watch the event on YouTube.

Magatte Wade is an entrepreneur, speaker, and visionary leader in the fields of African entrepreneurship and innovation. She joins Inaya Folarin Iman on Equianopod to discuss the real reason that Africa struggles today. Magatte has been named a Forbes “20 Youngest Power Women in Africa,” a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum at Davos, a TED Global Africa Fellow, and “Leading Woman in Wellness” award winner by the Global Wellness Summit. In this episode, Magatte explains that the solution to poverty is prosperity, and entrepreneurs play a crucial role in creating economic growth. She challenges the common belief that corruption is the main cause of Africa's poverty, pointing out that poverty itself enables corrupt practices. Books: The Heart of a Cheetah (2023) - Find out more HERE. You can also watch the conversation in full on The Equiano Project YouTube channel.

V V Brown, a British indie pop singer-songwriter, producer, and activist, joins Inaya Folarin Iman in this episode of Equianopod. She candidly discusses her experiences with racism and reflects on her upbringing in a rural area in the UK. Additionally, she explores the evolution of her music, incorporating more political messaging, and shares her thoughts on Britishness and its current relationship with the black community. https://youtu.be/IR28dNrcjsk Connect with us: https://twitter.com/EquianoProject https://www.facebook.com/TheEquianoProject https://www.instagram.com/theequianoproject Subscribe to our SUBSTACK https://theequianoproject.substack.com/

In this episode of Equianopod, we speak with Chloe Valdary, the visionary behind the Theory of Enchantment. Chloe's unique approach emerged as a response to the complex Israeli-Palestinian conflict and has evolved into a profound philosophy. She invites us to rethink our approaches to tackling hatred and injustice and emphasises the importance of treating people as human beings. Highlights from the conversation Theory of Enchantment focuses on treating people as human beings, and asserts that supremacist thinking stems from a coping mechanism to deal with pain.The theory emphasises the fundamental interconnectedness of humanity, encouraging individuals to root their interactions in love and compassion.Chloe distinguishes between responsibility and reactivity, highlighting the importance of conscious choice and response in the face of adversity and injustice.Chloe also critiques other DEI approaches that use condescending language and caricatures, arguing that they perpetuate insecurity and hinder genuine progress. Watch more content on our Youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@theequianoproject

Susan Neiman joins Inaya Folarin Iman on Equianopod to discuss her new book 'Left is Not Woke'. In the discussion, she explores the intellectual roots of wokeness and its surprising impact on traditional left ideals like universalism, freedom, and human agency. She traces the roots of wokeness to disillusionment after the failures of socialism and backlash to Trump's election. Neiman argues the left must reclaim the Enlightenment tradition and its focus on universal justice and social progress. She critiques standpoint epistemology and identity politics as reductionist - "our perspectives are complicated, not biologically determined."

Helen Pluckrose joins Inaya Folarin Iman on Episode 13 of Equianopod to discuss the impact of critical social justice on individuals, particularly in academic settings. She highlights her involvement in exposing flaws in academia through the grievance studies affair and co-authoring the influential book 'Cynical Theories' with James Lindsay. Pluckrose emphasises the challenges she faced in pursuing her studies due to pressure to conform to certain ideologies. She outlines the evolution of postmodern thought and its influence on critical social justice, pointing out the shift from deconstruction to the current emphasis on power dynamics and discourses. Full video interview on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFRGbjO3T1w

Dr. Sheena Mason joins us to discuss her groundbreaking Theory of Racelessness and vision for moving beyond racialised thinking in society. Dr. Mason argues that we must fundamentally transform how we analyse, discuss, teach, and learn about the history of racism in order to break free from this cycle. Her theory envisions freeing ourselves from the constraints of racial categories to see each other first and foremost as individual humans. She contends that culture and ethnicity are fluid and not rigidly bound by race, urging us to reconsider these concepts beyond the boundaries of racialised thinking. Dr. Mason outlines her goal of helping people imagine a future without racism through this new framework. She wants to open the door to radically reimagining society beyond racial hierarchies. This thought-provoking conversation challenges us to envision that future. Her forthcoming book The Raceless Antiracist: Why Ending Race Is the Future of Antiracism (Pitchstone February 2024) is now available for preorder. About The Equiano Project: The Equiano Project, founded in August 2020 by Inaya Folarin Iman, is a debate, discussion, and ideas forum. We facilitate conversations about and promote the values of freedom, common humanity, and universalism. Learn more about our work - https://www.theequianoproject.com/

In this conversation, Arun Kundnani discusses the inseparable relationship between racism and capitalism. He distinguishes between liberal and radical anti-racist traditions and argues that addressing systemic racism requires understanding how capitalist societies depend on racial divisions. Discussion points: There are two anti-racist traditions: liberal and radical, with liberal anti-racism focusing on individual prejudices and biases, while radical anti-racism sees racism as a social structure.Racism is embedded in capitalist societies, where resources are distributed unequally based on race, leading to disparities within and between countries.Border policies, mass incarceration, and aggressive policing serve the interests of capitalism, maintaining racial divisions of labour and managing surplus populations.To combat racism effectively, a shift towards understanding and dismantling the structural racism within capitalist systems is crucial.Liberal approaches that address individual biases have limitations in addressing systemic racism. Let us know what you thought about the conversation. You can also watch the conversation in full. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsyWNxTEIlA

Professor Doug Stokes is the author of the book, "Against Decolonisation: Campus Culture Wars and the Decline of the West" In this episode, we discuss the book's key arguments, offering insights into the impact of decolonising theories within British institutions, particularly UK universities. Professor Doug Stokes critiques the rise of "wokery" and intersectionalism, providing a critical perspective on these ideologies. Check out our YouTube channel for more insightful content on important topics like these. https://www.youtube.com/@theequianoproject

Angel Eduardo is a writer, musician, and visual artist based in New York City, best known for creating the rhetorical concept of star-manning. He is Senior Writer & Editor for the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) and serves on the Board of Directors for the Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism (FAIR). His work has appeared in Persuasion, Quillette, Areo Magazine, and Newsweek Opinion, among other publications. See more of his work at angeleduardo.com. Topics discussed in this video: - Understanding the concept of race and its limitations. - Emphasising the importance of transcending racial boundaries. - Advocating for open conversations on race and identity. - Promoting a world beyond the confines of racial categorisation. - Reflecting on the impact of race on personal and societal perspectives. Check out our YouTube channel for more insightful content on important topics like these. https://www.youtube.com/@theequianoproject Follow our guest https://twitter.com/@StrangelEdweird Follow The Host: https://twitter.com/inayafolarin

In a groundbreaking UK legal ruling, a judge has declared that opposing views on critical race theory are a protected characteristic under equality laws. Sean Corby, an Acas employee, took his employer to an employment tribunal after being asked to remove posts and comments critical of the BLM movement and critical race theory from social media. Corby argued in favor of Martin Luther King's approach to combating racism, which emphasizes character over skin color. Inaya Folarin Iman had an in-depth conversation with Corby for Equianopod to uncover the full story and learn about his experience in this landmark case.

Nels Abbey is a writer, broadcaster and former banker, and the author of Think Like A White Man. His new book, The Hip-Hop MBA: Lessons in Cut-Throat Capitalism From The Moguls of Rap, is out in 2024. We discuss his views on race and racism in the UK, Western imperialism, whether colonialism is truly over, the moral complexities of past historical events, “reverse Euro-centrism,” and why it's difficult to imagine that an ethnic minority can hold non-mainstream views and still be successful. - Subscribe to our Substack for more content. https://theequianoproject.substack.com/ Support The Equiano Project- https://www.theequianoproject.com/donate Chat with us: https://twitter.com/EquianoProject https://www.facebook.com/TheEquianoProject https://www.instagram.com/theequianoproject/ https://www.youtube.com/@theequianoproject The Equiano Project is a platform that highly values diverse viewpoints. We actively seek to feature a wide range of guests on our show, regardless of their political affiliations or ideological leanings. While the opinions of our guests may not always align entirely with ours, it doesn't deter us from pursuing meaningful conversations. We aim to approach complex and sensitive matters with a commitment to reason, compassion, intellectual ambition, and curiosity. Find out more about our work and values: https://www.theequianoproject.com/about

Kenny Xu is the President of Color Us United and serves as the primary spokesman. He has challenged Harvard University for discrimination against Asian Americans, and is currently running for Congress in North Carolina. Books: An Inconvenient Minority: The Harvard Admissions Case and the Attack on Asian American Excellence (2022) School of Woke: How Critical Race Theory Infiltrated American Schools and Why We Must Reclaim Them (2023) - - Subscribe to our Substack for more content. https://theequianoproject.substack.com/ Support The Equiano Project- https://www.theequianoproject.com/donate Join the Mailing List: https://www.theequianoproject.com/sign-up Follow Our Guest: https://twitter.com/kennymxu Follow The Host: https://twitter.com/inayafolarin Chat with us: https://twitter.com/EquianoProject https://www.facebook.com/TheEquianoProject https://www.instagram.com/theequianoproject/ https://www.youtube.com/@theequianoproject The Equiano Project is a platform that highly values diverse viewpoints. We actively seek to feature a wide range of guests on our show, regardless of their political affiliations or ideological leanings. While the opinions of our guests may not always align entirely with ours, it doesn't deter us from pursuing meaningful conversations. We aim to approach complex and sensitive matters with a commitment to reason, compassion, intellectual ambition, and curiosity. Find out more about our work and values: https://www.theequianoproject.com/about

Esther Krakue is a British commentator and columnist based in London. Esther regularly provides political commentary across the broadcast media, including ITV’s Good Morning Britain and Talk TV where she shares insightful perspectives, promotes open dialogue, and delves into the complexities of our world. Subscribe to our Substack for more content. https://theequianoproject.substack.com/ Support The Equiano Project- https://www.theequianoproject.com/donate Join the Mailing List: https://www.theequianoproject.com/sign-up Follow Our Guest: https://twitter.com/estherk_k Follow The Host: https://twitter.com/inayafolarin Chat with us: https://twitter.com/EquianoProject https://www.facebook.com/TheEquianoProject https://www.instagram.com/theequianoproject/ The Equiano Project is a platform that highly values diverse viewpoints. We actively seek to feature a wide range of guests on our show, regardless of their political affiliations or ideological leanings. While the opinions of our guests may not always align entirely with ours, it doesn't deter us from pursuing meaningful conversations. We aim to approach complex and sensitive matters with a commitment to reason, compassion, intellectual ambition, and curiosity. Find out more about our work and values: https://www.theequianoproject.com/about

Eric Kaufmann is Professor of Politics at Birkbeck College, University of London. In 2008-9, he was a Fellow at the Belfer Center, Harvard University. He is the winner of the 2008 Richard Rose Prize of the UK Political Studies Association (PSA) for research in British politics by a scholar under 40. He has also written for Prospect, Newsweek International and Foreign Policy magazines. Books: Whiteshift: Populism, Immigration and the Future of White Majorities (2018) Subscribe to our Substack for more content! https://theequianoproject.substack.com/ Follow Eric Kaufmann https://twitter.com/epkaufm Connect with us on Social Media: https://twitter.com/EquianoProject https://www.facebook.com/TheEquianoProject https://www.instagram.com/theequianoproject/ About The Equiano Project: The Equiano Project, founded in August 2020 by Inaya Folarin Iman, is a debate, discussion and ideas forum. We facilitate conversations about and promote the values of freedom, common humanity and universalism. Learn more about our work - https://www.theequianoproject.com/

Our guest for episode three of EquianoPod is Wilfred Reilly. He is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kentucky State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Southern Illinois University and a law degree from the University of Illinois. Reilly's research focuses on empirical testing of political claims. During our conversation, we explored various themes, such as: Fallacies in the police brutality narrative Are race issues in the US exaggerated? The importance of distinguishing between history and reality, and not conflating historical events with present-day issues. How certain life challenges are present in all communities, not just the black community. Race-faking and hate crime hoaxes. Enjoy the conversation! You can follow Wilfred Reilly here. EquianoPod can be found on all the main podcast streaming platforms. You can also watch full conversations on our YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe! (New videos every week.)

Today's guest is Dr Remi Adekoya, an Associate Lecturer of Politics at the University of York.  We explored various topics during the discussion, such as: What truly underlies people's dissatisfaction with current race issues?Does an informal racial order still exist in today’s world?Was there validity to some of BLM’s claims? Did the BLM movement resonate with certain truths? You can follow Dr Remi on Twitter - @RemiAdekoya1 Books written by him: It's Not About Whiteness, It's About Wealth (2023) Biracial Britain: What It Means to be Mixed-Race (2021) Subscribe to our Substack for more content! ⁠https://theequianoproject.substack.com/⁠   You can also support The Equiano Project here - ⁠https://www.theequianoproject.com/donate⁠   About The Equiano Project: The Equiano Project, founded in August 2020 by Inaya Folarin Iman, is a debate, discussion and ideas forum. We facilitate conversations about and promote the values of freedom, common humanity and universalism.   Learn more about our work - ⁠https://www.theequianoproject.com/   ⁠New podcast episodes released every Friday.