Understanding Slavery’s Legacy and the Need for Diversity with Dr. Joanne Lunceford

What is critical race theory and why does it make some people so uncomfortable? Join us as today’s guest, Dr. Joanne Lunceford, explains the legacy of slavery and the systems that were built during that era that are still with us almost 200 years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Dr. Lunceford has a deep understanding that while no one currently alive has ever owned or been a slave, the legacy of those institutions are still impacting people today. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page. Our Guest, Dr. Joanne Lunceford, earned her Doctor of Social Work from the University of Southern California with her studies focusing on race, cognition, behavior, and barriers. She obtained her Master of Science in Social Administration (MSW-equivalent) from Case Western Reserve University and her Bachelor of Arts from Miami University (Oxford). Dr. Lunceford has worked as a social work and criminal justice professional for over 25 years, and has held many volunteer, organization, leadership, direct service, board, management, and administrative positions. She is the founding Executive Director of The Peace Project (TPP) — a grassroots racial justice/violence prevention organization that assists, uplifts, and supports the community through prevention, advocacy, and consultation services, and was most recently appointed by Mayor Andrew Ginther as the Deputy Director of the Office of Violence Prevention for the City of Columbus. Dr. Lunceford has served as an Adjunct Professor of Social Work to doctorate level social work students and as an Adjunct Instructor of Criminal Justice, Sociology, and General Studies to career college students. She has also been faculty through the Supreme Court of Ohio’s Probation Officer’s Training Program, teaching how trauma from lived experiences derived from racial inequalities can often manifest itself as violence in communities and the importance of using cognitive-based interventions to address behavioral issues in lieu of incarceration and community separation when appropriate. Her education and career has focused on the intersectionality of Race, Social Work, and Criminal Justice and how to create and utilize strategies to deconstruct race, disrupt racism, and dismantle racial inequality in all systems and disciplines. Our host, Gabe Howard, is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com.