Make Room Podcast Dawn Biza

Joining me as guest host for our final episode of this series is a gem I’ve had the pleasure of watching grow from and 1st class vibes, no filtered teen, into an ever more talented and smart black woman, who still speaks out and speaks up. Hannah Akhalu is a community theatre practitioner and host of her own podcast channel Loud N Proud! Currently training at East 15 Drama School, Hannah has a strong interest in social politics with a particular focus on issues surrounding the black community and women.

Be sure to check her out on her podcast series Loud N Proud available on Spotify and all podcast platforms.

This week we are hopping right into the topic of Racism: Unalienable Rights To Life Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happiness - that’s right we are focusing our lens on the United States of America. You know what to do - go ahead and grab your favourite libation pull up a seat and let dive right in!

Joining me this week as a guest host is my sister from another mother Gabrielle Green (she/her). Gabrielle graduated from Millikin University with a Bachelors in Music Education with an emphasis in Voice.  Gabrielle is in her 3rd year teaching with Chicago Public Schools, as a Choir Director and Music Appreciation Educator at the legendary Simeon Career Academy located on the Southside of Chicago. At a very young age, she was very passionate about music. Gabrielle is a strong advocate for the arts and education. Gabrielle plans to pursue her higher education with a Masters in Arts Administration.

In part of two this episode, I am joined by guest host Kevin Mandla Harris. Originally from East St Louis, Kevin currently works in Member Stewardship in Chicago IL. Kevin holds a BFA in Acting from Millikin University and spent a period of time studying theatre performance at the Globe Theatre in London. Kevin is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

His professional interests include theatre education, community outreach, theatre performance and social advocacy. Because of these interests, Kevin is pursuing his Master’s in social work at a prominent university in Chicago, with future hopes to eventually open his own therapeutic centre with a focus in providing therapy to Black and Brown communities.

In this episode, we’ll be delving into the subject of Allyship - the truth vs the false. I’ve invited two friends and colleagues to help break down this topic and share their observations and involvement.

In part one I’ll be joined by guest host Alexandra Naranjo. Alex is a private voice teacher and is currently studying for her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Originally born in Caracas Venezuela, Alex spent most of her upbringing in one of the most conservative states in the United States of America. She opens up in the episode and shares her experiences growing up as a minority a harsh environment, and her most recent experiences as an ally in the Black Lives Matter Movement.

Alex is a passionate advocate for racial and cultural inclusion for a focus for creating a more sustainable environment in theatre. Alex has goals of moving to the UK to build her career as a practitioner in theatre.

Welcome! You’ve tuned in to Make Room Podcast, The podcast where we make room for you to sit down voice your thoughts and share your experiences.

In episode 4, we'll be exploring the board topic of racism from a global perspective. The lasting effects and ripples of racisms history that is still felt across the globe.

the subtle and not so subtle consequences woven in the fabric of nations and cultures hit the hardest.

As always grab a seat and a drink and let's get into it!

In this episode, I am joined by my former colleague and friend Maryam Khan. Maryam was born and raised in North London and is a second-generation Pakistani. Having graduated from The School of Oriental and African Studies in London, Maryam currently works in the Fashion Industry.

Maryam is a self-described advocate and activist who uses her voice and platforms to push for change in the world around her. In this episode, she speaks vividly about her life experiences growing up with immigrant parents from Pakistan, and growing up Muslim in a world that doesn’t take too kindly to any of those two identities.

Peace and Blessing! Welcome! Each and every one of you tuning in to this episode, Episode 3 of Make Room Podcast!

Before we get into it, don’t forget to follow our Instagram page at Make room podcast, join in the conversation and share!

In this episode, we’ll be discussing Prejudice, Discrimination and Racism, defining and identifying each one.

Joining me as my guest host for this episode is my brother from another mother, Joshua Miller.

Joshua (He/They) is a Chicago born artist that brings life to the work that he does. He is a playwright and performer whose work looks to explore the identity of what it means to be Black today.

He is currently working as a teaching artist with Chicago Danztheater Ensemble. His play At Arms Length is presently being workshopped by actors from Chicago and New York virtually.