Social Justice Origin Stories

Relando Thompkins-Jones

Storytelling, reflections, educational resources, and conversations on what moves us to work for equity, social justice, and collective liberation. A growing community. Through truth-telling: the honest sharing of their experiences, storytellers teach us about themselves, enabling us to learn about ourselves and our world through their stories. By reconnecting with pivotal moments of activation in their lives, they invite us to do the same. At Social Justice Origin Stories, we believe that there's power in storytelling and that lived experience is experience. There's room enough for all of us to do this work. There are many ways to contribute, and our contributions don't need to be the same. We can enter and remain engaged in the work using the gifts that are special to us while supporting others and using theirs. We have the capacity to grow and change for the better when exposed to new information and experiences. We believe in our inherent worth and capabilities, and we possess the power to inspire and create change in ourselves and others. We can transcend the confines of the status quo to imagine and design more equitable and humanizing systems. Every journey has a beginning. What's yours? Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones

  1. 3d ago

    Shaped By Community: Navigating Identity and Breaking The Mold with Demetrius T. Gary

    Demetrius T. Gary describes the impact moving from a multilingual, multiracial middle school experience to a rural, mostly white high school where he was the only Black person had on his racial identity development. He shares his experiences with assimilation, what led him to view code-switching as an asset, and how that unforgettable transition helped him realize there isn’t any one way to be Black. Demetrius also tells the story of how disorienting it was to be the only Black student in his grad school cohort, and how having affirming supervision helped convert experiences of alienation into agency, including a supervisor whose attentive inquiry validated his experiences with racist dynamics at work; experiences that continue to inform his “why” for working in university housing, his approach to coaching, the ethics of supervision, and the value of deliberate, affirming leadership that deliberately chooses to face race instead of ignoring it. 🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! ❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECT Support this work by becoming a patron. 💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode. Email: stories@socialjusticeoriginstories.com Leave a Voice Note on our contact page or speakpipe page. Or leave a comment below 🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW Website: socialjusticeoriginstories.com Follow The Podcast on Apple Podcasts. Listen wherever You Get Your Podcasts. Instagram @socialjusticeoriginstories Facebook @socialjusticeoriginstories Follow on Bluesky Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on LinkedIn Connect with Relando on LinkedIn. Visit these additional links for more information. ----- Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones. 00:00 Why Stay In Housing 02:19 Coaching Future Leaders 04:19 Seeing Students Up Close 05:16 Series Introduction 06:32 Meet Demetrius Gary 09:30 Education And Blackness 12:00 Assimilation And Identity 15:30 Code Switching Debate 19:35 Black People Are Not A Monolith 23:06 Representation In Media 28:33 Grad School Culture Shock 31:16 Finding Community And Being Seen 36:31 Learning by Observation 37:37 Socialization and Suspicion 39:04 Supervisors Who Grow 42:12 Equity in Supervision 45:25 Moments That Motivate 48:07 Why Housing Matters 51:11 Coaching Future Leaders 55:51 Checking Privilege at Work 01:02:03 What Keeps Me Up 01:06:56 Gratitude and Takeaways 01:09:07 Rapid Fire Reflections 01:12:18 Closing and Call to Action

    Shaped By Community: Navigating Identity and Breaking The Mold with Demetrius T. Gary
  2. Sep 2

    Take This With You Vol. 4 | Social Justice Origin Stories

    This is Volume 4 of “Take This With You“, a special series from Social Justice Origin Stories. Storytelling is a gift, and in this series, storytellers reflect on what they hope stays with you after their episode ends. As you listen to their sharing, consider this moment as an invitation to reflect on your own journey. 🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! ❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECT Support this work by becoming a patron. 💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode. Email: stories@socialjusticeoriginstories.com Leave a Voice Note on our contact page or speakpipe page. Or leave a comment below 🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW Website: socialjusticeoriginstories.com Follow The Podcast on Apple Podcasts. Listen wherever You Get Your Podcasts. Instagram @socialjusticeoriginstories Facebook @socialjusticeoriginstories Follow on Bluesky Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on LinkedIn Connect with Relando on LinkedIn. Visit these additional links for more information. ----- Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones. 00:00 Series Introduction 00:17 Grace And Action 01:11 Love Yourself Fully 03:57 Authenticity And Success 09:12 You Are Enough10:11 Work In Progress 12:24 Raising Justice-Minded Kids 16:18 Everyday Justice And Learning 18:54 Start Anywhere Activism 22:03 Social Work Beyond Clinical 25:14 Reflect And Take It With You 26:31 Outro And Community Links

    Take This With You Vol. 4 | Social Justice Origin Stories
  3. Aug 27

    Moving Through Anger To Action: Why My Teaching Philosophy Centers Social Justice

    Reflecting on over a decade of teaching, Relando Thompkins-Jones explains his teaching philosophy and why it centers critical self and systems reflection, education as a path to liberation in collaboration and community. He reflects on the significance of social justice education, which not only provided him with language to express himself and describe the experiences, and inequitable patterns he was recognizing but didn't yet have the words for, but also with practical skills necessary to act, intervene, and confront systemic inequity wherever he can. Key things to consider: Education as a tool and pathway for liberation and way to understand systemic inequities and systemic interventions.The importance of critical reflection on our roles within larger systems and power dynamics.Engaging with lived experiences creates space for deeper understanding of how oppression is perpetuated, and how we can play a role in designing better ways of being in relationship with ourselves, with each other and the world around us. Everyone has a role to play, and we need as many people as possible our there working to create change however we can, with whatever we have. Storytelling and story sharing are necessary vehicles on the journey of discovery. 🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! ❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECT Support this work by becoming a patron. 💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode. Email: stories@socialjusticeoriginstories.com Leave a Voice Note on our contact page or speakpipe page. Or leave a comment below 🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW Website: socialjusticeoriginstories.com Follow The Podcast on Apple Podcasts. Listen wherever You Get Your Podcasts. Instagram @socialjusticeoriginstories Facebook @socialjusticeoriginstories Follow on Bluesky Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on LinkedIn Connect with Relando on LinkedIn. Visit these additional links for more information. ----- Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones. 00:00 Finding My Voice 01:01 Dreaming of Teaching 02:09 Write Your Dreams Down and Don't Crumple The Paper 04:02 Relando's Teaching Philosophy Roots 06:12 Education for Liberation 06:29 Critical Reflection Practice 08:25 Channeling Legitimate Rage 10:35 Methods for Justice Learning 12:52 Closing Thoughts 14:36 Subscribe and Connect 15:48 Support the Project 16:09 Credits and Farewell

    Moving Through Anger To Action: Why My Teaching Philosophy Centers Social Justice
  4. Aug 19

    Making Study Abroad More Accessible to Black and Brown People: Unexpected Journeys with Sarah Jones

    Instead of a single, pivotal moment, Sarah Jones compares her journey towards social justice work to a fire that ignited during her first experiences with race and racism in the 1st grade, defining further memories and experiences as the logs that kept the fire burning. She shares a story about how studying abroad as a first-generation college student revealed how capitalism reinforces inequity by limiting access to travel opportunities, especially for Black and Brown students. Her experience clarified her commitment to making travel experiences more accessible and inclusive, which she does in her work today, leading global leadership programs with an intentional focus on equity. Sarah shares what sustains her, what keeps her up at night when it comes to global equity trends, and why rest, community, and storytelling matters in social justice work. You can Connect with Sarah Jones on LinkedIn. 🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! ❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECT Support this work by becoming a patron. 💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode. Email: stories@socialjusticeoriginstories.com Leave a Voice Note on our contact page or speakpipe page. Or leave a comment below 🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW Website: socialjusticeoriginstories.com Follow The Podcast on Apple Podcasts. Listen wherever You Get Your Podcasts. Instagram @socialjusticeoriginstories Facebook @socialjusticeoriginstories Follow on Bluesky Follow Social Justice Origin Stories on LinkedIn Connect with Relando on LinkedIn. Visit these additional links for more information. ----- Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones. 00:00 Study Abroad Spark 02:07 Money Shapes Access 03:32 Career Mission Emerges 06:00 Show Identity and Values 07:19 Meet Sarah Jones 13:10 Early Racial Awakening 17:40 Soccer Field Microaggressions 20:42 Finding Support Systems 24:13 Mentors Megan and Monroe 29:58 Spanish and Demographic Shifts 36:59 Katrina Displacement Story 46:03 Leading with Equity Today 51:01 Why This Work Matters 52:51 Alumni Moment of Support 54:34 Representation Fuels the Fire 58:09 What Keeps Me Up 01:02:54 Internalized Oppression 01:11:17 Internalized Superiority 01:16:35 Mentors and Rest 01:22:46 Black Food as Joy 01:30:05 Gratitude and Shoutouts 01:33:03 Listener Takeaways 01:35:10 Finish the Statements 01:38:30 Wisdom for the Future 01:39:31 Naming the Journey 01:41:52 Closing and Community

    Making Study Abroad More Accessible to Black and Brown People: Unexpected Journeys with Sarah Jones
  5. Aug 5

    Funky Production: Social Work, Race, Class, and Education with l o t i walker | Design Decisions

    Made with minimal equipment and rooted in the idea that ideas need time to grow, this bonus crossover episode between Notes From an Aspiring Humanitarian (NAH) and Social Justice Origin Stories revisits Relando's very first recording from 10 years ago with special guest l o t i walker, a social worker, social justice advocate, artist, and photographer. l o t i shares why she chose social work, the challenges of working within under-resourced systems, the importance of cultural humility, and building trust through client-centered practice. She also explores art as self-care, describes her “funky production” approach to problem-solving, and speaks on the power of storytelling and naming our experiences for ourselves. Companion Episodes: Ideas Need Time To Grow: How Starting My First Podcast Led Me To Social Justice Origin Stories Making Race Heard with Surabhi Pandit 🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@socialjusticeoriginstories?sub_confirmation=1 ❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECT Support this work by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories 💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode. Email: stories@socialjusticeoriginstories.com Leave a Voice Note: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com/contact/ or https://www.speakpipe.com/socialjusticeoriginstories Or leave a comment below 🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991 Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841874653 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjoriginstories.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-justice-origin-stories/ LinkedIn (Relando): https://www.linkedin.com/in/relandothompkinsjones/ LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQ ----- Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones. 00:00 Bonus Episode Setup 02:25 DIY First Recording 03:16 Why Storytelling Matters 04:09 Podcast Launch Intro 06:30 Why Social Work 11:08 Art as Self Care 13:46 Funding and Advocacy 15:44 School Based Social Work 19:06 Race and Cultural Humility 24:17 Pencil Poem Reality Check 27:43 Funky Production Mindset 31:03 Proud Moments at School 33:41 Earning Trust 35:09 Client Centered Practice 39:12 Mentors Who Shaped Me 42:25 Keep Learning Stay Humble 45:20 Cultural Share Activity 48:03 Mementos And Meaning 55:53 Advice For Future Social Workers 01:00:29 Closing Thanks And Next Steps 01:02:38 Listener Outro And Support

    Funky Production: Social Work, Race, Class, and Education with l o t i walker | Design Decisions
  6. Jul 22

    Ideas Need Time To Grow: How Starting My First Podcast Led Me To Social Justice Origin Stories

    Sometimes, reflecting on the past helps us move forward. Social Justice Origin Stories is an idea whose time has come, but there was a podcast before the podcast, a platform before the platform. In today's episode of Design Decisions, Relando reflects on the experiences that led him to create his very first podcast, Notes From an Aspiring Humanitarian, and how that journey laid the groundwork for his work with Social Justice Origin Stories. 🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@socialjusticeoriginstories?sub_confirmation=1 ❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECT Support this work by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories 💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode. Email: stories@socialjusticeoriginstories.com Leave a Voice Note: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com/contact/ or https://www.speakpipe.com/socialjusticeoriginstories Or leave a comment below 🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991 Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841874653 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjoriginstories.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-justice-origin-stories/ LinkedIn (Relando): https://www.linkedin.com/in/relandothompkinsjones/ LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQ Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones. 00:00 Snow Shoveling Lesson 01:09 Reflecting to Move Forward 01:54 Why Origin Stories Matter 02:46 The Platform Before Platform 03:24 The Truth Will Set You Free, But First It'll Make You Angry 08:54 Intergroup Dialogue Impact 11:13 An Interview with a Younger Relando 17:06 First Website and Blog 19:48 The Origin of The People Who Inspire Series 22:11 Pandemic to Podcast Pivot 24:45 Introducing Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian: Original Trailer 28:23 Room Enough for All 33:10 Media Dreams and Next Steps 35:17 Where to Follow and Support 37:12 Final Thanks and Goodbye

    Ideas Need Time To Grow: How Starting My First Podcast Led Me To Social Justice Origin Stories
  7. Jul 8

    Rejecting The Path Of Least Resistance and Refusing To Be A Passenger With Tyler Adams

    Tyler Adams of the GoodPain Podcast opens up about how a life-altering event involving his youngest daughter cracked his heart open and expanded his understanding of privilege, complicity with oppressive systems, and what it really means to live in alignment with his values, including using storytelling to make heart-to-heart connections that create lasting change. He shares his experiences with the complexities of navigating loss, confronting privilege, subverting the status quo, and the power of staying connected to our humanity. Tyler encourages listeners to resist the "path of least resistance," refuse to be passive participants, and to remember the importance of collective action and accountability on the journey toward justice. Stay Connected with Tyler and GoodPain by visiting their Website: https://goodpainco.com/ LISTEN TO RELANDO'S GUEST EPISODE ON GOODPAIN - This Just Ain't Working For Us: https://goodpainco.com/podcast/goodpain-podcast-season-02-episode-20-this-just-aint-working-for-us-relando-thompkins-jones-social-justice-origin-stories/ 🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@socialjusticeoriginstories?sub_confirmation=1 ❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECT Support this work by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories 💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode. Email: stories@socialjusticeoriginstories.com Leave a Voice Note: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com/contact/ or https://www.speakpipe.com/socialjusticeoriginstories Or leave a comment below 🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991 Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841874653 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjoriginstories.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-justice-origin-stories/ LinkedIn (Relando): https://www.linkedin.com/in/relandothompkinsjones/ LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQ Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones. 00:00 Breadcrumbing Change 01:54 Risk And Paralysis 03:40 Humility And Legacy 06:36 Show Intro And Mission 07:49 Meet Tyler Adams 09:01 Daughter Injury Awakening 13:44 Why Stories Matter 18:39 GoodPain Origin 21:53 Subversion At Work 31:28 Hearts Cracked Open 40:28 Choosing Open Hearts 41:27 Privilege And Refusal 43:44 Reform Work And Masks 46:51 Inviting Growth Like Gandhi 49:54 Learning Spaces For Mistakes 54:36 Breadcrumbing And Corporate Cynicism 02:58 Rebuilding Hope Through Humility 01:04:09 Small Communities Go Deep 01:09:13 Defining Justice And Restitution 01:16:16 Message To Future Generations 01:18:49 Closing Thanks And Ways To Engage

    Rejecting The Path Of Least Resistance and Refusing To Be A Passenger With Tyler Adams
  8. Jun 24

    Using My Oar, My Voice, to Design Equitable Futures: Ubuntu and Social Justice with monique liston

    dr. monique liston, founder of Ubuntu Research and Evaluation, tells the story of how her dissertation research on human dignity for Black people led her to root her organization in the concept of ubuntu: “I am because we are” as a rejection of individualistic, capitalist thinking and a response to anti-Blackness and data violence. She shares how navigating academic and professional spaces as a Black woman moved her to create an environment where smart Black girls are affirmed and where teams can interrupt harmful narratives, misinterpretations, and visual depictions about Black communities. dr. liston connects Ubuntu to abolitionist leadership, describes Ubuntu Research and Evaluation’s “undisciplined” and “ungovernable” approach, and encourages listeners to read books, write books, and embody Ubuntu right where they are. Follow Ubuntu Research & Evaluation Website: www.ubunturesearch.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ubunturesearch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ubunturesearch 🔔 If you haven't already...SUBSCRIBE to Social Justice Origin Stories on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@socialjusticeoriginstories?sub_confirmation=1 ❤️ SUPPORT THE PROJECT Support this work by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/SocialJusticeOriginStories 💬 SHARE YOUR STORY OR FEEDBACK Your voice helps shape this community and may be featured in a future episode. Email: stories@socialjusticeoriginstories.com Leave a Voice Note: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com/contact/ or https://www.speakpipe.com/socialjusticeoriginstories Or leave a comment below 🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW Website: https://socialjusticeoriginstories.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-justice-origin-stories/id1771268991 Wherever You Get Your Podcasts: https://pod.link/1771268991 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialjusticeoriginstories/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567841874653 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/sjoriginstories.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-justice-origin-stories/ LinkedIn (Relando): https://www.linkedin.com/in/relandothompkinsjones/ LinkTree for more: https://linktr.ee/SocialJusticeOriginStories?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZzPfl3gCm5NY9C_Y-glRzwDu-8BvHfkCJaQlDihfrQxbYWC1dnxgRL2kU_aem_kmgEcokBmDt8WaAtlWQMQQ Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones. 00:00 Dignity and Ubuntu Roots 03:04 Humanity Quote and Abolition 05:52 Show Intro and Guest Welcome 08:24 monique liston Background 09:40 Activation and Ancestral Seeds 12:00 Founding Ubuntu and Data Violence 17:24 Why Ubuntu Name Matters 24:21 Seeing the Oppressor Within 28:04 Vibration and Impact Stories 32:02 Undisciplined and Ungovernable 37:21 Advice for Future Evaluators 41:00 What Keeps Her Going 42:21 Choosing Ubuntu Daily 43:41 Time Travel and Ancestors 46:09 Lovecraft Country Detour 47:32 Finding Poetry’s Power 52:25 Books That Shaped Me 55:33 Speaking to the Ancestors 58:09 Read Books Write Books 58:55 The Justice We Imagine Prompts 01:05:29 Message to Future Generations 01:07:43 The Oar and Voice 01:11:16 Closing Thanks and Outro ...

    Using My Oar, My Voice, to Design Equitable Futures: Ubuntu and Social Justice with monique liston

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Storytelling, reflections, educational resources, and conversations on what moves us to work for equity, social justice, and collective liberation. A growing community. Through truth-telling: the honest sharing of their experiences, storytellers teach us about themselves, enabling us to learn about ourselves and our world through their stories. By reconnecting with pivotal moments of activation in their lives, they invite us to do the same. At Social Justice Origin Stories, we believe that there's power in storytelling and that lived experience is experience. There's room enough for all of us to do this work. There are many ways to contribute, and our contributions don't need to be the same. We can enter and remain engaged in the work using the gifts that are special to us while supporting others and using theirs. We have the capacity to grow and change for the better when exposed to new information and experiences. We believe in our inherent worth and capabilities, and we possess the power to inspire and create change in ourselves and others. We can transcend the confines of the status quo to imagine and design more equitable and humanizing systems. Every journey has a beginning. What's yours? Social Justice Origin Stories is produced, edited, and hosted by Relando Thompkins-Jones