Race for Reconciliation and its R4R podcast is designed to provide conversations that educate and elevate. When it comes to inequality, the negative voice unfortunately is often the loudest voice. We sadly live in a world where inequality and disadvantage not only still exist, but also are overlooked and neglected by many. However, our position is that of a positive voice. A voice that patiently listens, seeks to understand, and represents kindness. A voice that compliments instead of criticizes. A voice that is proactive instead of passive.Imagine the possibilities when our differences represent our strengths, not our weaknesses. What’s possible when we are unified and truly liberated? What hangs in the balance of our decision to prove love works?Our position is to leverage all platforms and partners to educate and elevate all people.
In this podcast, hear Colonel James Kirkwood, former Memphis police officer and pastor and the Executive Director of the Memphis Christian Pastors Network, talk about why the white community needs to listen to, and believe, the stories of black people’s experiences – and then how to effect change. Support the show
15 Jan 2021
An Inside Look at Law Enforcement, Part 1
In this interview with Colonel James Kirkwood, former Memphis police officer and pastor and the Executive Director of the Memphis Christian Pastors Network, you’ll hear unique insight on how we can reach true reform in communities by starting with the community (police, clergy, leaders and citizens) taking ownership of whatever problem is going on. Support the show
30 Dec 2020
Finding Unity in Our humanity (Part 2)
2020 was a painful year for race relations. After a year of tragedies, Jen Barnes, founder of White Girl Awakening, offers ideas for what needs to happen to help the country move forward and bring unity, as opposed to more polarization and more division. Listen to the podcast to learn what you can be hopeful about from the past year and how to move forward in health. Support the show
21 Oct 2020
Finding Unity in our Humanity Part 1
Listen to the journey that Jen Barnes has taken and why she’s passionate about the conversation of racial equality. As the founder of White Girl Awakening and a ministry in Africa, and one who serves on various Boards, Barnes is a social entrepreneur who lives her life making a difference. Hear how growing up in Birmingham, Alabama and her grandfather’s influence helped shape her – and how she picked up his mantle. Support the show
7 Oct 2020
How to Help a Child Have a Brighter Future (Part 2)
In part 2 of our chat with Karen Vogelsang, Executive Director of Arise2Read, we’re exploring how the nonprofit literacy organization is driving racial reconciliation through helping children in Memphis, TN, and beyond. Learn why its volunteers focus on helping second graders develop a foundational literacy skill called sight word fluency – and how you can get involved. Support the show
18 Sept 2020
You can Help a Child Have a Brighter Future, part 1
Join as we talk to 2015 Tennessee Teacher of the Year and Executive Director of ARISE2Read, Karen Vogelsang about literacy. Learn why basic foundational skills like being able to read is often a challenge for inner city children and how you can be part of the change. Support the show
9 Sept 2020
Uniting St. Louis Through Faith
Join as we talk to Brandon Wilkes, Executive Director of St. Louis Reconciliation Network, as we discuss how the Network began, its purpose of harnessing the potential collective powers of the diverse faith communities in St. Louis, and how it’s using that to build unity across the city. We talk about how the dynamics of race in St. Louis, such as health and educational disparities, have impacted their efforts, and how Ferguson was a catalyst for these important conversations and advanc...
24 Aug 2020
A Grandma’s Will to See Her Children Win
Join us as we talk about how education and other investments in the lives of black children can break the cycle of poverty and build wealth. Karin Conlee, Executive Director of R4R, interviews Board Member Drew Bailey, who talks about his grandmother’s influence on his life, and how her sacrifices ensured that he and his siblings were afforded opportunities in education and other arenas. We can draw lessons from his Grandmother and learn how affording these same opportunities to today’s black...
17 Jul 2020
Creating Culture in Today's Racially Divided Landscape
Join us for part 5 of a 6 part series as we unpack the 5 Majors and 5 Minors of Race for Reconciliation, a movement to bring healing from the past, honor in the present, and hope for the future. Karin Conlee, Executive Director of R4R, interviews expert Vonnetta West about the foundational message of Race for Reconciliation, focusing on why creating culture is the key to healing a divided nation and the three keys to creating that culture. Support the show
17 Jul 2020
5 Things that do NOT work in Racial Reconciliation
Join us for part 6 of a 6 part series as we unpack the 5 Majors and 5 Minors of Race for Reconciliation, a movement to bring healing from the past, honor in the present, and hope for the future. Karin Conlee, Executive Director of R4R, interviews expert Vonnetta West about the foundational message of Race for Reconciliation, acknowledging that while there are certain foundations you want to move toward, like creating equity and creating culture, there are also things you should avoid in this ...
12 Jun 2020
Walking in Wisdom
Walking in Wisdom Join us for part 4 of a 6 part series as we unpack the 5 Majors and the 5 Minors of Race for Reconciliation, a movement to bring healing from the past, honor in the present, and hope for the future. Karin Conlee, Executive Director of R4R, interviews Dr. King expert Vonnetta West as they dialogue about the foundational messages of Race for Reconciliation focusing on Walking in Wisdom. Learn why equality is not enough and how to show love in action so true racial reconciliat...
30 May 2020
Ensuring Equity
Ensuring Equity Join us for part 3 of a 6 part series as we unpack the 5 Majors and the 5 Minors of Race for Reconciliation, a movement to bring healing from the past, honor in the present, and hope for the future. Karin Conlee, Executive Director of R4R, interviews expert Vonnetta West as they dialogue about the foundational messages of Race for Reconciliation focusing on Ensuring Equity. Learn why equality is not enough and how to show love in action so true racial reconciliation can occur...
30 May 2020
Tackling Tokenism
Tackling Tokenism Join us for part 2 of a 6 part series as we unpack the 5 Majors and 5 Minors of Race for Reconciliation, a movement to bring healing from the past, honor in the present, and hope for the future. Karin Conlee, Executive Director of R4R, interviews expert Vonnetta West about the foundational message of Race for Reconciliation focusing on how we must tackle tokenism and how each of us can make a difference. Support the show
17 May 2020
Redefining Reconciliation
Redefining Reconciliation Join us for part 1 of a 6 part series as we unpack the 5 Majors and 5 Minors of Race for Reconciliation, a movement to bring healing from the past, honor in the present, and hope for the future. Karin Conlee interviews expert Vonnetta West as they dialogue about the foundational messages of Race for Reconciliation starting with how to have these conversations and why racial reconciliation must be redefined for true progress to be made. Support the show
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Contact R4R: Conversations that Educate and Elevate
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of R4R: Conversations that Educate and Elevate?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
