28 Days of Black Excellence: Recent Episodes
University of Illinois Chicago
28 Days of Black Excellence, a podcast series celebrating Black History Month, featuring the powerful and inspiring stories of University of Illinois Chicago Black students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. Host Aisha El-Amin, UIC associate vice chancellor for equity and belonging, leads conversations with luminaries, visionaries and waymakers about their journeys and what it means to give back to the university and community while creating impact in Chicago and beyond.
UIC alum says there will be bumps in the road; how you handle them defines how you handle life
UIC alum says we have to 'unbecome' some things in order to become who we're supposed to be
A UIC alum says the lessons aren't in the triumphs — it's the failures that fuel us forward
UIC alum says, if you're doing what you're supposed to be doing, you will find a joy that is unmatched
UIC grad says you should never let your age or any part of your identity limit your impact
In honor of Black History Month, we're featuring three popular episodes that reflect on the rich stories highlighting Black Excellence
UIC alum, Olayinka Stephen Fadowole, says to use your knowledge and experience to impact the people around you
But those relationships that I cultivated in college led me to pretty much where I am today
"So you are where you are supposed to be right now. And justembrace that and, and live in that truth..."
UIC alumna, Tracy Crump, is an esteemed educator and attorney with the blueprint to success Transcript
UIC alumnus Marvin Slaughter credits his UIC experience with helping to define the person he is today. Transcript
UIC alumna Diondra Bell is a health care IT professional with a personal mission to help patients in Transcript
UIC alumna Renita White is a physician assistant at the Mile Square Health Center Transcript
UIC alumna Carol Moseley Braun is known for her over three decades of trailblazing public service Transcript
Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch credits his UIC Law education for helping him navigate the fast-paced world of Illinois politics. Transcript
Congressman Bobby Rush has served the community as a politician, activist and pastor.Transcript
Jocelyn Reaves is a health care executive turned serial entrepreneur who has a passion for helping people actualize their potential. Transcript
Yolanda Coleman earned her PhD in the UIC College of Nursing and is the UIC Nursing Alumni Associate Board President. Transcript
UIC alumnus Karia Coleman has created a successful business providing exercise interventions for people with chronic health conditions Transcript
UIC alumnus and former State Representative Al Riley discusses his efforts to lead policy, infrastructure and mass transit improvements in Illinois.
"I was really inspired a lot by the teachers that I saw in the English department that looked like me," says author Rasheedah Shahid-Tezak. Transcript
Equity and inclusion program director says 'just a little nudge, it makes a huge difference' when it comes to supporting students, colleagues. Transcript
Stepteau-Watson earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at UIC. Transcript
UIC alum from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and recipient of a master's degree from the College of Education and former UIC Flames soccer player. Transcript
UIC alumna Khadijah El-Amin discusses lessons learned as a UIC chemical engineering student and her path from Chicago's south side to corporate research scientist.
Chezare Warren, an associate professor of equity and inclusion in education policy at Vanderbilt University, talks about transforming Black education. Transcript
"How are we actually advancing policy in a way that it impacts people personally?" asks Saria Lofton, a health disparities nurse research. Transcript
Social worker, scholar and activist talks about confronting fear and overcoming challenges, including a felony record, with hard work. Transcript
Dr. Robert Winn served as director of the University of Illinois Cancer Center and associate vice chancellor of health affairs for community-based practice. Transcript
Host Aisha El-Amin speaks with UIC staff and alumna Aginah M. Muhammad in "28 Days of Black Excellence." Transcript
CHANCE career coach, author, and entrepreneur, Roddric W. Sims put his 1995 UIC degree to good use. Transcript
Born in the Philippines, 2018 UIC Business grad Keenan Artis describes how he overcame feeling unwelcome in his own country because of how he looks and who he loves. Transcript
Shelley Davis, president and CEO of the Coleman Foundation, has dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector since she was an urban planning and policy graduate student at UIC. Transcript
A leading expert on Black boys' literacy development, Tatum was the dean of the UIC College of Education and directed the UIC Reading Clinic. He is provost of Metropolitan State University of Denver and professor in its College of Education. Transcript
UIC alumnus Gerald Hankerson reminisces with host Aisha El-Amin about his successes and challenges as a student in "28 Days of Black Excellence." Transcript
Dr. Jamilah Okoe discusses her journey from earning her bachelor's degree in nursing to pursuing her dream to become a doctor. Transcript
Former associate provost for academic and enrollment services talks about his role in pioneering diversity and inclusion programs at UIC. Transcript
"Something that I would say to Black alumni: Maintain that connection with the institution," says Michelle Morrow, a UIC alumna and former staff member. Transcript
College of Medicine grad says 'You've got to have mentorship. No one makes it on their own.' Transcript
LaDora Robinson-Locke, director of human resources at Lincoln Park Zoo, has been influential in creating paid internships for students of color and exposing students to careers with cultural institutions. Transcript
College of Business Administration alum and MBA student: "You're not just in school to be in school for the sake of it. It's an investment." Transcript
UIC alumna Tamara Edmonds Askew talks about her career path and how she continues to give back to UIC students and the community. Transcript
Dr. Rand Harlow talks about his journey and experiences at UIC. "From when I first came in as a student, then as a resident and now as a faculty, UIC has grown as a university, in diversity, in the support, and it's a really wonderful place to be." Transcript