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In this episode we step into the world of theatre and storytelling through JaJa’s African Hair Braiding — a play that centres the beauty, complexity and politics of Black life within the familiar space of the hair salon.  The conversation reflects pertinent themes such as identity, migration, labour  and belonging.  We delve into the unspoken dynamics that live in community spaces — the care, the tension, the humour and the truth. Through this discussion, we reflect on what it means to be seen, to be held and sometimes to be challenged within spaces that feel like home.  This episode is hosted by Sylvia, who guides a thoughtful and honest conversation that goes beyond the stage and into life in living colour. As always with ARM- OUR, this isn’t about passive listening. It’s an invitation to reflect: What resonated with you? What felt familiar? What challenged your thinking? If this conversation moves you, share it with your community, subscribe to the podcast and be part of growing a space where these conversations can continue.

Welcome Back to ARM-OUR or OUR-ARM, the podcast from the Anti-Racist Movement (ARM).  Giving can be powerful, restorative, and intentional and this episode explores how we reclaim our energy and connect more deeply to our shared humanity. For this relaunch episode, we mark International Women’s Day with a powerful conversation inspired by the theme Give to Gain and the call to give again.  Black women have always given, we give our care, labour, wisdom, leadership and for our community. Giving is deeply connected to our humanity; it is how we nurture, sustain and uplift one another. Yet too often that giving has been expected, unrecognised, or taken for granted. In this episode, four women from ARM come together to reflect on what it means to give — not from exhaustion or obligation, but from a place of healing, intention, and collective strength.  Through honest and unfiltered conversation, we explore how generosity, boundaries, and mutual care remind us that when giving is rooted in our shared humanity, it becomes a powerful force for restoration, dignity, and real change. Heal boldly. Lead courageously. And never shrink your voice. If this episode resonates with you, share it, comment, like, and subscribe — and help us keep the conversation going. Your voice matters, and together we can give and connect more deeply to our shared humanity. Lots of Love, Shantel Founder/Director Anti-Racist Movement CIC

Welcome to today’s episode. We’re diving into the power of Black women’s writing — not just as creativity, but as survival, healing, and resistance. This episode comes out of a five-day writing retreat in July 2025 for Black women in academia, social work, and beyond. I brought them together to write for the upcoming special issue for the British Journal of Social Work (listen back to episode 1 for details).  What happened in that space was profound: women who had been silenced found their voices, those isolated in their institutions found solidarity, and writing itself became a tool of leadership and liberation. In this conversation, we explore what it means to claim space on the page, to move from the margins to the centre, and to imagine writing as a form of organisational transformation. Stay tuned — this is about writing as resistance, and resistance as survival.

In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the finale of our unforgettable "March in May" fundraiser—a journey that took us across the stunning Seven Sisters hills and deep into conversations about resilience, representation, and collective joy.  Still time to donate: https://gofund.me/e6a2187d (copy and paste into browser). The ARM Core Collective reflect on what it meant to walk 10,000 steps a day for the 31 days in May, covering the equivalent of 3.5 Mount Kilimanjaros.  From laughter-filled moments (yes, there were plastic bags and unexpected tumbles!) to powerful reflections on visibility and anti-racism, this episode is a celebration of community, courage, and connection. We also honour the historical significance of our route, where the West Indian Regiment once trained during WWI—reminding us that every step we take is part of a much larger story. So grab your headphones, take a walk with us, and let’s close this segment with purpose and pride.

In this episode, we tackle a tough conversation head-on. Our core collective delves into a deeply disturbing situation that shook us to our core and compelled us to respond. We confront the impact of racist imagery, prioritising its effects over its intent. As a collective, we recognise the urgent need to call out these issues, no matter how uncomfortable they may be. Ignoring them only perpetuates behaviour, which is then deemed unconscious. We can no longer tolerate this and have a responsibility to take action. Join us as we share our candid thoughts and stand firm. Welcome to ARMOUR. Get in touch- Email: [email protected]

This isn't reform, it reimagination.  Season 10 begins with a call for radical, anti-racist visions for social work. In this episode, we launch a call for abstracts for the upcoming British Journal of Social Work special issue:  "Reimagining Anti-Racist Social Work - Rooted in Care, Resistance and Solidarity" led by the Anti-Racist Movement. We explore: The purpose and vision of the special issue Who we want to hear from (spoiler: it’s not just academics) How to submit your abstract Deadline: Friday 9th May 2025 Submission details, just click: https://academic.oup.com/bjsw/pages/social-work-special-issue-2026. Join us as we kick off a new season rooted in justice, imagination, and action.

Welcome to today’s episode - the last for series 9 - where we dive deep into the complexities of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Members of the core collective unpack the challenges of implementing and measuring EDI efforts and explore the growing hostility toward EDI, the intricacies of intersectionality, and the global state of anti-racism work. Amid these critical discussions, we also find moments of joy, and as we wrap up, we reflect on the importance of remembering history, staying vigilant, and leading with compassion—core values that lie at the heart of social work. Join us for an insightful and uplifting conversation that challenges, informs, and inspires

Happy New Year to you ALL. Welcome to Bridging the Years, the first episode of ARMOUR or OURARM for 2025. As we step into this new year, we pause to reflect on the lessons, triumphs, and growth of 2024. What did the past year teach us? How did it shape who we are today? More importantly, we’ll set our sights on the year ahead—exploring the power of intention and the possibilities it holds. This year, we’re inviting the entire ARM collective to join us in a special way: by choosing and sharing one word that captures their intention for 2025. Whether it's 'growth,' 'balance,' 'resilience,' or something deeply personal, we believe these words have the power to inspire and guide us as a community. So, settle in as we take a thoughtful journey through reflection, intention, and the collective wisdom of the Anti-Racist Movement. Let’s start 2025 with clarity and connection."

In this deeply moving season finale of ARM-OUR, Laurelle and I hold nothing back as we delve into the intricate intersection of neurodiversity, leadership, and identity.  As Black women navigating the dual worlds of executive leadership and ADHD (and dyslexia), we explore the layers of complexity, resilience, and vulnerability that come with breaking stereotypes and challenging expectations. This conversation is a raw, honest reflection on the highs and lows of our journeys—offering insights, solidarity, and a reminder that we’re never alone in the struggle or the triumph. Laurelle Brown is CEO of the award winning Laurelle Brown Training and Consultancy which helps systems, leadership & practice work better for racialised children; Co-founder of Kijiji -The community for Black safeguarding children professionals and a proud ADHD-er. May I take this opportunity to wish you all a joyful and prosperous 2025!!!  We appreciate all your support thus far!!!

Welcome to this special episode, where we have the privilege of sitting down with the extraordinary Dr. Beverley Barnett-Jones MBE. With decades of experience in social work and child protection, Dr. Barnett-Jones has dedicated her life to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families. A trailblazer in her field, she has not only transformed social work practice but has also influenced policy at a national level. In this candid and inspiring conversation, we delve into her personal journey, exploring the experiences that shaped her passion for social justice. From her early days as a frontline social worker to receiving her MBE for her contributions to the profession, Dr. Barnett-Jones shares invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of her career. Whether you're a social work practitioner, an advocate for change, or simply curious about the human stories behind this vital profession, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the life and work of one of the most respected voices in the field. Join us as we celebrate resilience, compassion, and the profound impact of a life devoted to serving others. NB:  This episode was recorded over the summer and was the 1st in a series of 1-2-1 conversations with key players doing great work in the space.

Welcome to another episode of ARM-OUR or OUR-ARM, the podcast hosted by me, Shantel Thomas, founder of the Anti-Racist Movement (A.R.M.).  Today, we have a special one-on-one conversation with Shirleecia Ward—a remarkable woman with an incredible story and purpose. Shirleecia is an African-Caribbean mother of two daughters, a dedicated researcher, and a senior lecturer at Leeds Beckett University. Her passion lies in amplifying the voices of Black women and ensuring that their lived experiences are represented in academic literature. Shirleecia’s groundbreaking research focuses on giving Black mothers the space to share their personal stories about raising children in a racialised society. In this episode, we’ll explore her work, which delves into the hopes, concerns, and wisdom these mothers have for their children. We’ll also discuss how her research aims to bridge the gap between personal experiences and professional practices by sharing these valuable insights with communities and practitioners who work with children and families. Get ready for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Shirleecia Ward—this is one you won’t want to miss! NB: This is one of three episodes recorded during the summer 2024. Weekes, A.P., Ward, S. and Mguni, M. (2024) “Beyond tokenism: activism, resistance and rebellion,” Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-04-2023-0105.

Recorded at the end of October 2024, this episode again features some of the core members of A.R.M talking about their individual and collective contributions to social activism over the past months.  This years theme for Black History Month is 'Reclaiming Narratives' and we reflect on the milestones and resilience that has shaped History and our ongoing fight for racial justice.  We also look ahead to the upcoming ICU or 'I See You' Conference and 2nd Anniversary Celebrations for the Anti-Racist Movement in an attempt in 'write our own story'.  Join us as we discuss how this event aims to challenge us, push the conversations forward, inspire change and build on the legacy of those that have gone before us.

In this episode - C-our-rage or See Our Rage - we focus on the interplay between courage and anger in light of the "Race Riots" of August 2024.   Courage is the 4th of 4 core values of A.R.M and  we explore how our collective anger against injustice becomes a source of strength, fueling our courage to confront racism head-on.  We'll examine the balance between rage, resilience and vulnerability, and how these emotions are essential to sustaining the fight for justice. Take a listen and leave a comment.

Welcome to ARM-OUR, the podcast from the Anti-Racist Movement (ARM).  In this episode, we continue to delve into our core values, with today's focus being 'Compassion as the Core'.  We explore how empathy and understanding are essential in the fight against racism and discuss how compassion shows up across the life span.  A key focus is on self-compassion, both inside and outside of social work.  Step into our world, and we'll meet you there and lets embark on this journey of compassion and action together.

In this episode, we delve into the heart of social work, focusing on the vital role of connection. We explore how taking the time to rest and rejuvenate can actually strengthen the bonds we build with those we work for and with.  We share practical strategies, powerful stories from the field, and discuss the intersection of rest, connection, and social justice.  Join us as we reflect on how rest not only nurtures us as individuals but also empowers us to forge stronger, more meaningful connections in our work. Let's discover together how embracing rest can be a radical act of resistance and a cornerstone of effective social work.