Episodios

  • Episode 2: - Oneness and Justice: Love in Practice

    Episode 2: - Oneness and Justice: Love in Practice
    Apr 7 2026
    In this episode of the Wilmette Institute Podcast Series, we explore the relationship between Oneness and Justice through a rich and reflective conversation. Host Emily Chou sits down with Chloé Greene—liberation historian, cultural worker, and “love sower”—to reflect on love as an active practice that can transform how we relate to one another and build more just communities. Together, they discuss the power of connection, the role of the soul in social change, and how practicing love can deepen our understanding of unity across difference.
    Más Menos
    20 m
  • Episode 1 - Universal Participation

    Episode 1 - Universal Participation
    Mar 4 2026
    In this first episode of the Wilmette Institute Podcast Series, we explore the meaning of universal participation in education and community life. Host Emily Chou sits down with Nika Esmailizadeh to reflect on what it truly means to create spaces where everyone can contribute, belong, and grow. Together, they discuss teaching, learning, and the responsibility we share in building inclusive and empowering environments. 🎙️ Episode 1: Universal Participation – A Teacher’s Reflection If you’re passionate about education, social transformation, and creating communities of belonging, this conversation is for you. 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes 👍 Like, share, and comment to join the conversation Learn more about Wilmette Institute: 🌐 https://wilmetteinstitute.org
    Más Menos
    18 m
  • Social Transformation: The Evolving Challenge of Racial Inequality

    Social Transformation: The Evolving Challenge of Racial Inequality
    May 31 2025
    This podcast offers insights into evolving efforts to address racial inequality in the US, comparing sixty years ago (during the Civil Rights era) to the present day. Dr. June Thomas, who has written about her family’s lived experiences during the civil rights era, established an academic career based on training urban planners who were socially aware and capable of supporting community development, and she has written extensively about these topics and the need for racial and social justice in U.S. cities. In a question-and-answer discussion with interviewers Dr. Chitra Golestani (Wilmette Institute Associate Director) and Asia Robinson from North Carolina Central University, she considers how the challenge of racial inequality has evolved over the last decades, and how Bahá’í teachings offer important insights into possible strategies for the present and the future. Webinar link: https://wilmetteinstitute.org/social-transformation-the-evolving-challenge-of-racial-inequality/
    Más Menos
    1 h y 31 m
  • How Bahá’í Teachings on Racial Unity Influenced My Academic Focus

    How Bahá’í Teachings on Racial Unity Influenced My Academic Focus
    Apr 20 2025
    A conversation with Dr. Richard Thomas on his recently published book chapter “How the Bahá’í Teachings on Racial Unity Influenced My Academic Focus on Race Relations in the United States.” The Bahá’í Faith and African American Studies: Perspectives on Racial Justice, edited by Loni Bramson and Layli Maparyan – Contributions by Layli Maparyan; Richard Hollinger; June Thomas; Richard W. Thomas; Loni Bramson; Michael McMullen and Gwen Etter-Lewis Dr. Richard Thomas (Speaker) Chitra Golestani (Moderator) https://wilmetteinstitute.org/how-bahai-teachings-on-racial-unity-influenced-my-academic-focus/
    Más Menos
    1 h y 10 m
  • Erased but Not Forgotten: Reclaiming North Nashville’s Legacy (Part 2)

    Erased but Not Forgotten: Reclaiming North Nashville’s Legacy (Part 2)
    Mar 30 2025
    From the 1800s through the 1950s, North Nashville’s 37208 zip code flourished as a vibrant Black community. Despite systemic segregation and redlining, residents established institutions, including schools, businesses, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and a lively entertainment scene that attracted renowned Black artists. In the 1960s, federal and local policies resulted in the construction of Interstate 40, which bisected this thriving neighborhood, leading to the demolition of homes and businesses. This disruption transformed a once-prosperous area into one plagued by poverty—a condition from which it has yet to recover. Today, North Nashville faces challenges such as high child poverty rates, food insecurity, and mass incarceration and confronts the additional threat of gentrification, further endangering its rich cultural heritage. In the face of crises, there must always be hope. This presentation highlights North Nashville’s legacy of resilience in the face of structural racism and explores how community building restores that legacy. This two-part webinar will engage participants in thinking about the power of race unity and justice, community building, and insights from the Bahá’í framework for action. Note: This is part two of a two-part series. Sue Ballew St. Clair (Speaker) Nicola Casserly (Moderator) Link to webinar page: https://wilmetteinstitute.org/erased-but-not-forgotten-reclaiming-north-nashvilles-legacy-2/
    Más Menos
    1 h y 9 m
  • Erased but Not Forgotten: Reclaiming North Nashville’s Legacy

    Erased but Not Forgotten: Reclaiming North Nashville’s Legacy
    Feb 22 2025
    From the 1800s through the 1950s, North Nashville’s 37208 zip code flourished as a vibrant Black community. Despite systemic segregation and redlining, residents established institutions, including schools, businesses, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and a lively entertainment scene that attracted renowned Black artists. In the 1960s, federal and local policies resulted in the construction of Interstate 40, which bisected this thriving neighborhood, leading to the demolition of homes and businesses. This disruption transformed a once-prosperous area into one plagued by poverty—a condition from which it has yet to recover. Today, North Nashville faces challenges such as high child poverty rates, food insecurity, and mass incarceration and confronts the additional threat of gentrification, further endangering its rich cultural heritage. In the face of crises, there must always be hope. This presentation highlights North Nashville’s legacy of resilience in the face of structural racism and explores how community building restores that legacy. This two-part webinar will engage participants in thinking about the power of race unity and justice, community building, and insights from the Bahá’í framework for action. Note: This is part one of a two-part series. Sue Ballew St. Clair (Speaker) Chitra Golestani (Moderator) Link to Webinar page: https://wilmetteinstitute.org/erased-but-not-forgotten-reclaiming-north-nashvilles-legacy/
    Más Menos
    1 h y 31 m
  • Igan Asgarli Musical Composition Integration

    Igan Asgarli Musical Composition Integration
    Dec 10 2024
    Improvisational piano composition by Igan Asgarli performed during final "Integration" salon for the the Fall 2024 extension course "The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys through Creative Arts Exploration," facilitated by Peggy Caton.
    Más Menos
    3 m
  • Igan Asgarli musical composition--Four Valleys inspiration

    Igan Asgarli musical composition--Four Valleys inspiration
    Dec 5 2024
    Improvisational piano composition by Igan Asgarli inspired by verse: "In this station the self is not rejected but beloved; it is regarded with favour and is not to be shunned. Although at the beginning this plane is the realm of conflict, yet it endeth in the ascent to the throne of glory." The verse is from Baha'u'llah's Four Valleys." It was created for the the Fall 2024 extension course "The Seven Valleys and the Four Valleys through Creatve Arts Exploration," facilitated by Peggy Caton.
    Más Menos
    7 m