Welcome to Hot Topics! In this episode, host Gabrielle Crichlow engages in a thought-provoking conversation with guest Difernt Caldwell as they explore the history, significance, and future implications of Juneteenth.

Juneteenth holds a special place in American history as it commemorates the moment when enslaved people in Texas first learned of their freedom in 1865. Recently, this important day has been recognized as a federal holiday, thanks to legislative efforts.

During the episode, Gabrielle and Difernt delve into the challenges faced by enslaved people in receiving news about their emancipation. It took two years for word to spread due to deliberate efforts by slave owners to conceal this information, coupled with barriers like illiteracy within the enslaved community.

While making Juneteenth a federal holiday is a significant step towards acknowledging America's history of racial injustice, the conversation highlights the need for further action. The guests discuss the importance of providing reparations in the form of financial support, equitable education access, and business loans to black communities, as a means to combat systemic racism.

The discussion emphasizes that the responsibility of advocating for change lies with Black Americans. By working together through community organizations and supporting black-owned businesses, progress can be made towards addressing the ongoing racial inequities that persist in society today.

Overall, this episode of "Hot Topics!" aims to raise awareness about the profound significance of Juneteenth and encourages listeners to reflect on its historical context while actively contributing to a more inclusive and equitable future.

Who is Difernt Caldwell?
Difernt was born on December 15, 1990, in Houston, Texas, Fifth Ward. She faced significant challenges, including homelessness and foster care. Her childhood was normal until she was eleven, when her family became homeless. For three years, they lived in various places, such as strangers’ homes, cars, parks, shelters, and even a crack house. At fourteen, she was placed in foster care, where she learned that Texas waives college tuition for foster kids who age out. This realization inspired Difernt to use her street smarts to enhance her education, enabling her to overcome the odds. She became an alumnus of Sam Houston State University, earning a BA in International Business, along with minors in Economics and Business Communication, and a Master’s in Entrepreneurship. Additionally, she is a Texas Real Estate Agent. Difernt loves traveling and has visited over fifty countries, and she has also participated in amateur kickboxing. Her hobbies include reading, watching "Shark Tank," journaling, meditating, biking, ATV riding, ziplining, and spending time with her best friend—her nephew. Difernt always believed she was destined for greatness but recognized that personal growth required addressing her past issues. She sought therapy to confront her depression, dismissing the stigma around mental health in the Black community. In therapy, she learned to channel her negative experiences into positive outcomes through strategic planning, preparation, and prayer. Now at 30, Difernt feels transformed and, by God’s grace, is ready for her next adventure—publishing her first book, "WHAT IF? A Controversial Paradigm Shift." Through this work, she aims to inspire healthy conversations about systemic racism. Difernt believes that discussing taboo subjects can lead to greater social awareness and ultimately positive societal change, as she advocates for the idea that when you know better, you do better.

You can find Difernt Caldwell:
On the web: https://diferntsworld.net/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/difernts3rdeye
On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/th3rdeye_entertainment_llc/
On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClq5x1LR_DSU_Fo7GDz4MSA

Difrent has a book called "What If A Controversial Paradigm" - purchase it today from her website: https://diferntsworld.net/

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aXiJIdo2nF4

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Original date of episode: June 20, 2022