season seven episode one 

Black Mental Health

Hosts Danor Gerald and Lonzo Liggins are joined by two experts in their fields: Niecie Jones, licensed marriage and family therapist, and Stormey Nielsen, LCSW. Both weigh in on how to understand, define, and improve mental health. 

Mental health can be a taboo topic among many Black families and people of color. However, mental health is a more important issue than ever, as data from the CDC shows suicide rates among Black youth have increased 54 percent since 2019 - surpassing white youth for the first time; and Black adults are 20 percent more likely to experience serious mental health problems compared to the general population. 

With these alarming statistics in mind, how can Utahns work to normalize and improve their mental health? Find out how to take care of your mental health and find the safe spaces that are right for you.

If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to the following resources for help:
Utah Suicide & Crisis Hotline: 988
SafeUT: 833-372-3388

season seven episode two 

Refugee Realities

Utah has a history of refugees predating statehood itself, starting with the Mormon pioneers in the mid-1800s. Today, over 70,000 refugees call the Beehive State home. Learn some of the names, faces, and stories from our own backyard. 

Amandine Akimana, refugee advocate, and Madelaine Lamah, advocate and entrepreneur join Roots, Race & Culture hosts Danor Gerald and Lonzo Liggins to discuss their lived experiences. 

In this episode, our panel defines the terms immigrant, refugee, and migrant, and discusses the founding of America by refugees. Learn about some famous refugees in our history that might surprise you! Join the discussion to get a better understanding of your neighbors and friends.

season seven episode three 

Black Latter-day Saints

On this episode of Roots, Race & Culture, meet LaShawn Williams, LCSW, and filmmaker Mauli Bonner, two Black members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hosts Danor Gerald and Lonzo Liggins learn how the religion shapes their lives, their favorite memories, and their interpretation of historical doctrine in the Church. 

Filmmaker Mauli Bonner creates films about Black history in the Church of Jesus Christ, including his production “His Name is Green Flake,” which tells the story of a 19-year-old Black pioneer who led one of the largest pioneer migrations in America. Hear why representing Black people in religious history and art is iso important to him. 

LaShawn Williams, licensed clinical social work with 20 years of experience in higher education, gives poignant advice and support to any young Black member of the of Church. Williams discusses how she interprets scriptural doctrine, and the impact it has had on her experience in the faith.