Make It Make Sense with Tomee Sojourner-Campbell

Let There Be House Music: Transformative Storytelling with Guest The Queen of Chicago House Music Darlene Jackson, DJ Lady D

Make It Make Sense with Tomee Sojourner-Campbell Podcast, Season 2, Episode 4 Description: In this podcast episode, Tomee and Darlene Jackson, DJ Lady D, the Queen of Chicago House Music, discuss the power of house music and the socially transformative power of Chicago-style house music. Tomee and Darlene take listeners on a journey, moving us through the historical roots of house music, from the innovations of Black, Brown and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, to the generation of collective spaces across the globe. Darlene also shares her wisdom, in-depth knowledge, insights, and expertise on how we can draw on house music to generate transformative spaces across borders and realities. In this episode, Darlene discusses the role of African American entrepreneurship in building collective movements driven by intersectionality, inclusion, and affirming that those of us pushed to the periphery, were/are enough. Together, Tomee and Darlene provide a heartwarming and joy-filled storytelling space where the importance of being true to oneself, taking collective action, re-rooting our stories, speaking back to mainstream erasure, building community wealth, and cultural memory moves us forward. Through her words, actions, and advocacy, Darlene reminds us that the foundations of house music centre trust, safety, the lived experiences, and the stories of folks from historically marginalized communities. It is also a part of movement-building. Tomee and Darlene's conversation focuses on: * The roots of house music, which began with Chicago house music and Frankie Knuckles. * The intersectional roles of Black, Brown and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities in the creation of house music spaces, businesses, and culture. *Lessons businesses and organizations can take from house music. * Black, African American roots of house music. * The split between house music and hip hop. * Reclaiming of self and re-centring of Black and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks in all their intersections *The power of lyrics, beats, movement and sharing collective energies. For more information about this episode, contact Tomee at tomeesojourner@gmail.com [tomeesojourner@gmail.com] More information about Darlene Jackson, DJ Lady D, links to her thought leadership, media, and community advocacy: Darlene Jackson is a trailblazer of Chicago House Music, a community leader, and writer from Chicago. Darlene started professionally DJing in 1995. She performs globally and changes lives with her transformative sets. Since 2004, she has run her own label and marketing group, D'lectable Music. https://djladydchicago.com/ [https://djladydchicago.com/] DJ Lady D's Book Club Radio set, Joyful Chicago House Inside a Circus, https://youtu.be/RS2yS1d9Ozw?si=GaRjxRbPYHo0vkKK [https://youtu.be/RS2yS1d9Ozw?si=GaRjxRbPYHo0vkKK] Darlene has performed at festivals worldwide, including Wanderlust, SXSW, and Lollapalooza. She is featured in the 2025 documentary, Move Ya Body: The Birth of House, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival (https://www.sundance.org/blogs/move-ya-body-the-birth-of-house-blows-up-what-you-think-you-know-about-the-origins-of-modern-pop-music/ [https://www.sundance.org/blogs/move-ya-body-the-birth-of-house-blows-up-what-you-think-you-know-about-the-origins-of-modern-pop-music/]) Listen to the podcast on Spotify or watch on The Tomee Sojourner Group's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tomeesojournergroup [https://www.youtube.com/@tomeesojournergroup]

The Power of Telling Diverse Stories: Intentional Storytelling with Guest Erin Haskett, President, Lark Productions

Make It Make Sense with Tomee Sojourner-Campbell Podcast, Season 2, Episode 3 Description: In this podcast episode, Tomee and Erin Haskett, President of Lark Productions and Executive Producer of Law & Order Toronto, discuss the power of diverse storytelling and the importance of developing stories that represent the cultural realities of historically marginalized communities. They also explore how storytelling can mobilize communities to reimagine how we connect and care for each other. Tomee and Erin's conversation focuses on: * The transformative power of storytelling through television and film * Communities connecting through curiosity, authentic storytelling, collaboration, and sharing the human experience. * Real-world examples from Allegiance, Heated Rivalry, Law & Order Toronto, Farming for Love, and Family Law. * Intersectional perspectives * Intergenerational storytellers * The importance of representation * Entertaining to inform audiences For more information about this episode, email tomeesojourner@gmail.com [tomeesojourner@gmail.com] More information about Erin Haskett and Lark Productions: With over 25 years of experience developing and producing exceptional content, Erin drives Lark's strategy and operations, in addition to overseeing the company's slate of scripted and unscripted content. Lark Productions enjoys a distribution and development deal with Universal International Studios, a division of the Universal Studio Group. Erin executive produces the record-breaking smash hit and Citytv's #1 prime time drama of the year, Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, for Rogers and Universal Television, as well as the police procedural Allegiance (CBC) in association with Universal International Studios. Erin's scripted credits for Lark also include legal drama Family Law (Global, The CW) for Corus and eOne, spy drama Fortunate Son (CBC) in association with NBCUniversal International Studios, and multiple seasons of Motive (CTV, ABC, USA Network). Listen to the podcast on Spotify or watch on The Tomee Sojourner Group's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/3mgSEN97HE0?si=oiyiBzmHPr70wjoE [https://youtu.be/3mgSEN97HE0?si=oiyiBzmHPr70wjoE]

Documentary Storytelling Matters: Raising Union Members' Voices with Tyler Downey, President, SEIU Healthcare

Make It Make Sense with Tomee Sojourner-Campbell Podcast, Season 2, Episode 2 Description: In this podcast episode, Tomee and Tyler Downey, President of SEIU Healthcare, talk about using the power of documentary storytelling to move union members' stories from the periphery to the centre. Tyler shares his insights about the creation of Endless Shifts: Stories that Keep Care Alive." Tomee and Tyler's conversation focuses on: * The intersections of gender, healthcare workers, caregiving, human connections, home care, access to resources, personal support workers from diverse backgrounds, collective power, advocacy, coalition building, and the complex roles of mothers. * Shared struggles * Transformative leadership * Mobilizing the voices of union members and communities across Ontario. * The power of telling the truth about personal support workers and their profound impact on the day-to-day lives of Ontarians and the economy. * The importance of raising public awareness to challenge negative stereotypes and deepen understanding about the work of SEUI healthcare members. * Shed light on SEIU healthcare members leading from the front to transform Ontario's healthcare delivery, including providing vital care to our elders, our families, and our communities. * Raise awareness about the union's role in providing professional development and training opportunities to international healthcare professionals and their members. For more information about this episode, email info@sojournerlaboureducation.com [info@sojournerlaboureducation.com]. More information about SEIU Healthcare's documentary, Endless Shifts. It is a documentary and initiative honouring long-serving Ontario healthcare workers (PSWs, nurses, etc.), showcasing their sacrifices, resilience, and the essential human connections in demanding roles, highlighting triumphs, struggles, and the often-unseen dedication to patients through long hours and challenging conditions. It is a project that recognizes these heroes and inspires others to join the sector. Website: https://theendlessshift.com/#video [https://theendlessshift.com/#video]: Listen to the podcast or watch on Tomee Sojourner Consulting Inc.'s YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/_WTMMWcGaH8?si=1qqfhl6W7rdiXfxk [https://youtu.be/_WTMMWcGaH8?si=1qqfhl6W7rdiXfxk]

Consumer Racial Profiling: From Historical Lessons to Contemporary Actions A Conversation with Legal Scholar Constance Backhouse

Welcome back to Make It Make Sense with Tomee Sojourner-Campbell. Season 2, Episode 1 launches today as we enter the first month of 2026. Tomee's guest is Canadian legal scholar and historian, Constance Backhouse. [https://www.uottawa.ca/faculty-law/common-law/faculty/backhouse-constance] Professor Backhouse is a Distinguished University Professor and University Research Chair at the Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa in Ottawa, Canada. She has published several books on feminist and race-related legal rights topics, including Colour-Coded: A Legal History of Racism in Canada, 1900-1950. Constance Backhouse. University of Toronto Press: November 20, 1999, In this episode, Tomee and Professor Backhouse discuss consumer racial profiling, the historical lessons from Ms. Viola Desmond's case and the weaponization of neutral laws against Black communities. They also share ideas about the kinds of contemporary actions needed to address intersectional forms of consumer racial profiling. If you are interested in learning more about how to address consumer racial profiling or taking part in advocacy initiatives, contact info@tomeesojourner.com. Content warning: Mention of racism, gender-based violence, and sexual violence. Subscribe and share this episode with your network. A gentle reminder: Season 2 offers exciting guest conversations with leaders from diverse sectors, from Canada and across the globe.

Doing Anti-Racism Work in this Social and Political Moment: Call to Action

In Episode 11, Tomee focuses on the challenges of doing anti-racism work in the current social and political moment. She shares insights about what is needed to move forward, including examples of what happens when leaders do not move beyond words and symbolic gestures toward sustainable action. Tomee also sheds light on actions that individuals and organizations can take. She provides listeners with four guiding questions to use during their self-reflection. If you're interested in joining Tomee as they launch season 2 and upcoming episodes, send a message to info@tomeesojourner.com [info@tomeesojourner.com]. Please note that guest guidelines apply. #mobilizingforchange #community #antiracism #antioppressions #progressiveleadership #calltoaction #advocacy #collectiveaction #housemusic