Houstonians Share Stories of Racism and Sexism In The Workplace

Town Square with Ernie Manouse airs at 3 p.m. CT. Tune in on 88.7FM, listen online or subscribe to the podcast. Join the discussion at 888-486-9677, questions@townsquaretalk.org or @townsquaretalk.

Diversity trainings are happening a lot these days, as well as companies making inclusion statements.

Sexual harassment claims against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo are also in the headlines.

But do we really, fully understand the problem of racism and sexism in the workplace?

There are often less visible microaggressions, nuances and power dynamics at play – and a historical and systemic context for the entrenched biases we participate in.

Two Houston filmmakers have produced a new documentary that tells the stories of what Black people have experienced at work. They join us, along with a national women's rights advocate to discuss these issues, and to field listeners' calls about experiences in the workplace.

Guests:

Tosca Davis and Cedrick Smith:

• Co-founders of TO BE US Productions, a production company based in Houston.
• Their debut documentary is “TO BE US: To Work,” which recently won Best of Festival at the International Black Film Festival.

Jocelyn Frye:

• Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress
• Women's rights legal expert

Houston Public Media reporter Matt Harab also joins Ernie with breaking news about Governor Abbott’s executive order to lift the statewide mask mandate and to open Texas businesses at 100% beginning March 10.

Town Square with Ernie Manouse is a gathering space for the community to come together and discuss the day's most important and pressing issues.

Audio from today’s show will be available after 5 p.m. CT. We also offer a free podcast here, on iTunes, and other apps.