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Join us in this special episode of The NorthStar Gaze where we celebrate the vibrant and innovative voices from the African diaspora, season 2 will debut our new hosts Yairwo from Kenya and Erica from the US.

Listen to their intimate stories and aspirations for the future of geospatial equity and justice. They'll share exciting insights from the NorthStar of GIS 2024 Homecoming event as we delve deeper into conversations about Afrofuturism, mapping, and legacy building.

And if you are not already doing so follow us:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/gisnorthstar

https://www.youtube.com/@NorthStarOfGIS

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In this, the final episode of season 1 of the NorthStar GAZE, Aisha, along with co-founder Clinton and graphic designer Skye, take listeners on an inspiring journey recounting the creation of the NorthStar logo. They delve into the historical significance of the North Star motif, the story of the Underground Railroad quilting codes, and the deep cultural heritage that influenced its design. Clinton and Sky share their creative process and the rich history behind the symbolism, reminding us of the enduring resilience and innovation of Black communities. Join us to explore the intersections of history, geography, and art, and discover how these elements come together to shape a powerful symbol of unity and freedom. Don't forget to like, share, donate, and join our Melanated and Mapping community to participate in future NorthStar events!

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Join Aisha Jenkins and Clinton Johnson as they delve into the deeply personal and inspiring origins of NorthStar of GIS, a community-driven effort to create a racially just geography. From the emotional impact of Philando Castile's death to the birth of a vibrant support network, they share the milestones, challenges, and triumphs that shaped NorthStar's journey. Learn about the principles of unity, self-determination, and collective responsibility that guide their mission. Tune in to hear how this transformative movement came to be and connect with a dedicated community making a difference. Don't miss out on this powerful conversation that underscores the importance of solidarity and representation. Subscribe, share, donate, and be part of the change!

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Celebrating Black Geographers: Dr. Gladys West's Legacy

This special episode of The North Star Gaze podcast celebrates Black Geographers Day by honoring the incredible story of Dr. Gladys B. West, a hidden figure whose pivotal contributions to GPS technology changed the world. Join us as Carolyn Oglesby, Dr. West's daughter, shares intimate details of her mother's journey from a Virginia farm to becoming a key player in global positioning innovation. Discover the impact of determination, education, and the power of a dream in advancing racial justice within the geospatial fields. Tune in for a heartfelt tribute to Dr. West's legacy, her groundbreaking work, and the unbreakable bonds within the Black community that helped bring her story to light.

Black In Geography Day is October 27th in honor of Dr. West's birthday.

You can find out more about Dr. West and her legacy at the following links:

Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/drgladysbwest

https://twitter.com/DrGladysBWest

https://www.instagram.com/drgladysbwest/?hl=en

Book:

It Began with A Dream: https://a.co/d/hTdeiIz

Please let me know if I am missing anything. Thank you!

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In the closing keynote speech, Aisha Jenkins highlights the importance of representation and having the right people in the room for conversations that impact marginalized communities. She expresses gratitude to the attendees and sponsors, and acknowledges the significance of standing on hallowed grounds. Aisha emphasizes resilience and resistance in the face of adversity, and calls for the opening of gates and the amplification of marginalized voices. She concludes by encouraging continued support and engagement with Northstar GIS and similar organizations striving for positive impact.

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In this episode of the North Star Gaze podcast, host Aisha chats with Dr. Dawn Wright, Chief Scientist at ESRI. They talk about Dawn's journey in the GIS field, from her introduction to it as a doctoral student at UC Santa Barbara to her current role at ESRI. They also discuss the importance of racial equity in geospatial worlds, the impact of DEI statements in organizations, and the need for resilience in the face of challenges. Dawn sheds light on ways for diversifying the C-suite executive level in various industries.

Dawn references the following during the episode:

Find out more about Dr. Wright here:

• Meet Dawn | Mapping the deep with Deep Sea Dawn (arcgis.com)
• National Geographic Society Names Dr. Deborah Grayson as Chief Education Officer – National Geographic Society Newsroom
• Lily Gladstone - Academy Award Nominee
• Black in Marine Science I'm Black in Marine Science
• Moronke Harris: Moronke is also a deep-sea consultant on book 'The Imaginative Scientist'

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In this podcast episode, join Aisha as she interviews Nick Okafor, the founder of
Trubel&Co, a tech justice nonprofit. They discuss the concept of liberatory innovation, the importance of amplifying the voices of those proximate to inequity, and the role of GIS in creating positive change and the role of young people in progressing change starting in their own communities.

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In this profound conversation between Aisha and Vero, they explore the intersections of geospatial equity, leadership, and personal growth within the African diaspora. Vero, founder of Geospatial Equity Tech and the AfriTech Fellowship, delves into her journey from conservation biology to becoming a geospatial tech consultant, emphasizing the need for inclusive leadership and capacity building in the STEM fields. Through stories of resilience and community impact, they discuss the empowering role of GIS technology in achieving social justice and the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces for learning and growth. The conversation also touches on the challenges and opportunities in democratizing GIS, the significance of storytelling in impactful work, and a shared vision for a future where technology and mindfulness converge to solve complex global issues.

AfriTech Website: https://www.afritechfellowship.org/

AfriTech Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/afritech

Geospatial Gallery: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/b669c3e72d464b19bd46a22630f7ba0f/?draft=true&org=equitytech

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