In this episode of Guilty Privilege, Amber Cabral sits down with the incredible TaKiyah Wallace, a true multi-talent: an educator, a photographer, as well as the founder & executive director of Brown Girls Do Ballet. TaKiyah's journey has led her to create powerful opportunities for young dancers of color and challenge stereotypes in the arts, and today she’s bringing us along that journey.

Join Amber and TaKiyah as they dive into the fascinating world of Brown Girls Do Ballet, a nonprofit organization promoting diversity in ballet through scholarships, mentorship networks, and community programs. But it's not just about ballet; it's about creating spaces and opportunities that reflect the diverse communities they serve. TaKiyah and Amber discuss how representation matters and the importance of giving young girls exposure to the arts.

As for TaKiyah's privilege, she acknowledges the incredible magnetism for good things in her life. While she might occasionally feel guilty about it, she remains a positive force, using her privilege to create a better world through initiatives like Brown Girls Do Ballet. Tune in to discover how curiosity, determination, and a bit of "good thing magnetism" have shaped TaKiyah's extraordinary journey in advancing equity in the arts.

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KEY POINTS:

• TaKiyah Wallace's diverse career journey from educator to photographer
• The mission and inception of Brown Girls Do Ballet
• The importance of representation in the arts and why diversity matters in classical ballet
• Challenges faced by young dancers of color, including the need for diverse ballet attire
• Brown Girls Do Ballet's impact, including over $44,000 in scholarships, pointe shoe programs, and dance initiatives
• The youth-led aspect of the organization and the role of ambassadors in driving change
• Equity discussions, dispelling stereotypes, and the significance of diversity in the arts
• Upcoming events, including Brown Girls Do Ballet's first ball and TaKiyah's photography endeavors
  

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QUOTABLES:

“I am a magnet for good things.” - TaKiyah Wallace

“Inclusion doesn't include everybody all the time.” - Amber Cabral

“It's very hard for someone to be what they can't see.” - TaKiyah Wallace

“Privilege gives us an opportunity to show up and be impactful.” - Amber Cabral

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GUEST INFORMATION:

TaKiyah Wallace

LinkedIn | @takiyahwallace

Instagram | @somesweetphoto

Get your own copy of The Color of Dance: A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion in the World of Ballet by TaKiyah Wallace

Brown Girls Do Ballet

Instagram | @browngirlsdoballet

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RESOURCES:

Amber Cabral

IG | @bamcabral

LinkedIn | @ambercabral

Facebook | @amber.cabral

Twitter | @BamCabral

Grab a copy of Amber’s books at Amazon!

Allies and Advocates: Creating an Inclusive and Equitable Culture

Say More About That: ...And Other Ways to Speak Up, Push Back, and Advocate for Yourself and Others -

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Guilty Privilege is produced by EPYC Media Network