RCP 2025 Audience Toolkit by Style Weekly

2025 AUDIENCE TOOLKIT

Welcome to the Racism: Challenging Perceptions (RCP) discussion toolkit. This guide was created to help extend the conversations in the series beyond the screen and into your everyday relationships, networks, and communities.

RCP was created to spark honest dialogue about systemic racism and its economic, cultural, and social impacts. By examining how systems shape communities—and how Black communities continue to navigate and challenge them—the series seeks to deepen collective understanding and encourage constructive engagement.

Inside this toolkit, you’ll find guiding questions and prompts to help you continue exploring these conversations in your homes, classrooms, workplaces, and community spaces. Use them to listen deeply, share authentically, and build stronger relationships.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Every conversation matters. Together, we move beyond perception toward change—one step, one story, one commitment at a time.

CLICK THE LINKS THROUGHOUT THE PUBLICATION FOR MORE RESOURCES

I. II. III. IV. THE HEART OF HOME ROOTED IN LOVE PT. 1 CLAIMING SPACE ROOTED IN LOVE PT. 2

ADRIENNE COLE JOHNSON

MODERATOR

As a natural mediator, community builder, skilled facilitator, and strategist, Adrienne has been committed to creating intentional impact across various power sectors for 20+ years. Leading in areas such as education, non-profits, politics and entrepreneurship, she understands the power of connection and the importance of relationships.

Upon receiving a Master of Social Work from the George Warren Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, Adrienne served as a Chief of Staff in Congress. In addition to presently serving as the Chief of Family and Community Engagement for the 6th largest school division in Virginia, Adrienne serves on local and state level boards across the state. She is the co-founder of the Richmond Night Market, a creativity incubator and makers market, highlighting artist, music and talent from our local area. She also serves as co-owner of “The Len”, an open concept event venue and host of creatively curated social gatherings for the discerning socialite, influencer, and tastemaker.

Whether moderating panels and discussions, or navigating teams through transformational change, Adrienne is committed to resolving the toughest human challenges and ensuring voices are heard through innovative approaches and equitable engagement. Adrienne’s passions center on employee and customer engagement, deep listening, creating and managing organizational culture, advocacy, and community building. In 2023 she began her newest venture as C.E.O. of Build Together ™, a non-profit organization formed with the goal of providing targeted holistic support to Black and marginalized communities across the nation.

THE HEART OF HOME

What makes our neighborhoods feel like home? This thoughtful panel discussion will examine the intersections of culture, safety, connectivity and ownership that support Black people to feel rooted, seen and even progressive in their communities. Our panelists lead us on a journey toward leveraging resources, community voice and empowerment to create spaces that truly feel like home.

“Relationships are crucial to any kind of success that you want to see within your story. We are not created to be alone or to navigate situations alone.”

- Carolyn Loftin

CAROLYN LOFTIN

DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS, URBAN HOPE, INC.

Carolyn’s work centers on helping people find affordable housing, building pathways to financial stability, and fostering strong community connections. She loves guiding others through practical financial decisions that fit their unique situations, believing that real-life tools are essential to overcoming challenges like poverty.

As president of the Virginia Association of Housing Counselors, Carolyn supports housing counselors across the state through training and development. She also serves on the board of Partnership For Housing Affordability, working to promote affordable housing and strengthen the local economy.

Outside of Urban Hope, Carolyn is part of the Healthy East End Steering Committee, a group dedicated to improving health outcomes in Richmond’s census tract 204. She also shares her knowledge as a financial education consultant for The Salvation Army’s Building Wealth and Health program.

In her free time, Carolyn enjoys exploring new places and spending quality time with her five children, family, friends, and her little dog, Pierre.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

“Home for me is peace. I feel like that’s the one place that I should always have peace.”

Tamika Daniel

TAMIKA DANIEL

FOUNDER, TRAUMA TO TRIUMPH COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT SERVICES, LLC

Tamika Daniel is a dedicated East End resident and proud mother of four. Her advocacy journey began with a personal mission—fighting for the needs of her son with autism—which soon grew into a broader commitment to community-wide change. During an eight-year period of unemployment, Tamika found her voice and purpose in grassroots advocacy.

In 2019, she joined Greater Richmond SCAN as a Behavioral Health Community Organizer and now serves as the Community Engagement Specialist. In this role, she draws on her lived experience and deep understanding of trauma to lead community forums and trainings on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma, and resilience. Her work focuses on building resilience and supporting healing by fostering empowerment, connection, and equity through a trauma-informed and healing-centered approach.

In May 2023, Tamika launched Trauma to Triumph Community Empowerment Services, LLC, where she continues to use her life experiences to uplift and inspire others on their journey to becoming the healthiest versions of themselves.

i. How do affordability, cultural acceptance, and community identity intersect when Black families search for stable housing?

ii. What financial knowledge or tools have helped you or your family access safe, affordable housing—and what resources are still needed?

iii. In what ways can financial literacy and generational wealth-building help Black communities gain greater self-sufficiency in housing?

iv. How can we create housing solutions that empower Black residents—not just to live, but to lead and thrive in their communities?

v. What models or community-led efforts have you seen that successfully combine affordable housing with cultural respect and economic empowerment?

PHOTO COURTESY OF DANTE WASHINGTON - PETER PAUL RVA

ROOTED IN LOVE, PT. 1

Celebrate the beauty, depth and significance of Black love in its many forms. Throughout this discussion we will explore the dynamics of romantic, familial, and communal love within Black culture. Our panelists will dive deeply into heartfelt and personal experiences and examine how Black love supports and guides us through healing and toward joy. Whether you are partnered or single or seeking to build communities rooted in love, this discussion invites you to explore the meaning of loving and being loved.

“Which

is also part of Black love...telling the stories of our loves, of our love from the beginning until now. It’s a powerful tool.”

- Sheila Battle

FRANK & SHEILA BATTLE

CEO (FRANK) & CHIEF PRACTITIONER (SHEILA), THE BATTLESTATION, LLC

For nearly 30 years, we’ve walked hand in hand, through highs and challenges, guided by faith, resilience, and a shared purpose to uplift others. As life and business partners, we’ve built a legacy rooted in service, leadership, and transformation, inspired by the love and wisdom of our faith-filled parents.

Our mission, Loving Everyday People, Every Day, is at the heart of all we do. Through coaching, consulting, and wellness strategies, we create safe spaces where individuals, couples, families, and communities can heal, grow, and thrive.

Known as “The Battle Station,” our home is a sanctuary for strategy and support, where leaders and everyday heroes regroup and renew. We’re honored to walk alongside others, offering guidance and encouragement, reminding them they’re not alone.

Together, we serve, support, pray, and believe with you on this journey.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

i. How do Black love and friendship serve as acts of resistance and restoration in today’s world?

ii. In what ways do cultural expectations shape how we show up in marriage or long-term relationships?

iii. What does accountability look like in healthy Black friendships and romantic partnerships?

iv. How can we better support emotional vulnerability—especially among Black men—in love and friendship?

v. How have intergenerational experiences or family history shaped your understanding of love and commitment?

PHOTO COURTESY OF J. KIRVEN

CLAIMING SPACE

Join us for a powerful panel discussion as we explore the experiences of Black people seeking and creating Black spaces. This conversation will delve into the historical and cultural importance of these spaces as havens for healing, identity, joy and resistance. Our panelists will share their personal journeys and dive deeply into how Black spaces create connection, safety and collective empowerment in a world that often marginalizes Black voices.

“So just embracing culturally, physically, everything...I’ve said it publicly and I’ve said it in writing that Virginia Union University saved my life...It was because of that space. It’s just such a different road. And when I got there, I understood the importance of space and places and so it’s very, very important to me and it’s helped really kind of put me in the right direction.”

- Brian Bullock

BRIAN BULLOCK

FILMMAKER, BUNDY FILMWORKS, LLC

Brian has written, produced, and directed award winning film projects including the documentary about college tennis champion Roland McDaniel (Bringing Home the Bacon: The Roland McDaniel Story). He served as Producer on the Smithsonian Channel/Story House Productions documentary, Escape to the Great Dismal Swamp. He is currently the host and producer of the VPM PBS program, “Hidden History with Brian Bullock.” Brian also works with his alma mater Virginia Union University to help tell their rich history and how they are preparing for the future.

Brian continues to stay close to his social services roots by producing documentary films addressing various community and social issues.

Brian earned his BS degree from Virginia Union University and his MA in Producing for Film and Video from American University in Washington, DC. He is the winner of the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award, five Telly Awards and has been nominated for four regional Emmy Awards.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

PHOTO COURTESY OF DON NAPOLEON

“I think about the things we are explicitly taught and then there are these things that are caught just from you living that experience.”

- Erin Burke Brown, Ph.D.

ERIN BURKE BROWN, PH.D.

BOARD MEMBER, MIDLOTHIAN CHAPTER, JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC.

Dr. Erin Burke Brown has worked in education for more than 20 years and has a passion for teaching and learning. She has spent most of her career working at Virginia Commonwealth University where she started in the Division of Community Engagement and now currently works in VCU’s Graduate School as the Director of Professional Development. Prior to finding her professional footing in higher education, Dr. Brown worked as an elementary school teacher and nonprofit administrator.

Dr. Brown earned her bachelor’s degree from UVA and completed her master’s and doctorate in Public Policy and Administration at VCU. She serves on the board of the Pace Center and the Midlothian Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and chairs the REB Awards committee through the Community Foundation. She enjoys family time, writing, and mentoring youth.

i. How do spaces created specifically for Black voices and stories help affirm identity and build collective power?

ii. In what ways has storytelling—through media, art, or conversation—helped you or your community heal, reflect, or mobilize?

iii. What makes a space feel truly representative of Black experiences and how does that impact how Black people show up and express themselves?

iv. How can Black storytelling challenge harmful narratives and create new visions for the future?

v. What are the risks when our stories aren’t told by us—and what’s gained when we control our own narratives and platforms?

ROOTED IN LOVE, PT. 2

“I think Black love for me requires me to love not just my partner, but myself.”

Daryl Fraser

“Accepting the imperfections that your partner brings to the relationship, the imperfections that they hold as an individual, and releasing them from that expectation of perfection and that they’re always going to do things right...Changing that perception allows you to show up so much better.”

- April Fraser

DARYL & APRIL FRASER

LCSW (DARYL) & BSN, RN (APRIL), MARRIAGE PERFECTLY IMPERFECT

Daryl Fraser, LCSW and certified Reiki practitioner, and April Fraser, RN and Marriage & Relationship Strategist, are a husband-and-wife duo with over 20 years of combined experience in therapy, wellness, and relationship coaching. They are co-founders of Fraser & Associates Complete Therapeutic Services and owners of The Healing Field, a wellness farm in Prince George County, VA.

Specializing in Black male mental health, women’s wellness, and couples therapy, they launched Marriage Perfectly Imperfect in 2020 to support couples seeking deeper connection, self-awareness, and healing. Married for 18 years and raising four children, they coach from a place of lived experience and authenticity.

Their work focuses on aligning mind, body, spirit, energy, and intentional communication. They don’t offer quick fixes, but rather a practice rooted in vulnerability, growth, and the belief that while every couple has challenges, lasting love is built on truth, grace, and emotional awareness.

- April Fraser

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

i. How do love and business intersect in Black marriages, and what boundaries help keep both strong?

ii. What unique challenges—and opportunities—do Black couples face when building a business together?

iii. How do you navigate decision-making and conflict in both your relationship and your business?

iv. What role does trust play when balancing love, legacy-building, and entrepreneurship?

v. How can Black couples model collaboration and shared vision in ways that strengthen both their families and communities?

CONNECT WITH RCP

Thank you for engaging with RCP. RCP is designed to support community members to continue conversations about systemic racism within our own networks. We would love to know how you have used or intend to use RCP as a tool for conversation and increased understanding. As audience members, we welcome your feedback and thoughts. Please feel free to share your thoughts and stories about how you can see this content motivating you to continue discussions among your own networks.

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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MONICA PEDYNKOWSKI PUBLICATION DESIGN BY KAL

BRACEY