Is someone's race the same everywhere you go? Surprisingly, no: every place has a unique take on race and culture. As the construct of race varies from country to country, where do these categories come from and why do they differ?

Join Roots, Race & Culture to explore the different cultural customs that influence how people define themselves different places, with a special spotlight on the difference between the U.S. and Brazil.

Both Americans and Brazilians agree that race is generally determined by your ancestry, as well as how you look. Most Americans believe that ancestry determines race, whereas Brazilians are more likely to say appearance or skin color determines race. For example, take two famous figures: President Barack Obama and Brazilian soccer star Neymar, both with similar skin color. Barack Obama self-identifies as black, whereas Neymar does not.

Learn more about how self-identification can be impacted by community and culture with hosts Danor Gerald and Lonzo Liggins, joined by two guests: Jackie Chen, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Utah, and Jomens Marques, a food and production engineer with first-hand experience of how ideas of race differ in Brazil and America. 

On this episode of Roots, Race & Culture, meet LaShawn Williams, LCSW, and filmmaker Mauli Bonner, two Black members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hosts Danor Gerald and Lonzo Liggins learn how the religion shapes their lives, their favorite memories, and their interpretation of historical doctrine in the Church.

Filmmaker Mauli Bonner creates films about Black history in the Church of Jesus Christ, including his production “His Name is Green Flake,” which tells the story of a 19-year-old Black pioneer who led one of the largest pioneer migrations in America. Hear why representing Black people in religious history and art is iso important to him.

LaShawn Williams, licensed clinical social work with 20 years of experience in higher education, gives poignant advice and support to any young Black member of the of Church. Williams discusses how she interprets scriptural doctrine, and the impact it has had on her experience in the faith.

Not familiar with the history of the LDS Church? Here’s a quick overview:

Originally, when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded by Joseph Smith in 1830, Black members had equal standing to their white counterparts. However, after the death of Joseph Smith, that all changed as Brigham Young took leadership of the Church and helped establish Utah as a slave territory and placed major restrictions on Black church members. It wasn't until 1978 that the Church allowed Black members to once again have full participation within the faith.

How does this history shape today’s members? Tune in to find out!

Utah has a history of refugees predating statehood itself, starting with the Mormon pioneers in the mid-1800s. Today, over 70,000 refugees call the Beehive State home. Learn some of the names, faces, and stories from our own backyard.

Amandine Akimana, refugee advocate, and Madelaine Lamah, advocate and entrepreneur join Roots, Race & Culture hosts Danor Gerald and Lonzo Liggins to discuss their lived experiences.

In this episode, our panel defines the terms immigrant, refugee, and migrant, and discusses the founding of America by refugees. Learn some famous refugees in our history that might surprise you!

Join the discussion to get a better understanding of your neighbors and friends.