This episode illuminates the brilliance of Dr. Martha A. Rivas. Who is a mother, spoken-word theorist, and poet, unapologetically speaking truth to power as a link towards our collective liberation. Just as importantly, Dr Rivas is a formally-trained critical race theorist who brings a critical discourse to various sectors serving historically marginalized communities.

In the first segment of this TOI episode Martha shares about her path from being born in Zamora, Michoacán, Mexico-to her experience being raised as an undocumented child in Indio, CA. Eventually that path brought Martha to UCLA as a first-generation student. Her time on the University of California’s Los Angeles campus culminated with establishing herself as an academic scholar, holding four degrees from UCLA, including a Ph.D. in Education.

In part two, we learn about Martha’s level of community commitment and her use of critical race theory outside the academy.  She also shares how her art plays a big part of her self expression and scholarly resilience. This segment is highlighted by a discussion about UCLA Education Professor Danny Solórzano who has and continues to have a  profound impact on both Martha and host Dr. Tony Dunbar. If you are one of the few folks inspired by and engaged in CRT work and do not know about the engaging space Dr. Solórzano has cultivated, which encourages bold and authentic discussion race and critical race theory, then this TOI segment is a must listen.