DISCLAIMER: Dr. Megan-Brette Hamilton produced this podcast in her own personal capacity. The views expressed are her own and do not necessarily represent the views of any organization with which she is affiliated.
In this episode of HBC podcast by MB, I talk with another one of my awesome friends from childhood, Greg Stamper. We talked about our college experiences, his at Morgan State and mine at Hampton University, both HBCUs (Historically Black College or University), meeting his cousins from Down South, his passion and gift for speaking/communicating, and how best to live in this world without dimming our light. Our conversation led me to talk about code-switching and its impact on identity. As with many controversial subjects, I can understand almost all perspectives. I spent more time than I should on the topic (which is why this episode is 50 minutes), but it is one that I've gone back and forth on in both my personal and professional worlds, so I wanted to give it the time it deserved. Lots of ideas, no real answers, but hopefully insightful thoughts to make you think.
GREG STAMPER is the Co-Founder/Co-Pastor of Celebration Spiritual Center.
He is a fourth-generation ordained interfaith minister, recording artist, musician, composer, life coach, author, and entrepreneur. At the age of 5 he wrote his first Gospel song, “Come To Heaven (With Me)” and today his music is being sung by choirs and churches across the globe. As a performer he has been privileged to sing in world famous venues including Carnegie Hall and Constitution Hall and released his debut solo album “One With You” in 2010.
As dedicated practitioner of the Transcendental Meditation technique® (TM), Greg is also tireless advocate of this effortless practice which not only promotes personal health and well-being but also has the potential to cultivate global healing and world peace.
In the private sector Greg has 20 years of experience in Macintosh Support and IT Management and is currently the IT Manager for WITNESS, a global human rights organization based in Brooklyn.
Greg attended Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD and studied at New York Theological Seminary. Originally from Silver Spring, MD, Greg currently resides in Brooklyn, NY and is the proud father of one daughter, Malcolm Anaya Stamper.
Bio adapted from: https://www.celebrationsc.org/pastor-greg-stamper-bio/
Music for this episode is Like Honey by Dr. Delight provided by soundstripe.com.
Cover artwork and design by Katrina Langland and Eloise Stewart.
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Here are some interesting resources to check out that highlight code-switching:
NPR's article: 5 reasons why people code-switch
Harvard Business Review's article: The cost of code-switching
Why not share with you an encyclopedia article on the subject :)
Finally, a word on code-meshing
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