Donald D. Gilliam - Gift & A Purpose | The Table: On Air (TV Broadcast)
The Table On Air with Darius Caffey is a vibrant talk show that celebrates the diversity and accomplishments of the BIPOC LGBTQ+ community, featuring candid conversations with artists, social change makers, and entrepreneurs in a safe, brave space, while utilizing social trends and pop culture moments to reach a wider audience.
Tuesday ⦿ 7:30PM (CST) ⦿ CAN TV19 or https://cantv.org/thetableonair/
Program Overview
In Episode 4, Season 2 of ‘The Table On Air’, we're joined by Donald D. Gilliam (he/him), the Co-Founder of Critical Collective, LLC; Published Author; and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practitioner.
Our guest shares some insight into his background growing up on the south side of Chicago, how he's used his experience working in higher education to fuel his current work in corporate DEIB consulting across the Midwest, and the different ways that mentorship has guided his actions.
As our host Darius Caffey gets more personal with Gilliam, he learns more about how relationships have played a huge role in the decisions we make and how we show up for our most vulnerable and proudest identities.
To find more information and support ‘The Table On Air,’ please visit: https://cantv.org/thetableonair/
Follow Us On Social Media for More Updates, Too!
Guest: Donald D. Gilliam (@unclodedon_don)
Host: Darius Caffey (@dcaffgotem)
Chicago Access Network Television (@cantvchicago)
The Closet Unlocked (@closetunlockd)
Critical Collective, LLC (@criticalcollective_)
Blaque Report
Timing, for me, is everything.
I believe that everything happens for a reason and everything happens when it’s supposed to because everything in my life was meant to be. It was meant to happen to me, in that moment and in that order, so that I could learn what I needed to, to do what I was meant to do.
And sometimes that changes, but that pivot was already written in my story. My history has already been told, family, because my ancestors paved the way for me to do the things that I couldn’t imagine doing. They dreamed for me, so that I can keep dreaming.
They created opportunities, spaces, and tools that they left to me, so that I can use them to thrive because my history supports me.
It champions me, encourages me, and guides me – all to be the best version of who I was meant to be.
So, when I think about my history, and the things that continue to ground me, I think about all parts of me – the ones that make me who I am and who I’m not. I think about our community, and all of the ways that we’ve supported each other over time. Y’all inspire me.
So, in honor of LGBTQ+ History Month, let’s keep spreading that inspiration around the city. As we sit here tonight, Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023, our Black Queer family is being inducted into the Chicago LGBTQ Hall of Fame.
Our previous guest Adam McMath from season 1, episode 3, that talked about the work of Black Alphabet, the world’s oldest and largest LGBTQ+ focused arts and film organization, has received the honor this year. It makes me happy as a board member to see this happen, but I share my congratulations with the rest of our team – Ray, Chris, Joshua, Tim’m, Shiane, and everyone else who helps make this work possible. We couldn’t do it without you, and I thank you for helping us get this far.
As a platform built on celebrating people at all stages of their journey, I believe that there’s power in giving people their flowers while they’re here. It shows them that they are worthy and that there’s so much more growth waiting on them, so keep going.
That’s a wrap on our Blaque Report with a Q-U-E, and until next week, keep finding ways to celebrate yourself.