Danita's Blog

The light skin vs. dark skin issue within the Black community goes way back in history. This inner cultural divide that still exists has marked many Black women and men, boys and girls, with low self-esteem, self-hatred and envy—all based on the tone and shade of Black they possess. It affects romantic relationships, employment, family dynamics and fashion. Whether we …

Jonathan Butler is a singer-songwriter and guitarist who lives his life on purpose! Born in South Africa under the shadow of apartheid, and raised in poverty, Butler was the first non-white artist to be played on South African radio and appear on national television. Though his musical abilities would take him away from the world he grew up in, Jonathan …

Racism in America. As part of a continuing conversation on race, News 5 Cleveland recently aired a special that digs into this issue that’s undeniably in the face of all of us. As part of the special, I had the opportunity to sit down with four white adults — Scott, Jonathan, Alexis and Miriam — who committed to having an …

Music is a universal language. Its melody and lyrics have always been a source of hope, comfort, peace, healing, happiness and inspiration. It’s also used to bring messages that illustrate injustice, the need for change and the importance of standing together when the world is falling apart. Joining Danita is Kirk Whalum, a Grammy-winning saxophonist who talks about the role …

Voices for Change: The ‘superwoman’ dynamic in a pandemic The Superwoman myth says that women can do it all without missing a beat. Work a full-time job, be a full-time-wife, full-time parent, full-time house manager. It never ends. Then you go and toss in a pandemic. Joining Danita to discuss is Brandi Harvey, a public speaker, author and wellness coach.

Voices for Change: Biracial and caught in the middle Being biracial is a difficult walk along racial lines. Having to transform at times into chameleons trying to bridge the gap of a tumultuous racial divide and always asking the question: Why do I have to pick a side? Joining Danita are News 5 digital content producer Camryn Justice and Pastor …

Voices for Change: Young activists say, ‘Not on my watch’ People all over the world have been horrified and angered by the senseless killings of black Americans at the hands of police officers, and they’ve taken to the streets to protest racial injustice and police brutality. Among them are youth activists, and we talk to three of them who live …

Voices for Change: Talking to your kids about pandemics and protests In this episode, we focus on the impact the pandemic and the protests are having on our children. Host Danita Harris talks about the challenges parents face when explaining to children what is happening in the world and things that can be done now to prepare your child for …

Voices for Change: A conversation about being black and being a journalist right now. In the first Voices for Change, a new podcast from Danita Harris, the News 5 anchor interviews her African-American colleagues in the wake of the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of police and the nationwide protests that followed. This is a heartfelt discussion …