In the Blackseat

This episode is a first in the Blackseat - non-Black people have been invited to participate in the discussion. This episode is launching on the day we celebrate the birthday of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Laws prohibiting interracial relationships were deemed unconstitutional in June 1967, just nine months before Dr. King’s assassination.  Nearly six decades later, while these relationships are more accepted, racism in this country means that there can still be trouble. I bent my rule, in order to hear from Berta and Brian Hamilton, and Ryane and Joe Granados. They spoke candidly about their love stories, and how the husbands learned more about the Black experience through their wives. This adds an extra layer of challenge, and they are quite honest about that. They also offer sage advice for those who are considering crossing the color lines to find love, share their Black heroes and heroines, and Berta and Ryane share their definitions of Blackness. Buckle up let’s go!

One of the best contemporary storytellers is in the Blackseat for this episode.  I got a chance to sit down with THE Michael Harriot! He is everything you think he would be - funny, sharp, self-deprecating, intelligent, all of the good adjectives. We talked about his path to where he is now, whether Black folks should share certain parts of our culture, his views on integration and his stint as an organized crime boss.  Oh, and he bought a plantation. Whaaaaaaaaaaa???? Buckle up - let's go!

Dr. Jeanne Aston-Baynes is a professor of Africana Studies at Eastern Washington University, near Spokane, Washington. During our initial conversation, when she mentioned where she worked, it sparked something: isn't that where Rachel Dolezal taught? "Yes, I shared an office with her." Yep, she shared an office with the infamous professor who made news as a white woman who had been pretending to be Black (referring to herself as transracial). That's when I knew I HAD to have her in the Blackseat. Our conversation didn't just focus on Rachel Dolezal, however (though we DEFINITELY talked about her!) It expanded to the concept of identity, the issues she has faced teaching Black history to mostly white students in a very white area, and the difference between appropriation and appreciation. If you're ready, buckle up - let's go!

Modern day policing traces all the way back to slave patrols, and presents communities - especially Black ones - with issues to this day. I have wrestled with unlearning and learning about law enforcement, and have been intent on sitting down with a Black LEO.  I couldn't have imagined the first person who fit that bill would also be running for Sheriff of Los Angeles County! Meet Cecil Rhambo, who has thrown his hat in the ring for this very prominent and controversial position (as of the launch of this episode, there are just six days until the primary.) We talked about everything from the possibility of actual reform, his reasons behind testifying against Lee Baca (in a case where eleven people ended up convicted), his views on why there is tension between police and the Black community, and of course - his definition of Blackness and his Black hero. Let's go!

I can’t wait for you to meet Dr. Ricky L. Jones, chair of the Pan African Studies department at the University of Louisville, Kentucky - one of the oldest in the country, nearing fifty years in existence. In a time where anything related to Black history is being attacked as CRT, you gotta know this is an especially tough time for him and his department.  Like my discussion with Elizabeth Leiba, our conversation took twists and turns as we discussed everything from why his current state of Kentucky is DNV (as in do not visit), the obstacles he faces trying to keep Black faces and Black voices at the university, why he believes all Black folks should go to college, and his theory that white people are Black people’s children.  We had a great time, and even had a WHOLE other discussion as we tried to wrap up with his definitions of Blackness and his Black heroes. He delivers the toughest ideas with a little bit of bless your heart, and y’all know what that phrase means. I hope you learn, challenge yourself, and grow listening to his VERY interesting thoughts and views. Let's go!

Most everyone is familiar with the story of Ruby Bridges, a little Black girl who integrated her school in Louisiana at just six years old (her first day was immortalized in a Norman Rockwell painting, underscoring just how tiny she was.)  But we also know that there were hundreds of segregated schools in America, which means there are dozens more Ruby Bridges who were little warriors, just like her. I am excited for you to meet Ms. Shondolyn Small, one of the first Black students to attend her town’s all white school. One of the most impactful parts of our conversation was the visceral response she had to the memories.  Our conversation covered the impact of race in her small town Alabama, colorism and the concept of the “acceptable Negro”, and the lifelong effects of racial trauma. You will be charmed by her sweet spirit, and inspired to hear all of the victories she has achieved along the way. You will also be TOUCHED to hear about her past and current heroes. If you’re ready, buckle up - Let’s go!

What does it mean to talk Black? To talk while being Black? In a world where whiteness is the default, and proximity to whiteness is the standard of what is "good" and "acceptable", my guest Elizabeth Leiba is having NONE of that. We had an energetic and passionate conversation about everything from code switching as a survival mechanism (which can be traumatic), the stereotypes and tropes that Black folks get assigned, what "talking Black" is and isn't, and her harrowing tale of being arrested and dealing with the legal system over the course of several YEARS in order to clear her name.  She also shared the inspiration behind the Black History and Culture Academy (https://www.blackhistorycultureacademy.com/), a website full of powerful, easy to digest lessons on all aspects of Black History. Liz Leiba is a force to be reckoned with, so make sure you follow her on LinkedIn (where she currently has over 100,000 followers). I know you'll be a fan of her straight shooting, take no prisoners approach to what it means to be true to yourself as a Black person in a white world. Let's go!

It's been a while since I have done a Quick Ride, but this topic has been on my mind! If you are a Black person who has been attacked by white supremacy - whether individually or systemically - is it a compliment to say "you are so strong" or "you are so composed"?  You've seen the scenario - Black person gets harassed and holds their peace in the face of unrelenting aggression. Black person gets praised for composure, strength (and sometimes even patriotism, grrrrrrrrrr!) I don't think it's a compliment, and I will tell you why in about eight minutes. Keep in mind, that I am not advocating for wholesale, unwarranted violence. Also, this is no way reflects by admiration for our resilience. HOWEVER, I think this sort of remark is more damaging than helpful, and I will tell you why, and my personal opinion on how we can protect ourselves.  Let's go!

I got incredible feedback from the season premiere focused on mental health. As I am writing this overview, it is the top episode of this season and the fifth most downloaded episode of them all! There is such a hunger for information about honest conversations about mental health and practical ways to engage in self care, and Dr. Ricardo Whyte, Dr. Kimani Norrington-Sands and AJ Springer are BACK (literally by popular demand). We covered even more ground (honestly, this could be its own series!) Our discussion ranged from the need for self care, the way society and media attack and assault Black people, how to harness your physical and emotional energy and even how they are actively healing themselves (as mental health practitioners and individuals).  I can't say enough good things - I've got pages and pages of notes, and I hope you come away with some goodness that will help you preserve your mental wellbeing (which impacts the entire community!) Let's go!

Drug addiction has been a plague on America for generations, and we all know when America sneezes, Black folks get the flu. When I heard my guests' story about dealing with and overcoming addiction, I couldn't wait to get them in the Blackseat to share. I believe Gary and Myrna's love story, through years of hell as he used crack cocaine, will inspire those who are also struggling or love someone who is.  We spoke at length about how he became an addict, their tumultuous relationship during the worst years (as she took care of his family while he was in the crack house), his run-ins with the law, the damage to his family and their thoughts about addiction and the Black community. I guarantee you will feel like you are right there with him in the depths of his disease, and your heart will go out to Myrna. You'll also be heartened to hear how he rebuilt his life and his marriage, how passionate they are about helping others, and what you should do to get help. Let's go!

Last week, we had an all girl HBCU band. This week, the fellas talk about their HBCU experiences! There are about 1.5 million Black men in college at any given time, and a portion of them have decided to attend HBCUs. Len (Morehouse), Kwame (Lincoln Univ., PA) and Donavan (Morris Brown) arrived at their chosen schools via VERY different paths, but each found the family and strong Black identity they were looking for.  We discussed their windy journeys to higher education, the things that surprised them about their schools, and how their experiences over 25 years ago have shaped them. They speak with great passion about how to support HBCUs, and how all HBCU grads are a part of a larger family that is impacting this country and the world. The camaraderie was easy, and each man was enthusiastic about dispelling myths and sharing the truth about what happens on these campuses. They also share their definitions of Blackness and their Black heroes and sheroes. Let's go!

There are currently 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country, with nearly 230,000 students. HBCUs have been a force and a lifeline in the Black community, educating students since the mid-1800s. When other schools would not admit Black students (something that happened well into the 20th century), these schools were established to give Black folks the education they needed to become leaders in their communities. However, HBCUs are still not as well known as they should be, and their impact isn't fully understood.\r\n\r\nIn the Blackseat, we talk about life from a Black perspective, and so it goes without saying that the important conversation about HBCUs had to come from proud alumni. Our journey to HBCUs is a two parter - first with the ladies, and next week with the fellas. Get ready to be transported to the yard - Joy (representing Florida A&M University), Maisha (representing Morris Brown College) and JoLai (representing Tuskegee University).\r\n\r\nWe talked at length about the history of their alma maters, notable alumni, the history of their own educational journeys, why they selected their schools and what HBCUs have meant to them in their lives. Without prompting, ALL of them said - at separate points in our conversation - that attending their HBCU was the BEST decision they made in their life. I felt the spirit myself: the love, the pride and the joy is evident. If you went to an HBCU, this will be like homecoming. If you didn't, it's all good - there's room for you in the Blackseat! \r\n

Many of those kidnapped from Africa during the Transatlantic Slave Trade were farmers. They brought with them techniques to grow and harvest multiple crops that helped build the economy of America, and the entire world. In modern times, the descendants of those farmers have faced an arduous road - their land has been stolen, they've been unable to access government subsidies and benefits that white farmers can easily take advantage of. The dramatic decrease in Black farmers is happening at the same time that Black folks in the cities are facing food inequity and food apartheid - new terms I learned from my guest and CEO of Gardeneers, Selma Sims.\r\n\r\nThis sista is an agronomist and urban farmer, and is on a mission to make everyone more aware of the food system. We had an incredible conversation that was political, agricultural and cultural - you won't look at what you eat every day, or the resources in your neighborhood the same after listening. She gives advice to those who want to start their own gardens, or start neighborhood gardens, talks about the difference between soil and dirt AND puts some respect on the name of George Washington Carver. You're going to love her as much as I did, I guarantee!\r\n

The relationship between Black folks and medicine has been full of tension and betrayal for hundreds of years. From kidnapped Africans who brought their healing touch as enslaved men and women, to midwives, to brutal experiments performed on Black bodies and issues with pervasive myths about Black people, we are constantly on the defense in medical settings.\r\n\r\nI wanted to talk about medical racism and being Black in medicine with the best of the best, so I am excited to introduce you to Dr. Breanna Freeman-Jordan and Nurse Practitioner Frances Davies (who has since retired!) We talked about their experiences with racism as professionals, how Black people should approach getting the best health care, and what Black folks considering a career in health care need to do to succeed.\r\n

S2, E4 | In the Blackseat, The Diversity Episode

S2, Episode 4 | In the Blackseat, The Diversity Episode

Close your eyes and picture a gun owner. Chances are, you'll envision a white man, but Second Amendment rights apply to all Americans. Javondlynn Dunagan, owner of JMD Defense, believes that wholeheartedly.  After retiring from a career in law enforcement, this sista decided to help other women become more comfortable with owning and handling a weapon. In an industry where women are anomalies, let alone Black women, I thought this was the  perfect introduction to our series focused on Black folks in unorthodox professions.\r\n\r\nWe covered SO much ground, including gun ownership in an age of societal upheaval, how men and women differ when they go to the range, the community she has built in her classes, the foundation she is starting to continue to pour into her community, and interestingly enough, how SHE was once afraid of guns (clearly she got over that!) As always, she shares her definition of Blackness, and her Black heroes/sheroes. Let's go!\r\n

Close your eyes and picture a gun owner. Chances are, you'll envision a white man, but Second Amendment rights apply to all Americans. Javondlynn Dunagan, owner of JMD Defense, believes that wholeheartedly.  After retiring from a career in law enforcement, this sista decided to help other women become more comfortable with owning and handling a weapon. In an industry where women are anomalies, let alone Black women, I thought this was the  perfect introduction to our series focused on Black folks in unorthodox professions.\r\n\r\nWe covered SO much ground, including gun ownership in an age of societal upheaval, how men and women differ when they go to the range, the community she has built in her classes, the foundation she is starting to continue to pour into her community, and interestingly enough, how SHE was once afraid of guns (clearly she got over that!) As always, she shares her definition of Blackness, and her Black heroes/sheroes. Let's go!\r\n

We already know that Black people aren't a monolith, but how does where one lives affect the Black experience in America? I think there are a lot of assumptions based on geography (Black folks above the Mason-Dixon vs. below it, for example), but I wanted to find out for sure. \r\n\r\nI sat down with my friends Verdis, Maleta and Nichelle - who live and have lived all around this country, for a discussion that both surprised and saddened me. Verdis discussed a family member whose home was bombed in Illinois; Maleta spoke about her run-in with a Confederate legend at the post office; Nichelle shared her discomfort in certain parts of the very city she was born and raised in. They also shared their thoughts about feeling like an American, and the BEST places they have lived.\r\n\r\nThe one constant that emerged was the fact that Black folks have created and maintained communities to protect, provide for and grow our people. I hope you enjoy this conversation, and think about how where you have lived has contributed to your experience as a Black person in America.\r\n

Welcome back to the Blackseat! It goes without saying that these are stressful times we are living in (and have been living in if you're Black in America). How do Black folks make it through? Some say prayer, some say therapy (I say both). In this episode, Dr. Ricardo Whyte, Dr. Kimani Norrington-Sands and AJ Springer (the Black Men episode) share their personal and professional stories about the state of mental health in the Black community.  What are the unique challenges we have faced historically that lead to mental and emotional distress? How can we select the right professionals for us? How does dismantling systemic racism benefit our mental health? Why are mental health services for our children so important? As always, my guests share their Black heroes and their definition of Blackness.  As I say in the intro, my sincere hope is that if you are on the fence about seeking health for mental and emotional difficulties, this episode will be the gentle nudge to get the assistance that you need. There is no shame, and you are worth it!