UnMelanated

In this episode of the UnMelanated Podcast, we take a pulse check on life on campus. We talk real about life a Black professionals in higher education - why student support resources matter - as well as where to plug in, stay informed, and find support. If you’re looking for ways to lean in, build community, and stay connected on campus, this episode is your guide. Let us know your thoughts in the...

In this episode of UnMelanated, host Dr. Dara sits down with political thinkers and organizers Aliah Rowe and Mazjai Oates to unpack organic political engagement strategies—the real ways people get activated beyond the polls and parties. From turnout factors through the lenses of both political science and on-the-ground strategy to lessons learned through lived experience, this conversation digs i...

In this episode of UnMelanated, Dr. Dara unpacked what it really means to step into leadership—especially when service alone isn’t enough. Dr. Airic Hughes joins us to explore the moments when “staying in your lane” becomes a disservice to yourself and your community. We dig into the tensions between individual and collective expectations, and the invisible battles of you vs. community, you vs. in...

In this episode of the UnMelanated Podcast, Dr. Dara unpacks what real community communication looks like—and why it matters. From the Lafayette County jail meeting to everyday examples of gatekeeping and misrepresentation, we ask: Who’s really speaking for us, and who should be? We explore the power of listening first, honoring trusted local voices, and bridging generations through dialogue. Root...

In this episode of the UnMelanated Podcast, Dr. Dara explores what it truly takes to build power, strategy, and sustainable impact for Black communities across Arkansas. From understanding the state’s cultural and regional divides to identifying where education, political opportunity, and community infrastructure intersect, this conversation digs into what progress can look like — and how to get t...

In this episode, Dr. Dara dives into Black political engagement in the 2024 election and beyond. She unpacks voter turnout statistics, exploring how race, gender, and region shaped the results, and reflects on why Arkansas continues to rank among the lowest in participation. Through a candid discussion, Dr. Dara asks: should Black voters “mind their own business” politically—or double down on orga...

Welcome to Season 2 on the UnMelanated Podcast. We're excited to have guest host, Dr. Dara Gaines, kicking off Season 2. Dr. Dara is a native Arkansan who makes sense of the world through the lens of political science and political action.

UnMelanated hosts Kaylin and Rameia welcome and encourage everyone to join their show as they explore different topics that they’ve experienced or witnessed as Black women on a Predominately White Campus.

You know the definition of audacity? Well, hosts Kaylin and Rameia take it a step further in the episode by explaining the audacity white people have and how it has affected their lives.

Discussing the topic of white privilege, Kaylin and Rameia dive into how it has impacted them individually and how it manifests on campus.

Campus cultures constantly change, and due to COVID Black student engagement may never look the same. Join Kaylin and Rameia as they discuss the differences between Kaylin’s experiences with Black campus culture versus Rameia’s.

Beyonce’ snubbed yet again for Album of the Year at the Grammy’s. Dive into this week’s episode as Kaylin and Rameia discuss unoriginal facets of white culture that they are praised for, and how this translates to campus behavior.

Black and Brown people do NOT look alike. Rameia and Kaylin explore what it is like to be a Black woman in spaces where they are mistaken for the only other person of color in the room. 

Is it appreciation or appropriation? This week’s episode dives into appropriations, how they’ve experienced it on campus, and how it makes them feel. Learn more about what can be done to appreciate ethnic cultures without appropriating them.