Black Like Me

To celebrate the Black Like Me Podcast winning Madison Magazine's Best of Madison podcast 2022, we are highlighting some favorite episodes from past seasons. For the first re-release, Dr. Alex Gee shares a series of observations into what he saw during the Summer of 2020 with the state of racism and national upheaval. This was originally recorded soon after the deaths of Breanna Taylor and George...

Dr. Alex Gee uses a personal experience to frame a discussion about how the white surveillance of Black people in their community is alive and well. In the process, explores how a white ally takes responsibility for some racism around them, absorbs some of the hurt, and lightens the burden on Dr. Gee's heavy heart. Don't miss this glimpse into Dr. Gee's life as a Black man and his raw reactions. H...

Dr. Alex Gee reflects on the true nature of being a victim, as he is accused of taking advantage of victimhood. He reflects on what a victim complex looks like and flips the definition on the white troll to consider the insecurities of white supremacy. Dr. Gee points to the excellence and resilience of his family to dispel alarmist victim-shaming. You are going to want to hear this! alexgee.com Su...

Dr. Gee brings another one of his insightful and raw reflections on a racial justice issue from his own experience and perspective. In the midst of turbulent times that make people protective of their rights, Dr. Gee offers five ways that specifically white allies can stay in the struggle for justice. These five things start with simply acknowledging your privilege and then seeing what you can do...

Dr. Alex Gee welcomes LaVar Charleston, PHD and Sherri Charleston to the show for a new series on Black power couples. Their conversation covers the evolution of the Chief Diversity Officer in higher education and understanding that a strategic approach to DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) in institutions is essential. The Charleston's demonstrate how being a couple that are also "thought partner...

Dr. Gee has a conversation with Edith Hilliard, a Black elder in Madison. Hilliard's family is one of the longest living Black families in Wisconsin and Madison. Her stories and family anecdotes reveal a rich history of Black culture and heritage in a predominately white state. Edith Hilliard reveals differences in racial dynamics between now and her childhood. Oral History Interview with Edith Hi...

On this episode Dr. Alex Gee responds to the racially motivated shooting in Buffalo, NY with a reflection on what this incident means for the country. You won't want to miss Dr. Gee's raw reaction to a direct attack on the Black community. alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme

Rev. Jon Edgerton wanted to guide his Illinois faith community through a thoughtful consideration of racial representation in their worship music, but ended up starting a national conversation on white allyship and faith. Dr. Gee and Rev. Edgerton explore how faith, the Black experience, and social justice inform racial justice action. Listen in to the thoughtful but bold conversation about breaki...

Dr. Gee and Lance Davis connect over their shared experience of time in Ghana. Lance Davis talks about his long journey back to Ghana and the old but paradigm-shattering truths he found along the way. Now for over 20 years, Davis has done work with villages, water, and gold in Ghana. Hear what it means to lead African-Americans back home. In 2003, Bishop Lance Davis established New Zion Christian...

On this episode Dr. Gee is joined by listener Jason Shanley to get his take on an insight into Malcolm X and his development made by his half-sister, Ella Collins. As usual, you will get the kind of raw and honest commentary that you don't get anywhere else. Don't miss this dynamic new segment. alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme

Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes about his career and making paths to progress in the state. Lt. Governor Barnes is working to create a state that considers equity and living up to the state motto of 'Forward.' Also, hear what the Lt. Gov. has to say directly to Black people in WI. Learn More about how Toussaint L'ouverture Rose from Slavery to Lead...

Listen in to a recent event for allies as Dr. Gee and Dr. Terrance Greene discuss the legacy of Black history coming out of Black History Month. As a professor, Dr. Greene provides a deep understanding of Black and white relations through history and now. alexgee.com Support the Show:  patreon.com/blacklikeme

In the first episode of Season 7, Dr. Gee breaks down the inspiration behind the new season's theme of Rising To The Occasion. As always, Dr. Gee provides his unique perspective in a dynamic fashion. alexgee.com Become a supporter of the show: patreon.com/blacklikeme

Dr. Alex Gee welcomes his friend and actress Angela Robinson to continue his exploration of the many sides of Black Joy. For Robinson, Black Joy means embracing your culture with a lack of pretense. Robinson also provides advice on having a strong career and the importance of life experience, as she share about her own career. This is an inspiring conversation that you don't want to miss. A native...

In light of the recent press conference announcing the design and fundraising campaign for The Center for Black Excellence and Culture, Dr. Gee reflects on what this moment means to him personally. The process of launching The Center has made every effort to include the local Black community in the development and partnerships. Don't miss Dr. Gee's perspective on reaching this point. Learn more ab...

Dr. Gee continues to lead the conversation on the role of Black people in American history. On this episode, he talks with Kellie Carter Jackson about how she teaches Black history and the discourse around race in education happening in America right now. Carter Jackson breaks down Critical Race Theory (CRT) and how we actually view history, whether it is through facts or memory. Kellie Carter Jac...

Dr. Gee has a can't miss conversation with four women who now live outside of the United States by choice. Hear why these ex-pats have sought a better life outside of America and what factors give them Black Joy. - Diara Parker (Vice President of Operations and EQT By Design Consultant) https://www.eqtbydesign.com - Sharolyn "Shar" Wynter (Social Entrepreneur, Startup Founder, and Creative) https:...

Dr. Gee digs right into this season's theme of Black Joy by bringing back Dr. Christopher Bass for another illuminating conversation. From the perspective of a psychologist, Dr. Bass gets at the mindset of what it means to have Black joy. They discuss the difference between pursuing happiness in America and knowing joy, and the effect of both. Dr. Bass refers to the book, Post-Traumatic Slave Synd...

In the first episode of Season 6, Dr. Gee breaks down the theme of Embracing Black Joy, gives a historical context, and sets the stage for the new season. As always, Dr. Gee is inspiring while providing his unique perspective. alexgee.com patreon.com/blacklikeme

On the final episode of Season 5, Dr. Gee has an invigorating conversation with Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings that starts with demystifying Critical Race Theory (CRT) and continues through explaining systemic racism. Dr. Ladson-Billings brings caree-long expertise to the topic of considering how to teach history equitably and how to look at our current cultural landscape as well. Gloria Ladson-Billin...

Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation. Currently, the debate around Black American history and Critical Race Theory is heating up, so we are returning to an episode that discusses teaching Black history. Dr. Alex Gee talks with Professor...

Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation about pushing back against the legacy of white supremacy still holding on in our institutions with Mya Berry, a college student advocating for racial justice in Wisconsin. Mya Berry has called for changing the name of her former high school because of the memorializing of a slaveholder. Their conversation covers navigating white educational space, refusing to addres...

The week of this episode, Juneteenth was federally recognized as a national holiday. Dr. Alex Gee takes this opportunity to reflect on the progress that Black people have made in America and what meaning this holiday holds. There are many disparities and injustices facing African Americans today that need to be understood alongside a holiday celebrating Black culture. alexgee.com patreon.com/black...

Dr. Gee and Raven Jemison bring raw conversations about race to white spaces where these conversations do not usually happen. Raven discusses the importance in her work of an authentic connection to a community and one that you can have an impact on. Their conversation covers sports as racial harmony that brings people together under a common goal, and the debate over sports players and public fig...

Did you get the "The Talk" growing up? Have you given "The Talk" to your kids? Dr. Gee riffs on the cultural significance of "The Talk" in the African American community. He tells his story of learning his own racial identity and what that tells us about American culture.  *Unfortunately, you may hear some crackling and popping noise in the recording this week* alexgee.com patreon.com/blacklikeme