The Counter-Narrative Show

 In this heartfelt and empowering episode of My Black is Beautiful and My Melanin is Popping: Beauty Blab , host Rasheem is joined by three inspiring Black women—Narcissa, Stephanie, and Camille—who share deeply personal stories and reflections on the meaning and experience of beauty. The discussion explores how beauty is both a personal and cultural concept, shaped by societal standards, early li...

 This podcast is a powerful discussion centered on the concept of Black Girl Magic , exploring its meaning as a symbol of resilience, triumph, and inner strength in the face of systemic oppression and historical adversity. The hosts reflect on the unique challenges Black women face, celebrate their cultural identity, and emphasize that Black Girl Magic is not about being invincible, but about thri...

The Counter-Narrative Show discussed the school-to-prison pipeline, featuring Dr. Brandy Gail and Elena Ross Jones. Dr. Gail, a parental education strategist, emphasized the importance of parental involvement and culturally relevant education. Elena Ross Jones highlighted the need for integrating social justice into STEM education. Rahim Shabazz introduced his documentary "Elementary Genocide," de...

The discussion on black educators emphasized the importance of understanding and redefining education. Damon highlighted the need for educators to inspire curiosity and live exemplary lives. Bridget stressed the significance of public speaking and student engagement. Dr. T discussed the impact of privatization and the school-to-prison pipeline, noting the role of subjective discipline policies. As...

Rasheem of the Counter Narrative hosts episode 13 discussing natural hair with three guests: Angela Hardy, Jennifer Taylor, and Danny Red Wine. Jennifer shares her journey transitioning to natural hair in 2008, detailing her 10-month process and subsequent experiences with locks and various hairstyles. She emphasizes the importance of natural remedies like aloe vera, coconut oil, and herbal rinses...

Rasheem hosts a discussion on Black women in corporate America, referencing a Fortune magazine article based on a report by the Center for Talent Innovation. The report highlights challenges such as unrecognized contributions (26% of Black women vs. 17% of white women), lack of sponsorship, and a tendency to keep heads down. Black women are more likely to aspire to leadership roles (40% vs. 32% of...

 In this episode of The Counter Narrative , host Rasheem welcomes a dynamic panel of Black educators who are transforming classrooms and communities across the country. Featuring Kyla Givehand , Bridget McGowan-Hawkins , Dr. Marvin “Dr. T” Thompson , and Damon Givehand , this conversation dives deep into the lived experiences, challenges, and triumphs of Black educators. 

Dr. Manya Whitaker, an Associate Professor at Colorado College, discusses her journey into education, focusing on the psychological and social aspects of teaching. She highlights the importance of multicultural competency and the impact of teacher beliefs on student success. Whitaker emphasizes the need for diverse teachers, particularly black males, to enhance student achievement. She shares her...

The discussion focused on the importance of diversity and inclusivity in nonprofit boards. Ajit emphasized the need for boards to reflect the communities they serve and highlighted his role in an arts organization. Antoinette shared her experiences as an IT professional recruited for boards and the value of diverse perspectives. Aletha discussed the challenges of being a minority on boards and the...

The Counter-Narrative show discussed defunding the police with guest Caitlin Selman, an assistant professor of criminology at Framingham State University. Selman explained the differences between police reform, abolition, and defunding, emphasizing that defunding means reallocating police funds to community services. She highlighted the historical roots of policing in protecting property and white...

The Counter-Narrative show featured discussions with entrepreneurs Dr. Crystal Lee, B. Robinson, Rebecca DuPaz, and Angela Hardy. Dr. Lee emphasized the importance of education in her business, Melanated Apparel. B. Robinson shared his journey from being labeled colorblind to becoming an educator and artist, highlighting the impact of COVID-19 on his business. Rebecca DuPaz discussed her transitio...

The Counter-Narrative show, hosted by Rasheem, featured a discussion on Black Trans lives as a site of resistance, with guest hosts Lee Levison Perine and John L. Lawrence. Lee, a DC government employee and founder of Makers Lab, emphasized creating joyful, inclusive spaces like the virtual Black Pride festival and Black in Space. John, a consultant focusing on dismantling oppression, highlighted...

The Counter-Narrative Show episode on "Queer Religion" features hosts Rasheem and guests Rev De Saint and Rev Megan, co-hosts of the podcast "Two Revs, No Church." The podcast, led by two queer women of color, explores the intersection of queerness and religion, challenging traditional church structures. Rev De Saint, of Haitian descent, and Rev Megan, who grew up outside the church, discuss their...

 In this powerful episode of You Are Not Alone , host Rasheem facilitates a raw and heartfelt discussion with Fitzgerald and Kazar, two Black single fathers, about the realities of raising children—particularly sons—while navigating the complexities of fatherhood alone. They reflect on what fatherhood means to them, how their roles differ from mothers, and how their own fathers—present or absent—i...

 In this powerful episode of The Counter Narrative, Rasheem sits down with Dejanae Chester and Brian Stewart to explore what it means to be Black and LGBTQ in America. They discuss intersectionality, bisexual erasure, the role of religion in identity, masculinity myths, and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights in the Black community. Tune in for raw honesty, lived experience, and passionate insights...

Podcast Summary Growing up, I always dreaded the sizzling sound of the hot comb making its way through my hair, but looking back, it's these memories that bond us in uniquely comforting ways. Join Stephanie and me, Rashim, as we share our personal black hair stories, filled with nostalgia, laughter, and a touch of Hollywood glamour. From the iconic jerry curls of our youth to the transformative po...

In this episode, Rasheem speaks with Leanne Tati (Guyana), Jonathan Chase (Trinidad and Tobago), and Dr. Crystal Lee (Jamaica) about their personal immigration journeys. They discuss the challenges of legal immigration, cultural misconceptions, and how Black immigrants are often left out of the national conversation. This eye-opening episode expands the narrative around immigration in America. Let...