The HillTalks

More than 100 years ago, 'The Hilltop' was founded by Zora Neale Hurston and Eugene King, and since then, they have created a legacy of exceptional journalists who are committed to informing the community. Here at 'The HillTalks' podcast, we want to continue to contribute to their legacy by producing factual and relevant episodes that help you connect the dots on what's going on! Check out 'The Hi...

Hello, hello! This week we cover HUSA runoff elections, explore where natural remedies fit in modern health care, and highlight the 53rd annual Owen Dodson “Weenie” Awards, where the College of Fine Arts' Department of Theatre Arts students celebrated one another's achievements both on and off the stage with performances, awards and some truly heartfelt moments. Stories Featured : HUSA...

Hello, hello! This week on The HillTalks podcast, we break down Howard's decision to rescind student charges over a Starbucks payment violation, cover the anti‑Trump protest and the Free Gaza rally that drew thousands to Washington, D.C. and explore the developing story of the “Liberation Zone” encampment set up on The Yard. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts. Stories Featured INVE...

Hello, hello! This week, we break down Howard's recent advisory on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids sent via email and examine growing concerns among international students as President Donald Trump's administration revokes student visas. We also speak with immigration attorney and Howard professor Nicole Dillard, who offers legal insights on what to do if ICE appears on campus...

Hello, hello! This week on the HillTalks podcast, we get the inside scoop on how the Howard University student elections ended with an executive order that dismantled the Elections Commission and hear directly from Jay Jones, the 65th HUSA administration president, about what comes next. Show Notes: Music: Blue Dot Sessions Production Team: Host & Executive Producer: Madison Belo Producers: Tr...

Hello, hello. This week, we dive into HU athletics, starting with Darci Khan, former Howard track superstar and valedictorian, making her WWE Evolve debut. We also cover the women's basketball team's historic win and the swimming and diving team's performance at the CSCAA Championships. Stories Covered: Howard Track Superstar and Valedictorian Makes WWE Evolve Debut - The Hilltop Women's Basketbal...

Hello, hello! This week, we speak with Dr. Kimberly Moffitt, a Howard alumna and the new dean of the Cathy Hughes School of Communications. We also take you inside the National Newspaper Publishers Association's Black Press Day at Howard and hear reflections from students who dedicated their spring break to service through Howard's Alternative Spring Break. Tune in! Show Notes: Music: Blue Dot Ses...

Hello, hello, and welcome to this week's Hilltalks Podcast! Today we're joined by Dr. Carmen Johnson—Director of Court Watch and Judicial Accountability (Life After Release) and Co-Founder & Chief Programs and Operations Officer of Helping Ourselves to Transform. She shares insights from her book, “The Pretense of Justice”, dives into her tumultuous battle with the justice sy...

Hello, Hello, This week on “The HillTalks” podcast, We bring you an exclusive interview with Grammy-nominated artist and Howard professor Christie Dashiell as she shares her journey to the Grammys, her unforgettable night, and what's next. Plus, we cover the Nikki Giovanni Read-A-Thon, now cemented as Nikki Giovanni Day at Howard, and examine how Trump's anti-DEI agenda is impacting ma...

Hello, hello, and Happy Black History month! This week on the “HillTalks” Podcast, we break down the BOWSER Act and its potential impact on D.C., then delve into the long-awaited reopening of Founders Library and the Forever Always: Black Love exhibit at the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center. Tune in! Stories Covered: Congress Aims at D.C. Home Rule with New BOWSER Act Proposal - The H...

Hello, hello, and happy Black History Month! In this week's episode of the "HillTalks" podcast, we break down ICE's recent authorizations and recruitment efforts at Howard, explore the evolving role of protest anthems in modern activism, and dive into Howard University's historic achievement as the first HBCU to regain Research One (R1) status. Show Notes: Stories Covered: ICE and CBP Authorized f...

Hello, hello! Happy Black History Month. This week on “The HillTalks” we dive into the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery's tribute to iconic civil rights attorney Fred Gray. Then, we take a tour through the newly renovated Myrtilla Miner Building, a campus landmark with deep ties to Black education. Finally, we break down the political strategy of “flooding the zone”...

In this week's episode of “The HillTalks”, we mourn the loss of incoming Howard University Law professor Kiah Duggins, who tragically died in a mid-air collision. We also dive into the recent federal spending halt—then reversal, while Howard alumni are embroiled in a legal battle with the university. Plus, we celebrate a Howard student's $25,000 scholarship win from alumni Phylic...

Hello, hello, and happy new year! In this week's episode of the HillTalks Podcast, we dive into the ongoing investigation of a violent robbery involving two Howard students, discuss the brief TikTok ban that caused a stir on social media, and reflect on the recent inauguration of President Donald Trump. Show Notes: Stories Covered: Nine men rob two outside College Hall North, Howard Police say - T...

Hello, hello! In this final episode of the semester, we recap Howard's football season and explore what went wrong. Next, we dive into Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz's messages of resilience following the recent election. Finally, we celebrate a generous $1 million donation to Howard's School of Business from Design Essentials. Tune in. Music Used: Blue Dot Sessions APM Music Produ...

This week on the Hilltalks Podcast, we discuss Howard University's path to R1 status and what that means for the future. Plus, we break down the Howard women's soccer team's historic season and the second annual Hip-Hop Studies Conference, along with the launch of the new hip-hop studies minor at Howard in spring 2025. Tune in! Music Used: Blue Dot Sessions Youtube Studio Production Team: Host &am...

In this week's episode, we celebrate the grand opening of the Go-Go Museum and Café in Anacostia and take a closer look at the production “Dance Like There's Black People Watching: A Black Excellence Revue.” We also explore President-elect Donald Trump's positions on issues that matter most to Howard University students. Plus, if you missed Stacey Abrams post-election dialogue a...

In this episode, we focus on the pride and progress displayed at Howard University on Election Day, celebrating the strides toward greater diversity in politics. Production Team Host & Executive Producer: Madison Belo Producers: Trinity Webster-Bass, Lemaria Stevens With Audio Contributions from Hilltop Staff Music Prod. Metzmusic News Clips Donald Trump wins 2024 election Trump wins 2024 pres...

Election Day is three days away. Join us on The HillTalks as we tackle urgent issues such us burning ballot drop-off boxes, voting challenges at Howard, and Elon Musk's influence on politics. Plus, we discuss the scrutiny Black women face while breaking barriers in the entertainment industry. Production Team Host & Executive Producer: Madison Belo Producers: Trinity Webster-Bass, Lemaria Steve...

This week, we discuss Black purpose and pride in “Big White Fog, the latest production from the Chadwick Boseman College of Fine Arts. Then, we take you to the Moorland-Springarn Research Center's Homecoming exhibit and dive into the issue of rising youth unemployment. An MSRC Exhibition Connects Howard Community to Homecoming History - The Hilltop Youth Unemployment Reaches Peak Since The P...

Curious about what it's like to be at Howard University's Homecoming or just feeling nostalgic, listen as we take you inside all the festivities of the most-searched homecoming's 100th anniversary. Production Team:

Host, Executive Producer: Madison Belo Producers: Lemaria Stevens, Trinity Webster-Bass, Original Reporting: Madison Belo, Lemaria Stevens, Trinity Webster-Bass Additional Audio: Varie...

Welcome back! The weeklong celebration of Howard University's 100th Homecoming isn't over yet. Come back this Sunday for an inside look at the festivities. See you soon. Production Team:
Host, Executive Producer: Madison Belo
 Producer: Lemaria Stevens Additional Audio from:
 Variety Reporter Aniyah Genama
 Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel Spotlight Network

Welcome back! This week, the Howard Revolutionary Community occupied the Mordecai Wyatt Johnson Administration building, denouncing the university's alleged ties to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Additionally, the Center for Journalism and Democracy held its third annual Democracy Summit on campus, and we discuss the premiere of "STRUT The Yard" with the creator of the documentary that sheds light on...

This week, we discuss the crisis in the Congo, provide an overview of the Vice Presidential Debate, and cover a conversation hosted by the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University featuring critically acclaimed author and Howard alum Ta-Nehisi Coates. Show Notes: Production Team Host, Executive Producer: Madison Belo Producers: Trinity Webster-Bass, Lemaria Stevens Original Reporting...

Welcome back! This week our producers Trinity Webster-Bass and Lemaria Stevens cover the grand opening of the highly anticipated Chick-fil-A in Blackburn. Plus, hear from Howard students and alumni as they discuss the pressures of Howard's unique fashion culture. Tune In. Show Notes: Production Team Host, Executive Producer: Madison Belo Producers: Trinity Webster-Bass, Lemaria Stevens Original Re...