The History of Being Black

Is the Black Church losing a generation—or is a new generation searching for a different way to connect with faith? On this episode of History of Being Black, Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with Rachael Banks, doctoral student, scholar, and educator, for a thoughtful conversation about the evolving relationship between millennials and the Black Church. Drawing from both personal experience an...

How do you turn small-town roots into a global platform for change? In this inspiring episode of History of Being Black, Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with renowned diversity, equity, and inclusion leader Celeste Warren to explore the experiences, relationships, and purpose that shaped her extraordinary journey from a steel mill town to becoming one of the nation's most respected voices on w...

What inspires someone to step into the political arena and dedicate their life to the pursuit of justice? In this compelling episode of History of Being Black, Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with Congresswoman Summer Lee for an insightful conversation about her journey from community advocate to one of the nation's most influential voices for equity, justice, and social change. Congresswoman...

What does the future of democracy look like when the protections of the past are being challenged? In this thought-provoking episode of History of Being Black, Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with Dr. Stefan Wheelock to examine the impact of recent Supreme Court decisions on the Voting Rights Act and what they mean for the ongoing struggle for civil rights, political representation, and democr...

What happens when poetry becomes more than words on a page—and transforms into a vehicle for healing, identity, and human connection? In this special episode of History of Being Black, Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with two remarkable spoken word artists, IncoMEplete and Jaquaya Inez, for powerful conversations about creativity, storytelling, and the transformative power of poetry. In the fi...

In this powerful episode of *History of Being Black*, Dr. Audia Robinson takes us on a journey from her roots in Pittsburgh to her work as a scholar dedicated to community engagement and generational wealth in Black communities. At the heart of this conversation is a bold reframe: moving from a mindset of survival to one of legacy. Drawing from her upcoming book, *The Shift from Survival to Legacy...

In this insightful episode of History of Being Black, Dr. Jacqueline Edmondson shares her journey as an academic leader and changemaker, rooted in a deep commitment to equity, access, and community care. She reflects on her path through higher education, offering a candid look at the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the responsibility institutions have to serve them with intention...

In this thought-provoking episode of History of Being Black, the conversation dives deep into the legacy of Jeremiah Wright, Black prophetic patriotism, and the enduring role of the Black church in the fight for justice and liberation. Featuring insights from Dr. Johnson and Dr. Chisholm, this episode unpacks themes from their new book, exploring how Wright’s unapologetic voice challenged systems...

In this powerful episode of History of Being Black, Dr. Daniel Black delivers a thought-provoking conversation on Black identity, legacy, and the enduring strength of community. From the importance of Pan-Africanism to honoring the sacrifices and wisdom of our ancestors, Dr. Black challenges listeners to think deeper about who we are and how we stay connected to our roots. Reflecting on his impact...

In this episode of History of Being Black, host Dr. Johnathan JeVon White explores the powerful legacy of the Gullah Geechee people in a conversation with storyteller and cultural advocate Luana Graves Sellars. The episode highlights the deep African roots, cultural traditions, and enduring resilience of the Gullah Geechee community along the southeastern coast of the United States. Luana shares p...

In this powerful episode of History of Being Black, host Dr. Johnathan White is joined by his cousin Dr. Phillip Riddick for a deeply reflective conversation about identity, history, and healing. Together, they explore the roots of Black identity and the lasting effects of transgenerational trauma passed down through generations. The discussion highlights how historical experiences shape present-d...

In this powerful episode of The History of Being Black, Dr. White sits down with author and storyteller Antonio Michael Downing for a rich conversation about Black identity across the diaspora. Drawing from his West African roots, Trinidadian upbringing, and lived experience in Canada, Antonio unpacks what it means to be Black in spaces that often erase or oversimplify Black narratives. He reflect...

On this episode of History of Being Black, host Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with Raychel Proudie for a powerful conversation about her journey from her roots in St. Louis to serving in the Missouri State House. Representative Proudie reflects on how her upbringing shaped her leadership, the impact of Hurricane Katrina on her worldview, and the lasting lessons from Ferguson. She speaks cand...

On this thoughtful episode of History of Being Black, host Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with Dr. Boni Wozolek for a reflective conversation on upbringing, the meaning of Black History Month, and the real-world complexities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in education. Together, they unpack the challenges of advocating for DEI in today’s climate, the necessity of community care, and the...

On this powerful episode of History Of Being Black, Dr Johnathan JeVon White sits down with AJ Jefferson, CEO of the Homewood Children Education Fund, for a deeply personal conversation about childhood, family influence, and the realities of youth homelessness. AJ opens up about her own journey of overcoming trauma and how those lived experiences shape her leadership in the nonprofit space today....

In this episode of the History of Being Black podcast, host Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with renowned historian Dr. Marcus Rediker for a powerful conversation about freedom, resistance, and the people history often overlooks. Dr. Rediker shares his unconventional journey into scholarship and explains why “history from below” — the stories of everyday people — is essential to fully understa...

In this episode of History of Being Black, Pastor Brian Hutton shares a powerful and layered journey shaped by faith, service, and purpose. Raised in an Air Force family, Pastor Hutton reflects on discipline, structure, and how those early experiences influenced his path into both ministry and meteorology. He opens up about his calling to preach, the role of faith in navigating life’s uncertaintie...

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of *History of Being Black*, we sit down with Dr. Nosakhere Griffin-EL for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about education, culture, and purpose. Dr. Griffin-EL reflects on his own educational journey, including the challenges Black students often face within traditional systems and the transformative impact of culturally relevant educati...

In this thought-provoking episode, #DrJustinDeSenso shares his personal journey from growing up in a diverse community on #LongIsland to becoming an educator, activist, and advocate for #SocialConsciousness. Through lived experience and scholarship, Dr. De Senso explains why #CriticalRaceTheory remains an essential framework for understanding #SystemicRacism and the structures that shape inequalit...

In this thought-provoking episode of History of Being Black, first-generation American #ChantalKamya shares her lived experience growing up with deep African roots while navigating identity, belonging, and representation in the United States. Chantal reflects on her multicultural upbringing, the influence of family and community, and how media consumption shapes our understanding of Blackness on a...

In this episode of the History of Being Black podcast, host Dr. Jonathan JeVon White sits down with Dr. Christopher Robinson for a powerful conversation on social work, education, and community transformation. Dr. Robinson shares his personal journey from Michigan to a career rooted in service, exploring how his upbringing and family influences shaped his commitment to community change. The discus...

In this powerful episode of the History of Being Black podcast, host Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with Tammy Thompson, president and CEO of Catapult Pittsburgh, for an honest and inspiring conversation about poverty, power, and possibility. Tammy shares her deeply personal journey—from growing up in generational poverty and experiencing homelessness to leading a nonprofit dedicated to asset...

In this inspiring episode of *The History of Being Black*, host **Dr. Johnathan JeVon White** sits down with public historian **Reiley Freed**, a rising scholar devoted to preserving and amplifying Black history and culture. Reiley traces her journey from growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, to becoming a passionate advocate for accessible historical education. She reflects on the powerful influence of...

In this powerful episode of The History of Being Black, Dr. Jonathan JeVon White sits down with Dr. Alexus Brown for an inspiring journey through language, identity, and purpose. Dr. Brown opens up about her early struggles with speech delays and how that challenge became the unexpected foundation for a career in linguistics and hip-hop studies. She reflects on the pivotal influence of her parents...

In this insightful episode, Dr. Jonathan JeVon White sits down with Emmanuel Kwame Afrifa for a deep dive into the political heartbeat of New York and the ongoing fight for justice, unity, and empowerment within the Black community. Emmanuel shares how growing up in a multicultural environment shaped his worldview, fueled his passion for activism, and inspired his commitment to building bridges ac...