What Say U?

Note: Sister Melannie is on the mic solo in this episode. Sister Audrey is on a wellness break. The story continues — and what you are witnessing is relentless coverage of one of the most consequential accountability conversations happening in Washington State right now. Sit down and get comfortable, because today on What Say U?, we are going deeper. We are back on the reparations study matter. De...

You can put new curtains on the windows, light a candle, and set the table real nice — but if the milk ain’t clean , everything you pour it into is spoiled. Washington State made history when it funded the Charles Mitchell and George Washington Bush Reparations Study — only the fourth statewide reparations study in the nation. Our communities organized. WENA — the Washington Equity Now Alliance —...

This episode of What Say U? is a whole experience — rich, spirited, and full of that unmistakable energy that happens when three Black women sit down together with purpose. The Sisters welcome Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland for a conversation that is equal parts truth‑telling, celebration, and community care. It is a reminder that Black history is not just something we study — it’s something we...

In this episode, the Sisters talk with Ria J Johnson-Covington of the Lakewood African American Police Accountability Committee (LAAPAC) about community safety, accountability, and building stronger relationships between Lakewood’s African American community and the Lakewood Police Department. LAAPAC Meetings 2nd Wednesday • 3:00 PM Lakewood Police Station 9401 Lakewood Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 C...

Okay family, pull up a chair because we need to talk. Washington State recently became the third state in America to fund a reparations study for African Americans, and it should be a moment to celebrate. The Legislature allocated $300,000 in seed funding, and the Washington Equity Now Alliance — a community-based organization doing the real work — raised another $450,000 to ensure this sacred stu...

Are you retired, laid off, or simply in transition? This episode is for YOU. The sisters dive into a dynamic and heartfelt conversation about creating a fulfilling life after work—on your terms. Discover how to embrace this new chapter with purpose, passion, and joy. From volunteering to lifelong learning, we explore ways to stay engaged, connected, and inspired. Highlights in this episode: How to...

Guest: Marguerite Martin, Entrepreneur, Social Influencer, and alumna of the American Leadership Forum Tacoma/Pierce County Senior Fellows Program with Melannie In this honest and brave conversation, Melannie, Audrey, and Marguerite explore a moment from a leadership workshop where Marguerite unintentionally made racially hurtful comments toward Black men in the group—and Melannie checked her. Tog...

After some time away from the mic, sisters Audrey and Melannie return with a powerful episode that’s part personal journey, part revolutionary challenge. Episode Highlights Personal Updates & Testimony The sisters catch up on their life journeys since the last recording one year ago, with Audrey sharing a moving testimony about her sobriety journey. The Linguistic Reframe The sisters exp...

This is a very special episode as sisters Audrey and Melannie celebrate their mother Alean’s 85th solar return. In the heartwarming and insightful conversation, Mom Alean joins her daughters in the studio to discuss her favorite topic: politics among many things. The discussion is candid, fun and touches on various aspects of life, as Mom Alean shares the wisdom she’s gathered over the...

Sisters Audrey and Melannie reunite on the mic after being away for some time. They catch up on current events, specifically digging deep into the polarizing vibe around the national elections and impact on the minds of the people. They welcome special guest Carol Coleman Mitchell, founder and CEO of the Institute for Black Justice. The conversation elevates further when they speak on the murder o...

Sister Melannie, also known as Peace Queen, is solo on the mic as Sister Audrey continues her radical healing journey! Please send your prayers and good vibes! In this episode, Peace Queen delves into what it truly means to lead, advocate, and thrive as a Black woman in political leadership. She engages in “truth-tellin'” dialogue with two distinguished members of the Washington State...

Production Note: Sister Melannie is on the mic solo. Sister Audrey continues her healing journey. Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr., who is widely known as “Dr. Diversity” joins Melannie to unveil their exciting new collaboration at Pacific Lutheran University within the Continuing Education Department. Melannie is at the helm of creating a groundbreaking program called Anti-Racist Leadership Educa...

In a thought-provoking conversation, Melannie discusses the critical issue of Anti-Black racism and Anti-Blackness with author and truth-teller Dante King, alongside Rev. Brandy Renée McMurry from the Spiritual Care team at the University of California San Francisco. They draw attention to the unsettling parallels between this pervasive problem and a pandemic. The primary goal of their discussion...

Dr. Karen Johnson, the first-ever Director of the Washington State Office of Equity, was abruptly terminated by Governor Jay Inslee on May 17, 2023. This decision caused a significant fallout, leaving huge numbers of individuals feeling bewildered, hurt, enraged, and emotionally shattered. In light of these events, Sisters Audrey and Melannie engage in an open and honest conversation with Dr. John...

Sisters Audrey and Melannie joyfully return to the microphone after an extended absence. During their time away, significant events have unfolded in the world, as well as in their personal lives. This episode serves as an honest reflection on the challenges, struggles, and “darkness” that caused them to step away from the mic for a while. However, it also highlights the powerful transf...

In this episode, the sisters talk about Tyre Nichols and the sadly familiar circumstances of his murder. Links Channel 253 membership

Guest host Bishop Gwendolyn Phillips Coates joins Sister Melannie in conversation with Dr. Eddie Moore Jr. Dr. Moore is the founder of the White Privilege Conference and the White Privilege Institute. He joins the conversation to discuss his upcoming presentation at The People’s Gathering: A Revolution of Consciousness Conference. Notes: Sister Audrey is on sabbatical. She will return to the...

Inspired by the 1972 song The World Is a Ghetto” recorded by the band War, Melannie and Audrey cover a variety of topics in their “keepin’ it real” fashion relevant to their personal development and growth.

Sisters Audrey and Melannie unite on the microphone after several weeks away. They catch listeners up on what’s been happening with them which leads to their emotional discussion about the “toll” Black people pay existing in White Supremacist Culture. Their conversation is raw and unapologetic. They conclude with the declaration that the antidote to white supremacist culture is Black JOY! Links Th...

What will it take for America to unite on banning assault weapon purchases by individual citizens? The sisters share their perspectives; as always, keeping it real! Links Channel 253 membership

The Sisters chat with Christine Harrison, Melannie’s White Woman friend who recently completed her doctoral research on White Women Teaching in majority-Black and Brown Classrooms. Christie shares the concept of her study and findings. In the second half-hour, the Sisters and Dr. Harrison are joined by Cherry Steinwender, Executive Director of the Center for the Healing of Racism out of Houston, T...

As more and more “everyday people” choose to opt-out of the racist system this country was built upon, the die-hard racists are showing their desperate ways. Join the sisters as they discuss examples of what that desperation looks like, both nationally and locally. Links Channel 253 membership