Black Guy White Guy Talking

In this episode, we welcome the distinguished poet Yusef Komunyakaa, celebrated for his poetry exploring African American identity, his experiences of the Vietnam war, and a writing style influenced by jazz and blues. We begin by discussing one of his latest projects, the comic series Jupiter Invincible, before diving into his poem-writing process. Komunyakaa also reflects on his upbringing in Louisiana, as well as thought-provoking topics like the concept of racism as a mental illness and Christ as a socialist. 

An excerpt from this interview can be found in the Georgia Review here.

In this episode we have an informative conversation with Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, as we discuss the impact of Black Homeownership and the impacts that banks have had on generational wealth for black people.

In this episode, we have an enlightening conversation with Gabriel Bryant about the state of the black community, the external and internal forces that impact the community,  his ongoing service to the people that exist within it, as well as the importance of collective responsibility to ensure its growth.  We also discuss the efforts and significance of past and present leaders within the black community.

In our season finale, we welcome leading American historian and author Nell Irvin Painter. We start by discussing the current political climate, why so many Americans voted for Trump, American exceptionalism, gentrification, political mobilization, and disenfranchisement. Nell reflects on the connection between being an artist and a historian, her encounters with Malcolm X, religion, and the meaning of race. Also, we talk about the impact of the summer BLM protests, capitalizing ‘White,’ hope for the future, and so much more.

Episode links:

Painter’s NYT article, It Shouldn’t Be This Close. But There’s Good News, Too:
 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/05/opinion/election-voting-violence.html

Painter’s Washington Post article, Why ‘White’ Should Be Capitalized, Too: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/07/22/why-white-should-be-capitalized/

Painter’s book, Creating Black Americans:
https://www.amazon.com/Creating-Black-Americans-African-American-Meanings/dp/0195137566
http://www.nellpainter.com/publications/creatingreviews.html

Painter’s book, The History of White People:
https://www.amazon.com/History-White-People-Irvin-Painter/dp/0393339742
https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/28/books/review/Gordon-t.html

Painter’s artist book, American Whiteness Since Trump:
https://jamesfuentes.online/nell-painter-american-whiteness-since-trump

Painter’s artist book, From Slavery to Freedom:
http://www.nellpainter.com/art/slaverytofreedom.html

Biden’s ‘you ain’t black’ comment in interview:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/22/politics/biden-charlamagne-tha-god-you-aint-black/index.html

In Episode 17, we welcome Brother Robb Carter, a leading expert on African and African American history and culture, racial socialization, and the effects of trauma and white supremacy. We ask Brother Robb Carter about his experiences with healing from the trauma of racism, working as a mentor for young men, connecting to the younger generation, and much more. We talk about why trauma is a taboo topic, the stigma around mental health and therapy in the Black community and recovering from dehumanizing situations. Also: the N-word, Trump, implicit biases, the police, microaggressions, spirituality and poetry.

Episode Links:

Police take a Black toddler from his family’s car and use his picture for propaganda:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/10/30/philadelphia-fop-posts-toddler/

In this episode we welcome Terrell McCray, a Baptist minister and senior human resources manager, to have a conversation with us about community and religion. Terrell tells us what motivates him to serve as a minister, what it’s like to perform burial ceremonies and give eulogies with COVID-19 restrictions, the importance of seeing the world, and much more. Also, we talk about faith, spirituality, holding the Church accountable, and religion as a cause for connection but also strife.

In Episode 15, we visit the Point Breeze neighborhood in South Philadelphia to speak with local residents about their feelings on reparations. We hear people’s opinions on if they think Black people are owed reparations, who specifically should get them, and why. Also, we ask the respondents an interesting question: what annoys them most about white and Black people. We reflect on each person’s response and weigh in with our own opinions and experiences. 

In this episode, we invite distinguished poet John Murillo to talk about his poetry, storytelling, social justice, how Black people are portrayed in the media, and much more. We also discuss police community relations, being a poet of witness, our society’s obsession with filling silences, and the importance of solitude.

Episode links:

John Murillo’s book Up Jump the Boogie: https://www.amazon.com/Up-Jump-Boogie-John-Murillo/dp/0981913148

John Murillo’s book Kontemporary Amerikan Poetry: https://www.amazon.com/Kontemporary-Amerikan-Poetry-Stahlecker-Selections/dp/1945588470/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&qid=1611080922&refinements=p_27%3AJohn+Murillo&s=books&sr=1-4&text=John+Murillo

In Toxic Masculinity Part 3, we welcome our friends Rayvon Sapp and Ben Polcer to continue last week’s conversation from the differing perspectives of black and white men. We discuss traditions, stereotypes, the mental health of men, what masculinity means, and more. Also, we talk about the expectations society puts on boys, feminism, and our own experiences with toxic masculinity and the harm it causes.

In Toxic Masculinity Part 2, we welcome two women to share their perspectives on toxic masculinity across color lines. Sacil Armstrong, an equity coach and social justice facilitator, discusses double standards, abuse, how gender roles confine people, examples of toxic masculinity in daily life, boys playing with dolls, and more. Sandy, an educator from Philadelphia, reflects on her definition of toxic masculinity, the cycle perpetuated by our society and the media, harmful expectations, and more. Also, we talk about encouraging our sons to express their emotions, holding other men accountable, and Cobra Kai.

Episode links:

Tory Lanez shooting Megan Thee Stallion:

https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-54469400

For equity coaching or social justice facilitation, contact or follow Sacil Armstrong at:

https://linktr.ee/sacilarmstrong?fbclid=IwAR2EbeDeiHvMuZrLATZmSyl8_dv4K8kHn2W5RaYhJHABzCFMterGRoee_4E