Blackness?

By Zion Kanyana

Blackness? is a podcast series that explores the diverse and layered experiences of Black individuals and communities, challenging stereotypes and expanding how Black identity is understood today.

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· Society & Culture

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FAQs about Blackness?:

How many episodes does Blackness? have?

The podcast currently has 4 episodes available.

Blackness? episodes:

May 28, 2025 Hustle Speaks Louder than Words: Shannon Forman II
This week on “Blackness?” I sit down with Shannon Forman, a former ASU football player, coach, and founder of TFLDL Training, to discuss what it truly means to persevere when the lights fade and the crowd is gone.
Shannon shares how moving from Louisiana to Arizona brought challenges he didn’t expect and growth he didn’t know he needed. He reflects on his time as a player, the shift into coaching, and how building his own football development program became a way to give back and build forward.
This episode is about grit. It’s about growth. And it’s about the work we do when no one’s watching, the kind of hustle that speaks for us louder than any words ever could.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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57min
April 19, 2025 Bigger Boy by Nature: Tobi Aluko
In this episode, Tobi Aluko shares what it means to move through the world as a creative, student, and leader while unapologetically Black. We talk about breaking free from the pressure to fit into a single mold, the intersections of art and identity, and how he’s building community through Culture Kitchen AZ. It’s a conversation about self-definition, staying grounded, and choosing authenticity every time.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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50min
February 26, 2025 Forged by Action, Not Perception : Dr. Battinto Batts
In this episode, we interview Dr. Battinto Batts, the Dean of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. As a trailblazing Black leader in the media industry, Dr. Bats shares his unique perspective on navigating identity, representation, and breaking down societal barriers through tangible action and authenticity.
Dr. Batts emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, pursuing excellence, and rejecting the limiting "boxes" that often constrain how Blackness is perceived.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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57min
January 10, 2025 Being the First: Seanika Mathis
In this episode, Seanika Mathis, president of ASU's undergraduate student government, joins the conversation. The discussion highlights her experiences as a Black woman in student leadership and the challenges of navigating predominantly white spaces, The discussion delves into her experiences as a Black woman in a prominent leadership role, unpacking the challenges and triumphs of navigating predominantly white spaces while staying true to herself. Seanika shares candid insights on the dual expectations placed on Black women, the importance of representation, and how her identity shapes her leadership style.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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43min

FAQs about Blackness?:

How many episodes does Blackness? have?

The podcast currently has 4 episodes available.