Embracing Race: Conversations with Truth and Intention

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What does it mean to work the word when your story holds so many layers?

Hosts Shani McIlwain and Jesy Littlejohn sit down with special guest Micheal J. Ivory Jr.—a proud queer Black man, first-generation college graduate, and Duke-trained writer and teacher—for a conversation rooted in truth, identity, and lived experience.

Raised in a Pentecostal tradition, Micheal brings a powerful perspective on how language, faith, and culture shape the stories we carry. Together, they explore how deeply held narratives influence the way we see ourselves and each other—while honoring the beauty, complexity, and brilliance within Black life.

This episode is thoughtful, real, and full of that undeniable Black excellence—where language isn’t just spoken, it’s worked. Where stories aren’t just told, they’re owned.

Because around here, words aren’t just words—they’re a little bit of magic.

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This week on Embracing Race, Shani and Jesy are taking it out the groupchat and straight to the mic.

In our brand-new segment, “Take It Out the Groupchat,” we’re saying the things that usually stay between besties — the spicy takes, the side-eyes, the “be so for real” moments.

We get into the current political chaos, racism in the NFL, and why Hitler’s name keeps popping up in today’s America (yeah… we’re going there). It’s bold, it’s honest, it’s a little messy — in the best way.

Tap in. It gets GOOD.

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Happy Black History Month!  In this episode of Embracing Race: Conversations with Truth & Intention, we sit with the fabulous Dr. Tamisha A. Tyler — theologian, poet, cultural firebrand, and lifelong “lover of people.” Think theology with swagger, poetry with heft, and wisdom with a wink — all served with an Erykah Badu kind of sauce.

A proud Butler Scholar, Dr. Tyler brings her deep engagement with Octavia E. Butler’s work into conversation with her own creative and academic practice on he instagram and other social media. And if you’re hungry for more, she’s hosting a book club this April focused on Parable of the Sower — a space to dive deep, build community, and explore ideas that matter.  

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Who are we really? And how does that shape the way we serve. Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia brings wisdom, warmth, and truth to a rich conversation about service, faith and identity in a time of uncertainty. Come listen, reflect and laugh a little and remind yourself a little about what you may be called to do.

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The NFL draft. Nepotism. Pope Francis. Congress. Figuring out what timezone we are in compared to Italy. 

Would it even be an episode with Shani and Jesy if they weren't all over the place?

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I hope you can keep up, because class is in session today with Rev. Dr. Eric Thomas. What a fellowship, what a joy divine!

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Shenea Leonard is back! We dive into allyship, institutional racism, and the work they are doing in their ministry. We are so honored to have Bishop back as our first repeat guest!

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Da Baddest Chaplain, Chris Burton, joined us for a meaningful and necessary conversation. We had a hard time stopping our chat!

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We are back with Part 2 of our interview with Sonya and Dartinia! The conversation is rich, and we are so thankful for the ways in which these two forces of femininity and power show up in this world. 

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Join us for PART 1 of our rich and intimate conversation with Rev. Sonya McAuley Allen and Dartinia Hull. We wanted to respect time, but we couldn't find a stopping point! From the Grammys to watching movies to being able to be able to walk into a store without being questioned, we talk about how White Supremacy has impacted even the most intimate of our interactions. 

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