Frenchman Raphaël Lambert studied in America then moved to Japan where he now teaches African-American studies. He discusses the evolving dynamics of race relations in France compared to America, the impact of Afro-pessimism, and the historical optimism of African Americans. Lambert critiques the notion of Afro-pessimism, advocating for a more unified cultural identity that embraces creativity and resilience.

• Raphaël’s Black Hopes/Black Woes (Routledge Research in Race and Ethnicity)

Connie Morgan and Amos Tarfa discuss the challenges and opportunities in math education, particularly in the context of homeschooling. Amos shares his personal journey from Nigeria to the U.S. and highlights the differences in educational rigor between the two countries. Amos emphasizes the beauty of mathematics and its historical context, while also addressing the impact of AI on education.

• Amos’s website
• Amos on Twitter
• Amos on YouTube

Wink and Mike dive into the complicated legacy of George Washington—covering everything from his early years and military career to his personal relationships and shifting views on slavery. They explore his leadership style, money troubles, and tensions with other founding fathers, all while reflecting on what his life still teaches us today.

Jeff Charles shares his personal journey from a politically unaware youth to a passionate advocate for liberty and individual rights. He discusses how significant events such as 9/11 transformed him from identifying as a Democrat to embracing libertarian ideals. He and host Connie Morgan delve into the role of government, the importance of local engagement, and the need for community-driven solutions to issues like education and government overreach.

• A Fresh Perspective with Jeff Charles
• Jeff on X
• The Tenth Amendment Center
• You are the Power

Ricky Baxter discusses the challenges of discrimination he faced growing up in East London and how it influenced his writing. He describes his creative process, the themes of belonging and friendship in his work, and the cultural dynamics of nerd culture in the UK. He also highlights his current projects, including a sequel to his novel 'Blue Lunar and the Apex Grail.'

Show Notes

• Blue Lunar & the Apex Grail
• Purchase Ricky’s books
• Ricky’s website
• ICO: Castle in the Mist by Miyuki Miyabe

Wink and Mike have a candid conversation about the layers of black identity, from history and class to culture and personal experience. They explore how black nationalism has evolved, how class shapes community dynamics, and how media and elite institutions influence perception. Through personal stories, they touch on the pressure to represent, the weight of racial expectations, and the tension between individuality and solidarity.

Rachel Maleza shares her experiences growing up in Tanzania, discussing her childhood, education, and the communal lifestyle that shaped her values. She reflects on the impact of Western culture on African traditions, particularly in parenting and gender roles. Rachel advocates for a balanced approach to parenting that incorporates both traditional values and modern practices, ultimately highlighting the significance of family and community in nurturing future generations.

Dr. Nafees Alam talks about his journey from Libya to the U.S., touching on identity, education, and why having different perspectives really matters. He shares what he's seen in academia, reflects on today’s free speech climate and why protecting it is so important.

Show notes:

• Nafees’s “Neo-White Supremacy and the Assumption of Black/Brown Inferiority” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
• Nafees on X
• Open Therapy Institute
• Anthony Jeselnik

Connie Morgan and Dumisani Washington discuss the complexities of the current geopolitical situation surrounding Israel. They analyze the differences in Trump's current administration's approach to Israel compared to the previous administration as well as the rise of anti-Israel sentiment on the political right, and the implications of these attitudes on broader societal issues. They also touch on the issue of anti-Semitism, the role of foreign influence in shaping narratives, and the ongoing genocides in other parts of the world, urging listeners to seek out reliable sources of information.

• Episode 2 Featuring Pastor Dumisani Washington
• “Blood On Our Hands” by Dumisani Washington for Africa-Israel Weekly
• “Compromised” by Dumisani Washington for Africa-Israel Weekly
• Aaron McGruder and BET
• Gatestone Institute
• MEMRI TV
• Sarah Adams

Wink interviews Mike as he shares his “why” behind writing a memoir. The two explore themes of identity, relationships, and the importance of personal narratives. Mike reflects on his family background, the lessons learned from past relationships, and the impact of love and marriage on his life. The discussion delves into the significance of understanding one's own story and the broader implications of sharing these experiences within the context of the black experience in America.