Free Black Thought Podcast

Henry shares his journey from a challenging childhood marked by the absence of his mother to finding faith. He discusses the influence of his father and the pivotal moments that led him to embrace Christianity. Henry shares his journey through career transitions, the impact of family dynamics on his beliefs, and why he doesn’t care if he passes for “culturally black.”

Show notes:

• Henry’s “Why I’m Not Optimistic About Racelessness” in the Journal of Free Black Thought

In this conversation, Star Parker discusses the impact of abortion, education, housing, and social security on the black population. Star shares her life journey from a rebellious child to a life of criminal and destructive activities, until she found faith and turned her life around. She became involved in welfare reform and worked with the GOP to bring about change.

Show notes:

• Center for Urban Renewal and Education
• The State of Black Progress: Confronting Government and Judicial Obstacles
• Star on X
• CURE policy on X
• The Poor Side of Town: And Why We Need It by Howard A. Husock
• Reimagining Greenville: Building the Best Downtown in America by John Boyanoski and Knox White
• A History of the American People by Paul Johnson

Ildi Tillmann shares her unique childhood growing up in Hungary during the late Soviet era. Ildi eventually moved to the United States and ended up in Africana Studies after auditing a class on African history and wanting to learn about different cultures. She discovered her passion for photography and realized the importance of telling stories through both writing and photography.

Show notes:

• Ildi’s website
• Ildi’s new project: Captured Landscapes
• Ildi on Instagram
• Ildi on X
• Ildi’s “Three days in March” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
• Ildi’s “Knowledge, Art, and the Musical World of Elio Villafranca” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
• Ildi’s “From Hungary to Haiti: Unique Histories, Universal Stories” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
• Faces and Places - Beyond the Headlines: Haiti. Documentary
• Ildi’s photography in Cuba (September 2024)

In episode Mike and Wink delve into the implications of declining black enrollment at elite universities, particularly Harvard, following changes in affirmative action policies. The hosts discuss the media's framing of these changes, the complexities of race in college admissions, and the evolving concept of identity. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the potential for unity in a diverse society, while also critiquing prevailing narratives around race and achievement.

Dr. Remi Adekoya shares his unique upbringing as a mixed-race individual in Nigeria, Poland, and the UK with host Connie Morgan, highlighting the cultural influences that shaped his identity. Remi also discusses his book, It's Not About Whiteness, It's About Wealth, where he explores the economic dimensions of race and the importance of collective wealth in determining status and power.

Show notes:

• Remi on X: @remiadekoya1
• Remi’s book: It's Not About Whiteness, It's About Wealth: How the Economics of Race Really Work
• Remi’s book: Biracial Britain: What It Means To Be Mixed Race

This conversation explores the concept of blackness and who can be considered black. Mike and Wink discuss different perspectives on black identity, including self-identification and societal perception. They raise questions about conformity, individuality, and the external versus internal dimensions of black identity. The conversation also touches on the historical creation of whiteness and its impact on racial divisions. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of individual experiences and perspectives in understanding race.

In this episode Dr. Fatimah Fanusie shares her personal journey growing up in an African-American Muslim family and the history of African-American Islam. She discusses the origins of the Nation of Islam and its role in giving a new identity to African-Americans. The conversation also touches on the relationship between jazz musicians and Islam

Show notes:

• The Black Muslims in America by C. Eric Lincoln
• Soundtrack to a Movement: African American Islam, Jazz, and Black Internationalism by Richard Brent Turner
• Islam in the African-American Experience by Richard Brent Turner
• “Lost Ones” by Lauryn Hill
• Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies (ICJS)

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Connie Morgan and Outdoor Afro founder Rue Mapp sit down and talk about Rue’s journey from a baby in and out of foster homes to one of the most impactful outdoor advocates in America.

Show notes:

• Outdoor Afro
• Rue’s website
• Rue’s book: Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors
• Get tickets to the Glamp Out
• The best book Rue has read this year: Let There Be Havens: An Invitation to Gentle Hospitality by Liz Bell Young
• Rue on Facebook
• Rue on Twitter: @ruemapp
• Rue on Instagram
• Outdoor Afro on Instagram: @outdoorafro
• Outdoor Afro on Twitter: @OutdoorAfro
• Outdoor Afro on Facebook
• Outdoor Afro on YouTube

This episode features guest Ada Akpala. Ada is a writer, podcaster and head of content at The Equiano Project which is a forum to promote freedom of speech and open dialogue on race, culture and politics. Ada was Born in Nigeria, and now resides in the United Kingdom. She and host Connie Morgan talk a lot about the immigration politics and general unrest currently happening in Britain. Ada specializes in debunking sensationalist and inaccurate narratives about current and historical events, particularly in regard to race.

Show notes:

• Ada on X: @ada_akpala
• Ada on YouTube
• Ada on Instagram: @ada_akpala
• Ada’s “Implications and Dangers of False Accusations of Racism” for the Journal of Free Black Thought

This conversation explores the theme of black vulnerability and the frustrations experienced by black individuals. It delves into the disconnect between public discourse on race and the lived experiences of black people. Mike and Wink share personal stories of vulnerability, including instances of racial discrimination and family dynamics influenced by race. The conversation highlights the importance of discipline and love in shaping character and the impact of desegregation on black students' experiences.