Free Black Thought Podcast

Music entrepreneur and race abolitionist Greg Thomas shares his passion for jazz and writing, discussing the role of education, music, and his views on race and culture. He emphasizes moving beyond racial identities to focus on cultural contributions and understanding regional differences within black American culture. In this conversation with host Connie Morgan, they explore cultural identity, family heritage, and the Jazz Leadership Project, which uses jazz principles to foster leadership and teamwork.

Show notes:

• The Jazz Leadership Project
• The Omni-American Future Project
• Greg’s “Why Did Trump Prevail Again?” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
• The Arc of a Bad Idea: Understanding and Transcending Race by Carlos Hoyt
• Sheena Mason’s Togetherness Wayfinder

Gabrielle Clark shares her journey from a diverse upbringing in Houston to becoming a single mother and homeschooling advocate. She discusses the challenges of raising five children after losing her husband, her concerns about indoctrination in the public education system, and her work as a parent coach. Gabrielle emphasizes the importance of parental involvement and the need for education reform, particularly in relation to Critical Race Theory and social-emotional learning.

Show Notes:

• Affirming Reality (Gabrielle’s website)
• Gabrielle on X

Activist Kofi Montzka gives host Connie Morgan advice on finding like-minded individuals and building supportive communities. Kofi shares her thoughts on how the ethnic studies curriculum may promote a narrative of hopelessness for Black children and opens up about the backlash she’s faced for speaking out against these ideas. She also talks about the importance of curiosity over certainty, the need for kindness in disagreements, and the value of engaging with diverse perspectives.

Show notes:

• Kofi speaks out against critical race theory
• Kofi addresses the Minnesota State Legislature
• Kofi’s "Teaching Hopelessness to Kids of Color" in the Journal of Free Black Thought
• Brandy Shufutinsky’s “I Am Not Your Negro” in the Journal of Free Black Thought
• “Professional Rapper” by Lil Dicky

Khadijah La Musa opens up about her unique upbringing, from growing up in a strict Muslim environment to experiencing life at a liberal university. She talks about the mental health struggles she faced during college, how social media and cancel culture impacted her, and her journey toward Buddhism. Khadijah shares her evolving views on feminism and gender ideology and expresses her hopes for a safer world for her daughter in today's complex society.

Show notes:

• Khadijah’s Substack: Bush Tea
• Khadijah’s poetry book: Tasting Purple: a compilation of prose and poetry
• Spirit Hacking by Shaman Durek

In this conversation, Michael DC Bowen and Winkfield Twyman Jr. discuss the varying perceptions of Black history, the importance of literature, and influential figures in Black history. They emphasize the need for curiosity and understanding of Black history as an integral part of American history, while also highlighting the impact of Black authors and their contributions to the narrative.

Pushpita Prasad discusses the complex interplay between caste, media representation, and policy-making in the context of Hindu identity in North America. Pushpita is a board member of the Coalition of Hindus of North America.

Show notes:

• “DEI Training Material Increases Perception of Nonexistent Prejudice, Agreement with Hitler Rhetoric, Study Finds” by Abigail Anthony for National Review
• “Caste Training Fuels Hate and Authoritarianism, Reveals New Study by Network Contagion Research Institute” by Suresh Krishnamoorthy for American Kahani
• “Racist Voters and Rising Hate Groups” (A review of Isabel Wilkerson's Caste, Part 1 of 2) by Nandini Patwardhan for the Journal of Free Black Thought
• New Academic Research Proves Caste Narratives in DEI Create Bias Against Hindus
• “Who is Milind Makwana? Indian-American Dalit rights activist dies” in The Statesman
• Who is behind the caste legislation in the United State? What is their track record? on YouTube

In this conversation, Kayla (who likes to go by just her first name publicly) shares her personal journey, touching on her upbringing, mental health struggles, and evolving political views. She discusses feeling alienated in her youth and her critiques of both political sides. Kayla also reflects on her love for goth fashion, the importance of empathy, and the challenges of forming connections.

Show notes:

• Kayla’s “Daniel Penny Is A Hero” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
• Kayla on X
• Kayla on Instagram
• Kayla on TikTok
• Cartoons Hate Her on Substack

Adam Gussow talks about his life growing up, his path into music and academia, and his thoughts on race in America. As a blues musician and scholar, Adam offers a unique take on culture and activism. He and host Connie Morgan also discuss the evolving dynamics of interracial relationships, focusing on black women and white men, and how marriage and dating have changed over time. They explore cultural influences, race perceptions, and how it all ties into Adam’s upcoming book.

Show notes:

• My Family and I: A Mississippi Memoir by Adam Gussow
• Adam on YouTube: old channel and newer channel
• Adam’s Harmonica website: ModernBluesHarmonica.com
• satanandadamfilm.com
• The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi by Wright Thompson
• The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride
• Love in Black and White: A Memoir of Race, Religion, and Romance by William S. Cohen and Janet Langhart Cohen
• Gabe and Babe
• Is Marriage for White People?: How the African American Marriage Decline Affects Everyone by Ralph Richard Banks
• Movie Trailer for Something New
• “Vanilla Ice Cream” by Stephen Lynch
• 'Til Death Or Distance Do Us Part: Love and Marriage in African America by Frances Smith Foster
• The Black Family in Slavery and Freedom, 1750-1925 by Herbert G. G. Gutman

Michael DC Bowen and Wink Twyman discuss the impact of recent wildfires in California, particularly in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. They dive into the environmental and emotional challenges for residents, as well as the difficulties firefighters face. They also talk about the aftermath of a disaster in Pasadena, touching on housing, leadership, and community recovery. Finally, they explore issues around homelessness, public safety, and mental health, emphasizing the need for better solutions and a more balanced approach to public policy.

Aaron Fenton-Hewitt discusses the impact of his upbringing, the challenges of stereotypes, and the importance of community. The conversation also delves into the complexities of DEI initiatives and social engineering, exploring how these concepts relate to class and opportunity in the media industry.

Show notes:

• Aaron’s “DEI: The Arrogance of Social Engineering” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
• Aaron’s “The Economy of Victimhood” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
• Aaron on X