Juneteenth serves as a critical account of the process of emancipation and enfranchisement. It also provides us with a better understanding of American culture and ideology. 

In this episode, CJ reveals the origins of Juneteenth, its essential place within the American narrative, and ways to celebrate Juneteenth. CJ examines lesser-known details about Juneteenth and its intrinsic value with the American narrative while illuminating our continued journey towards freedom. All the General Orders read on June 19, 1865, will be explored as well as the hidden history regarding the state of Texas and its role within the spectrum of enslavement along with greater insight about to impact Confederate culture.

June is Black Music Month, a call to respect Black Music and its essential place in the soundtrack of America. In this episode, CJ explores the spectrum of Black Music and its continued reflection of the social realities of Black life. This episode features Content Developer & Historic Preservationist of Black activism and advocacy, Dr. Jacqueline P. Hudson, as well as a performance by an emerging independent artist, Queen Destiny. 

Resources: Black American Music Association | Bringing Music To The Culture; Disc 3: Forward With Pride - Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Hillbilly-Music.com - Lenora Ross

In this episode of GOT TIME, CJ explores the primal legacy of drumming and its evolution in African diasporic societies. This episode features special guest Dr. Mark Lomax II, a critically acclaimed composer, recording artist, drummer, activist, educator, and author. The candid conversation between CJ and Mark unpacks a series of mixed ensembles intended to illuminate Black history and the radical humanity of Blackness. 

In this episode, CJ explores the legacy of poet and activist, Audre Lorde, and the preservation of mental health amid social chaos. This episode features special guest Dr. Rodney Coates, a public sociologist engaged in critical race, social justice, social movements, social policy, and practice.

#GTWCJ #thehillmantokuniversity #blackhistory #mentalhealth

History:  Audre Lorde (1934-1992) | BlackPast.org

Special Guest: Rodney Coates | CSSCFI | CAS | Miami University

Amid the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance, we have an opportunity to examine one of the most essential cultural movements of the 20th century. In this episode, CJ explores the impact and legacy of the Harlem Renaissance with two special guests: Daphney Thomas, the Founder of the National Commission for Black Arts & Entertainment, and Toilynn O’Neal Turner, the CEO and President of the Robert O’Neal Multicultural Art Center.  

Resource: Harlem Renaissance - Definition, Artists & How It Started | HISTORY; Claude McKay (1889-1948) | BlackPast.org; (1919) "If We Must Die" | BlackPast.org; A New African American Identity: The Harlem Renaissance | National Museum of African American History and Culture

In honor of the 2025 Women’s History Month theme, this episode features a candid conversation with Dr. Littisha A. Bates. Bates is a brilliant scholar and college professor with research interests including education, family, and social stratification.  

For questions or topic suggestions, email [email protected] 

To learn more about Septima Poinsette Clark, visit Septima Poinsette Clark (1898-1987) | BlackPast.org 

To learn more about Marva Collins, visit Marva Collins (1936-2015) | BlackPast.org

This episode features a candid conversation with Fanon Rucker, revisiting the historical realties of the Reconstruction era and the rise of Jim Crow.  Rucker is an attorney, history professor, and former judge who appears on regional and national television and radio shows discussing cases and current social justice matters.

For questions or topic suggestions, email [email protected] 

To learn more about Fanon Rucker, visit Attorney Fanon A. Rucker - Cochran Law Firm Ohio

To learn more about Henry McNeal Turner, visit Henry McNeal Turner (1834-1915) | Welcome to Blackpast and (1868) Rev. Henry McNeal Turner, "I Claim the Rights of a Man" | Welcome to Blackpast

To learn more about the Plessy v. Ferguson Decision, visit (1896) The Plessy v. Ferguson Decision | Welcome to Blackpast

This episode features candid commentary aligned with the 2025 Black History theme, African Americans and Labor. The legacy of Black labor and businesses is a critical part of the American narrative that deserves emphasis. 

For questions or topic suggestions, email [email protected] 

To learn more about Association for the Study of African American Life &History, visit ASALH | The Founders of Black History Month (est. 1915)

This episode features candid conversations with Rev. Damon Lynch Jr., Alandes Powell, and Brandon “Illzotic” Hawkins, exploring lesser-known stories about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the legacy of MLK as reflected in monuments, and the role of art in prompting critical reflections on social behaviors and historical narratives.