I SEE U

The T.R.U.T.H. Project is a non-profit in Houston that works to educate and mobilize LGBTQ+ communities of color and their allies, with resources that promote mental, emotional and sexual health through the arts. The group's founder, Kevin Anderson, recently received a grant to produce a new digital documentary entitled, "Black Boy Symphony." Shot at the Deluxe Theatre in Houston's historic downtown 5th Ward, the film explores the lives of several gay men of color in the wake of a global pandemic. Brave Black men of varying ages reveal plenty about their authentic selves and the challenges they face, including racism, homophobia and marginalization. Host Eddie Robinson chats with Anderson, the film's creator, along with one of the men featured in the movie, John Nicklos, in a deeply moving discussion that's bold, provocative and unguarded.

As an only-child growing up in the early '70s in rural Mississippi, I SEE U's Eddie Robinson admired his mom and dad. Family meant the world to him -- it gave him a deep sense of belonging. But years later, when he came out to them as gay during a phone call, his religious parents shut off all communication with him. But it was his father who finally broke the silence and expressed how much they loved and supported him. Years later, Eddie made a promise to his dad that he'd be a grandfather some day. But with no partner, limited funds and his father's unexpected death, Eddie's desire to have a child through surrogacy has become a very challenging experience. Join us as host Eddie Robinson shares his personal story of struggle and perseverance in an effort to raise a child of his own. Guests include Eddie's surrogate, Whitney Crenshaw, along with Barbara Collura of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, and mental health expert, Joey Guzman-Kuffel.

What is it about strong, Black Women of the South? You may very well discover the answer in our interview with acclaimed actress and Mississippi-native, Aunjanue Ellis. Remarkably, she's been working in the film and television industry for over 25 years, starring in movies like, "The Help," "Ray," Lifetime's "The Clark Sisters," Netflix miniseries "When They See Us," and most recently, HBO's "Lovecraft Country." In many of her acting roles, Ellis' characters are bold, fierce, audacious - fearless. Are these traits a product of her Magnolia State upbringing? Does being from the South help fuel a fire to spark action in today's climate of social unrest? Find out when Emmy-nominated actress, Aunjanue Ellis, talks candidly with host Eddie Robinson, who both hail from the same neck of the woods--McComb, Mississippi! Ellis reveals her perspective on hidden messages of prejudice in media and journalism as well as talks about her new project centered around three powerful civil rights activists of Mississippi -- Fannie Lou Hamer, Annie Devine and Victoria Gray Adams.

Earlier this year in an interview with Oprah Winfrey, singer Stevie Wonder described his plans to move permanently to Ghana, West Africa. Weeks later, comedian Dave Chappelle said he was inspired by Wonder to do the same. There's a sudden trend of Americans who are leaving the United States and relocating to a foreign country -- Americans like the Jones family. 50-year-old Tony Jones, a former Milwaukee police officer, said 'enough is enough!' Blaming racism, harassment from law enforcement and rampant discrimination as reasons for the move, Tony and his wife, Ayo -- along with their two young boys -- left their home in Houston, Texas and relocated to Ghana. What is it about West Africa that offers them a greater sense of community than here in the United States? And could this be seen as a relief to those who suggest Blacks should 'go back to where they came from?' How are lawmakers in Congress reacting to this trend of searching for democracy elsewhere? Host Eddie Robinson chats with the Jones family and gets national reaction from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

Scholars have labeled the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 as one of the most horrific incidents of racial violence in U.S. history. But why has that history remained under wraps for so long? Historian Dr. Karlos Hill of the University of Oklahoma; and Scott Ellsworth, author of "The Ground Breaking," shed new light on the disaster. And with this racial attack as a backdrop, host Eddie Robinson chats with acclaimed violinist, Daniel Roumain, about the real reason why he was recently fired from a special centennial concert hosted by Tulsa Opera. The Opera's artistic director, Tobias Picker, also makes a guest appearance and responds to Roumain's accusations with some surprising revelations.

With the anniversary of George Floyd's death, two preachers -- one Black, one White -- both of large congregations in Houston, share unguarded perspectives on why some evangelical Christians have largely remained silent on race-related issues in America where social justice concerns are taking center stage. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, Senior Pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist and Dr. Steve Wells, Senior Pastor of South Main Baptist join 'I SEE U' Host Eddie Robinson in a surprising conversation where all participants reveal a sense of openness, vulnerability and authenticity.

I SEE U's premiere episode welcomes Oscar-winning filmmaker, Kevin Willmott, Duke University researcher, Dr. Adriene Lentz Smith and film producer, Brandy Byers. We'll reveal unexplored takeaways from a film Willmott directed and released in 2020 called, "THE 24th." The movie takes place in 1917, where soldiers from the Army's all-Black 24th Infantry Regiment become involved in a deadly riot in Houston. Throughout the course of the film, soldiers kept putting each other down and calling each other names. Guests talk candidly about the notion of colorism within the Black community and why so many African-Americans tend to discriminate and criticize each other. The episode will also grapple with why some White Americans tend to avoid discussions dealing with racism and prefer to look ahead and not dwell into the past.

One outgrowth of the social changes happening around us is people who have been historically disenfranchised are now taking control of their own narratives. I SEE U with Eddie Robinson brings those voices to a wider audience.

The show features candid interviews with newsmakers, filmmakers, musicians and community leaders that help us understand the cultural shifts that are changing our society in so many ways – surprising interviews filled with unpredictability, vulnerability and even a little playfulness. 

Eddie shepherds a new approach to the talk show and podcast format. The show’s design weaves personal histories and compelling storytelling into unique soundscapes. Captivating conversations drive listeners to reconsider preconceived notions about race and ethnicity, fairness, justice and much more. Ultimately, I SEE U will help us learn more about ourselves and each other; explore the origins of our biases and find ways to live together regardless of the color of our skin or our cultural differences.

Listen to I SEE U with Eddie Robinson every Saturday at 1pm on News 88.7, starting May 15.  And subscribe to the podcast by visiting the website ISEEUshow.org.