In the Blackseat

This episode is a first in the Blackseat - non-Black people have been invited to participate in the discussion. This episode is launching on the day we celebrate the birthday of civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Laws prohibiting interracial relationships were deemed unconstitutional in June 1967, just nine months before Dr. King’s assassination. 

Nearly six decades later, while these relationships are more accepted, racism in this country means that there can still be trouble. I bent my rule, in order to hear from Berta and Brian Hamilton, and Ryane and Joe Granados. They spoke candidly about their love stories, and how the husbands learned more about the Black experience through their wives. This adds an extra layer of challenge, and they are quite honest about that.

They also offer sage advice for those who are considering crossing the color lines to find love, share their Black heroes and heroines, and Berta and Ryane share their definitions of Blackness. Buckle up let’s go!

One of the best contemporary storytellers is in the Blackseat for this episode. 

I got a chance to sit down with THE Michael Harriot!

He is everything you think he would be - funny, sharp, self-deprecating, intelligent, all of the good adjectives. We talked about his path to where he is now, whether Black folks should share certain parts of our culture, his views on integration and his stint as an organized crime boss. 

Oh, and he bought a plantation. Whaaaaaaaaaaa???? Buckle up - let's go!

Dr. Jeanne Aston-Baynes is a professor of Africana Studies at Eastern Washington University, near Spokane, Washington. During our initial conversation, when she mentioned where she worked, it sparked something: isn't that where Rachel Dolezal taught?

"Yes, I shared an office with her." Yep, she shared an office with the infamous professor who made news as a white woman who had been pretending to be Black (referring to herself as transracial).

That's when I knew I HAD to have her in the Blackseat. Our conversation didn't just focus on Rachel Dolezal, however (though we DEFINITELY talked about her!) It expanded to the concept of identity, the issues she has faced teaching Black history to mostly white students in a very white area, and the difference between appropriation and appreciation. If you're ready, buckle up - let's go!

Modern day policing traces all the way back to slave patrols, and presents communities - especially Black ones - with issues to this day. I have wrestled with unlearning and learning about law enforcement, and have been intent on sitting down with a Black LEO. 

I couldn't have imagined the first person who fit that bill would also be running for Sheriff of Los Angeles County! Meet Cecil Rhambo, who has thrown his hat in the ring for this very prominent and controversial position (as of the launch of this episode, there are just six days until the primary.)

We talked about everything from the possibility of actual reform, his reasons behind testifying against Lee Baca (in a case where eleven people ended up convicted), his views on why there is tension between police and the Black community, and of course - his definition of Blackness and his Black hero. Let's go!

I can’t wait for you to meet Dr. Ricky L. Jones, chair of the Pan African Studies department at the University of Louisville, Kentucky - one of the oldest in the country, nearing fifty years in existence. In a time where anything related to Black history is being attacked as CRT, you gotta know this is an especially tough time for him and his department. 

Like my discussion with Elizabeth Leiba, our conversation took twists and turns as we discussed everything from why his current state of Kentucky is DNV (as in do not visit), the obstacles he faces trying to keep Black faces and Black voices at the university, why he believes all Black folks should go to college, and his theory that white people are Black people’s children. 

We had a great time, and even had a WHOLE other discussion as we tried to wrap up with his definitions of Blackness and his Black heroes. He delivers the toughest ideas with a little bit of bless your heart, and y’all know what that phrase means. I hope you learn, challenge yourself, and grow listening to his VERY interesting thoughts and views. Let's go!

Most everyone is familiar with the story of Ruby Bridges, a little Black girl who integrated her school in Louisiana at just six years old (her first day was immortalized in a Norman Rockwell painting, underscoring just how tiny she was.) 

But we also know that there were hundreds of segregated schools in America, which means there are dozens more Ruby Bridges who were little warriors, just like her. I am excited for you to meet Ms. Shondolyn Small, one of the first Black students to attend her town’s all white school. One of the most impactful parts of our conversation was the visceral response she had to the memories. 

Our conversation covered the impact of race in her small town Alabama, colorism and the concept of the “acceptable Negro”, and the lifelong effects of racial trauma. You will be charmed by her sweet spirit, and inspired to hear all of the victories she has achieved along the way. You will also be TOUCHED to hear about her past and current heroes. If you’re ready, buckle up - Let’s go!

What does it mean to talk Black? To talk while being Black? In a world where whiteness is the default, and proximity to whiteness is the standard of what is "good" and "acceptable", my guest Elizabeth Leiba is having NONE of that. We had an energetic and passionate conversation about everything from code switching as a survival mechanism (which can be traumatic), the stereotypes and tropes that Black folks get assigned, what "talking Black" is and isn't, and her harrowing tale of being arrested and dealing with the legal system over the course of several YEARS in order to clear her name. 

She also shared the inspiration behind the Black History and Culture Academy (https://www.blackhistorycultureacademy.com/), a website full of powerful, easy to digest lessons on all aspects of Black History.

Liz Leiba is a force to be reckoned with, so make sure you follow her on LinkedIn (where she currently has over 100,000 followers). I know you'll be a fan of her straight shooting, take no prisoners approach to what it means to be true to yourself as a Black person in a white world. Let's go!

It's been a while since I have done a Quick Ride, but this topic has been on my mind!

If you are a Black person who has been attacked by white supremacy - whether individually or systemically - is it a compliment to say "you are so strong" or "you are so composed"? 

You've seen the scenario - Black person gets harassed and holds their peace in the face of unrelenting aggression. Black person gets praised for composure, strength (and sometimes even patriotism, grrrrrrrrrr!)

I don't think it's a compliment, and I will tell you why in about eight minutes. Keep in mind, that I am not advocating for wholesale, unwarranted violence. Also, this is no way reflects by admiration for our resilience. HOWEVER, I think this sort of remark is more damaging than helpful, and I will tell you why, and my personal opinion on how we can protect ourselves. 

Let's go!

I got incredible feedback from the season premiere focused on mental health. As I am writing this overview, it is the top episode of this season and the fifth most downloaded episode of them all!

There is such a hunger for information about honest conversations about mental health and practical ways to engage in self care, and Dr. Ricardo Whyte, Dr. Kimani Norrington-Sands and AJ Springer are BACK (literally by popular demand).

We covered even more ground (honestly, this could be its own series!) Our discussion ranged from the need for self care, the way society and media attack and assault Black people, how to harness your physical and emotional energy and even how they are actively healing themselves (as mental health practitioners and individuals). 

I can't say enough good things - I've got pages and pages of notes, and I hope you come away with some goodness that will help you preserve your mental wellbeing (which impacts the entire community!) Let's go!

Drug addiction has been a plague on America for generations, and we all know when America sneezes, Black folks get the flu. When I heard my guests' story about dealing with and overcoming addiction, I couldn't wait to get them in the Blackseat to share. I believe Gary and Myrna's love story, through years of hell as he used crack cocaine, will inspire those who are also struggling or love someone who is. 

We spoke at length about how he became an addict, their tumultuous relationship during the worst years (as she took care of his family while he was in the crack house), his run-ins with the law, the damage to his family and their thoughts about addiction and the Black community. I guarantee you will feel like you are right there with him in the depths of his disease, and your heart will go out to Myrna. You'll also be heartened to hear how he rebuilt his life and his marriage, how passionate they are about helping others, and what you should do to get help. Let's go!