On this episode of Blackbelt Voices, we’re exploring the facets of public policy and how it affects societal norms with Tamika Edwards. Plus, Gennie Hirschy shows real-life connections that may serve as motivation to stay informed and engaged in local politics. And this week’s Turn to Your Neighbor segment features Dazzmin Murry, a young woman from Little Rock whose creativity is multifaceted. Follow Tamika Edwards and Gennie Hirschy on Twitter.Other websites mentioned: For AR PeopleArkansas StrongGo Vote ARCONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICESFollow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKSEdited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Social Justice in the South

The Blackbelt Voices podcast tells stories from and about Black folks down South that honor our history, celebrate our culture, and shape our future. Through first-person narratives and in-depth conversations, hosts Adena J. White, Kara Wilkins, and Katrina Dupins share the experiences of Black Southerners living in, loving, and reconciling with the region we call home. 
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr. 
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

This two-part episode of the Blackbelt podcast explores how Urban Patchwork, a Little Rock-based nonprofit network of farmers and backyard gardeners, aims to build a sustainable local food economy and promote interdependence among residents. In part one, we hear from LeRoi Emerson, a board member for Urban Patchwork. He joins host Adena White to discuss the organization's efforts to increase access to fresh food in low-income neighborhoods and foster community collaboration to enhance health and social cohesion.

Growing Together Part 1 of 2: Urban Farmers Cultivating Community in Little Rock | LeRoi Emerson

We're back in the saddle! In this episode, Adena and Kara discuss the relaunch of Blackbelt Voices as a platform for authentic storytelling. After completing a Social Impact Storytelling program at Georgetown University and a fellowship with Solutions Journalism Network, Adena has come back with fresh ideas of how Blackbelt Voices can emphasize the importance of authenticity, belonging, and connection in storytelling.

Brené. Beyoncé. Belonging.

Adena and Kara talk to writer and self-proclaimed Wypipologist Michael Harriot. The South Carolina native is well known for his wit, cultural commentary, and gift of mixing humor and historical context. In this episode, Michael breaks down the discipline of Wypipology, Black humor, and the story behind his coining of the phrase "invited to the cookout." (Yes, he's the one who came up with it.)

Michael Harriot: The King of Breaking It Down

La'Twana Scott, the owner of Sweet Mama T's in El Dorado, Arkansas, developed a reputation as a great cook at an early age. The El Dorado native enjoys cooking for people and got her start from helping her mom as a child.

Turn to Your Neighbor: La'Twana Scott - El Dorado, Arkansas

On episode 37 of Blackbelt Voices, we continue our conversation about Black food, this time focusing on barbecue. Guest Michael “Mike D” De Los Santos of North Carolina walks us through his journey of becoming an expert on the topic, which eventually led to him creating his own sauces and rubs and selling through his company, Mike D’s. 

Mike’s journey to becoming a small business owner has uplifting and heartbreaking turns, including the loss of his infant son Aaron, which he wrote about in a book he authored called “My Heart Warrior: Living With HLHS Through A Father’s Eyes.” 

Mike and his business was also featured on Discovery Channel’s “I Quit.”

Social Justice in the South

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