How do we become who we are—and what stories help us remember ourselves?In this episode of The Rolling Archives, Ashley is joined by Dr. Chelsea Bouldin, scholar of Black studies and Black feminist thought, for a rich conversation about imagination, memory, self-making, and the power of the archive.Together, they reflect on the moments that shaped them as young Black girls—from roller skating rinks and grandmothers' homes to classrooms and literature—and explore how these experiences continue to influence who they are becoming. Dr. Chelsea shares her research on Black women's imaginative self-making, inviting us to consider imagination not as escapism, but as a political and creative practice that allows us to envision ourselves beyond the limits imposed by racism, sexism, and other systems of oppression.The conversation also reimagines what an archive can be. Rather than something confined to institutions, Ashley and Dr. Chelsea remind us that our journals, family photographs, handwritten notes, conversations, and everyday memories all hold profound historical value.This episode is an invitation to honor your own story, preserve the moments that matter, and imagine yourself—and your future—with intention.Reflection Question: What is one memory you would preserve in your personal archive, and what does it reveal about who you are becoming?Connect with Dr. Chelsea Bouldin: Follow Chelsea on Instagram at @chelsea.bouldin and learn more about her scholarship in Black studies, Black feminist thought, archives, and Black women's imaginative self-making. You can also reach her via email at [email protected]
Summarize this data    How do we become who we are—and what stories help us remember ourselves?In this episode of The Rolling Archives, Ashley is joined by Dr. Chelsea Bouldin, scholar of Black studies and Black feminist thought, for a rich conversation about imagination, memory, self-making, and the power of the archive.Together, they reflect on the moments that shaped them as young Black girls—from roller skating rinks and grandmothers' homes to classrooms and literature—and explore how these experiences continue to influence who they are becoming. Dr. Chelsea shares her research on Black women's imaginative self-making, inviting us to consider imagination not as escapism, but as a political and creative practice that allows us to envision ourselves beyond the limits imposed by racism, sexism, and other systems of oppression.The conversation also reimagines what an archive can be. Rather than something confined to institutions, Ashley and Dr. Chelsea remind us that our journals, family photographs, handwritten notes, conversations, and everyday memories all hold profound historical value.This episode is an invitation to honor your own story, preserve the moments that matter, and imagine yourself—and your future—with intention.Reflection Question: What is one memory you would preserve in your personal archive, and what does it reveal about who you are becoming?Connect with Dr. Chelsea Bouldin: Follow Chelsea on Instagram at @chelsea.bouldin and learn more about her scholarship in Black studies, Black feminist thought, archives, and Black women's imaginative self-making. You can also reach her via email at [email protected]
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What happens when being strong and the pressure to keep everything laid, polished, and under control becomes an expectation rather than a choice? In this episode of The Rolling Archives Podcast, Ashley reflects on the messages many Black girls receive early in life: work harder, do more, achieve more, and never let anyone see you struggle. Joining the conversation is licensed marriage and family therapist, researcher, and longtime friend Dr. Heather Lofton, whose work centers Black women’s mental health, identity development, and emotional well-being. Together, they unpack the pressures of the “strong Black woman” narrative, the hidden costs of Black Girl Magic, and the ways Black girls are often socialized to prioritize caring for others while neglecting themselves. This episode is an invitation to pause, listen to your body, and consider a different question: What does it look like to care for yourself in a world that often demands that you don't?

Whether you're navigating burnout, unlearning inherited expectations, or searching for healthier ways to thrive, this conversation offers both affirmation and practical wisdom for the journey.

Connect with Dr. Heather Lofton:

Learn more about Dr. Heather Lofton's work through her Substack, Dr. Black Girl (DrBLKGirl), where she shares reflections, resources, and self-study courses focused on Black women's mental health, productivity, relationships, and well-being. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn for updates on her clinical, research, and consulting work.

https://drblackgirl.substack.com/; https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-lofton-phd-lmft-22921a86

What happens when Black girls become the archivists of their own stories?

In this rich and joyful conversation, Ashley sits down with scholar, author, cultural critic, and longtime mentor Dr. Aria Halliday to explore the worlds Black girls create, inhabit, and transform through culture, community, and imagination.

Together, they roll back the archives of Black girlhood—from dancing with sisters and watching Sister, Sister to finding themselves reflected in characters like Moesha, Lisa Turtle, and Cinderella. Through personal memories and critical analysis, Dr. Halliday reflects on the experiences that shaped her groundbreaking work in Black Girlhood Studies and her commitment to documenting the everyday lives, joys, complexities, and cultural contributions of Black girls.

The conversation explores the creation of the landmark Black Girlhood Studies Collection, the challenges of carving out space for Black girlhood scholarship within academia, and the importance of treating Black girls’ lived experiences as worthy of study, theory, and celebration. Ashley and Aria also discuss pop culture, dance, embodiment, representation, mentorship, and Dr. Halliday’s powerful new book, Black Girls and How We Fail Them.

At its heart, this episode is an invitation to remember that Black girlhood is not only defined by struggle—it is also a site of creativity, innovation, pleasure, friendship, movement, beauty, and possibility.

Resources mentioned in the conversation: The Black Girlhood Studies Collection by Aria Halliday

Twerk Sumn!: Theorizing Black Girl Epistemology in the Body by Aria Halliday

Black Girls and How We Fail Them by Aria Halliday

Buy Black: How Black Women Transformed US Pop Culture

In this deeply affirming and expansive conversation, Ashley sits down with educator, organizer, and Justice for Black Girls founder Brianna Baker to explore what it means to reclaim Black girlhood, build liberatory spaces, and create institutions where Black girls are not only protected — but deeply loved, heard, and celebrated. Together, they reflect on the transformative power of Black girl spaces, the tension between grief and joy in Black girlhood, and the urgency of building worlds where Black girls can exist freely on their own terms. As you dive into this conversation, ask yourself “If you had an opportunity to put Black girlhood studies into action or even return to your younger self and ask what she desired most when growing up, what might that look like for you?”

Connect with Brianna Baker and Justice For Black Girls: https://instagram.com/justice4blackgirls ; https://justiceforblackgirls.com

TRA-Show InfoThe Rolling Archives Podcast collection of stories and conversations about Black women and girls’ past-present-future selves. While distinctions across Black girls and women’s childhood, adolescence, and adulthood may deserve their own recognition, The Rolling Archives embodies and honors reoccurring memories of Black girlhood as foundational sites of joy, exploration, meaning making, and life-affirming practices on a non-linear trajectory for Black women and girls. The Rolling Archives offers space for Black girls and women to reflect on, engage, and sit with these moments that have inspired and informed their current journeys, practices, and the formation of spaces that nurture their moments of living. Hosted by Ashley Smith-Purviance whose research on Black girlhood has grown into a platform for Black women and girls to speak freely to talk about their lives and experiences, to bridge the connection between generations and education levels, to create a meaningful community.
   The Rolling Archives Podcast collection of stories and conversations about Black women and girls’ past-present-future selves. While distinctions across Black girls and women’s childhood, adolescence, and adulthood may deserve their own recognition, The Rolling Archives embodies and honors reoccurring memories of Black girlhood as foundational sites of joy, exploration, meaning making, and life-affirming practices on a non-linear trajectory for Black women and girls. The Rolling Archives offers space for Black girls and women to reflect on, engage, and sit with these moments that have inspired and informed their current journeys, practices, and the formation of spaces that nurture their moments of living. Hosted by Ashley Smith-Purviance whose research on Black girlhood has grown into a platform for Black women and girls to speak freely to talk about their lives and experiences, to bridge the connection between generations and education levels, to create a meaningful community.
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