In this episode of the UnMelanated Podcast, Dr. Dara unpacks what real community communication looks like—and why it matters. From the Lafayette County jail meeting to everyday examples of gatekeeping and misrepresentation, we ask: Who’s really speaking for us, and who should be?

We explore the power of listening first, honoring trusted local voices, and bridging generations through dialogue. Rooted in the traditions of oral storytelling, faith networks, and cooperative economics, this conversation reminds us that communication isn’t just talk—it’s how Black communities build power, preserve culture, and create change.

Tune in, speak up, and get involved. Because if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Like and subscribe for more UnMelanated!

In this episode of the UnMelanated Podcast, Dr. Dara explores what it truly takes to build power, strategy, and sustainable impact for Black communities across Arkansas. From understanding the state’s cultural and regional divides to identifying where education, political opportunity, and community infrastructure intersect, this conversation digs into what progress can look like — and how to get there.

We break down:

• What a meaningful statewide strategy requires

• How Arkansas’ regions and cultures shape advocacy work

• Where educational and political opportunities exist for Black Arkansans

• How to identify partners and build strong, lasting networks

• Organizations currently doing the work and how to collaborate

Whether you’re an activist, educator, organizer, or simply curious about the future of Black Arkansas, this episode offers insight, direction, and tangible possibilities for change.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Like and subscribe for more UnMelanated!

In this episode, Dr. Dara dives into Black political engagement in the 2024 election and beyond. She unpacks voter turnout statistics, exploring how race, gender, and region shaped the results, and reflects on why Arkansas continues to rank among the lowest in participation. Through a candid discussion, Dr. Dara asks: should Black voters “mind their own business” politically—or double down on organizing and community power?

Dr. Dara wrestles with the tension between political fatigue and responsibility—acknowledging that while Black communities deserve rest, disengagement isn’t an option. She reframes “minding our Black business” as both self-care and strategic action: building power, fostering allyship, and organizing where we are.

This episode is a call to action—encouraging listeners to find concrete ways to get involved, from student organizations to local community efforts—because, as the hosts remind us, “no one is coming to save us; we have to do it ourselves.” 

Welcome to Season 2 on the UnMelanated Podcast. We're excited to have guest host, Dr. Dara Gaines, kicking off Season 2. Dr. Dara is a native Arkansan who makes sense of the world through the lens of political science and political action.

UnMelanated hosts Kaylin and Rameia welcome and encourage everyone to join their show as they explore different topics that they’ve experienced or witnessed as Black women on a Predominately White Campus.

You know the definition of audacity? Well, hosts Kaylin and Rameia take it a step further in the episode by explaining the audacity white people have and how it has affected their lives.

Discussing the topic of white privilege, Kaylin and Rameia dive into how it has impacted them individually and how it manifests on campus.

Campus cultures constantly change, and due to COVID Black student engagement may never look the same. Join Kaylin and Rameia as they discuss the differences between Kaylin’s experiences with Black campus culture versus Rameia’s.

Beyonce’ snubbed yet again for Album of the Year at the Grammy’s. Dive into this week’s episode as Kaylin and Rameia discuss unoriginal facets of white culture that they are praised for, and how this translates to campus behavior.

Black and Brown people do NOT look alike. Rameia and Kaylin explore what it is like to be a Black woman in spaces where they are mistaken for the only other person of color in the room.