This episode traces storytelling in African American culture, from its roots in Africa, through the Middle Passage and slavery, and continuing through time until today. Ray shares which stories white people hear, which stories are just for “family”, and reflections on Ray’s introduction to the art of storytelling.

Ray looks at the origins of a false narrative of Black American history, its racist origins, the founder of revisionist history regarding the Civil War and Reconstruction, along with its influence on American society today.

Ray examines the nature of Black American assimilation into white culture.

What, when, how, and why Blacks learned in the US as well as what others were taught about them, from the slave quarters to HBCU’s.

What happens after death? Not in the metaphysical, existential sense. But quite literally, what happens after death? The history of the handling of bodies of Black decedents has been filled with interesting twists and turns, from blatant desecration to unusual rituals. Explore this topic with me in this episode of What's Ray Saying?

This special episode marks a dividing line between the old and new, where you were and where you're going, what was and what will be. Follow the journey from "seasoning" of slaves, to the life of a domestic worker in the 60's to current questions of assimilation and acculturation.

From the birth of this nation until today, Ray explores the complexities of life as a soldier of color in the US.

From food stamps to gov'ment cheese—what it meant, how it helped, how we felt about it then, and what we think about it now.

A literal discussion of skin color—the range of visual nuances of appearances that we consider "Black", how those divisions came to be and their many implications. From the paper bag test and one drop rule to Rachel Dolezal, who is Black and why?

In this premiere episode, Ray details the hardships that Blacks experienced after slavery and explores the themes and patterns of struggle that continued through the generations and into his own life.

This episode contains special music by Beej Gordy Brooks and cameo "appearances" by Kevin Allison and Kristina Wong.