Please Say Black

In this last episode of the Juneteenth Drop, I speak to Justice Educator, Activist, Minister, and my personal funny joke texter, Alicia Crosby Mack.  Alicia and I have a engaging conversation about Black Theology and the Black Church.  We unpack if what we think about with the term theology which includes imagination and creativity doesn't necessary fit what we have experienced growing up in the Black Church.  Those ideals seem to rest on fear and intimidation. The conversation also touches on the importance of expanding our lexicon and imagination around what we name as the black church, good religion, and bad religion. We also tackle controversial topic, how the Church has failed the Black Community.     Alicia is a dynamic public speaker, podcaster, writer, and community activist.  Get to know her service and work at her website, here.

Historian, Writer, Educator, and Cultural Activist, Lisa Betty joins me for this episode of Please Say Black.  Lisa is dedicated her work in challenging mainstream social justice movements' problematic views on various issues. Lisa and I discuss the impact of white supremacy on black communities and the importance of understanding its history and patterns to challenge it.  We also touch on the importance of authenticity and storytelling in preserving the truth and countering colonial lies.     During the episode Lisa mentions Black Reconstruction in America, 1860-1880, Brittany Cooper's book "Eloquent Rage: A Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower",    Lisa Betty is a PhD Candidate in History at Fordham University. She teaches on themes of land, labor, migration, and diaspora in the Americas, the Caribbean and Africa. Lisa has worked in the field of nonprofit advocacy serving in organizations that advocate for children, families, immigrants, and incarcerated people.  To connect with Lisa and all the wonderful things she does click here.   "I speak to the Black experience, but I am always talking about the human condition--about what we can endure, dream, fail at and survive." - Maya Angelou

In this episode, I am graced with the presence of Dr. Jenaya Perdue an educator and entrepreneur living in China.  We discuss Jenaya's experiences as a Black expat and the global nature of anti-Blackness. The conversation touches on the decision to leave the United States, the concept of progress for Black people, and the challenges of accessing information in China due to government censorship. Dr. Perdue highlights the ongoing struggle for progress and equality for Black people both in the United States and globally. Plus shares tips for traveling abroad and encourages Black travelers to be intentional and mindful of the impact of their actions on local communities.   During this episode Jenaya mentioned Melanated Stamps on Instagram, The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, and the Momondo App   Dr. Jenaya Perdue is a podcaster, writer, thinker, storyteller, expat. You can find Dr. Perdue and all the wonderful things Jenaya does here.   “It wasn't so much a matter of choosing France — it was a matter of getting out of America …" - James Baldwin

Author, Liberation Activist, and Black Joy Advocate, Tina Strawn joins me for this episode of Please Say Black.  During this episode, Tina and I discuss decolonizing one's life and prioritizing black joy and liberation.  Together, we discuss the importance of pleasure activism, centering joy and celebration as a way to resist oppression, and the harmful narrative that rest has to be earned.  Tina is a racial and social justice advocate, author, and liberation activist.    During the episode Tina mentions Black Women Surfing, Atltantra, Adrienne Maree Brown, Audre Lorde, and The Nap Ministry.    Tina is the Founder of Legacy Trips, which are three-day anti-racism trips visiting the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration in Montgomery, and the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, and utilizing spiritual practices as tools to dismantle racism. Tina is the owner of Speaking of Racism podcast, which has been downloaded almost 400,000 times.  Tina is the author of the upcoming book, “Are We Free Yet?: The Black, Queer Guide to Divorcing America ” through Row House Publishing.   "Liberation is ultimately a celebration of our deepest humanity, and our fight for it must include a deeper examination of how we relate to oppressive systems while centering our joy, peace, and pleasure." - Tina Strawn

This episode I am speaking with Guido Melo.  Guido is an Afro-Brazilian-Latinx multilingual author and poet based in Naarm (Melbourne). We have an insightful conversation about how slavery affected the entire North and South America continents and not just the United States.  40% of the enslaved Africans that were brought to the Americas were found their way to Brazil.  Guido highlights the severe atrocities of slavery in South America and gives eye opening facts that prove that racism has been a global issue for centuries.     Guido is a member of Sweatshop Literacy Movement, a columnist for Negrê and a contributor to Growing Up African in Australia (Black Inc., 2019) and Racism: Stories on Fear, Hate & Bigotry (Sweatshop, 2021).   His words can be found in Peril Magazine, Ascension Magazine, SBS Voices, SBS Portuguese, Cordite Poetry Review, Mantissa Poetry Review, A Voz Limpia, Alma Preta Jornalismo and Guia Negro News.

Dr. Felicia Bell joins me for the latest episode of Please Say Black. During this episode, Dr. Bell and I reflect on the significance of enslaved labor throughout the United States.  Dr. Bell’s research and testimony before the United States Congress has been significant in establishing a historical record that reveals the tremendous material offering given to this country by the formally enslaved, Together, we hold space to share our feelings about our ancestors' offering. Dr. Bell also explains the significance of reparative justice by way of Reparations as well. This episode is essential for anyone trying to navigate how the past is shaping our contemporary consciousness and society.  You can read Dr. Bell and her research here as well as see her work featured at the White House. You also connect with Dr. Bell via LinkedIn.  Learn more about stone quarries here.  “Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated. Judicial decrees may not change the heart, but they can restrain the heartless.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

We interrupt our regularly scheduled broadcast because racial terrorism is real and its debilitating. On May 14, 2022, a mass shooting occurred in Buffalo, New York, at a Tops Friendly Markets store, a supermarket in the Kingsley neighborhood on the eastern side of the city. Ten people were killed, and three others were injured; 11 of the victims were black. The shooter livestreamed the attack on Twitch. The shooter left behind a manifesto detailing his vile hatred of Black and Jewish people.   This hate is overwhelming. Sometimes the only thing we can do is make space for rest.

My good friend Tommy Allgood joins me for the latest episode of Please Say Black. During this episode, he and I discuss Black Joy. Tommy shares an expansive understanding of  Black joy. Together, we hold space to discuss the tensions that communally exist that may prohibit joy in light of our traumas. Tommy helps our listeners understand the power of somatic practice in gaining access to more joy within an anti-Black world and violent systems.    During this episode, Tommy discusses hush harbors and epigenetics. They also mention Austin Channing Brown’s I’m Still Here, Barbara Holme’s Joy Unspeakable,  Resmaa Menakem’s My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies and Overcoming Anti-Blackness and finding Black Love a sermon preached by Teaching Pastor Cedric Lundy.  Tommy is a co-host of the Permission to Be podcast. They are also the creator behind the Collective on Patreon and serves as a guide within the Anti-Oppression Academy.  You can follow him on Medium and Instagram.    "We are powerful because we have survived." " - Audre Lorde

Celebrated Queer Artist, Techie, and Anti-racism Educator, Nandi Kayy joins me for the latest episode of Please Say Black. During this episode, Nandi and I inspire to celebrate and amplify Twerk Culture as an antidote to Respectability Politics. Nandi complicates our current interpretations of Black solidarity as they offer insights into labor and sex work. Together, we acknowledge the significance of embodying Queer politics. During this episode, Nandi mentions Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome. Nandi is a recording artist whose latest album Riot is currently streaming and also the host of the Black Friends Dinner podcast. You can follow them on Twitter and Instagram.  “Once you really know yourself, can’t nobody tell you nothing about you.” – Megan Thee Stallion

My good sis Courtney Napier joins me for the latest episode of Please Say Black. During this episode, Courtney and I travail together reflecting upon the old adage, often credited to our dear ancestor Zora Neale Hurston, “All Skinfolk Ain’t Kinfolk.” Together, we hold space to share our feelings with the expression and unpack the ways we have embodied it. As we unravel this important communal conversation we realize that proximity to Whiteness, respectability politics, cancel culture and community accountability are all parts of this Grown Folks business! During this episode, Courtney mentions Audre Lorde’s Sister Outsider: "Sexism: An American Disease in Blackface '' and Candance Owens recent interview with the former U.S president.  Courtney is the Head Editor and creator of Bos Magazine and the Black Oak Society. You can support her on Patreon and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.    "I am not invested in white people’s problems" - Farrieda Harris Lotts

Andre Henry joins host Joquina Reed for the latest episode of Please Say Black.  Andre shares the latest tea from his new book, All The White Friends I Couldn't Keep. Andre is an uncompromisingly powerful author, singer and songwriter. Listen to this robust conversation about the significance of embodying  anti-racism practices in our closest relationships. Additionally, hold space with them as the two bare witness to the real impacts of anti-Blackness in everyday life. During this episode Andre cites the wonderful work of Blair Imani. Find out more about their work here and check out their latest book: Read This to Get Smarter: About Race, Class, Gender, Disability & More.  Andre also mentions his song Delusional,  Afropessimism and Nina Simone's song: You’ve Got to Learn . Lastly, spend some time learning more about the Maroon community and Black resistance in Jamaica and How Nonviolent Struggle Works. All the White Friends I Couldn’t Keep is available for purchase and digital download so consider purchasing Andre’s book today.  "When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." - Bayard Rustin.

Dr.Christena Cleveland joins me for the premiere episode of Please Say Black. Dr. Cleveland expands upon her latest book, God is a Black Woman.  Dr. Cleveland shares the significance of self-compassion in Black Liberation and communal healing. Together, we hold space to name the sacredness of Blackness. During this episode, Christina mentions the significance of Palestian theology and I also talk about  Claudette Colvin. To find out more about Dr. Christena’s work check out her website and feel free to purchase your copy of God is a Black Woman here. Lastly, join the spring Black Book Exchange at either The AntiBlackness Reader project or Divesting from Whiteness platform.   "She believed in a future she had no evidence for..." - Tananarive Due

Welcome to the Premier Season of Please Say Black! Please Say Black is a podcast dedicated to uplifting conversations with folx across the African Diaspora.  It is a creative  extension of The AntiBlackness Reader platform. The podcast mirrors the goals of ABR in amplifying Black truth and knowledge, centering Black stories and exposing anti-Blackness. Our host, Joquina Reed is deeply committed to valuing the lived experiences of people deeply impacted by colonialism, xenophobia, racism and anti-Blackness. To learn more about Joquina go to  joquinareed.com