Black Men Speak Podcast

Keith Dent

It's a podcast that highlights ordinary Black Men doing extraordinary things.

  1. FEB 16

    Ep. 102 Grief Without A Roadmap_ When Strength is Expected But Support is Absent

    In this episode of Black Men Speak, we sit with Ryan K Brown Jr., who confronted loss head-on—and discovered how unprepared our systems are to care for grieving families once the hospital lights dim. What began as a medical crisis exposed deeper emotional and systemic gaps, where strength was assumed, silence followed, and support was scarce. Through his grief, Ryan Brown Co-Founded The Andreas Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research, education, and compassionate support for families affected by pregnancy and infant loss. Ryan's work is deeply shaped by personal experience. After the loss of his son, Andreas Darius Brown, Ryan confronted firsthand the emotional, medical, and systemic gaps that too often leave grieving families unsupported. What began as a journey through profound grief became a commitment to transform pain into purpose—ensuring that families navigating loss are met with understanding, resources, and meaningful change rather than silence. Today's conversation is about fatherhood, grief, and the quiet burden Black men are often expected to carry alone. We talk about what happens after the doctors leave, how grief shows up in the body and mind, and why compassion can't end at discharge. This isn't about performing resilience. It's about telling the truth, naming the gaps, and creating space for Black men to be seen, supported, and heard.

    54 min
  2. JAN 12

    Ep. 100 Black Cherokee - The Untold Story of Black and Native Identity

    In this powerful episode of Black Men Speak, we sit down with the author of Black Cherokee to unpack the rarely told story of Black and Indigenous identity in America. Through history, ancestral truth, and courageous storytelling, our guest explores what it means to exist at the intersection of Blackness and Cherokee heritage—while navigating belonging, erasure, and legacy. This conversation dives into hidden histories, the impact of enslavement within Native nations, and the emotional weight of claiming an identity that has often been questioned or denied. We also explore how generational trauma, and cultural reclamation shape the lives of Black Cherokee people today. Antonio Michael Downing is an acclaimed author, broadcaster, and musician. Kiese Laymon praised his memoir Saga Boy as "singularly dazzling" and received critical acclaim from publications like Essence Magazine. His novel Black Cherokee has been called "a triumph" by Giller Prize winner Ian Williams. He has also won praise for his novella Molasses and children's book Stars in My Crown. His works have been nominated for several awards, including the Speaker's Book Prize and the Toronto Book Awards. More than a history lesson, this episode is an invitation to reflect, unlearn, and reclaim stories that have been pushed to the margins. It's a necessary dialogue on ancestry, truth-telling, and the power of knowing who you are—on your own terms.

    1h 1m
  3. 12/14/2025

    Ep. 99 Just Keep Shining: Bryce Savoy's Story of Music, Family, and Resilience

    Bryce Savoy is an Oakland-born rapper, entrepreneur, and filmmaker whose work centers on authenticity, community, and resilience. As the founder of Neighborhood Diamonds, both a record label and lifestyle brand, Savoy is dedicated to discovering and elevating hidden talent—a philosophy inspired by his late father, affectionately known as Big Bryce. In a transformative ten-month period, Savoy experienced the profound loss of his father and the birth of his son, Zimri. This journey of grief and new life became the foundation for his deeply personal documentary "Big Bryce Son" and the accompanying EP of the same name. His latest album, "Just Keep Shining," reflects his perseverance through life's most challenging moments. Beyond music, Savoy is a co-founder of The Black Neighborhood, a non-profit organization, and helps run Euphorium Oakland with his mother. Based in Los Angeles, he continues to honor his father's legacy by living the lesson that life isn't restricted to one lane—embracing multiple creative and entrepreneurial ventures while raising his son and building community through art. To follow him and give to his Neighborhood Diamonds Fund, check the links below.  The Neighborhood Diamonds Fund: https://givebutter.com/nhdiamonds   Neighborhood Diamonds Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@neighborhooddiamonds   Neighborhood Diamonds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neighborhooddiamonds/   Bryce Savoy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brycesavoy510/   Bryce Savoy Official Site: https://brycesavoy.com/

    54 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

It's a podcast that highlights ordinary Black Men doing extraordinary things.