The History of Being Black

Mean Ole Lion Media
  • 5.0 (4)
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The History of Being black is a podcast that seeks to elevate the blackness of listeners and its host with discussions on issues that affect the lives of African Americans then and now. And by highlighting points of view on events of the past and today. It's not just Black History, it's the history of US.

  1. The Process Is the Purpose: Black Identity Through Storytelling

    6D AGO

    The Process Is the Purpose: Black Identity Through Storytelling

    In this powerful episode of The History of Being Black, Dr. White sits down with author and storyteller Antonio Michael Downing for a rich conversation about Black identity across the diaspora. Drawing from his West African roots, Trinidadian upbringing, and lived experience in Canada, Antonio unpacks what it means to be Black in spaces that often erase or oversimplify Black narratives. He reflects on the meaning of freedom and justice, the responsibility of storytelling, and why the writing process itself is just as important as the finished work. Antonio also shares how his characters carry the weight of lived experiences, cultural memory, and imagination — and how storytelling becomes a tool for survival, truth-telling, and legacy-building. This episode is a reminder that Black history isn’t singular — it’s layered, global, and still being written. Tap in for a conversation that speaks to identity, purpose, and the power of owning your story.

    44 min
  2. Representative Raychel Proudie on Power, Purpose, and Community

    FEB 26

    Representative Raychel Proudie on Power, Purpose, and Community

    On this episode of History of Being Black, host Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with Raychel Proudie for a powerful conversation about her journey from her roots in St. Louis to serving in the Missouri State House. Representative Proudie reflects on how her upbringing shaped her leadership, the impact of Hurricane Katrina on her worldview, and the lasting lessons from Ferguson. She speaks candidly about navigating politics as a Black woman, the urgency of community engagement, and why accountability in leadership matters now more than ever. This episode challenges listeners to honor their frustrations, channel them into action, and take ownership of building a better future for the next generation.

    36 min
  3. Compassion: The Journey is Now!

    FEB 19

    Compassion: The Journey is Now!

    On this thoughtful episode of History of Being Black, host Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with Dr. Boni Wozolek for a reflective conversation on upbringing, the meaning of Black History Month, and the real-world complexities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in education. Together, they unpack the challenges of advocating for DEI in today’s climate, the necessity of community care, and the hope found in younger generations. Dr. Wozolek calls for collective responsibility in shaping a better future—grounded in love, understanding, and sustained commitment to equity for the next generation. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

    42 min
  4. This is My Testimony, This is My Song, This is My Story

    FEB 11

    This is My Testimony, This is My Song, This is My Story

    On this powerful episode of History Of Being Black, Dr Johnathan JeVon White sits down with AJ Jefferson, CEO of the Homewood Children Education Fund, for a deeply personal conversation about childhood, family influence, and the realities of youth homelessness. AJ opens up about her own journey of overcoming trauma and how those lived experiences shape her leadership in the nonprofit space today. Together, they unpack the critical role education and community support play in creating pathways to stability, while highlighting the resilience of children navigating homelessness and adversity. This episode is a moving reminder of how healing, representation, and purpose-driven leadership can create real change.

    32 min
  5. Secret Slave Society

    FEB 5

    Secret Slave Society

    In this episode of the History of Being Black podcast, host Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with renowned historian Dr. Marcus Rediker for a powerful conversation about freedom, resistance, and the people history often overlooks. Dr. Rediker shares his unconventional journey into scholarship and explains why “history from below” — the stories of everyday people — is essential to fully understanding the past. The discussion centers on Dr. Rediker’s latest project, Freedom Ship, which uncovers maritime escape routes used by enslaved Africans seeking freedom. He highlights the critical role of port cities, particularly Norfolk, Virginia, as hubs of resistance and collective action. Through compelling stories, including that of Daniel Carr, Dr. Rediker illustrates how organized communities, sailors, and dockworkers helped turn waterways into pathways to liberation. This episode challenges traditional historical narratives and offers a hopeful reminder that resistance has always been a driving force in the fight for freedom — and that these lessons remain deeply relevant to today’s struggles.

    43 min
  6. Faith, Service, Purpose and Predicting the Weather?

    JAN 29

    Faith, Service, Purpose and Predicting the Weather?

    In this episode of History of Being Black, Pastor Brian Hutton shares a powerful and layered journey shaped by faith, service, and purpose. Raised in an Air Force family, Pastor Hutton reflects on discipline, structure, and how those early experiences influenced his path into both ministry and meteorology. He opens up about his calling to preach, the role of faith in navigating life’s uncertainties, and how spirituality has guided him through personal and professional crossroads. The conversation also addresses the challenges facing the Black community and the responsibility of the church to be present, responsive, and relevant in moments of struggle and change. Using the language of weather as metaphor, Pastor Hutton reminds listeners to appreciate life’s sunny moments while understanding that cloudy days are often necessary for growth, reflection, and renewal. This episode is a thoughtful reflection on faith, resilience, and finding purpose in every season.

    35 min
  7. The Young Dreamer

    JAN 22

    The Young Dreamer

    In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of *History of Being Black*, we sit down with Dr. Nosakhere Griffin-EL for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about education, culture, and purpose. Dr. Griffin-EL reflects on his own educational journey, including the challenges Black students often face within traditional systems and the transformative impact of culturally relevant education. He shares formative experiences at Lincoln University and discusses the enduring legacy and importance of historically Black colleges and universities in shaping leadership, identity, and community responsibility. The conversation expands globally as Dr. Griffin-EL recounts his time teaching in South Africa, highlighting the power of cultural exchange and the complexities of building educational programs rooted in entrepreneurship abroad. At the heart of the episode is a call to meet people—especially young people—at their dreams. Dr. Griffin-EL speaks candidly about his commitment to his son’s education and the creation of the Young Dreamers Bookstore, a space designed to inspire children through reading, imagination, and possibility. This episode underscores education as more than instruction—it is a tool for liberation, empowerment, and maximizing human potential in the face of societal challenges.

    43 min
  8. White Privilege, Black Culture

    JAN 15

    White Privilege, Black Culture

    In this thought-provoking episode, #DrJustinDeSenso shares his personal journey from growing up in a diverse community on #LongIsland to becoming an educator, activist, and advocate for #SocialConsciousness. Through lived experience and scholarship, Dr. De Senso explains why #CriticalRaceTheory remains an essential framework for understanding #SystemicRacism and the structures that shape inequality in America. The conversation also explores his commitment to #AntiRacism work and the role of #HipHopCulture as a powerful mirror of society—one that amplifies truth, builds connection, and creates space for dialogue across communities. This episode challenges listeners to think deeper, listen closer, and engage more intentionally with the world around them.

    35 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The History of Being black is a podcast that seeks to elevate the blackness of listeners and its host with discussions on issues that affect the lives of African Americans then and now. And by highlighting points of view on events of the past and today. It's not just Black History, it's the history of US.

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