The History of Being Black

Mean Ole Lion Media
Mean Ole Lion Media

The History of Being Black is a powerful exploration of the global Black experience, moving far beyond the traditional narratives often taught in history books. This series dives deep into the profound contributions, systemic challenges, and enduring legacies of the African Diaspora. By examining the intersections of culture, politics, and identity, the show serves as both a mirror and a bridge, connecting the ancient roots of Black civilization to the contemporary movements shaping our world today. The podcast prioritizes authenticity, shedding light on the "hidden figures" and overlooked milestones that have defined generations. Listeners are invited on a journey through the triumphs of African empires, the resilience forged through the Middle Passage, and the intellectual and artistic brilliance of the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. Each episode is meticulously researched to provide a comprehensive look at how Black history is, in fact, the blueprint for global progress and innovation. Ultimately, The History of Being Black is more than a retrospective; it is an active reclamation of identity. By contextualizing the past, the show empowers its audience to understand the

  1. 6d ago

    Built With Us in Mind: The HBCU Promise with Dr. Walter Kimbrough

    What does it mean to attend a college that was built with you in mind—and what does it take to make sure you can stay, graduate, and thrive? On this episode of The History of Being Black, host Dr. Johnathan JeVon White welcomes Dr. Walter Kimbrough for a conversation about HBCUs, belonging, and the work of protecting educational opportunity for the next generation. From his upbringing in Atlanta to his unexpected journey from aspiring veterinarian to college president, Dr. Kimbrough shares how family, campus involvement, and Black educational leadership shaped his path. He explains what makes the HBCU experience special: a community where students’ presence is expected and their potential is recognized. Drawing on his campus leadership experience and work with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), Dr. Kimbrough explores the challenges behind growing interest in HBCUs—from housing capacity and scholarship needs to the financial pressures that can interrupt a student’s education. He also discusses the struggles facing smaller private institutions, the need for individual giving, and why helping students reach graduation matters as much as getting them through the door. The conversation closes with a look ahead: how HBCUs can prepare critical thinkers and future leaders to help protect Black communities as artificial intelligence reshapes our world. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Follow, subscribe, comment, and share this episode with someone invested in the future of Black education.

  2. Oct 22

    Planting Seeds for the Next Generation

    What does it mean to stay in the community that raised you—and help build its future? On this episode of The History of Being Black, Dr. Johnathan JeVon White welcomes pastor, educator, and community leader Eric L. Ewell for a conversation about faith, Black fatherhood, mentorship, and the responsibility to serve. From Pittsburgh’s North Side to Duquesne, Pennsylvania, Ewell reflects on losing his father at twelve, navigating housing insecurity, and setting aside his college football ambitions so he could work and continue his education. He shares how those experiences—and a mother who opened her door to anyone in need—shaped his commitment to helping others find a path forward. That commitment comes to life through Project Game, where encouragement is paired with practical plans and achievable goals. Ewell also discusses raising four sons, learning to lead through service, and why he continues to see promise in a community others have counted out. His message to the next generation: “Your right now is not your forever.” Listen for a conversation about the everyday work of building a legacy—and making sure someone else has the support to pursue their dreams. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Follow, rate, comment, and share.

    Planting Seeds for the Next Generation

  3. Oct 8

    Black Women in Academia: Purpose, Pressure, and Possibility

    There isn’t just one way to become a scholar—and Dr. Katrina Reed’s journey is proof. On this episode of The History of Being Black, Dr. Johnathan JeVon White welcomes Dr. Katrina Reed for a conversation about motherhood, faith, education, and finding your voice in academia. From childhood summers in rural South Carolina, where a bookmobile opened doors to new worlds, to pursuing higher education while working full time and raising two children, Dr. Reed shares the determination and support that helped her build her own path. Now an assistant professor at Penn State Abington, she introduces listeners to recreation, park, and tourism management—a field that shapes the experiences we share in community centers, parks, events, and beyond. She explains how her passion for youth development informs her research and her approach to teaching. Dr. Reed also speaks candidly about the pressures Black women face in academic spaces, including service obligations, promotion, classroom evaluations, and expectations about what they should research. Through it all, she remains committed to creating welcoming classrooms, empowering students, and protecting time for her family and herself. Her message to emerging scholars: stay curious, seek mentorship, trust your lived experience, and don’t wait until you know everything to begin. The conversation continues on The After Pod. Watch the companion episode on Mean Ole Lion’s Substack, and subscribe for free. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Follow, rate, comment, and share.

    Black Women in Academia: Purpose, Pressure, and Possibility

  4. Oct 1

    Black Leadership: The Making of A Leader

    What makes a leader? For John Haynes III, the answer begins with faith, family, and the courage to change direction. Brother White sits down with his cousin, known as “Big Cuz,” to trace his journey from struggling through engineering at Hampton University to finding his calling in human resources and leadership coaching. John shares how his family shaped him, what his mother’s fight with cancer taught him about time and vulnerability, and why speaking up mattered when his authority was questioned at work. The conversation also explores the work leaders must do within themselves: understand their purpose, face difficult situations, adapt, and keep going after failure. John’s guiding idea is simple and powerful: become who you are called to be so you can help others become. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Follow, rate, comment, and share.

    Black Leadership: The Making of A Leader

  5. Sep 24

    The Sankofa Cinema Club

    On this episode of The History of Being Black, Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with media educator and Sankofa Cinema Club founder Bridget Smith for a conversation about Black storytelling, representation and the power of film to preserve the stories too often left out of traditional history. Bridget reflects on growing up in Brooklyn’s close-knit Bushwick community, where family, teachers and neighbors formed the village that shaped her worldview. She shares how television programs such as Like It Is and The McCreary Report, along with films including School Daze and Do the Right Thing, inspired her journey into media. The conversation explores the evolution of Black film, the opportunities created by digital platforms and why understanding the technical foundations of filmmaking is as important as having a powerful idea. Bridget also explains how storytelling begins with a blueprint—from storyboarding and character development to creating a clear beginning, conflict and resolution. Bridget then takes us inside the Sankofa Cinema Club, a virtual and in-person community created to uncover untold Black history through film and conversation. From the story behind Hoxie: The First Stand to learning about civil rights leader Dorothy Cotton and Jamaican freedom fighter Queen Nanny, the club brings filmmakers, descendants, scholars and audiences together to connect the past with the present. It is a powerful reminder that Black film is more than entertainment—it is education, cultural preservation and an essential part of our continuing struggle for freedom. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Visit: MeanOleLionMedia.com Follow Mean Ole Lion Media on Instagram: @MeanOleLionMedia Watch on YouTube: Mean Ole Lion Media TV Follow The History of Being Black on Instagram through @MeanOleLionMedia

    The Sankofa Cinema Club

  6. Sep 17

    The Challenges and Joy in Teaching Young Minds

    What happens when Black history, football and education all become part of the same playbook? On this episode of History of Being Black, Dr. Johnathan JeVon White welcomes Baton Rouge educator and football coach Malcolm Reed for a powerful conversation about family legacy, authentic teaching and helping young people understand who they are. Malcolm reflects on being raised in a family whose names honored leaders including Malcolm X, Frederick Douglass, Denmark Vesey and Toussaint L’Ouverture. He shares how football taught him discipline, teamwork and preparation—and how those same lessons shape his classroom, where his goal is to spark curiosity, empower students and help them see the world differently. The conversation explores the lasting effects of COVID, social media and technology on young people; the importance of Black male educators; and the painful reality of losing students to gun violence, suicide and incarceration. Malcolm also explains how he uses hip-hop and stories like that of Kale, a young survivor of the Amistad, to make Black history relevant and unforgettable. Above all, Malcolm reminds us that studying Black history should begin at home—with the people, sacrifices and legacies that made our own lives possible. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

    The Challenges and Joy in Teaching Young Minds

  7. Sep 10

    Revolutionary Education

    What does it mean to educate the whole child—and to recognize that children are shaping the world right now, not someday? On this episode of the History of Being Black Podcast, Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with lifelong educator and Linked Destiny’s Academy founder Njemele Anderson. Raised in West Philadelphia by her grandmother and great-grandmother, Njemele shares how family, church, activism, and an unwavering commitment to Black people shaped her approach to education. The conversation explores the emotional safety children need to learn, the lasting effects of educational systems that fail to recognize Black brilliance, and the challenge of helping young people overcome fear and rediscover their creativity. Njemele also reflects on the heartbreak and hope of teaching students affected by gun violence—and why an educator’s destiny is intrinsically connected to every child who enters the classroom. Through Linked Destiny’s Academy, Njemele is working toward a project-based, liberatory school designed to cultivate a love of learning and prepare the next generation of educators. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

    Revolutionary Education

  8. Sep 3

    Growing Together: Lessons Between a Father and Son

    What does Black fatherhood look like when love, leadership, creativity, and wisdom are passed from one generation to the next? In this special father-and-son conversation, Dr. Johnathan JeVon White welcomes leadership coach John Haynes III and his son, Morehouse College student and emerging writer Miles Haynes. Together, they reflect on the experiences that shaped them, the lessons they have learned from one another, and the importance of giving young Black men the freedom to discover their voices. John shares how his journey from engineering student to human resources executive and leadership coach taught him that leaders are called to confront problems, help people, and grow through purpose. Miles discusses finding brotherhood at Morehouse, his passion for speculative fiction and lyrical prose, and his determination to write deeply human stories that transcend race, culture, and background. Their intergenerational exchange reveals a portrait of Black fatherhood that is present, affirming, and transformative—one in which fathers learn from their sons, sons are encouraged to challenge the status quo, and both generations continue growing together. The conversation closes with two powerful messages for the journey ahead: do the work necessary to heal, and never stop being curious about life. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Follow, rate, comment, and share.

    Growing Together: Lessons Between a Father and Son
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About

The History of Being Black is a powerful exploration of the global Black experience, moving far beyond the traditional narratives often taught in history books. This series dives deep into the profound contributions, systemic challenges, and enduring legacies of the African Diaspora. By examining the intersections of culture, politics, and identity, the show serves as both a mirror and a bridge, connecting the ancient roots of Black civilization to the contemporary movements shaping our world today. The podcast prioritizes authenticity, shedding light on the "hidden figures" and overlooked milestones that have defined generations. Listeners are invited on a journey through the triumphs of African empires, the resilience forged through the Middle Passage, and the intellectual and artistic brilliance of the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. Each episode is meticulously researched to provide a comprehensive look at how Black history is, in fact, the blueprint for global progress and innovation. Ultimately, The History of Being Black is more than a retrospective; it is an active reclamation of identity. By contextualizing the past, the show empowers its audience to understand the

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