Blackbelt Voices

Blackbelt Media LLC

Blackbelt Voices is rooted in Black Southern traditions of storytelling, solidarity, and resistance. Through conversations with waymakers, culture keepers, truth tellers, and bridge builders, we surface stories that challenge dominant narratives about the South. These stories shape our understanding of ourselves, each other, and the places we call home. Blackbelt Voices is a production of Blackbelt Media and has been recognized by Apple Podcasts, Oprah Daily, and Vanity Fair.

  1. 10/05/2025

    Central Arkansas Library System Starts a New Chapter

    Recorded inside the Central Arkansas Library System’s newly renovated Main Library in downtown Little Rock, hosts Adena White and Kara Wilkins sit down with CALS executive director Nate Coulter, board president Dr. Karama Neal, and chief communications and community engagement officer Tameka Lee to talk about the library’s transformation, its impact on the community, and the enduring power of public spaces. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 8m

  2. 09/07/2024

    Choosing AR 103 with Dr. Karama Neal: Shamim Okolloh's Journey from Nairobi to Little Rock

    Choosing Arkansas with Dr. Karama Neal shares stories of those who chose Arkansas as their home. In this episode, Dr. Neal talks to Shamim Okolloh. Shamim was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and came to the U.S. at age 19 for college. Unsure about staying or returning home, she moved to Little Rock to attend the Clinton School of Public Service. She fell in love with the state and has found a supportive community in Arkansas, balancing her career in banking and her family life.  We hope these conversations inspire you to learn more about professional, educational, social and other opportunities in Arkansas, and soon, choose Arkansas for yourself!  Send us feedback at choosingAR@gmail.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    55 min

  3. 07/17/2024

    Choosing AR 102 with Dr. Karama Neal: California native Jean Block builds a life in Arkansas

    Choosing Arkansas with Dr. Karama Neal shares stories of those who chose Arkansas as their home. In this episode, Dr. Neal talks to Jean Block, the CEO of the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority.   We hope these conversations inspire you to learn more about professional, educational, social and other opportunities in Arkansas, and soon, choose Arkansas for yourself!  Send us feedback at choosingAR@gmail.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 hr

  4. 07/04/2024

    Choosing AR 101 with Dr. Karama Neal: Welcome Home, Samantha Evans

    Choosing Arkansas with Dr. Karama Neal shares stories of those who chose Arkansas as their home. We want to help you make the Natural State your natural choice. On today's episode, we talk to Samantha Evans about what brought her back to her home state after living away for many years.  We hope these conversations inspire you to learn more about professional, educational, social and other opportunities in Arkansas, and soon, choose Arkansas for yourself!  Send us feedback at choosingAR@gmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    46 min

  5. 06/19/2024

    Introducing "Choosing Arkansas" with Dr. Karama Neal

    Dr. Karama Neal, principal of Neal Firm, aspires to help Arkansas achieve its full potential as a place where Black people can thrive. Achieving this potential requires not only the engagement of current Black Arkansans but also the economic, social, and political involvement of Black people with ties to the state — whether it's through kinship, friendship, business, or general interest. Facilitating this engagement and potential relocation involves helping these "potential Arkansans" 1) update their knowledge of current housing, employment, entrepreneurial, social, and other opportunities; and 2) learn from the paths and experiences of others who have moved to or returned to Arkansas and are enthusiastic about their choice and current quality of life. Through her "Choosing Arkansas" series, Dr. Neal will share the stories of Black newcomers and returnees, highlighting their positive experiences and the opportunities that exist within the state. Her goal is to inspire others to see Arkansas as a place where they can build successful and fulfilling lives.

    44 min

  6. 06/05/2024

    Growing Together Part 2 of 2: Urban Farmers Cultivating Community in Little Rock | Gabriyel El-Bey and Laverne Davis

    This is part two of our dive into urban agriculture. We’re talking about how Black farmers and growers are creating solutions to the lack of healthy food options in their communities. Be sure to listen to Episode 41 with Leroi Emerson, who serves on the board for Urban Patchwork. In this episode, we’re talking to Gabriyel El-Bey, the owner and operator of Turtle Island in Little Rock, Arkansas, which is one of Urban Patchwork’s farm partners. He’s joined by Master Gardener Laverne Davis.   Since it opened in June of 2022, Turtle Island has provided residents in the South End neighborhood of Little Rock with fresh, nutritious produce from more than 20 local growers. Education and community is at the center of it all.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    18 min

  7. 05/22/2024

    Growing Together Part 1 of 2: Urban Farmers Cultivating Community in Little Rock | LeRoi Emerson

    This two-part episode of the Blackbelt podcast explores how Urban Patchwork, a Little Rock-based nonprofit network of farmers and backyard gardeners, aims to build a sustainable local food economy and promote interdependence among residents. In part one, we hear from LeRoi Emerson, a board member for Urban Patchwork. He joins host Adena White to talk about his passion for farming and the organization's efforts to increase access to fresh food in low-income, low-access neighborhoods. By bringing people together around food, Urban Patchwork's goal is to foster a sense of community and collaboration while enhancing both the physical health and social cohesion of Little Rock neighborhoods. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    34 min

  8. 05/08/2024

    Brené. Beyoncé. Belonging.

    We're back in the saddle! In this episode, Adena and Kara discuss the relaunch of Blackbelt Voices as a platform for authentic storytelling. After completing a Social Impact Storytelling program at Georgetown University and a fellowship with Solutions Journalism Network, Adena has come back with fresh ideas of how Blackbelt Voices can emphasize the importance of authenticity, belonging, and connection in storytelling. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    18 min
See All (49)

Trailers

Hosts & Guests

4
out of 5
433 Ratings

About

Blackbelt Voices is rooted in Black Southern traditions of storytelling, solidarity, and resistance. Through conversations with waymakers, culture keepers, truth tellers, and bridge builders, we surface stories that challenge dominant narratives about the South. These stories shape our understanding of ourselves, each other, and the places we call home. Blackbelt Voices is a production of Blackbelt Media and has been recognized by Apple Podcasts, Oprah Daily, and Vanity Fair.

Information

  • Creator
    Blackbelt Media LLC
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2019-2026 Blackbelt Media LLC
  • Show Website
    Blackbelt Voices

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