Episodes
-
Z.K. Paschal recounts his unique journey from being a military brat born in Japan to returning years later and navigating cultural identity as a black American. He discusses cultural acceptance, family dynamics, and the challenges of raising children in a different cultural context.
Show notes:
Paschal’s “On Being a Carlton” for the Journal of Free Black ThoughtPaschal’s Substack: Upon Feeblest ProvocationPaschal’s “Black in Japan: My Experience” for Wrong Speak Publishing
-
In this episode David T. Beito discusses his book The New Deal's War on the Bill of Rights, exploring the historical context of the New Deal and its implications for civil liberties. The discussion covers a multitude of FDR’s civil liberty offenses including the Newport sex scandal, mass civilian surveillance, and the failure to pass anti-lynching legislation. David argues that while FDR is often viewed as a champion of civil liberties, his actions tell a different story, revealing a trailblazer for censorship and a pragmatic politician who prioritized ends over means.
Show notes:
The New Deal's War on the Bill of Rights: The Untold Story of FDR's Concentration Camps, Censorship, and Mass Surveillance by David T. BeitoT. R. M. Howard: Doctor, Entrepreneur, Civil Rights Pioneer by David T. Beito and Linda Royster Beito
-
Missing episodes?
-
In this long overdue conversation between Olga and Connie, Olga talks about what it was like to grow up under Apartheid in South African and compares that to the current state of racial dynamics in the United States and Israel. She discusses the complexities of identity, the influence of Western values on African culture, and her advocacy for Israel.
-
Henry shares his journey from a challenging childhood marked by the absence of his mother to finding faith. He discusses the influence of his father and the pivotal moments that led him to embrace Christianity. Henry shares his journey through career transitions, the impact of family dynamics on his beliefs, and why he doesn’t care if he passes for “culturally black.”
Show notes:
Henry’s “Why I’m Not Optimistic About Racelessness” in the Journal of Free Black Thought
-
In this conversation, Star Parker discusses the impact of abortion, education, housing, and social security on the black population. Star shares her life journey from a rebellious child to a life of criminal and destructive activities, until she found faith and turned her life around. She became involved in welfare reform and worked with the GOP to bring about change.
Show notes:
Center for Urban Renewal and EducationThe State of Black Progress: Confronting Government and Judicial ObstaclesStar on XCURE policy on XThe Poor Side of Town: And Why We Need It by Howard A. HusockReimagining Greenville: Building the Best Downtown in America by John Boyanoski and Knox WhiteA History of the American People by Paul Johnson
-
Ildi Tillmann shares her unique childhood growing up in Hungary during the late Soviet era. Ildi eventually moved to the United States and ended up in Africana Studies after auditing a class on African history and wanting to learn about different cultures. She discovered her passion for photography and realized the importance of telling stories through both writing and photography.
Show notes:
Ildi’s websiteIldi’s new project: Captured LandscapesIldi on InstagramIldi on XIldi’s “Three days in March” for the Journal of Free Black ThoughtIldi’s “Knowledge, Art, and the Musical World of Elio Villafranca” for the Journal of Free Black ThoughtIldi’s “From Hungary to Haiti: Unique Histories, Universal Stories” for the Journal of Free Black ThoughtFaces and Places - Beyond the Headlines: Haiti. DocumentaryIldi’s photography in Cuba (September 2024)
-
In episode Mike and Wink delve into the implications of declining black enrollment at elite universities, particularly Harvard, following changes in affirmative action policies. The hosts discuss the media's framing of these changes, the complexities of race in college admissions, and the evolving concept of identity. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the potential for unity in a diverse society, while also critiquing prevailing narratives around race and achievement.
-
Dr. Remi Adekoya shares his unique upbringing as a mixed-race individual in Nigeria, Poland, and the UK with host Connie Morgan, highlighting the cultural influences that shaped his identity. Remi also discusses his book, It's Not About Whiteness, It's About Wealth, where he explores the economic dimensions of race and the importance of collective wealth in determining status and power.
Show notes:
Remi on X: @remiadekoya1Remi’s book: It's Not About Whiteness, It's About Wealth: How the Economics of Race Really WorkRemi’s book: Biracial Britain: What It Means To Be Mixed Race
-
This conversation explores the concept of blackness and who can be considered black. Mike and Wink discuss different perspectives on black identity, including self-identification and societal perception. They raise questions about conformity, individuality, and the external versus internal dimensions of black identity. The conversation also touches on the historical creation of whiteness and its impact on racial divisions. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of individual experiences and perspectives in understanding race.
-
In this episode Dr. Fatimah Fanusie shares her personal journey growing up in an African-American Muslim family and the history of African-American Islam. She discusses the origins of the Nation of Islam and its role in giving a new identity to African-Americans. The conversation also touches on the relationship between jazz musicians and Islam
Show notes:
The Black Muslims in America by C. Eric LincolnSoundtrack to a Movement: African American Islam, Jazz, and Black Internationalism by Richard Brent TurnerIslam in the African-American Experience by Richard Brent Turner“Lost Ones” by Lauryn HillInstitute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies (ICJS)Journal of Free Black Thought is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts
-
Connie Morgan and Outdoor Afro founder Rue Mapp sit down and talk about Rue’s journey from a baby in and out of foster homes to one of the most impactful outdoor advocates in America.
Show notes:
Outdoor AfroRue’s websiteRue’s book: Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the OutdoorsGet tickets to the Glamp OutThe best book Rue has read this year: Let There Be Havens: An Invitation to Gentle Hospitality by Liz Bell YoungRue on FacebookRue on Twitter: @ruemappRue on InstagramOutdoor Afro on Instagram: @outdoorafroOutdoor Afro on Twitter: @OutdoorAfroOutdoor Afro on FacebookOutdoor Afro on YouTube
-
This episode features guest Ada Akpala. Ada is a writer, podcaster and head of content at The Equiano Project which is a forum to promote freedom of speech and open dialogue on race, culture and politics. Ada was Born in Nigeria, and now resides in the United Kingdom. She and host Connie Morgan talk a lot about the immigration politics and general unrest currently happening in Britain. Ada specializes in debunking sensationalist and inaccurate narratives about current and historical events, particularly in regard to race.
Show notes:
Ada on X: @ada_akpalaAda on YouTubeAda on Instagram: @ada_akpalaAda’s “Implications and Dangers of False Accusations of Racism” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
-
This conversation explores the theme of black vulnerability and the frustrations experienced by black individuals. It delves into the disconnect between public discourse on race and the lived experiences of black people. Mike and Wink share personal stories of vulnerability, including instances of racial discrimination and family dynamics influenced by race. The conversation highlights the importance of discipline and love in shaping character and the impact of desegregation on black students' experiences.
-
Host Connie Morgan and Braver Angels ambassador John Wood Jr. discuss his personal political and religious evolution and how he continues to find common ground with just about anyone. John is a former nominee for congress, former Vice-Chairman of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County, musical artist, and a noted writer and speaker on subjects including racial and political reconciliation.
Show notes:
John on X: @JohnRWoodJrJohn’s “Woke or Still Dreaming? A Dialogue on MLK's "Dream" Speech, Social Justice Ideology, and the Future of Liberalism” for the Journal of Free Black ThoughtJohn’s Scrappy Campaign AdBearing the Cross: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference by David GarrowA Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches (of Martin Luther King Jr.)
-
In this episode Quisha King and Connie Morgan talk about Quisha’s journey from questioning the 2016 election's narratives to a profound personal awakening. Despite facing resistance from loved ones, she found renewed strength through community and activism, ultimately working with the Republican National Committee and influencing grassroots efforts nationwide. THIS EPISODE RECORDED 20 JULY 2024, before Kamala Harris replaced Joe Biden as the nominee.
Show notes:
Quisha’s websiteQuisha on X: @imquishakQuisha on YouTube
-
N3VLYNNN first caught our eye when she wrote an excellent piece setting the record straight on civil rights activist Pauli Murray’s identity. In this episode she and host Connie Morgan talk about what is happening to black history and how to handle modern gender ideology.
Show notes:
N3VLYNNN’s movie: Reflections Unheard: Black Women in Civil RightsN3VLYNNN’s “How The Trans Movement is Erasing Black Women from History”N3VLYNNN’s YouTube ChannelN3VLYNNN’s “Non-Binary is not a Revolutionary Black Feminist Concept”The Pauli Murray CenterMy Name is Pauli Murray documentaryN3VLYNNN’s “I Made a ‘Trans Man’ Uncomfortable at the Dinner Table”N3VLYNNN’s “I Got Cancelled By An Old Friend.”N3VLYNNN’s favorite play: Ruined
-
Cecil Grant Jr. and host Connie Morgan discuss the experience of discovering that your values don't align with those of the people you were expected to be in harmony with.
Show notes:
Cecil’s Substack: Changing the NarrativeCecil’s podcast“Please Be Patient With Me”
-
Mike and Wink delve into the evolution and nuances of “Black Pride,” examining its complexities and the varying perceptions of snobbiness, class, and success within black America. It contrasts the experiences of the hosts from different backgrounds and regions, exploring themes such as generational gaps, popular culture's impact on identity, and the challenges of navigating public personas versus lived experiences. The discussion also highlights the importance of authenticity and the acknowledgment of previous generations' sacrifices.
-
Bion Bartning is the founder of the Foundation of Intolerance & Racism (FAIR) and the ProHuman Foundation — two organizations that Free Black Thought respects and collaborates with. In this conversation with Connie Morgan, he explains how his children’s school curriculum inspired him to become involved in the classical liberal nonprofit sector and what it means to embrace a Prohuman philosophy.
American Field ServiceBion’s “Dividing by Race Comes to Grade School” in The Wall Street JournalSapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
-
Host Connie Morgan talks with Kareem Weaver about what lead a guy who grew up in the hood surrounded by chaos to become a leader in the literacy and education reform movement. Kareem is the Co-Founder & Executive Director of FULCRUM (Full and Complete Reading is a Universal Mandate).
Full and Complete Reading is a Universal Mandate (FULCRUM)Ep. 13 - What You Don't Know About American Lynchings (Bill Carrigan)The Marva Collins 60 Minutes episodeThe Marva Collins StoryThe Right to Read - documentary featuring Kareem
- Show more