Black Like Me: Recent Episodes
Alex Gee
Black Like Me with Dr. Alex Gee is a podcast that invites you to experience the world through the perspective of one Black man, one conversation, one story, or even one rant at a time.
Susan Pierce Jacobsen is a community connector and advocate who has worked in many different positions. Through several of Susan's roles she has supported The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. Dr. Gee shares about Susan's support and their relationship in development projects in the community.
They discuss some of the various connections that Susan helped bring together with The Center from architects, community organizers, and company leaderships.
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How did the vision for The Center for Black Excellence and Culture find its shape? Dr. Gee talks to Jim Bower about how their collaboration helped shape the vision for what was valuable for the Black community in Madison. Jim's role was to continually clarify Dr. Gee's vision and find a way to make it a reality. He saw Dr. Gee as a social innovator, who had something important he wanted to change in society that needed to have a track for the project to move forward on.
Dr. Gee explains how the cross-cultural partnerships involved coalesced around the vision despite issues that the community and country were facing. The project is a rare example of a team of people unified around the vision that they invested so much of their skills and heart in.
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Hear about the long term relationship with Hiebing for marketing services for The Center for Black Excellence and Culture with Dave Floran, CEO, and Dana Arnold, Chief Growth Officer. Dr. Gee discusses how Hiebing helped articulate the story of The Center and share this visionary cultural space with the community. The team partnered in bringing the language and image of The Center to clarity and the public.
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Dr. Gee tells the story of how The Center for Black Excellence and Culture was actually built with Jim Yehle, the President and CEO of Findorff Construction. Denzel Bibbs, Findorff Construction Project Manager, fills in the details of the building process. He discusses his role in maintaining the vision of the Black aesthetic laid out by the team. Hear how the design and physical building exemplify the multi-dimensionality of the African Diaspora and the African American communities.
The relationship of this team demonstrates the cross cultural innovation that strengthens the accomplishments of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. Jim Yehle contributed to the process by making strategic community introductions and creating enthusiasm around fundraising to create a debt free construction. Denzel Bibbs talks about the atmosphere of the construction project that speaks to the positive energy and environment that will be taken onto other projects.
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ow do you share a vision that has never been seen before? Mark Schmitz shares how ZebraDog acted as a conduit for the vision of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. Zebradog knew how to tell stories through a space and The Center team knew the stories of the Black community, and they came together to bring these stories to life. Dr. Gee and Mark discuss the importance of storytelling, especially right now, where history and storytelling are in danger.
Mark works on projects all over the world but he has been changed by the this hometown project that is a part of his shared community. They explore together how we are the embodiment of our history and how you become the buildings that you inhabit. The space of The Center is a hopeful vision of what we want to see for the Madison community.
Mark has been in the visual design and storytelling world since 1985. About 35 years ago, he started shaping what would become ZEBRADOG with a simple but bold idea: combine traditional visual communication design thinking with emerging technologies to create environments that engage all the senses. He wanted to build places that tell stories, connect people to brands in authentic ways, and invite them to linger a little longer—to learn, to touch, to feel. Today, that idea has grown into a world-class experiential design consortium that brings visual brands to life within built environments around the globe. The ZEBRADOG team is made up of exhibit architects, interior and graphic designers, producers, programmers, and software developers, all sharing one thing in common: they're passionate thinkers who love what they do. Mark travels across the country speaking about "Dynamic Environments" and "The Human Experience of a Brand." He's a frequent keynote speaker for groups like the American Institute of Architects, the International Interior Design Association, and the American Marketing Association. As a Certified Experience Economy Expert (CEEE), he helps clients understand how to design experiences that feel personal and memorable. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for Taliesin Preservation, Inc., where he's helping shape design programs that elevate the industry and celebrate creative heritage. And when he's not deep in a ZEBRADOG project, you might find him rating golf courses for Golfweek Magazine, lending a hand at Taliesin, or tearing up the mogul fields in Summit County—still smiling on his 62 year-old knees.
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Hear about the revolutionary vision and community development of The Center of Black Excellence and Culture. Amanda White's fund development experience and Rick Phelps community development expertise brought a cross-cultural dynamic to the project that reflected and modeled the reality of the community The Center was built in. Cross-cultural fund development is complicated when race and new ideas are in the mix. The trust that was earned and formed between this project team was important to the process, allowing for amazing results and life-long friendships. Also, because there was a commitment to the project being truly Black-led, there was a trust felt by the Black community that brought their investment in The Center.
The cross-cultural dynamic brought some new dimensions of this kind and size of a project, so that the broader community could see the relevance of The Center's vision. From focusing on having the investment of the Black community first, prioritizing Black women, and seeing an unprecedented number of supporters at every level. Also, the way people saw the project team work together brought others on board to contribute to the project.
Rick Phelps is the former Dane County Executive and chaired redevelopment of East Washington Ave/Capitol East District in Madison, WI. He is currently serving as an integral part of the advisory council for The Center for Black Excellence and Culture.
Amanda White has been working to advance nonprofits and small businesses in Madison for 25 years. She has directly raised millions of dollars to support local nonprofit missions, including coaching over 50 clients, including 25 capital campaigns. Unique from other consultants, Amanda is fortunate to have worked in a variety of capacities within the small business and nonprofit sectors. While fundraising and storytelling is her passion, Amanda also has strong experience in financial forecasting, statewide program development, media relations, and even lobbying. These experiences give Amanda a complete understanding of non-profit management, enabling her to create a fundraising strategy that supports an organization's mission and operations.
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The Center for Black Excellence and Culture's development is groundbreaking in so many ways and now the staff are inspired to build a movement of excellence. Jason Fields, Chief Strategy Officer, and Janine Stephens Hale, Chief Operating Officer, talk about infusing the Black space with the potential for Black excellence because of the empowering process and the intentionality of the space itself.
Hear about the personal value of The Center and the value for the whole community. The visionary standard set by Dr. Gee has extended to the staff who experience the creative energy everyday in the Black space.
As Chief Strategy Officer at The Center for Black Excellence, Jason brings nearly a decade of leadership experience in leadership, finance, nonprofit management, economic development, and organizational growth. In this role, Jason focuses on advancing the organization's mission of empowering communities and fostering cultural advancement by leveraging innovative strategies and fostering impactful collaborations. Jason's expertise in nonprofit leadership and team management allows him to effectively implement the vision and drive strategic initiatives that create lasting economic and social impact.
Previously, as President and CEO of Madison Region Economic Partnership, Jason led initiatives to strengthen regional economies by fostering business growth and cultivating talent pipelines. His commitment to financial literacy and community empowerment has been a consistent thread throughout his career, including his work at The Financial Promise Co., where he championed financial education to promote individual and community wealth-building.
Janine Stephens serves as Chief Operations Officer of The Foundation for Black Women's Wellness. Her wealth of experience includes over 10 years in fund development, operations, marketing and communications, and events management. Her talents and leadership have helped grow the success of organizations in the local Madison Community including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County where she most recently served as Chief Development Officer, helping to expand the Club across three locations over her nine year tenure. Janine also served as Chief Operating Officer of Building Brave, a non-profit women's empowerment platform. Janine has served on many community committees to further the mission of agencies serving youth and families in Dane County. A Milwaukee native, Janine is an active and proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the largest African American women's organization in the world.
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Dr. Alex Gee gives a preview of the new season of the Black Like Me podcast. It is the big moment as Dr. Gee's vision of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture is revealed to the community. This season shares conversations with the key people that brought this innovative Black space to life. Not only do these conversations highlight the meaningful relationships in all spheres of the process but also show how this project has already inspired individuals involved personally. Hear about how this season will bring together those that invested in the Black aesthetic and culture of The Center and the non-Black allies who leaned into partner on the vision of the project.
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Dr. Alex Gee welcomes two of the most important creatives in the development of The Center of Black Excellence, Rev. Lilada Gee and Rafeeq Asad. They discuss their roles in the innovative design and aesthetic of the building. Rev. Lilada is the co-founder and interior decorator, and Rafeeq is the chief architect that worked to infuse a visceral Blackness into the building design.
Hear about the deep cultural thought and feeling that went into the design, including the fight needed for keeping Blackness in the visual aesthetic. It was important to infuse the space with the Black excellence that The Center claims and make sure that is felt by those in the Black community. The building and its vision needed to express to the Black community that they mattered once they entered the space.
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Dr. Gee ends Season 11 with his deep and thoughtful reflections on the season and the times we are living in, as a Black man. His mic drop episodes don't hold back but speak from an honest place, making sense of our world.
This episode is a special conversation as Jeremy Holiday reflects on being a part of the show from the beginning as a producer and engineer. He discusses the evolution of the show alongside his own ongoing racial justice journey. Dr. Gee talks to Jeremy about the lessons he has learned from being involved in the show and who were the guests that stuck out to him through the years. Don't miss this insightful look behind the scenes of the podcast in this milestone in the show's history.
Jeremy is a digital media producer and documentary filmmaker who has taught and supported at all educational levels. His own creative output as Atwoodland Productions includes a media focussed podcast for two seasons called Extratextual. Jeremy is now working on a new podcast called Just Around the Corner - a podcast about place, where we are, and what's next.
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Rev. Lilada Gee shares from a deep place of self-reflection about how to best spend her life as she faced cancer. She details the importance of travel and cultures in the last year. Lilada shares about her recent trip to South Africa in order to mentor other Black women, including Kay Hawkins, who also joins the show talk about her experience as a young woman. It was Kay's first international trip and also her 21st birthday. Lilada is surely passing along a passion for travel, learning from African culture, and building a community of empowered women.
Learn more about opportunities with Rev. Lilada Gee.
Dr. Gee and Dr. Charles Taylor discuss the richness of African American history and understanding the wisdom of African heritage. Dr. Taylor considers how people around the country are still figuring out how to celebrate Juneteenth. It must be about history.
One of Dr. Taylor's recent endeavors is a documentary on The South Madison Renaissance, including Dr. Gee's development of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture.
Leaders of Madison's Black Renaissance Documentary
Dr. Charles A. Taylor is a nationally recognized author, speaker, and consultant whose work has profoundly shaped the understanding and celebration of Juneteenth across the United States. A lifelong advocate for equity and inclusion, Dr. Taylor played a pivotal role in the movement to make Juneteenth a national holiday. His first book on Juneteenth was distributed to governors across the country, helping to inspire state-level recognition of this historic day and gaining endorsements from key national Juneteenth organizations. Dr. Taylor is the author of over a dozen books, and his latest work on Juneteenth continues his mission to honor the legacy of freedom and resilience, providing readers with a deep historical perspective and a call to action for the future.
Known for his ability to weave compelling narratives with actionable insights, Dr. Taylor's writing bridges the gap between history and modern social justice movements. As a sought-after speaker, Dr. Taylor has delivered keynote addresses on Juneteenth and African American history at our country's leading colleges, universities, and communities nationwide. He was recently the keynote speaker at the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation's Juneteenth Prayer Breakfast at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. His passionate presentations have educated and inspired audiences of all ages, solidifying his reputation as one of the foremost voices on Juneteenth and its enduring significance.
Beyond his writing and speaking, Dr. Taylor's contributions to the fight for justice and equity include producing award-winning documentaries like Decade of Discontent and Leaders of Madison's Black Renaissance, hosting innovative diversity initiatives. Dr. Taylor is considered an expert on Black History and holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin– Madison, where he majored in Curriculum and Instruction. He is a retired professor, dean, and founder of Roar Enterprises Inc., a consulting firm that fosters diversity, project management, and Black history presentations nationwide. His community has given him many awards, including the Urban League's highest award and the City/County Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award. Dr. Taylor advocates for understanding Juneteenth's legacy and building a more inclusive future through his books, films, speeches, and community work.
Kwanzaa: How To Celebrate It In Your Home
JUNETEENTH: A Celebration of Freedom
Joy Bailey-Bryant, Lord Cultural Resources President, returns to the show as The Center for Black Excellence and Culture building comes to completion. As an expert in cultural spaces and innovative museums, Baily-Bryant is involved in supporting the development of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture in Madison, WI. They connect over shared Black culture and tell stories of the power of preserving culture, demonstrating the resilient power of culture that has space to speak into itself.
As leader of cultural planning at the largest cultural consultancy in the world, Joy works with city officials, institutional leaders, and developers, in global municipalities like Chicago; New York; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Dharan, Saudi Arabia to creatively plan cities and bring people (life!) to public institutions. Joy led the teams for institutional and cultural planning on remarkable projects like the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., reaching more than 1,000 stakeholders across the country to learn their expectations for the new museum; the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center, directing citywide engagement in locations as large as Chicago and small as Decatur, Georgia – speaking with thousands of individuals in meetings and on social media – to assess, project, and plan for their cultural needs; and planning and opening the expansion of the Albany Civil Rights Institute in Albany, Georgia—unearthing thousands of untold stories of the Southwest Georgia Civil Rights Movement.
A cultural planning specialist, certified interpretive planner, and outreach facilitator, Joy honed her specialized skill working in collaborative roles at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and notable cultural planning projects.
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Dr. Emily Auerbach is a great storyteller and cares deeply about helping make other people's stories great. Hear the story of her work of leading the Odyssey Project and mentoring non-traditional students through literature and the humanities.
Dr. Auerbach talks about their whole family approach that brings all generations into the learning opportunities. The hope is that the program is a launching pad into further education at UW-Madison.
Dr. Gee and Dr. Auerbach share so many connections to graduates who have completed degrees and are active in the community. They also share the development of those that don't think they have more potential and draw it out of them.
Support Odyssey – UW Odyssey Project – UW–Madison
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Dr. Emily Auerbach is a great storyteller and cares deeply about helping make other people's stories great. Hear the story of her work of leading the Odyssey Project and mentoring non-traditional students through literature and the humanities.
Dr. Auerbach talks about their whole family approach that brings all generations into the learning opportunities. The hope is that the program is a launching pad into further education at UW-Madison.
Dr. Gee and Dr. Auerbach share so many connections to graduates who have completed degrees and are active in the community. They also share the development of those that don't think they have more potential and draw it out of them.
Support Odyssey – UW Odyssey Project – UW–Madison
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Dr. Christy Clark-Pujara brings some clarity to the recent political attacks on history that are attempting to erase multicultural aspects of our American past. Not just history but education and knowledge itself.
This moment is similar to the time after Reconstruction with the response to Black people engaged in the political process and having power. Points to cultural backlash historically like Birth of the Nation and Gone with the Wind portraying a negative propaganda of African American contributions to the US.
Also, hear about a program that Dr. Clark-Pujara has been a part of that connects K-12 teachers to historians and academics to bring back their experience to their classrooms. Funding was cut this year, so she is having to figure out a way to still make it happen in a different form.
Department of African American Studies - UW-Madison
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Dr. Gee welcomes Harry Hawkins back to the show again to discuss what it means to lead a cross-cultural organization that is focused on empowering the Black community. Harry Hawkins has moved into the President and CEO role of the non-profit Nehemiah, as Dr. Gee transitions into new endeavors.
The two innovative leaders discuss what it is like serving the Black community in a predominantly white community. They have both had to navigate cross-cultural environments in their work. The discussion covers drawing out underserved groups, like Black women and young Black men. Hear Harry Hawkin's background story and how his experience formed the skills needed for his work with Nehemiah.
Justified Anger: Courses - Black History for a New Day Course
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Dr. Gee and Professor Stephen Kantrowitz discuss the erasure of history that has happened in other nations in order to understand the current US government attempts to control historical information and ideology. You will be shocked to hear the ways that historical and scientific research are being attacked through elimination of funding and discrediting of academic knowledge.
One of the current realities is that current students will be discouraged from seeking out new perspectives and the truth of historical perspectives because of perceived connections to DEI. Hear how government websites are removing African American and female-focused language in a censoring effort through the experience of one of Dr. Gee’s friends and former guest.
Professor Kantrowitz explains the main issue in our country to be addressed is one of free and truthful speech. There is an attack on the truth of history and the realities of our world.
The Wayback Machine
Stephen Kantrowitz is a historian of race, citizenship, and Native-settler interaction in the United States. He is particularly interested in work that spans the antebellum, Civil War, and postbellum eras, and in the connections between the histories of slavery, emancipation, and Reconstruction and the dynamics of Native American life and U.S. conquest. Professor Kantrowitz recently developed a research interest in the intellectual history of twentieth-century American anthropology in relation to Native-settler interaction.
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Kaleem Caire shares how his family, their audacity, and legacy have inspired him to create change in Madison. They discuss how Kaleem challenged Dr. Gee to build something new - his church, social justice non-profits, The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. The inspiration came from each other to see something new built.
Listen to how education is a major factor for the health of the community by investing in the next generation who will be running the community. Kaleem explains what is behind One City Schools and what they are doing different to shift the educational possibilities.
Leaders in the Black community face unique challenges and it is especially true when they are innovate. As a social innovator, Dr. Gee explores what Kaleem does to stay healthy and balanced in the stress of his work. Plus, hear new Black Ice Breakers that will make you laugh and find cultural connection.
Learn more about One City Schools
Dr. Gee talks with his friend Dr. Audrey Mukwavi Matimelo about her passion for empowering others through the "Self Help Group Concept." Hear how this approach to maximize inherent gifts and talents for social and economic transformation, is not only needed in South Africa but also in the US where our systems are failing us.
Dr. Audrey shares how this concept works at three levels, which are applicable in many contexts and has been influential in Dr. Gee's non-profit leadership. Don't miss this conversation with visionary leaders that partners across continents.
Dr. Audrey Mukwavi Matimelo has been working as a community development practitioner since 2005, and her work with the Self Help Group concept has enabled her to effectively mobilise and engage with groups of women, youth, and men for social and economic development. She is a passionate advocate of the Self Help Group concept, and has travelled to India, Kenya and Zimbabwe to implement and grow the idea.
In 2001, Dr Audrey got the opportunity to study community development. This led to her resigning her job after 10 years in the banking industry to pursue studies in the United Kingdom and later in South Africa. Dr Audrey Matimelo has successfully completed her PhD in the school of Science and Agriculture, Rural Resource Management and was awarded a Doctorate Degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her thesis was on mobilizing rural assets for women empowerment. Her study explores various forms of poverty and focuses mainly on the Self Help Group concept and its impact among poor women of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
Learn more about the Zimele Wethu Foundation
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Hear about Dr. Ruben Anthony’s early years in the Bronx, where he saw the birth of hip-hop in his community and the excellence of Black arts at The Apollo. These two leaders and visionaries discuss what the new developments in Southern Madison means to the community, state, and the country. They also break down the Black and race-related dynamics in Madison as they pursue their major initiatives.
Dr. Anthony talks about the innovative and national development of the Urban League’s Black Business Hub that he has started. Previously, there was not a place where Black excellence could be on display in Madison. Also, don't miss a fun edition of Black Ice Breakers where there is strong agreement on the proper way to eat grits.
The Black Business Hub
Dr. Gee talks to returning guest Dr. Chris Bass about the mourning process of losing his mother over the previous year. They talk about the need for rest and space in mourning in order to have the energy to focus on the work that would have made his mother proud. Hear about the activities and accomplishments that honor his mother going forward.
Dr. Bass gives advice for making sure people take time and space for healthy relationships and themselves. They discuss the unique times that Blacks folks in particular are facing with the challenges in our culture and society.
Dr. Chris Bass has served clinically in a variety of posts including; Clinical Director at a residential treatment facility for adjudicated late adolescent males, Psychologist for the City of Atlanta and Senior Psychological Partner at The Bass Medical and Psychological Consultants firm LLC. He has held faculty appointments on the campuses of Hampton University, Morehouse College, University of Georgia, Oglethorpe University and others. He continues to serve as a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Clark Atlanta University.
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Returning guest, Dr. Byars-Winston, is the inaugural chair of the UW- Madison’s Institute of Diversity Science. She honestly explores what doing research on causes of group-based discrimination and what effective ways to eliminate discrimination look like in our current social and political environment. They discuss that more people than the media and politicians appear are in favor of broad diversity.
The conversation covers how most businesses want to hire a diverse staff but don’t necessarily want to use the DEI labels. Dr. Byars-Winston explains that there is and can be data to back up approaches to diversity in the workplace but most do not have access to the information now. As an example she shows the lack of available evidence illustrated in a public hearing in WI State Assembly.
Hear about the ties between Dr. Byars-Winston’s work and The Center for Black Excellence and Culture’s goals. Also, listen in to understand the importance mentorship representation.
Heads of UW system, state agencies defend diversity, inclusion practices to audit committee, Wisconsin Examiner Article
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Dr. Gee had been hearing reactions from his white friends that they are surprised and deeply discouraged by what our government is doing to American society. To hear a just few perspectives on this political moment, podcast producers Jeremy Holiday and Eli Steenlage join the conversation to talk about their own feelings and what they are hearing. Dr. Gee highlights some of the differences between what the Black community and white community understand and see happening right now. The Black community has been trying to say that things are out of control historically and this is just another phase of it.
Also, after hearing all of the Black Ice Breaker questions and responses, don't miss how Jeremy and Eli react to the cultural differences and similarities. Going deeper, they share what has surprised them as they have learned more about Black culture.
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Dr. Gee is joined by his daughter, Lexi Gee, to discuss the depth of Black womanhood in the film version of Wicked. Lexi brings a wealth of story and cultural criticism to topic as she has recently been appointed the Curator of Stories position at The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. Hear about how she is establishing the library and reading room in the Center, and especially how it will impact Black children.
Find out the racial significance of the film version of Wicked by casting a Black woman in the role of Elphaba and how the connection to her green skin becomes more relevant. Lexi explains why Black woman are able to identify so much with the character of Elphaba, and in particular how Cynthia Erivo invested her Black womanhood into the role. The main female friendship dynamic is explored with their differences and bonds.
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Ben Wikler returns to the show again in this wild political moment both locally and nationally. As he is stepping out of his role as Chair of Wisconsin Democratic Party he is energized by a recent state Supreme Court win. Dr. Gee asks him about how the Black community fits into the vision of the Democratic Party in the current environment. Are Black voters acknowledged outside of an election?
Hear what Ben is doing after his current role and how he is processing his experience in the high profile political climate of Wisconsin. The discussion covers the reality of the Democratic party on the ground, what elections look like for candidates after they are elected, and where the political action should be happening. Ben breaks down the resistance happening to the current administration and why he is encouraged. The two men discuss the role of Black women in the last presidential election and whether their vote and political aspirations are truly valued.
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Angela Robinson Whitehurst returns to the show to bring her Broadway experience to discussing Wicked and the translation from stage to screen. Dr. Gee and Angela discuss the timing of seeing race brought to the forefront of this version of Wicked, compared to when the stage musical was first a part of our culture. The power of fantasy and musical stories is that deep ideas about culture can be explored through an alternate version of our world. It allows us to see the realities of our world through a different lens.
Angela also exposes the way that Black women were not allowed into the Alphoba role before the film version, but now that will be the standard as the significance of the character has been redefined by Blackness. They continue their conversation about Black voices and stories in Hollywood, including having to make representation happen for themselves.
A native of Jacksonville, FL, Angela Robinson is best-known as The Ice Queen Veronica Harrington of Tyler Perry’s The Haves and The Have Nots. For her work as Veronica she is the 2015 recipient of the Gracie Award (Best Female Actress – One to Watch).
Angela has worked on Broadway, off Broadway and on stages throughout the US and abroad. Broadway productions include The Color Purple with Fantasia, Wonderful Town, Bells Are Ringing, and Play On! She has participated in National Tours of The Color Purple, Dreamgirls, and The Wizard of Oz with Eartha Kitt. Her television/film credits include Law & Order: SVU, Another Bed and several regional and national commercials.
She is the Winner of an Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) award for her work as Shug Avery in The Color Purple, Angela has been nominated twice for a Black Theatre Alliance Award (The Color Purple, Dreamgirls), and for an Audelco Award (Radiant Baby). She is also a member of the Tony Award winning Broadway Inspirational Voices.
In 2008 Angela and her husband Scott founded the WhiteRobin Group. WhiteRobin Group is a consulting firm for aspiring and seasoned artists; providing training, inspiration and direction via acting workshops, private acting coaching, blogs and mentorship programs.
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Dr. Alex Gee and his sister commiserate on some things lately that make them wonder what is going on - things that make them say "Hmmm..." You won't want to miss this honest conversation full of some real talk that explores some serious issues in their lives right now. These two leaders let you in some topics that make them a bit annoyed. And you also know that they have a little fun too!
Rev. Lilada Gee is a dynamic voice on behalf of Black girls and women throughout the African Diaspora who carry the heavy burden of generations of sexual trauma, as well as their own—Lilada Gee has committed her life to the defending of Black girlhood and the healing of Black women. She is the host of the Defending Black Girlhood podcast.
Listen to Lilada's Podcast
Visit Lilada's Website: Lilada.org
Lilada's Art
It's Season 11! And it's the 200th episode! This occasion calls for something special. Dr. Gee brings starts the season with his signature Mic Check to set the tone. He speaks to this moment with a spoken word poem and some commentary on what these times mean for us all. Dr. Gee lays out a call to audacity. Listen up!
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Dr. Gee returns to the discussion of his involvement in a university report on the Black Community Experience at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In episode 188 he discussed the upcoming report with UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and now that the report is public, he is joined by fellow board members on the ad hoc committee. Dr. Angela Byers-Winston and Ray Allen discuss the difference between good intentions and intentionality, when it comes to identifying and creating real change?
The ad hoc study group worked to present their critical findings and strategic recommendations aimed at addressing the long-standing challenges faced by Black students, faculty, and staff on university campus. They discuss the question, “What is the systemic inertia to follow through on the recommendations?” Hear the unfiltered conversation about the report conducted by the UW by those that served on the board.
All three speak honestly about the process, offering what made them angry or frustrated, and the hopes they have for change. They talk about how creating programs only can’t change the DEI issues, but it takes institutional and organizational change. Also, be sure to catch a double portion of the Black Ice Breakers segment.
Dr. Angela Byars-Winston is a tenured faculty member in the Division of General Internal Medicine within the Department of Medicine. She is also the inaugural Chair of the University of Wisconsin Institute for Diversity Science, associate director in the Collaborative Center for Health Equity, and faculty lead in the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research.
Dr. Byars-Winston has received numerous awards for her research on advancing diversity goals and mentorship in STEM fields. In 2011, Dr. Byars-Winston was selected as a Champion of Change by the White House through President Obama's Winning the Future initiative for her research efforts to diversify science fields. In 2022, she was the recipient of the Innovation in Mentorship Research award from the Association of Clinical and Translational Research. Dr. Byars-Winston chaired the National Academies of Sciences’ 2019 consensus study report, The Science of Effective Mentorship in STEMM. She is an elected Fellow in the American Psychological Association and is currently an appointed member of the NIH National Advisory General Medical Sciences Council.
Over a career spanning nearly 50 years, Ray Allen has worked at the John Deere Company and served in a number of leadership roles in state government, including Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. He was elected to three terms on the Madison School Board from 1995 to 2004, has served as chair of the Madison Area Technical College Board, and is the former publisher and owner of weekly newspaper The Madison Times.
In 2016 Allen was honored with the Outstanding Alumni of Color Award from the UW–Madison Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement. He currently serves on more than 10 corporate and community boards, including 100 Black Men, the Overture Center, UMOJA Magazine’s board of directors, United Way of Dane County, American Red Cross, Downtown Madison Inc., and Madison College.
Read the Report: Black Community Experience on the University of Wisconsin – Madison Campus- AD Hockey Study Group
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Dr. Gee returns to the topic of a childhood fascination with astronomy as he takes a journey through the cosmos with Eric Wilcots, University of Wisconsin-Madison dean of the College of Letters & Science and Professor of Astronomy. Both began their interest in astronomy at a young age with the same model of telescope. Professor Wilcots explains how few Black astronomy academics there were in his early years and now works to encourage diversity in academic departments.
They continue their fun and informative conversation by exploring questions about the universe and what we currently know scientifically. Dr. Gee asks questions to understand black holes, stars, and life on other planets. Don't miss this awe-inspiring conversation as Professor Wilcots shares his passion for the big questions of our universe and beyond.
Learn more about the UW Washburn Observatory and when to visit
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Dr. Gee has an honest discussion with author and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Their conversation starts with southern cooking and how food provides insights into our histories and continues into how race relations impact policing.
Ellison has written a book about his experience leading the prosecution when the Derek Chauvin case came to trial involving the killing of George Floyd. Hear what he saw when he looked into the eyes of Derek Chauvin. They also discuss Ellison’s involvement in the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act.
Read Keith Ellison's book: Break the Wheel: Ending the Cycle of Police Violence
From 2007 to 2019, Keith Ellison represented Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he championed consumer, worker, environmental, and civil- and human-rights protections for Minnesotans. He served for 12 years on the House Financial Services Committee, where he helped oversee the financial services industry, the housing industry, and Wall Street, among others. Among his legislative accomplishments are passing provisions to protect credit-card holders from abusive practices and protect the rights of renters and tenants. While in Congress, he founded the Congressional Antitrust Caucus and the Congressional Consumer Justice Caucus. He also served as co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, which he helped build to more than 100 members.
Before being elected to Congress, Attorney General Ellison served four years in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Prior to entering elective office, he spent 16 years as an attorney specializing in civil-rights and defense law, including five years as executive director of the Legal Rights Center. As the leader of this public-interest law firm, he oversaw a team of attorneys focused on delivering justice for Minnesotans who had nowhere else to turn. He was also a noted community activist.
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Dr. Gee and Leonard Pitts discuss bringing American history to life in order to reclaim the role of Black people in the development of the nation. Both men share the power of story to display the experience of the Black community in history and today. Leonard speaks to the Black experience through journalism, academic scholarship, commentary, and historical fiction. Hear how the details of his writing inform a long-standing missing perspective on history, including complicated characters that reveal the trauma and hurt of the Black community in American history.
Read Leonard Pitts novel 54 Miles
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Dr. Gee starts his conversation with faith leader and professional musician Marquis Hunt by talking about addressing young Black men to understand that they do have voice that can matter. Marquis wrote a letter to a “Black Brother” as “a call to every Black man who’s ever felt overlooked, undervalued, or trapped in a system that wasn’t built for us.” They discuss why there is a need to call young Black men to create a greater narrative than the one that society is telling them.
Before the recent election, Dr. Gee and Marquis look deeply into the environment around the Black vote in the 2024 election, especially for Black men. Also, don't miss an extra fun Black Ice Breakers session.
Marquis Hunt is a Spiritual Director, Interfaith Leader, professional musician and author of The New Human: When People We Love, Love The People We Love. From Little Rock, Arkansas, Hunt is the founder and developer of The FloW, a community-based practice that integrates music, philosophy, and strategic discourse. Marquis has worked on a national and international level helping thousands of individuals reach higher levels of human potential.
Read the Black Brother Article: https://marquishunt.org/2024/08/black-brother/
Learn more and listen to Marquis Hunt’s music: https://marquishunt.org
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Dr. Alex Gee has a special episode to talk through and process the recent election from his perspective. He is joined by Black Like Me producer Jeremy Holiday for a raw conversation that seeks to break down first thoughts on how community and justice minded people look ahead in our current landscape. They share their raw feelings and reflections in this challenging moment. As always, Dr. Gee brings his wide-ranging experience as a Black man in a majority white community who is also a visionary community and faith leader.
RSVP for The Center for Black Excellence and Culture Public Update
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Hear about how spiritual leader and author David Gibbons felt that he wrote his memoir as a way to process his life and his experience, calling the book The Shape of My Eyes. In an honest conversation, Dr. Gee and David break down what “model minority” means for Asian Americans and African Americans. They consider how this concept also worked toward putting the two racial communities in opposition to one another by weaponizing the term.
They continue Dr. Gee’s awareness around how the unity between Asian American and Black communities can be perpetuated. Also, hear how David tries to get Dr. Gee to go white water rafting.
Read Dave Gibbons new book, The Shape of My Eyes: A Memoir of Race, Faith, and Finding Myself
Dave Gibbons was born in Seoul, Korea yet culturally raised in America. He works in both for profit and not for profit organizations. Dave is an Advisor, Speaker and Spiritual leader. Dave founded an influential church known for diversity, innovation and social impact. At the same time, he launched or worked with social impact organizations such as World Vision and Fuller Seminary. He loves working with creators and innovators in entertainment, sports, government, finance, and non-profits. Dave lives in California and Seoul, Korea, with his wife, Becca. He has four adult children and two grand-dogs.
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Dr. Gee hosts a special episode recorded live with an audience and a young jazz group in summer 2024 at Cafe Coda in Madison, WI. The night was a celebration of the 10th season of Black Like Me and Dr. Gee brought together Black podcast hosts to talk about their unique position.
Bianca Martin hosts the City Cast Madison podcast. She is skilled in audio journalism and multi platform storytelling. Bianca has produced a wide range of radio and podcast programs, including for National Geographic, NPR, and Chicago Public Media. You can hear Bianca every weekday on the City Cast Madison podcast at madison.citycast.fm
Rev. Lilada Gee is a dynamic voice on behalf of Black girls and women throughout the African Diaspora who carry the heavy burden of generations of sexual trauma, as well as their own—Lilada Gee has committed her life to the defending of Black girlhood and the healing of Black women. She is the host of the Defending Black Girlhood podcast.
Their conversation covers the specifically Black space that podcasting facilitates compared to other traditional media systems. In light of the current cultural and political environment they discuss the role that Black women play in the recent elections and culture in general.
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Black resistance to white supremacy is often reduced to a simple binary between Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s nonviolence and Malcolm X’s “by any means necessary.” Dr. Gee discuss how in her book, We Refuse, historian Kellie Carter Jackson urges us to move past this false choice, offering an unflinching examination of the breadth of Black responses to white oppression, particularly those pioneered by Black women. Dr. Carter Jackson explains the dismissal of “Black violence” as an illegitimate form of resistance is itself a manifestation of white supremacy, a distraction from the insidious, unrelenting violence of structural racism.
Dr. Gee and Dr. Carter Jackson also explore the fact that Black men are being killed in the streets but Black women are being killed in the private space of their own homes. Hear about how “Black flight" is connected to joy in that Black folks needs space to get away from regular white supremacist life. Finally, Dr. Carter Jackson also shows her enthusiasm for dolls, and especially Black dolls with their unique cultural significance.
Kellie Carter Jackson is the Michael and Denise ‘68 Associate Professor of Africana Studies and the Chair of the Africana Studies Department Wellesley College. She is the author We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance (Seal Press) and of the award winning book, Force & Freedom: Black Abolitionists and the Politics of Violence . Force and Freedom was a finalist for the Frederick Douglass Book Prize, a winner of the James H. Broussard Best First Book Prize, and a finalist for the Museum of African American History (MAAH) Stone Book Prize Award for 2019. The Washington Post listed Force and Freedom as one of 13 books to read on African American history. Her interview, “A History of Violent Protest” on Slate’s What’s Next podcast was listed as one of the best of 2020. She has also given a Tedx talk on “Why Black Abolitionists Matter.”
Her essays have been published in The New York Times, Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Guardian, The Los Angeles Times, The Nation, the Boston Globe, CNN, and a host of other outlets. She has been featured in numerous documentaries for Netflix (African Queens: Njinga and Stamped From the Beginning), PBS, MSNBC, CNN, and AppleTV’s “Lincoln’s Dilemma.” She has also been interviewed on Good Morning America, CBS Mornings, MSNBC, Democracy Now, SkyNews (UK) Time, Vox, The Huff Post, the BBC, Boston Public Radio, Al Jazeera International, Slate, and countless podcasts.
Carter Jackson loves a good podcast and her Radiotopia family! She is Executive Producer and Host of the award winning “You Get a Podcast! The Study of the Queen of Talk,” formerly known as “Oprahdemics” with co-host Leah Wright Rigueur and a co-host on the podcast, “This Day in Political Esoteric History” with Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer.
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Dr. Gee talks to Michelle Behnke about how she is motivated by the commitment of the The American Bar Association (ABA) to make the nation and their community better. Michelle is inspired by the ABA's mission of defending liberty and pursuing justice through professional development throughout the nation.
They discuss how to encourage Black people to stay in Madison by creating the community for them and how to be the change they want to see. In their experience, to be successful in the local community they have had to be “Bilingual” by knowing how to interact with both the Black community and the white professional community. Listen in to hear about what Michelle calls the “Multiple Realities.”
Michelle joined Boardman Clark in 2024 after being elected the 2025 – 2026 president of the American Bar Association (ABA). Outside of her role with the ABA, Michelle has a broad practice, including business and commercial real estate. She is also active in her community and has served on a number of boards including SSM Healthcare of Wisconsin and Dean Health Plan, Inc.
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Hear the inside story on the transition from Joe Biden to Kamala Harris as the presidential candidate from Ben Wikler, Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. Ben considers how Harris has been active as the Vice President and making energetic appearances but the broader media has chosen not to report on this angle of Harris until her presidential candidacy.
They also discuss this year’s Democratic National Convention and how it felt more joyful and stood out. Ben also explains the use of “weird” comments in the election process.
Dr. Gee and Ben also explore the role of Black women in the 2024 election and the impact of their engagement. Can Harris inspire other women of color to participate in politics?
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Dr. Gee has an in-depth conversation with University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin on what the university is doing to improve the sense of belonging for students of color. Their discussion covers Dr. Gee's participation in a committee working to recognize the universities history with students of color and what can be done moving forward. The committee will be releasing a report soon with their findings and recommendations. Chancellor Mnookin shares about her plans and initiatives in this role at the university and how she sees that they are developing so far.
Jennifer L. Mnookin is the 30th leader in the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s 175-year history, and one of the nation’s top legal scholars.
Chancellor Mnookin is dedicated to pushing boundaries to bring the university to new levels of excellence in research and education, and to energizing and expanding the Wisconsin Idea, UW–Madison’s commitment to innovating for the public good.
She recently launched the largest cross-campus initiative in the university’s history — called Wisconsin RISE (Research, Innovation, and Scholarly Excellence) — to expand educational opportunities and research at UW–Madison around significant, complex challenges affecting Wisconsin and the world.
Chancellor Mnookin is a nationally recognized scholar on the intersection of law and science, and recently co-chaired an expert report on facial recognition technologies for the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine.
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Dr. Gee kicks off the new season with his signature mic check episode. Season 10 is going to be big and he is saying it loud! Hear Dr. Gee unfiltered and get a preview of the season.
The Black Like Me Podcast is also creating some new opportunities for listeners to connect and interact with the show and other listeners. You can Join the Black Like Me Community Facebook Group. If you are one of the Patreon Supporters watch for the opportunity to join an exclusive online forum for the podcast as well. You can check out becoming a Patron Supporter here.
Learn more about The Center for Black Excellence and Culture
Read more about Dr. Gee's Honorary Doctorate
Watch Verlene Gee Moment at Farmer's Market
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This is the second in a series on Alzheimer’s on both a personal and medical research level, focused on the impact on Black and Indigenous people. Hear about Dr. Gee’s collaboration with University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Alzheimer’s Research Department, including his guests Dr. Carey Gleason, MD and Dr. Fabu Carter.
Dr. Carey Gleason shares the science behind Alzheimer’s and the need for a diverse population of research participants. Dr. Fabu Carter discusses reaching out to the community and in particular the Black community.
Also, don't miss a special cross-cultural Black Ice Breakers segment with the week’s guests.
UW-Madison - Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) https://www.adrc.wisc.edu/about
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This is the first in a series on Alzheimer’s on both a personal and medical research level, focused on the impact on Black and Indigenous people. Rev. Lilada and Dr. Alex Gee share funny stories about their mother after the effects of Alzheimer’s. They discuss some of the signposts of Alzheimer’s for others dealing with those in their lives
They also tell about the process of discovering Alzheimer’s with their mother and her journey, including finding home for assistance. Plus, Lilada finally gets in on the Black Ice Breakers.
Read an article Dr. Gee wrote about when he discovered his mother had alzheimer's: https://www.alexgee.com/my-mom-has-alzheimers-disease/
Help create the Verline Gee Senior Center: https://givebutter.com/xieAH6
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Dr. Gee welcomes Nolan Dunham, one of the founders of the Madison chapter of the Black Motorcycle Club. They connected while Nolan was working in the community. He explains the history of why the original Black motorcycle clubs were formed.
Nolan also talks about misrepresentations of motorcycle groups with the club’s commitment to the community and the community service work they do. Don't miss Dr. Gee trying to convince Nolan into allowing him to have honorary membership in the Black Motorcycle Club.
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Justified Anger had drastically shifted the experiences and thinking of the white people who have become connected through the educational opportunities. Andrea Dearlove was an early attendee of Justified Anger's Black History for a New Day course and it drastically transformed her personal and professional priorities. She discovered that when white people step back in their power and influence, they are actually enriched and enlarged in their personal life.
Andrea's allyship journey has led her to a new perspective on racial dynamics in her community and also the state of DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) efforts in civic and organizational arenas. Dr. Gee discusses the system change efforts of Justified Anger and his experience with systemic racism.
Learn more about Justified Anger's leadership development.
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Dr. Gee talks with the experienced consultant, Jim Bower, about empowering visionary leaders to actually create the social change that they envision. Listen in on the ongoing conversation these two men have about how to approach the cross-cultural work of addressing racism in a local community, in particular through their work in developing The Center for Black Excellence and Culture.
Jim responded to the call to get to work on improving racial disparities in the community as a result of the original Justified Anger article. He helped approach the issues in the community as Complex Adaptive problems compared to technical problems. Racism is a problem that without a quick fix and eliminating racism requires a multi-layered approach, not just addressing one factor of the issue.
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Sandi Reinardy discusses how she and the Court Observer team have developed the program with the goal of holding the court accountable and advocating for a just system. Hear how it is unavoidable to see the impact of race in the courtroom and sentencing process. Sandi shares how the data they collect is used and how the system responds to information they gather. She also explains some of the biggest issues for those encountering a courtroom and what changes she would mandate for judges.
Aaron informs the conversation with his experience of being in front of a judge and having the decision impact the rest of his life. He shares passionately about the disparity in how bail is used to maintain class and race lines, where some are privileged over others. They also brainstorm how they can all build on what they are already doing and use their resources and networks to create systemic change.
Learn more about the Court Observers
Learn more about the Justified Anger Black History for a New Day Course
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What was it like to try to create systemic change after the release of Dr. Gee's Justified Anger article? Hear how the article was encroaching on white people’s territory with pushback to maintain the system from guests Rev. Lilada Gee and Harry Hawkins.
Mr. Hawkins provides perspective on the release of the Justified Anger article from someone who had just moved to Madison and was seeing the environment with fresh eyes. They also discuss how language matters in race relations because it frames the issues and who has the power. Dr. Gee breaks down why he got labeled a “Black” leader and not just a community or civic leader.
Read Justified Anger's Our Madison Plan
The Center for Black Excellence and Culture
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Dr. Karen Reece explains Justified Anger's innovative research and strategic approach to Justice centered systems change work. As Justified Anger took off as a movement, Dr. Reece gives insight into the funding of Black-led organizations and the struggle to create long term solutions and change.
Dr. Reece clarifies the difference between quantitative vs qualitative analysis for the kind of work that Justified Anger does. Though it can be harder capture the data, qualitative data gives a deeper understanding of the change that is accomplished.
Dr. Reece explains how she considers Ripple Effects as a way to show the impact of Justified Anger's work. Ripple Effects looks at how people who are learning and being changed by contact with the Justified Anger initiative are enacting change in their spheres of influence, whether it is at the interpersonal, business, or community level.
Learn more:
Justified Voices: What we've learned about racial justice in Madison
Justified Anger's Our Madison Plan
Article: Disparities in Funding for Leaders of Color Leave Impact on the Table
Collection of reports on racial equity in philanthropy
NCRP Report: Too Many Local Community Foundations Still Underinvesting in Black Communities
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On this special episode, Dr. Alex Gee and his sister Lilada Gee reflect on the passing of their mother, Ms. Verline Gee. They celebrate her memory with stories and insights from her life. For decades, Ms. Verline created a profound impact in the Madison community as a mentor to young leaders, social worker, poet, published author, family therapist, faith community leader, and, above all, a cherished mother and grandmother.
Through their mother’s experiences, Dr. Gee and Rev. Lilada are able to explore historical and racial conditions in the period of her life. They reflect on the strength of her character and the lessons they learned, as well as her great intellectual sense of humor. Don't miss the heartfelt and honest conversation around the life of a powerful Black community mother.
Learn more about Ms. Verline Gee's story
Dr. Gee and Rev. Lilada invite you to make a donation to The Center for Black Excellence and Culture, allowing us to share Verline Gee's incredible story and continue her legacy of community building through a senior space and senior programming dedicated in her honor: https://givebutter.com/xieAH6
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Dr. Gee is joined again by his friend Kaleem Caire to look at the atmosphere around Justified Anger in the early years and how the initiative has created change over the last 10 years. They reflect on having breakfast together on the day that the original Justified Anger article was released and talked about how the truth of the article would be received in the community. The two thought leaders in the Madison community consider what it is like to speak boldly and be visionaries for racial justice. Kaleem is a champion of educational change that needs to happen to address disparities.
Kaleem Caire is the founder and CEO of One City Schools, the operator of One City Preschool and One City Elementary School. Both schools are focused on getting young children ready for school success. Prior to One City, Kaleem was the President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison in Madison, WI and chair of the National Urban League's Education Committee.
In 2001, Kaleem commissioned the nation's first comprehensive study of high school graduation rates in the United States, which resulted in graduation rates being embedded in the nation's No Child Left Behind law and forever becoming a measurement of the productivity of American education. In 2002, he was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige to serve on the Independent Rules Panel that advises the U.S. Congress on the evaluation and implementation of Title I (then referred to as No Child Left Behind). From 2002-2004, he led a coalition of education, business, philanthropy and community leaders in Washington, DC to secure the passage of landmark legislation that created the nation's first federally funded school voucher program and has since provided more then $900 million net new federal funding for school reform efforts encompassing DC's traditional public, public charter and private schools. In 2009, he was appointed by the administration of President Barack Obama to serve as an expert reviewer for his signature ""Race to the Top"" national education reform initiative.
Photo of Black Leaders at Justified Anger Event
Read Justified Anger's Our Madison Plan
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Dr. Gee welcomes Renee Moe (President & CEO at United Way of Dane County) and Joe Parisi (Dane County Executive) to dicsuss how they experienced the release of the Justified Anger article and aftermath. They reflect on how the original article caused a stir in some of the civic and community arenas, displaying the racial disparity alive in these systems. Dr. Gee contemplates the cost of stepping into certain civic spheres and often feels like the desire gets quenched by his experience as a Black man.
Hear how the Justified Anger article gave a human face to the statistics of Race to Equity report that made people face the reality in their community. Together the group explore how we continue to address the racial justice present in their county.
Read the original Justified Anger article.
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Dr. Gee considers his career, relationships, and community impact as he reaches the age of 60. His life-long friend David Smith joins the conversations as they recall stories of their youth, beginning as community leaders, and how the world has changed in their shared 60 years. You can be sure that they bring plenty of stories, funny anecdotes, and real talk about their life experiences.
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Dr. Gee welcomes Paul Fanlund, editor and publisher of The Capital Times, and journalist Phil Haslanger to the show to discuss the publication of Dr. Gee's article, entitled Justified Anger. Hear the inside story of how Dr. Gee’s groundbreaking articles changed the community and changed The Capital Times newspaper itself. The three men talk about the environment around the first Justified Anger town hall as a result of the response to the original article. Dr. Gee explores Black voices in journalism and how Black leaders shouldn't be expected to fix injustices themselves.
Read Dr. Gee's Justified Anger at 10 Years Article: Cap Times: Alex Gee says Black Madison is tired of fixing injustices itself
Read Dr. Gee's original Justified Anger Article: Cap Times: Justified anger: Rev. Alex Gee says Madison is failing its African-American community
Cap Times: Opinion | Assessing race in Madison 10 years after ‘Justified Anger’
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Dr. Gee returns to the original article that started the Justified Anger initiative, as he reads the article in his own voice. Season 9 is exploring the ten years of system transformation that has resulted from the wake up call to the racial disparities present in Dr. Gee's local community of Madison, WI. This reading and Dr. Gee's introduction set the tone for the season and explore the impact of systemic change.
Justified Anger is an initiative of Nehemiah that cultivates innovative Black and non-black leaders through culturally grounded programs, dynamic educational experiences and collaborative partnerships that lead to transformational relationships, equitable systems and just solutions.
JustifiedAnger.com
Justified Anger Article
Are you ready for Season 9? Dr. Alex Gee is starting the season off with another mic check to set the tone for what is to come. Get a glimpse into what is on Dr. Gee's mind and heart for the new season.
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Dr. Gee welcomes his friends and fellow podcast host, Henry Sanders, back to the show for a honest conversation about real leadership. Dr. Gee explores how leadership vision is not a sprint, but a marathon from his own experience. They cover the value of visionary integrity over time, the mentorship of community elders, and investing in new partners. Henry Sanders asks tough questions such as: Is the Black church still the conscious of the Black community? What would be the name of the book written about Dr. Gee’s life?
For nearly twenty years, Henry Sanders Jr. (CEO and Publisher) has been a force for community development, economic development and entrepreneurship in the Madison area, in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest.He worked for the City of Madison and then-Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin before joining the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce as Vice President. In that capacity he started the Small Business Advisory Council, Latino Chamber of Commerce and the African wAmerican Black Business Association. Sanders is also the founder of the young professionals organization Madison Area Growth Network (MAGNET), Madison Network of Black Professionals, and Capacity 360, a government relations firm that brought more than $15 million to Wisconsin businesses.
Henry ran a statewide campaign for Lieutenant Governor in 2010 and in 2011 joined the Obama Administration as the Small Business Administration’s Region V Advocate, speaking up for small businesses across six states. In 2018, Henry was named InBusiness Magazine’s 2018 Startup Company Executive of the Year, was given the Amigo Award by LaMovida Radio and was named Outstanding Experiential Learning Host by the Madison Metropolitan School District for allowing students to attend the Wisconsin Leadership Summit. Henry is currently is Publisher and CEO of Madison365.
Dr. Gee welcomes Annette Miller to show to discuss Black leadership and equitable community development in their local community. They have an in-depth discussion around the development of and impact of Justified Anger's Our Madison Plan among the Black community.
The early years of Justified Anger opened the door to the wider community to receive a convergence of attention on the state of the Madison Black community. The Black leaders had been seeing the state of things for awhile, but it wasn't until that moment that the non-Black community was ready to lean in. Our Madison Plan highlights so many of the Black leaders in Madison who are still doing the work and making it happen. Dr. Gee and Annette reveal how navigating the community as a Black leader is a balancing act, because really they are leaders who are Black.
Annette Miller is the CEO and founder of EQT By Design, LLC. Miller’s passion is ensuring inclusion and engagement are front and center in her work. She brings 25 years of strong professional policy and analytic skills, and a wide network of community, government, and business relationships, especially with Dane County’s diverse populations. Miller previously worked for Madison Gas & Electric as the Emerging Markets and Community Development Director, where she built partnerships in energy, sustainability, and inclusion of their emerging customer markets. Formerly, she was an aide to the City of Madison Mayor.
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Dr. Gee brings Dr. Karen Reece back to the show to discuss the complexity of leading a Black focused organization in a majority white community. Dr. Reece brings first hand knowledge of working with white women in the non-profit sector with race relations involved. They talk about if you want different results in their kind of work, you need to try something different. Don't miss this inightful and honest conversation.
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Tyler Nylen and Joel Ballivian return to the show to ask Dr. Gee how white men can face the accountability of their history and move forward. Dr. Gee works to help people understand that we are all broken, not saviors, and then we can start to get work done. The three of them dig deep into understanding the place of white men in the current racial reckoning in American society. They try to model the space white men need to process the new reality of a multicultural society, race relations, and white supremacy. Dr. Gee sheds light on how racism has done damage to everyone in America.
Hear more: 7 Observations For White People During This Historic Moment
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Dr. Gee continues his Season 8 focus on leadership with one of the greatest highlights of his career, interviewing his first grade teacher, Alice E. Turner. Mrs. Turner is a vibrant 103 and has so much wisdom to pass along. In their conversation they cover Mrs. Turner's influence on Dr. Gee, the experience of being a Black teacher through so much history, and inspiring Black youth to greatness. This conversation is so vital to capturing the excellence and experience of our elders.
Dr. Gee welcomes his friend and fellow pastor, Peter Ahn back to the show to talk about authenticity in leadership development. They speak about different moments of crisis, such as the Pandemic, that bring new roads, roles, and rules. These two leaders bring a unique perspective on cross-cultural relationships and empowering others to live into their leadership abilities. Their partnership has been about bringing communities together to be allied against racism and the important of understanding the history between communities. Don't miss this conversation about leading with clarity of vision over popularity and comfort.
Peter reinforces the need for empowering a multicultural leadership approach in local communities. He has demonstrated raising up local leaders and resourcing them to make change on their own in the Englewood community of New Jersey. Check out Peter's podcast Weak Pastor for more of his insights.
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Dr. Gee speaks to a group of Black students from the University of Wisconsin that formed the Black Power Coalition in response to a video of a UW student using racial slurs and language that appeared online in May, 2023. The students from the coalition organized several marches on the UW campus as call to action demonstrations, including presenting a list of demands to the UW Chancellor to address the racist incident.
The conversation with the students covers their personal experiences and what they each brought to addressing the racism on campus. There was a Black student solidarity that grew out of this incident and Dr. Gee calls out the excellence and leadership of these student organizers.
- Read the letter of demands that the coalition sent to the University
- Read more about the demonstrations around the event
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On this episode Dr. Gee has a conversation with Jacquesha Hunt about growing up in his church, finding her first job with his non-profit organization, and now assisting with the podcast as well. With so much history together and being able to see Jacquesha develop in her life, Dr. Gee shares some new angles on his leadership and mentoring.
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Dr. Alex Gee continues his heart-felt and truthful conversation with his white cousin, Brandon Cook, about their shared family legacy that dates back to American slavery. They are open about discussing the racial trauma that has carried through generations of their family history. In this second part of their conversation, they talk about the truth of using your own experience and guilt versus healing.
Having both served as pastors and being committed to transformational leadership, they have a lot in common, while still experiencing very different sides of American society.
Brandon Cook is a writer, trainer, and business/personal coach. He attended Wheaton College (IL) and studied in Jerusalem, Israel before graduating magna cum laude from Brandeis University near Boston. He also received a Master’s degree in ancient Judaism from Oxford University in the UK. Brandon is passionate about helping people courageously step into their future and into who they are made to be, through Brandon Cook Coaching. You can also listen to his podcast, Naming the Real, wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with his long-time and wise friend, Rick Phelps. They share a thoughtful, sharp, and strategic approach to leadership for the greater good of the local community. You won't want to miss Rick's insightful and sensitive questions and the wisdom they bring out of Dr. Gee about his visionary leadership, including the development of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture.
Rick Phelps is the former Dane County Executive and chaired redevelopment of East Washington Ave/Capitol East District in Madison, WI. He is currently serving as an integral part of the advisory council for The Center for Black Excellence and Culture.
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Dr. Alex Gee has a heart-felt and truthful conversation with his white cousin, Brandon Cook, about their shared family legacy that dates back to American slavery. They are open about discussing the racial trauma that has carried through generations of their family history. Having both served as pastors and being committed to transformational leadership, they have a lot in common, while still experiencing very different sides of American society.
Brandon Cook is a writer, trainer, and business/personal coach. He attended Wheaton College (IL) and studied in Jerusalem, Israel before graduating magna cum laude from Brandeis University near Boston. He also received a Master’s degree in ancient Judaism from Oxford University in the UK. Brandon is passionate about helping people courageously step into their future and into who they are made to be, through Brandon Cook Coaching. You can also listen to his podcast, Naming the Real, wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Dr. Alex Gee gets interviewed by his accomplished guest, Jason Fields. They discuss how to develop leaders, professionally and spiritually, and the unseen loneliness and cost of leadership. Fields asks about how he observes Dr. Gee’s consistency of voice and personality in every environment.
Jason Fields represents the United States as a senator of the World Business Angel Investment Forum (WBAF). He is founder of The Financial Promise Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization that teaches personal financial & business literacy. He is also the Founder and Managing Director of Dark Knight Capital Ventures, a venture fund that seeks to invest in underrepresented founders across America.
Jason started his career in the financial services sector where he collaboratively managed over $100 million in assets. His experience includes bonds, equities, derivatives, insurance, and both residential and commercial loans. He has also worked as a financial advisor, investment advisor, personal banker, credit union branch manager and investment banking associate.
He is a published author with six books, four of which focus on financial topics for beginners. Jason is a certified financial education instructor & certified capital raising specialist. He holds a BS Degree in business management from Cardinal Stritch University. Jason is the President of the Regional Leadership Council, a member of the Governor’s Financial Literacy Council and the Rotary Club of Downtown Madison. He serves on the board of directors of Destination Madison, Wisconsin Technology Council, MKE Tech, Competitive Wisconsin, the Green Bay Packer Mentor Protégé Program, and the Convergence Resource Center.
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For this episode of the Pass the Mic Series, get an inside look at the cross-cultural production team dynamic of the Black Like Me podcast itself. Producers Jeremy Holiday and Eli Steenlage ask Dr. Gee about mentoring and leading 'eager white men' who want to be part of the racial justice movement. The conversation covers the importance of building cross-cultural relationships, following Black voices, and showing up when it matters.
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The Pass the Mic leadership series continues with the return of Dr. Tony Chambers to the podcast. Dr. Gee and Dr. Chambers exchange stories and insights on their leadership values. In their conversation, Dr. Gee digs into the circumstances that led him to write the Justified Anger article in 2013 and recalls the exact moment that he felt the American dream fade. Dr. Chambers also brings the idea of gratitude into the role it plays in leading others.
Listen to Dr. Tony Chambers' first appearance on Black Like Me in Season 3.
Learn more about The Center for Black Excellence and Culture
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Dr. Alex Gee is kicking off his new Leadership series with the Executive Vice President of his non-profit organization, Nehemiah. Harry Hawkins has studied Transformational Leadership like Dr. Gee and of how this powerful style of leadership has played out first-hand in their relationship.
The two leaders discuss the difference between a Black leader and a leader who is Black. Harry Hawkins brings his experience in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) training to the conversation and what they both have learned in this developing business setting. Listen in as these two leaders discover stories together that they have never shared before.
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Season 8 is here! Dr. Alex Gee is starting the season off with another mic check to set the tone for what is to come. Get a glimpse into what is on Dr. Gee's mind and heart right now, and why the Pass the Mic Series is going to be so special.
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As a special treat to lead into the new season of Black Like Me, we are sharing this recording of a live event at Cafe Coda from December of 2022. In partnership with Justified Anger and Lean Into Allship sessions, Dr. Alex Gee brought together an exciting group of storytellers for a night of music, celebration, and community connection. The evening of stories told live was curated by Dr. Gee around the theme of "Hope."
Listen in to experience a group of storytellers as they share their own personal Allyship experiences in their racial justice journey. Celebrate two big milestones with two years of the Lean Into Allyship community and the Black Like Me podcast's Best of Madison win. Enjoy this special evening with live music performed by Mitch Guzick and Joey Thomas.
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To celebrate the Black Like Me Podcast winning Madison Magazine’s Best of Madison podcast 2022, we are highlighting some favorite episodes from past seasons.
For the third episode in the Best of Black Like Me series, Dr. Gee talks with Kellie Carter Jackson about how she teaches Black history and the discourse around race in education happening in America right now. Carter Jackson breaks down Critical Race Theory (CRT) and how we actually view history, whether it is through facts or memory.
Kellie Carter Jackson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Africana Studies at Wellesley College. She was also the 2019-2020 Newhouse Faculty Fellow for the Center of the Humanities at Wellesley College. Carter Jackson’s research focuses on slavery and the abolitionists, violence as a political discourse, historical film, and black women’s history. She earned her B.A at her beloved Howard University and her Ph.D from Columbia University working with the esteemed historian Eric Foner. Her book, Force & Freedom: Black Abolitionists and the Politics of Violence (University of Pennsylvania Press), examines the conditions that led some black abolitionists to believe slavery might only be abolished by violent force. Force and Freedom was a finalist for the Frederick Douglass Book Prize, winner of the James H. Broussard Best First Book Prize given by SHEAR (Society for Historians of the Early American Republic) and a finalist for the Museum of African American History (MAAH) Stone Book Prize Award for 2019. The Washington Post listed Force and Freedom as one of 13 books to read on the history of Black America for those who really want to learn. Her interview, “A History of Violent Protest”on Slate’s What’s Next podcast was listed as one of the best of 2020.
Carter Jackson is also co-editor of Reconsidering Roots: Race, Politics, & Memory (Athens: University of Georgia Press). With a forward written by Henry Louis Gates Jr., Reconsidering Roots is the first scholarly collection of essays devoted entirely to understanding the remarkable tenacity of Alex Haley’s visual, cultural, and political influence on American history. Carter Jackson and Erica Ball have also edited a Special Issue on the 40th Anniversary of Roots for Transition Magazine (Issue 122}. Together, Ball and Carter Jackson have curated the largest collection essays dedicated to the history and impact of Roots. Carter Jackson was also featured in the History Channel’s documentary, Roots: A History Revealed which was nominated for a NAACP Image Award in 2016.
Carter Jackson is a co-host on the podcast, “This Day in Political Esoteric History” with Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer. Her essays have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Los Angeles Times, NPR, The Guardian, The Conversation, Boston’s NPR Blog Cognoscenti, Black Perspectives, and Quartz. She has also been interviewed for her expertise for MSNBC, SkyNews (UK) New York Times, PBS, Time, Vox, The Huff Post, the BBC, Boston Public Radio, Al Jazeera International, Slate, The Telegraph, Reader’s Digest, CBC, and Radio One among other news outlets. She has been featured in a host of documentaries and podcasts on history and race in the United States. Carter Jackson is a commissioner for the Massachusetts Historical Commission. She sits on the scholarly advisory board for the Gilder Lehrman Institute for American History. Carter Jackson is also Historian-in-Residence for the Museum of African American History in Boston.
She is currently at work on two book manuscripts, one on Black response to white supremacy and Losing Laroche: The Story of the Only Black Passenger on the Titanic. She traces how Joseph Laroche allows us to better understand the possibilities and limitations of black travel in the Titanic moment and our global love affair with whiteness and wealth.
Carter Jackson represented by the indefatigable Tanya McKinnon and her team at McKinnon Literary. She currently resides outside of Boston with her husband and three children.
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To celebrate the Black Like Me Podcast winning Madison Magazine's Best of Madison podcast 2022, we are highlighting some favorite episodes from past seasons.
For the second episode in the Best of Black Like Me series, it seemed like an appropriate time of year to highlight Black excellence in education. Who better to talk to than Dr. Gee's personal friend and the person who literally wrote the book on African American pedagogy, Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings.
Dr. Gee has an invigorating conversation with Dr. Ladson-Billings that starts with demystifying Critical Race Theory (CRT) and continues through explaining systemic racism. Dr. Ladson-Billings brings career-long expertise to the topic of considering how to teach history equitably and how to look at our current cultural landscape as well.
Gloria Ladson-Billings is the former Kellner Family Distinguished Professor of Urban Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and faculty affiliate in the Department of Educational Policy Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She was the 2005-2006 president of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Ladson-Billings’ research examines the pedagogical practices of teachers who are successful with African American students. She also investigates Critical Race Theory applications to education. She is the author of the critically acclaimed books The Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of African American Children and Crossing Over to Canaan: The Journey of New Teachers in Diverse Classrooms, and numerous journal articles and book chapters. She is the former editor of the American Educational Research Journal and a member of several editorial boards. Her work has won numerous scholarly awards including the H.I. Romnes Faculty Fellowship, the NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship, and the Palmer O. Johnson outstanding research award. During the 2003-2004 academic year, she was a fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. In fall of 2004, she received the George and Louise Spindler Award from the Council on Anthropology and Education for significant and ongoing contributions to the field of educational anthropology. She holds honorary degrees from Umeå University (Umeå Sweden), University of Massachusetts-Lowell, the University of Alicante (Alicante, Spain), the Erickson Institute (Chicago), and Morgan State University (Baltimore). She is a 2018 recipient of the AERA Distinguished Research Award, and she was elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in 2018.
Read more about Dr. Ladson-Billings here.
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To celebrate the Black Like Me Podcast winning Madison Magazine's Best of Madison podcast 2022, we are highlighting some favorite episodes from past seasons.
For the first re-release, Dr. Alex Gee shares a series of observations into what he saw during the Summer of 2020 with the state of racism and national upheaval. This was originally recorded soon after the deaths of Breanna Taylor and George Floyd and racially motivated incidents like Amy Cooper and Christian Cooper in Central Park. Don't miss how Dr. Gee can take account of significant moments and bring fresh insight for those who want to pay attention and understand the Black experience.
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Dr. Alex Gee uses a personal experience to frame a discussion about how the white surveillance of Black people in their community is alive and well. In the process, explores how a white ally takes responsibility for some racism around them, absorbs some of the hurt, and lightens the burden on Dr. Gee's heavy heart. Don't miss this glimpse into Dr. Gee's life as a Black man and his raw reactions.
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Dr. Alex Gee reflects on the true nature of being a victim, as he is accused of taking advantage of victimhood. He reflects on what a victim complex looks like and flips the definition on the white troll to consider the insecurities of white supremacy. Dr. Gee points to the excellence and resilience of his family to dispel alarmist victim-shaming. You are going to want to hear this!
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Find out more about the Justified Anger Black History for a New Day Course and how you can get involved: nehemiah.org/our-work/justified-anger/
Dr. Gee brings another one of his insightful and raw reflections on a racial justice issue from his own experience and perspective. In the midst of turbulent times that make people protective of their rights, Dr. Gee offers five ways that specifically white allies can stay in the struggle for justice. These five things start with simply acknowledging your privilege and then seeing what you can do most with your position.
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Dr. Alex Gee welcomes LaVar Charleston, PHD and Sherri Charleston to the show for a new series on Black power couples. Their conversation covers the evolution of the Chief Diversity Officer in higher education and understanding that a strategic approach to DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) in institutions is essential. The Charleston's demonstrate how being a couple that are also “thought partners” makes them better at their jobs.
LaVar J. Charleston, Ph.D., is the deputy vice chancellor for diversity & inclusion at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In this role he serves as the chief diversity officer for the university as well as the Elzie Higginbottom vice provost and director of the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA).
Sherri Ann Charleston serves as the first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO) at Harvard University. She is one of the nation’s leading experts in diversity and higher education, and assumed her role in August 2020.
Dr. Charleston is a historian trained in U.S. history with a focus on race, women, gender, citizenship, and the law, and an attorney with a specialization in constitutional and employment law. Most recently, she served as the Assistant Vice Provost for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Affirmative Action Officer at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison. She was responsible for evaluating progress toward the goals of a campus-wide strategic diversity plan. During her leadership, she also oversaw the Office of Employee Disability Resources and undergraduate scholarship programs focused on recruiting and retaining students from historically underrepresented communities.
Dr. Gee has a conversation with Edith Hilliard, a Black elder in Madison. Hilliard's family is one of the longest living Black families in Wisconsin and Madison. Her stories and family anecdotes reveal a rich history of Black culture and heritage in a predominately white state. Edith Hilliard reveals differences in racial dynamics between now and her childhood.
Oral History Interview with Edith Hilliard
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On this episode Dr. Alex Gee responds to the racially motivated shooting in Buffalo, NY with a reflection on what this incident means for the country. You won't want to miss Dr. Gee's raw reaction to a direct attack on the Black community.
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Rev. Jon Edgerton wanted to guide his Illinois faith community through a thoughtful consideration of racial representation in their worship music, but ended up starting a national conversation on white allyship and faith. Dr. Gee and Rev. Edgerton explore how faith, the Black experience, and social justice inform racial justice action. Listen in to the thoughtful but bold conversation about breaking down barriers.
Read more about the topic:
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2022/4/8/23016850/oak-park-pastor-fasting-whiteness-lent-race-diversity
Check out Rev. John Edgerton’s church community:
https://www.firstunitedoakpark.com
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Dr. Gee and Lance Davis connect over their shared experience of time in Ghana. Lance Davis talks about his long journey back to Ghana and the old but paradigm-shattering truths he found along the way. Now for over 20 years, Davis has done work with villages, water, and gold in Ghana. Hear what it means to lead African-Americans back home.
In 2003, Bishop Lance Davis established New Zion Christian Fellowship, now New Zion Covenant, in Dolton, Illinois. In addition to these ministries, Bishop Davis is the founder and Executive Director of Building Our Own Community (BOOC), Inc. which is established in the United States and in Ghana, West Africa. Bishop Davis also established Sankofa Ventures Management, Inc., an international company operating in Ghana, West Africa to create job opportunities for men and women locally and abroad.
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On this episode Dr. Gee is joined by listener Jason Shanley to get his take on an insight into Malcolm X and his development made by his half-sister, Ella Collins. As usual, you will get the kind of raw and honest commentary that you don't get anywhere else. Don't miss this dynamic new segment.
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Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes about his career and making paths to progress in the state. Lt. Governor Barnes is working to create a state that considers equity and living up to the state motto of ‘Forward.’ Also, hear what the Lt. Gov. has to say directly to Black people in WI.
Learn More about how Toussaint L'ouverture Rose from Slavery to Lead the Haitian Revolution, as discussed by Lt. Gov. Barnes.
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Listen in to a recent event for allies as Dr. Gee and Dr. Terrance Greene discuss the legacy of Black history coming out of Black History Month. As a professor, Dr. Greene provides a deep understanding of Black and white relations through history and now.
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In the first episode of Season 7, Dr. Gee breaks down the inspiration behind the new season's theme of Rising To The Occasion. As always, Dr. Gee provides his unique perspective in a dynamic fashion.
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Dr. Alex Gee welcomes his friend and actress Angela Robinson to continue his exploration of the many sides of Black Joy. For Robinson, Black Joy means embracing your culture with a lack of pretense. Robinson also provides advice on having a strong career and the importance of life experience, as she share about her own career. This is an inspiring conversation that you don't want to miss.
A native of Jacksonville, FL, Angela Robinson is best-known as The Ice Queen Veronica Harrington of Tyler Perry's The Haves and The Have Nots. For her work as Veronica she is the 2015 recipient of the Gracie Award (Best Female Actress - One to
Watch).
Angela has worked on Broadway, off Broadway and on stages throughout the US and abroad. Broadway productions include The Color Purple with Fantasia, Wonderful Town, Bells Are Ringing, and Play On! She has participated in National Tours of The
Color Purple, Dreamgirls, and The Wizard of Oz with Eartha Kitt. Her television/film credits include Law & Order: SVU, Another Bed and several regional and national commercials.
She is the Winner of an Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) award for her work as Shug Avery in The Color Purple, Angela has been nominated twice for a Black
Theatre Alliance Award (The Color Purple, Dreamgirls), and for an Audelco Award (Radiant Baby).
She is also a member of the Tony Award winning Broadway Inspirational Voices.
In 2008 Angela and her husband Scott founded the WhiteRobin Group. WhiteRobin Group is a consulting firm for aspiring and seasoned artists; providing training,
inspiration and direction via acting workshops, private acting coaching, blogs and mentorship programs.
Angela is a graduate of Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (BA) and The William Esper Acting Studio where she studied with master teacher William Esper. She is a proud member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA. Angela currently resides in New Jersey with
her husband, Scott Whitehurst, and son Robbie.
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In light of the recent press conference announcing the design and fundraising campaign for The Center for Black Excellence and Culture, Dr. Gee reflects on what this moment means to him personally. The process of launching The Center has made every effort to include the local Black community in the development and partnerships. Don't miss Dr. Gee's perspective on reaching this point.
Learn more about The Center
Read about The Center in The Root
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Dr. Gee continues to lead the conversation on the role of Black people in American history. On this episode, he talks with Kellie Carter Jackson about how she teaches Black history and the discourse around race in education happening in America right now. Carter Jackson breaks down Critical Race Theory (CRT) and how we actually view history, whether it is through facts or memory.
Kellie Carter Jackson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Africana Studies at Wellesley College. She was also the 2019-2020 Newhouse Faculty Fellow for the Center of the Humanities at Wellesley College. Carter Jackson's research focuses on slavery and the abolitionists, violence as a political discourse, historical film, and black women’s history. She earned her B.A at her beloved Howard University and her Ph.D from Columbia University working with the esteemed historian Eric Foner. Her book, Force & Freedom: Black Abolitionists and the Politics of Violence (University of Pennsylvania Press), examines the conditions that led some black abolitionists to believe slavery might only be abolished by violent force. Force and Freedom was a finalist for the Frederick Douglass Book Prize, winner of the James H. Broussard Best First Book Prize given by SHEAR (Society for Historians of the Early American Republic) and a finalist for the Museum of African American History (MAAH) Stone Book Prize Award for 2019. The Washington Post listed Force and Freedom as one of 13 books to read on the history of Black America for those who really want to learn. Her interview, “A History of Violent Protest” on Slate’s What’s Next podcast was listed as one of the best of 2020.
Carter Jackson is also co-editor of Reconsidering Roots: Race, Politics, & Memory (Athens: University of Georgia Press). With a forward written by Henry Louis Gates Jr., Reconsidering Roots is the first scholarly collection of essays devoted entirely to understanding the remarkable tenacity of Alex Haley’s visual, cultural, and political influence on American history. Carter Jackson and Erica Ball have also edited a Special Issue on the 40th Anniversary of Roots for Transition Magazine (Issue 122}. Together, Ball and Carter Jackson have curated the largest collection essays dedicated to the history and impact of Roots. Carter Jackson was also featured in the History Channel's documentary, Roots: A History Revealed which was nominated for a NAACP Image Award in 2016.
Carter Jackson is a co-host on the podcast, “This Day in Political Esoteric History” with Jody Avirgan and Nicole Hemmer. Her essays have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Los Angeles Times, NPR, The Guardian, The Conversation, Boston’s NPR Blog Cognoscenti, Black Perspectives, and Quartz. She has also been interviewed for her expertise for MSNBC, SkyNews (UK) New York Times, PBS, Time, Vox, The Huff Post, the BBC, Boston Public Radio, Al Jazeera International, Slate, The Telegraph, Reader’s Digest, CBC, and Radio One among other news outlets. She has been featured in a host of documentaries and podcasts on history and race in the United States. Carter Jackson is a commissioner for the Massachusetts Historical Commission. She sits on the scholarly advisory board for the Gilder Lehrman Institute for American History. Carter Jackson is also Historian-in-Residence for the Museum of African American History in Boston.
She is currently at work on two book manuscripts, one on Black response to white supremacy and Losing Laroche: The Story of the Only Black Passenger on the Titanic. She traces how Joseph Laroche allows us to better understand the possibilities and limitations of black travel in the Titanic moment and our global love affair with whiteness and wealth.
Carter Jackson represented by the indefatigable Tanya McKinnon and her team at McKinnon Literary. She currently resides outside of Boston with her husband and three children.
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Dr. Gee has a can't miss conversation with four women who now live outside of the United States by choice. Hear why these ex-pats have sought a better life outside of America and what factors give them Black Joy.
- Diara Parker (Vice President of Operations and EQT By Design Consultant) https://www.eqtbydesign.com
- Sharolyn “Shar” Wynter (Social Entrepreneur, Startup Founder, and Creative) https://www.xpatinc.com/about
- Hiwote Getaneh (Podcast Producer and Creative) http://www.depthandcandor.com/about
⁃ Margo Gabriel (Food & Travel Freelance Writer, Author, and Creative) https://margoscreativelife.com/about-me
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Dr. Gee digs right into this season's theme of Black Joy by bringing back Dr. Christopher Bass for another illuminating conversation. From the perspective of a psychologist, Dr. Bass gets at the mindset of what it means to have Black joy. They discuss the difference between pursuing happiness in America and knowing joy, and the effect of both.
Dr. Bass refers to the book, Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy Degruy, in their conversation. Check it out to learn more!
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In the first episode of Season 6, Dr. Gee breaks down the theme of Embracing Black Joy, gives a historical context, and sets the stage for the new season. As always, Dr. Gee is inspiring while providing his unique perspective.
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On the final episode of Season 5, Dr. Gee has an invigorating conversation with Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings that starts with demystifying Critical Race Theory (CRT) and continues through explaining systemic racism. Dr. Ladson-Billings brings caree-long expertise to the topic of considering how to teach history equitably and how to look at our current cultural landscape as well.
Gloria Ladson-Billings is the former Kellner Family Distinguished Professor of Urban Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and faculty affiliate in the Department of Educational Policy Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. She was the 2005-2006 president of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Ladson-Billings’ research examines the pedagogical practices of teachers who are successful with African American students. She also investigates Critical Race Theory applications to education. She is the author of the critically acclaimed books The Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of African American Children and Crossing Over to Canaan: The Journey of New Teachers in Diverse Classrooms, and numerous journal articles and book chapters. She is the former editor of the American Educational Research Journal and a member of several editorial boards. Her work has won numerous scholarly awards including the H.I. Romnes Faculty Fellowship, the NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship, and the Palmer O. Johnson outstanding research award. During the 2003-2004 academic year, she was a fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. In fall of 2004, she received the George and Louise Spindler Award from the Council on Anthropology and Education for significant and ongoing contributions to the field of educational anthropology. She holds honorary degrees from Umeå University (Umeå Sweden), University of Massachusetts-Lowell, the University of Alicante (Alicante, Spain), the Erickson Institute (Chicago), and Morgan State University (Baltimore). She is a 2018 recipient of the AERA Distinguished Research Award, and she was elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in 2018.
Read more about Dr. Ladson-Billings here.
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation. Currently, the debate around Black American history and Critical Race Theory is heating up, so we are returning to an episode that discusses teaching Black history.
Dr. Alex Gee talks with Professor Steve Kantrowitz and Professor Alexander Shashko about their experience teaching Black History. Professor Kantrowitz co-created Justified Anger’s Black History for a New Day course with Dr. Gee, and Professor Shashko lecturers for the course.
Learn more about how you can be part of Justified Anger's Virtual Black History for A New Day Course.
Alexander’s Tedx Talk
Professor Steve Kantrowitz’s Books:
All Men Free and Brethren: Essays on the History of African American Freemasonry
More Than Freedom: Fighting for Black Citizenship in a White Republic.
Ben Tillman and the Reconstruction of White Supremacy.
Professor Alexander Shashko’s book suggestions:
https://www.press.umich.edu/179458/change_is_gonna_come
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780312425791
http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/ows/seminars/tcentury/movinglr/longcivilrights.pdf
Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation about pushing back against the legacy of white supremacy still holding on in our institutions with Mya Berry, a college student advocating for racial justice in Wisconsin. Mya Berry has called for changing the name of her former high school because of the memorializing of a slaveholder. Their conversation covers navigating white educational space, refusing to address racist history, and the perpetuation of racial disparities by educators. We must acknowledge how history manifests itself in our present institutions and the impact on new generations of people of color.
Mya Berry Go Fund Me: Support Mya Berry in her Harvard education
High School Name Change Article Read more about Mya Berry's efforts
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The week of this episode, Juneteenth was federally recognized as a national holiday. Dr. Alex Gee takes this opportunity to reflect on the progress that Black people have made in America and what meaning this holiday holds. There are many disparities and injustices facing African Americans today that need to be understood alongside a holiday celebrating Black culture.
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Dr. Gee and Raven Jemison bring raw conversations about race to white spaces where these conversations do not usually happen. Raven discusses the importance in her work of an authentic connection to a community and one that you can have an impact on. Their conversation covers sports as racial harmony that brings people together under a common goal, and the debate over sports players and public figures being allowed to speak out on social issues.
Raven Jemison is a sports business executive with 10+ years of experience in managing multi-million dollar business operations and generating revenue across teams and leagues. She currently serves as the Executive Vice President, Business Operations for the Milwaukee Bucks. Prior to her time in Milwaukee, she worked for the NBA League Office, San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Florida Panthers.
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Did you get the "The Talk" growing up? Have you given "The Talk" to your kids? Dr. Gee riffs on the cultural significance of "The Talk" in the African American community. He tells his story of learning his own racial identity and what that tells us about American culture.
Unfortunately, you may hear some crackling and popping noise in the recording this week
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Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with Bridgette Craighead, a mother, entrepreneur, and advocate running to represent her community in the Virginia House of Delegates. She shares her story of activism after the racial violence of 2020 and how it connects to the capitol insurrection in January of 2021. Her revealing story of the insurrection connected to her hometown went viral and demonstrated the racism underlying the nation.
Bridgette Craighead’s Campaign: https://www.bridgettefordelegate.com
https://www.facebook.com/BridgetteForDelegate https://twitter.com/BridgetteForYou https://www.instagram.com/bridgettefordelegate/ alexgee.com
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Dr. Gee reflects on where he was when heard about George Floyd's death and the impact it had on him and the trajectory of the nation over the last year. He then shares 5 steps to have hope about where we move after understanding this point in our racial justice history. This episode is a powerful perspective from Dr. Gee as a Black man working for years to fight racism, invest in Black leaders, and promote Black excellence.
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As a companion conversation to this week's episode with Tyler Nylen and Joel Ballivian about race in the church and what exactly Frickin' A even means, we are re-sharing a similar earlier conversation with Tyler Nylen and the white men of the Black Like Me Podcast crew.
On this fun and honest episode, Dr. Alex Gee teases his upcoming full discussion of the Netflix series Dear White People by sharing his thoughts on the first episode. Dr. Gee is joined by some of his podcast crew to get a White perspective on the topic of White people entering Black spaces, such as Black churches. Plus, hear the group struggle to understand the use of the phrase “Frickin’ A.” You don’t hear open discussions on race like this anywhere else.
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Dr. Alex Gee welcomes back to the show Tyler Nylen, former Black Like Me podcast manager, to answer some questions we know you have been wanting the answers to. Tyler Nylen is joined by his good friend, Joel Ballivian, to bring a philosophical and theoretical perspective to systemic racism, Critical Race Theory, and talking to other white people about racism. These two white men discuss some hard questions in the current racial justice environment. Is systemic racism actually real? What are white people afraid of believing in white privilege or systemic racism? What are people saying when they accuse someone like Dr. Gee as a promoter of Critical Race Theory? Also, listen in to hear if these two white guys pass the Black Ice Breaker test?
Social Psychologist Brian Lowery on Privilege
https://stanfordmag.org/contents/social-psychologist-brian-lowery-on-privilege
The Invisibility of White Privilege with Brian Lowery, PhD (Audio interview)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R32OP1X0dkw
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For this episode, Dr. Gee shares a conversation he had with Judge Everett Mitchell at a live virtual event for non-Black allies. The two discuss the Derek Chauvin trial and the surrounding violence toward Black people in the US. Judge Mitchell provides some perspective on how race impacts the criminal justice system, the discretion of judges, and how judicial diversity matters in our changing society. They explore how it is evident that change has not taken hold in our justice system. Listen to hear how this kind of change requires us all to be engaged and active in our local communities, and practical ways to create change.
Judge Everett Mitchell is a community activist and Dane County Circuit Court Judge, as well as pastor of Christ the Solid Rock Baptist Church in Madison, WI.
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Dr. Alex Gee has an insightful and honest conversation with two of his friends, fellow men of faith, and fathers of daughters, Dr. Efrem Smith and Rev. Adam Edgerly. Their conversation covers the spectrum of recent concerns for Black people, from patriotism, cross-cultural relationships, racial justice movements, to the future of the US racial landscape. The group also uses the recent film, Judas and The Black Messiah, to spark relevant connections with historical context. This is a powerful snapshot of Black perspective on current events.
Pastor Efrem Smith is an internationally recognized leader who uses motivational speaking and preaching to equip people for a life of transformation. He consults on issues of multi-ethnicity, leadership, and community development. Pastor Smith is the former- president and CEO of World Impact, an urban mission, church planting and leadership-development organization. He is the current co-lead Pastor of Bayside Church, Midtown. He’s the author of several books, including his latest, “Killing Us Softly.” Pastor Smith is a graduate of Saint John's University and Luther Theological Seminary. He received an honorary doctor of ministry degree from Ashland Theological Seminary.
Adam Edgerly, founding and lead pastor of Newsong Los Angeles Covenant Church, is the director of Covenant World Relief and Development (CWRD). Edgerly has served as the denomination’s associate director of global evangelism and Pacific Southwest Conference director of church planting. Edgerly also is the founder and CEO of Culture Consultants and has led workshops across five continents. He serves on the Board of Trustees at Biola University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in intercultural studies, which included field research in leadership and language in Mali, West Africa. He earned a master of business administration at Emory University.
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As a companion conversation to this week's episode with Joy Bailey-Bryant about the importance of Black space, we are re-sharing a conversation about navigating white space.
Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with Patrick Sims, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion, and Vice Provost and Chief Diversity Officer for the Univerisity of Wisconsin-Madison. Sims oversees the Division of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement at the University.
The discussion is an honest exploration of how large educational institutions handle diversity and the challenges of race in the campus environment. You are going to want to hear about Patrick’s unique background and how he came into this role to affect positive change at the university.
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Dr. Alex Gee talks with Joy Bailey-Bryant, Lord Cultural Resources President, about the importance of cultural spaces and innovative museums. Baily-Bryant is involved in supporting the development of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture in Madison, WI. They connect over shared Black culture and tell stories of the power of preserving culture, demonstrating the resilient power of culture that has space to speak into itself. You won't want to miss a fun new edition of Black Ice Breakers.
As leader of cultural planning at the largest cultural consultancy in the world, Joy works with city officials, institutional leaders, and developers, in global municipalities like Chicago; New York; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Dharan, Saudi Arabia to creatively plan cities and bring people (life!) to public institutions. Joy led the teams for institutional and cultural planning on remarkable projects like the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., reaching more than 1,000 stakeholders across the country to learn their expectations for the new museum; the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at the World Trade Center, directing citywide engagement in locations as large as Chicago and small as Decatur, Georgia – speaking with thousands of individuals in meetings and on social media – to assess, project, and plan for their cultural needs; and planning and opening the expansion of the Albany Civil Rights Institute in Albany, Georgia—unearthing thousands of untold stories of the Southwest Georgia Civil Rights Movement.
A cultural planning specialist, certified interpretive planner, and outreach facilitator, Joy honed her specialized skill working in collaborative roles at the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and notable cultural planning projects.
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation. Be sure to also listen to Robin DiAngelo's return to the podcast in Episode 126.
Dr. Alex Gee brings you an important figure in the White Allyship conversation, Dr. Robin DiAngelo. Their conversation is insightful, truthful, and challenging to the system of racism. Dr. Gee and Dr. DiAngelo share the ability to speak from life experience, both personally and professionally, in an episode that is not to be missed.
Dr. Robin DiAngelo is the Affiliate Associate Professor of Education at the University of Washington. Her area of research is in Whiteness Studies and Critical Discourse Analysis, explicating how whiteness is reproduced in everyday narratives. Dr. DiAngelo has numerous publications and books, including Is Everybody Really Equal?: An Introduction to Key Concepts in Critical Social Justice Education, co-written with Özlem Sensoy, and which received both the American Educational Studies Association Critics Choice Book Award (2012) and the Society of Professors of Education Book Award (2018). In 2011 she coined the term White Fragility in an academic article which influenced the national dialogue on race. Dr. DiAngelo’s book, White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism was released in June of 2018 and debuted on the New York Times Bestseller List.
Dr. Gee welcomes back Robin DiAngelo for a conversation about the racial atmosphere of the last year. Dr. Gee asks what DiAngelo would tell his white listeners that may feel like things will be better now in our country? What is the role of white progressives in the racial environment? DiAngelo gives some clarity to how systemic racism adapts and how a sense of complacency is dangerous.
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Dr. Gee brings back his friend Justice Jill Karofsky to give perspective on recent events. They cover voter suppression, the Washington Capitol insurrection, and mass incarceration. Justice Karofsky gives honest views of how important mental health is to judicial decision-making, the vitality of all elections, and diversity on the bench.
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With recent events bringing more attention to Asian and Asian Pacific racism and violence, we wanted to re-share this episode that discusses many of these issues. Just as with racism against African-Americans, this racism against the Asian community is not new. Let's use the exposure of the pandemic and recent events to keep the conversation going.
Dr. Alex Gee sits down for a return visit with his good friend Peter Ahn to share about the Asian-American experience during the COVID-19 crisis. Dr. Gee and Peter discuss connections between their cultures, how it has shaped them and their friendship, and shed light on racism in their communities. They want to help guide the way with their shared experiences during and beyond this crisis.
Anthony Cooper returns to the podcast to discuss his recent pardon by the WI state governor. Wisconsin State Public Defender Kelli Thompson also joins the conversation to comment on the importance of pardons in shifting the narrative on an individual's life. Anthony Cooper, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Reentry Services, is always a passionate advocate of those pushed aside in society and not letting people's mistakes define them.
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Dr. Gee brings Ben Wikler, Wisconsin Democratic Chair, back to the show for a conversation on elections. They cover the role of Black voters, the power of Black women organizing, voter suppression, and the vital position of Wisconsin in the election. This is the election and voter perspective that you aren't going to hear other places.
Ben Wikler was raised in Madison, Wisconsin, where he now lives with his wife, Beth, and their three children. Ben has spent his life fighting for economic, social, and racial justice. In his work, most recently for the progressive group MoveOn.org, Ben has played a leadership role in some of the most critical political fights of recent years—from the successful battle to save the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, to the defense of Dreamers, immigrants, and refugees, to the rise of the Blue Wave of 2018. While working across the country, Ben has always stayed connected to his Wisconsin roots, recently working to help elect the Evers/Barnes ticket and sounding the alarm about the GOP power grab after their victory. Now the Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, he believes we can supercharge grassroots energy in every part of Wisconsin to fight for our progressive agenda, and secure Democratic victories all the way up and down the ticket for years to come.
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Dr. Eddie Moore Jr. returns to the show to catch up with Dr. Gee about a traumatic year for Black people. As Black men and husbands, they commiserate on self-care and family life during the pandemic and the racial unrest of 2020. Their conversation then moves towards the insurrection and "how white people need to clean up the mess they made."
Also, don't miss a short discussion about Eddie Moore Jr.'s National White Privilege Conference as guest speaker Robin Di'Angelo joins in.
Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr., currently serves as Director of The Privilege Institute (TPI) and The National White Privilege Conference (WPC), both founded under his direction to provide opportunities and possibilities for research, publications, speaking and collaborations by those committed to true social and institutional change. He received his Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Leadership Studies at the University of Iowa and under his direction and inclusive relationship model the White Privilege Conference has become one of the top national and international conferences for participants who want to move beyond dialogue and into action around issues of diversity, power, privilege, and leadership.
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In a candid interview, American Family Insurance CEO and Chairman, Jack Salzwedel shares his racial equity journey with Dr. Gee. While exploring his leadership and career, Jack Salzwedel discusses witnessing redlining, creating inclusive company culture, and his own pursuit of equity. Listen to hear another open and insightful conversation from Dr. Gee.
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Dr. Gee discusses Dr. Jasmine Zapata's involvement in the COVID-19 vaccine research at the University of Wisconsin under the leadership of Dr. William Hartman. Their conversation highlights the importance and rarity of including African Americans in the research process. This important topic explains the mistrust of the Black community for health care services and the impact of COVID on African Americans.
Dr. William Hartman is an anesthesiologist at UW Health and an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. He is the Medical Director for the UW Health Preanesthesia Assessment Clinic. He is leading a UW Health study looking at whether plasma transfusions from people who have recovered from COVID-19 will help others who are still fighting it.
Dr. Zapata is a dynamic author, physician, health educator, speaker, youth empowerment specialist, and community leader known both locally and internationally. She is a board-certified pediatrician as well as a preventive medicine/public health doctor. Her focus is on ways to get outside the clinic walls to impact health outcomes for children and families on a community-based level. Her research and community work focuses on racial disparities in infant mortality, upstream determinants of health, youth resilience, public health approaches to violence prevention, and innovative methods of community engagement and health promotion. She is the founder of the Beyond Beautiful International Youth Empowerment Movement as well as co-founder of the Madison Inspirational Youth Choir among other roles.
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Dr. Gee brings back Psychologist Dr. Christopher Bass just in time to help him process the stress and hurt that is sadly building up with current events. This stress has compounded for Black folks since the Pandemic has brought greater disparities and systemic racism to the forefront. Whether you need to hear how to address underlying stressors for the Black community or want to better understand the conditions facing people of color in our current environment, this episode is enlightening.
Dr. Chris Bass has served clinically in a variety of posts including; Clinical Director at a residential treatment facility for adjudicated late adolescent males, Psychologist for the City of Atlanta and Senior Psychological Partner at The Bass Medical and Psychological Consultants firm LLC. He has held faculty appointments on the campuses of Hampton University, Morehouse College, University of Georgia, Oglethorpe University and others. He continues to serve as a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Clark Atlanta University.
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In the first episode of season 5, Dr. Gee gives his perspective on where we are, moving further into 2021, and sets the stage for the new season. As always, Dr. Gee does not hold back in giving his honest insight.
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This extra episode of Season 4 was just too good to wait for Season 5. Dr. Alex Gee has an honest conversation with NBA player currently with the Milwaukee Bucks. A 10-year NBA veteran, Matthews averaged 12.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 69 games (68 starts) with Dallas, New York and Indiana last season. He finished the 2018-19 season with the Pacers, starting 23 games, averaging 10.9 points in 31.5 minutes per contest.
The former Marquette standout who attended high school in Madison, Wis., has also played in 36 playoff games in his career and is averaging 12.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.3 steals in postseason action.
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Dr. Alex Gee wraps up Season 4 with a reflection on the themes of his conversations over the last season. Season 4's theme of "State of Emergency" became more relevant as the year has gone on and Dr. Gee points to the current state of affairs in Wisconsin and the country. You are sure to hear Dr. Gee's honest perspective as a Black man in America giving voice to the Black experience. Plus, Dr. Gee leaves you with some steps to take toward action in the midst of volatile times.
nehemiah.org
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
On this fun and honest episode, Dr. Alex Gee teases his upcoming full discussion of the Netflix series Dear White People by sharing his thoughts on the first episode. Dr. Gee is joined by some of his podcast crew to get a White perspective on the topic of White people entering Black spaces, such as Black churches. Plus, hear the group struggle to understand the use of the phrase "Frickin' A." You don't hear open discussions on race like this anywhere else.
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Dr. Alex Gee answers listener questions about this season of the podcast and also current events like the Black Lives Matter movement, racial unrest, and what makes a trustworthy white ally. Becoming a Patreon supporter allows you to get your pressing questions submitted to Dr. Gee for consideration on the show.
The Center for Black Excellence and Culture Announcement
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
How should White people handle racial missteps? How should white allies support people of color in the moment? Dr. Alex Gee discusses a recent race-related encounter that he couldn't help but bring up to help others understand all sides of the incident. The crew of the Black Like Me podcast help process the encounter as they witnessed the moment.
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Dr. Alex Gee talks with NAACP members Kirbie Mack, Frances Huntley-Cooper, and Greg Jones to understand their historical leadership for the Black community. There is a wealth of wisdom and experience from these leaders that does not get shared enough. As always, don't miss the amazing stories and powerful commentary that Dr. Gee draws out of his guests.
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
Dr. Alex Gee has an in-depth conversation with Marlon Anderson, who was fired from a Madison high school for telling a student not to call him the n-word. Dr. Gee has known Marlon since his youth. For the first time, hear the whole story of how Marlon's high school son, Noah Anderson, rallied support behind him as the president of the Black Student Union. Noah organized a student walk-out, petition, and discussions with school administration.
NYT Article
BBC Article
NBC News Video
Student Walk-Out Article
Marlon Anderson Music
Noah Anderson (GAP) Music
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Dr. Alex Gee discusses cross-cultural criminal justice reform with Jerome Dillard and John Vaudreuil. John is a former United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin. He worked for U.S. Justice Department for 38 years, first as an assistant U.S. attorney in Wisconsin’s Western District where he prosecuted criminal cases. He was appointed the U.S. Attorney for Wisconsin’s Western District in August 2010 by President Barack Obama. He resigned in March 2017 when then-Attorney General Jeff Session called for his resignation, along with 45 other U.S. attorneys. John details the situation of resignation in his conversation with Dr. Gee.
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with the University of Wisconsin student, Eric Washington Jr. about his prospects of going into education in a white school system. Eric relates his experience of student teaching and being shut down for expressing his Black cultural heritage. You will want to hear about this young man's vision for his future in education.
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Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with returning guests, Jerome Dillard and Dr. Karen Reece, to pull back the curtain on mass incarceration. Jerome Dillard brings a depth of knowledge on the subject, recounting his and other men's experience. Dr. Reece reveals the facts of how the justice system truly functions and impacts individuals.
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
Dr. Alex Gee has an honest conversation with Kaleem Caire about his experience and perspective on the education system. Kaleem recently released a statement to the local community with a list of articles documenting the history of disparities for African Americans in Madison, WI. You can find that list here.
Kaleem Caire is the founder and CEO of One City Schools, the operator of two preschools serving ages 1 through kindergarten that are focused on getting young children ready for school success. Prior to One City, Kaleem was the President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison in Madison, WI and chair of the National Urban League’s Education Committee. Prior to the Urban League, Kaleem held other executive leadership positions with Target Corporation, Fight For Children of Washington, DC, Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO), American Education Reform Council, Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth (WCATY) and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
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Dr. Alex Gee talks to Dane County Circuit Court Judge Nicholas J. McNamara about his friendship with Aaron Hicks and their unique collaboration on understanding African-American issues in the criminal justice system. You won't want to miss the incredible story of these two men discovering their connection to one another and insider look at the justice system.
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Dr. Alex Gee talks with former Wisconsin Secretary of the Department of Corrections, Ed Wall about his experience working in the criminal justice system. Ed Wall was appointed by Governor Scott Walker and confirmed by the state senate to serve in his cabinet. Their conversation covers the inside story of Wall's book, Unethical. Life in Scott Walker’s Cabinet and the Dirty Side of Politics, a revealing and harrowing account of life at the highest levels of the Walker administration and the difficult, life-altering lessons learned along the way.
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
Dr. Alex Gee interviews Ben Wikler, Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, about the power of Wisconsin politics for America and the world. The discussion covers the potential of the Black vote, the need for Black wealth, and practical ways to make an impact.
Ben has spent his life fighting for economic, social, and racial justice. In his work, most recently for the progressive group MoveOn.org, Ben has played a leadership role in some of the most critical political fights of recent years. From a young age, Ben has been driven by a passion for change and inspired by Wisconsin's progressive tradition. Ben worked nationally for climate change, peace, human rights, and many other issues. As MoveOn's Washington, DC director, Ben worked closely with the Obama White House, served as a surrogate for Bernie Sanders, and helped raise millions of dollars for grassroots organizing to elect Hillary Clinton.
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Dr. Alex Gee has a one-on-one conversation with Wisconsin state Senator Tammy Baldwin to discuss the issues that are important to African Americans. As the country faces racial injustices once again exposed, Dr. Gee questions why Black leaders are only reached out to in these moments. Listen to hear how the African American voice is being heard by the Democratic party.
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
This is the first episode in Dr. Alex Gee's "Our Madison" series, looking at the history of Madison, WI from the perspective of different generations born in the city. First, Dr. Richard Harris shares stories from his book Growing Up Black in South Madison: Economic Disenfranchisement of Black Madison.
Dr. Harris was born in 1937 in Madison, Wisconsin, grew up in South Madison and attended the Madison public schools. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BS in 1961, the University of Illinois-Chicago with a MSW in 1964 and later received his Ph. D. in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with his friend, newly-elected Wisconsin Supreme Court Judge Jill Karofsky. They discuss Judge Karofsky's Black history education journey, white allyship, and the government's role in racial justice practices.
Learn more about Judge Karofsky
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
Dr. Alex Gee interviews Dr. Eddie Moore Jr. about his work, early experiences, and starting the White Privilege Conference. Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. is recognized as one of the nation’s top motivational speakers and educators, especially for his work with students K–16. Eddie is the Founder/Program Director for the White Privilege Conference, and under his direction and inclusive relationship model, the conference has become one of the top national and international conferences for participants who want to move beyond dialogue and into action around issues of diversity, power, privilege, and leadership.
The Guide for White Women Who Teach Black Boys: Edited by Eddie Moore Jr.
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This week we are sharing a recent interview with Dr. Alex Gee conducted by Kate Archer Kent for Wisconsin Public Radio's The Morning Show. In light of the release of the Justified Journey documentary film, Dr. Gee speaks on the role race plays in our identity, families, and our politics.
WPR's The Morning Show
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
Enjoy this short rant from Dr. Alex Gee that was sparked by an incident at a recent Black history event. You won't want to miss this inciteful take on publicly calling for racial equity.
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Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with Michael McCarty, a professional storyteller and former member of the Black Panthers. McCarty describes himself as a student activist, Black Panther, U.S. Army martial arts instructor, acupuncturist, world traveler, spiritual seeker, construction worker, storyteller, husband, father, and crazy friend.
The Rainbow Coalition https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/films/the-first-rainbow-coalition/
Paul Robeson: https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/paul-robeson-the-story-of-how-an-american-icon-was-driven-to-death-to-be-told-in-film-9874111.html Eugene Jacques Bullard: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugene_Bullard Belonging in the USA: The Story of Michael D. McCarty: https://www.wearemovingstories.com/we-are-moving-stories-films/2019/1/17/belonging-in-the-usa-the-story-of-michael-d-mccarty The Black Panthers Vanguards of the Revolution: https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/films/the-black-panthers-vanguard-of-the-revolution/ Coming to the Table: https://comingtothetable.org/ alexgee.com
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
Dr. Alex Gee sits down with County Supervisor Shelia Stubbs to her story of community leadership and how she sees the power of Black voters changing politics. Shelia is currently running for State Assembly in a historic race, with the primary on August 14. Hear how she plans to be the first person of color to be elected to the Wisconsin State Capitol. Shelia will inspire you to be involved in your community and be civically engaged in order to make a difference locally. Dr. Gee and Shelia discuss the recent American political climate and how black voters are positioned to shift the vote.
As an advocate, a neighborhood organizer, and an elected official Shelia Stubbs has helped enact criminal justice reform, created programs to involve young people in social change, championed initiatives to clean up Madison’s lakes and streams, fought for safer neighborhoods where all children thrive, increased funding for services for seniors and people with disabilities, worked to elect strong progressive candidates to office, and collaborated to bring expertise from the University of Wisconsin into the broader community. Shelia has been re-elected six times as the Dane County Supervisor.
sheliastubbs.com
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
Dr. Alex Gee continues his revealing exploration of his complex heritage involving White and Black sides of his family. In this episode, Dr. Agee has a conversation with his third cousin, Meg Roy, and his daughter, Lexi Gee for a perspective from the younger generation of the family. These two women have an insightful conversation, coming from their different communities, but appreciating the perspective of women. And you don't want to miss some surprising revelations along the way.
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Dr. Alex Gee shares his live rant in response to a virtual ally training session for his non-profit organization that was hacked on Zoom. This racist zoombombing attack has had a strong effect on Dr. Gee and the local community. As usual, Dr. Gee has turned this incident into a learning opportunity that provides insight into the Black experience and white allyship.
Read more about the incident and Dr. Gee's insights in this article from Madison365.
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
Dr. Alex Gee is joined by Hon. Rev. Everett Mitchell, Dane County Circuit Court Judge and Pastor of Christ the Solid Rock Baptist Church. They candidly discuss the justice system and ways that we can support and raise up everyone in our community. Hon. Rev. Everett Mitchell shares his personal story and how it inspires his passion for social issues, such as poverty, war, incarceration and immigration.
Learn more at alexgee.com
patreon.com/blacklikeme
Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
Dr. Alex Gee answers listener questions with podcast producer Tyler Nylen. Their conversation addresses the complex work of racial reconciliation and justice. Keep listening for the most honest discussions of race and the African American experience.
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Dr. Alex Gee continues his live, virtual conversation with those seeking to learn and take action amidst the racial unrest sparked by recent acts of police violence. In the second part of the conversation, Dr. Gee is asked questions from participants on a variety of topics related to anti-racist work and the experience of African Americans.
Join the conversation at the follow up virtual event on July 14 at 7pm.
Special thank you to Gener8tor for their generous assistance in hosting this virtual event.
alexgee.com
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
Dr. Alex Gee talks through Kyle Korver's journey to publicly address the white privilege and racism in himself and professional basketball. This deeply honest and vulnerable conversation will be helpful for those that are seeking to be allies. Don't miss Korver's reflection on the article "Privileged" that he wrote one year ago and the impact it has had on his personal and professional life.
Read Kyle Korver's article, Privileged
Kyle Korver and His Utah Jazz Teammates Talk Racism and the NBA, The Players' Tribune
Kyle Korver NBA Stats:
- 4th all-time in NBA history for 3 pointers made
- Holds an NBA record for 3 point % in a single season (.536 in 2009-2010).
- 2015 NBA All Star
- 2015 NBA Sportsmanship Award
alexgee.com
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
On this episode, Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with a fellow podcast host and friend, Michelle Higgins. Michelle is the Director and a founding member of Faith for Justice. Faith for Justice promotes and leads public justice actions and events that connect faith communities to the movements that seek to dignify and humanize Black lives. Listen for an inspiring conversation that dives into Michelle's background and current passion for her work in many areas.
Michelle Higgins Book: Chocolate City: A History of Race and Democracy in the Nation's Capital Truth's Table Podcast: www.truthstable.com/ Faith for Justice: www.faithforjustice.org/ Learn more at alexgee.com
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Dr. Alex Gee has a live, virtual conversation with those seeking to learn and take action amidst the racial unrest sparked by recent acts of police violence. In the first part of the conversation, Dan Beltran asks Dr. Gee questions to give perspective on the experience of a Black man in America who has been speaking out on systemic racism for years.
Special thank you to Gener8tor for their generous assistance in hosting this virtual event.
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
On this episode, Dr. Alex Gee and his assistant, Tyler Nylen, relate his experiences being wrongly identified in various settings. The crew of Black Like Me join Dr. Gee to discuss why these situations happen to African Americans.
Learn more at alexgee.com
patreon.com/blacklikeme
Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
Dr. Alex Gee has a revealing conversation with Dr. Tony Chambers about his racist cultural experiences in a local Madison college. Both Dr. Gee and Dr. Chambers share how they have had to navigate the undercurrent of racism in a progressive city and the pushback of speaking out. Hear the full story here.
The Cap Times Article - Culture Shock: Former Edgewood College Students and Staff Complain Of Racist Campus Culture
alexgee.com
patreon.com/blacklikeme
If the name Randal Pinkett sounds familiar, it may be because Pinkett was the first African-American winner on The Apprentice. When he won, this black man also became the only contestant to be asked to share his victory-with a white woman. The request (and Pinkett's subsequent refusal) set off a firestorm of controversy that inevitably focused on the issue of race in the American workplace and in society. Dr. Gee discusses the book "Black Faces In White Places" with the authors, Dr. Randal Pinkett And Dr. Jeffrey Robinson.
Randal D. Pinkett is a Rhodes Scholar and Walter Byers Scholar, and is the founder and managing partner of the consulting firm BCT Partners. Jeffrey A. Robinson, Ph.D.is an award-winning business school professor, international speaker, and entrepreneur.
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Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
On this episode, Dr. Alex Gee has an eye-opening conversation with the University of Wisconsin Professor of History and one of the most celebrated lecturers in the Justified Anger African American History Class, Christy Clark-Pujara. Christy Clark-Pujara is a historian whose research focuses on the experiences of black people in French and British North America in the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries.
Books:
Dark Work: The Business of Slavery in Rhode Island (New York: New York University Press, 2016).
alexgee.com
patreon.com/blacklikeme
Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation.
Dr. Alex Gee brings you an important figure in the White Allyship conversation, Dr. Robin DiAngelo. Their conversation is insightful, truthful, and challenging to the system of racism. Dr. Gee and Dr. DiAngelo share the ability to speak from life experience, both personally and professionally, in an episode that is not to be missed.
Dr. Robin DiAngelo is the Affiliate Associate Professor of Education at the University of Washington. Her area of research is in Whiteness Studies and Critical Discourse Analysis, explicating how whiteness is reproduced in everyday narratives. Dr. DiAngelo has numerous publications and books, including Is Everybody Really Equal?: An Introduction to Key Concepts in Critical Social Justice Education, co-written with Özlem Sensoy, and which received both the American Educational Studies Association Critics Choice Book Award (2012) and the Society of Professors of Education Book Award (2018). In 2011 she coined the term White Fragility in an academic article which influenced the national dialogue on race. Dr. DiAngelo's book, White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism was released in June of 2018 and debuted on the New York Times Bestseller List.
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patreon.com/blacklikeme
Dr. Alex Gee shares a series of observations into what he is seeing with our current state of racism and national upheaval. You don't want to miss his rants and wisdom on the topics on everyone's mind right now.
Register For Justified Journey Virtual Film Premiere on June 29
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This week is another special and timely episode that addresses the racial unrest in the U.S. and the world. Dr. Alex Gee is interviewed by Elder Shumeca Pickett Of River City Church In Chicago about the relationship between Black and White Christians. Everyone can learn from this honest and insightful conversation on faith and race in the church.
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Dr. Alex Gee keeps his Black Like Me podcast going with another perspective on the vital issues of our time. Interim Director of Safety and Security of the Verona Area School District, Corey Saffold, returns to the show to discuss his experience as a Black man in law enforcement and his inside view on police reform.
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Dr. Alex Gee brings his Black Like Me Live conversation to the podcast as he talks with a former white police officer. Chad Melton is now a pastor but brings his law enforcement experience to the conversations. Dr. Gee also connects with Anthony Ward, a former African-American police officer, to add a new perspective to recent events.
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Dr. Alex Gee shares his Facebook Live rant from a week that saw Amy Cooper's reaction to a Black man in the park and George Floyd's death from police violence. Dr. Gee gives an emotional response to these racially motivated incidents.
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Dr. Alex Gee discusses the just released documentary, Justified Journey that follows the story of Dr. Gee's discovery of his ancestry. Just as the [Gee]nealogy podcast series exposed the shocking history of the Gee family, including slavery, slave owner's, and family secrets now revealed for the first time. This interview will give you the behind the scenes look at the year's long path to the screen of this documentary.
Watch the documentary online here.
JDog Productions
[Gee]nealogy Podcast Series
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Dr. Alex Gee sits down for a return visit with his good friend Peter Ahn to share about the Asian-American experience during the COVID-19 crisis. Dr. Gee and Peter discuss connections between their cultures, how it has shaped them and their friendship, and shed light on racism in their communities. They want to help guide the way with their shared experiences during and beyond this crisis.
Sign statement to support Asian-American Community
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Dr. Alex Gee speaks with Jacquelyn Hunt and her son Julian about their relationship for a special Mother's Day episode. Jacquelyn and Julian share their amazing story together that began in prison. Don't miss this very personal story.
Redeemed Through Recovery Book by Jackie Hunt
Learn more about Jacquelyn's work: F.O.S.T.E.R.
Watch A Picture Is A Thousand Words Video Commentary
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Dr. Alex Gee talks with Dr. Jamila Lyiscott about her inspiring perspectives on black culture and community. Dr. Lyiscott is a community engaged scholar, a nationally renowned speaker, author, and a spoken word artist. She serves as an Assistant Professor of Social Justice Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Senior Research Fellow of Teachers College, Columbia University's Institute for Urban and Minority Education (IUME). Across these spaces, Jamila's work focuses on racial justice, community engagement, and youth activism in education through the lens of what she has termed, "Vision-Driven Justice."
jamilalyiscott.com
Book: Black Appetite. White Food.
Ted Talk: 3_Ways_To_Speak_English Ted Talk: Why_English_Class_Is_Silencing_Students_Of_Color alexgee.com
patreon.com/blacklikeme
Dr. Alex Gee talks through Kyle Korver's journey to publicly address the white privilege and racism in himself and professional basketball. This deeply honest and vulnerable conversation will be helpful for those that are seeking to be allies. Don't miss Korver's reflection on the article "Privileged" that he wrote one year ago and the impact it has had on his personal and professional life.
Read Kyle Korver's article, Privileged
Kyle Korver and His Utah Jazz Teammates Talk Racism and the NBA, The Players' Tribune
Kyle Korver NBA Stats:
- 4th all-time in NBA history for 3 pointers made
- Holds an NBA record for 3 point % in a single season (.536 in 2009-2010).
- 2015 NBA All Star
- 2015 NBA Sportsmanship Award
alexgee.com
patreon.com/blacklikeme
Dr. Alex Gee talks with Rev. Dr. Marcus Allen about his deeply personal experience with COVID-19 in his family and the health care system. Allen shares his mother's story and frustration with dealing with the health care system while being a person of color.
Read Madison 365 article: Mt. Zion pastor seeks answers after mother denied test, then diagnosed with COVID19
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Dr. Alex Gee interviews Representative David Bowen about his experience recovering from COVID-19 early on in the pandemic in Wisconsin. Being so close to the crisis and the unfolding primary election in Wisconsin, Rep. Bowen has a personal perspective on impact of the pandemic on the African American community. Read more about his response in The Guardian article he authored.
Connect with Rep. Bowen here:
Instagram: @bowen4action alexgee.com
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Dr. Alex Gee hosts the return of his sister, Rev. Lilada Gee, to announce her new podcast, Defending Black Girlhood. Check our her show now! Defending Black Girlhood Podcast Apple Podcasts Spotify lilada.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Liladagee/
Instagram: @liladasart
Society 6 Red Bubble : Black Girl Joy Black Like Me Episode: S3 Ep. 57: White Women’s Tears and “White Fragility”: An Interview With NY Times Best Selling Author and Anti-Racism Scholar Dr. Robin DiAngelo
Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with Dr. Luther Gaston, MD over Zoom about the latest information on the coronavirus and COVID-19. Dr. Gaston demystifies much of the information going around and gives detailed tips and recommendations. In particular, he gives perspective on the impact of COVID-19 on African Americans.
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Dr. Alex Gee talks with three white parents of kids in a local Madison school who have been joining anti-racism efforts in reaction to an incident with a black child. Listen in to the revealing conversation with Kate Kaio, Jeremy Holiday, and Eli Steenlage as they navigate their own equity journey while trying to support the black family, the African-American community, and the school community.
Read the Cap Times Article, "Fragile Trust," about the family involved in the school incident.
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Dr. Alex Gee has a personal and transparent conversation with Dr. Sandra Adell about her career and how her gambling addiction almost ruined it. Sandra Adell is a literature professor in the department of Afro-American studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Join in the conversation for Gambling Awareness Month in March.
Read Dr. Adell's book.
Gambling Addiction Hotline Info
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Dr. Alex Gee has an honest conversation with Kaleem Caire about his experience and perspective on the education system. Kaleem recently released a statement to the local community with a list of articles documenting the history of disparities for African Americans in Madison, WI. You can find that list here.
Kaleem Caire is the founder and CEO of One City Schools, the operator of two preschools serving ages 1 through kindergarten that are focused on getting young children ready for school success. Prior to One City, Kaleem was the President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Madison in Madison, WI and chair of the National Urban League’s Education Committee. Prior to the Urban League, Kaleem held other executive leadership positions with Target Corporation, Fight For Children of Washington, DC, Black Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO), American Education Reform Council, Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth (WCATY) and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
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Dr. Alex Gee is back with a new and exciting season of interviews and conversation. In this episode, he sets the scene for the new season and what's to come. Here is a link to the "Race to Equity" Report which Dr. Gee references: https://racetoequity.net/
This episode was recorded with the theme of "state of emergency" before the coronavirus pandemic in reference to the experience of African Americans in Wisconsin and the nation
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Season 4 is going to be big! Dr. Alex Gee provides a short snapshot of what is coming in Season 4 of the Black Like Me podcast. A major theme to be explored in the new season is "State of Emergency."
Subscribe now so that you don't miss any new episodes.
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Dr. Alex Gee reads his inspiring poem, "You're The Ones," written on the eve of a talk given to college students and reflecting on what he would want to convey to them.
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Dr. Alex Gee reads his powerful poem, "Welcome Home," written in response to his trip to Ghana in 2019 for the 400 year anniversary of the start of the African slave trade.
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Dr. Alex Gee reads his powerful poem, "Colonizer, Please," written in response to his trip to Ghana in 2019 for the 400 year anniversary of the start of the African slave trade.
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In the final episode of Season 3, Dr. Alex Gee recaps some highlights and themes from this season. As a bonus, two poems written from Dr. Gee's experiences in Ghana are included in the episode.
If you are a Patreon supporter you will also be receiving an extra, powerful video reflection on Dr. Gee's experience at the Slave River in Ghana.
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How should White people handle racial missteps? How should white allies support people of color in the moment? Dr. Alex Gee discusses a recent race-related encounter that he couldn't help but bring up to help others understand all sides of the incident. The crew of the Black Like Me podcast help process the encounter as they witnessed the moment.
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Dr. Alex Gee has an in-depth conversation with Marlon Anderson, who was fired from a Madison high school for telling a student not to call him the n-word. Dr. Gee has known Marlon since his youth. For the first time, hear the whole story of how Marlon's high school son, Noah Anderson, rallied support behind him as the president of the Black Student Union. Noah organized a student walk-out, petition, and discussions with school administration.
NYT Article
BBC Article
NBC News Video
Student Walk-Out Article
Marlon Anderson Music
Noah Anderson (GAP) Music
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Dr. Alex Gee interviews Dr. Gina Paige, co-founder of African Ancestry, Inc., who pioneered a new way of tracing African lineages using genetics, and a new marketplace for people of African descent looking to more accurately and reliably trace their roots. Leveraging her pioneering spirit, lifelong entrepreneurship and corporate expertise, Paige travels the world helping people demystify where they’re from so that they may better understand who they are --- optimizing success in their lives, communities and businesses.
From Oprah Winfrey, John Legend and Spike Lee to Condoleezza Rice and The King Family, Paige has had a personal hand in demystifying their unknown African roots. Dr. Gee discusses the revelation of his own African roots that were shared by Dr. Paige while they were in Ghana.
**Special Offer for Black Like Me listeners:**
10% off africanancestry.com website. Use code: "blacklikeme"
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Dr. Alex Gee captures an exclusive interview with Dr. Yusef Salaam of what became known as the "Central Park Five" and are now known as "The Exonerated Five." You won't want to miss Dr. Salaam's powerful and honest story that details his resilience, integrity, and faith in the midst of great injustice.
Dr. Yusef Salaam's story has been presented in Ken Burn's documentary, "The Central Park Five" and Ava DuVernay's award-winning Netflix series, "When They See Us." Since his release more than 20 years ago, Yusef has become a family man, father, poet, activist, and inspirational speaker. He has committed himself to advocate and educate people on the issues of mass incarceration, police brutality and misconduct, false confessions, press ethics and bias, race and law, and the disparities in America’s criminal justice system, especially for young men of color.
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Dr. Alex Gee hosts a roundtable of Thanksgiving conversation with his friends and family, Lilada Gee, Harry Hawkins, and Jim Bower. This feast of a discussion covers cultural and family traditions that bring unique flavors to the holiday. Listen in for one of the most fun Black Like Me episodes.
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Dr. Alex Gee has an eye-opening conversation with University of Wisconsin Professor of History and one of the most celebrated lecturers in the Justified Anger African American History Class, Christy Clark-Pujara. Christy Clark-Pujara is a historian whose research focuses on the experiences of black people in French and British North America in the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries.
Books:
Dark Work: The Business of Slavery in Rhode Island (New York: New York University Press, 2016).
alexgee.com
patreon.com/blacklikeme
Dr. Alex Gee welcomes his friend, General Marcia Anderson, to the Black Like Me podcast. They discuss the trajectory of her career as both a woman and African American in the military. She is a trailblazer in her service and work, exemplifying integrity and leadership. In 2011 she became the first African-American woman to become a major general in the United States Army Reserve.
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This episode is part of Dr. Alex Gee's "Our Madison" series, looking at the history of Madison, WI from the perspective of different generations born in the city. Dr. Gee talks with Pia Kinney James, who was born and raised in South Madison and was the first Black woman to serve on the Madison police department. Now retired, she still devotes her time to mentoring officers and community members alike, building a lasting bridge between the two.
Kinney James has also done extensive genealogical research into her family's history and made some startling discoveries. Don't miss her amazing stories that reveal so much about American history and it's systems.
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This episode continues Dr. Alex Gee's "Our Madison" series, looking at the history of Madison, WI from the perspective of different generations born in the city. Three young African American women discuss growing up in Madison and the challenges they have faced. Lexi Gee, Ali Gee, and Malaika Robinson share their experiences in the education system and young professional world. These millennials don't hold back and Madison risks losing them.
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This episode is part of Dr. Alex Gee's "Our Madison" series, looking at the history of Madison, WI from the perspective of different generations born in the city. Dr. Richard Harris, Betty Banks, Billy McDonald share their extensive history of being black in Madison as the city has grown. Listen to hear if anything has changed much for race relations through the years and learn more about the Stoney the Road project.
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This is the first episode in Dr. Alex Gee's "Our Madison" series, looking at the history of Madison, WI from the perspective of different generations born in the city. First, Dr. Richard Harris shares stories from his book Growing Up Black in South Madison: Economic Disenfranchisement of Black Madison.
Dr. Harris was born in 1937 in Madison, Wisconsin, grew up in South Madison and attended the Madison public schools. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a BS in 1961, the University of Illinois-Chicago with a MSW in 1964 and later received his Ph. D. in Educational Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Dr. Alex Gee talks to Joseph Rogers about his experience of bringing his ancestors and historical figures to life. Rogers does living historical interpretation work by acting as slaves at public and private historical sites around the country. Recently, he took part in a federal 1619 commemorative event at Fort Monroe.
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Dr. Alex Gee interviews Ben Wikler, Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, about the power of Wisconsin politics for America and the world. The discussion covers the potential of the Black vote, the need for Black wealth, and practical ways to make an impact.
Ben has spent his life fighting for economic, social, and racial justice. In his work, most recently for the progressive group MoveOn.org, Ben has played a leadership role in some of the most critical political fights of recent years. From a young age, Ben has been driven by a passion for change and inspired by Wisconsin's progressive tradition. Ben worked nationally for climate change, peace, human rights, and many other issues. As MoveOn's Washington, DC director, Ben worked closely with the Obama White House, served as a surrogate for Bernie Sanders, and helped raise millions of dollars for grassroots organizing to elect Hillary Clinton.
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Dr. Alex Gee answers listener questions with podcast producer Tyler Nylen. Their conversation addresses the complex work of racial reconciliation and justice. Keep listening for the most honest discussions of race and the African American experience.
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Dr. Alex Gee continues the conversation connected to the anniversary of the 1619 African slave trade and his trip to Ghana. On this episode, he gets the perspective on the relationship between Africans and African Americans with Dr. Kwasi Obeng. Dr. Obeng grew up in Ghana, studied in England, and now works in the U.S. Currently, Dr. Obeng is the Madison Council Chief of Staff who is responsible for coordinating the execution of strategic initiatives, assisting the program development and policy responsibilities of 20 elected City Council members, and manage the Council office and staff.
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Dr. Alex Gee has a boldly honest conversation with his sister Lilada Gee about their experiences in Ghana for the Year of Return trip. Lilada brings a female perspective to their journey to Africa and reflecting on the 400 years since the beginning of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. You won't hear the authenticity of this kind of discussion anywhere else.
Lilada Gee's Artwork: society6.com/Lilada
Read more about the Ghana trip at alexgee.com
Support the show at patreon.com/blacklikeme
Dr. Alex Gee relates ten thoughts of reflection on his recent trip to Ghana in remembrance of 400 years of the first Africans enslaved. It was a powerful, insightful, and emotional experience for Dr. Gee. If you have listened to The Black Like Me [Gee]nealogy series about Dr. Gee's ancestry, then you will want to hear more about his African heritage in this episode.
Read more about the Ghana trip at alexgee.com
Support the show at patreon.com/blacklikeme
Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with University of Wisconsin student, Eric Washington Jr. about his prospects of going into education in a white school system. Eric relates his experience of student teaching and being shut down for expressing his Black cultural heritage. You will want to hear about this young man's vision for his future in education.
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On this episode, Dr. Alex Gee takes you behind the scenes of the podcast for a discussion with two members of the white crew, Jeremy Holiday and Eli Steenlage. They share their perspective on being a part of producing the show and what they have learned about race relations through the conversations on and off the show.
As always, Dr. Gee facilitates some of the most authentic and honest conversations around the experience of being Black in America.
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Dr. Alex Gee introduces a new segment that features fun and raw conversations between Black friends on current events. On this episode, Dr. Gee is joined by his sister Lilada Gee and lifelong friend David Smith. They discuss everything from scandals (college admission, R. Kelly, Epstein), Madison generational changes, racism in schools to the 2020 election.
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Dr. Alex Gee speaks with three women that have stepped up to learn and advocate for people in the court system. You won't want to miss hearing about their journeys and how this volunteer work has transformed their perspective on the criminal justice system. Betsey Day, Mary Kateada, Sandi Reinardy, and Karen Reece recommend that people just keep showing up to support the African American community and fighting racism.
Dr. Gee also shares about his experience sitting alongside a local judge for a day in order to get a perspective on the court system.
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Dr. Alex Gee has a discussion with his daughter, Lexi Gee, about a disturbing incident in the college classroom and the resulting academic article that she co-authored. This personal and honest conversation covers issues of race relations, intersectionality, and white fragility.
Read the Article:
A Collaborative Dialogue on the N-Word in a University Classroom by Lexi Gee, Sarah Wood
Transformations: The Journal of Inclusive Scholarship and Pedagogy, Penn State University Press, Volume 28, Number 2, 2018
Dr. Alex Gee has a revealing conversation with Dr. Tony Chambers about his racist cultural experiences in a local Madison college. Both Dr. Gee and Dr. Chambers share how they have had to navigate the undercurrent of racism in a progressive city and the pushback of speaking out. Hear the full story here.
The Cap Times Article - Culture Shock: Former Edgewood College Students and Staff Complain Of Racist Campus Culture
alexgee.com
patreon.com/blacklikeme
Dr. Alex Gee interviews Dr. Eddie Moore Jr. about his work, early experiences, and starting the White Privilege Conference. Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr. is recognized as one of the nation’s top motivational speakers and educators, especially for his work with students K–16. Eddie is the Founder/Program Director for the White Privilege Conference, and under his direction and inclusive relationship model, the conference has become one of the top national and international conferences for participants who want to move beyond dialogue and into action around issues of diversity, power, privilege, and leadership.
The Guide for White Women Who Teach Black Boys: Edited by Eddie Moore Jr.
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Dr. Alex Gee reflects on a successful meeting with a group of visiting African scholars through the University of Wisconsin. The Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). The program empowers young people through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking. The Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development hosted the Mandela Washington Fellows in a discussion of their work and compared cultural experiences.
Read more about the visit.
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Dr. Alex Gee brings you an important figure in the White Allyship conversation, Dr. Robin DiAngelo. Their conversation is insightful, truthful, and challenging to the system of racism. Dr. Gee and Dr. DiAngelo share the ability to speak from life experience, both personally and professionally, in an episode that is not to be missed.
Dr. Robin DiAngelo is the Affiliate Associate Professor of Education at the University of Washington. Her area of research is in Whiteness Studies and Critical Discourse Analysis, explicating how whiteness is reproduced in everyday narratives. Dr. DiAngelo has numerous publications and books, including Is Everybody Really Equal?: An Introduction to Key Concepts in Critical Social Justice Education, co-written with Özlem Sensoy, and which received both the American Educational Studies Association Critics Choice Book Award (2012) and the Society of Professors of Education Book Award (2018). In 2011 she coined the term White Fragility in an academic article which influenced the national dialogue on race. Dr. DiAngelo's book, White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism was released in June of 2018 and debuted on the New York Times Bestseller List.
Dr. Alex Gee continues his revealing exploration of his complex heritage involving White and Black sides of his family. In this episode, Dr. Agee has a conversation with his third cousin, Meg Roy, and his daughter, Lexi Gee for a perspective from the younger generation of the family. These two women have an insightful conversation, coming from their different communities, but appreciating the perspective of women. And you don't want to miss some surprising revelations along the way.
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In this special shorter episode, Dr. Alex Gee explores some recent issues in the news and takes a question from a listener. Get Dr. Gee's insightful and passionate take on racism at Duke and the incident portrayed in the Netflix series When They See Us.
Send us your questions and comments through alexgee.com, Twitter, and Facebook. For even more access become a Patreon partner: patreon.com/blacklikeme
Dr. Alex Gee discusses the innovative health and wellness work of Dr. Jasmine Zapata. Dr. Zapata is a dynamic author, physician, health educator, speaker, youth empowerment specialist, and community leader known both locally and internationally. She is a board certified pediatrician as well as a preventive medicine/public health doctor. Her focus is on ways to get outside the clinic walls to impact health outcomes for children and families on a community based level. Her research and community work focuses on racial disparities in infant mortality, upstream determinants of health, youth resilience, public health approaches to violence prevention, and innovative methods of community engagement and health promotion. She is the founder of the Beyond Beautiful International Youth Empowerment Movement as well as co founder of the Madison Inspirational Youth Choir among other roles.
alexgee.com
patreon.com/blacklikeme
Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with Patrick Sims, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion, and Vice Provost and Chief Diversity Officer for the Univerisity of Wisconsin-Madison. Sims oversees the Division of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement at the University.
The discussion is an honest exploration of how large educational institutions handle diversity and the challenges of race in the campus environment. You are going to want to hear about Patrick's unique background and how he came into this role to affect positive change at the university.
alexgee.com
patreon.com/blacklikeme
On this episode, we switch things up as Dr. Alex Gee is interviewed by another podcast host. Insights Podcast host Dick Goldberg asks Dr. Gee about why he started the Justified Anger movement and his daily experience as a Black man in America. Dr. Gee does not hold back in his view of how racism operates and affects his and other African American's lives.
For more info about Insights with Dick Goldberg podcast: dickgoldbergradio.com
The Black Like Me Podcast is going to the next level and we want you to be a part of it. In this short conversation, hear about some of the exciting things planned for Season 3 and beyond, and how you can support this exceptional content. You won't want to miss these exclusive features.
Check out patreon.com/blacklikeme for all the details.
alexgee.com
Dr. Alex Gee talks with his friend Dr. Craig Barnes, President of Princeton Seminary, about the school's process of facing the reality of history. In the process of Princeton Seminary's Slavery Audit, President Craig Barnes appointed a committee of faculty and administrators to conduct research regarding Princeton Seminary’s ties to slavery. This episode's discussion considers the steps toward confession and repentance for a collective history.
After the Slavery Audit report was released, Princeton Seminary students called for reparations for the school's role in the slave trade. You can read more about it here.
Dr. Alex Gee is back with Season 3 of Black Like Me. On this episode, Dr. Gee talks with Harry Hawkins, Executive Vice President of Nehemiah, about racist encounters that his son and daughter experience in school. The Hawkins family members discuss being confronted with the N-Word, blackface images, and other explicit racist actions. You won't want to miss this empowering story of how the Hawkins kids stand up for themselves in the midst of oppressive behavior.
Black Like Me will be returning for Season 3 very soon!
In the meantime, here are some things you can do:
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Catch up on past episodes (Listen to the preview to get some suggestions)
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Subscribe, so you get Season 3 episodes as soon as they are released.
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Visit alexgee.com, for more great content.
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Share episodes with your friends, so they can get caught up.
Enjoy this short rant from Dr. Alex Gee that was sparked by an incident at a recent Black history event. You won't want to miss this inciteful take on publicly calling for racial equity.
alexgee.com
Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with a fellow podcast host and friend, Michelle Higgins. Michelle is the Director and a founding member of Faith for Justice. Faith for Justice promotes and leads public justice actions and events that connect faith communities to the movements that seek to dignify and humanize Black lives. Listen for an inspiring conversation that dives into Michelle's background and current passion for her work in many areas.
Michelle Higgins Book: Chocolate City: A History of Race and Democracy in the Nation's Capital Truth's Table Podcast: www.truthstable.com/ Faith for Justice: www.faithforjustice.org/
Dr. Alex Gee is joined in the studio by the staff of Nehemiah's Reentry Program to give an unfiltered and heartfelt commentary on some recent incidents in the local community. One incident occurred in the public schools to a young African American girl and the other at a Justified Anger community event with men in a reentry support group. Listen in to the honest conversation around these incidents and issues.
Learn more about Justified Anger
With a Mayoral election coming up soon in Madison, Dr. Alex Gee asks some questions that all communities should ask of their public officials. The questions that are important for a thriving African American community are often not addressed.
Dr. Alex Gee takes a close look at Oscar Best Picture winner Green Book with filmmaker Eli Steenlage. The conversation explores the Hollywood concept of the White savior in film and the contrast of a great year in Black made films like BlackKklansman, If Beale Street Could Talk, Black Panther, and The Hate U Give. Check out some of these movies and Green Book, and then let us know what your thoughts.
Connect with us on:
Facebook: @DrRevAlexGee
Twitter: @alexgeejr
alexgee.com
Dr. Alex Gee shared a special evening with his local listeners in response to the [Gee]nealogy Series. Listen as you get a taste of the live audience energy and questions answered in the moment. As well, Dr. Gee answers additional listener questions back in the studio.
Find out more about Dr. Gee's genealogy journey at AlexGee.com
Dr. Alex Gee continues his conversations for Black History Month with Henry Sanders Jr. and his path to leadership in Madison and the whole state of Wisconsin.
For nearly twenty years, Henry Sanders Jr. (CEO and Publisher of Madison 365) has been a force for community development, economic development and entrepreneurship in the Madison area, in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest.
Dr. Alex Gee has a very honest conversation with three past and current participants in the Justified Anger African American History Course. Lisa Hepburn speaks to how the class and experience affected her work in education. Matt Grimsley is the pastor at Resurrection Madison and talks about the impact the history class has had on committment to race issues. Eli Steenlage is the Black Like Me Producer and going through the history class for the first time.
More Info:
nehemiah.org
Black History For A New Day Course
Justified Anger: mobilizemadison.com
Dr. Alex Gee talks with Pastors Mike and Kim Thomas about their thriving relationship and marriage. They display both a sense of humor and seriousness in their connection to one another. The Thomas's share some practical advice on keeping a relationship fresh and honest for the long-term.
Learn more about Mike and Kim Thomas and Radiant Church in Seattle, WA.
Dr. Alex Gee talks with Professor Steve Kantrowitz and Professor Alexander Shashko about their experience teaching Black History. Professor Kantrowitz co-created Justified Anger's Black History for a New Day course with Dr. Gee, and Professor Shashko lecturers for the course. Alexander's Tedx Talk Professor Steve Kantrowitz's Books: All Men Free and Brethren: Essays on the History of African American Freemasonry More Than Freedom: Fighting for Black Citizenship in a White Republic. Ben Tillman and the Reconstruction of White Supremacy. Professor Alexander Shashko's book suggestions: https://www.press.umich.edu/179458/change_is_gonna_come https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780312425791 http://nationalhumanitiescenter.org/ows/seminars/tcentury/movinglr/longcivilrights.pdf
Dr. Alex Gee explores his journey into a discovery of his family's past that held unknown secrets in this special series. You won't want to miss this exciting and insightful telling of Dr. Gee's personal family history and the historical repercussions for America.
In this episode, Dr. Gee talks about his journey with Charles Monroe-Kane on To The Best of My Knowledge, a Peabody award-winning national show on public radio. The show is distributed by PRX.
Find out more by visiting and subscribing at alexgee.com
Dr. Alex Gee explores his journey into a discovery of his family's past that held unknown secrets in this special series. You won't want to miss this exciting and insightful telling of Dr. Gee's personal family history and the historical repercussions for America.
In this episode, Dr. Gee sits down with his White cousin, John Harkins, during a visit to Madison, a year after they first met.
Find out more by visiting and subscribing at alexgee.com
Dr. Alex Gee explores his journey into a discovery of his family's past that held unknown secrets in this special series. You won't want to miss this exciting and insightful telling of Dr. Gee's personal family history and the historical repercussions for America.
Dr. Gee's sister, Lilada Gee, joins him for an in-depth discussion about the state of American race relations in light of their family discoveries.
Find out more by visiting and subscribing at alexgee.com
Dr. Alex Gee explores his journey into a discovery of his family's past that held unknown secrets in this special series. You won't want to miss this exciting and insightful telling of Dr. Gee's personal family history and the historical repercussions for America.
Find out more by visiting and subscribing at alexgee.com
Dr. Alex Gee talks with Maurice (Mo) Cheeks about his community activism and local political work. As an alder on the Madison Common Council, he represents one of the most diverse districts in the City of Madison. Mo has been named among the 25 Most Influential People in Greater Madison by In-Business-Magazine, and later that same year was named among the 28 Most Influential African Americans in Wisconsin by Madison365.
Madison primaries: February 19, 2019
Visit mocheeks.com for more info.
Dr. Alex Gee sits down with two other Black preachers in Madison, Rev Marcus Allen and Rev Everett Mitchell, to discuss the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr on social justice and Black churches. They have a fun conversation about Black church's role since King and seeing the resurgence of social justice in the church now.
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Christ the Solid Rock Church
Dr. Alex Gee has an open conversation with Jay Sodey, Sr. Vice President of Consumer Banking at Associated Bank, about a personal incident in the company's bank. You won't want to miss this story of racial reconciliation and how a company can work toward improving their community. Sodey demonstrates personal and business integrity and a commitment to growth in race relations.
Don't forget to share your photos of eating at Tamearra Dyson's restaurant Souley Vegan to Dr. Alex Gee's Facebook or Twitter pages. If 50 people visit the restaurant, Dr. Gee will make a special podcast visit to the Bay Area.
Check out alexgee.com for more info.
Dr. Alex Gee provides some commentary on his writing about how we use screens. He plans to get more out of life with real connections in 2019 and helps listeners see the chance for change in their own lives.
Read the full article
Reducing Health Inequity through Promotion of Social Connection Initiative
Are you thinking about resolutions for the new year? Don't get stuck in failed plans. Dr. Alex Gee lays out 10 things that he looking forward to as we move into 2019. Get inspired to look at what you want to get out of the year.
Find more episodes at alexgee.com
Dr. Alex Gee shares some of his favorite moments from the Black Like Me podcast over the last year and reflects on the kind of impact the show has had. This is a great place to jump into the show and get a preview of what you have been missing.
Hear highlights from important topics in our country and community like Mass Incarceration with Jerome Dillard, the Starbucks race incident with Lilada Gee, interracial parenting with Scott Jackson, and racially charged policing with Officer Corey Saffold. Also, Dr. Gee updates the story on Shelia Stubbs with the national attention she received after her encounter with police while canvassing for her election.
There is also some fun on this episode as Dr. Gee talks with the Vegan soul food chef, Tamearra Dyson about her great restaurant, Souley Vegan. Of course there is a discussion about what "Frick'n A" means!
Chris Cuomo Prime Time CNN Clip
Dr. Alex Gee reflects on the 5th anniversary of his viral op-ed article, Justified Anger, that called Madison, WI to action on racial disparity. His op-ed was published in The Cap Times by Publisher and Editor, Paul Fanlund. Dr. Gee and Fanlund discuss the original publishing of the op-ed piece and the resulting movement. They also explore the current media landscape and the state of the African Americans voice in the media.
Read the new article at CapTimes.com
On this episode, Dr. Alex Gee has a reunion with formerly incarcerated men that were part of a mentorship group that he started. This group of men reflect on the early meetings together, how they developed as leaders, and are now investing back into the community. These men now stand up for formerly incarcerated people in their work, and celebrate that none of their group have returned to prison.
Anthony Cooper Sr is the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Reentry Services at Nehemiah. Aaron Hicks is the Assistant Director for Reentry Services at Nehemiah. Jerome Dillard is the State Director of EXPO (EX-Prisoners Organizing) He has more than 20 years of experience working with formerly-incarcerated people, and with people in prison. He is a founder of Voices Beyond Bars in Madison. Jerome has worked for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and has most recently been the director of re-entry programs for Dane County.
You can find out more information about ending mass incarceration in Wisconsin at ROC Wiscsonsin.
On this episode, Dr. Alex Gee and his assistant relate his experiences being wrongly identified in various settings. The crew of Black Like Me join Dr. Gee to discuss why these situations happen to African Americans.
Learn more at alexgee.com
The table gets turned on Dr. Alex Gee as his friends, Aaron Hicks and Jerome Dillard, join him in the studio to ask him whatever they want. Nothing is off limits. The interview covers a range of topics from the hilarious to the insightful. Learn more about Dr. Gee's career and his legacy. And of course there are still Black Ice Breakers. Don't miss it!
Dr. Alex Gee talks with Aaron Perry, recently honored by Time Magazine as one of the Top 50 Most Influential People in Health Care of 2018. Aaron shares his own story of health improvement that led him to open a health center in his barbershop.
Find out more about Aaron Perry and his work:
rebalanced-life.org
jphairdesign.com
ironmanaaron49@gmail.com
Dr. Alex Gee has a powerful conversation with the great great nephew of General Robert E. Lee about how he has become a White Alley of the African American community. Reverend Rob Lee IV is a public theologian, lecturer, and author that has taken a public stand against systems of oppression and speaks honestly about his family heritage in American history.
Find out more about Reverend Rob Lee:
revroblee.com
Twitter: @roblee4
Books:
A Sin by Any Other Name: Reckoning with Racism and the Heritage of the South
Stained-Glass Millennials
On this fun episode, Dr. Alex Gee gets the Millennial perspective on some recent issues as he talks with fellow podcasters from Chicago, Kellen Reeves and Will Horne. And of course, Dr. Gee gets to ask some White and Black Ice Breakers.
Check out The Wild Wild World Podcast for more of Will and Kellen:
Website
Itunes
Dr. Alex Gee reflects on the recent tragic event at the Tree of Life Synagogue and offers his solidarity with the Jewish community. Gee recently spoke at a local vigil among the faith community.
Dr. Alex Gee speaks with Aaron Hicks about approaching his first time being able to vote after being incarcerated. Jerome Dillard joins their conversation to shed light on the amount of missing votes because of the voting restrictions on the formerly incarcerated in many states, including Wisconsin. Join them for this balanced perspective on voter rights and voter suppression.
Aaron Hicks is the Assistant Director for Reentry Services at Nehemiah. Jerome Dillard is the State Director of EXPO (EX-Prisoners Organizing) He has more than 20 years of experience working with formerly-incarcerated people, and with people in prison. He is a founder of Voices Beyond Bars in Madison. Jerome has worked for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, and has most recently been the director of re-entry programs for Dane County.
You can find out more information about ending mass incarceration in Wisconsin at ROC Wiscsonsin.
Dr. Alex Gee honors his grandmother on what would have been her 99th birthday by sharing her wisdom. His grandmother's twelve points of sage wisdom are gained from generations of lived experience that you do not want to miss.
Visit alexgee.com for more info.
Get an early preview of the upcoming [Gee]nealogy Series that explores Dr. Alex Gee's heritage and the journey that he has gone on in the last couple years. You will not want to miss the discoveries Dr. Gee made through his research and the people he meets, including his cousin John Harkins. In this episode they sit down together for a conversation. Don't miss the whole story in the upcoming series.
Dr. Alex Gee discusses Season 1 of Netflix's Dear White People through episode 7 with his daughter, Lexi Gee, and niece, Alexandra Gee. They cover various topics the show brings up from interracial relationships, Black vs White spaces, and calling White people on their race relations mistakes. The show does an excellent job of exploring the contemporary African American experience and with a little humor.
Visit AlexGee.com for more episodes and info.
Dr. Alex Gee returns with a rant about making sure our city and community is a safe and trustworthy environment for everyone to live in. Dr. Gee explores why hiring individuals with expressed racist views into positions of trust and power is not acceptable. If we are to make our city a community where everyone thrives we must speak up to make our community better.
Thanks for listening to the conversation in Season 1! Dr. Alex Gee previews what is coming up for Season 2 of Black Like Me.
You won't want to miss the upcoming Genealogy Series where Dr. Gee will talk about the shocking revelations he discovered in his own family history.
Catch up on Dear White People and Atlanta so that you can join the conversation when Dr. Gee returns for Season 2 in September.
On this fun and honest episode, Dr. Alex Gee teases his upcoming full discussion of the Netflix series Dear White People by sharing his thoughts on the first episode. Dr. Gee is joined by some of his podcast crew to get a White perspective on the topic of White people entering Black spaces, such as Black churches. Plus, hear the group struggle to understand the use of the phrase "Frickin' A." You don't hear open discussions on race like this anywhere else.
Dr. Alex Gee talks with the owners of Short Stack Eatery in Madison, WI about how they are committed to using their business to better the community. Alex Lindenmeyer and Sinead McHugh share how they started their restaurant business and sought out the African American history class to grow their vision.
Don't miss hearing these two innovative female entrepreneurs speak honestly about the work being done to bridge the gap between White and Black communities. They share practical ideas about how businesses can change the atmosphere around race in their community and where individuals can start to make a difference.
www.shortstackeats.com
Dr. Alex Gee welcomes his friend Terrell Fletcher to reflect on his journey from playing in the NFL to being an inspirational leader in the the community. Terrell speaks to the need to lean into transitional moments in our lives and be willing to redefine our identity. He is now an entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, provocative thinker, and author.
Dr. Gee and Terrell discuss family life as a team and finding a team in any aspect of life to encourage greatness. Working together as a family created a strong bond of lasting love for Terrell. You also don't want to miss Terrell's "Pickle Story" with Dr. Gee that shifted his perspective on leadership.
Check out Terrell's book, The Book of You, that looks at the need to redefine your identity. This guidebook for self-discovery can help you achieve true authenticity and meaning—the keys to lifelong happiness. Join Terrell on this sometimes surprising, sometimes formidable, always sincere quest to discover lasting significance in your life.
Learn more about Terrell Fletcher.
Dr. Alex Gee talks with Pastor Peter Ahn about community development locally and internationally. Peter reinforces the need for empowering a multicultural leadership approach in local communities. He has demonstrated raising up local leaders and resourcing them to make change on their own in the Engelwood community of New Jersey. Dr. Gee and Peter discuss the power and beauty of the African American and Korean communities coming together for change.
Article that Dr. Gee and Pete Ahn wrote together for Covenant Companion Magazine.
More about Peter Ahn
http://www.emetro.org/
Twitter: @pahn
Dr. Alex Gee sits down with County Supervisor Shelia Stubbs to her story of community leadership and how she sees the power of Black voters changing politics. Shelia is currently running for State Assembly in a historic race, with the primary on August 14. Hear how she plans to be the first person of color to be elected to the Wisconsin State Capitol. Shelia will inspire you to be involved in your community and be civically engaged in order to make a difference locally. Dr. Gee and Shelia discuss the recent American political climate and how black voters are positioned to shift the vote.
As an advocate, a neighborhood organizer, and an elected official Shelia Stubbs has helped enact criminal justice reform, created programs to involve young people in social change, championed initiatives to clean up Madison’s lakes and streams, fought for safer neighborhoods where all children thrive, increased funding for services for seniors and people with disabilities, worked to elect strong progressive candidates to office, and collaborated to bring expertise from the University of Wisconsin into the broader community. Shelia has been re-elected six times as the Dane County Supervisor.
sheliastubbs.com
Dr. Alex Gee welcomes Lisa Sharon Harper to the show to talk about her genealogy research and her commitment to speak truth into American history. You don't want to miss Ms. Harper's passionate insight into our current political and religious landscape.
A prolific speaker, writer and activist, Ms. Harper is the founder and president of FreedomRoad.us, a consulting group dedicated to shrinking the narrative gap in our nation by convening forums and experiences that bring common understanding, common commitment, and common action toward a just world. Ms. Harper is the author of several books, including: Evangelical Does Not Equal Republican...or Democrat (The New Press, 2008), Left Right and Christ: Evangelical Faith in Politics (Elevate, 2011), Forgive Us: Confessions of a Compromised Faith (Zondervan, 2014), and the critically acclaimed, The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong can be Made Right (Waterbrook, a division of Penguin Random House, 2016).
Aaron Hicks returns to the show to ask Dr. Alex Gee questions as a father and mentor to him. The discussion covers the importance of surrogate fathers for the fatherless. Aaron and Dr. Gee model the support and vulnerability needed between men to have a healthy family.
The two men share how you turn your mess of a childhood trauma into a message that can be passed on to others. Aaron explores how the prison system and re-entry process limits the ability to maintain family commitments and the father's presence in children's lives.
Aaron Hicks is the Assistant Director for Reentry Services at the Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development in Madison, WI.
Dr. Alex Gee continues his discussion of fatherhood by talking with two experts and scholars in family life, Dr. Chris Bass and Dr. Gerry White. Their conversation explores the way the media and society conveys Black identity through generations, the importance of reconciling with father's, and mentoring children. Dr. Bass and Dr. White focus on the health of father's as they raise and set the example for their children. Broken father's will produce broken children if a healthy identity is not developed early. Hear how these men model healthy family life and parenting.
Dr. Chris Bass has served clinically in a variety of posts including; Clinical Director at an Residential treatment facility for adjudicated late adolescent males, Psychologist for the City of Atlanta and Senior Psychological Partner at The Bass Medical and Psychological Consultants firm LLC. He has held faculty appointments on the campuses of Hampton University, Morehouse College, University of Georgia, Oglethorpe University and others. He continues to serve as a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Clark Atlanta University.
Dr. Gerry L. White is currently an Assistant Professor with Clark Atlanta University, Whitney M. Young, Jr School of Social Work where he teaches Social Policy and Research Methods in the doctoral program. He has given nearly 23 years to the Social Work profession providing group and family counseling services and promoting the importance of father involvement. He is the owner of Program Evaluation Station, LLC, an organization that provides psycho-educational groups, family sessions and program evaluations.
Dr. Alex Gee sits down for a special Father's Day conversation with his daughter Lexi Gee. They reflect together on stories from growing up and the art of storytelling itself. Hear how the father/child relationship changes over time and as a child grows up to adulthood. Lexi also shares her opinions on media representation of Black women.
Also, don't miss the first edition of the "Millennial Black Ice Breaker" segment!
You don't want to miss Scott Jackson's unbelievable story of growing up through abuse and racism, and the way that his Black Step-Father transformed his view of fatherhood. Dr. Alex Gee discusses with Scott Jackson the role of fathers in the household and how a father can display integrity and compassion. Hear how Scott has carried this sense of charity into his life work to spread goodwill everywhere.
Scott Jackson is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Global Impact. Global Impact’s mission is to grow global philanthropy and build partnerships and resources for the world’s most vulnerable people. A global development fundraising and marketing veteran, Jackson has held leadership positions in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, including the global health and development nonprofits PATH and World Vision. He has worked in more than 60 countries, and his global relief and development efforts have taken him to remote villages in Africa and Asia, to the heart of the Holy Land, and inside some of the most powerful institutions and governments around the world. Jackson has worked with global leaders, including four U.S. presidents and their administrations, and he has represented international development issues with the offices of U.S. Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright, Colin Powell and Hillary Clinton.
Jackson was a founding nonprofit member of The ONE Campaign to “make poverty history” and has worked on initiatives with Bono and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He is a member of several national boards and advisory committees, including the Clinton Global Initiative, YourCause, Global Justice Center, International Center for Research on Women, National Development Committee of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, Global Washington, World Trade Center Seattle and CEO Connection’s Leadership Committee for Social Impact. He currently works closely with the leadership of more than 100 nonprofits around the world, such as Save the Children, CARE and Heifer International.
He is the author of "Take Me with You," released in March 2017, a moving personal story written to inspire people to take action and find the “charity within” - Jackson’s personal philosophy of making a choice to live in a way that improves life for others.
Dr. Alex Gee starts a month long conversation about Fathers and their role in the family. On this episode Dr. Gee speaks with Jamaal Eubanks and Anthony Cooper Sr. about their histories with their own fathers and their relationship with their children. Jamaal is the Founder of Eubanks Solutions LLC (eubankssolutions.com), a mentoring and leadership company that pushes his message of #FuelOrCrutch. He has a book called Determination to Succeed that will be coming out in 2018. Anthony Cooper Sr. is the Director of Reentry Services at Nehemiah Community Development Corporation (nehemiah.org).
Dr. Alex Gee is joined by Hon. Rev. Everett Mitchell, Dane County Circuit Court Judge and Pastor of Christ the Solid Rock Baptist Church. They candidly discuss the justice system and ways that we can support and raise up everyone in our community. Hon. Rev. Everett Mitchell shares his personal story and how it inspires his passion for social issues, such as poverty, war, incarceration and immigration.
Dr. Alex Gee hosts a discussion about the African American History Course started by Justified Anger. His guests are some of the team behind the course, including Harry Hawkins (Executive Vice President of Nehemiah/Justified Anger) and Dr. Karen Reece-Phiffer (Director of Program Research/Evaluation for Nehemiah/Justified Anger). One of the course participants, Chris Wood, also joins the discussion to share how attendees are transformed by the content and experience of the course.
Hear how the team approached the design and facilitation of the course program. The class aims to move past intellectual exercises and into emotional understanding and action. With an academic approach, the course balances engagement with the head and the heart.
For more, go to nehemiah.org. If you are looking to possibly sign up for the class, join the Justified Anger newsletter list to receive updates about when next classes will be offered here.
Dr. Alex Gee speaks with other "Momma's Boys" who share about the influence that their mothers have had in their family life. The men talk about the importance of multigenerational households, family meals, and extended family. Get invaluable advice passed on from the experience of strong Black women.
Find out more about this episode's special guests:
Enis Ragland: Deputy Mayor for Administration in Finance
Bishop Harold Rayford
Jerome Dillard: State Director of EXPO (EX-Prisoners Organizing
On a special Mother's Day episode, Dr. Alex Gee reflects on the journey of his mother through her story of perseverance, strength, and family. His mother's book of poetry provides insight into the Black experience in America and wise lessons that a mother passes on to her family.
On this episode Dr. Gee tackles some of the common arguments heard from White people when trying to explain racist commentary. Hear his thoughts on "All Lives Matter" and other popular phrases in American culture. Dr. Gee also shares his own encounters with whitesplaining.
Dr. Gee talks with owner and chef, Tamearra Dyson, of Souley Vegan in Oakland, CA. She has been cooking her signature vegan dishes since the age of 18 and was recently featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on the Food Network. Listen as she shares her deep love for food and expertise with Dr. Gee.
Tamearra is working on a book that will be a combination of a short cookbook and autobiography. Look for the book by the end of the year.
Souley Vegan is franchising and any interested parties should email Tamearra@souleyvegan.com
Check out Tamearra Dyson's website to get updates on her book and franchises. www.souleyvegan.com
Dr. Gee has a fun and honest conversation about recent issues in America with guests Lilada Gee (Lilada's Livingroom/Black Woman Heal) and Kaleem Caire (Founder/CEO of One City Early Learning Center). Dr Gee discusses Donald Trump as a ventriloquist doll sitting on the lap of America, a mouthpiece for white fragility. They also discuss the Philadelphia Starbucks incident and the concept of White space.
Lenny the Lion and Terry Hall Ventriloquist
On this episode Dr. Gee asks Madison Police Officer Corey Saffold the tough questions about the tension between race and law enforcement. Officer Corey Saffold shares his experience as a Black police officer. Their conversation covers racial profiling, police procedure, and police shootings of unarmed Black individuals. Dr. Gee also relates his personal experiences of racial profiling with law enforcement.
You can find more from him at www.coreysparadox.com or email him at corey@coreysparadox.com
Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with Corey Tabor from Austin, Texas about racial profiling and the arrest of the the Austin Bomber. Corey Tabor is Founder and President of the History in the Making Community Development Center (H.I.M. Center), Founder and Lead Pastor of Full Life Community Church, and the Community Outreach Director with Austin LifeCare (ALC).
coreytabor.com
Dr. Alex Gee shares two new segments where he talks with White people about their experiences with issues around race. In the first segment, Things White People Want to Know, Dr. Gee answers a question from filmmaker and sound engineer Jeremy Holiday about how to address and teach our children about race. For the second segment, Work That White, Dr. Gee has a conversation with Tyler Nylen about how he came to be a white ally and what he is learning through the African American History Course.
Justified Anger African American History Course
Dr. Alex Gee talks with Patrick Marcus Yates about his career with TDS and as a community leader. Patrick Yates is the Manager of Diversity and Inclusion for TDS Telecom and shares how was an innovator in the Loaned Executive Project initiated by Alex Gee. Patrick Yates tells the story of how he split his time between human resources with TDS and as the Director of Operations for the Justified Anger movement. Together they discuss diversity in the workplace and corporate environment.
Justified Anger
Join Dr. Gee on a personal journey through his families experience of Alzheimer's. For the first time, Dr. Gee openly shares about his mother's diagnosis of Alzheimer's. To understand more about the disease, Dr. Gee talks with Outreach Specialist with The Alzheimer's Disease and Research Center, Fabu Carter. They discuss the importance of awareness around the disease and especially the research needed among the African American community.
Fabu Carter: The Poetry of Alzheimer's Disease Outreach
artistfabu.com
Dr. Alex Gee talks to Jerome Dillard, the State Director of EXPO (EX-Prisoners Organizing). Jerome shares his own amazing story of incarceration and re-entry. Hear about the work he does with EXPO to end mass incarceration, eliminate all forms of structural discrimination against formerly incarcerated people, and restore formerly incarcerated people to full participation in the life of our communities.
Jerome Dillard has more than 20 years of experience working with formerly-incarcerated people, and with people in prison. He is a founder of Voices Beyond Bars in Madison. Jerome has worked for the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, and has most recently been the director of re-entry programs for Dane County.
You can find out more information about ending mass incarceration in Wisconsin at ROC Wiscsonsin.
Dr. Alex Gee shares his guest appearance on the film podcast, ExtraTextual, to discuss the film Black panther. Filmmakers Eli Steenlage and Jeremy Holiday interview Dr. Gee about his perspective on the latest Marvel superhero film that is making waves in Hollywood for its focus on people of color behind and in front of the camera.
Dr. Alex Gee talks with Aaron Hicks, Nehemiah Assistant Director for Reentry Services, about his powerful story of incarceration and re-entry into society. Aaron shares his first hand experience of coming through the mass incarceration system in Wisconsin. Dr. Gee and Aaron discuss the impact of the Man Up program and the tremendous work Aaron does to encourage men of color in the re-entry process.
Listen as Dr. Alex Gee shares a preview of his new podcast "Black Like Me" with Dr. Alex Gee. In this preview, Dr. Gee explains why he is starting this new podcast, the plethora of topics that he wants to talk about, and why this is a CAN'T MISS podcast as each listener will experience the perspective of one black man--one conversation, one story, and even one rant at a time. Subscribe today!