Blackbelt Voices: Recent Episodes
Blackbelt Media LLC
The Blackbelt Voices podcast tells stories from and about Black folks down South that honor our history, celebrate our culture, and shape our future. Through first-person narratives and in-depth conversations, hosts Adena J. White, Kara Wilkins, and Katrina Dupins share the experiences of Black Southerners living in, loving, and reconciling with the region we call home. Music: Prentice Dupins Jr. Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
What does it mean for a city to believe in itself?
Sinovia Mayfield has spent a decade as the human behind Rocktown Realness, a hyperlocal civic platform built for action and powered by love for Little Rock, Arkansas. She sees her role not as the face of the platform but as its stage manager, turning the spotlight on a city whose story is often flattened by headlines and outside assumptions.
In this conversation with Adena, Sinovia introduces the idea of municipal self-esteem: The collective belief (or lack of it) that shapes what a city thinks it deserves, what it’s willing to invest in, and what it allows itself to imagine. They discuss what happens when people stop waiting for someone else to build the thing their community is missing and how being “behind” can offer a clearer view of what’s ahead.
About Sinovia
Sinovia Mayfield is a Little Rock–based project leader connecting people, pixels, and purpose. She leads high-impact digital and marketing initiatives and builds community-centered platforms that turn big ideas into real-world impact, with equal parts strategy and heart. Learn more at sinoviamayfield.com.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Recorded inside the Central Arkansas Library System’s newly renovated Main Library in downtown Little Rock, hosts Adena White and Kara Wilkins sit down with CALS executive director Nate Coulter, board president Dr. Karama Neal, and chief communications and community engagement officer Tameka Lee to talk about the library’s transformation, its impact on the community, and the enduring power of public spaces. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.comfor information about our collection and use of personal data foradvertising.
Choosing Arkansas with Dr. Karama Neal shares stories of those who chose Arkansas as their home. In this episode, Dr. Neal talks to Shamim Okolloh. Shamim was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and came to the U.S. at age 19 for college. Unsure about staying or returning home, she moved to Little Rock to attend the Clinton School of Public Service. She fell in love with the state and has found a supportive community in Arkansas, balancing her career in banking and her family life.
We hope these conversations inspire you to learn more about professional, educational, social and other opportunities in Arkansas, and soon, choose Arkansas for yourself!
Send us feedback at choosingAR@gmail.com.
Choosing Arkansas with Dr. Karama Neal shares stories of those who chose Arkansas as their home. In this episode, Dr. Neal talks to Jean Block, the CEO of the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority.
We hope these conversations inspire you to learn more about professional, educational, social and other opportunities in Arkansas, and soon, choose Arkansas for yourself!
Send us feedback at choosingAR@gmail.com.
Choosing Arkansas with Dr. Karama Neal shares stories of those who chose Arkansas as their home. We want to help you make the Natural State your natural choice. On today's episode, we talk to Samantha Evans about what brought her back to her home state after living away for many years.
We hope these conversations inspire you to learn more about professional, educational, social and other opportunities in Arkansas, and soon, choose Arkansas for yourself!
Send us feedback at choosingAR@gmail.com
Dr. Karama Neal, principal of Neal Firm, aspires to help Arkansas achieve its full potential as a place where Black people can thrive. Achieving this potential requires not only the engagement of current Black Arkansans but also the economic, social, and political involvement of Black people with ties to the state — whether it's through kinship, friendship, business, or general interest.
Facilitating this engagement and potential relocation involves helping these "potential Arkansans" 1) update their knowledge of current housing, employment, entrepreneurial, social, and other opportunities; and 2) learn from the paths and experiences of others who have moved to or returned to Arkansas and are enthusiastic about their choice and current quality of life.
Through her "Choosing Arkansas" series, Dr. Neal will share the stories of Black newcomers and returnees, highlighting their positive experiences and the opportunities that exist within the state. Her goal is to inspire others to see Arkansas as a place where they can build successful and fulfilling lives.
This is part two of our dive into urban agriculture. We’re talking about how Black farmers and growers are creating solutions to the lack of healthy food options in their communities. Be sure to listen to Episode 41 with Leroi Emerson, who serves on the board for Urban Patchwork. In this episode, we’re talking to Gabriyel El-Bey, the owner and operator of Turtle Island in Little Rock, Arkansas, which is one of Urban Patchwork’s farm partners. He’s joined by Master Gardener Laverne Davis.
Since it opened in June of 2022, Turtle Island has provided residents in the South End neighborhood of Little Rock with fresh, nutritious produce from more than 20 local growers. Education and community is at the center of it all.
This episode of the Blackbelt podcast explores how Urban Patchwork, a Little Rock-based nonprofit network of farmers and backyard gardeners, aims to build a sustainable local food economy and promote interdependence among residents. LeRoi Emerson is a board member for Urban Patchwork and joins host Adena White to talk about his passion for farming and the organization's efforts to increase access to fresh food in low-income, low-access neighborhoods. By bringing people together around food, Urban Patchwork's goal is to foster a sense of community and collaboration while enhancing both the physical health and social cohesion of Little Rock neighborhoods.
We're back in the saddle! In this episode, Adena and Kara discuss the relaunch of Blackbelt Voices as a platform for authentic storytelling. After completing a Social Impact Storytelling program at Georgetown University and a fellowship with Solutions Journalism Network, Adena has come back with fresh ideas of how Blackbelt Voices can emphasize the importance of authenticity, belonging, and connection in storytelling.
Adena and Kara talk to writer and self-proclaimed Wypipologist Michael Harriot. The South Carolina native is well known for his wit, cultural commentary, and gift of mixing humor and historical context. In this episode, Michael breaks down the discipline of Wypipology, Black humor, and the story behind his coining of the phrase "invited to the cookout." (Yes, he's the one who came up with it.)
Michael is the host of the recently launched TheGrio Daily podcast, produced by theGrio Black Podcast Network. He has also authored a book, "Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America," which is available for pre-order now.
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
Latwana Scott, the owner of Sweet Mama T's in El Dorado, Arkansas, developed a reputation as a great cook at an early age. The El Dorado native enjoys cooking for people and got her start from helping her mom as a child.
Eventually, with the help of Southern Bankcorp, Scott found the perfect location for her restaurant. Find out more about Sweet Mama T's by visiting her Facebook page.
Season 3 of Blackbelt Voices is brought to you by Southern Bancorp.
Southern Bancorp is one of America’s oldest and largest community development financial institutions, founded to provide underserved communities with access to capital and the wealth-building tools needed to grow. On the web at BankSouthern.com and SouthernPartners.org.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
On episode 37 of Blackbelt Voices, we continue our conversation about Black food, this time focusing on barbecue. Guest Michael “Mike D” De Los Santos of North Carolina walks us through his journey of becoming an expert on the topic, which eventually led to him creating his own sauces and rubs and selling through his company, Mike D’s.
Mike’s journey to becoming a small business owner has uplifting and heartbreaking turns, including the loss of his infant son Aaron, which he wrote about in a book he authored called “My Heart Warrior: Living With HLHS Through A Father’s Eyes.”
Mike and his business was also featured on Discovery Channel’s “I Quit.”
Season 3 of Blackbelt Voices is brought to you by Southern Bancorp.
Southern Bancorp is one of America’s oldest and largest community development financial institutions, founded to provide underserved communities with access to capital and the wealth-building tools needed to grow. On the web at BankSouthern.com and SouthernPartners.org.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of
Blackbelt Media LLC.
In episode 36 of Blackbelt Voices, Adena and Kara continue the conversation about Black food culture – this time from an agricultural angle. Our guest, Gerald Harris along with his partners Derek Beasley and Gabrielle E.W. Carter (who was featured in the Netflix series High on the Hog, New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal started Tall Grass Food Box, a community-supported agricultural model also known as a CSA.
Gerald told us about a Tuskegee professor named Booker T. Whatley who many call the godfather of CSA. He is best known for his regenerative farming system, in combination with the direct-marketing concept of a customer harvesting operation known as pick-your-own. Dr. Whatley has been said to be 30 years ahead of his time. Lots of experts in the field still refer to his 10 commandments for small farmers.
Gerald also pointed to the 1920 Census, which shows the number of Black farmers in America Peaked at 949,889. In 2019 there were just over 45,000 Black farmers according to figures from the US Department of Agriculture.
Tall Grass was born out of the pandemic. So Gerald says they’ve learned a lot about the CSA business space, who they could trust, and how to help. They have been expanding. Some other positive outcomes include they now have a refrigerated vehicle. Those funds were raised by their community and people who wanted to see them succeed.
Thank you, Gerald Harris for being a guest on our podcast. Check out Tall Grass on Facebook or Instagram or send them a note via email: hello@tallgrassnc.com
Season 3 of Blackbelt Voices is brought to you by Southern Bancorp.
Southern Bancorp is one of America’s oldest and largest community development financial institutions, founded to provide underserved communities with access to capital and the wealth-building tools needed to grow. On the web at BankSouthern.com and SouthernPartners.org.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of
Blackbelt Media LLC.
We’re starting a new series of episodes about Black Food Culture, which is a very broad topic to tackle. It can be fun, but it is also deep. Ashante Reese, Ph.D. is a writer, teacher, and anthropologist who works at the intersection of critical food studies and Black geographies. Her latest book, “Black Food Matters: Racial Justice in the Wake of Food Justice, enters two conversations at once: one that concerns the persistent threats to Black life and another that concerns problems produced by the increasingly global and corporatized food system.”
Dr. Reese recommends some texts for our listeners who are interested in learning more about BlackFood studies. They include Building Houses out of Chicken Legs by Psyche A. Williams-Forson; and Dethroning the Deceitful Porkchop, a collection of essays that basically interrogate the concept of soul food.
And for an even deeper dive, here are some of Reese's food-related recommended readings.
Season 3 of Blackbelt Voices is brought to you by Southern Bancorp.
Southern Bancorp is one of America’s oldest and largest community development financial institutions, founded to provide underserved communities with access to capital and the wealth-building tools needed to grow. On the web at BankSouthern.com and SouthernPartners.org.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of
Blackbelt Media LLC.
Jennifer Williams of Cleveland, Mississippi always knew she wanted to be a teacher. When she was a girl, her favorite game was playing school.
Williams is teaching future teachers at the Cleveland Career Development and Technology Center. Once a week, her students get to serve as teacher's assistants, giving them a realistic feel of what it could be like to run a classroom. The center offers a practical learning environment designed to prepare students for employment or future study in various skill areas ranging from auto mechanics and welding to health and public safety.
As an adult, Williams continues to learn and pass along those lessons to her students. Several years ago, she went through some financial hardship and needed extra funds to get her through to the next month. A friend suggested she try a payday lender. Nine loans later and drowning in debt, Williams found help with Southern Bancorp.
Season 3 of Blackbelt Voices is brought to you by Southern Bancorp.
Southern Bancorp is one of America’s oldest and largest community development financial institutions, founded to provide underserved communities with access to capital and the wealth-building tools needed to grow. On the web at BankSouthern.com and SouthernPartners.org.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
On episode 33 of the Blackbelt Voices podcast, we are continuing our discussion on the Cost of Racism. This week we’re focused on building community wealth with Tim Lampkin, the CEO and founder of Higher Purpose Co., a 501(c)(3) economic justice nonprofit that supports and encourages ownership of financial, cultural, and political power in Black communities.
Tim Lampkin, for about as long as he could remember, always had a passion for helping others and being a part of something bigger than himself. His life journey and mentor helped shaped him into the entrepreneur he is today.
Season 3 of Blackbelt Voices is brought to you by Southern Bancorp.
Southern Bancorp is one of America’s oldest and largest community development financial institutions, founded to provide underserved communities with access to capital and the wealth-building tools needed to grow. On the web at BankSouthern.com and SouthernPartners.org.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of
Blackbelt Media LLC.
Cheryl Hampton grew up on a farm in Marianna on the same property where her great-great-grandfather lived. He grew lots of vegetables in his garden including sweet potatoes, greens, and okra. Cheryl still lives and gardens on the property today. When her nieces and nephews come to visit she shows them everything she knows, and they’re always excited to learn. https://blackbeltvoices.com/2021/12/28/turn-to-your-neighbor-cheryl-hampton
Season 3 of Blackbelt Voices is brought to you by Southern Bancorp.
Southern Bancorp is one of America’s oldest and largest community development financial institutions, founded to provide underserved communities with access to capital and the wealth-building tools needed to grow. On the web at BankSouthern.com and SouthernPartners.org.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
Episode 31 of the Blackbelt Voices podcast begins a new series of episodes called the Cost of Racism. During the next month, we’ll dive into the ideas of economic equity and building wealth for Black communities. Today’s guest is Darrin Williams, CEO of Southern Bancorp.
Williams, who studied law and practiced as a lawyer for many years, wanted to help people understand money, climb out of poverty and bridge the racial wealth gap.
Season 3 of Blackbelt Voices is brought to you by Southern Bancorp.
Southern Bancorp is one of America’s oldest and largest community development financial institutions, founded to provide underserved communities with access to capital and the wealth-building tools needed to grow. On the web at BankSouthern.com and SouthernPartners.org.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of
Blackbelt Media LLC.
This Turn to Your Neighbor segment features Amanda Hunter, a registered nurse who lives in Central Arkansas. Amanda is very interested in exploring her family tree. She wanted to see how far she could go back into her family’s history and found through her journey a valuable perspective she applies directly to her own life.
Season 3 of Blackbelt Voices is brought to you by Southern Bancorp.
Southern Bancorp is one of America’s oldest and largest community development financial institutions, founded to provide underserved communities with access to capital and the wealth-building tools needed to grow. On the web at BankSouthern.com and SouthernPartners.org.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
Happy Thanksgiving, Blackbelt Voices fam. In this week’s episode we’re talking about genealogy. It is part of the “Preserving our History” series. For Nicka Sewell-Smith, learning about her family history is much more than a hobby. Nicka has more than 20 years of experience as a genealogist and has learned so much about not only her own family, but also American History. We think you’ll enjoy listening to our conversation with Nicka, and when you’re done check out her web series, BlackProGen LIVE.
Season 3 of Blackbelt Voices is brought to you by Southern Bancorp.
Southern Bancorp is one of America’s oldest and largest community development financial institutions, founded to provide underserved communities with access to capital and the wealth-building tools needed to grow. On the web at BankSouthern.com and SouthernPartners.org.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
The Ozark Foothills African-American History Museum would not have been possible without the work of Albessie Thompson, the subject of this Turn to Your Neighbor segment. Born and raised in Twin Groves, Arkansas, Thompson has worked tirelessly for the past 30 years to preserve the history of her hometown. We continue the "Preserving Our History" series with a closer look at this museum in Twin Groves, Arkansas.
Find out more by visiting the Ozark Foothills African-American History Museum’s Facebook page.
Season 3 of Blackbelt Voices is brought to you by Southern Bancorp.
Southern Bancorp is one of America’s oldest and largest community development financial institutions, founded to provide underserved communities with access to capital and the wealth-building tools needed to grow. On the web at BankSouthern.com and SouthernPartners.org.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
Blackbelt Voices continues its focus on “Preserving our History” with a closer look at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, a 35,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art museum on 9th Street in Little Rock. The museum, which is a part of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, became accredited by the American Alliance of Museums in April 2020. Quantia Fletcher was recently named director of the museum. She told us how she found her passion for telling stories of our ancestors and her role in creating the museum into what it is today.
Check out the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center website and plan your trip to the museum. Admission is free!
Season 3 of Blackbelt Voices is brought to you by Southern Bancorp.
Southern Bancorp is one of America’s oldest and largest community development financial institutions, founded to provide underserved communities with access to capital and the wealth-building tools needed to grow. On the web at BankSouthern.com and SouthernPartners.org.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
American Reckoning is a component of PBS FRONTLINE's Un(re)solved multi-platform initiative investigating unsolved murders that happened in the Civil Rights Era.
We sat down with filmmakers Yoruba Richen and Brad Lichtenstein who are working on a documentary about the events surrounding the 1967 murder of Wharlest Jackson Sr. in Natchez, Mississippi. Jackson is one of 150 cold case killings brought to light because of Congressman John Lewis’ Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act. The film is expected to be released in February 2022.
Season 3 of Blackbelt Voices is brought to you by Southern Bancorp.
Southern Bancorp is one of America’s oldest and largest community development financial institutions, founded to provide underserved communities with access to capital and the wealth-building tools needed to grow. On the web at BankSouthern.com and SouthernPartners.org.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
Blackbelt Voices is coming back for our third season in mid-October. We can’t wait for you to hear from our fantastic guests. They’re telling stories from and about Black folks down South that honor our history; celebrate our culture; and shape our future.
Look for new episodes beginning next week. If you haven’t already, be sure to follow or subscribe to the Blackbelt Voices podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you like to listen. You can also connect with us online at blackbeltvoices.com or by following @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
In this episode, Adena and Kara talk to Kristy Carter, author and principal investigator of a newly released study about women of color business owners and entrepreneurs in Arkansas. The research was conducted by the University of Central Arkansas and the report commissioned by the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas. Women of color open businesses at extraordinary rates. The qualitative study explores why.
This episode’s Turn to Your Neighbor feature is Shunqetta Cunningham, the CEO and Lead Grant Strategist of KHARIS Grants and Services. She also leads a group for Black women entrepreneurs called Over A Cup. Shunqetta is one of the featured women in the study.
Patricia Ashanti is the Founder and CEO of Delta Circles, Inc. As a native of Helena, Arkansas, she has always recognized the need for community service and had a desire to help families thrive. Delta Circles is a nonprofit organization providing programs and opportunities to challenge the way Black women think about themselves, their finances, and their businesses. Her WIN program is modeled after an African practice called susu.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
Support other indie Black podcasts! Listen to You Had Me at Black wherever you get your podcasts.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
On Episode 22 of Blackbelt Voices, Adena and Kara have a conversation with Candice Barnes. Ed.D., an associate professor and distinguished equity fellow at the University of Central Arkansas College of Education.
They talked about moving closer to diversity, equity, belonging, and inclusion in education and what steps educational systems, teachers, and future teachers can take to move toward that goal.
They discussed the importance of having Black teachers in classrooms and a group of Black men elementary teachers in Oregon who are so rare they call themselves unicorns.
This episode's turn to your neighbor segment features Kwadjo Boaitey, a middle school teacher in the Pulaski County Special School District in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Interested in checking out Dr. Barnes' jewelry? Click here.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
Support other indie Black podcasts! Listen to You Had Me at Black wherever you get your podcasts.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
Three people, from three backgrounds and generations, take a road trip using The Negro Motorist Green Book as their guide. Adena and Kara have a conversation with Alvin Hall and Janée Woods Weber about their living history podcast called Driving the Green Book. They talk about their podcast, their journey, life lessons, and behind-the-scenes adventures.
In this episode's Turn to Your Neighbor segment, WellBrewed Coffee Co. founders plan to serve coffee with consciousness by driving resources and investments to the community. Jeremy Hill and Shantell Hinton Hill will dedicate a portion of their sales to Black leaders and entrepreneurs committed to social change. Follow their progress on Instagram.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of
Blackbelt Media LLC.
Happy Black History Month. February 1 marks the anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln signing a resolution that would later become the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. On this episode, Adena and Kara address some eyebrow-raising legislation aimed at restricting teaching on social justice and diversity. We ask Stacey McAdoo, longtime educator and 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year, to weigh in.
You can find out more about Stacey by visiting her website or following her on Twitter.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of
Blackbelt Media LLC.
Blackbelt Voices wraps up 2020 with tips on setting goals, job hunting, and protecting your peace. Kara and Adena talked to Leigh Oliver, a talent acquisition coordinator in Nashville who gave us a glimpse into the mind of a job recruiter.
Have questions about your resume or need job recruiting tips? Our guest today said she would be happy to help. Email Leigh Oliver.
This episode’s Turn to Your Neighbor segment features Tenethrea Buffington, a licensed professional counselor in Georgia. You can reach Tenethrea here.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
COVID-19 has dominated headlines nearly the entire year – and has affected life for every single one of us. And with the first images of people receiving much-anticipated vaccinations last week, there is a glimmer of hope for some return to some sort of normalcy – though we still have a while. In this episode, Adena and Kara talk to Jerrilyn Jones, M.D., MPH. She's the medical director for health preparedness at the Arkansas Department of Health and a practicing emergency medicine physician at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
This episode's Turn to Your Neighbor segment features Steven Savage, a public affairs professional in Blytheville, Arkansas.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
Adena and Kara talk to broadcast journalists Brittany Noble and Lisa Benson, who share their experiences with racism in the newsroom. This episode's Turn to Your Neighbor segment features newspaper reporter Stephen Simpson.
This summer, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Wesley Lowery wrote an article called a "Reckoning Over Objectivity, Led by Black Journalists." His reflections were poignant — that media organizations do not reflect the diversity of the communities they cover. And that all became obvious to more people (not us; we been knew) with the protests following the murder of George Floyd.
Media institutions, while trying to be objective, had to come to terms with their role perpetuating the status quo. And when Black journalists challenge those conventions, they’re often pushed aside or labeled as a non-team player, looked over for promotions, and/or fired.
Brittany Noble tells her story in this Medium article.
Lisa Benson is now a diversity and racial consultant who recently published the book, Anchored in Bias: Fired Over White Tears.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
Adena and Kara talk about media and storytelling with Cierra Hinton, executive director of Scalawag and director of network-building and strategy at Press On Media. You will also finally hear the story of how Blackbelt Voices came to be. The Turn to Your Neighbor segment features filmmaker and teacher Prentice Dupins Sr.
Watch Last Stop on Vimeo on Demand by visiting 1410 Media Group's website.
Follow Cierra Hinton on Twitter and learn more about Press On and Scalawag.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
Adena and Kara talk to the founder of a nonprofit that works to build political power among Black voters and end voter suppression.
In 2016, Charlane Oliver and a group of friends sat in a Chili’s and pitched in a few hundred dollars and a lot of time to form The Equity Alliance, which is now a million-dollar organization in Nashville that has helped thousands.
In this episode's Turn to Your Neighbor Segment, Lynn Norment talks about her storied career and love for writing. She is one of the guest speakers at the 2020 John H. Johnson Day Celebration on November 1. Click here to sign up to register for the virtual event.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
On this episode of Blackbelt Voices, we’re exploring the facets of public policy and how it affects societal norms with Tamika Edwards. Plus, Gennie Hirschy shows real-life connections that may serve as motivation to stay informed and engaged in local politics. And this week’s Turn to Your Neighbor segment features Dazzmin Murry, a young woman from Little Rock whose creativity is multifaceted.
Follow Tamika Edwards and Gennie Hirschy on Twitter.
Other websites mentioned:
For AR People
Arkansas Strong
Go Vote AR
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The election is one month away. Please make sure you're registered. If your plan is in place, send this as a reminder to your friends. Deadlines are approaching quickly.
Here are a few resources that will get you started.
https://votesaveamerica.com/be-a-voter/
https://govotear.org/
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Adena and Kara want to remind you to not underestimate the importance of the census. There’s a lot riding on those numbers and we don’t get another chance until 2030.
There are only four days left to fill out the 2020 census, but there are still ways to help make sure we get as many people counted as we can.
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Spread the word!
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Help those who are not as internet savvy fill out the form. You can do it anywhere as long as you know the person’s address and who lives in the home.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Political organizers Tristan Wilkerson and DeJuana L. Thompson talk about what led them to start Think Rubix, a social innovation consultancy with branches across the country. They work with nonprofits businesses and government to create equitable solutions.
Tristan and Dejuana give their predictions for Election Day.
Dejuana also founded Woke Vote to encourage organization through long-term engagement. It is a program of Think Social Impact, an organization managed by Think Rubix.
This episode introduces a new segment we're calling Turn to Your Neighbor. This episode features Uniqueika Nauden, who leads group meditation sessions. It's called SBMR, which stands for Sun Bathe, Moon Rinse.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
For the past 16 days, protesters in every state and around the world are demanding change and speaking out against systemic racism and police brutality that disproportionately affects Black Americans. As the protests have become mainstream, many major businesses and institutions have issued their own statements of proclamations — acknowledging the need for change and that Black Lives Matter.
On this episode, Adena and Kara outline what changes the movement is hoping for in our communities and talk about changes that have already happened. We also talk to Arkansas State Senator and congressional candidate Joyce Elliott about her plan that could help with police brutality and how we can move forward as communities and as a nation.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
As the U.S. begins to slowly reopen the economy and gain some sense of normalcy during a pandemic, we find ourselves in familiar territory – a police officer has killed a Black man, leading to protests in the streets. We are hurting, and we are tired.
On this special bonus episode of Blackbelt Voices, we take a look back at America’s long history of racial violence. Professor Brian Mitchell from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock returns to weigh in with a historical perspective on what we’re seeing now and how it compares to history. And what he thinks needs to happen next as a step forward.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
In the early morning hours of May 6, 1960, Marvin Leonard Williams died in police custody at the former Faulkner County jail in Conway, Arkansas. He was arrested the night before — the same night his parents and siblings lost everything they owned in a tornado. Twenty-five years later, two officers were charged with murder after Marvin’s parents received new information regarding their son’s death. His younger brother, Ronnie Williams, went on a fact-finding mission to seek justice for his brother and get to the bottom of a 25-year cover-up.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
In the early morning hours of May 6, 1960, Marvin Leonard Williams died in police custody at the former Faulkner County jail in Conway, Arkansas. He was arrested the night before — the same night his parents and siblings lost everything they owned in a tornado. Twenty-five years later, two officers were charged with murder after Marvin’s parents received new information regarding their son’s death. His younger brother, Ronnie Williams, went on a fact-finding mission to seek justice for his brother and get to the bottom of a 25-year cover-up.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Edited and produced by: Katrina Dupins and Prentice Dupins Jr.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Talent is there; they just need an opportunity. Executive director and lead maker of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, Chris Jones, Ph.D., talks to hosts Adena and Kara about his life experiences and his passion to help people realize their full potential.
Visit blackbeltvoices.com for a full summary of this episode.
Links to what we discussed:
https://arhub.org/
https://www.presidentialleadershipscholars.org/
WHERE TO FIND DR. JONES
Dr. Chris Jones on Twitter
Dr. Jones’ website
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Ife Opportunity, a organization committed to creating solutions that expand opportunity and promote equity in education, health, and other critical areas. Ife Opportunity has held computer coding, astronomy, and other workshops for children and additional projects are planned. One such project is sheet music for piano. Blackbelt Voices listeners can download “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” the Black National anthem, at http://www.tinyurl.com/liftsing. Enter coupon code BLACKBELT to receive 15% off your purchase of this simplified sheet music.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Portions of this episode were recorded at the Central Arkansas Library System’s Bobby L. Roberts Library of Arkansas History and Art. Katrina Dupins is our editor and producer, and Prentice Dupins Jr. composed the intro and outro music. The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
It's not just hair. Katrina, Kara, and Adena untangle the cultural significance of Black hair with returning guest Dr. Karama Neal and her 13-year-old daughter, Ayoka. We explore generational shifts in hair styles and hair acceptance.
Links to what we discussed:
Diane's Hair Journey: The Musical (with Jill Scott) - black-ish | ABC on YouTube
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR
This episode is sponsored by Ife Opportunity, a organization committed to creating solutions that expand opportunity and promote equity in education, health, and other critical areas. Ife Opportunity has held computer coding, astronomy, and other workshops for children and additional projects are planned. One such project is sheet music for piano. Blackbelt Voices listeners can download “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” the Black National anthem, at http://www.tinyurl.com/liftsing. Enter coupon code BLACKBELT to receive 15% off your purchase of this simplified sheet music.
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Thanks to Black Dude White Dude podcast for allowing us to record this episode at their studio. Katrina Dupins is our editor and producer, and Prentice Dupins Jr. composed the theme music. The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
We continue our conversation with Dr. Brian K. Mitchell, assistant professor of history at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Dr. Mitchell talks about the importance of sharing family history – both the happy times and the tragedies. We learn more about his background, including how he became interested in days gone by. Adena, Kara, and Katrina reflect on another centennial celebration and their personal transformations over the past decade.
Links to what we discussed:
The Black Belt | Southern Spaces
Panel on the 1919 Elaine, Arkansas, Massacre at the Southern Historical Association’s 2019 annual conference | C-SPAN
Classie Hawkins’ 100th Birthday Celebration
Where to find Dr. Mitchell:
Brian Mitchell, Ph.D. on LinkedIn
Brian Mitchell, Ph.D.'s faculty page at UA Little Rock
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Thanks to Black Dude White Dude podcast for allowing us to record portions of this episode at their studio. Katrina Dupins is our editor and producer, and Prentice Dupins Jr. composed the theme music. The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
In October 1919, more than 200 Black sharecroppers were killed in a horrific act of racist violence in Elaine, Arkansas. Dr. Brian K. Mitchell, assistant professor of history at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has done extensive research on the Elaine Massacre and joins us to reflect on the attacks 100 years later.
Visit blackbeltvoices.com for a full summary of this episode.
Links to what we discussed:
The Elaine Massacre
“Arkansas Residents Make a Case for Reparations 100 Years After the Elaine Massacre” | The American Prospect
Where to find Dr. Mitchell:
Brian Mitchell, Ph.D. on LinkedIn
Brian Mitchell, Ph.D.'s faculty page at UA Little Rock
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Thanks to Black Dude White Dude podcast for allowing us to record portions of this episode at their studio. Katrina Dupins is our editor and producer, and Prentice Dupins Jr. composed the theme music. The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Dr. Karama Neal is goals. She is president of Southern Bancorp Community Partners and has also launched independent projects that promote equity of opportunity for all people. We discussed a few of her projects: The Arkansas Heir Property Act 2015, which helps families protect their land and ensure their descendants always have a place to call home; Ife Opportunity, her educational initiative; and So What Can I Do, a blog and e-book that promotes ethics in action.
Visit blackbeltvoices.com for a full summary of this episode.
Links to what we discussed:
Heirs of Arkansas: Arkansas Heir Property Act
Ife Opportunity educational initiative
The Best of So What Can I Do 10th anniversary e-book
Where to find Dr. Neal:
karamaneal.com
@karamaneal (Twitter)
@ARHPAct (Arkansas Heir Property Act on Twitter)
@IfeOpp (Ife Opportunity on Twitter)
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
Portions of this episode were recorded at the Central Arkansas Library System’s Bobby L. Roberts Library of Arkansas History and Art. Katrina Dupins is our editor and producer, and Prentice Dupins Jr. composed the intro and outro music. The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Carmeon Hamilton is a Memphis-based interior designer and social media influencer. As owner of Nubi Interiors, Carmeon provides design services and plant consulting to clients. In this episode, she offers practical design tips and shares how she centers her Black identity in her work.
Visit blackbeltvoices.com for a full summary of this episode.
Links to what we discussed:
Nubi’s Plant Parenting Guide
Carmeon's feature in Real Simple magazine
Where to find Carmeon:
carmeonhamilton.com
@carmeon.hamilton on Instagram
@nubiinteriors on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
This episode was edited and produced by Katrina Dupins. Special thanks to Prentice Dupins Jr. for composing our music and Black Dude White Dude podcast for the use of their recording studio. The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
When Latunja Sockwell was diagnosed with HIV in January 1997, there weren’t a lot of treatment and resource options. Today, she’s using her experience and compassion to help pave an easier path for others.
Visit blackbeltvoices.com for a full summary of this episode.
Links to what we discussed:
“On the Down Low: A Journey into the Lives of “Straight” Black Men Who Sleep with Men” by. J. L. King and Karen Hunter (Foreward by E. Lynn Harris)
The Center for HIV Law and Policy
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
This episode was edited and produced by Katrina Dupins. Special thanks to Prentice Dupins Jr. for composing our music and Black Dude White Dude podcast for the use of their recording studio. The Blackbelt Voices podcast is a production of Blackbelt Media LLC.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The 2020 Census is approaching, and Blackbelt Voices co-host Kara Wilkins is schooling us on why it’s a big deal. Listen to learn why Black communities are particularly vulnerable to being undercounted and what we can do to help make sure no one is left out.
Visit blackbeltvoices.com for a full summary of this episode.
Links to what we discussed:
Arkansas Counts
Color of Change
U.S. Census Bureau
Equal Justice Initiative’s The National Memorial for Peace and Justice
“Black Moms Be Like” Part 1 and Part 2
Where to find Kara:
@kannewilkins (Twitter)
Kara Wilkins on LinkedIn
CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT VOICES
Follow @BlackbeltVoices on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your thoughts about this episode and all things Black + Southern on social media using the hashtag #BlackbeltVoices.
CREDITS AND SPECIAL THANKS
This episode was edited and produced by Katrina Dupins. Special thanks to Prentice Dupins Jr. for composing our theme music and Black Dude White Dude podcast for the use of their recording studio.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The Blackbelt Voices podcast propagates the richness of Black Southern culture by telling the stories of Black folks down South. Through first-person narratives and in-depth conversations, hosts Adena J. White, Kara Wilkins, and Katrina Dupins share the experiences of Black Southerners living in, loving, and reconciling with the region we call home.
Music: Prentice Dupins Jr.
See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.