Best Blackbelt Media LLC Podcasts (2024)

1
Introducing "Choosing Arkansas" with Dr. Karama Neal 44:06

9d ago44:06

44:06

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, fr…

1
Growing Together Part 2 of 2: Urban Farmers Cultivating Community in Little Rock | Gabriyel El-Bey and Laverne Davis 17:36

24d ago17:36

17:36

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 oper…

1
Growing Together Part 1 of 2: Urban Farmers Cultivating Community in Little Rock | LeRoi Emerson 33:56

1M ago33:56

33:56

This two-part episode of the Blackbelt podcast explores how Urban Patchwork, a Little Rock-based nonprofit network of farmers and backyard gardeners, aims to build a sustainable local food economy and promote interdependence among residents. In part one, we hear from LeRoi Emerson, a board member for Urban Patchwork. He joins host Adena White to ta…

1
Brené. Beyoncé. Belonging. 18:17

2M ago18:17

18:17

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…

1
Michael Harriot: The King of Breaking It Down 30:54

1+ y ago30:54

30:54

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 cook…

1
Turn to Your Neighbor: La'Twana Scott - El Dorado, Arkansas 7:38

2y ago7:38

7:38

La'Twana 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 Bancorp, Scott found the perfect location for her restaurant. Find out more about Sweet Ma…

1
SOUL FOOD - Farm to Table: The Table 25:50

2+ y ago25:50

25:50

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 journ…

1
Black Food Culture: Gerald Harris on the sustainability of Black farmers in North Carolina 35:43

2+ y ago35:43

35:43

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 as well as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal)start…

1
Black Food Culture: Dr. Ashanté M. Reese on her book, Black Food Matters 41:51

2+ y ago41:51

41:51

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 F…

1
Turn to Your Neighbor: Jennifer Williams - Cleveland, Mississippi 7:11

2+ y ago7:11

7:11

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 …

1
The Cost of Racism: Tim Lampkin on building community wealth 23:11

2+ y ago23:11

23:11

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 co…

1
Turn to Your Neighbor: Cheryl Hampton - Marianna, Arkansas 7:13

2+ y ago7:13

7:13

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 excite…

1
The Cost of Racism: Darrin Williams on economic equity and wealth building 27:46

2+ y ago27:46

27:46

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 …

1
Turn to Your Neighbor: Amanda Hunter - Mayflower, Arkansas 3:52

2+ y ago3:52

3:52

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 Vo…

1
Preserving Our History: Nicka Sewell-Smith on genealogy and family history 55:22

2+ y ago55:22

55:22

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…

1
Turn to Your Neighbor: Albessie Thompson - Twin Groves, Arkansas 6:52

2+ y ago6:52

6:52

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" se…

1
Preserving Our History: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center 34:36

2+ y ago34:36

34:36

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 Fletc…

1
Preserving Our History: American Reckoning 27:06

2+ y ago27:06

27:06

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, Mississipp…

1
Season 3 Preview 0:54

2+ y ago0:54

0:54

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 subsc…

1
Nevertheless, she persisted: Women of Color Business Owners 35:34

3+ y ago35:34

35:34

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 e…

1
Equity in Education: Moving Beyond Window Dressing 42:23

3+ y ago42:23

42:23

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,…

1
Living History: Driving the Green Book 39:45

3+ y ago39:45

39:45

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 advent…

1
What is a History Teacher Supposed to Teach? 36:16

3+ y ago36:16

36:16

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 educ…

1
Goal Setting, Job Hunting, and Protecting Your Peace 55:32

3+ y ago55:32

55:32

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.…

1
COVID-19 Vaccine: Addressing Concerns 41:08

3+ y ago41:08

41:08

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 …

1
Addressing Racism in the Newsroom 34:10

3+ y ago34:10

34:10

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 Bla…

1
Storytelling for Social Change 39:24

3+ y ago39:24

39:24

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…

1
Voting and Civic Engagement 30:32

3+ y ago30:32

30:32

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 help…

1
Social Justice in the South 37:18

3+ y ago37:18

37:18

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…

1
BONUS: Register to Vote 6:40

3+ y ago6:40

6:40

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.…

1
BONUS: Get Counted! 10:33

4y ago10:33

10:33

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. Spread the word! Help those who are not …

1
Fighting for the South 57:22

4y ago57:22

57:22

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…

1
A movement we should sustain 25:32

4y ago25:32

25:32

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 …

1
Rioting in American History 48:28

4y ago48:28

48:28

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 o…

1
The truth always comes out (Part II) 18:09

4+ y ago18:09

18:09

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 re…

1
No, your brother was murdered (Part I) 9:45

4+ y ago9:45

9:45

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 re…

1
Talent needs opportunity 31:59

4+ y ago31:59

31:59

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:…

1
(Natural) heads held high 32:12

4+ y ago32:12

32:12

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…

1
Pique your interest in the past 23:45

4+ y ago23:45

23:45

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 Kat…

1
Hundreds of white men carrying guns 19:58

4+ y ago19:58

19:58

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.…

1
A place to call home 27:17

4+ y ago27:17

27:17

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 hom…

1
Finding color in design 34:51

4+ y ago34:51

34:51

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. Li…

1
Know your status 17:21

4+ y ago17:21

17:21

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 “Straigh…

1
Are you in that number? 33:16

5y ago33:16

33:16

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: A…

1
Blackbelt Voices Trailer 2:00

5y ago2:00

2:00

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…

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Blackbelt Media LLC Podcasts

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