The Color Between The Lines with Esther Dillard

In this inspiring episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard speaks with award-winning journalist and author A’Lelia Bundles, the great-great-granddaughter of the legendary entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker.

A’Lelia shares her journey of preserving and telling her family’s history, the untold stories behind Madam C.J. Walker’s rise as America’s first self-made female millionaire, and why Black women’s narratives remain...

What happens when Black love is rooted in softness, caregiving, and legacy?

In this episode, award-winning author Kennedy Ryan sits down with journalist Esther Dillard to talk about her newest novel Can’t Get Enough—a story that centers a Black male caregiver, an evolving romance, and the quiet strength found in caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

We explore:

• Why writing tenderness in Black love stories matters
• The challenges ...

📄 Buzzsprout Podcast Description:

In this powerful episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard speaks with Lola Greene, founder of Urban Indigo and the first Special Education PTSA in Georgia. As a passionate advocate for children with disabilities and their families, Lola shares personal insight into what’s at stake as budget cuts and federal policy changes threaten vital services like Medicaid, speech therapy, occ...

In this deeply moving episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard sits down with award-winning author Sharon G. Flake, best known for her iconic book The Skin I’m In, to discuss her powerful new release, The Family I’m In—a heartfelt sequel exploring father-son dynamics, masculinity, and the emotional lives of Black boys.

Sharon shares what inspired her to revisit the characters of Malika and John-John, shedding ligh...

In this powerful episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard sits down with Grazell Howard, Board Chair of the Black AIDS Institute, for a compelling conversation that pulls back the curtain on HIV and AIDS in Black communities.

Howard, a passionate advocate and strategist, shares sobering facts and uplifting solutions about how HIV disproportionately affects not only Black gay men—but also heterosexual Black women, ...

In this powerful episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard speaks with Nika Sewell-Smith, Senior Story Producer and Genealogist at Ancestry.com, about a revolutionary new research tool: the Articles of Enslavement Collection.

This collection uses AI to surface hundreds of thousands of historical newspaper clippings that mention enslaved individuals—freedom seekers, auction listings, and more—helping Black families ...

At just 13 years old, Bellen Woodard is leading a powerful movement—one crayon and ballet slipper at a time. In this heartfelt conversation on The Color Between the Lines, Bellen opens up about the moment she was told brown tights weren’t part of the ballet uniform—and how that led to her new book, Ballet Brown.

Host Esther Dillard dives into Bellen’s journey from starting the More Than Peach project to challenging outdated norms in...

Renowned psychologist and author Dr. Robin L. Smith joins Esther Dillard for a profound and emotional conversation on the anniversary of George Floyd’s death. In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, Dr. Smith reflects on personal loss, the spiritual ache felt in the Black community, and why it’s crucial to remember the whole person when we say Black Lives Matter.

She shares lessons from her book The Invisible Ache, co-author...

Dr. Alvin B. Tillery breaks down how Trump’s policies are threatening civil rights in America and what Black voters can do to fight back.

Join Esther Dillard on 'The Color Between The Lines' for a pivotal discussion with Dr. Alvin B Tillery. In this powerful interview, Dr. Alvin B. Tillery, a renowned political analyst, breaks down how Trump’s policies are directly attacking civil rights in America. As the nation...

In this inspiring episode of The Color Between The Lines, Esther Dillard speaks with leadership coach, author, and trailblazer Vicky Wright Hamilton. Vicky shares her personal journey of overcoming bias in the corporate world — including being told she was only hired because of affirmative action — and how she transformed painful experiences into a powerful mission to empower women of color in leadership.

Drawing from her book Game ...

In this moving episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard speaks with HIV/AIDS activist Janel Kitchen about her personal journey after being diagnosed in 2005. Janel shares how she faced stigma—even from medical professionals who doubted her story—and how she transformed her pain into a mission to uplift others.

As the founder of Positively U, Janel works tirelessly to provide medical care, food, clothing, and emoti...

Join Esther Dillard on 'The Color Between The Lines' as we explore the powerful documentary, 'The Aunties.' This film celebrates the inspiring journey of Donna Dear and Paulette Greene, two pioneering Black elder women who farm Harriet Tubman’s ancestral lands in Maryland as an act of liberation. Filmmakers Charlyn Griffith-Oro and Jeannine Kayembe-Oro share their insights into capturing the lives of these remar...

The Black Information Network's Esther Dillard won her second Gracies Award for an inspiring news feature spotlighting Daughters Beyond Incarceration (DBI) — a powerful non-profit organization based in Louisiana. DBI works to reconnect girls with their incarcerated parents, offering emotional support and mentorship to children impacted by mass incarceration.

This award-winning story captures the emotional journey of D...

Join Esther Dillard on 'The Color Between The Lines' as we explore the compelling story of Kemba Smith Pradia, recently pardoned by President Joe Biden. Kemba delves into her past experiences with the criminal justice system, her ongoing advocacy work, and her new film on BET+. She also shares invaluable advice for women facing similar struggles. Don't miss this inspiring episode that bridges personal triumphs with b...

Tune into 'The Color Between The Lines' as host Esther Dillard brings us an enlightening episode with Cassandra, who courageously recounts her struggle with Shingles. This episode delves into the personal challenges and wider health implications of Shingles, an often-misunderstood medical condition.

Joining the dialogue is Dr. Bayo Curry Winchell, a respected health expert, who offers valuable prevention tips and identifie...

Join host Esther Dillard on 'The Color Between The Lines' for an in-depth discussion with D. Danyelle Thomas, a celebrated author, speaker, and activist in Black faith and spirituality. In this episode, Danyelle delves into her influential book, "The Day God Saw Me As Black," providing deep insights into the intersections of faith, race, and social justice.

Danyelle articulates her experiences and the challenges ...

In this episode of The Color Between The Lines, host Esther Dillard brings to light a harrowing story of survival and awareness. Taleur Littlejohn, a new mother, experienced a life-threatening heart attack just one day after giving birth, spotlighting critical health risks that young Black mothers face. Join us as we delve into Taleur's powerful testimony, supported by insights from leading medical experts, to uncover why such...

Join Esther Dillard on 'The Color Between The Lines' for an enlightening episode featuring Dr. Julius Garvey as he discusses the monumental legacy of his father, Marcus Garvey, and the profound implications of his recent posthumous presidential pardon. Dive deep into the heart of the Pan-African movement as Dr. Garvey shares personal insights into his father’s vision, the ongoing struggle for justice, and how this histori...

Join Esther Dillard on "The Color Between The Lines" as she engages in a profound conversation with Dr. David Walker, an acclaimed author, motivational speaker, and coach. In this episode, Dr. Walker reveals how the historical abolitionist David Walker's passionate appeals to the enslaved have inspired his personal and professional journey, influencing his book, "The Champion's Mind: How to Defeat Giants an...