The History of Being Black

The History of Being Black

The History of Being black is a podcast that seeks to elevate the blackness of listeners and its host with discussions on issues that affect the lives of African Americans then and now. And by highlighting points of view on events of the past and today. It's not just Black History, it's the history of US.

Episodes

February 11, 2026 32 mins
On this powerful episode of History Of Being Black, Dr Johnathan JeVon White sits down with AJ Jefferson, CEO of the Homewood Children Education Fund, for a deeply personal conversation about childhood, family influence, and the realities of youth homelessness. AJ opens up about her own journey of overcoming trauma and how those lived experiences shape her leadership in the nonprofit space today. Together, they unpack the critical ...
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In this episode of the History of Being Black podcast, host Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with renowned historian Dr. Marcus Rediker for a powerful conversation about freedom, resistance, and the people history often overlooks. Dr. Rediker shares his unconventional journey into scholarship and explains why “history from below” — the stories of everyday people — is essential to fully understanding the past. The discussion cen...
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In this episode of History of Being Black, Pastor Brian Hutton shares a powerful and layered journey shaped by faith, service, and purpose. Raised in an Air Force family, Pastor Hutton reflects on discipline, structure, and how those early experiences influenced his path into both ministry and meteorology. He opens up about his calling to preach, the role of faith in navigating life’s uncertainties, and how spirituality has guided...
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January 22, 2026 43 mins
In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of *History of Being Black*, we sit down with Dr. Nosakhere Griffin-EL for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about education, culture, and purpose. Dr. Griffin-EL reflects on his own educational journey, including the challenges Black students often face within traditional systems and the transformative impact of culturally relevant education. He shares formative experience...
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January 15, 2026 35 mins
In this thought-provoking episode, #DrJustinDeSenso shares his personal journey from growing up in a diverse community on #LongIsland to becoming an educator, activist, and advocate for #SocialConsciousness. Through lived experience and scholarship, Dr. De Senso explains why #CriticalRaceTheory remains an essential framework for understanding #SystemicRacism and the structures that shape inequality in America. The conversation a...
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January 8, 2026 35 mins
In this thought-provoking episode of History of Being Black, first-generation American #ChantalKamya shares her lived experience growing up with deep African roots while navigating identity, belonging, and representation in the United States. Chantal reflects on her multicultural upbringing, the influence of family and community, and how media consumption shapes our understanding of Blackness on a global scale. The conversation ...
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December 25, 2025 34 mins
In this episode of the History of Being Black podcast, host Dr. Jonathan JeVon White sits down with Dr. Christopher Robinson for a powerful conversation on social work, education, and community transformation. Dr. Robinson shares his personal journey from Michigan to a career rooted in service, exploring how his upbringing and family influences shaped his commitment to community change. The discussion highlights the critical role ...
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December 18, 2025 45 mins
In this powerful episode of the History of Being Black podcast, host Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with Tammy Thompson, president and CEO of Catapult Pittsburgh, for an honest and inspiring conversation about poverty, power, and possibility. Tammy shares her deeply personal journey—from growing up in generational poverty and experiencing homelessness to leading a nonprofit dedicated to asset building for low- to moderate-inc...
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December 11, 2025 33 mins
In this inspiring episode of *The History of Being Black*, host **Dr. Johnathan JeVon White** sits down with public historian **Reiley Freed**, a rising scholar devoted to preserving and amplifying Black history and culture. Reiley traces her journey from growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, to becoming a passionate advocate for accessible historical education. She reflects on the powerful influence of her father and grandfather, whose ...
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December 4, 2025 29 mins
In this powerful episode of The History of Being Black, Dr. Jonathan JeVon White sits down with Dr. Alexus Brown for an inspiring journey through language, identity, and purpose. Dr. Brown opens up about her early struggles with speech delays and how that challenge became the unexpected foundation for a career in linguistics and hip-hop studies. She reflects on the pivotal influence of her parents, her formative years at Tuskege...
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November 27, 2025 52 mins
In this insightful episode, Dr. Jonathan JeVon White sits down with Emmanuel Kwame Afrifa for a deep dive into the political heartbeat of New York and the ongoing fight for justice, unity, and empowerment within the Black community. Emmanuel shares how growing up in a multicultural environment shaped his worldview, fueled his passion for activism, and inspired his commitment to building bridges across communities. Together, they...
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November 20, 2025 39 mins
In this powerful episode of History of Being Black, host Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with Brandon Davis, a rising leader rooted in the heart of Pittsburgh. Brandon opens up about growing up in a tight-knit community, the lessons that shaped his commitment to service, and the deep responsibility leaders carry to uplift those around them. From his work supporting homeless foster care youth to his vision for a more unified ...
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November 13, 2025 37 mins
In this episode of The History of Being Black Podcast, new host Dr. Johnathan JeVon White sits down with Dr. Stefan Michael Wheelock for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about the intersections of identity, education, and liberation. Dr. Wheelock reflects on his journey from growing up in Mississippi to becoming an intellectual freedom fighter, sharing insights on how HBCUs shape purpose, confidence, and community. Toge...
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We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Johnathan JeVon White as the new host of The History of Being Black podcast! A celebrated educator, poet, and cultural scholar, Dr. White brings deep insight, passion, and purpose to every conversation. From exploring the past to unpacking the present, he dives into the stories, struggles, and triumphs that shape the Black experience — because it’s not just Black history, it’s the history of us. New ...
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June 8, 2024 65 mins
Jay welcomes two media veterans, Mina Say What and Dyana Williams to talk about the industry discussing the the recent rap battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake and the concerning themes that came out of it around spouse and child abuse and the responsibility of the media and the public when it comes to discussions on these and other topics. They also discuss Black Music Month and its origins and the role guest Dyana Williams pla...
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May 30, 2024 26 mins
In this episode of the History Being Black podcast, J. Hall discusses the recent controversy surrounding Diddy and his alleged abuse of his ex-girlfriend, Cassie. J. Hall reflects on his own admiration for Diddy in the past and how he has evolved in his perspective. He emphasizes the importance of believing and supporting victims of abuse, and the need for men to have conversations about controlling their emotions and not resorting...
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The conclusion of the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake rap battle trilogy is discussed. The conversation covers the songs released by both artists and the impact of the battle on the culture. The aftermath and the perception of both artists are also explored.
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In this episode, Jay Hall interviews Stefan Wheelock, an associate professor in the Department of English at George Mason University. Stefan shares his background growing up in Mississippi and the pride he has for his home state. He discusses the cultural differences he experienced when moving to the North and the richness of Black communities he encountered. Stefan also delves into his academic work, focusing on the study of Atlan...
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In this episode of the History Being Black podcast, J-Hall discusses the recent rap war between Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and J. Cole. He explores the authenticity of J. Cole's response to Kendrick's diss and the subsequent apology. J-Hall also delves into the larger issue of people pretending to get along in the music industry and in life, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself. He praises Kendrick Lamar for consistent...
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April 11, 2024 59 mins
In this conversation, J. Hall speaks with fellow Mean Ole Lion Podcast host Shari Nicole, a producer, journalist, and multimedia guru. They discuss Sheri's career in media, her journey from producing to being in front of the camera, and the importance of being a multifaceted media professional. She also talks about the impact of the pandemic on her career and how it pushed her to create her own opportunities. Overall, the conversat...
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