Defending Black Girlhood

Is there something you wish your Mama told you? In our final throwback episode from her days at WORT 89.9 FM, Lilada Gee asks: What is some of the best advice your mama ever gave you?, What should Black mamas teach their Black daughters?, and more! For more information about Lilada Gee and her work, visit Lilada.org and subscribe to her mailing list! Featuring special guests Alexandra Gee-Lewis, Lenora Rodin, and Jillian Stacey.

In our next "throwback" episode, Lilada takes a look at her top ten heroines of the Civil Rights movements in honor of Black History Month. Featuring long-time Madison resident and activist, Brandi Grayson. Brandi is the co-founder of Young, Gifted and Black and founder of Urban Triage in Madison, WI.  Originally recorded with WORT in Madison, WI February 2017.  For more information about Lilada Gee and her work, visit Lilada.org and subscribe to her mailing list! 

As we prep for Season 3, we thought it important to not only remember where we started, but how this continues to be relevant today. In "Ground Zero," Lilada Gee passionately advocates for the importance of healing ourselves and how, when we heal the Black girl inside of us, we can better defend Black girlhood to come.  In honor of Black Woman Heal Day - April 1st - what can we do today and beyond to heal and honor ourselves? How can we advocate for our stories? What can we do to defend Black girlhood?  Visit Lilada.org to subscribe to our mailing list and stay up-to-date on current conversations surrounding Lilada's work and DBG.  We'd love your support! Visit patreon.com/Lilada to learn more! 

Black Woman Heal Day (April 1st) was founded by Lilada Gee with a mission to increase prevention, awareness, and healing efforts of sexual abuse throughout the African Diaspora. This throwback episode begins with Lilada's testimony in surviving childhood sexual abuse and why she started Black Woman Heal Day. Featuring Dr. Alice Belcher, Commissioner for the Milwaukee Commission on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, and a member of the Milwaukee Domestic Violence Homicide Review Commission. Subscribe to Lilada.org, for up-to-date information on Defending Black Girlhood.

We're not quite back yet, but as we continue to build Season 3, tune into this oldie, but goodie! In this special segment from Lilada Gee's tenure on WORT's  89.9FM "A Public Affair" (2019), she is joined by Reverend Dr. Alexander Gee. Tune in as they discuss the history of Civil Rights in the Black church. Dr. Gee is the Senior Pastor of Fountain of Life Church, founder and Executive Director of The Nehemiah Center of Urban Leadership and Justified Anger, as well as a self-proclaimed angry Black man. Learn more about Lilada Gee and subscribe to our mailing list at Lilada.org! We'd love your support! Check out patreon.com/Lilada  

We have reached the end of Season 2! In this episode, our host recaps some of the favorite conversations had this season, introduces our new team member and producer - Carla Williams - and previews the exciting conversations to come in Season 3! Also featuring Creative Director, Cassandra Marzette.  Subscribe to our newsletter! - Lilada.org We'd love to have your support! - patreon.com/Lilada Find us on IG: @LiladaGee

In part two, Lilada Gee questions the status quo of what it means to function in a relationship - How are we killing ourselves in a "ride-or-die" dynamic? How does historical trauma creep into our relationships? How can we love again after our hurt? - and more. Featuring the powerful testimonies of Paquita Purnell and Adanze Okoronta and professional insight from guest Monique Minkens - Director of Coalition Programs @ End Abuse Wisconsin). Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 Subscribe to our newsletter! - Lilada.org Support our work by becoming a patreon! - Patreon.com/Lilada IG: @LiladaGee

More often than not, those in abusive relationships often teeter on the line of shame and secrecy. Yet, if we've learned anything from the DBG podcast: there's power in your testimony. This week, we hear from two incredible women - Paquita Purnell and Adanze Okoronta - who decided that they'd not only had enough but that they were enough. Also featuring valuable professional insight from guest Monique Minkens - Director of Coalition Programs with End Abuse Wisconsin).  If you or someone needs help and not sure where to start, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or chat with someone at https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/#. Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee@DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood / Original music by Zachary Moncrieff

As we celebrate Valentine's Day with our loved ones, there is often one person we forget to show the most love to - ourselves! Self-love, or lack thereof, is often the root of the mess created in our lives and is important to master as we work to defend Black girls. This important - and hilarious - conversation with guests Alexandra Gee Lewis, Tamara Brown, and Tiana Smith will truly warm your hearts and feed your spirit as you move through your own self-love journey!  Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee@DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood

As we enter into primary season in Madison, Wisconsin, our local elections have drawn in a historical number of Black women running for office. This week, join our conversation with 3 powerful candidates for Madison City Council - Jael Currie (District 16), Ayomi Obuseh, (District 8), and Nikki Lee Conklin (District 9) - to learn how their Black girlhood experience fueled their desire to run for office, why Black women's voices matter, and their responses to, "Does Madison Love Black Girls?"  Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee@DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood

As we move into part 3 of our "life coach" series with our Creative Director, Cassy Marzette, we are reminded that our mission to defend Black girls often means that we need to defend the little Black girl inside of us - that little girl who has somehow not healed, been traumatized, neglected, etc. and stop us in our adulthood from moving forward. As our host, Lilada Gee, remarks, "Just because things have happened, they are not your truth." Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram:  @LiladaGee@DefendingBlackGirlhood @cassy.marzette Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood

This week we speak with our very own creative director, Cassy Marzette in part 2 of the conversation, "What is the Next Step?"  We take the time to explore her creative undertakings as we learn more about the underlying forces she is working to heal and undo.  Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram:  @LiladaGee@DefendingBlackGirlhood @cassy.marzette Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood

The mission to defend Black girls is becoming more realized as Black women make history in their run for a seat at the table. This local election season for Dane County, WI boasts more than a dozen Black women running for political office - from school board to judge! Learn how representation and the "Black Mama" persona is imperative in defending Black girlhood as we connect with Yanna Williams, Maia Pearson, and Loreen Gage - all of whom are running for school board in Dane County. Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee@DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood

This week we interrupt our normal defense of Black girls to address the act of domestic terrorist insurrection at our Nation's Capitol. It is clear, now more than ever before, that the violent upsurge of white supremacy only fuels the need for the defense of our Black girls. Tune in as our host challenges, "Can we defend Black girlhoods in this America?"  Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  *All media clips used in accordance with the Fair Use Doctrine and purely for educational purposes.* Clips Used: ABCTheView. “Cops Handling of Mob Vs. BLM Protesters? | The View.” YouTube, YouTube, 7 Jan. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jg2h7DUyI-Q&ab_channel=TheView. CBSThisMorning. “Four Dead as Pro-Trump Mob Storms Capitol in Bid to Make Congress Reject Biden Election.” YouTube, YouTube, 7 Jan. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef1vdArOwSg&ab_channel=CBSThisMorning. msnbcleanforward. “How Would Police Respond If Black Lives Matter Stormed The Capitol? | The 11th Hour | MSNBC.” YouTube, YouTube, 6 Jan. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=urZb52tn0jo&ab_channel=MSNBC.    

So we've started our healing journey, began to embrace, accept, and share our story, but now what? When we feel stuck for so long, it's often difficult to figure out what's our next best foot forward. Throughout several weeks, we will begin to explore how our Creative Director, Cassy Marzette, works to become “unstuck” and discovers strategies to begin moving forward in her own healing journey.  Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram:  @LiladaGee@DefendingBlackGirlhood @cassy.marzette Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood

  Time and time again, we stress the importance of sharing our story - especially the stories of Black girls and women. This is the case for Megan Brown, who reached out after feeling compelled to share her remarkable rise through her trauma, abuse, and sexual assault. Though a difficult conversation, her testimony enforces the importance of our work to defend Black girlhood. Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram:  @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood

In defending Black girlhood, it is crucial to understand that Black girls thrive when those with privilege choose to be at the defense of Black girls, too. In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Jesse Maupin - a local white doctor - details his gut-wrenching response to our “Ground Zero” episode and how learning about the experience of Black girls can better enhance his own work and practice.  Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: Patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee@DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood

When we go through our own personal healing journey,  it is inevitable that we encounter the question, “How do I know when I have healed?” For this week's guest (who will remain anonymous), the question came when she received an unexpected text from her estranged father of over 10 years.  Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: Patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee@DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood  

Join in on this week's conversation with Lilada Gee and her good friend, Antonette Crosby, as they discuss the host's work in male prisons, their theory of male energy, and many other topics. They will argue, they will banter, but mostly, they will laugh - can you tell that they forget the mics are even on? Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: Patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee@DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood

Who could have imagined that an interview from 4 years ago would still be so timely? In this holiday special, host Lilada Gee reintroduces an oldie, but a goodie as she and her guests speak on family drama, trauma, and the difficulties of family dynamics. Featuring guests Cassandra Marzette (then her assistant), Myra McNair - owner and founder of Anesis Family Therapy in Madison, WI, and friend, Laurie Burgos.  To learn more about Myra Renee McNair and her work, visit http://anesistherapycenter.com/. Website: Lilada.org We would love your support: Patreon.com/Lilada 

Our featured guest, Sharon Johnson, was a world-class athlete who even had the opportunity to meet Queen Elizabeth. Yet, her trauma and turmoil drove her to the brink of suicide. Tune in to this powerful conversation as we discuss why accolades and medals mean very little when we are hurting on the inside. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts, please do not hesitate to call the Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: Patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee@DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood

To defend Black girlhood, we must use our journey to advocate and give voice to the voiceless. In this episode, Nancy Yarbrough-Banks - author of The Exodus and Founder of Fresh Start Learning, Inc. in Milwaukee, WI - shares her powerful testimony of victim to advocacy in the exploitative world of sex-trafficking. Joined by in-studio guest, Annette Sallay, a Madison, WI local, and advocate of women empowerment - this is an episode you won't want to miss. Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: Patreon.com/Lilada  To learn more about Nancy Yarborough-Banks, visit https://www.freshstartlearninginc.org and https://nancy-theexodus.com/.  Instagram: @LiladaGee@DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood

In part 2 of our conversation with Alice Larrue we learn more horrifying details about the white supremacist who murdered her daughter. More, Larrue shares about the impact that trauma and stress had on her body after experiencing heartbreaking tragedy and details the need for Black women to use our testimony as a vehicle to heal. Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram:  @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood  

In 2013, 18-year-old Aprina Paul couldn't have anticipated that her response to a Craigslist ad would lead to her tragic murder. Since then, her mother, Alice Larrue, has made it her mission to empower, listen, and educate others about the dangers of sex-trafficking. Join us for our powerful 2-part conversation with Alice Larrue as she details her powerful testimony of healing after tragedy. Website: Lilada.org We would love your support: Patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram:  @LiladaGee

We're back and - true to our mission - ready to defend Black girlhood throughout Season 2! As we start this journey off, Lilada Gee is joined with her dynamic duo - Alexandra and Cassandra - in this raw and hilariously honest conversation about not only the importance of healing but the struggle of healing, too! Original music by Zachary Moncrieff “Trippin” - Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Website: Lilada.org We would love your support: Patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram:  @LiladaGee@AlexandraGeeLewis @Cassy.Marzette

As we come to the end of Season One, we remember and give honor to Erika Hill and her life. In the telling of one story - her story - and in the context of the 65,000 reported missing Black girls - we can better understand that each life matters when we can connect with one. Defending Black Girlhood is the responsibility of us all. The lives of the 65,000 missing matters. Every day, Black girls matter. Erika's life mattered. How will you remember Erika Hill? Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram:  @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood Original Music by Zachary Moncrieff

We have reached the end of season 1 and it all comes to a head in this episode. Join Lilada Gee as she recaps the story of Erika Hill, talks with Dr. Jasmine Zapata  - a local area doctor - who helps to decipher the autopsy report, and reveal Marie Hill's criminal charges. As this season closes and final details are disclosed, it's your turn to determine - who do you think killed Erika Hill?  Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood

As we wrap up part three, Lilada Gee talks with her team - producer, Alexandra, and creative director, Cassandra - in an effort to answer the question, "Could the Black Community Have Saved Erika?" Join us as we reflect upon the conversations with Anthony and Catina McAlister, challenge the perceptions of physical discipline, and reflect upon the importance of how Black women healing is imperative in our efforts to defend Black girlhood.  Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood Music by Zachary Moncrieff 

While we continue seeking answers to the question, "Could the Black Community Have Saved Erika?," we come into part two with host, Lilada Gee, as she speaks with Marie's former classmate, Catina McAlister. As she processes her experience with Marie Hill and her children during their time in an adult education course, we explore ways the community can be more attuned to signs before tragedy strikes and what to do about it. Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood Music by Zachary Moncrieff

In this three-part exploration of "Could the Black Community Have Saved Erika?", we focus on the ways the Black community missed some key aspects of Erika Hill's abuse. Part 1 features a short conversation with Anthony McAlister and his experience with the Hill family as he cared for them in a local daycare and Lilada Gee details how to recognize the signs of physical & emotional abuse.  "Duty to Report Child Abuse" audio used according to Fair Use Doctrine for educational purposes  "Erika's Theme (version 1)" by Zachary Moncrieff

As we continue our conversation about (Taylin) Marie Hill, we are joined by a former friend and church member of hers who provides her perception of Marie in the church.  In part two of the episode, we have a much needed conversation with three Black pastors - Rev. Dr. Alexander Gee, Rev. Dr. Marcus Allen, and the Hon. Rev. Dr. Pastor Everett Mitchell - about the state of Black girls in church today. This is a conversation you won't want to miss!  Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: Patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood "Remember"Instrumental by Homagehttps://youtu.be/_zZYUrT_iQo

We are near the end of season one of Defending Black Girlhood podcast! With such crazy times, we wanted to take a moment to reflect, shout-out, and prepare for what's to come!  Tune in to this short episode as we prepare the final episodes of season one! Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: Patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood "Remember" Instrumental by Homage https://youtu.be/_zZYUrT_iQo

Join host, Lilada Gee, and creative director, Cassandra Marzette, in this "Beyond the Conversation" with Minister Wanda Smith as we discuss church, abuse, white supremacy, and opportunities for action. Instagram: @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood    

We're back!  With only a few episodes left, we continue to unravel more about (Taylin) Marie Hill. Over the course of this season, we've heard that Marie was such a sanctified, holy and helpful spirit and we wanted to know just how involved in the church she was. This week we talked with Minister Wanda Smith, a woman who was a member of Marie's church community for almost a decade, as we worked to answer the question, “Was Marie a woman of God?” Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee@DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood “I Get Joy When I Think About” - Knee-CMusic by Zachary Moncrieff

As if Erika's story was meant to be told, the very first episode we recorded about her was a chance conversation with Annette Sallay, a long-time friend of Marie Hill - Erika's abuser and guardian. She recounts the Marie that she came to know and details how she felt about Marie's dark side. *Because we were early in our research, some thoughts were speculative and unconfirmed. We've since confirmed or denied much of the thoughts presented and chose to preserve the candidness of the interview.* Website: Lilada.org—subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: Patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood Music: Mahalia Jackson - Precious Lord Take My Hand -youtube.com

Before moving on with the second half of Erika's story, we felt it necessary to take this week to get back to ground zero. At the root of this podcast is the mission to defend Black girlhood and it is imperative, in light of ongoing circumstances in America, to acknowledge the trauma that Black girls and Black women inherited throughout generations before us.  Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood Music by Mr.Business - "Forever" https://misterbusiness.beatstars.com/

This week, host Lilada Gee is joined in conversation with her daughter and producer, Alexandra, and creative director, Cassandra (not to mention a 3-year aged bottle of rum). If the "f-bomb" offends you, brace yourselves and your ears, for a raw and honest conversation during this impromptu girl chat about the current frustrations and circumstances in America. Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood @cassy.marzette @alexandrageelewis Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood

To wrap up conversations with the Wright Middle School community, we speak with former principals, Nancy Evans and Dr. Ed Holmes, who knew Erika throughout her time at Wright. While they reflect on Erika Hill's quiet presence, they begin to recall moments with Taylin Marie Hill - Erika's guardian and abuser.  What was it about Ms. Hill that stayed with them to this day? Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood Original music by Zachary Moncrieff“Homework” - Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com

As we unravel Erika Hill's story, most of the accounts so far amplify her life in the midst of abuse and neglect. So much so it begs the question, "Was Erika's life always that way?"  This week we talk with Mr. & Mrs. Davis, former educators & directors of the African American Ethnic Academy (Madison, WI) who met Erika when she first arrived in Wisconsin. It is a heartbreaking conversation of "what could have been," yet a helpful discussion of the essence of a young girl with a brilliant light. Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee@DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood Original music by Zachary Moncrieff

As we piece together the puzzle that was Erika Hill's life, we find out that more may have been known about her terrible circumstances than originally thought.  Joining us for this week's conversation is Laurel Ravelo, Wright Middle School's counselor, who was a part of a team effort to uncover Erika's secret. In this episode, the host, Lilada Gee, asks challenging questions about why Erika may have been an afterthought to the world around her and the personal cost Erika took to expose her truth. Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood “Tragedy” - Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Original music by Zachary Moncrieff

Following a chance meeting, we are joined in conversation with Carla Williams, former classmate and friend of Erika Hill. In remembering her, she reveals a heartbreaking moment before Erika's disappearance in 2004.  Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram:  @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood

In this "Beyond the Conversation," creative director, Cassandra Marzette, joins our host, Lilada,  and guest, Jyneeva, in a raw and unfiltered conversation about Erika Hill and the challenges we face when using “mental health” as a scapegoat. Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram:  @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood

In part two of this conversation, we go one-on-one with Jyneeva Hunt, who continues her emotional testimony of Erika Hill's impact on her life.  Jyneeva's heart and actions suggest that the answer to Erika's deep, dark, and complex situation was easy enough for a 12-year-old to figure out. Get close enough to take an intimate look at someone's life and then care enough to do something about what you see. Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: Patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: Patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood SFX  - Royalty free music from www.fesliyanstudios.comOriginal Composition by Zachary Moncrieff "World is Yours" Beat Provided By https://freebeats.io Produced By White Hot

As we continue to explore Erika Hill's story, it's been difficult finding anyone who was both close to Erika and willing to speak on her behalf. In a chance conversation with Jackie Hunt, who knew Taylin Marie Hill, a friend of Erika's was discovered: Jackie's daughter, Jyneeva.Part one of the emotional conversation with Jackie Hunt and her daughter, Jyneeva, details Erika Hill's impact on their lives that is still powerfully present almost 17 years later.  *New episodes every Sunday!* Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood Music by Zachary Moncrieff  "Homework" - Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com

Whew, chile! That conversation with Monica Caldwell left us with so many questions and many more leads. This week we talk with Sara Knutson, Erika's teacher who had an incredibly pivotal role in her life. Tune in as she details the moments leading to the reveal of Erika's horrifying secret.  *New episodes every Sunday!* Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood Music by Zachary Moncrieff 

In this "Beyond the Conversation," Lilada continues her discussion with former school social worker, Monica Caldwell, as they explore the crucial impact of "White Womaness" on defending Black girlhood. Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: Patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram:  @LiladaGee@DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood

Each week we are joined in conversation with some of the key friends, educators, and community members who were present in Erika's story. We invite you to help reflect on missed steps as we work to answer, “Who killed Erika Hill?”  This week we'll hear from Monica Caldwell, Wright Middle School's social worker in 2004, as she reflects on her time with Erika before her disappearance. This is a conversation you won't want to miss!  Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: Patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood SFX and music  - Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Original Composition - “Hope” by Zachary Moncrieff http://zackmoncrieff.com/

Answering the question, “Who killed Erika Hill?” is very complicated. In her tragic story of life and death, we will discover that not only is it true that it takes a village to raise a child - it takes a village to kill one, too!  Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter  We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram:  @LiladaGee @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood SFX  - Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Original Composition - “Regret” by Zachary Moncrieff http://zackmoncrieff.com/

Seriously unapologetic about her fierce defense of Black girls, host Lilada Gee, shares a bit of her fun side in this conversation with her in studio Defending Black Girlhood dream team that has helped to make this vision a reality—producer, Alexandra, and creative director, Cassandra. After listening to this conversation you will definitely be convinced that she and her team are  100% committed to Black girls!   Website: Lilada.org — subscribe to our newsletter We would love your support: patreon.com/Lilada  Instagram: @LiladaGee @AlexandraGeeLewis @Cassy.Marzette @DefendingBlackGirlhood Facebook: @DefendingBlackGirlhood

Raw and moving, this inaugural Ground Zero episode encapsulates the foundation of the life's work of host, Lilada Gee, and the root mission of the podcast. She begins by reading a reflection about healing and then is swept up by an impromptu sharing that rose from her soul…Black women must heal, if we have any hope of defending Black girlhood, because if we don't… We're releasing "Ground Zero" in support of "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" - be sure to share and subscribe before our official launch on April 26th, 2020! Website: Lilada.org We would love your support: Patreon.com/Lilada Instagram: @LiladaGee