Sounding Black

After several days of agony sitting in front of the television as election results poured in, the United States has named Joe Biden as President-Elect and Kamala Harris is now the first woman named Vice President-Elect. Although the country has decided, the Trump administration and its supporters refuse to accept the results despite 4 years of telling their political opponents to do the same. As this rollercoaster of a year nears its end, it's still quite possible we have not seen the worst of 2020. COVID cases are rising and there's no telling what Trump might do next. In this episode, the guys share their reactions to the election, the significance of Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris' historic moment and what this means for all of us heading into 2021 and beyond.

With the 2020 Presidential Election on the horizon, it's imperative for us to discuss the weight of our vote and recognize the importance of letting our voices be heard. It cannot be overstated how vital our role in this country's success is and for that reason, among others, we must require more out of politicians to gain our vote. To explore what all of this means, we invite Christian D. Green back to the podcast to discuss what's on the ballot in November and the ways we can hold our elected officials accountable beyond the general election. 

Code switching and African American Vernacular English -- commonly referred to as ebonics -- are common among members in the black community as they navigate the intricacies of their worlds. In this episode, we discuss scenarios that call for each of these adjustments and the ways they influence our lives.

Where we begin in life more often than not directs the path we take. For some of us, those beginnings are more humbling than for others. The unique reality many Black Americans face can't be compared to the experience of any other group. In this episode, the guys discuss how it all began for them and the influence their origins have on their lives alongside the commonalities with the community at large. 

In the final quarter of 2020, it's difficult to imagine this year could move by so quickly. In this time, we've had to deal with a pandemic alongside trying to maintain our sanity despite facing our typical hardships. As much as the world around us changes, things still remain the same for most people who look like us as the cycle of brutality and disregard for our lives continue. Has the movement to improve our lives lost steam among those who don't share our complexion? The guys discuss. 

After the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, communities across America were galvanized to fight for the lives of black people. People everywhere decided to take a stand, but of course, no movement to shift the state of this country comes without opposition. While peaceful protests have occurred all over, militia groups with ill intentions, along with many in law enforcement, have risen to maintain the status quo under the guise of protecting their community. In this episode, the guys discuss the NBA's response to the heinous act committed against Jacob Blake and the privilege that gives people like Kyle Rittenhouse the freedom to roam the streets with an AR-15 with a plan to harm others without fear of consequences. 

Continuing the conversation about solutions, the guys bring on a special guest to share some of her experience growing up primarily with a single parent. Additionally, they cover how the community at large can bind together in an effort to improve where we stand. 

It's imperative for us to address the internal friction in our relationships to be successful in our efforts to change the narrative surrounding black lives. While these conversations aren't always easy, they are necessary. Over the last several weeks, the colloquial term "baby mama", the connotation it carries and the way it manifests in our every day lives has been a hot topic. The guys tackle this controversial topic head-on in this episode and fireworks certainly occur. 

The importance of having conversations within our community in the midst of all we are experiencing can't be emphasized enough. While our trauma doesn't necessarily look the same, it is imperative that we recognize black women need the world and more specifically black men to acknowledge their trauma, see and be there for them in the same ways black women are here for black men. 

After weeks of frustration, petitions signed and protests to ensure the culprits of Breonna Taylor's murder are held accountable, it all seems to have fallen on deaf ears. As men, we have been charged with the duty to stand for and protect our women. It is our obligation to continue to fight for Breonna, therefore, we must address the elephant in the room. Have black men fought as hard for Breonna as they should have? The gentleman discuss this and more. 

ally noun, plural al·lies. a person, group, or nation that is associated with another or others for some common cause or purpose:   In this historic moment across the globe, movements are rising to fight the status quo and demand equality. It is quite possibly more important now than it has ever been for each of us to stand up for justice and liberty for all. With that comes sacrifice and often allies who share a common goal. In this fight, the question is whether those allies are true allies or are they wolves in sheep's clothing?

Continuing the conversation regarding the circumstances around the country, it is difficult not to address the actions -- or lack thereof -- and the comments made by Trump and his efforts to host a rally on Juneteenth in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In this same vein, defunding the police is the topic of the hour. Furthermore, companies are taking steps to either to be more progressive in their stances against racism or publicly regressing. In this episode, the crew elaborates on their thoughts regarding defunding the police, Nascar, Starbucks and the demands of black people across the nation. 

In the last couple of months, America has been hit hard by a global pandemic while black Americans have also had to face racism and police brutality head on yet again. This time is a lot different as communities have organized in response to the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. Along with Criminal Defense Attorney, Eric Adams and Entrepreneur and Author, Aaron Curry, Til & Will discuss what has galvanized the efforts of people across the country and what non-black individuals can contribute to end the police brutality that disproportionately affects black women, men and children. 

Over the past week or so, the debate about who has the better chicken sandwich between Popeye's and Chick Fil-A has been a hot topic. This debate has also driven other conversations about the type of businesses we support. Til & Will discuss how we can use the power of word of mouth and social media to help promote and possibly sustain minority owned businesses. 

The NFL recently announced a partnership with Jay Z to focus on social justice. Since the announcement, Jay Z has received his fair share of criticism, but has also been praised for taking the next step in the process for change. Clearly, everyone isn't on the same page. Til & Will get into a relatively heated debate on this episode as they're both on different sides of the conversation. 

Mass shootings in America seem to be a recurring event in the United States. It's nearly to the point it's the expectation instead of an anomaly. It's unfortunate that we live in a country that has the ability to put an end to such tragedies, but sits idly as these events occur again and again. Thoughts and prayers aren't moving the needle. It's time we take this a step further. In this episode, Til & Will discuss the impact domestic terrorism has on black and brown communities.

One topic not discussed in our community as frequently as it should be is the way we view manhood. In recent years, we've had open dialogue about toxic masculinity, however, we haven't examined in depth the lessons we're taught and experiences that contribute to the way we view manhood and vulnerability.  In this episode, Til & Will discuss their experiences and some of the ways they cope with trauma from their upbringing. 

While each of our perspectives is relative, coming to an understanding for two or several parties ideally should be a lot easier to reach even in disagreement. Oftentimes people do or say harmful words to or about others and the offended party is shamed for how they feel. We have seen countless examples of it and in this episode, Til and Will examine the underlying messages delivered in some of the recent transgressions in music and entertainment. 

With the Democratic nomination in their sights, candidates have begun to lay out their plans for the presidency. Reparations are the hot topic of the day, but everyone doesn't seem to be on the same page. Even beyond the candidates for the democratic nomination, the public view on reparations being owed has seen some scrutiny as well. Til and Will offer their take on the matter in this episode. 

After discussing the series "When They See Us", it was imperative to have a broader conversation about the system overall and its impact on black and brown people. Considering the outcomes that often come as a result of being institutionalized, Til and Will discuss the effects wrongful convictions can have on victims of the system. 

Ava Duvernay teamed up with Netflix to produce a miniseries chronicling the lives of a group of black and brown boys known to the public by the moniker, Central Park Five. The series titled, When They See Us, takes us on the journey of each of these boys as they went through the legal process and were ultimately wrongfully convicted of crimes they didn't commit. Til & Will discuss the miniseries and the treatment of black and brown bodies by the legal system.   

Law is one of those things that is ever-changing. Whether it is a law centered around the identity of a person or the many bills that are being proposed and passed about abortion, we're living in a time where people simply don't agree on much of anything. In this episode, Til & Will discuss the many layers of blackness (and a little bit of blackness) that exists today and the pro-life agenda we're seeing spread rapidly in the legislative branch of our government. 

In this episode, Til & Will invite a special guest on the podcast to examine the impact colorism has when it comes to dating, in the workplace and ultimately the scale on which the attractiveness of black women is viewed.

Colorism is a topic that impacts the black community on many levels. From the treatment of black women to the message we send our children and everything in between, the damage caused by colorism cannot be dismissed. There is a history behind this. On this episode, Til & Will dig a little deeper into each of these layers. 

Do artists owe it to the world to be bigger than the art? Specifically, is it fair to set the expectation that every public figure operate outside of their area of talent to become social justice leaders, teachers and invest in the community? Nipsey Hussle set the bar high. Will others follow suit?

In an effort to honor Nipsey Hussle's legacy, there are steps we can take to continue his work. Til & Will discuss the life of Nipsey and the responsibility our community has moving forward. 

Oftentimes working together for a common cause can seem easier than it looks. When the common cause impacts one group in a way it doesn't impact another, the cause seems not so common. Take affirmative action for example. As great as its intentions were, the group(s) seeking to create better lives from the implementation aren't the main beneficiaries. Exploring this idea and discussing intersectionality puts us at a crossroads. What's next? Til & Will take the discussion head on in this episode.

The agenda to emasculate black men has been a hot topic for quite some time. More recently, the Oscars outfit of Billy Porter caused quite an eruption on social media and led many to express their unfavorable opinion in regards to what he wore. But was Billy Porter's fashion statement another step in the agenda to emasculate black men? 

If recent events have taught us anything, it's that we can't take anything at surface level. With the details of Jussie Smollett's encounter seemingly changing daily and Tristan Thompson's inability to keep his hands to himself, we never know how stories will unfold. In this episode, Til and Will discuss if it's ever worth it to take a cheater back and the duty those in close proximity to cheaters have to share the truth with the companions of their friends or family. 

In 2016, Colin Kaepernick along with a host of other NFL athletes began to protest police brutality. The protests occurred during the national anthem and under the advisement of a military veteran, they elected to kneel instead of remaining seated. As many of us know, everybody didn’t receive the message the same and Kap was essentially blackballed by the NFL for his leading role in the protests. 2 years later we find ourselves discussing the collusion to keep Colin out of the NFL and the settlement that has been reached as a result of it.

Continuing the conversation about black history and their personal experiences with issues regarding race, Til and Will dive a little deeper into their stories and interview Author, Philanthropist, Politician and Professor, Christian D. Green.  

Black History Month is usually a time of the year to reflect on the many contributions black leaders have made to our society. Are we fully invested in learning and preserving this history? Til & Will discuss Black History, some personal encounters with prejudice, and the impact it has on our every day lives. 

Valentine's Day is often used as a litmus test to determine the level of commitment and love that exists in a relationship. In this episode, Til & Will had the opportunity to connect with a host of women and men to discuss their expectations on the Day of Love.

Discussions centered around sexual assault have stirred up more conversations about the sexualization of young women, the cognitive dissonance of the public surrounding the transgressions and how frequent this happens within our community. Til and Will tackle this topic by discussing why the truth has been swept under the rug for so long and what we can possibly do moving forward.