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 helped thousands. In this episode's Turn to Your Neighbor Segment, Lynn Norment talks about her storied career and love for writing. She is one of the gu...
Oct 21, 2020•31 min•Ep. 17
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 Little Rock whose creativity is multifaceted. Follow Tamika Edwards and Gennie Hirschy on Twitter. Other websites mentioned: For AR People Arkansas ...
Oct 07, 2020•37 min•Ep. 16
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.
Oct 03, 2020•7 min
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 as internet savvy fill out the form. You can do it anywhere as long as you know the person’s address and who lives in the home. See acast.com/privacy ...
Sep 26, 2020•11 min
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 to encourage organization through long-term engagement. It is a program of Think Social Impact, an organization managed by Think Rubix. This episode...
Sep 23, 2020•57 min•Ep. 13
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 need for change and that Black Lives Matter. On this episode, Adena and Kara outline what changes the movement is hoping for in our communities and ta...
Jun 11, 2020•26 min
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 of racial violence. Professor Brian Mitchell from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock returns to weigh in with a historical perspective on what w...
Jun 04, 2020•48 min
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 received new information regarding their son’s death. His younger brother, Ronnie Williams, went on a fact-finding mission to seek justice for his broth...
Mar 04, 2020•18 min•Ep. 10
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 received new information regarding their son’s death. His younger brother, Ronnie Williams, went on a fact-finding mission to seek justice for his broth...
Feb 26, 2020•10 min•Ep. 9
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: https://arhub.org/ https://www.presidentialleadershipscholars.org/ WHERE TO FIND DR. JONES Dr. Chris Jones on Twitter Dr. Jones’ website THANKS TO OU...
Feb 19, 2020•32 min•Ep. 8
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 TO OUR SPONSOR This episode is sponsored by Ife Opportunity , a organization committed to creating solutions that expand opportunity and promote equi...
Jan 17, 2020•32 min•Ep. 7
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 Katrina reflect on another centennial celebration and their personal transformations over the past decade. Links to what we discussed: The Black Belt | S...
Dec 31, 2019•24 min•Ep. 6
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.com for a full summary of this episode. Links to what we discussed: The Elaine Massacre “Arkansas Residents Make a Case for Reparations 100 Years Afte...
Dec 12, 2019•20 min•Ep. 5
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 home; Ife Opportunity, her educational initiative; and So What Can I Do, a blog and e-book that promotes ethics in action. Visit blackbeltvoices.com fo...
Nov 21, 2019•27 min•Ep. 4
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. Links to what we discussed: Nubi’s Plant Parenting Guide Carmeon's feature in Real Simple magazine Where to find Carmeon: carmeonhamilton.com @carmeon.h...
Oct 23, 2019•35 min•Ep. 3
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 “Straight” Black Men Who Sleep with Men” by. J. L. King and Karen Hunter (Foreward by E. Lynn Harris) The Center for HIV Law and Policy CONNECT WITH BLACKBELT...
Oct 09, 2019•17 min•Ep. 2
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: Arkansas Counts Color of Change U.S. Census Bureau Equal Justice Initiative’s The National Memorial for Peace and Justice “Black Moms Be Like” Part 1 a...
Sep 25, 2019•33 min•Ep. 1
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. Music: Prentice Dupins Jr. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information....
Aug 28, 2019•2 min
