Please Say Black

“Who Built It?” (Independence Holiday Drop) with Dr. Felicia Bell.

Dr. Felicia Bell joins me for the latest episode of Please Say Black. During this episode, Dr. Bell and I reflect on the significance of enslaved labor throughout the United States.  Dr. Bell’s research and testimony before the United States Congress has been significant in establishing a historical record that reveals the tremendous material offering given to this country by the formally enslaved, Together, we hold space to share our feelings about our ancestors' offering. Dr. Bell also explains the significance of reparative justice by way of Reparations as well. This episode is essential for anyone trying to navigate how the past is shaping our contemporary consciousness and society.  You can read Dr. Bell and her research here as well as see her work featured at the White House. You also connect with Dr. Bell via LinkedIn.  Learn more about stone quarries here. 
“Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated. Judicial decrees may not change the heart, but they can restrain the heartless.”
― Martin Luther King Jr.

”I’m way too Black and Tired to Do This Now” with Joquina Reed

We interrupt our regularly scheduled broadcast because racial terrorism is real and its debilitating. On May 14, 2022, a mass shooting occurred in Buffalo, New York, at a Tops Friendly Markets store, a supermarket in the Kingsley neighborhood on the eastern side of the city. Ten people were killed, and three others were injured; 11 of the victims were black. The shooter livestreamed the attack on Twitch. The shooter left behind a manifesto detailing his vile hatred of Black and Jewish people.
 
This hate is overwhelming. Sometimes the only thing we can do is make space for rest.

“I Want to Say to You…Rest is Your Birthright” with Tommy Allgood

My good friend Tommy Allgood joins me for the latest episode of Please Say Black. During this episode, he and I discuss Black Joy. Tommy shares an expansive understanding of  Black joy. Together, we hold space to discuss the tensions that communally exist that may prohibit joy in light of our traumas. Tommy helps our listeners understand the power of somatic practice in gaining access to more joy within an anti-Black world and violent systems. 
 
During this episode, Tommy discusses hush harbors and epigenetics. They also mention Austin Channing Brown’s I’m Still Here, Barbara Holme’s Joy Unspeakable,  Resmaa Menakem’s My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies and Overcoming Anti-Blackness and finding Black Love a sermon preached by Teaching Pastor Cedric Lundy. 
Tommy is a co-host of the Permission to Be podcast. They are also the creator behind the Collective on Patreon and serves as a guide within the Anti-Oppression Academy.  You can follow him on Medium and Instagram. 
 
"We are powerful because we have survived." " - Audre Lorde 
 

“My head hurt, my bra too tight. My booty shaking to the Left and the Right” with Nandi Kayyy

Celebrated Queer Artist, Techie, and Anti-racism Educator, Nandi Kayy joins me for the latest episode of Please Say Black. During this episode, Nandi and I inspire to celebrate and amplify Twerk Culture as an antidote to Respectability Politics. Nandi complicates our current interpretations of Black solidarity as they offer insights into labor and sex work. Together, we acknowledge the significance of embodying Queer politics. During this episode, Nandi mentions Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome. Nandi is a recording artist whose latest album Riot is currently streaming and also the host of the Black Friends Dinner podcast. You can follow them on Twitter and Instagram. 
“Once you really know yourself, can’t nobody tell you nothing about you.” – Megan Thee Stallion

“I’ve Always been Skinfolk, I Haven’t always been Kinfolk” with Courtney Napier

My good sis Courtney Napier joins me for the latest episode of Please Say Black. During this episode, Courtney and I travail together reflecting upon the old adage, often credited to our dear ancestor Zora Neale Hurston, “All Skinfolk Ain’t Kinfolk.” Together, we hold space to share our feelings with the expression and unpack the ways we have embodied it. As we unravel this important communal conversation we realize that proximity to Whiteness, respectability politics, cancel culture and community accountability are all parts of this Grown Folks business! During this episode, Courtney mentions Audre Lorde’s Sister Outsider: "Sexism: An American Disease in Blackface '' and Candance Owens recent interview with the former U.S president.  Courtney is the Head Editor and creator of Bos Magazine and the Black Oak Society. You can support her on Patreon and follow her on Twitter and Instagram. 
 
"I am not invested in white people’s problems" - Farrieda Harris Lotts 

“There is a Maroon Warrior in Me” with King Andre Henry

Andre Henry joins host Joquina Reed for the latest episode of Please Say Black.  Andre shares the latest tea from his new book, All The White Friends I Couldn't Keep. Andre is an uncompromisingly powerful author, singer and songwriter. Listen to this robust conversation about the significance of embodying  anti-racism practices in our closest relationships. Additionally, hold space with them as the two bare witness to the real impacts of anti-Blackness in everyday life. During this episode Andre cites the wonderful work of Blair Imani. Find out more about their work here and check out their latest book: Read This to Get Smarter: About Race, Class, Gender, Disability & More.  Andre also mentions his song Delusional,  Afropessimism and Nina Simone's song: You’ve Got to Learn . Lastly, spend some time learning more about the Maroon community and Black resistance in Jamaica and How Nonviolent Struggle Works. All the White Friends I Couldn’t Keep is available for purchase and digital download so consider purchasing Andre’s book today. 
"When an individual is protesting society's refusal to acknowledge his dignity as a human being, his very act of protest confers dignity on him." - Bayard Rustin.
 

“I’m Too Sacred for That” with Dr. Christena Cleveland

Dr.Christena Cleveland joins me for the premiere episode of Please Say Black. Dr. Cleveland expands upon her latest book, God is a Black Woman.  Dr. Cleveland shares the significance of self-compassion in Black Liberation and communal healing. Together, we hold space to name the sacredness of Blackness. During this episode, Christina mentions the significance of Palestian theology and I also talk about  Claudette Colvin. To find out more about Dr. Christena’s work check out her website and feel free to purchase your copy of God is a Black Woman here. Lastly, join the spring Black Book Exchange at either The AntiBlackness Reader project or Divesting from Whiteness platform.
 
"She believed in a future she had no evidence for..." - Tananarive Due

Introducing Please Say Black with Joquina Reed

Welcome to the Premier Season of Please Say Black!
Please Say Black is a podcast dedicated to uplifting conversations with folx across the African Diaspora.  It is a creative  extension of The AntiBlackness Reader platform. The podcast mirrors the goals of ABR in amplifying Black truth and knowledge, centering Black stories and exposing anti-Blackness. Our host, Joquina Reed is deeply committed to valuing the lived experiences of people deeply impacted by colonialism, xenophobia, racism and anti-Blackness.
To learn more about Joquina go to  joquinareed.com