Black Like Me

The Pass the Mic leadership series continues with the return of Dr. Tony Chambers to the podcast. Dr. Gee and Dr. Chambers exchange stories and insights on their leadership values. In their conversation, Dr. Gee digs into the circumstances that led him to write the Justified Anger article in 2013 and recalls the exact moment that he felt the American dream fade. Dr. Chambers also brings the idea of gratitude into the role it plays in leading others. Listen to Dr. Tony Chambers' first appearance on Black Like Me in Season 3. Learn more about The Center for Black Excellence and Culture alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme    

Dr. Alex Gee is kicking off his new Leadership series with the Executive Vice President of his non-profit organization, Nehemiah. Harry Hawkins has studied Transformational Leadership like Dr. Gee and of how this powerful style of leadership has played out first-hand in their relationship.  The two leaders discuss the difference between a Black leader and a leader who is Black. Harry Hawkins brings his experience in DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) training to the conversation and what they both have learned in this developing business setting. Listen in as these two leaders discover stories together that they have never shared before. alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme

Season 8 is here! Dr. Alex Gee is starting the season off with another mic check to set the tone for what is to come. Get a glimpse into what is on Dr. Gee's mind and heart right now, and why the Pass the Mic Series is going to be so special. alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme

As a special treat to lead into the new season of Black Like Me, we are sharing this recording of a live event at Cafe Coda from December of 2022. In partnership with Justified Anger and Lean Into Allship sessions, Dr. Alex Gee brought together an exciting group of storytellers for a night of music, celebration, and community connection. The evening of stories told live was curated by Dr. Gee around the theme of "Hope."  Listen in to experience a group of storytellers as they share their own personal Allyship experiences in their racial justice journey. Celebrate two big milestones with two years of the Lean Into Allyship community and the Black Like Me podcast's Best of Madison win. Enjoy this special evening with live music performed by Mitch Guzick and Joey Thomas.  alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme

To celebrate the Black Like Me Podcast winning Madison Magazine’s Best of Madison podcast 2022, we are highlighting some favorite episodes from past seasons. For the third episode in the Best of Black Like Me series, Dr. Gee talks with Kellie Carter Jackson about how she teaches Black history and the discourse around race in education happening in America right now. Carter Jackson breaks down Critical Race Theory (CRT) and how we actually view history, whether it is through facts or memory. Kellie Carter Jackson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Africana Studies at Wellesley College. She was also the 2019-2020 Newhouse Faculty Fellow for the Center of the Humanities at Wellesley College. Carter Jackson’s research focuses on slavery and the abolitionists, violence as a political discourse, historical film, and black women’s history. She earned her B.A at her beloved Howard University and her Ph.D from Columbia University working with the esteemed historian Eric Foner. Her book, Force & Freedom

To celebrate the Black Like Me Podcast winning Madison Magazine's Best of Madison podcast 2022, we are highlighting some favorite episodes from past seasons. For the second episode in the Best of Black Like Me series, it seemed like an appropriate time of year to highlight Black excellence in education. Who better to talk to than Dr. Gee's personal friend and the person who literally wrote the book on African American pedagogy, Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings. Dr. Gee has an invigorating conversation with Dr. Ladson-Billings that starts with demystifying Critical Race Theory (CRT) and continues through explaining systemic racism. Dr. Ladson-Billings brings career-long expertise to the topic of considering how to teach history equitably and how to look at our current cultural landscape as well. Gloria Ladson-Billings is the former Kellner Family Distinguished Professor of Urban Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and faculty affiliate in the Department of Educational Policy Studies at the Univ

To celebrate the Black Like Me Podcast winning Madison Magazine's Best of Madison podcast 2022, we are highlighting some favorite episodes from past seasons. For the first re-release, Dr. Alex Gee shares a series of observations into what he saw during the Summer of 2020 with the state of racism and national upheaval. This was originally recorded soon after the deaths of Breanna Taylor and George Floyd and racially motivated incidents like Amy Cooper and Christian Cooper in Central Park. Don't miss how Dr. Gee can take account of significant moments and bring fresh insight for those who want to pay attention and understand the Black experience. alexgee.com Best of Madison Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme

Dr. Alex Gee uses a personal experience to frame a discussion about how the white surveillance of Black people in their community is alive and well. In the process, explores how a white ally takes responsibility for some racism around them, absorbs some of the hurt, and lightens the burden on Dr. Gee's heavy heart. Don't miss this glimpse into Dr. Gee's life as a Black man and his raw reactions. Hey, we also just won Madison's Magazine's 2022 poll for Best of Madison! We were voted the Best Local Podcast. Check out the full list. alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme

Dr. Alex Gee reflects on the true nature of being a victim, as he is accused of taking advantage of victimhood. He reflects on what a victim complex looks like and flips the definition on the white troll to consider the insecurities of white supremacy. Dr. Gee points to the excellence and resilience of his family to dispel alarmist victim-shaming. You are going to want to hear this! alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme Find out more about the Justified Anger Black History for a New Day Course and how you can get involved: nehemiah.org/our-work/justified-anger/  

Dr. Gee brings another one of his insightful and raw reflections on a racial justice issue from his own experience and perspective. In the midst of turbulent times that make people protective of their rights, Dr. Gee offers five ways that specifically white allies can stay in the struggle for justice. These five things start with simply acknowledging your privilege and then seeing what you can do most with your position. alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme

Dr. Alex Gee welcomes LaVar Charleston, PHD and Sherri Charleston to the show for a new series on Black power couples. Their conversation covers the evolution of the Chief Diversity Officer in higher education and understanding that a strategic approach to DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) in institutions is essential. The Charleston's demonstrate how being a couple that are also “thought partners” makes them better at their jobs. LaVar J. Charleston, Ph.D., is the deputy vice chancellor for diversity & inclusion at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In this role he serves as the chief diversity officer for the university as well as the Elzie Higginbottom vice provost and director of the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA). Sherri Ann Charleston serves as the first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO) at Harvard University. She is one of the nation’s leading experts in diversity and higher education, and assumed her role in August 2020. Dr. Charleston is a histor

Dr. Gee has a conversation with Edith Hilliard, a Black elder in Madison. Hilliard's family is one of the longest living Black families in Wisconsin and Madison. Her stories and family anecdotes reveal a rich history of Black culture and heritage in a predominately white state. Edith Hilliard reveals differences in racial dynamics between now and her childhood. Oral History Interview with Edith Hilliard alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme

On this episode Dr. Alex Gee responds to the racially motivated shooting in Buffalo, NY with a reflection on what this incident means for the country. You won't want to miss Dr. Gee's raw reaction to a direct attack on the Black community. alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme

Rev. Jon Edgerton wanted to guide his Illinois faith community through a thoughtful consideration of racial representation in their worship music, but ended up starting a national conversation on white allyship and faith. Dr. Gee and Rev. Edgerton explore how faith, the Black experience, and social justice inform racial justice action. Listen in to the thoughtful but bold conversation about breaking down barriers.  Read more about the topic: https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2022/4/8/23016850/oak-park-pastor-fasting-whiteness-lent-race-diversity Check out Rev. John Edgerton’s church community: https://www.firstunitedoakpark.com alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme  

Dr. Gee and Lance Davis connect over their shared experience of time in Ghana. Lance Davis talks about his long journey back to Ghana and the old but paradigm-shattering truths he found along the way. Now for over 20 years, Davis has done work with villages, water, and gold in Ghana. Hear what it means to lead African-Americans back home. In 2003, Bishop Lance Davis established New Zion Christian Fellowship, now New Zion Covenant, in Dolton, Illinois. In addition to these ministries, Bishop Davis is the founder and Executive Director of Building Our Own Community (BOOC), Inc. which is established in the United States and in Ghana, West Africa. Bishop Davis also established Sankofa Ventures Management, Inc., an international company operating in Ghana, West Africa to create job opportunities for men and women locally and abroad.  alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme

On this episode Dr. Gee is joined by listener Jason Shanley to get his take on an insight into Malcolm X and his development made by his half-sister, Ella Collins. As usual, you will get the kind of raw and honest commentary that you don't get anywhere else. Don't miss this dynamic new segment. alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme

Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes about his career and making paths to progress in the state. Lt. Governor Barnes is working to create a state that considers equity and living up to the state motto of ‘Forward.’ Also, hear what the Lt. Gov. has to say directly to Black people in WI. Learn More about how Toussaint L'ouverture Rose from Slavery to Lead the Haitian Revolution, as discussed by Lt. Gov. Barnes. alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme

Listen in to a recent event for allies as Dr. Gee and Dr. Terrance Greene discuss the legacy of Black history coming out of Black History Month. As a professor, Dr. Greene provides a deep understanding of Black and white relations through history and now. alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme

In the first episode of Season 7, Dr. Gee breaks down the inspiration behind the new season's theme of Rising To The Occasion. As always, Dr. Gee provides his unique perspective in a dynamic fashion. alexgee.com Become a supporter of the show: patreon.com/blacklikeme

Dr. Alex Gee welcomes his friend and actress Angela Robinson to continue his exploration of the many sides of Black Joy. For Robinson, Black Joy means embracing your culture with a lack of pretense. Robinson also provides advice on having a strong career and the importance of life experience, as she share about her own career. This is an inspiring conversation that you don't want to miss. A native of Jacksonville, FL, Angela Robinson is best-known as The Ice Queen Veronica Harrington of Tyler Perry's The Haves and The Have Nots. For her work as Veronica she is the 2015 recipient of the Gracie Award (Best Female Actress - One to Watch). Angela has worked on Broadway, off Broadway and on stages throughout the US and abroad. Broadway productions include The Color Purple with Fantasia, Wonderful Town, Bells Are Ringing, and Play On! She has participated in National Tours of The Color Purple, Dreamgirls, and The Wizard of Oz with Eartha Kitt. Her television/film credits include Law & Order: SVU, Another Bed an