Black Like Me

In light of the recent press conference announcing the design and fundraising campaign for The Center for Black Excellence and Culture, Dr. Gee reflects on what this moment means to him personally. The process of launching The Center has made every effort to include the local Black community in the development and partnerships. Don't miss Dr. Gee's perspective on reaching this point. Learn more about The Center Read about The Center in The Root alexgee.com patreon.com/blacklikeme

Dr. Gee continues to lead the conversation on the role of Black people in American history. On this episode, he 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: Black Abolitionists and the Politics of Violence (University of Pennsylvania Press), examines the conditions t

Dr. Gee has a can't miss conversation with four women who now live outside of the United States by choice. Hear why these ex-pats have sought a better life outside of America and what factors give them Black Joy. - Diara Parker (Vice President of Operations and EQT By Design Consultant) https://www.eqtbydesign.com - Sharolyn “Shar” Wynter (Social Entrepreneur, Startup Founder, and Creative) https://www.xpatinc.com/about - Hiwote Getaneh (Podcast Producer and Creative) http://www.depthandcandor.com/about ⁃  Margo Gabriel (Food & Travel Freelance Writer, Author, and Creative) https://margoscreativelife.com/about-me alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme

Dr. Gee digs right into this season's theme of Black Joy by bringing back Dr. Christopher Bass for another illuminating conversation. From the perspective of a psychologist, Dr. Bass gets at the mindset of what it means to have Black joy. They discuss the difference between pursuing happiness in America and knowing joy, and the effect of both. Dr. Bass refers to the book, Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy Degruy, in their conversation. Check it out to learn more! alexgee.com Support the show with exclusive perks: patreon.com/blacklikeme

In the first episode of Season 6, Dr. Gee breaks down the theme of Embracing Black Joy, gives a historical context, and sets the stage for the new season. As always, Dr. Gee is inspiring while providing his unique perspective. alexgee.com patreon.com/blacklikeme

On the final episode of Season 5, Dr. Gee has an invigorating conversation with Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings that starts with demystifying Critical Race Theory (CRT) and continues through explaining systemic racism. Dr. Ladson-Billings brings caree-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 University of Wisconsin, Madison. She was the 2005-2006 president of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Ladson-Billings’ research examines the pedagogical practices of teachers who are successful with African American students. She also investigates Critical Race Theory applications to education. She is the author of the critically acclaimed books The Dreamkeepers: Successful Teachers of African Americ

Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation. Currently, the debate around Black American history and Critical Race Theory is heating up, so we are returning to an episode that discusses teaching Black history. Dr. Alex Gee talks with Professor Steve Kantrowitz and Professor Alexander Shashko about their experience teaching Black History. Professor Kantrowitz co-created Justified Anger’s Black History for a New Day course with Dr. Gee, and Professor Shashko lecturers for the course.  Learn more about how you can be part of Justified Anger's Virtual Black History for A New Day Course. Alexander’s Tedx Talk  Professor Steve Kantrowitz’s Books: All Men Free and Brethren: Essays on the History of African American Freemasonry More Than Freedom: Fighting for Black Citizenship in a White Republic. Ben Tillman and the Reconstruction of White Supremacy.  Profess

Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation about pushing back against the legacy of white supremacy still holding on in our institutions with Mya Berry, a college student advocating for racial justice in Wisconsin. Mya Berry has called for changing the name of her former high school because of the memorializing of a slaveholder. Their conversation covers navigating white educational space, refusing to address racist history, and the perpetuation of racial disparities by educators. We must acknowledge how history manifests itself in our present institutions and the impact on new generations of people of color. Mya Berry Go Fund Me: Support Mya Berry in her Harvard education High School Name Change Article Read more about Mya Berry's efforts alexgee.com patreon.com/blacklikeme

The week of this episode, Juneteenth was federally recognized as a national holiday. Dr. Alex Gee takes this opportunity to reflect on the progress that Black people have made in America and what meaning this holiday holds. There are many disparities and injustices facing African Americans today that need to be understood alongside a holiday celebrating Black culture. alexgee.com patreon.com/blacklikeme

Dr. Gee and Raven Jemison bring raw conversations about race to white spaces where these conversations do not usually happen. Raven discusses the importance in her work of an authentic connection to a community and one that you can have an impact on. Their conversation covers sports as racial harmony that brings people together under a common goal, and the debate over sports players and public figures being allowed to speak out on social issues. Raven Jemison is a sports business executive with 10+ years of experience in managing multi-million dollar business operations and generating revenue across teams and leagues. She currently serves as the Executive Vice President, Business Operations for the Milwaukee Bucks. Prior to her time in Milwaukee, she worked for the NBA League Office, San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Pirates and the Florida Panthers.  alexgee.com patreon.com/blacklikeme

Did you get the "The Talk" growing up? Have you given "The Talk" to your kids? Dr. Gee riffs on the cultural significance of "The Talk" in the African American community. He tells his story of learning his own racial identity and what that tells us about American culture.  *Unfortunately, you may hear some crackling and popping noise in the recording this week* alexgee.com patreon.com/blacklikeme

Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with Bridgette Craighead, a mother, entrepreneur, and advocate running to represent her community in the Virginia House of Delegates. She shares her story of activism after the racial violence of 2020 and how it connects to the capitol insurrection in January of 2021. Her revealing story of the insurrection connected to her hometown went viral and demonstrated the racism underlying the nation. Bridgette Craighead’s Campaign: https://www.bridgettefordelegate.com https://www.facebook.com/BridgetteForDelegate https://twitter.com/BridgetteForYou https://www.instagram.com/bridgettefordelegate/ alexgee.com patreon.com/blacklikeme

Dr. Gee reflects on where he was when heard about George Floyd's death and the impact it had on him and the trajectory of the nation over the last year. He then shares 5 steps to have hope about where we move after understanding this point in our racial justice history. This episode is a powerful perspective from Dr. Gee as a Black man working for years to fight racism, invest in Black leaders, and promote Black excellence. alexgee.com patreon.com/blacklikeme

As a companion conversation to this week's episode with Tyler Nylen and Joel Ballivian about race in the church and what exactly Frickin' A even means, we are re-sharing a similar earlier conversation with Tyler Nylen and the white men of the Black Like Me Podcast crew. On this fun and honest episode, Dr. Alex Gee teases his upcoming full discussion of the Netflix series Dear White People by sharing his thoughts on the first episode. Dr. Gee is joined by some of his podcast crew to get a White perspective on the topic of White people entering Black spaces, such as Black churches. Plus, hear the group struggle to understand the use of the phrase “Frickin’ A.” You don’t hear open discussions on race like this anywhere else. alexgee.com patreon.com/blacklikeme

Dr. Alex Gee welcomes back to the show Tyler Nylen, former Black Like Me podcast manager, to answer some questions we know you have been wanting the answers to. Tyler Nylen is joined by his good friend, Joel Ballivian, to bring a philosophical and theoretical perspective to systemic racism, Critical Race Theory, and talking to other white people about racism. These two white men discuss some hard questions in the current racial justice environment. Is systemic racism actually real? What are white people afraid of believing in white privilege or systemic racism? What are people saying when they accuse someone like Dr. Gee as a promoter of Critical Race Theory? Also, listen in to hear if these two white guys pass the Black Ice Breaker test? Social Psychologist Brian Lowery on Privilege https://stanfordmag.org/contents/social-psychologist-brian-lowery-on-privilege The Invisibility of White Privilege with Brian Lowery, PhD (Audio interview) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R32OP1X0dkw   alexgee.com patreon.com/bl

For this episode, Dr. Gee shares a conversation he had with Judge Everett Mitchell at a live virtual event for non-Black allies. The two discuss the Derek Chauvin trial and the surrounding violence toward Black people in the US. Judge Mitchell provides some perspective on how race impacts the criminal justice system, the discretion of judges, and how judicial diversity matters in our changing society. They explore how it is evident that change has not taken hold in our justice system. Listen to hear how this kind of change requires us all to be engaged and active in our local communities, and practical ways to create change. Judge Everett Mitchell is a community activist and Dane County Circuit Court Judge, as well as pastor of Christ the Solid Rock Baptist Church in Madison, WI. alexgee.com patreon.com/blacklikeme

Dr. Alex Gee has an insightful and honest conversation with two of his friends, fellow men of faith, and fathers of daughters, Dr. Efrem Smith and Rev. Adam Edgerly. Their conversation covers the spectrum of recent concerns for Black people, from patriotism, cross-cultural relationships, racial justice movements, to the future of the US racial landscape. The group also uses the recent film, Judas and The Black Messiah, to spark relevant connections with historical context. This is a powerful snapshot of Black perspective on current events.  Pastor Efrem Smith is an internationally recognized leader who uses motivational speaking and preaching to equip people for a life of transformation. He consults on issues of multi-ethnicity, leadership, and community development. Pastor Smith is the former- president and CEO of World Impact, an urban mission, church planting and leadership-development organization. He is the current co-lead Pastor of Bayside Church, Midtown. He’s the author of several books, including his

As a companion conversation to this week's episode with Joy Bailey-Bryant about the importance of Black space, we are re-sharing a conversation about navigating white space. Dr. Alex Gee has a conversation with Patrick Sims, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion, and Vice Provost and Chief Diversity Officer for the Univerisity of Wisconsin-Madison. Sims oversees the Division of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement at the University.  The discussion is an honest exploration of how large educational institutions handle diversity and the challenges of race in the campus environment. You are going to want to hear about Patrick’s unique background and how he came into this role to affect positive change at the university. alexgee.com patreon.com/blacklikeme  

Dr. Alex Gee talks with Joy Bailey-Bryant, Lord Cultural Resources President, about the importance of cultural spaces and innovative museums. Baily-Bryant is involved in supporting the development of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture in Madison, WI. They connect over shared Black culture and tell stories of the power of preserving culture, demonstrating the resilient power of culture that has space to speak into itself. You won't want to miss a fun new edition of Black Ice Breakers. As leader of cultural planning at the largest cultural consultancy in the world, Joy works with city officials, institutional leaders, and developers, in global municipalities like Chicago; New York; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Dharan, Saudi Arabia to creatively plan cities and bring people (life!) to public institutions. Joy led the teams for institutional and cultural planning on remarkable projects like the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., reaching more than 1,000 stakeholders ac

Because of recent events that are bringing greater attention to issues that impact African Americans, Black Like Me is highlighting past episodes that are relevant to the current national conversation. Be sure to also listen to Robin DiAngelo's return to the podcast in Episode 126. Dr. Alex Gee brings you an important figure in the White Allyship conversation, Dr. Robin DiAngelo. Their conversation is insightful, truthful, and challenging to the system of racism. Dr. Gee and Dr. DiAngelo share the ability to speak from life experience, both personally and professionally, in an episode that is not to be missed. Dr. Robin DiAngelo is the Affiliate Associate Professor of Education at the University of Washington. Her area of research is in Whiteness Studies and Critical Discourse Analysis, explicating how whiteness is reproduced in everyday narratives. Dr. DiAngelo has numerous publications and books, including Is Everybody Really Equal?: An Introduction to Key Concepts in Critical Social Justice Education, co-w