Blackbelt Voices

Sep 06 2024 48 ep. 29 mins 222
Blackbelt Voices Podcast artwork

The Blackbelt Voices podcast tells stories from and about Black folks down South that honor our history, celebrate our culture, and shape our future. 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. Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative

  Society & Culture
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Choosing AR 103 with Dr. Karama Neal: Shamim Okolloh's Journey from Nairobi to Little Rock

Sep 06 2024 55 mins  
Choosing Arkansas with Dr. Karama Neal shares stories of those who chose Arkansas as their home. In this episode, Dr. Neal talks to Shamim Okolloh, a native of Nairobi, Kenya, who moved to the U.S. at age 19 for college and later made her way to Arkansas.

Choosing AR 102 with Dr. Karama Neal: California native Jean Block builds a life in Arkansas

Jul 17 2024 59 mins  
Choosing Arkansas with Dr. Karama Neal shares stories of those who chose Arkansas as their home. In this episode, Dr. Neal talks to Jean Block, the CEO of the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority.

Choosing AR 101 with Dr. Karama Neal: Welcome Home, Samantha Evans

Jul 03 2024 45 mins  
Choosing Arkansas with Dr. Karama Neal shares stories of those who chose Arkansas as their home. We want to help you make the Natural State your natural choice. On today's episode, we talk to Samantha Evans about what brought her back to her home state after living away for many years.

Introducing "Choosing Arkansas" with Dr. Karama Neal

Jun 19 2024 44 mins  
Dr. Karama Neal, principal of Neal Firm, aspires to help Arkansas achieve its full potential as a place where Black people can thrive. Through her "Choosing Arkansas" series, Dr. Neal will share the stories of Black newcomers and returnees, highlighting their positive experiences and the opportunities that exist within the state. Her goal is to inspire others to see Arkansas as a p

Growing Together Part 2 of 2: Urban Farmers Cultivating Community in Little Rock | Gabriyel El-Bey and Laverne Davis

Jun 05 2024 17 mins  
This is part two of our dive into urban agriculture. We’re talking about how Black farmers and growers are creating solutions to the lack of healthy food options in their communities. Be sure to listen to Episode 41 with Leroi Emerson, who serves on the board for Urban Patchwork. In this episode, we’re talking to Gabriyel El-Bey, the owner and operator of Turtle Island in Littl

Growing Together Part 1 of 2: Urban Farmers Cultivating Community in Little Rock | LeRoi Emerson

May 22 2024 33 mins  
This two-part episode of the Blackbelt podcast explores how Urban Patchwork, a Little Rock-based nonprofit network of farmers and backyard gardeners, aims to build a sustainable local food economy and promote interdependence among residents. In part one, we hear from LeRoi Emerson, a board member for Urban Patchwork. He joins host Adena White to discuss the organization's efforts t

Brené. Beyoncé. Belonging.

May 08 2024 18 mins  
We're back in the saddle! In this episode, Adena and Kara discuss the relaunch of Blackbelt Voices as a platform for authentic storytelling. After completing a Social Impact Storytelling program at Georgetown University and a fellowship with Solutions Journalism Network, Adena has come back with fresh ideas of how Blackbelt Voices can emphasize the importance of authenticity, belon

Michael Harriot: The King of Breaking It Down

Oct 05 2022 30 mins  
Adena and Kara talk to writer and self-proclaimed Wypipologist Michael Harriot. The South Carolina native is well known for his wit, cultural commentary, and gift of mixing humor and historical context. In this episode, Michael breaks down the discipline of Wypipology, Black humor, and the story behind his coining of the phrase "invited to the cookout." (Yes, he's the one who came

Turn to Your Neighbor: La'Twana Scott - El Dorado, Arkansas

Apr 27 2022 7 mins  
La'Twana Scott, the owner of Sweet Mama T's in El Dorado, Arkansas, developed a reputation as a great cook at an early age. The El Dorado native enjoys cooking for people and got her start from helping her mom as a child.

SOUL FOOD - Farm to Table: The Table

Mar 09 2022 25 mins  
On episode 37 of Blackbelt Voices, we continue our conversation about Black food, this time focusing on barbecue. Guest Michael “Mike D” De Los Santos of North Carolina walks us through his journey of becoming an expert on the topic, which eventually led to him creating his own sauces and rubs and selling through his company, Mike D’s. Mike’s journey to becoming a small b