Ep. 78 - The State of Black Progress (Star Parker)

A writer cannot be told what to write. The artist is free do what he has to do. In this end of the year podcast, Michael Bowen and Wink Twyman close out the year with an honest and moving review of Nikki Giovanni (1943-2024). A Native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Giovanni wrote moving poetry about the meaning of Blackness in America. Poems such as Nikka-Rosa struck a chord with Black Americans in the 1970s. Bowen and Twyman come from different places as they grapple with the poetic genius of an Afro-haired militant from a small town in the Tennessee mountains. Does Giovanni get to tell Bowen's story? Twyman's story? Does one have to be black to tell our life story? Bowen opens up about his displeasure with the story told of South Central Los Angeles in Boyz in the Hood. Director and Producer John Singleton got it wrong. Twyman questions why we remember the story of our lives through Giovanni and not other black natives of Knoxville like Twyman's Great Aunt Daisy Kincaid Brown. The episode lays bares our complicated remembrance of the poet Giovanni. A centerpiece of the episode is a stirring conversation for the ages between a young Nikki Giovanni and a wise elder James Baldwin. See the link below."and I really hope no white people has cause to write about me because they never understand Black love is Black wealth and they'll probably talk about my hard childhood and never understand that all the while I was quite happy" -- Nikki Giovanni in Nikki-Rosa Show notes:Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin ConversationNikki-Rosa by Nikki Giovanni

In this episode, guest host Jake Mackey sits down with sociologist Musa Al-Gharbi to discuss his unconventional academic journey, the personal impact of his cancellation, and his current research pursuits. Musa also delves into his book, We Have Never Been Woke, which explores the rise of 'awokenings' and the factors driving major shifts in social justice discourse. He offers thought-provoking insights on the future under Trump, touching on concerns about growing authoritarianism and the importance of more impactful political messaging.Show notes:We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite“We Have Never Been Woke,” book summary and publication announcement in the Journal of Free Black Thought“A Graveyard of Bad Election Narratives” cross-posted by the Journal of Free Black Thought Musa’s Substack, Symbolic Capital(ism)Musa’s personal websiteMusa on X

Free Black Thought favorite Winkfield Twyman joins his good friend and host Connie Morgan for a conversation about their friendship and the role that free thought plays in their bond. They discuss the outcome of the recent election, the challenges of dogma, and explore whether free thought is something we're born with or something we're taught.Show notes:Wink and Jennifer Richmond’s episode from Season 1 of the Free Black Thought Podcast: Ep. 6 - A New Correspondence on RaceFree Thoughts with Bowen + TwymanWink’s “In Defense of President George Washington” for the Journal of Free Black ThoughtConnie’s podcast with Kiyah WillisWink’s “Why Talk About American Slavery in 2024?” for the Journal of Free Black ThoughtWink’s Letters in Black and White: A New Correspondence on Race in AmericaWink’s Substack

Z.K. Paschal recounts his unique journey from being a military brat born in Japan to returning years later and navigating cultural identity as a black American. He discusses cultural acceptance, family dynamics, and the challenges of raising children in a different cultural context. Show notes:Paschal’s “On Being a Carlton” for the Journal of Free Black ThoughtPaschal’s Substack: Upon Feeblest ProvocationPaschal’s “Black in Japan: My Experience” for Wrong Speak Publishing

In this episode David T. Beito discusses his book The New Deal's War on the Bill of Rights, exploring the historical context of the New Deal and its implications for civil liberties. The discussion covers a multitude of FDR’s civil liberty offenses including the Newport sex scandal, mass civilian surveillance, and the failure to pass anti-lynching legislation. David argues that while FDR is often viewed as a champion of civil liberties, his actions tell a different story, revealing a trailblazer for censorship and a pragmatic politician who prioritized ends over means.Show notes:The New Deal's War on the Bill of Rights: The Untold Story of FDR's Concentration Camps, Censorship, and Mass Surveillance by David T. BeitoT. R. M. Howard: Doctor, Entrepreneur, Civil Rights Pioneer by David T. Beito and Linda Royster Beito

In this long overdue conversation between Olga and Connie, Olga talks about what it was like to grow up under Apartheid in South African and compares that to the current state of racial dynamics in the United States and Israel. She discusses the complexities of identity, the influence of Western values on African culture, and her advocacy for Israel.

Henry shares his journey from a challenging childhood marked by the absence of his mother to finding faith. He discusses the influence of his father and the pivotal moments that led him to embrace Christianity. Henry shares his journey through career transitions, the impact of family dynamics on his beliefs, and why he doesn’t care if he passes for “culturally black.”Show notes:Henry’s “Why I’m Not Optimistic About Racelessness” in the Journal of Free Black Thought

In this conversation, Star Parker discusses the impact of abortion, education, housing, and social security on the black population. Star shares her life journey from a rebellious child to a life of criminal and destructive activities, until she found faith and turned her life around. She became involved in welfare reform and worked with the GOP to bring about change. Show notes:Center for Urban Renewal and EducationThe State of Black Progress: Confronting Government and Judicial ObstaclesStar on XCURE policy on XThe Poor Side of Town: And Why We Need It by Howard A. HusockReimagining Greenville: Building the Best Downtown in America by John Boyanoski and Knox WhiteA History of the American People by Paul Johnson

Ildi Tillmann shares her unique childhood growing up in Hungary during the late Soviet era. Ildi eventually moved to the United States and ended up in Africana Studies after auditing a class on African history and wanting to learn about different cultures. She discovered her passion for photography and realized the importance of telling stories through both writing and photography. Show notes:Ildi’s websiteIldi’s new project: Captured LandscapesIldi on InstagramIldi on XIldi’s “Three days in March” for the Journal of Free Black ThoughtIldi’s “Knowledge, Art, and the Musical World of Elio Villafranca” for the Journal of Free Black ThoughtIldi’s “From Hungary to Haiti: Unique Histories, Universal Stories” for the Journal of Free Black ThoughtFaces and Places - Beyond the Headlines: Haiti. DocumentaryIldi’s photography in Cuba (September 2024)

In episode Mike and Wink delve into the implications of declining black enrollment at elite universities, particularly Harvard, following changes in affirmative action policies. The hosts discuss the media's framing of these changes, the complexities of race in college admissions, and the evolving concept of identity. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the potential for unity in a diverse society, while also critiquing prevailing narratives around race and achievement.