Truth's Table

In this episode of Truth’s Table, Michelle and Christina are sitting at the table with Dr. Teresa Hairston as our Black Woman Rising guest. Dr. Teresa Hairston is an internationally known and respected pioneer in the field of Gospel music and ministry. In 1989, she established Gospel Today Magazine, a publication she launched with an investment of only $300, while working two jobs as a single (divorced) mother to three young children. Over the 23 plus years of her leadership (she retired in 2013 and passed the magazine on to her son), Gospel Today grew to become the longest running and most widely-distributed Urban Christian Lifestyle magazine in history. In 1994, Dr. Hairston founded the Gospel Heritage Foundation. Each year, thousands of people from across the world attend GHF’s annual International Worship Summit, which has become the genre’s leading praise & worship gathering. In 2017, she relinquished her leadership and passed the torch to international Gospel artist, Vashawn Mitchell. Dr. Hairston

In this episode, Ekemini and Michelle sit down at the table with Morgan Harper Nichols to dive into her new book, How Far You Have Come. This is Morgan’s second time at the table and it’s always a joy to learn from her as she is always candid at the table. Pull up a chair and have a seat at the table with us. Morgan Harper Nichols is an acclaimed artist, poet, musician and Wall Street Journal and Publisher’s Weekly best-selling author Morgan Harper Nichols has created her life's work around the stories of others. Morgan recently made headlines revealing in a heartfelt post that she was diagnosed with autism at the age of 31 years old after being told by previous doctors that she was “perfectly normal.” Her personal story and long journey to seek help for a diagnosis was shared on her Instagram page and featured in PEOPLE Magazine. Morgan's popular Instagram feed (@morganharpernichols) has garnered a loyal online community of over a million followers including the likes of Jennifer Garner, Reese

In this episode, Ekemini, Michelle, and Christina are at the table discussing the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the church, which has changed the way we worship, gather, and fellowship. This episode was recorded a couple months ago, so listen with that in mind as things have been changing rapidly. Pull up a chair and have a seat at the table with us. IVP Truth’s Table Discount for Cradling Abundance by Monique Misenga Ngoie Mukuna, with Elsie Tshimunyi McKee : Truth’s Table listeners can save 30% off Cradling Abundance when you order at https://www.ivpress.com/cradling-abundance using promo code TRUTH21 offer expires on September 30, 2021. Black Women, join Truth’s Table Black Women’s Discipleship Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/truthstablediscipleship Support Truth’s Table: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TruthsTable PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/TruthsTable Merchandise: https://teespring.com/shop/truthstable?pid=46&cid=2742

In this episode, Ekemini and Christina sit down with Shana V. White to talk about the impact of COVID-19 on teachers and students. Shana was a veteran educator for sixteen years, serving in both public and private schools as a computer science and health/physical education teacher in metro Atlanta during her career. She has also served as an instructional technology coordinator for two years in Gwinnett County Public Schools and was Research Associate in the Constellations Center for Equity in Computing at Georgia Tech. Shana is currently the Senior Associate, CS Equity and Justice Initiatives at the Kapor Center. Shana is a passionate educator who works as an advocate for marginalized groups in education and has an unwavering commitment to providing opportunities for all students to engage in unique and relevant learning experiences. She believes in purposeful disruption of the status quo and encourages teachers to exercise autonomy and humanize schools for students. She has received accolades for her teac

In this episode Ekemini and Christina are sitting at the table with Dr. Anthea Butler for a Behind The Book Episode for her newest book, White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America. Anthea Butler is Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. A sought-after commentator on the BBC, MSNBC, CNN, The History Channel and PBS, Professor Butler regularly writes opinion pieces covering religion, race, politics and popular culture for NBC Think, Religion News Service, The Washington Post, and CNN. Her books include Women in the Church of God in Christ: Making A Sanctified World, published by The University of North Carolina Press. Her current projects include two books for UNC Press, White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America, out in March 2021, and Reading Race: How Publishing created a lifeline for Black Baptists in Post Reconstruction America. Professor Butler was awarded a Luce/ACLS Fellowship for the Religion, Journalis

In this BlackGirlMagic Episode, Ekemini and Christina are at the table with Natalie Lauren Sims. They talk about Natalie’s hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma on the heels of the centennial anniversary of the Tulsa Massacre. Learn more about Natalie Lauren Sims: Art is where we wander until our voice finds us. And like all truth, it finds us eventually. As stubborn as a sunrise, arriving to set the captives of darkness free, Natalie Lauren’s work is the “Art of Liberation.” In the spirit of unrelenting audacity inherited from her hometown, the same womb that birthed Black Wall Street; Natalie Lauren is a multi-sensory storyteller. Advocating for untold stories of black women is a burden too significant to be restricted to one medium. So Natalie has set out to master a mixed media form of storytelling, utilizing Songwriting, Painting, and Creative Direction. Her art is an homage created to disrupt the silence and the monolithic identity seeking to oppress black women into a digestible narrative for everyone else bu

In this episode of Truth’s Table, Ekemini and Christina sit down with Dr. Charlie Dates, Pastor of Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago. He talks to us about why he entered the SBC and what caused him to exit. He was very candid so y’all don’t want to miss this conversation. Get your teacups, pull up a chair and have a seat at the table with us! In 2011, at age 30, Dr. Charlie Edward Dates became the youngest Senior Pastor at Chicago's Progressive Baptist Church; a church celebrating a distinctive 100-year history. He earned the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communication and Rhetoric at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and both the Master of Divinity and PhD at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. Dr. Dates' preaching and publications have been featured broadly through the United States. He is widely invited to preach at churches, conferences, and universities. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities at Progressive, Pastor Charlie serves as a

In this episode, Ekemini and Christina sit down at the table with Dr. Jelani Favors who is the author of “Shelter in a Time of Storm: How Black Colleges Fostered Generations of Leadership and Activism.” They discuss the history of HBCUs, their present impact, and the future of HBCUs. Dr. Jelani M. Favors is an associate professor of history at Clayton State University. He has received major fellowships in support of his research that includes an appointment as a Humanities Writ Large Fellow at Duke University in 2013, and he was an inaugural recipient of the Mellon HBCU Fellowship at the John Hope Franklin Humanities Institute at Duke in 2009. In 2019, Dr. Favors released his first book entitled Shelter in a Time of Storm: How Black Colleges Fostered Generations of Leadership and Activism, which was published by the University of North Carolina Press. Shelter in a Time of Storm was the recipient of the 2020 Stone Book Award presented annually by the Museum of African American History in Boston. It

In this episode, Ekemini, Michelle, and Christina are at the table talking about all things political education. They discuss the following questions and more: What is political education? Is it important? If so, why? Does the Bible have anything to say about political education? Pull up a chair and have a seat at the table! IVP Truth’s Table Discount for The Coming Race Wars by William Pannell: Truth’s Table listeners can save 30% on the expanded edition of The Coming Race Wars when they order at https://www.ivpress.com/the-coming-race-wars using promo code TRUTH21 offer expires on September 30, 2021. Sponsor: IVP The Coming Race Wars Video: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zybfbz5o2a0edxh/AAD-T2nlGJ1AAWWK_VerZwRYa?dl=0 Black Women, join Truth’s Table Black Women’s Discipleship Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/truthstablediscipleship Support Truth’s Table: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TruthsTable PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/TruthsTable Merchandise: https://teespring.com/shop/tru

In this BlackGirlMagic Interview episode, Ekemini and Christina are sitting at the table with Rev. Dr. Brianna Parker. Rev. Dr. Brianna K. Parker (Rev. Bri) is a preacher, scholar and researcher on Black millennials and faith with more than a decade of experience in full-time ministry. She is the founder and curator of the Black Millennial Cafe (BMC). In her work leading the BMC, she coaches church leaders on developing healthy relationships with Black millennials. She regularly dispenses with feedback to make churches and organizations more relevant in the lives of younger generations. Rev. Bri is also a sought after public speaker, millennial engagement coach and Associate Professor of Religion. Follow Rev. Bri: IG: @rev_bri & @blackmillennialcafe Twitter: @rev_bri Website: https://www.irunbmc.com IVP Truth’s Table Discount for The Coming Race Wars by William Pannell: Truth’s Table listeners can save 30% on the expanded edition of The Coming Race Wars when they order at https://www.ivpress.com/th

In this episode of Truth’s Table, Ekemini and Christina sit down with Sarah Jakes Roberts to discuss her newest book, Woman Evolve: Break Up with Your Fears and Revolutionize Your Life. Sarah Jakes Roberts is a businesswoman, bestselling author, and media personality who expertly balances career, ministry, and family. She has been the driving force behind grassroots marketing for films, publications, and community programs that inspire and uplift people of all ages and backgrounds. Sarah is the daughter of Bishop T.D. Jakes and Mrs. Serita Jakes and pastors a dynamic community of artists and professionals in Hollywood alongside her husband, Touré Roberts. Together they have six beautiful children and reside in Los Angeles. Purchase Woman Evolve: Break Up with Your Fears and Revolutionize Your Life here: http://www.womanevolvebook.com/ With life-lessons she’s learned and new insights from the story of Eve, shows you how the disappointments and even mistakes of your past can be used today to help you beco

In this episode, Ekemini, Michelle & Christina are the table for part 2 of “what is sin?” They give some practical advice on how to kill sin and be prepared as they pour out themselves for the sistas at the table. Pull up a chair and have a seat at the table with us! IVP Truth’s Table Discount: Truth’s Table listeners can save 30% on When We Stand when they order at ivpress.com using promo code TRUTH21 (offer expires June 18). That’s promo code TRUTH21 at ivpress.com for 30% off the book. Black Women, join Truth’s Table Black Women’s Discipleship Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/truthstablediscipleship Support Truth’s Table: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TruthsTable PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/TruthsTable Merchandise: https://teespring.com/shop/truthstable?pid=46&cid=2742

In this episode, Ekemini, Michelle & Christina are the table to answer the theological question: What is sin? We getting into the word of God, sistas! So grab your Bibles as we answer this question. The discussion is deep and rich so this will be a two-part episode. Pull up a chair and have a seat at the table with us! Truth’s Table Discount on the Dwell Bible App: To get started with Dwell, go to [dwellapp.io/truthstable] to get 10% off a yearly subscription, or 33% off Dwell for life. 33% off means you save $50, so make sure to visit [dwellapp.io/truthstable] and commit to scripture for the rest of this year—or for life. Support Truth’s Table: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TruthsTable PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/TruthsTable Merchandise: https://teespring.com/shop/truthstable?pid=46&cid=2742

In this episode Ekemini, Michelle, and Christina are at table discussing the movie, Judas and the Black Messiah. This is our first movie review of the season, so pull up a chair and join us at the table! Support Truth’s Table: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TruthsTable PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/TruthsTable Merchandise: https://teespring.com/shop/truthstable?pid=46&cid=2742 Truth’s Table Discount on the Dwell Bible App: To get started with Dwell, go to [dwellapp.io/truthstable] to get 10% off a yearly subscription, or 33% off Dwell for life. 33% off means you save $50, so make sure to visit [dwellapp.io/truthstable] and commit to scripture for the rest of this year—or for life.

In this episode, Ekemini and Michelle are sitting at the table with Jennifer Lucy Tyler. Jennifer Lucy Tyler is a Bible teacher, storyteller, entrepreneur, and growth coach. She is also the creator of two journals, Be Your Own Relationship Goals: Volume 1 and The Changemaker Guide to Studying the Bible. In 2016, she received a coaching certification through Lifeforming Leadership Institute and focuses on helping women grow spiritually through online courses and studies. In 2018, Jennifer founded Soul Circles, an alternative ladies’ night out, and virtual community centered around studying the Bible inductively. During a Pandemic, in 2020 Jennifer founded Mission Consulting Hub. The mission is simple, “We serve the servant leader.” Mission Consulting Hub also provides additional income for consultants who are a part of the hub as they serve missions, businesses, and brands that are changing the world. Jennifer serves as a women’s ministry leader at her local church. She resides in Maryland and is happily marri

Our “We Gon’ Learn Today” series is back! Ekemini and Christina are sitting at the table with Zakiya Naema Jackson to talk about educational inequity. Zakiya is the Vice President of Advocacy for the Expectations Project, where she oversees advocacy campaigns and executes learning experiences on education equity, emphasizing systemic policy changes. She also engages in strategic planning for faith communities and clergy to utilize their experience as they advocate for change. Zakiya loves to help people grow, heal and transform their pursuit of justice and equity. Working in public schools, nonprofits and corporations for over 16 years, Zakiya believes in addressing systemic problems individually and corporately. She started her career as a preschool teacher and social worker, went on to get her MBA and now works extensively with communities of faith and. generally with people of color addressing justice issues. Based in Washington DC, Zakiya loves taking long walks, supporting local business, visiting th

In this episode of Truth’s Table, Dr. Yolanda Pierce is sitting at the table with Christina and Ekemini for our first Behind The Book episode of the season to talk about her new book, “In My Grandmother’s House: Black Women, Faith and the Stories We Inherit.” Dr. Yolanda Pierce is Professor and Dean of the Howard University School of Divinity. She is a scholar of African American religious history, womanist theology, race and religion, and an alumna of Princeton University and Cornell University. Pierce served as the founding director of the Center for the Study of African American Religious Life at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture. A widely published author, Pierce’s newest book, In My Grandmother’s House: Black Women, Faith, and the Stories We Inherit, was released in February 2021. She is a native New Yorker, mentor, public theologian, community activist, cable news commentator, member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and ordained minister. Follow her on Twi

Y’all asked, we answered! In this episode, Ekemini, Michelle, and Christina are talking about Oprah’s interview with Meghan & Harry. They give their analysis, opinions, and props to Oprah for her theatrical performances, too! Y’all don’t want to miss this episode cause we definitely serving tea. Pull up a chair and have a seat at the table with us! Support Truth’s Table: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TruthsTable PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/TruthsTable Merchandise: https://teespring.com/shop/truthstable?pid=46&cid=2742 Free Gifts From The Storyteller App for Truth’s Table Listeners: Morgan Harper Nichols and the Storyteller App have some free gifts for Truth’s Table listeners including a 60 page eBook of Morgan’s art and words PLUS a 2021/22 MHN Printable calendar all valued at over $30. To claim your exclusive gifts, head to TheStoryTellerCo.com/truth

In this episode of Truth’s Table, Mayor Aja Brown joins Ekemini and Christina at the table. Mayor Aja Brown made history and quickly became a national trailblazer, elected at 31 as the youngest mayor to serve the City of Compton. She is an established leader, utilizing her expertise as an urban planner, economic developer and community servant. She quickly became known for her pragmatic 12-point Vision for Compton revitalization strategy, deploying evidence-based initiatives and attracting record levels of private sector reinvestment to Compton. She is a strong and relentless leader in the movement for social and racial justice, lending critical support to actionable policy changes. Mayor Brown joined forces with mayoral leaders across the country who are committed to guaranteed income, leading the movement with the launch of the Compton Pledge, the largest city-based guaranteed income program in the country. Pull up a chair and have a seat at the table with us! Follow Mayor Aja Brown: Facebook: https://w

In this episode of Truth’s Table, Ekemini and Christina are sitting at the table with Yolanda Solomon to ask her what discipleship is, whether is matters or not in our walk with Christ. Yolanda Solomon is a proud Brooklyn native. After working in the television and film industry for over 10 years, Yolanda earned an M.A. in Urban Missions from Westminster Theological Seminary and then transitioned to working in campus ministry at Columbia University in NYC where she was blessed to serve undergraduate students for eight years. Yolanda currently serves on staff at Epiphany Church-Brooklyn as Discipleship Director. This is a rich conversation so grab your notebooks and get ready to learn. Follow Yolanda Solomon: Facebook: yolanda.solomon.bk IG: yolanda.solomon.bk Twitter: @clayfilms Website: www.yolandasolomon.site Support Truth’s Table: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/TruthsTable PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/TruthsTable Merchandise: https://teespring.com/shop/truthstable?pid=46&cid=2742 Truth’s