Black Like Me

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

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