Point Black

Join us for an extraordinarily powerful episode as we walk alongside legendary DJ BJ, exploring the significance of the 14th annual Sister Strut Breast Cancer Walk scheduled for October 7th in St. Louis. This is more than just an event; it's a movement to combat cancer and drive awareness about the heightened risk of breast cancer in the African American community. With heartfelt passion, BJ unravels how the Sister Strut gives back to the community by funding mammograms for uninsured women while offering mental, emotional, and financial support for survivors and their families.
Today's conversation extends beyond the Sister Strut. We are thrilled to welcome our esteemed guest, Jason Griffin, the President of Helix Specialty Diagnostics, for a thought-provoking discussion on the compelling statistics of breast cancer in the US. Jason enlightens us about the revolutionary role of genetic testing in detecting cancer early, breaking barriers of medical mistrust, and the importance of education in these areas.
In the spirit of unity, we chat about Sister Strut's ambitious Guinness world record attempt of uniting 6000 people in celebration and dance. Proceeds from this event will go a long way in supporting early detection, assisting families in financial crises, and providing emotional and mental support for survivors. BJ also shares insights about the profound impact of cancer on mental health, shedding light on how Sister Strut, the Breakfast Club, and Pink Angels are providing therapy groups and sisterhood to those affected. We close with a lighthearted tutorial on the 'Tamia Slide,' a fun dance for everyone joining us at the Sister Strut Walk. Join us on October 7, 2023, and let's make history together!

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We're peeling back the veneer of respectability that cloaks our revered institutions, and what lies beneath is a narrative of exploitation and racism. We start with the Smithsonian and its sinister collection of human artifacts, particularly of people of color. The tale of George Stanford, the late Surgeon General, who unethically transferred an astonishing 2200 Native American brains to the Smithsonian without consent is bone-chilling. The disconcerting fact that these ill-gotten artifacts were used to propagate theories of racial superiority adds to the remorse.
But the narrative of disrespect for the dignity of black lives doesn't stop at the Smithsonian. We traverse through the chilling history of the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis where Filipinos were displayed as a human zoo. The story takes a darker turn as we uncover a golf course built over a graveyard in South Carolina and the appalling discovery of a Bethesda African cemetery in Maryland. We expose how these narratives contribute to a culture that undervalues black lives and discuss the effort to undo the damage.
Our last leg of the journey involves advocating for justice and respect. From the fight to preserve historic black cemeteries to reparations and legislative changes, we spotlight the relentless efforts of advocates trying to right these historical wrongs. The African American Burial Grounds Network Act, and how it can play a crucial role in preserving these sacred spaces, is worth noting. We’d like you to join us in this journey into the past as we work towards envisioning a just and equitable future.

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Did you know that fraternity brothers are stepping up to battle breast cancer and address healthcare disparities? Picture this: A sea of fraternity brothers from Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, and Omega Psi Phi, including our esteemed guests Brother Michael, Brother Pruitt, and Brother Bossless, rallying not for a game or a party, but to support their sisters in the fight against breast cancer. An eye-opening discussion ensues, highlighting not only the critical issue of breast cancer prevention but also the power of community service and healthcare initiatives in addressing health disparities.
Our conversation takes us on a journey through the initiatives of Alpha Phi Alpha Incorporated, and their partnership with Barnes Jewish Christian Hospital. Brother Kale Ward and Brother Michael illuminate the picture, focusing on how these programs are addressing health disparities that disproportionately affect the African American community. We spotlight the unequal treatment faced by African American patients and the urgent need for accountability within the healthcare system. How can we shift this paradigm of healthcare injustice? It might just start with our vote.
Speaking of shifting paradigms, we also delve into the potential of social media in amplifying our voices. Platforms like I Heart Radio's Point Black can be instrumental in rallying support and spreading awareness about crucial health issues. From the importance of voter engagement to urging listeners to register for the Sister Strut event, we examine the ways in which fraternity brothers are stepping up to foster unity and awareness. So why not join us for a heartfelt and informative discussion? It’s all about creating a positive impact in our community. Let's step up together.

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Get ready for an episode that not only challenges but redefines our understanding of African American History. We question conventional wisdom, explore the controversial new slavery curriculum in Florida, and reveal unsettling perspectives on slaves benefiting from slavery. Our deep dive includes a look at the task force assembled to tackle this curriculum, notably Dr. William B Allen, professor emeritus at Michigan State University. We question the credentials of such members and their ability to shape an unbiased curriculum.
History is not just about facts; it's about the people who lived it. Our episode uncovers the resilience and creativity of enslaved Africans, their unwavering spirit of innovation, and their significant contributions to American civilization. We discuss inventions that changed the world and the brilliance of African culture that often gets overlooked. Highlighted is the book, 300 Years of African American Invention and Innovation, offering an in-depth view of our nation's innovative spirit from African American perspective.
We round off with an enlightening discussion on the importance of black history education, bringing in Reverend David, President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention. We dissect the recent changes to the slavery curriculum in different states, potential impacts on white children, and share why millions of Americans are no longer attending church. Our episode underlines the power of black-led communities, their role in educating children about their history, and the importance of creating positive black images in curricula. Get ready to be provoked, educated, and inspired.

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Are you aware that America’s rapid-paced 21st-century lifestyle is leading millions away from church, particularly African Americans? How can the Black Church adapt to these changing norms and remain relevant? These are the pressing questions that we explore in this thought-provoking episode with Reverend Dr Willie D Francois III and Bishop James Howard Jr, both pillars within the social justice and civil rights space. Listen in as we dissect a stirring article titled "The Misunderstood Reason Millions of Americans Stop Going to Church" and dive into the reasons why people, especially African Americans, are distancing themselves from the church.
As the landscape of the Black Church continues to change, we discuss why black folks are moving towards more diverse congregations. Our esteemed guests, Reverend Dr Francois and Bishop James Howard Jr, provide their expert insights on why younger generations are less inclined to attend predominantly black congregations. More so, we open up a conversation on the role businesses, nonprofits, and other entities have begun to play in providing social services, a role traditionally held by the church.
The conversation doesn't end there, however. We also explore the evolving role of the Black Church within the Black Lives Matter movement, discussing how it has adopted aspects of the civil rights movement and expanded it beyond race. Furthermore, we touch on the relevance of the Black Church in today’s society, highlighting the importance of faith, hope, and love. Despite the challenges faced, we embrace the need for open dialogue on these tough topics and encourage listeners to join the conversation. This episode is essential listening for anyone seeking insights into some of the most urgent issues the Black Church faces today.

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