S9 E178: Black Like Mama: A Look At Life After My Mom’s Recent Passing
Release Date: 02/06/2024
S11 E203: A Burgeoning Movement Across The Country To Fight Back And Build Something Better: Ben Wikler Talks About What's Next
Black Like Me
Ben Wikler returns to the show again in this wild political moment both locally and nationally. As he is stepping out of his role as Chair of Wisconsin Democratic Party he is energized by a recent state Supreme Court win. Dr. Gee asks him about how the Black community fits into the vision of the Democratic Party in the current environment. Are Black voters acknowledged outside of an election? Hear what Ben is doing after his current role and how he is processing his experience in the high profile political climate of Wisconsin. The discussion covers the reality of the Democratic party on the...
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S11 E202: "Now The Role Will ALWAYS Be Black!": - Revealing The True Colors Of Wicked With Broadway and TV Star Angela Robinson Whitehurst
Black Like Me
Angela Robinson Whitehurst returns to the show to bring her Broadway experience to discussing Wicked and the translation from stage to screen. Dr. Gee and Angela discuss the timing of seeing race brought to the forefront of this version of Wicked, compared to when the stage musical was first a part of our culture. The power of fantasy and musical stories is that deep ideas about culture can be explored through an alternate version of our world. It allows us to see the realities of our world through a different lens. Angela also exposes the way that Black women were not allowed into the...
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S11 E201: Things That Make You Go... S*** With Lilada Gee
Black Like Me
Dr. Alex Gee and his sister commiserate on some things lately that make them wonder what is going on - things that make them say "Hmmm..." You won't want to miss this honest conversation full of some real talk that explores some serious issues in their lives right now. These two leaders let you in some topics that make them a bit annoyed. And you also know that they have a little fun too! Rev. Lilada Gee is a dynamic voice on behalf of Black girls and women throughout the African Diaspora who carry the heavy burden of generations of sexual trauma, as well as their own—Lilada Gee has...
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S11 E200: Audacity: Season 11 Mic Check
Black Like Me
It's Season 11! And it's the 200th episode! This occasion calls for something special. Dr. Gee brings starts the season with his signature Mic Check to set the tone. He speaks to this moment with a spoken word poem and some commentary on what these times mean for us all. Dr. Gee lays out a call to audacity. Listen up! Support the Show:
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S10 E199: “Will The Report Change Anything?”: Dr. Angela Byers-Winston and Ray Allen Discuss Systemic Change For The Black Experience On A University Campus
Black Like Me
Dr. Gee returns to the discussion of his involvement in a university report on the Black Community Experience at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. In episode 188 he discussed the upcoming report with UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin and now that the report is public, he is joined by fellow board members on the ad hoc committee. Dr. Angela Byers-Winston and Ray Allen discuss the difference between good intentions and intentionality, when it comes to identifying and creating real change? The ad hoc study group worked to present their critical findings and strategic recommendations...
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S10 E198: Revealing The Secrets Of The Universe With Trailblazing Astronomer Eric Wilcots
Black Like Me
Dr. Gee returns to the topic of a childhood fascination with astronomy as he takes a journey through the cosmos with Eric Wilcots, University of Wisconsin-Madison dean of the College of Letters & Science and Professor of Astronomy. Both began their interest in astronomy at a young age with the same model of telescope. Professor Wilcots explains how few Black astronomy academics there were in his early years and now works to encourage diversity in academic departments. They continue their fun and informative conversation by exploring questions about the universe and what we currently...
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S10 E197: Ending The Cycle Of Police Violence With Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
Black Like Me
Dr. Gee has an honest discussion with author and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Their conversation starts with southern cooking and how food provides insights into our histories and continues into how race relations impact policing. Ellison has written a book about his experience leading the prosecution when the Derek Chauvin case came to trial involving the killing of George Floyd. Hear what he saw when he looked into the eyes of Derek Chauvin. They also discuss Ellison’s involvement in the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Read Keith Ellison's book: From 2007 to 2019, Keith...
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S10 E196: "I’m Not Going To Wait For Them To Write The History," Pulitzer Prize Winning Author And Cultural Commentator Leonard Pitts Discusses His New Novel 54 Miles
Black Like Me
Dr. Gee and discuss bringing American history to life in order to reclaim the role of Black people in the development of the nation. Both men share the power of story to display the experience of the Black community in history and today. Leonard speaks to the Black experience through journalism, academic scholarship, commentary, and historical fiction. Hear how the details of his writing inform a long-standing missing perspective on history, including complicated characters that reveal the trauma and hurt of the Black community in American history. Support the Show:
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S10 E195: A Letter To A Black Brother: Marquis Hunt Calls Young Black Men To A Greater Narrative
Black Like Me
Dr. Gee starts his conversation with faith leader and professional musician Marquis Hunt by talking about addressing young Black men to understand that they do have voice that can matter. Marquis wrote a as “a call to every Black man who’s ever felt overlooked, undervalued, or trapped in a system that wasn’t built for us.” They discuss why there is a need to call young Black men to create a greater narrative than the one that society is telling them. Before the recent election, Dr. Gee and Marquis look deeply into the environment around the Black vote in the 2024 election,...
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S10 E194: "How Do I Operate In This Reality?": A Raw Post-Election Conversation With Dr. Gee and Jeremy Holiday
Black Like Me
Dr. Alex Gee has a special episode to talk through and process the recent election from his perspective. He is joined by Black Like Me producer Jeremy Holiday for a raw conversation that seeks to break down first thoughts on how community and justice minded people look ahead in our current landscape. They share their raw feelings and reflections in this challenging moment. As always, Dr. Gee brings his wide-ranging experience as a Black man in a majority white community who is also a visionary community and faith leader. Support the Show:
info_outlineOn this special episode, Dr. Alex Gee and his sister Lilada Gee reflect on the passing of their mother, Ms. Verline Gee. They celebrate her memory with stories and insights from her life. For decades, Ms. Verline created a profound impact in the Madison community as a mentor to young leaders, social worker, poet, published author, family therapist, faith community leader, and, above all, a cherished mother and grandmother.
Through their mother’s experiences, Dr. Gee and Rev. Lilada are able to explore historical and racial conditions in the period of her life. They reflect on the strength of her character and the lessons they learned, as well as her great intellectual sense of humor. Don't miss the heartfelt and honest conversation around the life of a powerful Black community mother.
Learn more about Ms. Verline Gee's story
Dr. Gee and Rev. Lilada invite you to make a donation to The Center for Black Excellence and Culture, allowing us to share Verline Gee's incredible story and continue her legacy of community building through a senior space and senior programming dedicated in her honor: https://givebutter.com/xieAH6
Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme