S11 E216: “We Didn’t Sing To Get Freedom But Because We Believed In Freedom”: Dr. Charles Taylor Explains How Black History Will Always Be Inside Us
Release Date: 11/25/2025
S11 E218: Season 11 Mic Drop with Producer Jeremy Holiday
Black Like Me
Dr. Gee ends Season 11 with his deep and thoughtful reflections on the season and the times we are living in, as a Black man. His mic drop episodes don't hold back but speak from an honest place, making sense of our world. This episode is a special conversation as Jeremy Holiday reflects on being a part of the show from the beginning as a producer and engineer. He discusses the evolution of the show alongside his own ongoing racial justice journey. Dr. Gee talks to Jeremy about the lessons he has learned from being involved in the show and who were the guests that stuck out to him...
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S11 E217: Finding Inspiration In Africa's Vibrant Cultures: Rev. Lilada Gee Leads Women With Profound Experiences
Black Like Me
Rev. Lilada Gee shares from a deep place of self-reflection about how to best spend her life as she faced cancer. She details the importance of travel and cultures in the last year. Lilada shares about her recent trip to South Africa in order to mentor other Black women, including Kay Hawkins, who also joins the show talk about her experience as a young woman. It was Kay’s first international trip and also her 21st birthday. Lilada is surely passing along a passion for travel, learning from African culture, and building a community of empowered women. Learn more about opportunities with Rev....
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S11 E216: “We Didn’t Sing To Get Freedom But Because We Believed In Freedom”: Dr. Charles Taylor Explains How Black History Will Always Be Inside Us
Black Like Me
Dr. Gee and Dr. Charles Taylor discuss the richness of African American history and understanding the wisdom of African heritage. Dr. Taylor considers how people around the country are still figuring out how to celebrate Juneteenth. It must be about history. One of Dr. Taylor’s recent endeavors is a documentary on The South Madison Renaissance, including Dr. Gee’s development of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. Documentary Dr. Charles A. Taylor is a nationally recognized author, speaker, and consultant whose work has profoundly shaped the understanding and...
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S11 E215: "Your Connection To Your Culture Can Be What Propels You Forward...Or Holds You Back": Joy Bailey-Bryant Holds Space With Dr. Gee
Black Like Me
Joy Bailey-Bryant, Lord Cultural Resources President, returns to the show as The Center for Black Excellence and Culture building comes to completion. As an expert in cultural spaces and innovative museums, Baily-Bryant is involved in supporting the development of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture in Madison, WI. They connect over shared Black culture and tell stories of the power of preserving culture, demonstrating the resilient power of culture that has space to speak into itself. As leader of cultural planning at the largest cultural consultancy in the world, Joy works with city...
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S11 E214: Education That Breaks Down Walls: Dr. Emily Auerbach Talks Metaphors That Can Change Your Life
Black Like Me
Dr. Emily Auerbach is a great storyteller and cares deeply about helping make other people’s stories great. Hear the story of her work of leading the Odyssey Project and mentoring non-traditional students through literature and the humanities. Dr. Auerbach talks about their whole family approach that brings all generations into the learning opportunities. The hope is that the program is a launching pad into further education at UW-Madison. Dr. Gee and Dr. Auerbach share so many connections to graduates who have completed degrees and are active in the community. They also share the...
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S11 E214: Education That Breaks Down Walls: Dr. Emily Auerbach Talks Metaphors Can Change Your Life
Black Like Me
Dr. Emily Auerbach is a great storyteller and cares deeply about helping make other people’s stories great. Hear the story of her work of leading the Odyssey Project and mentoring non-traditional students through literature and the humanities. Dr. Auerbach talks about their whole family approach that brings all generations into the learning opportunities. The hope is that the program is a launching pad into further education at UW-Madison. Dr. Gee and Dr. Auerbach share so many connections to graduates who have completed degrees and are active in the community. They also share the...
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S11 E213: “We Are In A Moment Of Backlash:” Dr. Christy Clark-Pujara Explains How Black History Exposes The Shortcomings Of The Nation
Black Like Me
Dr. Christy Clark-Pujara brings some clarity to the recent political attacks on history that are attempting to erase multicultural aspects of our American past. Not just history but education and knowledge itself. This moment is similar to the time after Reconstruction with the response to Black people engaged in the political process and having power. Points to cultural backlash historically like Birth of the Nation and Gone with the Wind portraying a negative propaganda of African American contributions to the US. Also, hear about a program that Dr. Clark-Pujara has been a part of that...
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S11 E212:The Work Is About Empowering, Not Doing: Innovative Leadership With Harry Hawkins
Black Like Me
Dr. Gee welcomes Harry Hawkins back to the show again to discuss what it means to lead a cross-cultural organization that is focused on empowering the Black community. Harry Hawkins has moved into the President and CEO role of the non-profit , as Dr. Gee transitions into new endeavors. The two innovative leaders discuss what it is like serving the Black community in a predominantly white community. They have both had to navigate cross-cultural environments in their work. The discussion covers drawing out underserved groups, like Black women and young Black men. Hear Harry Hawkin's background...
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S11 E211: The Erasure Of History: "It's A Shell Game Of The Most Grotesque Kind" With Professor of History, Stephen Kantrowitz
Black Like Me
Dr. Gee and Professor Stephen Kantrowitz discuss the erasure of history that has happened in other nations in order to understand the current US government attempts to control historical information and ideology. You will be shocked to hear the ways that historical and scientific research are being attacked through elimination of funding and discrediting of academic knowledge. One of the current realities is that current students will be discouraged from seeking out new perspectives and the truth of historical perspectives because of perceived connections to DEI. Hear how government...
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S11 E210: “You Can Determine Your Future By How Much You Invest In Your Children”: Kaleem Caire Is Building For Our Children
Black Like Me
Kaleem Caire shares how his family, their audacity, and legacy have inspired him to create change in Madison. They discuss how Kaleem challenged Dr. Gee to build something new - his church, social justice non-profits, The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. The inspiration came from each other to see something new built. Listen to how education is a major factor for the health of the community by investing in the next generation who will be running the community. Kaleem explains what is behind One City Schools and what they are doing different to shift the educational...
info_outlineDr. Gee and Dr. Charles Taylor discuss the richness of African American history and understanding the wisdom of African heritage. Dr. Taylor considers how people around the country are still figuring out how to celebrate Juneteenth. It must be about history.
One of Dr. Taylor’s recent endeavors is a documentary on The South Madison Renaissance, including Dr. Gee’s development of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture.
Leaders of Madison’s Black Renaissance Documentary
Dr. Charles A. Taylor is a nationally recognized author, speaker, and consultant whose work has profoundly shaped the understanding and celebration of Juneteenth across the United States. A lifelong advocate for equity and inclusion, Dr. Taylor played a pivotal role in the movement to make Juneteenth a national holiday. His first book on Juneteenth was distributed to governors across the country, helping to inspire state-level recognition of this historic day and gaining endorsements from key national Juneteenth organizations. Dr. Taylor is the author of over a dozen books, and his latest work on Juneteenth continues his mission to honor the legacy of freedom and resilience, providing readers with a deep historical perspective and a call to action for the future.
Known for his ability to weave compelling narratives with actionable insights, Dr. Taylor’s writing bridges the gap between history and modern social justice movements. As a sought-after speaker, Dr. Taylor has delivered keynote addresses on Juneteenth and African American history at our country’s leading colleges, universities, and communities nationwide. He was recently the keynote speaker at the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation’s Juneteenth Prayer Breakfast at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. His passionate presentations have educated and inspired audiences of all ages, solidifying his reputation as one of the foremost voices on Juneteenth and its enduring significance.
Beyond his writing and speaking, Dr. Taylor’s contributions to the fight for justice and equity include producing award-winning documentaries like Decade of Discontent and Leaders of Madison’s Black Renaissance, hosting innovative diversity initiatives. Dr. Taylor is considered an expert on Black History and holds a PhD from the University of Wisconsin– Madison, where he majored in Curriculum and Instruction. He is a retired professor, dean, and founder of Roar Enterprises Inc., a consulting firm that fosters diversity, project management, and Black history presentations nationwide. His community has given him many awards, including the Urban League’s highest award and the City/County Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award. Dr. Taylor advocates for understanding Juneteenth’s legacy and building a more inclusive future through his books, films, speeches, and community work.
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