All Rev'd Up

Robert Sylvester Kelly aka "R. Kelly" was found guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering and faces years in prison. Many of his crimes were perpetrated against Black women and many within the Black community knew it long before his conviction but was he given a pass until now? The Revs dive into this controversial man's life and the impact it has had on the Black community.

Much of life in America, and across the globe, grounded to a near halt due to COVID-19. The shutdown in America came as a national resignation that the virus has taken hold and hijacked normalcy, replacing it with fear and uncertainty. The sounds of clapping, cheers, and banging pots and pans from streets, windows and rooftops were public displays of gratitude to thank healthcare workers and first responders. The Rev’s will talk about the importance to pause and give thanks during a pandemic as it’s still with us.

In a post-George Floyd era, there is broader recognition of Juneteenth, the holiday celebrated by many African Americans acknowledging the day enslaved Black people were freed. How is the holiday being received today, by a new generation and will it bring Black Americans closer to true liberation and freedom or is this another example of the commodification of Black pain? The Revs, Emmett G. Price III and Irene Monroe break it down in this episode.

As we mark the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Massacre, the Revs reflect on this moment and what it means for people in America today, and the remaining survivors from that horrific day 100 years ago. What lessons can be learned and what about reparations?

After rave reviews and high opinions, The Rev’s decided to follow up the May 5th episode with a continued version. Again they ask, “appreciation or appropriation?”

“Whew Chile,” “Slay” and “Yass” are common terms in the media amongst many people, especially white Americans. Ironically, terms that are commonplace in African American Vernacular English were once viewed as a pejorative, but now they are being added to mainstream dictionaries. Cultural appropriation is nothing new especially when Black Americans are the victims – but now that elements of Blackness are into the mainstream, what can Black people do to reclaim the culture we curated and cherish? In this episode, The Revs talk about the history of cultural appropriation, and how oftentimes it’s people who are not Black taking Black culture for their own pleasure.

Discussing one’s sexuality within the Black community can be taboo. Of course, the man creeping with several women is often a topic of conversation but those who engage in infidelity or who may be LGBTQ can be taboo subjects. The Revs will explore an aspect of our culture that is often left unspoken.

Parenting is tough. Parenting through George Floyd’s murder brings ongoing challenges due to the prevalence of racism. Media, social scientists, and the government have weaponized how black parents raise their children. However, the joys of raising black children-shaping minds and future generations- are invisible. The Revs will talk about the intersectional ancestral ethos of the joys and challenges of black parenting- past and present- highlighting the African proverb, “it takes a village.”

Imagine a world where the impossible becomes possible. Imagine a world where Black and brown people are not burdened with an institution woven with racist fabric. Within the history of African American struggle against racism that often verges on dystopia, a hidden tradition has depicted a transfigured world. Daring to speculate on a future beyond white supremacy, Black utopian artists and thinkers offer powerful visions of ways of being that are built on radical concepts of justice and liberality. This craved paradise has often been reserved for the big screen in the forms of “Zamunda” and “Wakanda.”

A year into the pandemic, the Revs ask, “how are we adapting to this new reality?” People are forced to find their inner strengths to navigate the intersection of faith, culture, and politics during this extended season of disruption.

Inspired by Henry Louis Gates’ recent 2-part, 4-hour documentary on the history, resilience, vitality and future of the Black Church, the Revs discuss how we might reimagine the future of post-COVID The Black Church. They will share their dreams, visions and hope as well as their fears, concerns and the challenges. Join them for this special episode of the All Rev’d Up Podcast brought to you with support from The Corporation For Public Broadcasting.

On the 92nd birthday of Martin Luther King, the Revs look at Dr. King’s words reminding America, “this is who we are”. As the new year begins, the two different Americas continue to persist. From police treatment towards rioters at the Capitol to a another Black teenager falsely accused of criminality, Black people are experiencing a redux of white supremacy.

Why does Black representation matter so much to Black communities not just in government but on the big screen too? In this changing landscape where race rests at the forefront, the Revs discuss the value of seeing Black faces in prominent roles in front of and behind the camera.

Holiday season is upon us, but this year will be different. Spending time with family is different. Holiday spending will be limited due to economic hardship. Staying safe is prudent this year. Although ‘the COVID seasonal blues’ may hit harder this year, how can Black people keep their faith through this rough period?

As we move forward beyond a contentious election, how can Black people reclaim what was lost over the last four years? As The Revs continue forging a path to reclaim Black agency, award-winning columnist, Renee Graham of the Boston Globe joins the conversation.

Following a stressful election, The Revs address the daunting question, ‘Where do we go from here?’ invoking the words of Dr. Martin Luther King. Despite who wins, there will be a call for healing a divided nation, and The Revs offer a sense of hope and direction.

As we head into the final days of the 2020 Election, which has monumental impacts, The Revs discuss the history of voter suppression and how it’s still going on. The Revs also discuss how Black people have often been the target of voter suppression efforts.

Vaccination trials for COVID-19 are being conducted by HBCU medical schools, and some of them are asking for more Black participation, but will Black people be trusting enough of the medicine to try it? Black people are not largely anti-vaxxers, but they understand the history of medical experimentation done on Black bodies. Also, the pandemic has exposed the disparities in America’s healthcare system that has disproportionately affected the Black community.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the civil unrest have upended our daily lives and routines, creating uncertainty and anxiety, and grief. How we grieve and mourn and the practices and rituals that normally bring comfort aren't readily accessible during this incredibly isolating and challenging period. The Revs will talk about how the unique styles of black funerals "home goings" have functioned as both a form of pastoral care and celebration for its bereaved community.

As the nation continues to confront the ills of systemic racism and oppression, the Black community is using its agency and influence to fight back. The Revs take a look at the power of Black culture in a riveting discussion about athletics, music and faith.

Kamala Harris makes history as the first Black woman on a presidential ticket. As we pay homage to Shirley Chisolm, Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price III take a look at how Harris' selection is being received from the Black community.

After a brief (or not-so-brief) hiatus, Irene and Emmett – also known as “The Revs” are back and ready to be bold, and also broaden the podcast amid changes in the world. The Revs introduce the second season of “All Rev’d Up” in this trailer in preparation of the August 26 season premiere.

On their final episode of All Rev’d Up’s premier season, Irene and Emmett talk about Tyler Perry, the multi-talented actor, producer, writer and director, and his new production and studio complex in Atlanta. The new Tyler Perry Studios opened, to much fanfare, on the site of a former US military complex and is now the largest film studio in the country. It has established Perry as the first African-American to outright own a major film and production studio in the United States.

On today’s show, The Revs sit down with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley from Massachusetts’ 7th Congressional District. They talk about her role in the current impeachment proceedings and her belief in due process of the law, her faith as a foundation for her work in government and civic life, her thoughts on reparations and how we arrive at fair compensation, income inequality, and her efforts on criminal justice reform.

On today’s show, Emmett and Irene examine Rapper Kanye West’s newest venture, his Sunday “pop-up” services at various churches and venues around the country. Is this a new hustle for Kanye? Another form of self-promotion? Or is he on a redemption journey, reclaiming his Christian identity? Rebranding and reinventing himself?

On today’s episode, The Revs ask: is there a proper use of the N-word? They dissect the word’s usage from historical figures like James Baldwin and Muhammad Ali to the hip hop generation, leading up to the country’s current political climate, asking: with its legacy of oppression and hate, can you ever reclaim the n-word?

Are we losing the Jeffersonian ideal of “the separation of church and state”? Or did we ever have it to begin with? Emmett and Irene look at how church leaders choose to insert themselves, and their congregations, into the political debate.

Spurred by a statement by Princeton Professor Eddie Glaude, Jr. that “we are in a cold civil war,”the Revs ask: Are we engaged in new civil war, or did the war never really end for Black Americans? Who is engaged in this contemporary fight and have the weapons changed?

In commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Africans in Jamestown, setting the stage for slavery and it’s legacy in the United States, The Revs talk reparations: What should they look like, and who should get them?

The Revs discuss forgiveness as it relates to two notable incidents of violence on the African-American community: The death of Eric Garner on Staten Island at the hands of the New York Police Department, and the mass shooting of congregants and clergy at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC. Is it OK to forgive in the wake of such unspeakable acts? Is there healing after forgiveness?

In this episode, Rev. Monroe and Rev. Price discuss the “one drop” rule and defining “Blackness”, in response to the recent discussions, questioning Sen. Kamala Harris’ blackness.

On their first episode, the Revs delve into “When They See Us,” a Netflix dramatization of the story of the Central Park Five and the poignant question it poses: What do they see when they see us? And who, exactly, is the “they?”

All Rev'd Up is coming soon! Join Reverend Irene Monroe and Reverend Emmett G. Price III in their conversations around race, faith, and this week’s headlines. All Rev’d Up launches on July 10, 2019.