While Black

If you can dream it you can achieve it is much more than just a popular phrase especially when you are Brya Wood. Brya is one of the most sought after hip hop dancers in the country. She has danced for the biggest talent on the stage (Janet Jackson, Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder, Missy, Pharrell….) and starred in a few dope tv and film roles. We are blessed that she was kind enough to swing by and spend some time with While Black. Brya inspires us all on how to go from where you are to where you want to be and how to gracefully do it your own way. She drops gem after gem about believing in yourself and recognizing your own power. Plus we get her take on twerk videos ...are the good for the culture or bad for the culture. Brya makes it plain that giving up isn't in her vocabulary and it shouldn't be in your either. If you have ever dreamed but have not yet realized that dream then you have to listen to her break it all the way down. Brya was dope, lively, and one of our favorite guests...her authenticity pours all over this episode. Make sure you get to know her and follow her on IG, FB, Twitter @bryawoods and please check out her single “Papercuts” Don’t forget get social with While Black IG: WHILE_BLACK; TWITTER @whileblackpc; FB @whileblackpodcast or email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wealth building is one of the most important things that black folks need to do. Jay Morrison, CEO of The Tulsa Real Estate Fund, is here hitting us with data, facts, and know how all focused on elevating your person and your wealth position. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cancer sucks and I'm willing to bet in one way or another you've felt its wrath. The diagnosis is scary as hell and life changing but data and information is your best friend in fighting it ... dont sweat it tho While Black has your back. This special episode focuses on cancer prevention and empowers US by sharing pertinent must know information. Today while Black sits down with cancer researcher Ashley Banks. Ashley breaks down the what and how behind cancer, the inspiration for her holistic health business (Naturally Mary), and the benefits of veganism and a healthy diet as a cancer prevention tactic. Plus we hear who she'd rather hangout with Cardi b or Beyonce. For anyone cancer curious or cancer affected this is a must listen episode. Follow Ashley on IG @thereal_ashleybanks and @GoNaturallyMary; or hit her website at https://gonaturallymary.com/ Please follow While Black on our social media IG: WHILE_BLACK; TWITTER @whileblackpc; FB @whileblackpodcast or email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Staying woke is more work than woke. Digging in and forming your own perspective is not an easy thing. The world is noisy and most of it comes from those who who would have you picking cotton rather than picking homes on their block. How do you re-educate yourself when the country is vested in your miseducation? How do you trust yourself when the country says you aren't trustworthy? Today While Black sits down with Justin Blu and dives into a great conversation on getting woke and staying woke while black. Justin breaks down so much in this episode including was segregation a civil right or a civil wrong, why we MUST pay attention to the treatment of other ethnicities, and what black people need more than anything. Please download or listen now and “Stay Woke” Enjoy this episode and make sure to go follow Justin on his social channels www.Justinblu.com; (IG/Twitter: justinblu_ ; FB: @JustinBluUniversity Please follow While Black on our social media IG: WHILE_BLACK; TWITTER @whileblackpc; FB @whileblackpodcast or email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We get some dope guests on While Black and today's guest stays the trend..this brother was literally on Honey Nut Cheerios cereal boxes. Now real talk how many folks do you personally that have been on a damn box of cereal? (I'll Wait) While Black had the chance to sit down with NASCAR pioneer and living legend Bill Lester. Bill wanted to drive fast since his teen years and finally by age 40 made it to the nation's biggest racing stage. Our conversation today leans in hard on how to find your way to your dreams even when the thing you are dreaming about isn't necessarily accepting of who you are. Bill discusses how powerful the support of a black woman can be and calls out his wife specifically for pushing and pulling him to get out there and make his dreams come true. (Pro tip: Black Woman are indeed magic) He also goes in depth on being black and educated in NASCAR shining light on both the amazing times and struggles that being a black race car driver created. Bill is a member of a VERY small group of African Americas to participate in the sport of NASCAR. His story is both black history and a reminder of what black future can look like - we can do anything, be anywhere, and accomplish everything!!!! This is not only a good episode but it holds true to the While Black promise of exposing you to new perceptions and experiences. Enjoy this episode and make sure to go engage with Bill at www.billlester.com Please follow While Black on our social media IG: WHILE_BLACK; TWITTER @whileblackpc; FB @whileblackpodcast or email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twerk, Millie Rock, The Cabbage patch, The Dougie, The Electric Slide, Flossing, Breaking, The Moonwalk, Ballet …… Dance (Oh we do that) is rich in our history and culture. It has been a partner to our community for as long as we have been black and today we are blessed to chat with one of Dance Magazines Top 25 Dancers to Watch - Mr Juel D Lane. We discuss being a black career dancer, the importance of the older and newer dances, and how black people have left their mark on the industry. Are we fully recognized the way we should be and what's next for black dancers? Also how do we as black people enjoy our right to be angry while not feeding into the the angry black (Fill in the blank) stereotypes that exist … When can we live in our feeling and our moment without the burden of teaching falling at our footsteps? Our While Black Isht today is about the all time best dance scene in a black classic or “hood” movie, Did OJ do it, and What do you love most about life while black? After you listen make sure to check out Ailey II Choreographer, Camille A Brown dancer and Celebrations of Dance Choreographer of the year Mr Juel Lane at www.Jueldlane.com or catch him on IG @jueldlane Don’t forget to follow While Black on all our social media IG: WHILE_BLACK; TWITTER @whileblackpc; FB @whileblackpodcast or email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you hear that someone is a black republican what is the first thought that you have. We polled a few people and the answers didn't surprise me.. Entitled Sellout Bougie Detached Wealthy Regardless as to if you agree or disagree with the words used to describe black Republicans I'd like to pose the question are those words fair? Is it fair to judge someone simply because of a political affiliation? We are of the mindset that if we as black folks are to change our situation and rewrite the accepted narrative on us we will need all of us regardless of income, education, or party affiliation. We need the power of diversity represented by the full spectrum of black people. So as you listen to our black Republican guest Takosha Swan and whether you agree or disagree consider where we can find common ground to go out and win...together! As with any conversation there were points made by Takosha that While Black disagreed with but there were also some that we agreed with. This episode will help you learn a different mindset as well as how to partner with someone that you may disagree with. Lastly please remember that While Black is a forum meant to bring black people together and discuss our struggles, similarities, and differences..this isn't Fox or CNN and there will NEVER be fighting between blacks folks on this show Hit play or download to get all the details Then make sure you get closer to Takosha and all of her work by visiting businesswomenconsulting.com or her IG: @Takoshaswan Please follow While Black on our social media IG: WHILE_BLACK; TWITTER @whileblackpc; FB @whileblackpodcast or email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would you ask the family who enslaved your ancestors? Could you listen to them, forgive them...love them? Would you be sympathetic to their plight and misguided actions? These are some of the topics that we touch on today as we sit down with Diana Roman, a descendant of the Hairston family...one of the largest slave owning families in American history. Over the course of their dominance they owned and managed 43 plantations accounting for over 10,000 enslaved Africans. Diana is eager to redirect her legacy from the atrocities of slavery to possibilities of genealogical reconnection. Her family has complete an intact record for every person they enslaved and are working with the other large historical slave holding families and the mormon to church to provide these records….answering genealogical questions for millions. Hit play or download to get all the details Then make sure you get closer to Diana and all of her work by visiting ourblackancestry.com. Please follow While Black on our social media IG: WHILE_BLACK; TWITTER @whileblackpc; FB @whileblackpodcast or email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If social justice matters to you then take my word for it THIS IS THE EPISODE FOR YOU. Social Justice Fighter Attorney Gerald Griggs lays it out like none other … PERIOD. We talk everything from being to woke to vote, what social justice is and how we find our way to the promise land and what a social justice league would look like today. We also open up the While Black Anti Racism Call Center getting you prepared to handle any racist words coming your way. Just go listen RIGHT NOW to Attorney Gerald Griggs Make sure to catch up with Attorney Greggs on his social platforms - it’s easy they are all @attorneygriggs or catch him on his website at www.geraldagriggs.com/ Please follow While Black on our social media IG: WHILE_BLACK; TWITTER @whileblackpc; FB @whileblackpodcast or email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can Hip Hop has save Black America? That's the question we pose to a hip hop originator the legendary DJ Hurricane. Hurricane cut his teeth in hip hops early years alongside Run DMC and his best friend Jam Master Jay while creating his own brand as the long time DJ for the Beastie Boys. On this episode we talk how hip hop has created an economy allowing more of us to thrive and survive than sports. We also hear his thoughts on the growth and future of hip hop and learn if maybe hip hop missed an opportunity to create advocates in white america where enemies now stand. Hurricane breaks down his role in hip hop today, his daughter's success on the reality show Growing Up Hip Hop, and spills the bean on his new project Jay’s Hat, launching soon!!! Tune in now and understand the experience of not just growing up hip hop but being active in the birth of hip hop Make sure you follow DJ Hurricane on Instagram @djhurricane1 Please follow While Black on our social media IG: WHILE_BLACK; TWITTER @whileblackpc; FB @whileblackpodcast or email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If the hustle is more art than science then today's guest Sammy Approved (The Hip Hop Barbara Walters) is without question a critically acclaimed artist. She has developed a knack to not only find her way into amazing opportunities but also to create opportunities in the places she wishes to be. The power of believing in yourself and turning that belief into action is a skill the black community can always learn and improve upon - and Sammy has it down cold! Today's episode isn't about what black about what she does but instead its a focus on creating success while black and not stopping until YOU are satisfied with your position. Download this one now and get busy building!. Make sure to follow Sammy Approved: IG @sammyapproved, The I Do Music Podcast @idmpodcast; The Girl Frans Podcast @girlfranspod; Sammy Approved TV www.sammyapproved.tv Please follow While Black on our social media IG: WHILE_BLACK; TWITTER @whileblackpc; FB @whileblackpodcast or email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ain’t much (and by ain't much we really mean nothing) we enjoy talking about more than Jesus and in todays episode we talk at length about the LORD and our expression of love for him via musical praise. This is a dope episode in general, but especially if you have ever been through anything. Most of us recognize that religion and gospel music have carried us through some dark time and some amazing moments and we were blessed to have Gospel Recording Group Half Mile Home in the studio with us to share all things gospel and address a few of their dark and amazing times. They take us on a ride covering their time with Jodeci and Missy in the basement all the way to praising the holy name of the lord up to building their own appliance business empire. All things are possible through faith and Half Mile Home is a shining example of that. Strap up and buckle in for an awesome episode with an inspirational and enlightening guest in Half Mile Home. Make sure you follow Half Mile Home on their webpage at www.halfmilehome.com as well on their ig page (@halfmilehome) Please follow While Black on our social media IG: WHILE_BLACK; TWITTER @whileblackpc; FB @whileblackpodcast or email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Being a casting agent is a dope gig, but just like any other job it comes with its share of hurdles. Racial bias, ignorance, and “black on black” crime are as prominent here as they are anywhere. Take a moment and chop it up with While Black and Rhavynn Drummer (Casting Director, Freelance & Tyler Perry Studios) as we talk casting while black. If you are interested in what's black about the industry, getting casted or starting a career behind the camera this is a must listen to episode. Rhavynn drops gem after gem and gives her opinion on the good the bad and the ugly. We also discuss those FB posts saying that Tyler Perry will buy you a new house if you just repost this one little post..SPOILER ALERT… STOP DREAMING.... Parting words ... “Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith”..... Hold on to that nugget from Rhavynn and apply it to every aspect of your life...You're welcome. Follow Rhavynn on her social channels below IG:@rhavynn; Official Website: www.rhavynndrummer.com Don't forget to follow and interact with While Black FB: @whileblackpodcast; Twitter: @whileblackpc; IG: While_Black; Email:[email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fitness starts with diet!!! If you don't take anything else from this episode take that. Today, just in time to support holding on and meeting your weight loss and fitness resolutions While Black was blessed to sit down with the Queen of Abs - Ms Santia Deck. Santia is a personal trainer, fitness model, athlete, and all around DOPE person that knows what she is talking about when it comes to health and fitness. If you have a desire to change your body or your level of health THIS IS A MUST LISTEN TO EPISODE. She breaks down the rules of health engagement, sheds the light of truth on to what a cheat day actually should be, and she drops pro tips to help you succeed. We also talk about the lack of color in the fitness industry and what our communities need to “shape up” and eat right. Make sure to go out there and follow Santia (The Queen of Abs) on her social media IG: Queenofabs or trackbaby001 and hit her website at www.queenofabs.com And make sure to follow The While Black Podcast - we want to make you better FB: @whileblackpodcast; Twitter: @whileblackpc; IG: While_Black; Email:[email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode was recording on location in Dwele's Atlanta Airbnb so the sound is slightly different from our normal - but its still AMAZING!!! This is a side of Dwele that you have not seen in interview before so take it in and enjoy it! The interview was simply DOPE!! Today we chat with National Recording Artist Dwele about the role of black music today as well as his music and its role in the culture. We touch on the history of music's relationship with black folks from songs like Strange Fruit to What’s Going On all the way up to todays music. We honestly have a great time talking good music. We learn whose entire musical catalog Dwele would erase if he had to and believe me the choices was gave made it an impossible question. Dwele also tells us what he thinks black folks need to create a better country for ourselves and has some dope advice for our community to “build a window” toward greater opportunity. For you Dwele fans this is a very different glimpse into one of the dopest soul music artists around today. Check this episode out now!!! Hit the download button now to join this conversation and have a great time learning about Soul Music, Dwele, and our culture. This is a great episode that you dont want to miss. We also want to know whose musical catalog you would cut...While Black Isht!!! Follow Dwele on his social channels below IG:@therealdwele; FB: @Dwele; Official Website: www.Dwele.com Don't forget to follow and interact with While Black FB: @whileblackpodcast; Twitter: @whileblackpc; IG: While_Black; Email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HIV is no longer a death sentence! It has changed considerably over the last decade and considering we make up a disproportionately large percentage of new HIV diagnoses we should all be better informed. Listen to Nona Nunu Thomas talk us through learning her diagnosis, how she is winning at life despite her diagnosis, and how she is enjoying healthy abundant relationships including monogamous unprotected sex while NOT transmitting the virus. Do you know what prep is? Do you know what pep is? Do you know your status? U=U undetectable means untransmittable Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the last episode of While Black season 1 Today's episode is a fun one. We introduce you to the third and primarily silent member of the While Black team...the man behind our dope quality...Wahid We talk while black shit, our favorites episodes and what's coming next for season 2 We also play a Tupac clip that shares the distinction of being the bedrock for which While Black is based. Tune in and enjoy We will drop a special episode on December 1 for world aids day…and then we will see you in January for While Black season 2 Peace!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS IS A MUST LISTEN TO EPISODE How many times growing up did we see our uncle who was always drunk or our aunt who was known to have conversations with herself. How many times did you hear that someone was getting a crazy check and how often were you told just to be careful around that certain family member. Mental illness affects so many of us that it has become normalized. So much that we often don't recognize it and often dont get treatment. 1 in 5 US adults suffer from mental illness and 1 in 16 suffer from major mental illness. Today we sit down with Dr Harrison Davis to dive into mental illness in the black community. We learn what mental illness can look like and how we can better take care of those around us who suffer from it. We also learn how to increase our chances of surviving a police interaction when in the middle of a mental health crisis. For more information on Mental Illness please visit The national alliance on mental illness (NAMI.ORG) Please find more info on Dr Harrison at his website (harrisondavis.com) or on his podcast Two Therapist and a Microphone Follow While Black on our social media channels IG: while_black. Twitter:whileblackpc fb:@whileblackpodcast email:[email protected] #blackhealth #mentalhealth #mentalillness #NAMI #blackfamily #Broken #depression #anxiety #hope #recovery #stress #bravenotbroken Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Exotic dancing is by some accounts a taboo career but for those in it its a job like so many others and dancers deal with the same bias and racism that the rest of us do. Tune in and listen to Dani Love break down the exotic dance industry. Listen up its a good one! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s a story the world needs to hear and you are the only person who can tell it? Today on While Black we talk with the author of 16 novels and owner of Delphine Publications Tamika Newhouse. Tamika goes in depth on how she created her own success - growing from teen mom to prominent CEO and successful author We learn what makes her tick, why she is winning, and why you should be too. Listen to Tamika’s thoughts on how to go from where you are to where you should be and why it is so important to tell our own stories! Tune in - Be Inspired - Become an inspiration This one is a lot of fun Find Tamika: Twitter @Tamikanewhouse; FB Tamika Newhouse or her website TamikaNewhouse.com Catch us on all our social media Twitter:whileblackpc. Fb:@whileblackpodcast. IG: While_black and email [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each one teach one - The barbershop ... While Black The black mans country club it's where we go to look good, feel good, and recharge. It's a safe place to be a black man uninterrupted for 45 minutes and its role is an important today as it has always been. Honestly speaking we would argue it's more important today than it's ever been. Today we take you inside the barbershop and barbershop conversations with Zoe. We talk the state of Black America, black men and fathers, and what's next for us. We apologize to black women collectively and we discuss how the barbers in the shop have been and need to be again role models in our communities. Enjoy the ride… Follow Zoe: IG@Zoecuts and on FB@Diamond zoe Catch us on all our social media Twitter:whileblackpc. Fb:@whileblackpodcast. IG: While_black and email [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prison isn't what it looks like on TV and today we go in-depth with a former Rikers Island CO on the real and the raw behind life in prison. This is a rough and descriptive episode but hopefully you walk away with a clear understanding of what life in prison really looks like Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are we STILL enslaved or is that just our history? Who were my people and where do i come from? Download or play now to hear genealogy expert Sharon Morgan help direct you to these answers regarding our history, our need to heal, and that age old question "Where do I come from" Take a ride with While Black Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where is my 40 acres and a mule? This episodes goes deep into the history of housing discrimination (redlining, blockbusting, and gentrification) and talks strategies for changing the narrative today. Join us as we chat with real estate historian and agent Andrea Morgan on this incredibly important topic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From ways to grow your sexual confidence and what foods make your vagina taste great all the way to sexual trauma and what's black about sex - todays guest Meka Nicole stays open and honest about it all Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breaking into the highly guarded world of film and TV is already hard but now imagine doing it while black. Today we chat with Dui Jarrod for an up close and personal look at what it takes as well as how important dreaming yourself to a new reality really is Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Black: A Podcast on Black Excellence with two seriously opinionated hosts bringing you the real and the sometimes raw on anything happening while black. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve all felt that internal rage while in public and fought to keep our “inner n-word” in check. We’ve all called that friend at work and heard them greet us in their “white” voice and if we are honest we all have our own “white” voice. All brown and black people code switch - so now lets have a real conversation about it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Black TV once had the power to pull the family together for quality time and conversations. Does is still and are we missing this element as today's black family? Where is the time that we grow TOGETHER while we listen and learn with and from each other? Lets talk about it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hear directly from a black law enforcement officer on exactly how he feels about the current relationship between black people and the police. Mac breaks down the duality of the mind of a black policeman in Trumps America Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every new "hashtag" has an impact - each is taking a toll on us. Racial Injustice hurts us all and the murder of Antwon Rose is no different. Lets talk about it Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A conversation on your rights when dealing with the police along with suggestions to prepare our children and ourselves to manage through these often unfair situations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We kick off the inaugural episode of While Black introducing you to your hosts Art and Vince. We find out why this idea was important to them and hear what they think it means to be a black man in America today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices