The HBCU Podcast

This episode is all about the historic election of Howard University alumna, Vice President Kamala Harris. I’m joined by Political Organizer, Social Justice Advocate and Claflin University alumnus, Derrick Quarles. We recap the 2021 Inauguration, our hopes and expectations for the Biden/Harris Administration and uplift the HBCU graduates who were at the helm of this political success. MORE INFO: Instagram, Twitter & TikTok: @Politicalwiz Instagram, Twitter & Facebook: @TheHBCUPodcast Find us: TheHBCUPodcast.com

On this episode, we speak with Mr. Ray Cunninghamn. He’s a graduate of Virginia State University. Ray is a MultiMedia Maven who has established himself on various platforms including television, radio, and digital. He’s best known for putting his HBCU on the map as a cast member of BET’s College Hill and now a member of VH1’s Love & Hip Hop Hollywood cast. During this episode, we discuss his career, HBCU experience, and NEW HBCU board game, Yardopoly. College Hill [9:00] Love & Hip Hop [13:03] Yardopoly [25:09] Beyonce Inspires [31:35] Advice for Grads [34:29]

On this episode, we speak with Dayna Kent. She’s a graduate of Edward Waters College. Dayna currently serves as Vice President of Membership for the UNCF National Alumni Council. Her vast HBCU advocacy reaches from Germany to the DMV area where she served as President of the DC Metropolitan Alumni Chapter for Edward Waters College and as a board member for UNCF’s Washington Inter Alumni Council. During this episode, we discuss her HBCU experience, philanthropy, and how a chance encounter with the late great Johnnie Cochran started it all. Meeting Johnny Cochran [6:30] Becoming an HBCU Advocate[16:32] Pre-Alumni Council [22:00 ] VP of Membership for UNCF NAC [27:06] EWC Alumni Weekend [42:45] Memories of EWC [54:24] Why Choose an HBCU [59:20]

On this episode, we speak with Regan Farley. She’s a graduate of Lincoln University. Regan is a successful Publicist and Author. She’s worked for companies such as Fox Broadcasting Company, NBCUniversal, Def Jam Records, CBS Television and PS Media Talent, and now the Regan Farley Agency. During this episode, we discuss her HBCU experience, her career as a publicist and she drops some useful career gems for recent grads to utilize during this pandemic. SHOW NOTES: Choosing Lincoln [8:46] Advice for New Grads in Job Market [22:05] Giving Back to Lincoln [31:39] Why Choose HBCU[ 35:17] MORE INFO: Instagram: @RaeThePublicist

On this episode, we speak with an alumnus of Claflin University and SC State University, Jamaal Lemon. Jamaal is a Cicerone-certified beer server, co-creator of The Wayfarer Study podcast, co-curator of Help The Pour Podcast, father of Satchel, and husband of Nikki. He's a die-hard fan of the Clemson Tigers, Imperial Chocolate Stouts, and Thursdays. During this episode, we discuss his HBCU experience, his love for beer and how he’s blazing new trails in the beer industry. SHOW NOTES: HBCU Journey [8:58] World of Beer Interns [26:20] Beer Black History Moment [39:45] Read It: Homo Deus - Yuval Noah Harari MORE INFO: IG: @sweetgrass3 Twitter: @wayfarerstudy Website: goodbeerhunting.com

On this episode, we speak with Danielle Deadwyler. She's a graduate of Spelman College. Danielle is a multidisciplinary performance artist, actor, and filmmaker. She’s graced theatre stages, big screens and televisions screens with guest-star roles on BET's Being Mary Jane, OWN's Greenleaf, Tyler Perry’s The Haves & The Have Nots and the upcoming Reckoning set to hit theaters this Fall. During this episode, we discuss her HBCU experience and discuss her artistry in depth. SHOW NOTES: Choosing Spelman [10:08] Choosing Acting [19:32] Atlanta's Evolving Entertainment Scene [32:50] Favorite Spelman Memories [49:02] Giving to Spelman [51:32] MORE INFO: Instagram: DanielleDeadwyler Facebook: Danielle Deadwyler Website: danielledeadwyler.com

On this episode, we speak with 2x Alumnus of Tuskegee University, Davie Rickenbacker. Davie currently serves as a Health Communication Specialist at the CDC the nation's leading public health agency. He was recently thrust into the spotlight as a contestant on CBS’ Survivor and can now be found doing at speaking engagements and charity events. During this episode, we discuss his HBCU legacy, his rise to reality TV stardom and his love for Tuskegee. SHOW NOTES: His Family’s HBCU Legacy [5:10] CBS Survivor: Season 37 [29:00] Perks of Survivor: [46:00] Being a Blerd and Cosplay [52:00] Tuskegee Alumni Shoutouts [01:04:37] MORE INFO: Instagram: @IAmDavie Twitter: @ITweetDavie SnapChat: @ISnapDavie Facebook: Davie Rickenbacker

On this episode, we speak with Cheyney University of Pennsylvania alumnus, Kyle Adams. Kyle currently serves as the Associate Head Women's Basketball Coach at University of Arkansas -Pine Bluff. He’s also a speaker and athletic consultant. During this episode, we discuss how his HBCU experience, his commitment to supporting women in leadership and athletic coaching and how his business helps establish a firm foundation for leaders, coaches, and student-athletes. SHOW NOTES: Chris Broussard “Rich Paul Rule” [18:20] Women’s Sports Being Marginalized [30:32] It’s Bigger Than The Ball [38:07] HBCU Memories at Cheyney [51:58] MORE INFO: IG • FB • Twitter: @CoachKA20 Website: ItsBiggerThanTheBall.com

On this episode, we speak with Cris Laniese, Bethune -Cookman University alumna. Cris is a professional artist, and Creative Director Artpocalypse Atlanta. She’s shown at exhibitions throughout the Country and her work can be found in galleries in Atlanta, New York & Jacksonville. During this episode, we discuss her HBCU experience, her passion for art and the artist and her mission to bring more awareness and visibility to Black Art. MORE INFO: Cris’ Instagram @CrisLaniese Artpocalypse Instgram @ArtpocalypseAtlanta Get Tix: Artpocalypse ATL Upper Echelon Exhibit

On this episode, we speak with Antonio McFarland, he’s a graduate of Claflin University. Antonio currently serves as the Assistant Director of Admissions at Claflin University. He’s a motivational speaker, and new author. During this episode, we discuss how his HBCU experience helped him see the world, his new book and how his chosen career path continues to provide access to students in pursuit of higher education. SHOW NOTES: Studying Abroad in Paris [7:15] What you love most about Admissions [14:55] Author of “College Is Possible” [16:00] Book Release / Scholarship [22:00] Why Choose An HBCU [45:44] MORE INFO: Instagram: @1antoniomcfarland Purchase College Is Possible by Antonio McFarland: Grab a Copy! Attend Book Launch/ Donate to Scholarship: CollegeIsPossible.eventbrite.com

On this episode, we speak with Dr. Eve Hudson, She’s a graduate of Shaw University. Dr. Eve is the Founder and Chief Strategist of The Purpose Professor, she’s a podcast host, motivational speaker, and author. Her lively personality and brilliant insight can be heard on her very on podcast, First Gen Lounge. During this episode, we discuss her HBCU experience, her career transition and why she’s on a mission to inspire, empower, and uplift first-gens. SHOW NOTES: The Purpose Professor [12:10] First Gen Lounge [20:25] Why is #9 Significant to Eve [32:45] Joining Delta Sigma Theta / Greek Life [44:05] HBCU Giving [53:48] Why Choose HBCU[ 01:00:26] MORE INFO: Instagram: @evehudsonphd Follow Dr. Eve at www.evehudsonphd.com Purchase 1865 by Dr. Eve Hudson: Grab a Copy!

On this episode, we speak with Samantha Booker a 2013 graduate of Paine College. Samantha is an educator, author, and speaker. Her passion for education can be witnessed daily in her work as gifted teacher and through her inspiring lesson on leadership with youth and young adults. During this episode, we discuss her HBCU experience, her children’s book and her role as Teacher of the Year for Richmond County, Georgia. SHOW NOTES: What is a gifted teacher [12:05] RBOE Teacher of the Year 19-20 [20:00] Becoming an author [27:30] MORE INFO: Instagram: @LeaderSLBooker • @LeadersStandUp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadersStandUp Website: https://leadersstandup.org

On this episode, we speak about a scandal that further proves that privilege exists in this country. The College Admission Scandal which according to the Justice Department is THE largest ever college admissions prosecution. We chat with friend of the podcast and resident Admissions expert, Mr. Jefferey Pierce, II who serves as Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management at Edwards Waters College. Share your feedback on this topic! SHOW NOTES: Admissions Scandal [7:05] False Test Scores [ 17:06] Admissions Tips [29:12] MORE INFO: Instagram: @IAMProDev • @ParallelInception Website: www.ParallelInception.com Find us: TheHBCUPodcast.com

On this episode, we speak with Xav Handfield. He’s a graduate of Bethune Cookman University. Xav is a successful Speaker, Consultant, and Coach. His lively personality can be seen and heard at various venues as he speaks with a mission to develop youth and young adults. He also is using his gift to introduce to a better way of living through “The Plant Based Brotha.” During this episode, we discuss his HBCU experience, the plant based lifestyle and why he’s so passionate about inspiring before he expires. SHOW NOTES: The Plant Based Brotha [22:20] Forget Fear [37:41] Homecoming at Bethune-Cookman [54:40] Why Choose HBCU[ 01:08] MORE INFO: Instagram: @ThePlantBasedBrotha Facebook: The Plant Based Brotha YouTube: The Plant Based Brotha

THIS IS A SPECIAL EPISODE! In September, we celebrated our 1 year anniversary with a LIVE show in Charlotte and two really amazing HBCU graduates and lots of love from the HBCU community! Our 1st guest is Claflin University Alumnus, Barry White, Jr., he’s the North Carolina educator that has gained national recognition as the “Handshake Teacher” he’s been featured on The Today Show, The Steve Harvey Show and countless other media outlets for his excellent work in education AND our 2nd guest is Travis P. Jackson, North Carolina A&T alumnus. He's the CEO and founder of the popular online platform, HBCU Pride Nation. He's known for highlighting the HBCU Culture and partnering with brands like FORD, Regions Bank, The Black College Hall of Fame just to name a few. Follow Barry: @ThatsBWhite Follow Travis: @IAmTravisJackson Follow HBCU Pride Nation: @HBCUPrideNation Follow us: @TheHBCUPodcast

On this episode, we speak with Bakari Sellers. He’s a graduate of Morehouse College. Bakari is an attorney, politician, CNN political commentator and he’s adding to the national conversation on race, politics and social justice as the host of his popular podcast, Viewpoint with Bakari Sellers. During the episode, we discuss his HBCU experience, his career, and his political future. Bakari 2020? BAKARI QUOTABLES: “You’re in classes, you’re in dorms and on teams with other people who are going to have a place in society, have upward mobility, be successful. Iron sharpens iron.” — Bakari Sellers “I think one of the things Morehouse and all HBCUs do is teach when you leave that school, you can compete anywhere and against anyone. Morehouse reinforces that for sure.” — Bakari Sellers SHOW NOTES: Interest in Politics [6:09] Political Commentary [11:00] Would you sit down with Trump? [15:52] Would you run for President of the U.S.? [20:29] Follow Bakari on Twitter: @Bakari_Sellers Follow Bakari on Instagram: @BakariSellers AND Rate & Review The HBCU Podcast on Apple Podcasts

On this episode, we speak with Jahylin Mckee. She’s a graduate of Savannah State University. Jahylin is the owner and lead publicist for J. McKee & Co. having worked exclusively with Remy Ma, New York & LA Fashion Week, Calvin Klein, and BET to name a few. During this episode, we discuss her experience as an HBCU queen and how consistently sending her resume to Cardi B’s publicist landed her an internship and job. JAHYLIN QUOTABLES: “You are not a number. You are definitely joining a village of people that support you way beyond the classroom.” — Jahylin McKee “Had I not gone to Savannah State, who I am today, my career path and just the way I navigate throughout life and look at life would have been completely different,” — Jahylin McKee SHOW NOTES: High School/College Relationship [9:48] Being An HBCU Queen [14:17 - 23:00] HBCU Queens & Kings Conf. [24:25 - 29:03] Career as Publicist [33:00] MORE INFO: Instagram: @LifeAsJahylin

On this episode, we speak with Jameer Pond. He’s a graduate of Lincoln University. Jameer is a successful Media Personality and Content Creator. His lively personality can be seen and heard on shows like The Grapevine, We Shall Over Chug, Black Boy Joy and AOL’s “Build Brunch.” During this episode, we discuss his HBCU experience, his former life as a comedian and he drops some major career gems for those interested in the digital media industry. JAMEER QUOTABLES: “The culture and Black fabric of millennials is heavily populated by people that have went to HBCUs and obtained degrees from HBCUs.” — Jameer Pond “There’s an influx of love, positivity and cultural movement from people who went to HBCUs in 2018.” — Jameer Pond SHOW NOTES: Young Jameer [15:21] Work in Media (Def Jam, BET etc.) [20:20] Content Creator Gems [32:20 - 47:20] Homecoming at Lincoln [54:20] Why Choose HBCU[ 01:01:12 ] MORE INFO: Instagram: @ItsJameer The Grapevine We Shall Over Chug Black Boy Joy

On this episode, we speak with Denez Green. He’s a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University. Denaz is a Managing Partner of the Black Alumni Ball, LLC a formal event aimed to connect Black professionals and influencers. During this episode, we discuss his HBCU experience, his career in architectural engineering and we hear from an actual Aggie what specifically makes North Carolina A&T’s Homecoming the “Greatest Homecoming On Earth.” DENAZ QUOTABLES: “You have to be nurtured. You have to be nurtured culturally, you have to be nurtured scholastically, you have to be nurtured by the community. I feel that's what an HBCU gives you.” — Denaz Green “Every HBCU gives you that nurturing aspect that you need to be successful.” — Denaz Green SHOW NOTES: http://blackalumniball.com/ HBCU Experience [3:00] GHOE Explained [12:06] Black Alumni Ball [18:16] HBCU Giving [29:35] MORE INFO: Black Alumni Ball - DC • August 11th • www.BlackAlumniBall.com Black Alumni Ball - Charlotte • November 16th • www.BlackAlumni.com Donate to the Statesmen College Preparatory Academy for Boys visit Statesmenboys.org Instagram /Facebook @BlackAlumniBall Instagram /Facebook @Nxlevel Follow Denaz Green Instagram: @Its_Naz

On this episode, we speak with Chajuanna “CJ” Gathers. She’s a graduate of Benedict College. Chajuanna is a higher ed. professional and the founder of “The W.E. Group” a woman’s empowerment group based in Charleston, SC. Her organization’s purpose is to help provide emotional & spiritual healing, overall wellness, and to promote dreams, visions & goals of women. During this episode, we discuss her HBCU journey, her career and her impactful organization. CHAJUANNA QUOTABLES: “I don’t care who it is. If another woman is doing something positive, I want to be there. I want to support that.” — Chajuanna Gathers “You’re going to have these professors that look just like you, that have done what you’ve done, and are now pouring back into you. It’s invaluable.” — Chajuanna Gathers SHOW NOTES: College Major [15:00] Corporate World [22:00] The W.E. Group [28:25- 46:45] HBCU Experience [47:00] Advice [54:40] For more information about The W.E. Group, visit www.TheWEGroup.org