In the Blackseat

In the Blackseat is an unfiltered view of the Black experience, as told by Black people. Join us as we discuss everything from raising Black children to Black hair to being Black in the diaspora - this is a no holds barred exploration of the beauty, pain and diversity of being Blackity Black in the world today. In a world that stays trying to tell us who we are, we are controlling the narrative.

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In the Blackseat

S3E3 | In the Blackseat | Black in Academia - A Conversation with Dr. Ricky L. Jones

May 04, 2022 • Liz M. • Season 3 • Episode 3

I can’t wait for you to meet Dr. Ricky L. Jones, chair of the Pan African Studies department at the University of Louisville, Kentucky - one of the oldest in the country, nearing fifty years in existence. In a time where anything related to Black history is being attacked as CRT, you gotta know this is an especially tough time for him and his department.

Like my discussion with Elizabeth Leiba, our conversation took twists and turns as we discussed everything from why his current state of Kentucky is DNV (as in do not visit), the obstacles he faces trying to keep Black faces and Black voices at the university, why he believes all Black folks should go to college, and his theory that white people are Black people’s children.

We had a great time, and even had a WHOLE other discussion as we tried to wrap up with his definitions of Blackness and his Black heroes. He delivers the toughest ideas with a little bit of bless your heart, and y’all know what that phrase means. I hope you learn, challenge yourself, and grow listening to his VERY interesting thoughts and views. Let's go!