The Blackbelt Voices podcast tells stories from and about Black folks down South that honor our history, celebrate our culture, and shape our future. Through first-person narratives and in-depth conversations, hosts Adena J. White, Kara Wilkins, and Katrina Dupins share the experiences of Black Southerners living in, loving, and reconciling with the region we call home. Music: Prentice Dupins Jr. Logo Design: Kara Darling Creative
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Bourbon connoisseur, sneaker head, girl dad, community promoter and gym rat Leo Cummings III takes you on a journey through the human experience, diving into today’s hot topics through open-minded conversations with intriguing people. So pour you a drink, turn up your volume, and Pull Up A Chair.
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Choosing AR 102 with Dr. Karama Neal: California native Jean Block builds a life in Arkansas
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Choosing Arkansas with Dr. Karama Neal shares stories of those who chose Arkansas as their home. In this episode, Dr. Neal talks to Jean Block, the CEO of the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority. We hope these conversations inspire you to learn more about professional, educational, social and other opportunities in Arkansas, and soon, choose Ar…
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Choosing AR 101 with Dr. Karama Neal: Welcome Home, Samantha Evans
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Choosing Arkansas with Dr. Karama Neal shares stories of those who chose Arkansas as their home. We want to help you make the Natural State your natural choice. On today's episode, we talk to Samantha Evans about what brought her back to her home state after living away for many years. We hope these conversations inspire you to learn more about pro…
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Introducing "Choosing Arkansas" with Dr. Karama Neal
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Dr. Karama Neal, principal of Neal Firm, aspires to help Arkansas achieve its full potential as a place where Black people can thrive. Achieving this potential requires not only the engagement of current Black Arkansans but also the economic, social, and political involvement of Black people with ties to the state — whether it's through kinship, fr…
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Tune in to my chat with Adena White, founder of Blackbelt Media. In Episode 27, Adena’s passion for community and connection is clear as she shares her journey and her vision of fostering a stronger and more united community through authenticity, belonging and connection. Don’t miss this fun and inspirational conversation!…
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Growing Together Part 2 of 2: Urban Farmers Cultivating Community in Little Rock | Gabriyel El-Bey and Laverne Davis
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This is part two of our dive into urban agriculture. We’re talking about how Black farmers and growers are creating solutions to the lack of healthy food options in their communities. Be sure to listen to Episode 41 with Leroi Emerson, who serves on the board for Urban Patchwork. In this episode, we’re talking to Gabriyel El-Bey, the owner and oper…
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Growing Together Part 1 of 2: Urban Farmers Cultivating Community in Little Rock | LeRoi Emerson
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This two-part episode of the Blackbelt podcast explores how Urban Patchwork, a Little Rock-based nonprofit network of farmers and backyard gardeners, aims to build a sustainable local food economy and promote interdependence among residents. In part one, we hear from LeRoi Emerson, a board member for Urban Patchwork. He joins host Adena White to ta…
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Episode 26: Branson Vanlandingham
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On Episode 26, I sat down with Branson Van Landingham, a successful entrepreneur, visionary, and community builder. As the CEO and co-founder of Natty State Sports, a cutting-edge digital media platform, Branson is reshaping the landscape of sports media and digital media in general. Branson's mantra, "We lived it," speaks volumes about his dedicat…
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We're back in the saddle! In this episode, Adena and Kara discuss the relaunch of Blackbelt Voices as a platform for authentic storytelling. After completing a Social Impact Storytelling program at Georgetown University and a fellowship with Solutions Journalism Network, Adena has come back with fresh ideas of how Blackbelt Voices can emphasize the…
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Don't miss Episode 25 featuring the incredible Aaron Davis—a keynote speaker, author, cancer survivor, and former national champion football player! We dive deep into the power of motivation, maintaining a positive attitude, consistency, and overcoming obstacles. Tune into this one for his invaluable insights and inspiring journey!…
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It's hard not to be motivated by Rebecca @ladyanglerlentz's incredible journey. As an army veteran, two-time cancer survivor, and relentless go-getter, she shares invaluable wisdom on overcoming trauma, fueling personal growth, and not being afraid to try new things. Check out episode 24 today!Av Leo Cummings III
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Pull Up a Chair with Conway Fitness Kickboxing Jake Denton. In this episode, we got into his fighting career, his love for training others, and how his habits of practicing gratitude shape all of those things.Av Leo Cummings III
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Kuma Roberts, Executive Coach, and Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce President pulls up a chair in this episode. The Tulsa native talks about growing up in Tulsa, the world of DEI, and the idea that a lot more connects us than separates us. Kuma was a joy to talk to and I think you’ll enjoy our conversation. Check it out!…
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Todd Cate, co-creator and co-host of the now-retired Black Dude White Dude, a long-time friend and weight-loss expert pulls a chair, and just like that, the band was together again. Todd and I recounted the good ole days of BDWD and quickly launched into a variety of topics. The old-school BDWD banter was in full effect as we talked about the benef…
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Mural artist Jessica Jones pulls up a chair for the first episode of 2024. We dive into the journey that led her to Conway, the logistics of painting a 30-foot mural, and the devastating, life-changing event that pushed her to be a full-time artist. Her story of creativity and perseverance is one you don’t want to miss!…
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Jake Briley, Army veteran and airport director, pulls up a chair for the last episode of the year! From growing up in a military family to being appointed director of the Conway Municipal Airport, Jake offers a unique perspective on life after military service and the importance of aviation to community building.…
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Clint Schaff, a seasoned marketing executive, educator, and accomplished entrepreneur pulls up a chair. In this episode, Clint reflects on the path that has shaped his journey, offering a glimpse into the serendipitous moments that have contributed to his success. Since beginning his career in education, Clint has marketed international brands incl…
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In this episode, speaker and social entrepreneur Lorenzo Lewis pulls up a chair and shares his inspiring journey of transforming pain into purpose. After literally being born in prison, Lorenzo overcame major obstacles and emerged as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Lorenzo founded The Confess Project, empowering barbers to become mental health ad…
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Jamie Ward pulls up a chair and shares her inspiring journey of resilience, grief, and triumph. Through suffering personal tragedy, starting her own company, and completing the 29029 Everesting Challenge, Jamie shares her unique perspective on how to make big changes to your own life and the world around you.…
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Episode 15: Bourbon Brainstorming with Zach and Corey
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Introducing a new segment of Pull up a Chair - Bourbon Brainstorming! Zach Carter and Corey Parks, two of my very best friends, pull up a chair as we talk through the black experience from our three perspectives.Av Leo Cummings III
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Ray Walker, CEO and Artistic Director of Saint Cloud Bourbon, pulls up a chair and tells his story of leaving corporate America behind to pursue his passion for wine. He then went on to use that same passion to create Saint Cloud Bourbon, where he combines his love of art with an interest in creating great bourbon.…
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In this episode, Justin Patton pulls up a chair and shares his journey of pushing through personal tragedy and how he has used his own experience to help and encourage others to lead lives of purpose and authenticity. Justin is an executive coach, leadership presence expert, and award-winning author.…
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Episode 12 - Part 2: Marybeth Hill
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Part 2 of Marybeth Hill's inspirational story of recovery. From using and selling drugs to surviving domestic violence, she recounts her life story and how she has used that experience to help and impact others that are suffering from addiction.Av Leo Cummings III
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Marybeth Hill pulls up a chair and tells her inspirational story of recovery. From using and selling drugs to surviving domestic violence, she recounts her life story and how she has used that experience to help and impact others that are suffering from addiction. This episode is one you won’t want to miss!…
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Chuck Reece, editor of Salvation South, pulled up a “virtual” chair and talked with me about the magazine, why he left the Bitter Southerner, and why he’s hopeful for the future of the South. Salvation South is an online magazine inspired by hope, healing and — most importantly — the desire to create a place on the web and a community of people whe…
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The extremely talented @rahoward pulls up a chair. Howard and I conversed about his filmmaking, his old hip hop career and he shares why he’s a Griot (and shares his definition of the word). R.A. shares about his book, Beautiful People, and the inspiration behind it. Lastly the pair traversed into why community work and leaving a legacy can hit har…
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If you ever wondered if you could be a professional hula hooper, your wondering can now cease. Professional hula hoop performer and artist, Katie Wilson aka Katie Sunshine, pulls up a chair for some conversation with Leo. The two chat about how she was introduced to hooping, how she stepped up her hula hoop game, and the moment when her skills gain…
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Artist (and Composer) Faye Hedera pulls up a chair and talks about the inspiration and desire to do the 100 Faces of Conway Project. Faye and Leo get into why she got into art in the first place, how a life changing event impacted her story, and what else is on the horizon for her career. Per usual, every conversation ends with the hot seat questio…
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Whispering Willow Farm CEO, owner and garden grower Jill Ragan pulls up a chair with Leo. They get into how she got her start in growing, and more importantly why it's so important to her. She dives into the inspiration for her book "Tiny But Mighty Farm", and explains how what she is doing is far more than teaching others to grow. Jill is such a p…
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Nationally known and respected, Police Officer Tommy Norman, pulls up a chair in this episode and it made for a great convo. The always humble Norman gets into what first led him to the police force and why his method of community policing is so effective and why it's led to him being on national television several times. Leo and Officer Norman als…
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Best-selling author, Tedx Speaker, and content creator Jessica Zimmerman pulls up a chair. She gets into her new series: Uncovering Divine Femininity. That led to conversations about taking control of your life, expectations thrust upon you, and relationships, including a transparent conversation about some of her own relationships. You'll want to …
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In this episode Hilary Downey pulls up a chair to discuss her journey of health, confidence, and consistency. Her story is not only one of motivation but also success. Give it a listen and you’ll soon see why she’s now coaching others across the world and why her story has been told on Good Morning America, Access Hollywood, The Today Show, The Drs…
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Episode 3: Miss Arkansas Ebony Mitchell
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Miss Arkansas Ebony Mitchell pulls up a chair. Her and Leo talked about how she got into pageants, Miss America preparation, a day in the life of a Queen, and her upbringing in polarizing Harrison, Arkansas.Av Leo Cummings, III
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Michael Harriot: The King of Breaking It Down
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Adena and Kara talk to writer and self-proclaimed Wypipologist Michael Harriot. The South Carolina native is well known for his wit, cultural commentary, and gift of mixing humor and historical context. In this episode, Michael breaks down the discipline of Wypipology, Black humor, and the story behind his coining of the phrase "invited to the cook…
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The first guest episode is a big one! Dr. Chris Jones, the Democratic gubernatorial candiate for the state of Arkansas pulls up a chair. Leo inquires about his background, education, and the decision to run for Governor of the great state of Arkansas. You'll definitely want to hear what he has to say.…
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Leo lays out the who, what, when, where, and why of the podcast, including the hot seat questions and pull up a little chair.Av Leo Cummings, III
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Get ready to pull up a chairAv Leo Cummings III
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Turn to Your Neighbor: La'Twana Scott - El Dorado, Arkansas
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La'Twana Scott, the owner of Sweet Mama T's in El Dorado, Arkansas, developed a reputation as a great cook at an early age. The El Dorado native enjoys cooking for people and got her start from helping her mom as a child. Eventually, with the help of Southern Bancorp, Scott found the perfect location for her restaurant. Find out more about Sweet Ma…
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Episode 100 is up and it’s a very special one. In this episode, we recap all the fun we’ve had making this podcast over the last six years. Listen in as the dudes talk through the history of the pod, fun episodes, the never before talked about dark episodes, and other things that spun off from the podcast. We also talk about how the 100th episode i…
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BDWD 99- Dude Talk: The Shake Up w/ Tony Manning
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Black Dude is joined by Doc (Tony) Manning again and the pair got into Ketanji Brown Jackson, the CROWN Act, and Lia Thomas. The back half of the show they got into a serious March Madness Bracket with cereal. Check it out!Av Leo Cummings III
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On episode 37 of Blackbelt Voices, we continue our conversation about Black food, this time focusing on barbecue. Guest Michael “Mike D” De Los Santos of North Carolina walks us through his journey of becoming an expert on the topic, which eventually led to him creating his own sauces and rubs and selling through his company, Mike D’s. Mike’s journ…
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BDWD 98- Dude Talk: The Shake Up w/ Lerinezo Robinson
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Black Dude is joined by fellow black dude, podcast alumnus (Episode 33) and Razorback, Lerinezo Robinson. The duo get into Juwan Howard, Brian Flores, and of course, Lerinezo's show, Keep It Real. The last half they get into a serious debate about their favorite superhero and what super powers they’d want to have! Check it out!…
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Black Food Culture: Gerald Harris on the sustainability of Black farmers in North Carolina
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In episode 36 of Blackbelt Voices, Adena and Kara continue the conversation about Black food culture – this time from an agricultural angle. Our guest, Gerald Harris, along with his partners Derek Beasley and Gabrielle E.W. Carter (who was featured in the Netflix series High on the Hog as well as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal)start…
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BDWD 97 - Dude Talk - The Shake Up w/ Dr. Tony Manning, Part 4
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Black Dude was joined by Dr. Tony Manning once again. They dove into the Winter Olympics, more Joe Rogan, cancel culture, Peloton, and the death of Amir Locke. Lots of good convo, you’ll want to give it a listen.Av Leo Cummings III
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Black Food Culture: Dr. Ashanté M. Reese on her book, Black Food Matters
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We’re starting a new series of episodes about Black Food Culture, which is a very broad topic to tackle. It can be fun, but it is also deep. Ashante Reese, Ph.D. is a writer, teacher, and anthropologist who works at the intersection of critical food studies and Black geographies. Her latest book, “Black Food Matters: Racial Justice in the Wake of F…
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BDWD 96 - The Shake Up with Adena White of Blackbelt Voices
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Black Dude was joined by Adena White of Blackbelt Voices (episode 75) officially making this episode Black Dude Black Chick 😂. The pair got into Joe Rogan, journaling, code switching, misinformation, and history of Blackbelt Media.Av Leo Cummings III
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BDWD 95 - Dude Talk - Dr. Tony Manning, Round 3
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Black Dude got back in the studio and was joined again by, former guest, Dr. Tony Manning (Episode 52). They talked New Years Resolutions, Winter Olympics, which event they would compete in, diplomatic boycotts, and shared a few stories that’ll bring a smile to your face. Check it out!Av Leo Cummings III
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Turn to Your Neighbor: Jennifer Williams - Cleveland, Mississippi
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Jennifer Williams of Cleveland, Mississippi, always knew she wanted to be a teacher. When she was a girl, her favorite game was playing school. Williams is teaching future teachers at the Cleveland Career Development and Technology Center. Once a week, her students get to serve as teacher's assistants, giving them a realistic feel of what it could …
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The Cost of Racism: Tim Lampkin on building community wealth
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On episode 33 of the Blackbelt Voices podcast, we are continuing our discussion on the Cost of Racism. This week we’re focused on building community wealth with Tim Lampkin, the CEO and founder of Higher Purpose Co., a 501(c)(3) economic justice nonprofit that supports and encourages ownership of financial, cultural, and political power in Black co…
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Turn to Your Neighbor: Cheryl Hampton - Marianna, Arkansas
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Cheryl Hampton grew up on a farm in Marianna on the same property where her great-great-grandfather lived. He grew lots of vegetables in his garden including sweet potatoes, greens, and okra. Cheryl still lives and gardens on the property today. When her nieces and nephews come to visit she shows them everything she knows, and they’re always excite…
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The Cost of Racism: Darrin Williams on economic equity and wealth building
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Episode 31 of the Blackbelt Voices podcast begins a new series of episodes called the Cost of Racism. During the next month, we’ll dive into the ideas of economic equity and building wealth for Black communities. Today’s guest is Darrin Williams, CEO of Southern Bancorp. Williams, who studied law and practiced as a lawyer for many years, wanted to …
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