In this powerful episode of Blacktivities, Shannon welcomes special guest Rick Willis — a proud HBCU alum, veteran, journalist, and outspoken advocate for Black empowerment — to unpack the growing backlash against Black culture, history, and unity.

From banned books and rewritten curriculums to erasure in media and targeted attacks on Black progress, this conversation exposes the patterns of fear, propaganda, and historical amnesia that continue to impact our communities. Through storytelling, facts, and unapologetic truth-telling, Shannon and Rick examine the difference between playing the victim and naming injustice, the danger of the "white victimhood" narrative, and what Black folks can do to resist erasure, restore pride, and go on offense.

Topics Covered:

• The historical and modern-day backlash against Black progress
• Big Facts: documented attacks on Black political power and education
• Why white fear is fueling efforts to silence Black truth
• The myth of meritocracy and the reality of stolen opportunity
• The emotional and strategic dilemma of protecting Black spaces
• DEI, CRT, and the "incompetence" narrative
• What solidarity between Black men and women should look like
• The call to action: love each other louder, lead with truth, and educate our own

Guest Info:

Follow Rick Willis on Facebook and Instagram:

• Facebook: Rick Willis
• Instagram: @rodinman5

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About the Hosts

Blacktivities is a Black Panache original production - a podcast network with a lineup of black-hosted shows sharing black stories and tackling black issues. For more information on shows like our newest production, Fat Lies Matter, visit blackpanache.com.

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Black creativity has always been the blueprint. From the music we vibe to, to the dances that go viral, to the art that shapes culture—Black folks have BEEN leading the way. But history shows us a pattern: when the genius comes from Black communities, the credit often goes elsewhere.

In this episode of Blacktivities, Shannon, Lisa, and KK unpack the long, painful legacy of cultural appropriation in the arts as we celebrate Black Music Month. From rock and roll and Big Mama Thornton to Black TikTok creators, we explore how Black brilliance has been borrowed, sanitized, and sold—while the originators get left behind.

Whether it's Elvis becoming the "King of Rock ‘n’ Roll" or white influencers going viral off Black dance moves, this episode dives deep into how credit, compensation, and control have been denied to Black artists for generations. And still—Black excellence persists.

Discussion Questions We Explore:

• Why is this conversation important? Or is it just “divisive” like some folks say?
• What’s the difference between appreciating Black culture and just taking from it?
• As Black creators, have you ever had your work appropriated?
• What can we do to make sure Black creators get their due?

Bring Blacktivities to your inbox - stay posted on what's happening with the pod... more black culture, black history, black perspectives, and black panache!

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1. Share this episode with a friend. Word of mouth is the best tool for growth.
2. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.
3. Follow us on social media.
4. Donate to the cause and help amplify more black voices.

Hear more episodes - Blacktivities website

About the Hosts

Blacktivities is a Black Panache original production - a podcast network with a lineup of black-hosted shows sharing black stories and tackling black issues. For more information on shows like our newest production, Fat Lies Matter, visit blackpanache.com.

Continue the Conversation on Social Media:

Instagram - @blacktivitiespod

Follow Shannon - @justshanofficial

Follow Lisa - @monalisathepoet

Follow Karen -

We’re back—and a lot has gone down.

In this season opener, we catch you up on the major stories that have shaped Black culture, politics, and resistance since our last episode. From boycotts and burning plantations to Black dandyism on the red carpet, we connect the dots between history and the headlines.

In this episode:

• Boycott of Dollar General: Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant is leading a boycott over the rollback of DEI initiatives, calling for corporate accountability and investment in Black communities.
• The Fall of Nottoway Plantation: Louisiana’s largest antebellum mansion burns to the ground—sparking grief, reflection, and questions about historical memory.
• Diddy on Trial: Sean “Diddy” Combs faces serious federal charges involving sex trafficking and racketeering. We examine the allegations and cultural response.
• Refugee Status for White Afrikaners: The Trump administration fast-tracks white South African refugees while protections for Afghan allies are set to expire.
• DEI Under Attack: Trump’s new executive order targets museums like the Smithsonian, threatening the future of inclusive history and cultural representation.
• Black Dandyism at the Met Gala: This year’s Met celebrated Black fashion and identity with “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”—a powerful exhibition on Black self-expression and style.

We’re breaking it all down with context, analysis, and culture in mind.

Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share.

Bring Blacktivities to your inbox - stay posted on what's happening with the pod... more black culture, black history, black perspectives, and black panache!

1. Share this episode with a friend.
2. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.
3. Follow us on social media.
4. Donate to the cause and help us amplify more black voices.

Hear more episodes - Blacktivities website

About the Hosts

Blacktivities is a Black Panache original production - a podcast network with a lineup of black-hosted shows sharing black stories and tackling black issues. For more information on shows like our newest production, Fat Lies Matter, visit blackpanache.com.

Continue the Conversation on Social Media:

Instagram - @blacktivitiespod

Follow Shannon - @justshanofficial

Follow Lisa - @monalisathepoet

Follow Karen - @theekkroberts

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