In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, we sit down with a trailblazing researcher, Dr. Tamara Baker, whose work bridges science, equity, and legacy. From her academic beginnings at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) to her rise as the 2026 President-Elect of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), she shares her powerful journey into aging research and the study of chronic pain among older Black adults.
We explore how medical discrimination shapes pain experiences in Black communities, why culturally grounded interventions matter, and how to navigate the current political climate while doing health equity research.
As the incoming president of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA; https://www.geron.org), co-founder of the HBCU Collaborative Interest Group, and leader in establishing the HBCU Aging Conference heald at GSA, Dr. Baker also discusses the vital role of HBCUs in building the next generation of Black aging scholars, breaking stereotypes about research credibility, and ensuring that representation and inclusion remain at the forefront of gerontology.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the intersection of culture, care, and commitment to advancing health equity through research and mentorship.
Want to connect?
Email: tamara_baker@med.unc.edu
Instagram: @HBCUaging
In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, host Janelle Gore shares her personal journey as a student athlete transitioning into academia. She discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by student athletes, the importance of mental health, and the process of applying to graduate programs. Janelle emphasizes the skills gained from sports that are transferable to academic success and encourages listeners to embrace their unique stories and experiences as they navigate their educational paths.
Takeaways
Continue the conversation on Instagram (@BlackScholarSpeak) or in the comments!
Join Dr. Feylyn Lewis for The Breakdown, as she takes over the podcast to host and share her personal journey and professional insights into the world of youth caregiving. Discover the challenges and triumphs faced by young caregivers, and learn how we can support them through recognition, financial aid, and emotional guidance. Dr. Lewis highlights the importance of community involvement, leveraging the strengths of Black faith communities, and the resources available to uplift these young heroes. Understand the profound impact of caregiving on youth and how we can all play a part in their journey.
Contact Dr. Lewis:
Email: feylyn.m.lewis@vanderbilt.edu
Website: https://www.drfeylynlewis.com
In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, host Janelle Gore interviews Dr. Feylyn Lewis, a leading expert on youth caregiving. Dr. Lewis shares her personal journey as a youth caregiver, the challenges faced by young caregivers, and the importance of research and advocacy in this field. The conversation explores the mental health impacts of caregiving, the cultural and socioeconomic factors that influence caregiving roles, and the gaps in policy recognition for youth caregivers. Dr. Lewis emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding from mental health professionals and advocates for greater awareness and support for youth caregivers.
Episode Takeaways:
Contact Dr. Lewis:
Email: feylyn.m.lewis@vanderbilt.edu
Website: https://www.drfeylynlewis.com
Why are Black women in America still 2.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy than their white counterparts? In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, we sit down with powerhouse nurse and maternal health researcher Dr. Roseline Jean Louis to unpack the deep-rooted racism, provider bias, and lack of empathy that continue to put Black mothers at risk.
Born in Petit Goave, Haiti, and now a recent Nursing PhD graduate from Emory University, Roseline brings her lived experience as a first-generation Haitian American and labor & delivery nurse to the forefront of her advocacy. Her work through the National Birth Equity Collaborative and ACOG tackles the uncomfortable truth: maternal mortality isn’t just a medical issue—it’s a justice issue.
Together, we explore how research, representation, and radical empathy can challenge harmful stereotypes and transform how healthcare shows up for Black women. She also shares how she’s navigated fellowships, elevated her research voice, and what she wishes her younger self knew stepping into the PhD journey.
Tune in for truth, inspiration, and a call to action—we can’t afford to look away!
Connect:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roselinejlouis/
Email: rjlouis1982@gmail.com
In this heartfelt, energetic, passionate, and wisdom-filled episode, Dr. Fayron Epps gets real about the ups and downs of her academic journey—from the hurdles she faced in school to the life challenges that followed. Whether you're just starting out or deep in your academic grind, this episode will have you laughing and inspired to keep going—because through it all, "it’s all good—we’re learning."
Connect with Dr. Fayron Epps:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fayron-epps-phd-rn-fgsa-faan-8164a07a/
Email: eppsf@uthscsa.edu
UT San Antonio Health: https://directory.uthscsa.edu/academics/profile/eppsf
Follow Dr. Epps Work:
Alter Dementia: https://alterdementia.com
Faith Village Research Lab: https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/epps-faithvillage/
Did you know it is projected that by 2030, 40% of those with a dementia diagnosis will be Black or Latino? Remember, this is just a STATISTIC, so WE have the POWER not to make this a reality!
Dr. Fayron Epp's episode of The Breakdown highlights the importance of uplifting our Black faith communities so they can better support and educate congregants concerning this disease. She developed a program called Alter Dementia that does just this by helping them- create dementia-friendly communities. She also talks about an 8-week education study (yes, you can participate in education, and it still be research!) called "Caregiving While Black," where caregivers can get all the tea on navigating the healthcare system as a Black caregiver (if all this isn't #BlackGirlMagic I don't know what is).
For more information on how to get involved in both programs click the links below:
Alter Dementia: https://alterdementia.com
Caregiving While Black: https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/epps-faithvillage/research-projects/care/
Welcome to the very first episode of Black Scholars Speak! I’m your host, Janelle Gore, and I’m so excited to kick off this space where we’re connecting research, culture, and community—all to amplify Black voices. In this episode, I’m sharing a bit about my journey, from Texas Southern University to my PhD journey in clinical psychology, plus the life experiences that inspired me to start this podcast (including a few wild stories!). You’ll get a peek at what’s coming up: amazing guests, real talk about mental health, navigating academia, and how we can all better care for ourselves and each other. New episodes drop every two weeks, so subscribe, follow, and let’s build this community together!
Connect with Black Scholars Speak!
Instagram: @BlackScholarSpeak
Facebook: Black Scholars Speak
LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13266038/