In Episode 37 of Rich Lessons, Sevetri Wilson Taylor (Instagram.com/sevetriwilson) and Sheena Allen (Instagram.com/whoisSheena) sit down with Baton Rouge native and civil rights advocate Gary Chambers Jr. to unpack power, policy, and the path to building Black wealth across the South. From his upbringing in North Baton Rouge to national advocacy after Alton Sterling’s killing, Gary traces how economics, culture, and politics collide, and why the South still holds the keys to lasting change.
From the “brain drain” of talent leaving Louisiana and Mississippi to lessons from Reconstruction and modern-day politics, Gary breaks down why the South still matters, and how actual change starts with ownership, community, and audacity. He also opens up about fatherhood, advocacy, and why Black people must see their communities as assets, not liabilities.
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Show Notes:
(00:00) Intro — Who is Gary Chambers Jr. and why his voice matters
(02:00) Fatherhood & Raising Black Children in Today’s America
(05:40) North Baton Rouge Then vs. Now: Community, Decline & Reinvestment
(10:20) The “Brain Drain” in the South and Building Where We’re From
(13:45) Atlanta vs. Charlotte: Rethinking the Black Mecca
(18:40) Wealth, NIL Money & Why “Getting Out the Hood” Isn’t Enough
(22:10) Reconstruction Lessons: The History They Don’t Teach
(26:10) The Democratic Party’s Neglect of the South & Black Voters
(31:20) From Alton Sterling to Activism: How Gary Found His Purpose
(59:10) Rich Lesson — The Magic, Resilience & Audacity of Black People
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Rich Lessons is presented by GRITS // hosted by Sevetri Wilson Taylor and Sheena Allen
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