In this episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, Josiah welcomes Alafia Bailey, a senior Africana Studies major, African minor at Howard University from Houston, Texas. To start off, we delved into Alafia's journey to Africana studies and how he discovered his passion for the discipline. We also explored the concept of Black liberation, delving into its nuances and implications. Throughout our discussion, we emphasize the significance of Black spaces and the need for Black individuals to create these spaces to embrace their Blackness through our uncertain future in this country. Our listeners know how much we advocate for HBCUs here on The Black Lotus Podcast, and this episode is a full indicator of that. This discussion needs to be heard by many, and our sages are in for a treat with this one. And as we always say, as long as y'all show love, we'll stay consistent!
Intro/When did Alafia start playing the drums? - 00:40
Why did Alafia start playing his drums on the yard? - 6:50
The Importance of Black Spaces - 9:00
Alafia’s Journey to Africana Studies - 15:10
Alafia’s first experience with Dr. Gregory Carr and the Importance of Black Spaces - 20:50
What does Black Liberation mean to Alafia? - 27:30
Classism within the Black Community - 31:15
Washington D.C. was built with African Knowledge - 40:50
What does Healing yourself look like as a Black person? - 47:00
How did Alafia’s upbringing in Texas affect his worldview? - 51:50
How did Black Education change after the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling of 1954? - 59:50
Closing - 1:10:20