In the final episode of 2024, I’m unpacking a pivotal and uncomfortable moment from my high school years—a day when my English teacher put me on the spot to explain whether white people should be allowed to say the N-word. I’ll share how I handled it back then, what I wish I’d said, and how I’d respond to a situation like that today. Let’s get into it!
In this episode of The Melanin Sound Wave, I’m catching up with my friend Aries, whose life is nothing short of inspiring. We chat about how we first met, reflect on the adventures we’ve shared while traveling, and dive into her experiences living in different countries. Along the way, we talk about the unique joy of experiencing life as Black women, the memories that keep us laughing, and why exploring the world has been so meaningful to both of us. Get ready for a feel-good conversation full of connection, wanderlust, and plenty of laughs! 🌍✨
In this episode of The Melanin Sound Wave, I sit down with the founders of DSPRA SNDS, who are all about exposing their audiences to fresh, diverse sounds while creating an unforgettable, fun environment.
We dive into what created the group, with each member sharing their unique role in making it happen—from curating playlists to organizing events—and how they balance their personal passions outside the group. We also talk about the importance of building connections and community through music, and why they want you to follow along, join the vibe, and interact with their work. Get ready to be inspired by their creativity and commitment to spreading joy! 🎶✨
To connect with them, follow their Instagram - @dsprasnds - to hear about their next event coming to the DC area!
In this episode of The Melanin Sound Wave, I share my candid thoughts on the recent election results and what they mean for our communities moving forward. I dive into the Blue Bracelet Movement—exploring both its intentions and how it can unintentionally cause harm if not used thoughtfully. For white allies, I offer a clear perspective on where your focus should be during this critical time. And to my fellow Black women, I hope you’re prioritizing self-care—because your well-being is essential as we navigate this moment together. Let’s unpack it all and move forward with clarity and purpose.
In this episode of The Melanin Sound Wave, we dive into the unique experiences of dating as Black women who grew up in contrasting environments—one from a predominantly Black neighborhood, and the other from a predominantly White one.
We explore how these backgrounds shape our perspectives on relationships, cultural expectations, and self-identity.
Join us as we have a candid conversation about the challenges and joys of dating while navigating two different worlds.
I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording!
In this special first episode back after quite the break, I’m sharing the story behind The Melanin Sound Wave—why I started this platform and podcast, and what drives my passion to empower and amplify voices of color. I’ll take you on a quick journey through my personal background, the community I grew up in, and the experiences that shaped my vision. Tune in to learn more about the heart of this platform and the mission to inspire and uplift.
And send me a message if you want to be a part of this growing community! Thank you for listening!
On this week's episode, I sat down with Alexa Jay and talked about what we considered the stages black girls who grow up in white communities go through. Basing this all on our own personal experiences, Alexa and I talked and bonded over the many similarities we had growing up, even though we grew up on opposite sides of the country. Our purpose for this episode is to connect further with other black girls (and boys) who may be going through the same thing we had gone through and to show that
1. You are not alone
2. You are going to get through it
Alexa and I got real about what it was like for the two of us but in that, gave listeners what we thought would be some of the best advice for us all to follow in order to better ourselves or at least have a better understanding of what it is like for other people growing up.
Our favorite piece of advice is as follows:
Follow people on ALL your social media accounts that have a resemblance to you!
- Skin tone, hair texture, size, birthmarks, anything!
Social media can be used in so many ways but one of the best ways is by using it to your advantage! Following and admiring only people who do not look like you is not beneficial for you in the long run!
Our other piece of advice - reach out to us! Alexa and I have experienced a lot of life and we have so much advice to give! If you ever need someone to listen, we are always here!
Here are Alexa's social media's for you to connect with and follow below!
1. Instagram - @alexaaamccoy
2. TikTok - flexylexxxy
We can't wait for you to listen!
*As always, make sure you follow The Melanin Sound Wave on Instagram and TikTok (@themelaninsoundwave) and on all podcasting platforms so you know when new episodes come out and you can continue to learn! Enjoy listening and learning!*
On this week's episode, Xavier and I sat down with Kassidy King to discuss the trans experience with him and what that looks like, and how he has navigated the world. We talked about definitions of trans, being a trans father and what it is like, experiences and what it is like going to the hospitals or getting medical advice as someone who is trans, and so much more! Our conversation with Kassidy was real, honest, and fun, and a great way for all of us to learn about something not yet discussed on The Melanin Sound Wave in general but on an episode for the pride month series! Xavier and I are so grateful to Kassidy for being vulnerable and extremely open with us on something so personal and important to him. We cannot thank Kassidy enough for educating the two of us and also all of our listeners while on this episode!
Be present, come to listen with an open mind, and don't forget your pencil/pen and piece of paper because you are going to want to write all of this down and remember it!
We cannot wait for you all to listen!
During the episode, Kassidy mentioned a few different resources we should all take a look at to learn more, become better allies and people, and connect with. Here are those resources Kassidy mentioned!
1. Planned Parenthood
2. Jayceon Dido - Instagram: @jayc3on
If you want to follow Kassidy and learn more/connect with him, follow his accounts below!
1. Personal Instagram - @xxkingsworldxx
2. Business Instagram - @king_butta_love
*As always, make sure you follow The Melanin Sound Wave on Instagram and TikTok (@themelaninsoundwave) and on all podcasting platforms so you know when episodes come out and you can further educate yourself! Enjoy listening and learning!*
On this week's episode, Xavier and I sat down with Asakee Robinson to talk about homophobia and transphobia within the Black household. We talked about what it can look like inside the home, how it hurts and affects the children both inside and outside of the home, struggles faced but also ways to combat it, and so much more. Our conversation with Asakee included personal stories, experiences, and things that happened outside of our lives and in the world. Xavier and I are so grateful to Asakee for being so open and vulnerable with us on something so personal and important to them. We cannot thank Asakee enough for educating the two of us and also all of our listeners while on this episode!
Be present, come to listen with an open mind, and don't forget your pencil/pen and piece of paper because you are going to want to write all of this down and remember it!
We cannot wait for you all to listen!
If you want to follow Asakee and learn more/connect with them, follow their accounts below!
1. Instagram - @kinosaii
2. TikTok - @kinosaii
*As always, make sure you follow The Melanin Sound Wave on Instagram and TikTok (@themelaninsoundwave) and on all podcasting platforms so you know when episodes come out and you can further educate yourself! Enjoy listening and learning!*
On this week's episode, Xavier and I sat down with Jetta Strayhorn to discuss black womanhood and how Jetta navigates being a Black woman and also nonbinary. We also discussed how nonbinaryism plays a role in Black womanhood, educating friends and family, what it feels like educating others, what it means to Jetta to be nonbinary and so much more! Our conversation with Jetta was fun and informational for us to learn about something we have yet to discuss on this podcast but also have not heard much about in our everyday lives. Xavier and I are so grateful to Jetta for their vulnerability and honesty throughout the episode while educating not only the two of us but also all of our listeners on this.
Be present, come listen with an open mind, and don't forget your pencil/pen and piece of paper because you are going to want to write all of this down and remember it!
We cannot wait for you all to listen!
During the episode, Jetta mentioned a few different resources we should all take a look at to learn more, become better allies and people, and connect with. Here are those resources Jetta mentioned!
1. Advice - Get on the right side of TikTok! - Look at some of the people you are following and look at who they are following to find other resources and more people to listen to!
2. Go to your favorite political creator and see who they’re following
3. The Lemonade Syllabus - https://diversity.tamu.edu/Diversity/media/diversity/PDF/lemonade-syllabus.pdf
4. Jetta herself!
If you want to follow Jetta and learn more/connect from them, follow their accounts below!
1. Instagram - @jetthejem
2. TikTok - @jetthejem
*As always, make sure you follow The Melanin Sound Wave on Instagram and TikTok (@themelaninsoundwave) and on all podcasting platforms so you know when episodes come out and you can further educate yourself! Enjoy listening and learning!*
On this week's episode, Xavier and I sat down with Malik Williams to discuss what it was like for him to be a professional dancer and a Black man while growing up and working in a White dominant profession and environment. We also discussed with Malik what a Black body is supposed to look like to fit into the beauty standards in the dance world, queer communities, and communities in general. We talked about what his experience was like navigating himself as a Black and queer person in his professional field, what it was like for him growing up as queer and coming out, what it was like not having the "ideal" body type in his field, and so much more. Our conversation with Malik was fun and lighthearted at times and at other times, there were more serious moments. Xavier and I are so grateful to Malik for his vulnerability and honesty throughout the episode.
Be present, come listen with an open mind, and don't forget your pencil/pen and piece of paper because you are going to want to write all of this down and remember it.
We cannot wait for you all to listen! See you next week!
During the episode, Malik provided us with a few different resources we should all take to learn more, become better allies and people, and connect with. Here are those resources Malik suggested!
1. MoveNYC - Dance Program
2. Saturday Church - Movie
3. Moonlight - Movie
4. White Fragility - Book
5. POSE - TV Show
If you want to follow Malik. and learn more/connect with him, follow his accounts below!
1. Instagram - @malikizhere
2. TikTok - @malikamaquisha
*As always, make sure you follow The Melanin Sound Wave on Instagram (@themelaninsoundwave) and on all podcasting platforms so you know when episodes come out and you can further educate yourself! Enjoy listening and learning!*
On this week's episode, and The Melanin Pride Wave's first guest, Xavier and I sat down with Obio Jones to discuss masculinity, queer visibility, what it is like presenting as a heterosexual man while queer, and so much more. We talked about if masculinity is overvalued in the Black community, if the Black community is more prejudiced towards homosexuality or more prejudiced towards those who express femininity but are not cis women, how the Black community can better nurture Black queer children and people, and much more. Our conversation with Obio was fun and lighthearted at times and at others, there were more serious moments and discussions being had.
Like Xavier said in the last podcast episode, be present, come listen with an open mind, and don't forget your pencil/pen and piece of paper because you are going to want to write all of this down and remember it.
We cannot wait for you all to listen! See you next week!
During the episode, Obio provided us with a few different resources we should all take a look at to learn more, become better allies and people, and connect with. Here are those resources Obio suggested!
1. Let's Talk Bruh - Podcast - https://letstalkbruh.libsyn.com/
2. The Velvet Rage by Alan Downs - https://www.amazon.com/Velvet-Rage-Overcoming-Growing-Straight/dp/1611746450
3. For the Boys - YouTube series - (episode 1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q90tiuQEGCw
4. Obio Jones - YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/user/omalara3
If you want to follow Obio and learn more/connect with him, follow his accounts below!
1. Instagram - @obioojones
2. TikTok - @obioojones
3. YouTube Channel - Obio Jones
*As always, make sure you follow The Melanin Sound Wave on Instagram (@themelaninsoundwave) and on all podcasting platforms so you know when episodes come out and you can further educate yourself! Enjoy listening and learning!*
On this week's episode, I sat down with Fatimata Cham to talk about a few different topics that Fatimata wrote about in her poetry. We talked about the hijab ban in France, colorism, and criminal justice in a slightly different way than normally done on these episodes! As mentioned, Fatimata is a poet, and on each of these topics, she has written a poem on and we would discuss the topic before and after she had read her poetry on them. You can find the poems she read on this episode on The Melanin Sound Wave Instagram page to look back at them before or after listening to the episode! We talked throughout the episode about our own personal experiences with these topics, what it is we have learned through looking at news articles, and what has been produced in the media.
While talking about the recent hijab ban in France, I brought up an article that clearly talked about what exactly the ban entails. If you want to check it out, here is the link!
1. "French Senate amends anti-separatism law to ban hijab for youth under 18" by Samuel Tissot https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2021/04/07/veil-a07.html
During the episode, Fatimata mentioned a few different resources for us all to look at to learn more about these topics but also to become better allies. Take a look at them!
1. Niamh Grant - TikTok - @nevatalkspolitics
2. Muslim Girl - Instagram - @muslimgirl
3. Muslims Matter - Instagram - @muslimsmatter__
4. Muslim - Instagram - @Muslim
If you want to stay connected with Fatimata, you can find her on her accounts below!
1. Fatimata Cham - Instagram - @fatimatacham__
2. Fatimata Cham - TikTok - @girlinmotion1
3. Activism Page - Instagram - @muslimsmatter__
As always, make sure you are following The Melanin Sound Wave on Instagram (@themelaninsoundwave) and on all podcasting platforms so you know when episodes come out and can further educate yourselves! Enjoy listening and learning!
On this week's episode, I sat down with Kamryn Davis to talk about people of color representation in kids' movies and t.v. shows, talking about what we have seen in movies and the portrayal and most importantly why it is so important for the representation to happen. We talk throughout the episode about how important it is not just for people of color to see themselves in a positive light but also for people who are not minorities to see us in a positive light on the screen so that they have a more positive idea of who it is that we are and do not associate us with negativity always. This episode had the two of us really thinking about what it is that we saw growing up, what it is we wished we had seen, and what it is people of younger generations (and even older) need to be seeing today. The opportunities are there and we need to continue pushing for positive representation to be on the screen.
During the episode, Kamryn mentioned a couple of resources we can all look into to deepen our knowledge on this subject and to also expose ourselves to the representation that is needed! Here they are below:
1. The Colored Cartoon: Black Presentation in American Animated Short Films, 1907 - 1954 by Christopher P. Lehman
2. How to BLACK: An Analysis of Black Cartoon by Toonrific Tariq - YouTube
Here are a few shows Kamryn recommends that have positive Black and People of Color Representation!
1. Proud Family - Disney+
2. Craig of the Creek - Cartoon Network
3. Filmore
4. Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child - HBOMax
5. Spider-Man into the Spiderverse - Hulu
6. Hair Love (Short Film)
Of course, another resource for all listeners is Kamryn herself!
1. Instagram - @therealkamryne
2. TikTok - @therealkamryne
3. Twitter - @therealkamryne
As always, make sure you are following The Melanin Sound Wave on Instagram (@themelaninsoundwave) and on all podcasting platforms so you know when episodes come out and can further educate yourselves! Enjoy listening and learning!
On this week's episode, I sat down with Catherine Volcy to talk about colorism, taking personal experiences, viewpoints, and examples of where we have seen it to have this conversation. Throughout the episode, Catherine and I talked about the root of colorism and where it stemmed from, why and in what ways has the black community enabled colorism to continue and become such a large issue, where we see colorism in media and entertainment, and so much more. In one part of the episode, we talked about a phrase that has been going around recently, "Light skins only experience racism, dark skins experience both racism and colorism”, and we talked about the truth that holds and the ways it also has a few flaws. What do you think about this phrase? Head over to The Melanin Sound Wave Instagram and let us know your opinion!
Catherine gave us a resource we should all look into to learn more about the topic!
1. Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King
If you want to find and connect with Catherine, you can find her at:
1. Instagram - @catherineevolcy
2. TikTok - @catvolcy
3. Website - catvolcy.com
4. Podcast - Chat With Kat
As always, make sure you are following The Melanin Sound Wave on Instagram (@themelaninsoundwave) and on all podcasting platforms so you know when episodes come out and can further educate yourselves! Enjoy listening and learning!
On this episode, I sat down with Cheyenne Tyler Jacobs to talk about the over-sexualization of black girls and black women that are seen in society and in media - being the entertainment industry or just the news. Throughout the episode, Cheyenne and I talked about how hairstyle and clothing are turned into something sexual and asked the question of who sexualized these things that should be seen as what they are which is just a hairstyle and just clothing. We also talked about how damaging this is to be hypersexualized at young ages, how black girls get labeled as young women when in reality they are only a child, examples of women in the music industry who have been shamed for being confident in themselves and why that is seen as such an issue and so much more! You do not want to skip one second of this episode because there are so much sharing and learning being done here!
There are conversations and discussions about sexual assault and rape throughout the episode, so please listen to yourself and know your limits if this is something that may trigger you.
During the episode, Cheyenne mentioned a few different resources for us all to take a look at to better educate ourselves on this topic!
1. Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall
2. On The Record directed by Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick
3. Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Joy DeGruy
4. End Rape On Campus Instagram - @endrapeoncampus
5. Survivors of Color Instagram - @survivorsofcolor
6. Open Path Collective Instagram - @openpathpsychotherapy
7. Black Female Therapists Instagram - @blackfemaletherapists
8. Therapy for Black Girls Instagram - @therapyforblackgirls
If you want to find and connect with Cheyenne, you can find her at:
1. She Will Speak Instagram - @shewillspeak
2. She Will Speak Series Instagram - @shewillspeakseries
3. She Will Speak TikTok - @shewillspeak
4. She Will Speak Website - shewillspeak.com
As always, make sure you are following The Melanin Sound Wave on Instagram (@themelaninsoundwave) and on all podcasting platforms so you know when episodes come out and can further educate yourselves! Enjoy listening!
On this episode, I sat down with Kara Roselle to talk about what our experiences were like growing up as minorities in predominantly white communities and how those experiences shaped and changed us. Throughout the episode, Kara and I pulled from and noticed many shared experiences that we had even though we grew up in different states and talked about how common our experiences are. We talked about how it felt difficult to love our skin and natural hair, being called out in class and be the "token black person" during a lesson, and while many of the things discussed were negatives, we also made sure to talk about some positive things we found. Positive ways in which we grew because of what we dealt with growing up and our advice for minorities who are currently experiencing being one of few in a predominantly white area.
During the episode, Kara mentioned a few resources for us all to take a closer look at!
1. Killing Rage: Ending Racism by Bell Hooks - https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780805050271
2. A Public Dialogue Between Bell Hooks and Cornel West - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LL0k6_pPKw
3. Kara Roselle Instagram - @kararoselles
4. Kara Roselle Podcast "Made by Many" - On Spotify and Apple Podcasts
5. Kara Roselle TikTok - @kararoselles
As always, make sure you are following The Melanin Sound Wave on Instagram (@themelaninsoundwave) and on all podcasting platforms so you know when episodes come out and can further educate yourselves! Enjoy listening!
*Note from Ayanna - In one part of the episode, I mistakenly said the wrong name for an event that occurred. I said that Jackie Robinson after a game had scratched at his skin, wanting it to be white because of the way he was treated. It was not Jackie Robinson but another baseball player (not named) who was coached by the same person who had brought on Jackie Robinson. I apologize for that misinformation but the statement and significance still hold true. Here is writing describing the events which took place and the person who had done this. - http://digital.lib.lehigh.edu/trial/reels/films/list/0_83_8_7347 *
On this episode, I sat down with Maya Echols to discuss what dating is like in today's society as black women and also the fetishization of mixed-race children. Throughout the episode, Maya and I had a range of conversations, sometimes moving away from the main topics at hand, such as talking about the differences in how society views things such as hairstyles, clothing, and accessories on black women as ratchet and ghetto but on women of other races as aesthetically pleasing. We talked about the comments made by black men towards black women at young ages and now, how black women are portrayed in T.V. shows and movies and how it plays a role in how people in society view black women, and much much more.
This is a very honest conversation and one, similar to how normal conversations go, brings in experiences, observances, and stories from a range of topics to tie them into what is at the center of the conversation! I hope you enjoy it!
If you want to follow Maya and look at the work she is doing and the educational information she is providing, you can follow her on:
1. Instagram - @mayaechols
2. TikTok - @mayaechols
3. YouTube - @mayaechols
and you can also follow her clothing brand, made for tall women:
1. Instagram - @shop45six
As always, make sure you are following The Melanin Sound Wave on Instagram (@themelaninsoundwave) and on all podcasting platforms so you know when episodes come out and can further educate yourselves! Enjoy listening!
*To all the black girls who are listening to this episode, remember that those who are saying negative things about your skin, your hair, how you look is only a reflection of themselves and their insecurities and nothing to do with who you are. You are beautiful, you are deserving of love and care, and while it may not seem like it now and is hard to understand, you are more than worthy and deserving of everything you want. Don't want to change and wish to be someone else because you think it will be easier or you will get more attention. You will get the attention and love you deserve, so for now, focus on yourself, building yourself, and loving yourself. We are all here to cheer you on!*
On this week's episode, I sat down with Brianna Perry to discuss and talk about attitudes towards mental health in the black community and discuss why we believe they are the way they are. We talked about why mental health and therapy are perceived as a negative in the black community, where this attitude stems from, and advice for people who don't have the support system they need. Throughout the episode, we used statistics and also personal experiences to discuss this topic and provide our thoughts!
Throughout the episode, Brianna and I mentioned a few different resources we should all take a look at! You can find them all listed below!
1. Brianna Perry TikTok - @bsquiggleline
2. Brianna Perry Instagram - @chunkofbrie
3. Netflix Show - Crack: Cocaine, Corruption, and Conspiracy
4. Youtube - Changing views on mental health in the Black community | Chante Meadows
5. Mental Health Treatment - Better Help
6. Mental Health Treatment - Talk Space
7. "How diverse is the psychology workforce?" by Luona Lin, MPP, Karen Stamm, PhD, and Peggy Christidis, PhD
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2018/02/datapoint
8. "How Much Does Therapy Cost?"
Helplines:
1. Anyone
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: 741741
2. LGBTQIA
Trevor Project text: 678678
Trans Life: 8775658860
3. Drug Abuse
Drug or Alcohol Abuse: 800-662-4357
As always, make sure you follow @themelaninsoundwave on Instagram to learn more about Brianna and to further educate yourselves on other topics! If you have a topic you want to talk about, send an email to melaninsoundwave@gmail.com!