In Paul Laurence Dunbar's poem “We Wear the Mask,” he wrote of a smile that “grins and lies” referring to our inability to show our authentic selves and feelings. This week on Blacktivities, we talk about what it means to take off the mask—especially while moving through workplaces and the world. Shannon, Lisa, and KK talk finding safe spaces, what diversity and inclusion was supposed to look like, and how culture and food can bring people together.

We also share our own “unmasking” moments, from podcasting to showing up more authentically at work, plus a hilarious conversation about why Carnival Cruise thinks y’all are doing too much.

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. Word of mouth is the best tool for growth.
2. Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.
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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

Threads - @blacktivitiespod

Facebook - Blacktivities

Copyright 2022-2025 Black Panache, LLC

In this episode of Blacktivities, Shannon, Lisa, and KK unpack the parenting phrases we grew up hearing—and how many of them still echo in our adult lives and therapy sessions. From “Because I said so” to “I brought you in this world, I can take you out,” we’re talking about how generational trauma gets passed down, sometimes biologically, and how we’re working to break the cycle for the next generation.

We dive into:

• Common phrases Black parents said—and what they really meant
• The mental health gap in the Black community and why so few seek therapy
• Epigenetics: how trauma gets passed through generations
• Shifting from survival-based parenting to emotionally healthy communication
• Why Black folks need therapy, support, and permission to grow

Plus, Mona Lisa delivers a beautiful off-the-cuff poetic moment about Black motherhood and resilience. And of course, we leave you with powerful calls to action for the culture.

CALL TO ACTION:

Let’s talk—what’s something your parents used to say that stuck with you (for better or worse)? Drop a comment, DM us, or leave a review.

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. 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 - @theekkroberts

Threads - @blacktivitiespod

Facebook - Blacktivities

• The Struggle of Growing Up With Black Parents

We all got 'em—those moments where our Black card might get snatched! In this lighter episode of Blacktivities, Shannon and KK trade Black Card Confessions—from not knowing how to play Spades to secret love for Wilson Phillips and white folks' footwear. But as always, we keep it rooted with a Big Facts segment on the history of the "Black card" and how it connects to the One-Drop Rule.

The episode dives into:

• The cultural remix of the "Black card" and its historical roots
• Spades, oxtails, Birkenstocks, and other so-called violations
• The Wire, The Chi, BMF, and why TV taste is not a revocable offense
• Music confessions, 90s love, and why Kendrick’s anthem might’ve been a little overplayed
• The fine line between levity and trauma, and a heartfelt call to keep spreading Black joy

Call to Action:

Got a Black Card Confession? Leave us a 5-star review and drop your “violations” in the comments or tag us on socials @blacktivitiespod. We might read yours on the next show!

#blacktivities #blackcardconfessions #spadesrules #blackjoy #blackpodcasts #onedroprule #blackculture

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. 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 - @theekkroberts

Threads - @blacktivitiespod

Facebook - Blacktivities

• "Crossing the Color Line: Racial...