When Black stories get told, the spotlight usually lands on struggle, trauma, and survival. This week on Blacktivities, Shannon and Mona Lisa (with KK joining mid-episode) center what often gets left out: Black joy. The cookout laughter. The line dancing. The group chat jokes. The deep exhale that reminds us we are still here.

In “Big Facts,” Shannon traces Black joy from slavery to the Jim Crow era and beyond, showing how music, movement, community, and recreation weren’t “extras.” They were survival. Then the hosts unpack why Black joy can make people uncomfortable, the difference between happiness and joy, and how protecting your joy is part of protecting your humanity.In This Episode

How do you define Black joy?

What are your favorite Black joy memories (funny ones included)?

Drop a comment. We read them and respond, and we may feature your responses in a future bonus episode.

If you enjoyed this episode, follow/subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.

Share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder to breathe and laugh.]

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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.

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Right now in this country, black students are more likely to be suspended, mislabeled, and denied access to advanced opportunities. But the question isn’t whether black kids can learn. The real question is what the education system was actually designed to do.

In the season eight premiere of Blacktivities, we break down the history and present-day realities of American education and how its original design still impacts black students today. From slavery-era laws banning literacy, to segregation, to modern book bans, the end of affirmative action, and the rise of school vouchers, we connect the dots between past and present.

This episode’s Big Facts unpack how public education was built to train workers, maintain social order, and protect power, not to develop everyone equally. We also discuss discipline gaps, special education labeling, curriculum control, and why “choice” policies often leave black kids behind.

Then we get into the real conversation:

1. Is school failing black kids, or are we expecting it to do something it was never built to do?
2. What responsibility do parents and communities have outside the classroom?
3. Should traditional schooling still be the primary path to success?
4. What are the alternatives, and how do we prepare our kids for a system that wasn’t designed for them?

If you care about black children, education, and telling the truth without sugarcoating it, this conversation is for you.

🎧 Listen, share, and join the conversation.

📣 Drop a comment and tell us: What’s something school never taught you that you had to learn later?

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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...

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.

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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.

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Follow Karen - @theekkroberts

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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.

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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.

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• 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

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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

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• "Crossing the Color Line: Racial...

In this episode of Blacktivities, Shannon, Mona Lisa, and KK dive into a conversation that’s long overdue — the fetishization of Black men. From historical roots to what it looks like in dating, porn, and pop culture today, the hosts unpack the ways Black men are turned into objects instead of being seen as full, complex people. They share personal stories, research-backed facts, and a few laughs along the way. Spoiler: it’s not a compliment. It’s a call for respect.

Key Takeaways:

• Fetishization has deep roots in slavery and colonialism.
• It still shows up in media, dating apps, and everyday conversations.
• Black men often get objectified based on myths about their bodies or masculinity.
• Some men might be into it, but many aren’t — and it’s not the same as genuine attraction.
• Even we, as Black folks, sometimes repeat harmful stereotypes without realizing it.
• It’s time to see Black men as more than just a “look” or a “vibe.” They’re thinkers, builders, creators — full human beings.

Call to Action:

Black men — have you experienced fetishization? How did it make you feel? Drop a comment, DM, or email us your story. This convo ain’t over.

Sound Bites:

• “Why are people searching Mandingo porn and finding us?”
• “Live your truth, know your worth, King.”
• “You want a Black baby, but can you protect a Black child?”

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Welcome Back, Blacktivities!
• 02:12 – The Big Facts: Fetishization of Black Men
• 08:47 – Real Talk & Personal Stories
• 14:13 – Do Some Men Like It?
• 22:42 – Do We Reinforce These Stereotypes?
• 26:30 – Private Conversations with Black Men
• 33:00 – Celebs, Media, and Jamie Foxx?!
• 36:26 – Lisa’s Pieces: “Dear Black Man” (Poem)
• 41:53 – Call 2 Action 4 The Culture

Tags: #BlackMen #Fetishization #BlackLove #RespectBlackMen #Blacktivities

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4. Donate to the cause and help amplify more black voices.

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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.

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In this powerful episode of Blacktivities, Shannon welcomes special guest Rick Willis — a proud HBCU alum, veteran, journalist, and outspoken advocate for Black empowerment — to unpack the growing backlash against Black culture, history, and unity.

From banned books and rewritten curriculums to erasure in media and targeted attacks on Black progress, this conversation exposes the patterns of fear, propaganda, and historical amnesia that continue to impact our communities. Through storytelling, facts, and unapologetic truth-telling, Shannon and Rick examine the difference between playing the victim and naming injustice, the danger of the "white victimhood" narrative, and what Black folks can do to resist erasure, restore pride, and go on offense.

Topics Covered:

• The historical and modern-day backlash against Black progress
• Big Facts: documented attacks on Black political power and education
• Why white fear is fueling efforts to silence Black truth
• The myth of meritocracy and the reality of stolen opportunity
• The emotional and strategic dilemma of protecting Black spaces
• DEI, CRT, and the "incompetence" narrative
• What solidarity between Black men and women should look like
• The call to action: love each other louder, lead with truth, and educate our own

Guest Info:

Follow Rick Willis on Facebook and Instagram:

• Facebook: Rick Willis
• Instagram: @rodinman5

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share to support the movement.

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

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