This podcast was born from Dr. Eugene Lee-Johnson's Hip-Hop & Black Politics class at Southern University. Throughout the semester, the students learn how White supremacy impacts each part of their lives and how fate and group consciousness work to influence Black political participation. In tandem, the students will speak about specific topics (the media, gendered racism, the history of American racism, etc.) from class and how they influence their lives. We hope you enjoy!
Black Lives, Blue Lines: Understanding the Rage (Makayla Elzy and Paige Crawford)
Makayla Elzy and Paige Crawford explore the historical context of Black communities' relationship with law enforcement, examining the roots of protest and the demand for equality in this interview.
7 Jul 2025
When Your Identity is Both Your Shield and Your Prison (Keira Miracle-Tilford and Zarinne Page)
Keira Miracle-Tilford and Zarinne Page explore the intersection of racism and sexism, known as gendered racism, and its economic impact, particularly on Black women, in this interview.
7 Jul 2025
Unpacking "The Hood": Identity, Stereotypes, and Social Reality (Asiah Ervin and Xander Delco)
Students Asiah Ervin and Xander Delco analyze the multifaceted concept of "the hood" as both a physical space and a cultural identity that influences perceptions and behaviors in an interview.
7 Jul 2025
Prey vs. Predator (Jailasia Anderson and Jillian Patterson)
Jailasia Anderson and Jillian Patterson examine the intersection of race and immigration in America, revealing how social constructs impact identity and lived experiences in this interview episode.
7 Jul 2025
Justice Unlimited (Kevin Deloch, Malachi Dixson, and Randall Ike)
Kevin Deloch, Malachi Dixson, and Randall Ike expose the historical roots of America's mass incarceration, linking it to slavery and its evolution into modern systems of racial control in this interview.
18 Jun 2025
White Hoods and Hollywood: How Media Portrays America's First Terrorist Group (Keondra Carter & Saanti Woods)
Keondra Carter and Saanti Woods analyze media portrayals of the Ku Klux Klan, revealing its lasting influence and how it manifests in modern culture, particularly in film, in this interview episode.
2 May 2025
Caricatures and Cash: When Being "Real Black" Pays the Bills (Erika Turner, Chandler Taylor, and Katelynn Harrison)
The distorted lens through which the media portrays Black American lives shapes not just how others see us, but tragically, how we sometimes see ourselves. This raw, unfiltered conversation between college students Erika, Katelynn, and Chandler dives deep into the harmful stereotypes that have become normalized in our entertainment landscape. We dissect how reality TV consistently depicts Black women as aggressive and combative, with shows like "Baddies" and "Love & Hip Hop" profiting fr...
30 Apr 2025
Only When They're Winning
Gendered racism profoundly impacts how Black male athletes are treated, especially in football-obsessed communities where they're celebrated for performance but dehumanized when they make mistakes or show vulnerability. This phenomenon reflects deeper societal issues about how Black men are valued conditionally rather than recognized as complete human beings. • The tragic story of Kyron Lacey, a 22-year-old LSU wide receiver who took his life after facing criminal charges and public condemna...
13 May 2024
The Authenticity Tightrope in Digital Black Media
Unlock the truth behind how black media shapes your views and beliefs. Films like "Why Did I Get Married" are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the powerful role of black media in crafting public opinion. Ari and I, Ryan, examine the stereotypes and dramatic narratives that often overshadow the diversity of black experiences. Misconceptions about black life being a constant struggle and black women's self-worth being tied to narrow beauty standards are just some of the topics we un...
10 May 2024
The True Colors of Our Urban Landscapes
Growing up, both Markela Cooper and I, Destiny, experienced firsthand the contrasting realities of neighborhoods labeled as "the hood." From the outside, these places are often painted with a broad brush of negativity—crime, poverty, and a lack of opportunity. Yet, there's a depth and complexity to these communities that defy simple categorization. Our latest episode takes you on an eye-opening journey into the layered history and current state of urban neighborhoods, offering an alternative ...
8 May 2024
Echoes of Inequality: America's Perpetual Struggle with Racism
The shadow of America's past looms large over the present, its tendrils entwined with the very fabric of our society. Join us on a poignant journey through history as we trace the lineage of racism in the U.S., starting from the abominable transatlantic slave trade to the stark inequalities still evident today. Dr. Johnson offers his expert insights on how the echoes of Jim Crow laws persist in modern systemic racism and the chilling parallels between the overseers of old and today's law enfo...
6 May 2024
The Narrative Spectrum: Unraveling Black Representation in Media and Sports
Prepare to navigate the intricate web of black representation in media, as Nick Luggett and Tim lay bare the forces shaping the images and stories we consume. This episode promises a deep exploration into the portrayal of black individuals in the music industry and sports, dissecting how narrow depictions in rap music and the absence of black voices in arenas like baseball are affecting our culture and youth. We expose the challenges that come with being a black artist or athlete in today's s...
6 May 2024
Why Black people chant "F" the Police
Growing up in South Baton Rouge, the phrase "F the police" echoed through the streets like a battle cry, resonating deeply within black communities. Our latest episode peels back layers of historical and systemic racism, tracing the line from the inception of slave patrols to today's policing. We share raw, personal experiences and confront the stark disparities in how the law is enforced. This isn't just a reflection; it's an invitation to join the conversation on what it means to seek justi...
26 Apr 2024
The "Clock It" Podcast
Imagine an undefeated basketball team that barely makes a ripple in the media, while a rookie gets the limelight. That's the tip-off to our passionate conversation about the glaring media coverage imbalance and the untold impact of colorism within the Black community. We unpack the overshadowing of icons like Aja Wilson and Angel Reese, call out the glorification of conflict in reality TV, and explore how these narratives shape the role models available to young Black girls. With candid refle...
22 Apr 2024
Global Pathways: Journey to Immigration
Embark on a transformative journey through the complex landscape of immigration with us, Ryan and Raelynn, as we uncover the powerful stories and challenges that define the immigrant experience. This episode promises to enrich your understanding of the driving forces behind migration, from the pursuit of education and family reunification to escaping conflict and seeking economic stability. Discover how the allure of the American dream contrasts starkly with the realities many face upon arriv...
19 Apr 2024
That's "A" Worthy
Who has been a guest on Let the Beat Build
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Makayla Elzy
Paige Crawford
Keira Miracle-Tilford
Zarinne Page
Asiah Ervin
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