Being Black First Gen feat. George Turner

Send us Fan MailWhat does it mean to be Black and first-gen? In this heartfelt and freewheeling episode, LT is joined by her former student—and now lifelong friend—Hon. George A. Turner, Jr. for a deeply personal conversation on style, selfhood, and staying grounded. From their UCLA days to their current careers in leadership, Sam asks LT and George to reflect on how their Black first-gen identities shaped everything from their professional paths to their fashion sense to their enduring love of Jay-Z.The episode explores the nuances of Black first-gen college experiences—how they resonate with and diverge from other first-gen stories, and how community, culture, and pop references (yes, even The Godfather) plays a role in survival and self-discovery.Tune in to hear:How George and LT forged a lasting bond at UCLA and beyondWhat it means to lead with style as a first-gen Black professionalThe joys and complexities of finding community with other Black studentsAnd, of course, the songs that takes them both back to those early UCLA daysGo here for the Smart Girl experience:https://www.smartgirlbook.com/