What U Said

The season finale of What U Said hosted by Dr. Christopher B. Davis closed out in unforgettable fashion recorded LIVE during Homecoming Week at LeMoyne-Owen College with special guest Terrence J. In front of a packed homecoming audience, Terrence J pulled back the curtain on his journey from HBCU radio and hosting campus parties to becoming a national television personality and former host of 106 & Park. He shared how repetition, discipline, and relentless preparation shaped his work ethic long before the spotlight ever found him. Terrence J reminds listeners that success isn’t accidental, it’s structured. It’s preparation meeting opportunity. And it’s staying authentic while building something bigger than yourself. This isn’t just a season finale, it’s a masterclass in preparation, purpose, and pivoting with intention.

In this powerful episode of What U Said, host Dr. Christopher B. Davis sits down with Dr. Russell Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum, for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on truth, legacy, and responsibility. Dr. Wigginton’s audible moment draws from King: A Life by Jonathan Eig, using Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s full humanity as a lens to examine what it truly means to confront hard truths personally, institutionally, and collectively. Together, they explore how leaning into legacy requires courage, honesty, and action, and why these conversations matter deeply for LeMoyne-Owen College students and the broader public. The episode bridges campus and community, connecting LOC’s mission with the living work of the National Civil Rights Museum, and challenges listeners to move beyond reverence into reflection, relevance, and responsibility. This is a dialogue that invites you not just to listen but to engage, reckon, and carry the work forward.

In Episode 6, Dr. Christopher B. Davis opens with an audible moment inspired by Who Better Than You by Will Packer, reflecting on confidence, calling, and claiming your seat at the table. He’s joined by Cynthia Daniels, HBCU graduate and Chief Strategist of Cynthia Daniels & Co, who shares her journey from Atlanta to Memphis and how networking, community, and self-belief helped shape her path. Cynthia discusses building her business by uplifting Black-owned restaurants through Black Restaurant Week, Top 40 Under 40, and other signature events. Cynthia shares what it means to now expand her impact into Huntsville, Alabama.

In Part 2 of this compelling What U Said conversation, Dr. Christopher B. Davis continues his dialogue with former Memphis Mayor A C Wharton, shifting the focus to the lasting impact of HBCUs and the critical role institutions like LeMoyne-Owen College play in shaping Black leadership. Mayor Wharton reflects on how HBCUs have served as incubators for excellence, confidence, and civic responsibility especially for those called to lead in complex political environments. Through rich storytelling, Wharton recounts his experiences navigating Memphis as a Black mayor, offering behind-the-scenes insights into leadership, legacy, and the realities of governing a majority-Black city within broader power structures. He shares personal moments that highlight resilience, strategy, and the cultural grounding that sustained him along the way.

In this powerful episode of What U Said, Dr. Christopher B. Davis sits down with former Memphis Mayor A C Wharton for a timely and thought-provoking conversation rooted in history, truth, and lived experience. Drawing inspiration from Vernon Can Read! by the late Vernon Jordan, the two explore the realities of power structures in America, the role of fear in leadership, and what it truly means to navigate predominantly white political spaces as a Black man. Mayor Wharton reflects on his own journey through public service, unpacking the unspoken rules of political power, the burden and brilliance of Black excellence, and the responsibility that comes with being a visible leader in spaces not designed for you. Together, he and Dr. Davis examine how faith, intellect, strategy, and courage intersect in the pursuit of justice and equity. This episode is part one of an essential listen for anyone interested in leadership, politics, and the ongoing evolution of Black leadership in America; past, present, and future.

In this episode of What U Said, host Dr. Christopher B. Davis explores themes from the powerful autobiography I Came as a Shadow by legendary Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson. Dr. Davis reflects on Thompson’s journey, leadership, and unapologetic approach to shaping young men on and off the court and then connects those lessons to a special guest: Faragi Phillips, the new head basketball coach at LeMoyne-Owen College. Together, they discuss coaching philosophy, mentorship, balancing discipline with compassion, and what it means to build a program rooted in purpose. Coach Phillips shares his vision for LOC basketball, the values he brings to the court, and the impact he hopes to make on his players' lives. This episode is a deep dive into leadership, legacy, and the transformative power of coaching both in sports and in life.

In Episode 2 of What U Said, Dr. Christopher B. Davis dives into the power of reinvention, inspired by this week’s Audible segment featuring Rich Paul’s Lucky Me. Dr. Davis breaks down Paul’s message of refusing to let circumstances define your path and instead choosing discipline, vision, and transformation. He’s joined by special guest Prep Curry, acclaimed fashion designer and proud LeMoyne-Owen College alum. Prep shares his journey from South Memphis to global runways, opening up about betting on himself, navigating industry challenges, and building a brand rooted in authenticity and bold creativity. Together, they explore what it truly means to start over, stay focused, and turn adversity into opportunity. This episode is motivation, strategy, and Memphis excellence all in one.

In the premiere episode of What U Said, LeMoyne-Owen College President Dr. Christopher B. Davis sits down with Memphis Mayor Paul Young for a powerful conversation about leadership, legacy, and generational impact. Inspired by the Audible Moment from Son of Birmingham by Randall Woodson, Dr. Davis explores how the lessons of history and perseverance connect to Mayor Young’s journey leading the majority-Black city of Memphis and to the enduring mission of LeMoyne-Owen College.