Stone Written

This episode features Jaha Nailah Avery, UNC law school alum turned griot and professional storyteller. Jaha shares her journey from practicing law to freelance writing for outlets like Vanity Fair and The New York Times, explaining how she left a lucrative tech career to pursue meaningful storytelling work. She discusses her books, including Those Who Saw the Sun: African American Oral Histories from the Jim Crow South, and her role as a keeper of cultural memory. The conversation explores the importance of documenting Black history, the courage required to tell truth in dangerous times, and strategies for resistance through joy, creativity, and ancestral connection.  Sources:  Jaha Nailah Avery, I Heard: An American Journey (Penguin Random House, 2024)  Jaha Nailah Avery, Those Who Saw the Sun: African American Oral Histories from the Jim Crow South (Levine Querido, 2023).  A selection of Jaha's public works: “10 Black History Tours and Experiences in New Orleans” (Conde Nast, 2024)   “As it Nears 25, ‘Eve’s Bayou’ is Still Radical—and Wonderful” (Vanity Fair, 2022)   “Fashion on a Mission: Celebrating Black Life, One Thread At a Time” (Essence, 2026) [See also Jaha’s author’s page on Essence]   “How the Peacock Chair Became a Symbol of Black Power and Liberation” (Architectural Digest, 2023)  “Where Rihanna Got Her Style Groove” (New York Times, 2022) 

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Rhon sits down with Tanasia Lea—Olympic-level triple jumper, equity consultant, birth doula, and mother—to explore what it means to live authentically at the intersection of ALL parts of who we are.  Tanasia shares her journey from New Haven to Williams College, through the corporate machine, and into transformation work that centers psychological agency, vitality, and permission to be fully human.  They discuss: 🔹 Navigating PWIs and white supremacy culture 🔹 The power of Africana Studies as a lens for understanding the world 🔹 Finding joy 🔹 The importance of surrounding yourself with people who trust you'll land well  "Everyone has agency—it's exercising that agency that provides vitality." —Tanasia Lea  Sources:   Tanasia’s website:  Tanasia’s feature in Athleta: “The Power of She”   Make the Sonja Haynes Stone Center and Stone Written your philanthropic priority! https://linktr.ee/shscgiving 

What does it mean to sit with the odyssey of Black history—and to carry it forward with rigor, spirit, and love?  In this powerful episode of Stone Written, Dr. Rhon is joined by historian, cultural critic, and filmmaker Dr. Claudrena N. Harold, Edward Stettinius Professor of History and Associate Dean at the University of Virginia, and featured speaker for the 2025 Genna Rae McNeil Black History Month Lecture at UNC-Chapel Hill.  From her early formation in Black institutions to her intellectual awakening at Temple University, Dr. Harold reflects on the beauty and majesty of African American history—and the joy that fuels her scholarship. Together, she and Dr. Rhon consider why Black history demands that we pause and dwell with it, not rush past it; how Black Studies remains both a struggle over definition and a space of boundless possibility; and how gospel music, creative form, and intergenerational lineage sustain Black freedom work across generations.  At the heart of this conversation is a meditation on Dr. Genna Rae McNeil’s legacy. Dr. Harold shares how McNeil’s work—grounded in historical rigor and spiritual depth—inspired her McNeil Lecture, “Truth Is on the Way: Gospel Music, Black Liberation, and the Politics of Freedom in the Soul and Hip-Hop Eras.”  This episode is part testimony, part masterclass, part love letter to Black Studies. It is about Du Bois and Aretha. It is about protecting the institutions that transformed us. And it is about being keepers of the tradition in a time when truth itself is contested. Most of all, it is a reflection on what Mother Genna Rae McNeil taught us: that truth is on the way—and that we carry it forward together.  Sources:   A selection of Dr. Harold’s work: When Sunday Comes: Gospel Music in the Soul and Hip-Hip Eras (2020); New Negro Politics in the Jim Crow South (2016); and How Can I Ever Be Late (2017) and Sugarcoated Arsenic (2014) [short films co-directed with Kevin Everson].  Select sources cited: Toni Cade Bambara, The Black Woman: An Anthology (1970); Vincent Harding There is a River (1981); Bettye Collier-Thomas Sisters in the Struggle (2001); and Octavia Butler, Bloodchild and Other Stories (1995).  Key artists invoked (add to your playlists if you haven’t already!): Aretha Franklin, Amazing Grace (1972); John P. Kee, The Essential John P. Kee (2007); and Shirley Caesar, The Ultimate Collection (2011).    

In this essential Black History Month conversation, Stone Written host Dr. Rhon sits down with Dr. Joshua Myers, Associate Professor of Africana Studies at Howard University and author of Of Black Study, to reflect on what Black intellectual traditions offer in our current political moment. Recorded in December 2024 but strikingly resonant today, the episode explores Black Studies not as abstraction or nostalgia, but as preparation for living, struggling, and organizing through crisis.  Grounded in the wisdom of ancestors such as June Jordan and Cedric Robinson, the episode interrogates the myths surrounding Black presence in the academy and calls for solidarity networks rooted in trust rather than transaction. Dr. Myers reminds us that Black Study lives everywhere—in our labor, our creativity, our relationships—and remains essential for navigating crisis toward collective liberation.    Sources:  Select works by Joshua Myers: Of Black Study (Pluto Press, 2023); Cedric Robinson: The Time of the Black Radical Tradition (Polity, 2021); We are Worth Fighting For: A History of the Howard University Student Protest of 1989 (NYU Press, 2019); A Gathering Together (literary journal)  Select texts mentioned in the episode: Cedric Robinson, Black Marxism: The Making of the Black Radical Tradition, 3rd edition (UNC Press, 2021); Richard Iton, In Search of the Black Fantastic: Politics and Popular Culture in the Post-Civil Rights Era (Oxford University Press, 2008); Cheryl Higashida, Black Internationalist Feminism: Women Writers of the Black Left, 1945-1995 (Illinois Press, 2013); Anna Julia Cooper, A Vice from teh South; Erica R. Edwards, The Other Side of Terror: Black Women and the Culture of US Empire (NYU Press, 2021); June Jordan, “Bringing Back the Person,” in Life as Activism: June Jordan’s Writings from the Progressive, edited by Stacy Russo with a Foreword by Angela Davis (Litwin Books, 2014).  Additional source: SNCC Legacy Project 

In a deeply intimate conversation, Stone Written host Dr. Rhon (@DoctorRMB) sits down with grammy nominated American jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon to discuss her new book and album, exploring how jazz improvisation, deep listening, and ancestral presence shaped her journey through loss. They reflect on grief’s non-linear nature, the healing power of creativity and community, and the ways memory, music, and everyday rituals open pathways from sorrow to hope. Sources:  Nnenna Freelon's website Nnenna's stunning guidebook, Beneath the Skin of Sorrow: Improvisations on Loss (Duke University Press, 2025) Nnenna's latest album, "Beneath the Skin" (Origin Records, 2025) Support the Sonja Haynes Stone Center (linktree)

On International Podcast Day (September 30th), Stone Written celebrates the power of storytelling at the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Research in Black Culture and History. Host Dr. Rhon shares seven lessons she’s learned since stepping into her role at UNC–Chapel Hill, from why “those who know, know” isn’t enough, to how platforms like this one help us tell our story before someone else gets it wrong. This episode is a brief but timely love letter to the stories that shape us—and to the people who make them worth telling. Sources: The Power of Podcasting: Telling Stories Through Sound by Siobhán McHugh (Columbia University Press, 2022) 100 Best Black Podcasts The Sonja Haynes Stone Center Linktree

Host Dr. Rhon speaks with artist Mark Anthony Brown Jr. and curator Ming Joi Washington about The Book of Mark a solo exhibition at the Stone Center that explores spirituality, ancestry, and diasporic practices through photography, sculpture, and time-based media. The conversation covers their collaborative process and trust-building, the influence of Black church traditions, tensions between artistic integrity and the market, and efforts to make art accessible. The exhibition opens September 2025 and runs through the fall semester. Sources:  The Book of Mark exhibition catalog more about the artist, Mark Anthony Brown, Jr.  more about the curator, Ming Joi Washington The Sonja Haynes Stone Center Linktree

Stone Center Director Dr. Rhon Manigault-Bryant (@DoctorRMB) opens Stone Written Season 2 on the 21st anniversary of the Stone Center building. Reflecting on the Stone Center's legacy and Toni Morrison’s powerful lessons on centering Black life, Dr. Rhon speaks to the urgent need to secure sustainable funding to expand research programs, fellowships, and student support. Tune in for a pithy, but powerful conversation on creating a future that honors Black scholarship, creativity, and community — and learn how your support can make that vision possible. Join us in building the future we’ve always deserved.   Sources: The Sonja Haynes Stone Center website and linktree.  Toni Morrison's novel Paradise (1997). Check out the full video and transcript of the 1998 “Toni Morrison Uncensored” Conversation with Morrison and Jana Wendt.  Give to the Stone Center! 

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors. On this final episode of Stone’s Senior Stories, we sit down with Evan Andrews, a senior from Winston-Salem majoring in Political Science and Peace, War & Defense with a minor in History. Evan is deeply involved in campus leadership, serving as the Basileus (President) of the Psi Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and holding past roles as Vice President of the UNC National Pan-Hellenic Council and leader in organizations like the UNC Black Pre-Law Association, Richard Epps Emerging Leaders Program, and Order of the Omega. His work with Democracy NC and Cheri Beasley’s Senate campaign reflects his passion for civic engagement and advocacy. In this conversation, Evan shares his thoughts on campus culture, Black UNC, Greek life, and the challenges of elitism and collaboration in student spaces. Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors. On this episode, Guest Editor Melanie Cabrero sits down with Krystal Lacayo, a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate with a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in Urban and Regional Studies. Krystal is a powerhouse advocate, including her role as the Founder and President of HBUNC Media Group. She is passionate about holistic community development, blending sustainability, media, and social advocacy to create lasting change. We’ll discuss her journey as a student leader, her global perspective gained through study abroad, and her vision for the future of equitable and sustainable development. Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors. In this episode Guest Editor Melanie Cabrero sits down with Christopher Lee Williams, a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate who majored in Peace, War, and Defense with a minor in Entrepreneurship. As the Student Body Vice President, an advocate for financial literacy, and a leader in the Union of Black Men, Christopher dedicated his time at Carolina to service, mentorship, and institutional change. We discuss the state of the Black community at UNC, the importance of financial literacy for students, and the challenges of navigating leadership and advocacy in a changing political climate. Christopher also shares his thoughts on mentorship, the legacy he hopes to leave behind, and advice for students looking to step into leadership roles. Tune in for an insightful conversation about leadership, service, and creating lasting impact! Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors. In this episode Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with Brooklynn Barnett, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill majoring in Biology with a minor in Health & Society. Brooklynn will soon take the next step in her journey at the #1 pharmacy school in the nation, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. She shares insights on navigating higher education as a first-generation college student, overcoming imposter syndrome, and her passion for health advocacy. Brooklynn also highlights her experience as a mentor in the SPARK program, empowering underrepresented women at UNC, and reflects on her favorite Carolina memories. Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero Guest Editor: Tobi Onsanya

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors. On this episode, Melanie Cabrero sits down with Nia Satterfield Brown, a recent graduate of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media with a dual focus in EXSS Sports Administration and a minor in Hispanic Studies. Nia is a force in sports media, having covered UNC football and basketball for three years while also serving as the President of the Carolina Association of Black Journalists. Outside of journalism, she wears many hats—working as a Peer Financial Coach, a cycling instructor, and balancing a full student life. In this episode, we’ll explore her journey as a woman in sports media, how she navigates imposter syndrome, her experience as an out-of-state student, and how she manages it all while prioritizing self-care and personal growth. Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors. On this episode, Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with Nigel Parker, a Morehead-Cain scholar and UNC grad majoring in Management & Society with minors in Philosophy, Politics, & Economics and History. Nigel is dedicated to fostering understanding and impactful change on campus, co-founding the Food for Thought civic discourse speaker series, working as an Intern for Honors Carolina, and serving as Chief of Staff in the Undergraduate Student Government Executive Branch. We explore his perspectives on civic discourse, student activism, the role of student government, and what it takes to be an effective advocate for historically underserved communities. Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors. In this episode, Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with Joann Obioma, a powerhouse leader at UNC-Chapel Hill. Joann shares her journey of finding her voice as a first-generation student, navigating a predominantly white institution, and transforming self-doubt into self-assurance. From serving as President of the Black Student Movement to co-founding the Black Pre-Law Association, Joann has dedicated her time at Carolina to advocacy, equity, and uplifting marginalized communities. Tune in as she reflects on how her upbringing shaped her pursuit of higher education, the lessons she wishes she learned, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind. This conversation is both inspiring and practical for anyone looking to make the most of their college experience while staying true to their roots and values. Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero Guest Editor: Seton Pajibo

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors. In this third episode of Stone's Senior Stories, Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with Connor Barnes, a graduating senior from Frederick, Maryland. Connor is a content creator who has built a personal social media presence with over 100,000 followers. He's also a savvy creative strategist and problem-solver with experience in social media, digital marketing, and sports media. Passionate about sports media, Connor hopes to join a professional sports organization’s media team after graduation. In this conversation, he shares insights on stepping outside of your comfort zone, mental health, social media, and the Black community at UNC. Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero Guest Editor: Tobi Onasanya

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors. In this second episode of Stone's Senior Stories, Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with BJ Tillman. From founding a nonprofit that has registered thousands of voters to crafting economic policy with senators, BJ Tillman has made her mark on UNC and beyond. In this episode, we take a deep dive into her journey—how she stepped outside of her comfort zone, built a legacy of civic engagement, and balanced policy work with sports journalism. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, service, and the power of student advocacy.   Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors. In this first episode of Stone's Senior Stories, Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with Julian Taylor, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill and co-founder of TransparUNCy, an organization dedicated to educating students about the political forces shaping public education. A Chapel Hill native studying Public Policy with a minor in City Planning, Julian has spent his college years advocating for transparency, equity, and student empowerment.  In this conversation, Julian reflects on his journey as an advocate, the importance of civic engagement, and how students can reclaim power over their education.  Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero

Join Dr. Rhon as she hosts a riveting discussion with directors Danielle Hiraldo, Heidi Kim, and Josmell Pérez, leaders of key academic and community engagement centers at UNC-Chapel Hill. Delving into their roles, challenges, and victories, this episode highlights how these centers serve as vital support systems for students, faculty, and communities amidst shifting political and educational landscapes. Hear first-hand accounts of resilience and strategic advocacy and reflections on UNC's history and the ongoing efforts to create community. With a blend of personal experiences and professional insights, this episode offers a deep dive into the evolving dynamics at play in higher education and the significance of sustaining impactful community engagement. To learn more about each center and the dynamic leaders at their helm, check out the following Episode Resources: The Alliance  The American Indian Center at UNC  The Asian American Center at UNC  The Carolina Latinx Center at UNC  The Sonja Haynes Stone Center (Linktree)       

In this engaging episode of "Stone Written," join host Dr. Rhon as she welcomes two remarkable guests, Dr. Cassandra Denise Caldwell and Laura Anderson Wright to discuss the enduring impact and future potential of the Sonia Haynes Stone Center at UNC Chapel Hill. Both alumni of the university, they reveal personal stories of inspiration, connection, and the crucial role of philanthropy in sustaining the center's mission and expanding its reach. The conversation dives into the complexity of Black alumni relationships with the university, addressing the challenges posed by recent shifts in policies and sentiments within higher education. Through personal anecdotes and shared memories, the trio explores the intersection of personal history, academic experiences, and the power of communal support in shaping future generations. Their lives attest to the power of philanthropy, where Black women prioritize giving that supports their vision for futures where Black students can thrive.  Listeners are invited to consider their role in this collective effort, with discussions on how even modest contributions can create lasting impacts. The episode challenges current and future alumni to unite in support of the Stone Center, fostering a legacy for decades to come. Sources:  To learn more about the Stone Center, including naming opportunities, see: https://linktr.ee/shscgiving. Charities Aid Foundation, "What is Philanthropy?"  Listen to the "Decolonizing Philanthropy" episode of Philanthropisms podcast

In this episode, Dr. Rhon takes a deep dive into a broader American historical narrative and UNC-Chapel Hill's place within it. She considers: are we returning to "The Great Resegregation"?   This episode confronts the realities of historical regression; its chilling effects on the learning spaces of higher education; and the long-term impact on academia’s role as a place for critical thought. Dr. Rhon invites a frank but necessary conversation about the future of higher education. In the end, the things we cannot say may just be what needs to be said.   Sources:   Adam Serwer, “The Great Resegregation.” The Atlantic. February 22, 2025. Alice Walker, In Search of Our Mother’s Gardens: Womanist Prose (Mariner Books [reprint edition], 2003).   Anthea Butler, White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America (UNC Press [second edition], 2024).  Origin, directed by Ava DuVernay (Array Filmworks, 2023). Based on Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson (Random House, 2020).   “Paving the Way: Carolina’s Black Pioneers.”  J. Brian Charles, “The Evolution of DEI." The Chronicle of Higher Education (June 23, 2023.) 

In this engaging episode of Stone Written, Dr. Rhon sits down with the Honorable Dean Patricia Timmons-Goodson to explore her inspiring journey through a remarkable public service career. As one of the first African-American women on North Carolina's Supreme Court, Dean Timmons-Goodson shares her profound insights into justice, history, and the importance of remaining grounded through life's challenges. From her humble beginnings in Florence, South Carolina, to her leadership role as Dean of North Carolina Central University School of Law, Dean Timmons-Goodson's journey is a testament to resilience and courage. The conversation delves into the power of history in shaping innovative legal minds and the responsibility of educating the next generation of practice-ready lawyers. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the values of service, accountability, and historical awareness as foundational to personal and communal progress. With shared stories of overcoming adversity and honoring an ever-important past, Dr. Rhon and Dean Timmons-Goodson inspire us to continue the journey towards a brighter, justice-filled future. Sources:  North Carolina Central University School of Law Project Uplift -UNC-Chapel Hill Harvey Gantt & Jesse Helms, 1996 US Senate Election in NC The Sonja Haynes Stone Center  Production Assistants: Melanie Cabrero & Nyah Johnson  

"What do you do when you feel as if the world is on fire?"  Join Dr. Rhon as she engages this idea while reflecting on a viral essay she penned in 2016 titled "An Open Letter to White Liberal Feminists." The piece, initially published during the aftermath of Donald Trump's first election, resonated deeply, sparking a conversation on race, feminism, and politics. In this episode, Dr. Rhon draws parallels between the past and the present, in light of Trump's re-election in 2024. She explores some shifts in voter dynamics, the persistent voter gender gap, and an evolving political landscape. With personal anecdotes and a profound sense of urgency, she delves into the implications of these events on marginalized communities, particularly Black Americans. Dr. Rhon offers strategies for navigating this complex time, and she encourages listeners to grieve, rest, and find strength in collective action. As the world for some feels ablaze, this episode serves as both a call to action and a beacon of hope for those seeking change.   Sources:   https://www.aaihs.org/an-open-letter-to-white-liberal-feminists/  https://cawp.rutgers.edu/sites/default/files/resources/ggpresvote.pdf  https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/interactive/2024/exit-polls-2024-election/  https://www.electproject.org/election-data/voter-turnout-data  Black Writers Read  Well-Read Black Girl and The Black Studies podcasts.  Grief'd Up Podcast with Rebecca Feinglos 

Welcome to "Stone Written," hosted by Dr. Rhon. In this episode, Dr. Rhon is joined by Dr. Koritha Mitchell, an esteemed professor of English at Boston University, award-winning author, and cultural critic. Together, they delve into Dr. Mitchell's groundbreaking work on the intersection of culture and performance, focusing on how Black communities thrive amidst adversity. The conversation covers the importance of recognizing and embracing the concept of affinity, particularly in academic and cultural spaces, and challenges the notion of neutrality in race and identity discussions. Drawing on her recent piece for Time magazine, Dr. Mitchell shares insights on the significance of Kamala Harris's candidacy and the broader implications for identity politics in America. The episode also explores the historical context of the Combahee River Collective and its influence on contemporary discussions around identity and power dynamics. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges conventional wisdom and encourages a deeper understanding of how identity shapes our interactions and societal structures. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in culture, history, and legacy. Sources: Koritha Mitchell “Identity Groups are Mobilizing for Kamala Harris. That Shows Progress.” Time. July 29, 2024.  Combahee River Collective (via Wikipedia) Production Assistant: Melanie Cabrero

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Stone Written, the official podcast of the Sonya Haynes Stone Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Hosted by Dr. LeRhonda Manigault-Bryant, also known as Dr. Rhon, this episode introduces listeners to the rich history, mission, and dynamic programs of the Stone Center. Dr. Rhon, a professor of African, African American, and Diaspora Studies, provides an in-depth look at the Center's evolution from its modest beginnings to its current status as a hub for research, scholarship, and cultural programming. Learn about the Center's three pillars: Arts and Culture, Service and Outreach, and Research and Scholarship, and discover the impactful initiatives like the Institute of African American Research and the Moore Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program. This episode also offers a preview of the exciting guests and topics lined up for the season, featuring prominent scholars, activists, artists, and community leaders who will share their insights on Black life and culture. From historical explorations to contemporary issues, Stone Written promises to be a biweekly educational journey celebrating the resilience and brilliance of Black communities. Join us as we navigate the rich tapestry of Black experience, bringing the Stone Center's vibrant programming and events directly to you. Welcome to Stone Written.

Welcome to Stone Written, the official podcast of the Sonja Haynes Stone Center at UNC-Chapel Hill. Hosted by Dr. Rhon Manigault-Bryant (@DoctorRMB)