High-Level Summary
In this episode of Rise Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons engages in an inspiring dialogue with Dr. Khalid White about taking control of cultural narratives through storytelling, literature, and film. Dr. White shares how his multi-platform venture, Black in Power, empowers communities by fostering early childhood literacy, supporting Black fathers, and championing authentic representation. The conversation emphasizes that when communities define their own stories, they expand possibilities for future generations.
Key Takeaways
Narrative Ownership: Authentic representation in literature and media is essential to shifting societal perceptions and empowering youth identity.
Holistic Fatherhood Support: Fathers require emotional caregiving networks and mental health spaces, moving beyond conventional provider expectations.
Relevant Literacy: Addressing the literacy crisis and dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline begins by providing children with books featuring characters that look like them.
Independent Creation: Entrepreneurs must execute their vision with deliberate intention rather than waiting for mainstream approval or immediate family consensus.
Detailed Outline & Topic Breakdown
Embracing Black History as a Living Entity
Host Taryell Simmons and Dr. Khalid White discuss the founding mission of Rise Urban Nation and how digital storytelling captures modern Black history. Dr. White emphasizes that history is not static; it is constantly evolving and being recreated today.
Formative Influences and the Power of Representation
Dr. White recounts his upbringing, reading Jet and Ebony magazines, and the profound impact of attending Morehouse College. These formative experiences instilled self-confidence, revealed the full spectrum of Black excellence, and inspired him to write.
Reclaiming the Black Fatherhood Narrative
Frustrated by one-dimensional media tropes depicting Black fathers as absent, Dr. White authored Black Fatherhood: Trials & Tribulations and produced an accompanying documentary. The initiative expanded into community workshops that address both caretaking and emotional caregiving.
Bridging Formal Classrooms and Community Education
Dr. White discusses navigating dual educational environments, applying his academic background from Harvard and UC Davis while practicing cultural humility to empower students inside and outside traditional classrooms.
Tackling the Literacy Gap Through Children's Books
Dr. White highlights the critical link between elementary reading proficiency and systemic inequities. Through children's titles like Little Brother, Little Sister and bilingual editions Hermanito and Hermanita, he provides relatable storylines that inspire a love for reading.
Ten Books and Five Films: Independent Creative Vision
Dr. White reflects on achieving his ten-year milestone of producing ten books and five films independently. He shares essential advice for mission-driven entrepreneurs on maintaining focus, embracing feedback, and trusting their unique calling.
Memorable Quotes
"Black history is a living, breathing entity that is constantly recreating and re-presenting itself." — Dr. Khalid White
"When the father is supported, in turn it supports the family." — Dr. Khalid White
"When we control our narrative, we control possibility." — Taryell Simmons
Resources, Tools, & Recommendations Mentioned
Books: The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah; Black Fatherhood: Trials & Tribulations by Dr. Khalid White; Little Brother, Little Sister by Dr. Khalid White; Hermanito and Hermanita by Dr. Khalid White; Black Voices from the Ivory Tower.
Films & Media: Black Fatherhood: Trials & Tribulations (Documentary); Glass Ceilings (Documentary featuring Martha Corrine); Black Panther (Marvel Studios).
Periodicals: Jet Magazine, Ebony, The Source, Vibe, Black Enterprise, Essence.
Educational Institutions: Morehouse College, Harvard University, UC Davis, California Community Colleges, Howard University, Tuskegee University, Spelman College, Tennessee State University, Florida A&M University (FAMU).
People & Figures: Aliko Dangote, Dana "Theractivist" Johnson, Martha Corrine, Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ella Hill Hutch, Angela Davis.
Online & Social Links: Black in Power (@BLKMPWR), LinkedIn (Khalid White / Khalid Akil White), Email:
