We’re Back – Welcome to Season 5!

In the season opener, hosts Dr. Antija Allen and Justin Stewart sit down with Dr. Alford Young Jr.—University of Michigan professor and founding director of The Scholars Network on Masculinity and the Well-Being of African American Men—to explore the complexities of Black male identity.

Together, they unpack the burdens, expectations, and societal pressures that shape how Black masculinity is perceived and lived. From emotional repression to distorted public narratives, the conversation examines how these forces impact mental health, relationships, and self-worth. Dr. Young offers powerful insight into how healing begins—not just through research, but through honest, community-centered dialogue.

Welcome to the Season 4 Finale!

Today, hosts Dr. Antija Allen and Justin Stewart sit down with Dr. Shawntal Z. Brown, a seasoned higher education professional and DEI advocate, to discuss the emotional and professional challenges faced by DEI practitioners amid increasing institutional pushback.

Shawntal shares insights from her article, "What to Expect When Expecting a DEI Layoff," where she candidly reflects on her own experience of being laid off due to anti-DEI legislation. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, community support, and resilience during such transitions. The conversation delves into the broader implications of these layoffs on the higher education landscape and the ongoing fight for inclusive excellence.

Connect with Dr. Brown:

Twitter/X: https://x.com/ShawntalBrown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawntal_brown_22/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawntalbrown/

TADOHE: https://www.tadohe.com/

TADOHE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-association-of-diversity-officers-in-

higher-education/?viewAsMember=true

TADOHE Twitter: https://x.com/TADOHE2

TADOHE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tadohe

Connect with us:

Follow @notokbookprojectFollow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@thenotokpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@antijaallen⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@justwrite_stewart87⁠⁠

In this powerful episode, host Dr. Antija Allen and Justin Stewart sit down with Amanda Hollowell, Interim Chief of Campaigns at Color of Change—the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. With a career rooted in organizing, advocacy, and bold leadership, Amanda shares how she and her team are pushing campaigns that hold power to account and create lasting change for Black communities.

From her early days with 9to5 Georgia to national impact with When We All Vote, Amanda’s journey reflects the heart of grassroots power meeting policy. We also talk about motherhood, legacy, and what it truly means to lead with purpose in a world that often resists justice.

This conversation will leave you charged up and ready to take action, offering both inspiration and practical insight on how to step into the fight for equity with intention and impact.

Connect with Color of Change:

https://www.facebook.com/colorofchange

https://x.com/ColorOfChange

https://www.youtube.com/user/colorofchange

https://www.instagram.com/colorofchange/

Connect with us:

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@notokbookproject⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@thenotokpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@antijaallen⁠⁠⁠⁠

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@justwrite_stewart87⁠⁠