Black Is America
Black Is America
OWLS, LLC
The Black Is America podcast highlights little-known African American figures who helped write the story of America. Join us as we shed new light on lost chapters in our nation's history. Hear the amazing, inspiring accounts of black American inventors, heroes, scientists, entrepreneurs and so much more. In Season 1, we feature the stories of Lt. John Fox, Marian Anderson, Wendell Scott, Bessie Coleman, and more. In each episode, we examine the legacy of these great Americans. Learn how they paved the way for other exceptional African Americans and contributed to a continued tradition of excellence in the black community. While racism is a common theme, it is not the central theme. These stories focus instead on what black people have contributed in spite of it, and the impact of those contributions shows clearly that African American History is American History.
Wendell Scott: An American Racing Legend
How does one compete in NASCAR while facing discrimination?  In this episode of the Black Is America podcast, we chronicle the life of NASCAR legend Wendell Scott. The Danville, Virginia native goes from the bootlegging on the back roads of the Commonwealth to extraordinary heights of stock car racing. Even though Scott would never have a significant sponsor, he would still compete against the best in NASCAR.  In this episode, you will hear: A brief history of Danville, Virginia Why the story of Wendell Scott mirrors the story of NASCAR Two pivotal moments in Wendell's Scott Career Why Wendell Scott served as his mechanic About Wendell Scott's success as a driver and owner Notable figures mentioned in this episode: Marshall Major Taylor The Texas Western Starting 5 Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr.  Willy T. Ribbs Bill Lester Michael Jordan John Cohen Floyd Mayweather Jr. Brad Daughter Sir Lewis Hamilton 
Feb 28, 2022
58 min
Marian Anderson: The American Contralto Part 2
How does one become a musical legend? In the conclusion of Marian Anderson: The American Contralto, we chronicle Marian's journey through Europe as she is called "the voice of the century." After a successful trip to Europe and being met with resistance to perform at Consitution Hall, it led to a concert at the Lincoln Memorial. Later we talk to Charlie Edmunds about her experience teaching music in East Tennessee and a new program she is creating to expose more students to learn how to play black music. In this episode, you will hear: What Marian needed in Europe and how Roland Hayes helped The type of money Marian was making at her peak. The origin of the Nuremberg Race Laws and how they affected Marian Why Marian was not able to perform at Constitution Hall A significant song she performed at the Lincoln Memorial  Notable figures mentioned in this episode: Roland Hayes Katherine Mary Dunham Walter White
Feb 15, 2022
37 min
Marian Anderson: The American Contralto Part 1
What does it take to be the best to do it?  In Part 1 of this Black Is America podcast presentation, we chronicle the story of the great American contralto Marian Anderson. We discuss her early singing experiences in church, the power and emotion of the Negro spiritual, and why what Black America creates is often hard to duplicate. In this episode, you will hear: About Marian's upbringing Why the church is essential to the African American community The cheat code embedded in the black community About H.T. Burleigh and the art of the Negro spiritual Why did Marian Anderson go to Europe And so much more
Feb 8, 2022
39 min
Lt.  John Fox: An All-American Hero
What does it take to make the ultimate sacrifice? In the first episode of the Black Is America podcast, we learn the story of Lt. John Fox. From very humble beginnings in the Cincinnati area to courageous actions in the Italian theater, John Fox is an excellent example of Black America displaying bravery on the battlefield in the face of discrimination.  In this episode, you will hear:  Where John Fox grew up More about the village of Sommocolonia How his life was building towards his actions on Dec. 26th, 1944 Understand more about the famous 366th Infantry Regiment Why Captain Aaron Fisher was important in John Fox's military career. Why John Fox was worthy of the Medal of Honor And so much more
Feb 1, 2022
44 min
Tom Lee: The Everyday American Hero
A preview of Episode 111, Tom Lee: The Everyday American Hero. The Black Is America podcast debuts Feb. 1, 2022. 
Jan 18, 2022
2 min
Garrett A. Morgan: The Great American Inventor
A preview of Episode 106, Garrett A. Morgan: The Great American Inventor. The Black Is America podcast debuts Feb. 1, 2022. 
Jan 14, 2022
2 min
Did Michael Jackson Save A Network?
A preview of episode 108, Did Michael Jackson Save A Network? The Black Is America podcast debuts Feb. 1, 2022. 
Jan 10, 2022
2 min
Guion Bluford: An American Astronaut
A preview of episode 107, Guion Bluford: An American Astronaut. The Black Is America podcast debuts Feb. 1, 2022. 
Jan 4, 2022
2 min
Welcome To Black Is America
Black Is America Podcast creator Dominic Lawson explains why he created the show and what you can come to expect from Season 1. It also includes a clip from the very first episode. 
Sep 1, 2021
8 min