In the final episode of 2024, I’m unpacking a pivotal and uncomfortable moment from my high school years—a day when my English teacher put me on the spot to explain whether white people should be allowed to say the N-word. I’ll share how I handled it back then, what I wish I’d said, and how I’d respond to a situation like that today. Let’s get into it!

In this episode of The Melanin Sound Wave, I’m catching up with my friend Aries, whose life is nothing short of inspiring. We chat about how we first met, reflect on the adventures we’ve shared while traveling, and dive into her experiences living in different countries. Along the way, we talk about the unique joy of experiencing life as Black women, the memories that keep us laughing, and why exploring the world has been so meaningful to both of us. Get ready for a feel-good conversation full of connection, wanderlust, and plenty of laughs! 🌍✨

In this episode of The Melanin Sound Wave, I sit down with the founders of DSPRA SNDS, who are all about exposing their audiences to fresh, diverse sounds while creating an unforgettable, fun environment. We dive into what created the group, with each member sharing their unique role in making it happen—from curating playlists to organizing events—and how they balance their personal passions outside the group. We also talk about the importance of building connections and community through music, and why they want you to follow along, join the vibe, and interact with their work. Get ready to be inspired by their creativity and commitment to spreading joy! 🎶✨ To connect with them, follow their Instagram - @dsprasnds - to hear about their next event coming to the DC area!

In this episode of The Melanin Sound Wave, I share my candid thoughts on the recent election results and what they mean for our communities moving forward. I dive into the Blue Bracelet Movement—exploring both its intentions and how it can unintentionally cause harm if not used thoughtfully. For white allies, I offer a clear perspective on where your focus should be during this critical time. And to my fellow Black women, I hope you’re prioritizing self-care—because your well-being is essential as we navigate this moment together. Let’s unpack it all and move forward with clarity and purpose.

In this episode of The Melanin Sound Wave, we dive into the unique experiences of dating as Black women who grew up in contrasting environments—one from a predominantly Black neighborhood, and the other from a predominantly White one. We explore how these backgrounds shape our perspectives on relationships, cultural expectations, and self-identity. Join us as we have a candid conversation about the challenges and joys of dating while navigating two different worlds. I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording!

In this special first episode back after quite the break, I’m sharing the story behind The Melanin Sound Wave—why I started this platform and podcast, and what drives my passion to empower and amplify voices of color. I’ll take you on a quick journey through my personal background, the community I grew up in, and the experiences that shaped my vision. Tune in to learn more about the heart of this platform and the mission to inspire and uplift. And send me a message if you want to be a part of this growing community! Thank you for listening!

On this week's episode, I sat down with Alexa Jay and talked about what we considered the stages black girls who grow up in white communities go through. Basing this all on our own personal experiences, Alexa and I talked and bonded over the many similarities we had growing up, even though we grew up on opposite sides of the country. Our purpose for this episode is to connect further with other black girls (and boys) who may be going through the same thing we had gone through and to show that 1. You are not alone 2. You are going to get through it Alexa and I got real about what it was like for the two of us but in that, gave listeners what we thought would be some of the best advice for us all to follow in order to better ourselves or at least have a better understanding of what it is like for other people growing up. Our favorite piece of advice is as follows: Follow people on ALL your social media accounts that have a resemblance to you! - Skin tone, hair texture, size, birthmarks, anything! Social media can be used in so many ways but one of the best ways is by using it to your advantage! Following and admiring only people who do not look like you is not beneficial for you in the long run! Our other piece of advice - reach out to us! Alexa and I have experienced a lot of life and we have so much advice to give! If you ever need someone to listen, we are always here! Here are Alexa's social media's for you to connect with and follow below! 1. Instagram - @alexaaamccoy 2. TikTok - flexylexxxy We can't wait for you to listen! *As always, make sure you follow The Melanin Sound Wave on Instagram and TikTok (@themelaninsoundwave) and on all podcasting platforms so you know when new episodes come out and you can continue to learn! Enjoy listening and learning!*

On this week's episode, Xavier and I sat down with Kassidy King to discuss the trans experience with him and what that looks like, and how he has navigated the world. We talked about definitions of trans, being a trans father and what it is like, experiences and what it is like going to the hospitals or getting medical advice as someone who is trans, and so much more! Our conversation with Kassidy was real, honest, and fun, and a great way for all of us to learn about something not yet discussed on The Melanin Sound Wave in general but on an episode for the pride month series! Xavier and I are so grateful to Kassidy for being vulnerable and extremely open with us on something so personal and important to him. We cannot thank Kassidy enough for educating the two of us and also all of our listeners while on this episode! Be present, come to listen with an open mind, and don't forget your pencil/pen and piece of paper because you are going to want to write all of this down and remember it! We cannot wait for you all to listen! During the episode, Kassidy mentioned a few different resources we should all take a look at to learn more, become better allies and people, and connect with. Here are those resources Kassidy mentioned! 1. Planned Parenthood 2. Jayceon Dido - Instagram: @jayc3on If you want to follow Kassidy and learn more/connect with him, follow his accounts below! 1. Personal Instagram - @xxkingsworldxx 2. Business Instagram - @king_butta_love *As always, make sure you follow The Melanin Sound Wave on Instagram and TikTok (@themelaninsoundwave) and on all podcasting platforms so you know when episodes come out and you can further educate yourself! Enjoy listening and learning!*

On this week's episode, Xavier and I sat down with Asakee Robinson to talk about homophobia and transphobia within the Black household. We talked about what it can look like inside the home, how it hurts and affects the children both inside and outside of the home, struggles faced but also ways to combat it, and so much more. Our conversation with Asakee included personal stories, experiences, and things that happened outside of our lives and in the world. Xavier and I are so grateful to Asakee for being so open and vulnerable with us on something so personal and important to them. We cannot thank Asakee enough for educating the two of us and also all of our listeners while on this episode! Be present, come to listen with an open mind, and don't forget your pencil/pen and piece of paper because you are going to want to write all of this down and remember it! We cannot wait for you all to listen! If you want to follow Asakee and learn more/connect with them, follow their accounts below! 1. Instagram - @kinosaii 2. TikTok - @kinosaii *As always, make sure you follow The Melanin Sound Wave on Instagram and TikTok (@themelaninsoundwave) and on all podcasting platforms so you know when episodes come out and you can further educate yourself! Enjoy listening and learning!*

On this week's episode, Xavier and I sat down with Jetta Strayhorn to discuss black womanhood and how Jetta navigates being a Black woman and also nonbinary. We also discussed how nonbinaryism plays a role in Black womanhood, educating friends and family, what it feels like educating others, what it means to Jetta to be nonbinary and so much more! Our conversation with Jetta was fun and informational for us to learn about something we have yet to discuss on this podcast but also have not heard much about in our everyday lives. Xavier and I are so grateful to Jetta for their vulnerability and honesty throughout the episode while educating not only the two of us but also all of our listeners on this. Be present, come listen with an open mind, and don't forget your pencil/pen and piece of paper because you are going to want to write all of this down and remember it! We cannot wait for you all to listen! During the episode, Jetta mentioned a few different resources we should all take a look at to learn more, become better allies and people, and connect with. Here are those resources Jetta mentioned! 1. Advice - Get on the right side of TikTok! - Look at some of the people you are following and look at who they are following to find other resources and more people to listen to! 2. Go to your favorite political creator and see who they’re following 3. The Lemonade Syllabus - https://diversity.tamu.edu/Diversity/media/diversity/PDF/lemonade-syllabus.pdf 4. Jetta herself! If you want to follow Jetta and learn more/connect from them, follow their accounts below! 1. Instagram - @jetthejem 2. TikTok - @jetthejem *As always, make sure you follow The Melanin Sound Wave on Instagram and TikTok (@themelaninsoundwave) and on all podcasting platforms so you know when episodes come out and you can further educate yourself! Enjoy listening and learning!*