The Color Between The Lines with Esther Dillard

Your World Map Has Been Lying to You for 500 Years | 9 Wins You Didn't Hear About

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 11:30:11 +0000

You've been looking at a map that's wrong your entire life not roughly wrong, wrong on purpose, for 500 years, in a way that's made an entire continent look smaller than it actually is. This month, one country stood up and said stop. One other country voted to keep it that way. In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, Esther Dillard hosts solo no guest, just nine good-news stories from the past month that reflect Black achievement, community organizing, and progress the daily headlines tend to leave out.

Esther walks through the UN's 164-to-1 vote to move nations away from the 500-year-old Mercator map, Los Angeles renaming a downtown park for formerly enslaved landowner Bridget "Biddy" Mason, Michigan's tuition-free Reconnect program helping adults finish their degrees, New York's new textured-hair licensing requirement for cosmetology students, a Baltimore pastor turning church land into working farms, a founder's smart handoff at the skincare brand Topicals, Jordyn Woods' homecoming honeymoon across Africa, and a South African recycling program pulling tons of e-waste out of landfills.

New episodes of The Color Between the Lines drop every week on iHeartRadio, the Alive Podcast Network, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Sources referenced: the United Nations General Assembly, the Los Angeles City Council, the Michigan Reconnect program, New York State, the Natural Hairstyle and Braid Coalition, the Black Church Food Security Network, Topicals, and the World Travel Awards Gala.

Chapters:

00:00 Cold Open

00:18 Intro Nine Wins, No Guest Today

00:38 The Mercator Projection

01:12 UN Votes 164-1 to Move Away From the Map

01:49 Win 2 LA Renames a Park for Biddy Mason

02:54 Win 3 Michigan Reconnect

03:27 Win 4 New York Mandates Textured Hair Education

04:09 The Honest Add A Law Can Mandate Curriculum, Not Skill

05:07 Win 5 Baltimore Pastor Turns Church Lots Into Farms

05:56 Win 6 Topicals Founder Hands Off to a New CEO

06:36 Win 7 Jordyn Woods' Homecoming Honeymoon to Africa

07:14 Win 8 Tanzania Named Africa's Top Tourism Destination

07:31 Win 9 South Africa's E-Waste Recycling Win

07:52 Recap

08:27 Closing

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They Tried to Erase This Street Three Times. She Stopped Them. | ERASED: Freedmen's Town

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 11:30:18 +0000

A construction crew tore up a Houston street, and underneath the asphalt were bricks laid by hand more than 150 years ago by people who had only just been freed from slavery. Three separate times between 2014 and 2016, the city tried to dig them up for good. Three separate times, someone stood in the way including a woman who climbed into the excavation hole herself and refused to move.

In this episode, we trace the story of Freedmen's Town: a community that built its own doctors, schools, and streets by hand when the city refused to, and the century-long fight to keep it from being erased. You'll hear how formerly enslaved Houstonians built this neighborhood after being denied basic infrastructure for six years straight, the three separate attempts to tear up its historic brick streets, why this ground is now part of an active bid to become a United Nations World Heritage Site, and a proposed federal law that would trace a 51-mile trail all the way from the origin of Juneteenth to this exact spot.

Key figures: Rev. Jack Yates, Rutherford B.H. Yates, Catherine Roberts, Doris Ellis Robinson, Ben Hall, Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Sourced from the Houston Press, ABC13 News, the National Register of Historic Places, and congressional testimony from the Houston Freedmen's Town Conservancy.

In partnership with Amplified Voices TV.

For educators: our companion discussion guide and full classroom lesson bundle are available now link in the show notes.

Free resources on Substack, paid bundles on Etsy and TPT.

Subscribe for more of the history that was suppressed, hidden, or simply never told.

Music licensed via Artlist.io

#ERASED #FreedmensTown #HoustonHistory #BlackHistory #UntoldAmericanStory #UNESCO #Juneteenth #BlackHistoryEducation #AmericanHistory #Houston #Emancipation

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What Kids Risk Missing Today If Haircut Day Is Just a Haircut | Monica Mikai

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 11:30:17 +0000

There's a moment that happens in almost every barbershop that most people never think twice about guards come down, stories come out, and something passes between a father and a child that has nothing to do with hair. Children's author Monica Mikai grew up hearing it in her own father's shop, and turned it into a picture book, Haircut Day with Dad. She joins Esther Dillard to talk through everything that ritual actually teaches kids connection, identity, and gratitude long before they're old enough to notice they're learning it.

In this episode, you'll hear: why Monica Mikai wrote Haircut Day with Dad, inspired by her father's barbershop; how barbershop culture compares to salon culture in her experience; why sound and sensory detail matter in the story; how the ritual helps fathers connect with their sons and builds emotional safety, confidence, and identity; what changed when families cut hair at home during COVID; and why she teaches kids to tip and show gratitude.

Music: Licensed via Artlist.io

Guest links: Haircut Day with Dad (order the book) https://amzn.to/3TdG956. Monica Mikai monicamikai.com. Instagram @monicamikai.

For educators: free discussion resources drop first on Substack at substack.com/@iamestherdillard. Full guides and lesson plans live at ColorBtwLinesMarket on Etsy.

If this conversation moved you, subscribe to The Color Between the Lines wherever you get your podcasts new episodes drop regularly. Your story matters. So does hers.

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This Farmer Is Teaching 250,000 Families to Grow Their Own Food After SNAP Cuts

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 1 Sep 2026 11:30:09 +0000

About 4 million Americans have already lost their SNAP benefits, and states will soon have to absorb most of that cost themselves. In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard sits down with Bobby Wilson, CEO and co-founder of Metro Atlanta Urban Farm, whose organization fed 25,000 families during the pandemic and is now teaching 250,000 households how to grow their own food instead.

Bobby talks about the moment the safety net started to disappear, why he named his new conference PLANTED after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s phrase "the fierce urgency of now," how grow bags make food independence possible without a yard, and the 15-year relationship with an HBCU that turned into a full-scale conference. He also shares the story of driving through the night to get one student enrolled at Alcorn State University.

Listen for Bobby's practical advice on starting your own grow bag this fall, his vision for a movement bigger than gardening, and why he says "if not now, then when."

Learn more or get involved: MetroAtlantaUrbanFarm.org BobbyMAUF@gmail.com 404-788-2432
Free resources and discussion guides: substack.com/@iamestherdillard

#SNAPBenefits #SNAPCuts #FoodInsecurity #UrbanFarming #GrowYourOwnFood #BlackFarmers #FoodJustice #MetroAtlantaUrbanFarm #PLANTEDConference #ClarkAtlantaUniversity #HBCU #FoodSecurity #GrowBags #CommunityGardening #SustainableFarming #FoodDesert #AtlantaGeorgia #TheColorBetweenTheLines #EstherDillard #BlackInformationNetwork

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The Gene Therapy Curing Sickle Cell Disease | Rickey’s Story

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:30:23 +0000

This is the story of a new gene therapy curing sickle cell disease. One morning, Dr. Lametra Scott nudged her husband awake and said, Look at his eyes. For the first time in years, the whites of her son Rickeys eyes were actually white the sign she had been watching for every morning, before any test could confirm what she already felt in her heart.

Sickle cell disease has been documented in medical textbooks for more than a hundred years, and it disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic Americans. For most of that history, doctors could manage the pain but not change the disease. That changed when the FDA approved a new gene-editing therapy, first for patients 12 and older, and this July for children as young as 2.

In this episode, Rickeys mother, pharmacist Dr. Lametra Scott, and Dr. Haydar Frangoul, who directs the Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplant program at TriStar Centennial Childrens Hospital in Nashville, take us through what it actually took: the diagnosis, the daily fear of a fever or a pain crisis, the month in the hospital, the chemotherapy, and the moment they knew it had worked. Dr. Frangoul also explains how the therapy uses CRISPR gene-editing technology, and why one state Alabama still isnt offering it to its residents.

Learn More About Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease

FDA approval announcement

Casgevy patient information (Vertex Pharmaceuticals)

Sickle Cell Disease Association of America

CDC Sickle Cell Disease

NIH / NHLBI Sickle Cell Disease

CMS Cell and Gene Therapy Access Model (state Medicaid coverage)

For Educators

New educator guides and discussion resources are added regularly at my Etsy shop, The Color Between the Lines Market. Free resources are also available through my Substack.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss the next episode.

#SickleCellDisease #GeneTherapy #CRISPR #Casgevy #SickleCellWarrior #SickleCellAwareness #BlackHealth #HealthEquity #RareDisease #MedicalBreakthrough #BlackMotherhood #BlackFamilies #TheColorBetweenTheLines #HopeIsOnTheWay #GeneEditing #StemCellTransplant #BlackExcellence #PatientAdvocacy

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A Queer Preacher Is Changing Black Churches | Rev. Don Abram

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 11:30:14 +0000

Rev. Don Abram says the policies gutting HIV funding right now are "death dealing." In this conversation, he walks through the three-year, university-backed study proving Black churches can be the ones to change that and explains why a queer preacher ended up leading the work.

In this episode, you'll hear: the three-year study Toward Pride ran with Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville; how churches moved from "Antagonizing" to "Advocate" on a five-point scale; what the Faith, HIV and AIDS Advocacy Fellowship (FHIV) actually funded; why Black women are half of new HIV diagnoses and what churches are doing about it; what's happened to HIV funding and testing access under current federal policy; and what Abram says communities can do right now.

Abram cites a 28% increase in affirming policies and practices at partner churches his figure, from the study's internal data.

Music: "Let's Groove" by Hotham is licensed under a Creative Commons License. License: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbWh7zPj9LI Stream: https://linktr.ee/hothammusic Support by RFM - NCM: https://bit.ly/2xGHypM

Guest links: Toward Pride https://www.towardpride.org. Instagram & Facebook @towardpride.

For educators: free resources and the full study drop first on Substack at substack.com/@iamestherdillard. Full guides and lesson plans live at ColorBtwLinesMarket on Etsy.

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Race for a Kidney: A Pastor's Fight to Live

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 4 Aug 2026 11:30:18 +0000

Pastor Steven Mills has already survived two cancers. Now the treatment that saved his life has left him fighting for a kidney transplant that could take up to five years to find.

In this episode, Pastor Mills of First Baptist Church in Garden City, Kansas shares his journey through Hodgkin's lymphoma, colon cancer, and now end-stage renal disease and what it means to keep showing up for his daughter when his body won't cooperate. Dr. Giselle Guerra, Medical Director of Transplant Services at the Miami Transplant Institute, joins the conversation to explain HLA sensitization, why Black patients often wait longer for a compatible kidney, and what it truly costs to become a living donor.

This is a story about survival, faith, and the fight to be present for the people who need us most.

Pastor Mills has a GoFundMe set up to help cover what insurance doesn't link and living donor information in the episode notes.

New episodes of The Color Between the Lines release weekly, wherever you get your podcasts.

#KidneyTransplant #LivingDonor #HLASensitization #KidneyDisease #Dialysis #OrganDonation #BlackHealth #HealthDisparities #FaithAndHealing #TheColorBetweenTheLines

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Good News for Black America 2026 | 6 Wins You Didn't Hear About

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:00:06 +0000

Good news for the Black community doesn't always make the headlines. Six months into 2026, there have already been real wins worth knowing about, in health, history, justice, land ownership, and economics.

In this episode, Esther Dillard counts down six verified stories from this year: a man who bought the very prison that once held him and turned it into a place that helps others rebuild, a team of Black surgeons who made history leading one of the country's top trauma units, a scientific breakthrough finally offering hope for a disease that has affected Black families for generations, a small coastal Georgia community that fought to keep land its families have held since Emancipation, and a look at why an entire continent is quietly posting some of the fastest economic growth in the world.

This is the first episode of Wins Report, a new recurring segment from The Color Between the Lines built around one idea: the world is not only what the headlines tell you it is.

More from The Color Between the Lines: substack.com/@iamestherdillard
Shop educator bundles: etsy.com/shop/ColorBtwLinesMarket

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Take the Cape Off | Marsha Evans on the Difference Between Surviving and Healing

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:00:31 +0000

Black women are taught to wear a cape push through the stress, hold the family together, keep going no matter what. Marsha Evans says that cape isn't strength. It's survival mode, and survival is not the same as healing.
In this conversation, Esther Dillard sits down with Marsha Evans a licensed professional counselor, sound healing practitioner, and yoga teacher who founded Willow Tree Counseling and Education Center in Northern Virginia. Marsha explains what she's telling clients who are more stressed than any self-care routine can hold, why most people don't recognize survival mode until their body forces them to, and how to build a wellness team even without an extensive budget. She also breaks down the science behind sound healing how specific frequencies affect the nervous system and why she believes healing requires real, physical community, not just virtual connection.
New episodes of The Color Between the Lines drop every week on iHeartRadio, the Alive Podcast Network, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Guest: Marsha Evans, licensed professional counselor, sound healing practitioner, and yoga teacher, founder of Willow Tree Counseling and Education Center. https://www.marshalistens.com/
Keywords: sound healing podcast, mental health podcast for black women, survival mode versus healing, holistic wellness podcast, black women self care, wellness team, sound healing practitioner, trauma healing podcast, black mental health, The Color Between the Lines podcast, Esther Dillard podcast
#MentalHealth #BlackWomensHealth #SoundHealing #Healing #Wellness #SelfCare #HolisticHealth #TheColorBetweenTheLines

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When Doctors Won't Believe You | Kalynne Wilson on Living With Sickle Cell

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:30:14 +0000

One in 365 Black births in the U.S. comes with a sickle cell diagnosis. Most people who don't have the disease can't describe what a pain crisis actually feels like - and that gap in understanding shapes how patients get treated in the emergency room.
In this conversation, Esther Dillard sits down with Kalynne Wilson: a sickle cell warrior, adult advocate, and award-winning documentary filmmaker who has lived with the disease since birth. Kalynne describes what a pain crisis actually feels like, why adults with sickle cell face suspicion that children don't, and the hardest part of transitioning from pediatric to adult care. She also explains why she chose documentary filmmaking - not a social media campaign - to tell the story of an 11-year-old girl living with the disease, and why blood donation from Black donors is critical to treatment.
Watch Kalynne's documentary, "How the Sickle Shapes" (Ayana's story): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_OA32Mw7NALearn more about the Shine the Light on Sickle Cell Foundation: https://wepsicklecell.org/sinerge/shine-the-light/

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He Was Shot at 16. Now He Leads The Potter's House. | Pastor Touré Roberts on Knowing

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 7 Jul 2026 11:30:04 +0000

He was shot at 16 years old. The physical wound healed in months. The trauma rewired his thinking for decades. And right as his new book on divine certainty releases his wife suffers a serious accident he never saw coming.

That is where this conversation begins.

In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, I sit down with Pastor Tour Roberts co-senior pastor of The Potter's House in Dallas and founder of ONE to talk about his new book Knowing. In a season where the ground keeps shifting under our feet, Pastor Tour says the answer isn't more information. It's something older. Something every person was born with. Something most of us have forgotten how to read.

We cover:

What Knowing actually is and why it's the first sense, not the sixth

What anchored him when Sarah Jakes Roberts was seriously injured

How trauma rewires your inner knower and what misknowing actually feels like

The Gregg Braden DNA discovery and how it connects to divine programming

How his parents' work in the Black Panther Party shaped his mission today

Why his 9-year-old daughter wrote the foreword and why his publisher pushed back

What he wishes he had known 20 years ago

Get the book Knowing by Pastor Tour Roberts:

https://amzn.to/4y5P1cw

Follow Pastor Tour Roberts on all platforms: @TourRoberts

FOR EDUCATORS: Free discussion guides and classroom-ready educator resources at substack.com/@iamestherdillard and etsy.com/shop/ColorBtwLinesMarket

HEIRSOUND: Embed a loved one's voice inside a printed photograph using Canva and Google Drive. Free tutorial at youtube.com/@thecolorbetweenthelines. Step-by-step guide in description.

I'm Esther Dillard. Your story matters.

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Are White Men Smarter? Steve Phillips on Playing Offense for Racial Justice in America

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 11:30:10 +0000

White men are 29% of this country and yet they hold 90% of CEO positions, 90% of venture capital, and 98% of the U.S. presidency. If we believe in merit, what explains that gap?

Political strategist and author Steve Phillips doesnt sidestep the question. In his new book Are White Men Smarter Than Everybody Else? Playing Offense in the Fight for Racial Justice in America, he names the dynamic driving persistent inequality, gives it a framework, and shows us how to fight back on offense instead of defense.

In this conversation with journalist Esther Dillard, Steve breaks down:

Why he says weve been asking the wrong question for 50 years

What SWAMP (Straight White American Male Preference) means and how to audit it

The legal argument that flips the script on opponents of DEI and affirmative action

How November 2024 changed the book he thought he was writing

Project 2126 why hes building something designed to last 100 years

The first thing he wants listeners to do tomorrow morning

This is a conversation for anyone who teaches history, studies power, or is trying to understand what this political moment is actually demanding of us.

Free educator resources and lesson bundles available at substack.com/@iamestherdillard and etsy.com/shop/ColorBtwLinesMarket.

The Color Between the Lines is distributed by the ALIVE Podcast Network the first Black woman-owned podcast network. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Pandora, the ALIVE app, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, and Samsung TV.

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It Could Happen to Anybody | The Possibilities Documentary | Blind, Black & Fighting to Be Seen

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 12:00:46 +0000

A new documentary is putting the blind and low vision community at the center of its own story both on screen and behind the microphone. Possibilities, produced by the American Foundation for the Blind, is the first feature-length film made by blind and low vision filmmakers, and the first to fully integrate open audio description into the storytelling itself.

In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard sits down with two of the voices behind this landmark film.

Tony Stephens is Assistant Vice President of Communications at the American Foundation for the Blind, born legally blind, with more than 30 years at the intersection of disability rights, social justice, and media. He is a producer and featured voice in Possibilities and one of the foremost voices on Helen Keller's actual life, legacy, and complicated history.

Krystle Allen is a Newark, New Jersey native, founder of Eyes Like Mine, Inc., a nonprofit supporting people who are blind, low vision, and deafblind, and one of the film's featured African American voices. In 2023 she became the first legally blind titleholder of the Ms. Newark USA Pageant.

What unfolds in this conversation is something you won't hear anywhere else.

Krystle was denied healthcare by a gynecologist who said she didn't feel comfortable treating her because she is blind. She filed a complaint, went through mediation, and was then legally restricted from telling that story for ten full years. She tells it here for the first time publicly.

Tony connects the dots between the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the current climate threatening both Black history and disability inclusion making the case that these fights have never been separate.

Possibilities premiered at Carnegie Hall on June 27, 2026 Helen Keller's 146th birthday and is now streaming on Apple TV and additional platforms worldwide.

This is a story about what it means to be seen. And what happens when the people who are supposed to help you refuse.

Watch Possibilities: https://afb.org/news-publications/media/possibilities
Eyes Like Mine: https://eyeslikemine.org/team/
Free educator resources: https://substack.com/@iamestherdillard
Educator bundles: https://etsy.com/shop/ColorBtwLinesMarket

CHAPTER MARKERS
(adjust timecodes to match your final edit)

0:00 Cold open: "I didn't know blindness picked you by age"
0:25 Introducing Possibilities and the guests
1:00 What "made by us, for everyone" looked like on set
2:57 Why Carnegie Hall on Helen Keller's birthday
4:04 Krystle Allen: why she said yes
5:08 Being Black and blind: the nuances people miss
7:05 The gynecologist who refused to treat her
11:47 Ten years of silence: the agreement
14:27 Tony: same fight, new face?
15:35 What to take from this if you're losing your vision
16:37 Is disability history under the same threat as Black history?
19:04 Employment, technology, and what's changed
21:02 How Krystle lost her sight at 16
24:05 Final word: what we want you to believe differently

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She Grew Up in His Studio | Charnelle Pinkney Barlow on Jerry Pinkney, Legacy, and the Book She Had to Write

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:30:15 +0000

Here is the corrected version two fixes made: Jerry Pickney Jerry Pinkney in the opening line, and Charnelle Pickney Barlow Charnelle Pinkney Barlow in the book credit.

Jerry Pinkney illustrated more than 100 children's books over nearly six decades. He was the first solo Black illustrator to win the Caldecott Medal. He designed U.S. postage stamps. He was the most exhibited illustrator in American museums.

But his granddaughter knew him differently.

Charnelle Pinkney Barlow grew up in his studio watching him work, listening to the music shift from upbeat in the morning to soft jazz in the evening, sitting in the oversized leather chair with her feet hovering off the floor, reading pages of books his readers wouldn't see for another year.

Now she's an author and illustrator herself. Her debut picture book, Two Artists: Grandad and Me, is an intimate portrait of a legendary man seen through the eyes of the little girl who loved him most.

In this conversation with host Esther Dillard, Charnelle talks about:

The private world of Jerry Pinkney's studio what his readers never saw The moment she realized she had always been inside his work Why Black grandfather stories belong in children's literature The grandmother who handed her a two-sided sketchbook and told her to use both sides What she felt while writing this book and who she felt beside her Her advice for young writers who don't yet trust their own ideas

This is a conversation about art, grief, legacy, and the stories families pass down without even knowing it.

TWO ARTISTS: GRANDAD AND ME by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow Available wherever books are sold.

FOR EDUCATORS Free discussion guide available at substack.com/@iamestherdillard Paid lesson bundle at etsy.com/shop/ColorBtwLinesMarket Grades 612 Classroom ready

The Color Between the Lines is hosted by Esther Dillard anchor and reporter at the Black Information Network, two-time Gracie Award winner, and founder of ERASED: The Untold American Story.

New episodes drop weekly.

Your story matters.

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ERASED: The Cataract House — How Black Waiters Freed Slaves One Quarter Mile from Canada

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 11:30:17 +0000

Before the Civil War ended. Before Juneteenth and before anyone knew her name a fourteen year old girl stood at the edge of the Niagara River in the dark. Canada was a quarter mile away. And the only people who knew she was there were the Black men in white jackets clearing dinner tables inside a grand luxury hotel.

This is the story of the Cataract House a five story hotel in Niagara Falls, New York where Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Jackson, and two Kings of England were guests. What history never fully told is that the hotel's African American waitstaff, led by head waiter John Morrison, operated one of the most organized Underground Railroad networks in American history. Night after night these men used their invisibility as servants to smuggle freedom seekers across the Niagara River to Canada while wealthy white guests dined and danced above them completely unaware.

In 1841 a fourteen year old enslaved girl escaped through the Cataract House with their help. The man who enslaved her wrote a letter to a New Orleans newspaper to complain. The waiters kept their jobs. She never went back.

This episode drops on Juneteenth June 19th because this is exactly the kind of story Juneteenth asks us to remember. The freedom that was celebrated on that day in 1865 was built on the courage of people like John Morrison and that unnamed girl who crossed a dark river in the middle of the night and never looked back.

Host Esther Dillard a Buffalo, New York native brings this story home. Because Niagara Falls is thirty minutes from Buffalo. Because Buffalo is one of the oldest Juneteenth celebration cities in America. And because some stories don't travel far enough from the people who need to hear them most.

This is ERASED. And this story has been waiting too long to be told.

HISTORICAL RECORD

The Cataract House operated from 1825 to 1945 on the banks of the Niagara River in Niagara Falls, New York. The full history is preserved at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center niagarafallsundergroundrailroad.org

EDUCATOR RESOURCES Free discussion guide and paid lesson bundle available at: Etsy: ColorBtwLinesMarket TPT: Search Esther Dillard ERASED Substack: substack.com/@iamestherdillard

ABOUT ERASED ERASED: The Untold American Story is a documentary podcast series hosted by two-time Gracie Award winning journalist and anchor Esther Dillard. Each episode uncovers a person or place that history chose not to remember until now.

Previous episodes: ERASED: Elizabeth Jennings Graham ERASED: Robert Smalls ERASED: Harriet Tubman

CONNECT WITH ESTHER Website: estherdillard.com Substack: substack.com/@iamestherdillard Etsy: ColorBtwLinesMarket YouTube: @thecolorbetweenthelines

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We Choose Each Other Again | Martin Luther King III & Arndrea Waters King

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 2 Jun 2026 12:00:15 +0000

They eloped six months after his mother died. No reception, no celebration because after the world had mourned Coretta Scott King so publicly, quiet felt like the right thing to do.

Twenty years later, Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King are doing what they never got to do. They are standing before the people they love and saying: we choose each other. Again. On purpose. Right now.

Host Esther Dillard sits down with the couple just days before their vow renewal ceremony to ask what twenty years actually looks like from the inside. What you will hear in this conversation:

The blind date that almost never happened and the moment Arndrea knew The sign from Coretta Scott King on the 405 freeway on their wedding day Why they chose this particular moment in American history to recommit How Arndrea carries a public legacy without losing her private self What Coretta taught her son about love, leadership, and liberating a child to find their own path The advice they want every couple especially Black couples to carry into their own hard seasons And how two parents are feeling as their daughter Yolanda Renee King prepares to graduate and head to Columbia University

This is one of the most honest and human conversations in the history of this show. Put in your earbuds and give yourself the full ride.

Educator resources and discussion guides at ColorBtwLinesMarket on Etsy. Free resources at substack.com/@iamestherdillard

Your story matters. Esther Dillard

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The State That Made Black History Mandatory - Dr. Patrick J. Lamy - The Color Between the Lines

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 26 May 2026 12:30:12 +0000

In 2002, New Jersey became the first state in the country to make Black history mandatory not just in February, not just in one subject, but across every grade level and every classroom, all year long. Most Americans have never heard of that law. Dr. Patrick J. Lamy, Executive Director of the New Jersey Amistad Commission, is the man making sure it actually happens. Host Esther Dillard sits down with Dr. Lamy for a candid conversation recorded during National Teacher Appreciation Week. They cover the 2026 Amistad Summer Institute now the largest in the Commission's 17-year history with 360 registered educators what it actually takes to move 600 school districts without any enforcement power, why Black educators are leaving the profession at higher rates than their colleagues, and why Dr. Lamy says the most compelling argument for teaching Black history isn't coming from him. It's coming directly from students. This is a conversation for every educator, parent, and community member who believes that knowing the full truth of American history makes better students, stronger communities, and more informed citizens. REGISTER 2026 Amistad Summer InstituteJuly 2830, 2026 | Kean University | FREEVirtual attendance open through June 15, 2026njamistad.gov Free educator discussion guides: substack.com/@iamestherdillardEducator bundles: etsy.com/shop/ColorBtwLinesMarket The Color Between the Lines is produced by Esther Dillard and distributed through the Alive Podcast Network.

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Is the World Cup Money Real? What Small Business Owners Need to Know Before Kickoff

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 19 May 2026 12:30:14 +0000

FIFA called it the equivalent of 104 Super Bowls. But with kickoff less than a month away, nearly 80% of hotels across all 11 U.S. host cities are reporting bookings below forecast. International fans are staying home. And the economic picture looks very different than it did six months ago.

So what does that mean for the small business owner who was counting on this moment?

In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, Esther Dillard sits down with Genera Moore Founder and CEO of Renaissance Global and author of the Sports Renaissance Economic Playbook. Genera cold-called promoters in Dubai in 2009, landed Janet Jackson for the first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and generated over $50 million in economic activity in five years. She breaks down exactly how entrepreneurs, creatives, educators, and community advocates can still tap into the World Cup economy with eyes wide open.

What you'll hear: Why hotels are calling the World Cup a "non-event" and what that means for local businesses The 5% vs. 95% market principle that could change how you think about your customers How a bakery, a content creator, a hair care brand, and a sneaker business can all profit this summer Why football has literally stopped wars and what that tells us about culture and commerce The collaboration strategy for business owners who don't have the resources yet What it really means to be in a position to receive

The Sports Renaissance Economic Playbook is FREE download it at sportsrenaissance.com

Browse educator discussion guides and lesson plans built around conversations like this one search ColorBtwLinesMarket on Etsy.

Get free resources delivered to your inbox subscribe at substack.com/@iamestherdillard

Listen on iHeart Radio and everywhere you get your podcasts.

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What Did Your Father Teach You? Three Generations of One Family Answer One Question

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 12 May 2026 11:30:16 +0000

Journalist Esther Dillard asked three generations of the men in her life that one question her son Nicholas, his dad, and his grandfather Anthony Dillard. What came back was not what she expected.

This is not a typical Color Between the Lines episode. There is no expert guest. No author. Just three men. Three answers. And one conversation Esther believes every family needs to have before it is too late.

This episode is also a tribute to Esther's father Reverend Michael Miller. Pastor. Reader. Lover of Star Trek, Star Wars, and a good boxing match. He passed from prostate cancer and left behind hundreds of books and a belief that education, hard work, and faith in God were the keys to everything. Esther did not record his voice. She wishes she had.

She hopes this episode inspires you to do what she did not pick up your phone, press record, and ask the people you love one question before it is too late.

WHAT YOU WILL HEAR: Nicholas on why fatherhood is about love, not money and why an Applebee's gift card is a perfectly acceptable Father's Day gift Anthony Dillard on kindness, inclusion, and why no one is unimportant in the body of Christ A reflection on family vacations, fishing trips, neighborhood kids, and what it means to feel rich without having much money Why the pandemic reminded one father that time with family is the most valuable thing of all Esther's personal tribute to her father Reverend Michael Miller and the voice she wishes she had recorded

This one is for the fathers. And for everyone who loves one.

Free educator discussion guide available at substack.com/@iamestherdillard Full educator bundle: etsy.com/shop/ColorBtwLinesMarket Connect: estherdillard.com

If this episode reminded you of someone share it. Someone in your circle needs to hear it before Father's Day.

Your story matters.

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The Fibroid Slayer: What Your Doctor Isn't Telling Black Women | Dr. Pierre Johnson

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 5 May 2026 11:30:16 +0000

27 pounds of fibroids. A pregnant Black woman. A hospital that tried to cancel her surgery.Dr. Pierre Johnson stepped in when the system said no. The board-certified OB-GYN known as The Fibroid Slayer removed the fibroids, saved the pregnancy, and preserved her uterus.In this episode, Esther Dillard sits down with Dr. Johnson for a conversation about the fibroid crisis that is hiding in plain sight and why Black women are bearing the worst of it.They cover: Why Black women develop fibroids at 2 to 3 times the rate of white women How chronic stress, food deserts, and generations of medical mistrust make the problem worse The truth about hysterectomies and the menopause myth costing women their quality of life What a 0% repeat surgery rate looks like and why most surgeons aren't doing it How to advocate for yourself when your doctor says you have no optionsEsther also shares her own story: seven years trying to conceive, 23 fibroids removed, and the surgery that gave her her son.Find Dr. Pierre Johnson on Instagram at @doctorp23 and on YouTube at @pierrejohnsonmd8187
Subscribe. Share. Your story matters.

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Dr. Ibram X. Kendi on Chain of Ideas — The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age | S3 E14

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:00:03 +0000

What is the idea driving the redistricting battles, the rollback of diversity programs, the surge of authoritarian politics, and the rise of white nationalist violence in America and around the world? Dr. Ibram X. Kendi has a name for it. And in this conversation, he explains exactly where it came from, how it works, and what each of us can do to fight back.

In Season 3 Episode 14 of The Color Between the Lines, journalist and host Esther Dillard sits down with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi historian, professor at Howard University, National Book Award winner, and New York Times bestselling author of Stamped from the Beginning and How to Be an Antiracist to discuss his new book, Chain of Ideas: The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age.

Chain of Ideas traces the rise of Great Replacement Theory the political argument that powerful elites are deliberately using Black and Brown people, immigrants, and minorities to displace white majorities. Kendi documents how this idea is not new. It powered the backlash against Reconstruction. It gave rise to Jim Crow. It inspired the chants at Charlottesville, the mass shooting at the Buffalo supermarket, and the radicalization of Dylann Roof. And today it is driving policy rollbacks, redistricting fights, and authoritarian movements across six continents.

In this episode, Kendi breaks down the zero-sum theory the manufactured belief that Black progress comes at white expense and traces exactly who built it, who funds it, and who it has always protected. He explains how super-wealthy individuals are simultaneously supporting great replacement political movements and purchasing social media platforms and media outlets to amplify the message. And he walks through the complete radicalization pipeline that takes someone from a website to an act of mass violence.

But this conversation does not end in despair. Kendi explains why, after years in the archives tracing this playbook across centuries and continents, he finished Chain of Ideas more hopeful than when he started. Because once you can name what is being done once you understand the playbook you can finally push back.

Esther Dillard also asks Kendi the question that matters most: what can one person actually do? His answer is direct. Use your talent. Use your platform. Use whatever you already have.

This episode is essential listening for educators, students, journalists, community leaders, and anyone trying to make sense of the political moment we are living through. An educator resource bundle including discussion questions and curriculum alignment for grades 6 through 12 is available at ColorBtwLinesMarket on Etsy.

Chain of Ideas: The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi is available now wherever books are sold.

The Color Between the Lines is hosted by award-winning journalist and Black Information Network anchor Esther Dillard. New episodes every week. Subscribe and follow on the Alive Podcast Network, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts

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Dr. King's Granddaughter on Cotillions, Legacy & Gen Z

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:27:00 +0000

She is 18 years old. She is headed to Columbia University to study human rights. And she carries one of the most recognizable names in American history.

But this conversation is about her.

Yolanda Renee King the only granddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King opens up about what a Black cotillion really is and why its history goes back to 1778. She shares what changed inside her when she read her grandfather's first book, Stride Toward Freedom, and found that it rewrote everything she thought she knew about love and nonviolence. And she speaks with remarkable clarity about what Generation Z is being called to do right now.'

Her grandmother Coretta Scott King said it best: Every generation has to earn its freedom. Yolanda knows it is her turn.

Hosted by Esther Dillard two-time Gracie Award-winning journalist and anchor at Black Information Network.

CHAPTER MARKERS

00:00 The bridge metaphor Yolanda on senior year 00:36 Introduction who is Yolanda Renee King 01:12 Why Columbia University and the human rights major 02:07 Senior year pressure and what young people are feeling 04:57 Introducing yourself as just Yolanda 06:28 How recent the civil rights movement really is 07:21 What is a Black cotillion Yolanda explains 08:26 The history of Black cotillions 1778 to 1895 09:53 Alpha Kappa Alpha and the scholarship tradition 10:39 Black girl magic and the Sunday practices 11:56 Reading Stride Toward Freedom the chemical change 13:06 The three kinds of love eros, philia, and agape 15:09 Why Dr. King refused to hate 17:11 Gen Z, news fatigue, and the decision to study law 20:03 Woke and proud 21:17 Coretta Scott King's charge every generation earns its freedom 22:25 Close and educator resources

KEYWORDS

Yolanda Renee King, Dr. King's granddaughter, Martin Luther King granddaughter, Coretta Scott King, Black cotillion, what is a cotillion, African American debutante ball, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Stride Toward Freedom, agape love, nonviolent resistance, Gen Z civil rights, Generation Z activism, Columbia University, Black girl magic, Black history, civil rights movement, earning freedom, generational responsibility, The Color Between the Lines, Esther Dillard, Black podcast, Black Information Network, civic education

HASHTAGS

#YolandaReneeKing #DrKingsGranddaughter #BlackCotillion #MartinLutherKing #CorettaScottKing #StrideTowardFreedom #AgapeLove #GenZ #BlackHistory #Cotillion #AlphaKappaAlpha #CivilRights #BlackGirlMagic #TheColorBetweenTheLines #EstherDillard #BlackPodcast #BlackExcellence #GenerationalResponsibility #ColumbiaUniversity #CivicEdition

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Unhoused & Unheard Ep. 3: A Mother of 6 Navigated Homelessness — And the System That Almost Failed Her

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 11:30:09 +0000

"Your kids always tend to ask what's next, mommy?"
Sharell Matthis said those words while working, while homeless, and whileraising six children with no safety net. This is her story.
In this final episode of Unhoused and Unheard: The Black Experience ofHomelessness, Sharell takes us through what it actually looks like tonavigate homelessness as a Black mother in America eviction, motels,sleeping in a vehicle, working a job across the street from where herchildren slept, and finally: a key, a furnished unit, and four years ofstability she is now watching come under threat.
According to the HUD 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report, BlackAmericans make up 12% of the U.S. population but account for nearly 32%of everyone experiencing homelessness. Families with children are now thefastest-growing group up 39% in a single year.
Host Esther Dillard also sits down with Donald Whitehead, ExecutiveDirector of the National Coalition for the Homeless, on what is drivingthe surge in family homelessness and what every one of us can do rightnow. RESOURCES:National Coalition for the Homeless nationalhomeless.org
FOLLOW ESTHER:YouTube: @thecolorbetweenthelinesInstagram: @iamestherdillardFacebook: iamestherdillard

Produced by Esther Dillard | The Color Between the LinesIn partnership with BIN Audio | ALIVE Podcast Network
Expert: Donald Whitehead | National Coalition for the Homeless
#UnhousedAndUnheard #BlackHomelessness #HousingJustice

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He Worked His Whole Life — Then Lost Everything: Black Senior Homelessness | Ep. 2

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 11:30:17 +0000

"To live on the streets is very frightening. It lowers your dignity as a man

and as a woman."

Those are the words of Donald Gardner 68 years old, a cobbler, a HUD

contractor, and a full-time caretaker for eleven years. Then the pandemic hit.

His business shut down. His godfather passed. The family took the house. And

Donald Gardner found himself working at TGI Fridays while sleeping outside

at night. Nobody knew he was homeless.

His story is not the exception. Seniors are now the fastest-growing group

experiencing homelessness in America with numbers projected to triple by

2030. One in five people experiencing homelessness is 55 or older. And Black

Americans, who make up just 12% of the U.S. population, account for nearly

32% of everyone experiencing homelessness in this country.

In Part Two of Unhoused and Unheard: The Black Experience of Homelessness,

host Esther Dillard sits down with Donald Gardner and with Donald Whitehead,

Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Homeless in Washington

D.C. to ask the hard question: how does a man who worked his whole life

end up with nowhere to go?

What you will hear in this episode:

How the pandemic wiped out Donald's business and his housing in one blow

What it actually feels like to live on the streets in Donald's own words

How Donald worked at TGI Fridays every day while sleeping outside at night

Why the system is failing seniors and the disabled at every level

What Donald Whitehead says is the single biggest driver of homelessness

The knock on the door on Martin Luther King's birthday that changed

everything

What Donald says homeless people actually want from the rest of us

"The absolute key to ending homelessness is a dramatic production of

affordable housing." Donald Whitehead, National Coalition for the Homeless

"You know what homeless people want? Eye contact. To be recognized as a

human being. Let's start there." Donald Gardner

This is Part 2 of a three-part series:

Part 1: Adaora Onuora's Story Aging Out of Foster Care into Homelessness

Part 2: Donald Gardner's Story Working and Still Homeless (THIS EPISODE)

Part 3: Sharell Matthis's Story A Mother of Six Fights to Keep Her

Family Together

To get involved or find resources in your community:

National Coalition for the Homeless nationalhomeless.org

The Color Between the Lines with Esther Dillard is a proud member of the

ALIVE Podcast Network the first Black-woman-owned podcast network,

distributing content across Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts,

the ALIVE app, and connected TV platforms including Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV,

and Samsung TV.

Search The Color Between the Lines wherever you listen to podcasts.

New episodes every Tuesday.

Chapter Markers

0:00 Cold Open "To Live on the Streets Is Very Frightening"

0:16 Meet Donald Gardner A Cobbler, a Caretaker, a HUD Contractor

0:37 The Pandemic Hit His Business, His Godfather, His Home

0:53 Donald's Early Life Learning the Trade at Seven Years Old

1:09 Working at TGI Fridays While Sleeping Outside

1:30 The Shelter System People Not Recognized as Human Beings

1:45 Moving Into His 88-Year-Old Mother's Basement

2:01 Working Homeless The Problem Nobody Sees

2:23 Seniors Are the Fastest-Growing Homeless Population

2:41 Donald Whitehead This Is a Structural Failure

3:03 The System Was Not Built for Seniors or the Disabled

3:19 It's Systemic Veterans, Seniors, the Overlooked

3:36 The Affordable Housing Crisis 7 Million Rent-Burdened Americans

4:02 70% of Income on Housing Nothing Left for Anything Else

4:20 Minimum Wage Has Not Been Raised in Decades

4:35 Back to the Story What the Streets Actually Feel Like

4:54 Dignity, Depression, and Not Knowing Where Your Next Meal Is

5:26 Where Do You Use the Bathroom? Where Do You Wash Your Clothes?

5:42 Hiding Food in Trees to Keep the Rats Away

5:57 14 Months in a Hotel Shelter Then a Knock at the Door

6:15 Martin Luther King's Birthday 2021 The Voucher

6:35 Only One Quarter of Eligible People Ever Get Housing Assistance

7:09 Preemptive Eligibility What We Need Now

7:31 Donald's Message What People on the Outside Don't Understand

7:49 Band Aids Are Not Enough People Need Heart Surgery

8:05 Eye Contact The Simplest Thing You Can Give

8:35 You Can Give From Your Heart

8:54 Donald Gardner Not Because He Failed, But Because the System Did

9:10 Visit nationalhomeless.org How to Help

9:31 Coming Up Part Three: Sharell's Story

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Homeless at 20: How Aging Out of Foster Care Almost Cost Her Everything | Ep. 1

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:45:25 +0000

She lost her mother at 15. Was stranded in Nigeria. Came back to Americaand landed straight in foster care. The moment she aged out she was onher own. No family. Two minimum-wage jobs. College classes. And no guaranteeof a place to sleep.
This is Adaora Onuora's story.
In the first episode of Unhoused and Unheard: The Black Experience ofHomelessness, host Esther Dillard explores what happens when the safety netdoesn't just fail it disappears entirely.
Adaora worked two jobs, attended college, and still couldn't make ends meet.She couch-surfed, stretched every dollar, and waited until a nine-minutewindow changed everything.
Donald Whitehead, Executive Director of the National Coalition for theHomeless in Washington D.C., explains why homelessness is far broader thanthe stereotype and why the system is failing the most vulnerable Americans.
"People see homelessness as a moral failure. But really, it's a structuralfailure." Donald Whitehead, National Coalition for the Homeless
This is Part 1 of a three-part series:
Part 1: Adaora's Story Aging Out of Foster Care (THIS EPISODE)Part 2: Donald Gardner's Story Working and Still HomelessPart 3: Sharell's Story A Mother of Six Fights to Keep Her Family Together
To get involved or donate:National Coalition for the Homeless nationalhomeless.org
The Color Between the Lines with Esther Dillard is a proud member of theALIVE Podcast Network the first Black-woman-owned podcast network,distributing content across Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts,the ALIVE app, and connected TV platforms including Roku, Apple TV,Fire TV, and Samsung TV.
Search The Color Between the Lines wherever you listen to podcasts.Chapters0:00 Introduction It Can Happen Quickly0:23 Meet Adaora Onuora0:41 Stranded in Nigeria at 151:03 The American Embassy & Coming Home1:20 Straight Into Foster Care1:37 Aging Out The SELA Arrangement2:07 Semi-Independent Living on Minimum Wage2:28 Finding a Place to Call Home3:10 Working Two Jobs and Going to College3:34 Donald Whitehead: This Is a Structural Failure4:15 The Stigma of Homelessness Who Is Really Unhoused?4:35 1.5 Million Children. Veterans. Seniors. The Bigger Picture.5:22 The Biggest Cause of Homelessness: Affordable Housing5:40 Black Americans and Homelessness The Numbers5:59 Working Homeless: The Hidden Reality for Women6:37 Living in Your Car and Getting a Planet Fitness Membership7:02 More People Are Working While Homeless Than You Think7:45 Homelessness Is at a Record High What Changed?8:23 Criminalization, COVID, and the Housing Cost Crisis9:13 The Nine-Minute Window9:31 Welcome Back Adaora's Turning Point9:49 The Phone Call That Changed Everything10:31 Racing to the DSS Office11:09 Submitting the Application11:26 Nine Minutes Later The Window Closes12:00 An Angel Working on Her Behalf12:18 What Became of the Young Lady Behind Her?13:50 A Door Opens Adaora Finishes School14:07 Coming Up: Donald Gardner's Story Part 2
#UnhousedAndUnheard #BlackHomelessness #FosterCare #HousingJustice#HomelessnessAwareness #AffordableHousing #WorkingHomeless#TheColorBetweenTheLines #EstherDillard #BINAudio #BlackPodcast#ALIVEPodcastNetwork #SocialJustice #FosterYouth #HousingCrisis#HomelessnessIsStructural #NationalCoalitionForTheHomeless#BlackExperience #Unhoused #CriminalizationOfHomelessness#GrantsPass #HousingVoucher

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Are We Mis-Educating Our Kids - Dr. Maxine Bryant of Griot Speaks Says Yes

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 16:02:00 +0000

What happens when children grow up never hearing anything accurate or positive about their own history? According to Dr. Maxine Bryant, founder of Griot Speaks, the damage runs deeper than most people realize and sugarcoating history does not protect children. It miseducates them.

In this conversation, Dr. Bryant shares the African proverb that became the foundation of her life's work, why she believes Black genius has been deliberately hidden from the people who need it most, and how a board game she says was downloaded into her spirit is changing the way families, educators and communities connect with accurate Black history.

She also gets personal sharing the moment a high school counselor told her she was not college material, and what happened when she decided to prove him wrong.

This is a conversation for educators, parents, community leaders and anyone who has ever been told they were not enough.

CHAPTER MARKERS:

00:00 Introduction and episode preview

00:18 Meet Dr. Maxine Bryant and Griot Speaks

01:06 The African proverb that became her mission

02:11 What a griot is and why it matters now

03:17 Why telling Black history accurately is essential

04:56 The high school counselor who said she was not college material

06:24 How the Griot Speaks board game came to life

07:54 What happens when people learn Black history through play

09:24 The teacher and the formerly incarcerated man at the same table

10:28 Where Griot Speaks is meant to be played
11:31 The app and digital expansion in development

13:05 The difference between the game and the full Griot Speaks platform

14:45 What excites Dr. Bryant most about where she is headed

15:55 Does teaching Black history make white children feel inferior

17:10 Closing thoughts and where to find Dr. Maxine Bryant

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Modern Lynchings? The Investigation Connecting Ida B. Wells to Today

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

More than a century ago, journalist Ida B. Wells risked her life documenting lynchings across the United States in her groundbreaking investigation A Red Record.

Today, civil rights investigator Jill Collen Jefferson, founder of the organization JULIAN, says some suspicious deaths in the United States deserve closer scrutiny.

In this episode, journalist Esther Dillard speaks with Jefferson about her research examining deaths that families believe were wrongly ruled suicides. Jefferson explains why she believes some cases should be investigated as modern-day lynchings and how her work draws inspiration from the investigative model Ida B. Wells established more than 130 years ago.

The conversation explores the challenges of investigating these cases, the importance of language in civil rights investigations, and why asking difficult questions remains central to journalism.

#IdaBWells
#InvestigativeJournalism
#CivilRights
#ModernLynching
#BlackHistory
#JournalismMatters
#TrueCrimeInvestigation
#SocialJustice

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Harriet Tubman’s Civil War Secret: The Military Story History Almost Erased

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 22:32:11 +0000

Most people know Harriet Tubman as the fearless conductor of the Underground Railroad. But far fewer know that she also served as a Civil War scout, spy, and military leader for the Union Army.

In this episode of ERASED, award-winning journalist Esther Dillard explores Harriet Tubmans powerful and often overlooked role during the Civil War, including her leadership in the historic Combahee River Raid, a military operation that helped free more than 700 enslaved people.

The episode also features insight from Harriet Tubmans great-great-great grandniece, who shares reflections on Tubmans legacy and why preserving the full story of her life still matters today.

Through archival history, personal storytelling, and expert insight, this episode reveals how parts of Harriet Tubmans story have been overlookedand why reclaiming that history is so important.

Topics covered in this episode:

Harriet Tubmans Civil War military service
The Combahee River Raid
Black soldiers and freedom fighters in the Civil War
The importance of preserving accurate Black history

ERASED is a storytelling series that examines historical figures whose contributions have been overlooked, misunderstood, or erased from mainstream narratives.

Host: Esther Dillard
Series: The Color Between the Lines

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Raising Strong Girls in 2026: Gloria Steinem & Leymah Gbowee on Courage, Racism & Sisterhood

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 3 Mar 2026 13:00:12 +0000

We are living in a moment of visible racism, rising authoritarianism, and uncertainty for many families.

In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, Esther Dillard sits down with feminist leader Gloria Steinem and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Gbowee to discuss why they wrote the childrens book Rise, Girl, Rise: Our Sister-Friend Journey. Together for All.

But this conversation goes far beyond a book.

They talk about:

How to raise strong girls in politically uncertain times
What courage really means for young girls
How women can build togetherhood in divided spaces
Why legacy is not built on trends
How to speak honestly to children about racism and fear
What this decade demands from women and parents

Gloria Steinem has been one of the most recognized feminist organizers in modern American history and co-founder of the Womens Media Center.

Leymah Gbowee is a Liberian peace activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner who helped lead the womens movement that ended Liberias civil war.

If you are raising, mentoring, or advocating for girls in this moment this conversation is for you.

Subscribe to The Color Between the Lines for more conversations at the intersection of history, justice, leadership, and storytelling.

CHAPTER MARKERS

00:00 Living in a Moment of Racism & Fear
00:16 Why Speak to Girls Now?
01:14 Why Write the Book Together?
02:13 In 2026 We Wanted to Show Something Different
03:12 A Human Book, Not Just a Childrens Book
03:35 Courage: No One Is Born Great
04:15 Legacy Is Never Built on Trends
04:52 Gloria Steinems Mother & Early Influence
05:42 Women Working Together Change History
06:19 First Impressions & Mutual Respect
07:41 Traveling to North Korea & Leadership
08:22 Raising Girls During Visible Racism
09:03 A Gentle Message in a Screaming World
09:39 Togetherhood Will Never Fail
10:16 Why You Will Always Need Someone to Hold Your Hand
10:32 Learning from Women in India
11:28 Final Thoughts & Book Information

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How One Vote Ended Reconstruction: Jim Clyburn on the 1876 Election and Today’s Voting Rights Battle

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:09:00 +0000

Did Reconstruction fall apart or was it ended by a single vote?

In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn explains how three razor-thin votes reshaped American history including the impeachment of Andrew Johnson, the disputed 1876 election, and the decision that effectively ended Reconstruction.

By an 87 commission vote, Reconstruction came to an end. What followed was nearly 100 years of Jim Crow.

Congressman Clyburn draws powerful parallels between the collapse of the first Reconstruction and todays debates over voting rights, Supreme Court decisions, and democratic institutions.

We also explore the extraordinary life of Robert Smalls the formerly enslaved man who stole a Confederate ship, delivered it to Union forces, helped establish free public education in South Carolina, and served in Congress.

If youve ever wondered:

What ended Reconstruction?
What was the Compromise of 1876?
How did one vote change American history?
Could democracy shift again?

This conversation connects the past to the present.

Because as Congressman Clyburn says:

The three most consequential things that happened to Black people in this country were each decided by a single vote.

The Color Between the Lines is Hosted by Esther Dillard.

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How to Build Wealth (Not Just Make Money) | Dr. Willie Jolley

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 13:30:01 +0000

Whats the real difference between being rich and being wealthy?

In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, Dr. Willie Jolley breaks down the distinction between income and ownership and why that difference can determine whether your financial success lasts for one generation or many.

We explore:

Rich vs wealthy explained
Why saving alone isnt enough
How to build a simple wealth system
The mindset shift required for generational wealth
A powerful story of a retired firefighter who turned $12,000 into nearly $890,000
Why high income does not automatically equal wealth

If youve been working hard but wondering how to move from earning money to building assets, this conversation offers clarity and practical insight.

Because wealth isnt just about what you make.

Its about what you build.

Book: Rich Is Good, Wealthy Is Better by Dr. Willie Jolley

Subscribe for more conversations that connect money, policy, history, and generational power.

#RichVsWealthy
#BuildWealth
#GenerationalWealth
#FinancialLiteracy
#BlackWealth
#MoneyMindset

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Melba Moore: Broadway, the Tony Award, Faith, and the Journey Behind This Is It

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:58:00 +0000

Tony Awardwinning performer and Broadway trailblazer Melba Moore joins The Color Between the Lines for an intimate, wide-ranging conversation about her life, career, and the personal journey behind her memoir, This Is It: Marvelous and Getting Better.

In this interview, Moore reflects on:

Her defining Broadway role in Purlie and what it meant to win a Tony Award without formal theater training
Growing up with strong grassroots values and how family shaped her resilience
Navigating success, setbacks, and financial hardship in the entertainment industry
The role of faith in surviving difficult seasons and rebuilding her life
Why legacy, forgiveness, and healing matter more than accolades

Moore also shares reflections on mentorship, Black artists creating their own paths, and what it means to look back on a career that helped open doors for generations to come.

This conversation is a meditation on perseverance, purpose, and what it truly means to endure and evolve in the spotlight.

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Why Didn’t We Learn About Robert Smalls in School? Reconstruction and Erased Black History

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 3 Feb 2026 13:53:00 +0000

Why didnt most Americans learn about Robert Smalls in school?

Robert Smalls was formerly enslaved, stole a Confederate ship during the Civil War, freed his family and crew, and later became a United States Congressman during Reconstruction. And yet, his story is rarely taught in classrooms.

In this explainer, journalist and storyteller Esther Dillard explores why Robert Smalls legacy was left out of history education, how Reconstruction was reframed as a failure, and how the erasure of Black political leadership still shapes how we understand citizenship, democracy, and power today.

This episode connects to the animated documentary ERASED The Robert Smalls Story and invites listeners to reflect on what else we may have been taught to forget.

Watch the full documentary on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/-MWiO_FA_I0?si=F-4gvT1pnaymCSa4
Read the full essay and historical context at EstherDillard.com

https://estherdillard.com/why-dont-we-learn-about-robert-smalls-in-school/

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Why Victims Don’t Leave Abusive Relationships | Nathaniel Fields on Domestic Violence, Pets & Immigration

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:00:17 +0000

Its one of the most common and misunderstood questions people ask about domestic violence. In this episode, Im joined by Nathaniel Fields, CEO of the Urban Resource Institute, to break down what survivors are really weighing when they decide whether to stay or leave.

We talk about the realities many people never consider including why survivors may stay to protect their pets, how immigration status can make leaving more dangerous than staying, and why shame and fear often keep people trapped in unsafe homes.

Nathaniel also explains how survivor-centered systems work, why punishment alone doesnt stop violence, and how programs like PALS (People and Animals Living Safely) and intervention initiatives are designed to interrupt cycles of harm before they repeat.

This conversation goes beyond awareness to explain what actually helps survivors reach safety and why domestic violence is a community issue, not a personal failure.

If youve ever wondered why leaving isnt simple, or what real prevention looks like, this episode provides answers.

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Fair Lending in the Age of AI: What’s Legal, What’s Risky, and Who Gets Hurt

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 12:00:17 +0000

Fair lending laws were designed to protect people not algorithms. So what happens when artificial intelligence starts deciding who qualifies for a loan, a mortgage, or financial opportunity?

In this explainer episode, journalist Esther Dillard breaks down how AI is being used in lending, what federal fair lending laws actually require, and where technology is already raising serious civil rights concerns.

This episode is connected to my in-depth conversation with Alphonso David, a nationally recognized civil rights leader and legal expert, who explains how automation and algorithms can quietly reinforce discrimination even without intent.

You'll learn:

How AI is being used in lending decisions today
Why neutral algorithms can still produce biased outcomes
What fair lending laws say and where the gaps are
Why this issue matters now, not later

This explainer sets the stage for the full interview, where we go deeper into accountability, enforcement, and what consumers and policymakers should be paying attention to.

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Looking Back: A Year of Conversations on History, Power & Storytelling

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 6 Jan 2026 16:00:21 +0000

As a new year begins, this episode takes a moment to pause and reflect on the conversations that shaped the past one.

Over the last year on The Color Between the Lines, I spoke with authors, advocates, and public voices about history, power, health, and the stories that continue to influence our communities. This episode looks back at a few of those conversationsnot as nostalgia, but as context for where we are now.

Featuring moments from conversations with ALelia Bundles, LaTosha Brown, and Tia Mowry, this reflection explores legacy, collective power, health advocacy, and why storytelling still matters.

As the show moves forward including, a return to my animated history series, ERASED: The Untold American Story, this episode offers clarity, perspective, and a moment to listen back.

Subscribe to The Color Between the Lines for thoughtful conversations connecting history, culture, and the present moment.

#LookingBack #TheColorBetweenTheLines #BlackHistory #Storytelling #BlackVoices #Advocacy #SocialJustice #HistoryAndCulture

Key moments:

00:00 Looking Back

00:28 Why Reflection Matters

01:10 A Year of Conversations

02:05 Legacy, History & ALelia Bundles

03:45 Economic Power & Collective Action

05:12 Health, Advocacy & Tia Mowry

06:48 Storytelling, Responsibility & Voice

07:52 What These Conversations Reveal

08:48 What Comes Next

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Do Economic Boycotts Work? History, Strategy, and the Real Impact of Collective Action

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 11:00:20 +0000

Do economic boycotts actually work or are they just symbolic gestures?

In this companion episode of The Color Between the Lines, journalist and educator Esther Dillard examines how economic protest has shaped real change in American history from Elizabeth Jennings 1854 streetcar case to the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and into present-day movements.

Drawing on historical precedent and modern examples including commentary from Jamal Bryant on the Target boycott this episode breaks down when and why economic pressure succeeds, and why visibility alone is never enough.

In this episode, youll learn:

The historical blueprint behind successful economic boycotts
Why sustained, organized action matters more than viral moments
How education turns outrage into strategy
The economic conditions institutions actually respond to

This episode is a companion reflection to ERASED: The Untold American Story, which explores overlooked Black history and its relevance today.

For educators, organizers, and lifelong learners, this episode offers historical grounding and practical insight into how collective action creates measurable impact.

00:00 Do economic boycotts actually work?

00:32 When economic protest creates measurable impact

00:48 Pastor Jamal Bryant on the Target boycott and stock impact

01:22 Elizabeth Jennings and the economic roots of civil rights

01:42 Why public transportation was an economic pressure point

02:16 Black buying power and why economic decisions matter

02:47 The Montgomery Bus Boycott as an economic strategy

03:19 Why visibility alone doesnt force change

03:52 Sustained pressure vs. viral moments

04:25 How discipline and organization created integration

04:59 Why consistency, not emotion, drives movements

05:37 What makes economic pressure effective

06:15 How boycotts disrupt corporate confidence and markets

06:32 The psychological power of collective participation

07:08 Why education sustains long-term protest

07:49 How historical context builds endurance

08:06 The conditions under which boycotts succeed

08:44 Connecting Elizabeth Jennings to modern movements

08:59 Invitation to explore the ERASED series

Watch the full ERASED: The Elizabeth Jennings Story and explore companion resources at The Color Between the Lines.
#EconomicBoycotts#BlackHistory#CivilRights#CollectiveAction#CivicEducation#ERASED#TheColorBetweenTheLines

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New Threats to Fair Lending Laws: Alphonso David on Modern-Day Redlining

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:30:06 +0000

Civil rights advocates are warning about a proposed rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that could significantly weaken enforcement of fair lending laws making it harder to challenge discriminatory lending practices.
In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard speaks with Alphonso David, President and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum and a longtime civil rights attorney, about why this policy change matters now.
David explains how eliminating the use of disparate impact could open the door to modern-day redlining, limit Special Purpose Credit Programs, and widen the racial wealth gap particularly for Black homebuyers, entrepreneurs, and working families.
The conversation breaks down whats happening behind the scenes, how policy decisions shape everyday lives, and why public awareness and engagement remain critical as civil rights protections face renewed challenges.
This is an audio-only interview. Subscribe to the podcast and my Substack. https://substack.com/@iamestherdillard?utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page

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LaTosha Brown on the “We Ain’t Buying It” Campaign and the Power of Black Economic Resistance

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 13:15:13 +0000

In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, journalist and host Esther Dillard speaks with LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, about the national We Aint Buying It economic pressure campaign.

Launched during the Black FridayCyber Monday shopping season, the campaign urges consumers to withhold spending from major corporations accused of enabling policies that undermine voting rights, racial equity, immigrant communities, and economic justice. Brown explains how corporate rollbacks on DEI, political alignment with authoritarian power, and rising economic instability are pushing everyday people to reclaim their power through intentional spending.

Drawing historical parallels to the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s focus on economic justice, Brown shares why redirecting our dollars is not just a protest but a democratic act. This conversation explores the intersection of capitalism, civil rights, corporate accountability, and community wealth-building, offering listeners a powerful framework for action during the holiday season and beyond.

#LaToshaBrown
#WeAintBuyingIt
#BlackVotersMatter
#EconomicJustice
#BlackEconomicPower
#CorporateAccountability
#CivilRights
#MLKLegacy
#ConsumerActivism

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A Holiday Wake-Up Call on Black Health & Cancer Awareness

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 9 Dec 2025 17:00:05 +0000

Actress, entrepreneur, and author Tia Mowry joins Esther Dillard for a powerful conversation about family, food, and the difficult health conversations we often avoid during the holidays.

In this intimate interview, Tia opens up about:

Losing her grandmother and aunt to cancer
Her own abnormal mammogram scare and what it taught her
Why Black families face higher cancer death rates
How the American Cancer Societys new campaign, Recipes to Change the Odds, empowers families to talk about screenings and early detection
The influence of endometriosis, misdiagnosis, and chronic pain on her wellness journey
The small but meaningful changes families can make around the dinner table
Her favorite holiday traditions, recipes, and how she stays grounded as a mom of two

This is more than a celebrity conversation its a reminder that the holidays are a time for joy, connection, and protecting the people we love.

Listen now to hear how Tia Mowry hopes to help Black families change the odds against cancer, one honest conversation at a time.

Watch the full series Changing the Odds Against Cancer with Tia Mowry:
https://www.cancer.org/change-the-odds
YouTube: Changing the Odds Against Cancer with Tia Mowry

Subscribe to The Color Between the Lines for more interviews that inspire, inform, and shine a light on stories that deserve to be heard.

YouTube Channel is here: https://www.youtube.com/@thecolorbetweenthelines

Please subscribe to my Substack for more behind the scenes content: https://substack.com/@iamestherdillard

#TiaMowry
#BlackHealthMatters
#CancerAwareness
#ChangeTheOdds
#EndometriosisAwareness
#HolidayHealth
#BlackWellness
#AmericanCancerSociety

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10 Ways to Spot a Fake AI Image (Before You Get Fooled!)

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 2 Dec 2025 15:00:09 +0000

AI is getting better but its also getting bolder.
And last week, a viral post claiming Patti LaBelle visited Chaka Khan in the hospital fooled thousands of people.
It looked emotional. It looked dramatic. It looked real until I started checking the facts.

VEED-subtitles_Esther's Video -

In this episode of The Color Between The Lines, I break down 10 quick, journalist-approved ways to spot an AI-generated fake photo before you share it.

These tips will help you recognize:
melting or doubled fingers
mismatched eye reflections
warped backgrounds
misspelled text
impossible jewelry
emotional manipulation hooks
fake timelines
missing credible sources
AND how to reverse-search an image using Google Lens

People are being fooled not because theyre careless, but because AI tools are designed to confuse even smart, thoughtful readers. My recent LinkedIn comment on this Patti/Chaka photo reached 7,000+ impressions, which told me this is something people need help with.

This video is your quick guide to staying sharp, protecting yourself online, and not letting the internet play with your emotions.

If you found this helpful, please like, comment, and subscribe.
It helps me bring you more episodes that inform, protect, and elevate our community.

Want to see the screenshots and examples?
Watch the full video the visual breakdown is here.

https://youtu.be/38lp8o7mQ-w

LISTEN ON AUDIO:
Apple | Spotify | iHeart | Amazon (add your links)

WATCH MORE FROM THE COLOR BETWEEN THE LINES:
Interviews, storytelling lessons, media literacy, and conversations that matter.

https://www.youtube.com/@thecolorbetweenthelines

#medialiteracy #aifakes #misinformation #factcheck #storytelling #journalist #blackvoices #digitalawareness #aiimage #aiethics #colorbetweenthelines

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ERASED: The Forgotten Freedom Ride Before Rosa Parks — The Elizabeth Jennings Story

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 2 Dec 2025 15:00:09 +0000

In this special episode of The Color Between the Lines, Esther Dillard brings forward a hidden chapter of American civil rights history that predates Rosa Parks by more than a century.

Before the Montgomery Bus Boycott
before Jim Crow was challenged in the Supreme Court
before the modern civil rights movement had a name

there was Elizabeth Jennings.

In 1854, on the streets of New York City, a young Black schoolteacher was violently forced off a segregated streetcar after refusing to give up her seat. Her braveryalong with the activism of her father, abolitionist Thomas L. Jennings, and the legal skill of a young lawyer named Chester A. Arthur (the man who would later become President)led to a landmark court victory that began the dismantling of segregation in New Yorks public transit system.

This episode honors the overlooked legacy of Elizabeth Jennings while drawing a powerful connection to Rosa Parks, whose own courageous act took place 101 years later on December 1, 1955.

Esther also shares the inspiration behind her new animated documentary series, ERASED, produced in partnership with Amplified Voices TV, which brings these long-ignored stories to life through painterly animation and historical storytelling.

If you believe in the power of truth, storytelling, and preserving Black history, this episode is for you.

Watch the animated premiere on YouTube:
The Color Between the Lines

Follow the podcast:
Available on Alive Podcast Network, iHeartRadio, and wherever you get your podcasts.

#erasedseries #elizabethjennings #blackhistory #civilrightshistory #rosaparks #animateddocumentary #thecolorbetweenthelines #amplifiedvoicestv #hiddenhistory #untoldstories #blackwomenhistory #abolitionistmovement #freedomriders #historypodcast #alivepodcastnetwork

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How One Mom Turned Tragedy Into Purpose — And the Nonprofit Helping Her Scale It

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:19:00 +0000

In this powerful episode, Esther Dillard sits down with VuAn Foster, founder of Life After 2 Losses, a New Jersey nonprofit providing free grief support to families after pregnancy and infant loss with a special focus on Black mothers who are too often ignored in medical settings.

VuAn shares the heartbreaking moment a nurse told her your baby is going to die and the painful neglect that followed. But she also explains how she transformed her grief into advocacy, education, and healing for thousands of families across the country.

Were also joined by SPARK NJ, a trust-based philanthropy initiative that awarded VuAn a $15,000 grant to help expand her mission. Their model removes red tape and uplifts small, Black-led nonprofits making frontline impact.

If you care about maternal health, racial equity, community healing, or the power of storytelling this episode will stay with you.

#lifeafter2losses #vuanfoster #sparknj #blackmaternalhealth #pregnancyloss #blacknonprofits #griefsupport #healafterloss #communitycare #racialhealthequity #trustbasedphilanthropy #theblackperspective

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James & Krista White on Culture Design and Inclusive Leadership

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 17:58:00 +0000

In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, journalist and host Esther Dillard speaks with James and Krista White, the father-daughter team behind the acclaimed book Culture Design: Strategies for Building Diverse, Equitable, and Innovative Organizations.

They discuss what it really takes to build company cultures that dont just talk about diversity but live it. From boardrooms to classrooms, the Whites share practical steps leaders can take to create spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.

Key topics include:

Why culture must start at the top and how leaders can model inclusion
How Gen Z and millennial employees are reshaping workplace expectations
Lessons from real-world companies that got it right
The importance of intergenerational collaboration in equity work

Hosted by Esther Dillard, award-winning journalist and storytelling strategist.

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Dr. Jeanne Nutter on Preserving Black History | Walnut Street YMCA & YWCA Legacy

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 4 Nov 2025 16:09:19 +0000

In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, journalist Esther Dillard speaks with author, filmmaker, and educator Dr. Jeanne Nutter, whose new book Images of America: Walnut Street YMCA and YWCA celebrates a pivotal piece of Black history in Wilmington, Delaware.

Dr. Nutter reveals the untold stories of how the Walnut Street Y became a hub for Black excellence, community leadership, and cultural pride during segregation bringing together ministers, educators, and everyday citizens under one roof.

In this episode, youll learn:

How Black YMCAs and YWCAs shaped generations of leaders nationwide
Why preserving community archives safeguards our cultural identity
The inspiring stories of Marian Anderson, George Washington Carver, and local icons featured in the book
How the Y served as both a safe haven and a foundation for social change

Listen to hear how one womans passion for storytelling and history continues to illuminate the legacy of Black resilience and creativity.

Order Images of America: Walnut Street YMCA and YWCA wherever books are sold.
Subscribe to Esthers newsletter for more stories of culture and history

https://iamestherdillard.substack.com/

#DrJeanneNutter #BlackHistory #WalnutStreetYMCA #YWCA #DelawareHistory #ArcadiaPublishing #BlackCulture #TheColorBetweenTheLines #EstherDillard #CommunityLegacy

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Michael Wynn on Habits, Healing & Financial Stability | Habits Don’t Lie

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:31:15 +0000

In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, journalist Esther Dillard speaks with author and financial coach Michael Wynn, whose book Habits Dont Lie shows how small, consistent actions can create major life breakthroughs.

Michael opens up about overcoming bipolar depression, bankruptcy, and self-sabotage, and how developing the right habitsand faithhelped him rebuild both his finances and his peace of mind.

We discuss:

Why financial stability must come before financial freedom
How faith and mindset can reshape self-worth
Breaking cycles of stress, debt, and self-sabotage in Black communities
The practical steps to creating your own habit matrix for success

Listen, reflect, and share this conversation about resilience, responsibility, and rewriting your story.

Subscribe to Esthers newsletter for more inspiration

https://iamestherdillard.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips

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Policing, Race, and Authoritarian Power with Dr. Phillip Atiba Solomon

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 17:01:14 +0000

In this powerful episode of The Color Between the Lines, journalist Esther Dillard speaks with Dr. Phillip Atiba Solomon, Professor of Psychology and Black Studies at Yale University and Co-Founder of the Center for Policing Equity.

Dr. Solomon warns that the growing militarization of Americas police and cities could signal a dangerous shift toward authoritarianism. He explains how federal overreach threatens community safety, why trustnot forcecreates true public security, and what history teaches us about resisting systems of oppression.

Together, we explore:

The real impact of deploying the military for law and order.
Why safety and civil liberties arent oppositestheyre intertwined.
How communities can build trust, equity, and resistance to authoritarian power.

Subscribe for more data-driven and human-centered conversations about race, policy, and justice.
Sign up for Esthers newsletter for more stories that challenge, inform, and inspire action https://iamestherdillard.substack.com/

#PhilipAtibaSolomon #PolicingEquity #Authoritarianism #CivilRights #RaceAndJustice #EstherDillard #TheColorBetweenTheLines #SocialJustice #CommunityTrust #MilitarizationOfPolice

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Tami Charles: Finding Hope and Unity Through Her Final Book Together United

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:08:08 +0000

In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard talks with Tami Charles, New York Times bestselling author of All Because You Matter, about her newest and final book in the trilogy Together United.

Tami shares how her son inspired the first story, how she and illustrator Bryan Collier collaborated to bring its message to life, and why she believes unity only happens when we take time to learn from those who are different from us.

They also discuss the challenges of book bans, the importance of representation, and how young readers can use their gifts to make a difference right now.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, courage, and connection and discover how Together United calls us all to celebrate our shared humanity.

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Jimmy Jean on The Purpose Driven Influencer | Secrets to Lasting Success

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 7 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000

How do you find success in a world obsessed with likes, followers, and quick wins? Author and motivational speaker Jimmy Jean says the answer is purpose.

In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, Jimmy shares insights from his new book The Purpose Driven Influencer a soulful guide to authentic living and leading from the heart. From his early days working as a janitor to becoming a motivational voice, Jimmy explains why excellence, intention, and inner purpose matter more than algorithms.

In this interview, youll learn:

The mops and buckets principle that shaped Jimmys life
How to move from chasing likes to creating with purpose
Why your work matters even with a small platform
Daily practices to build an authentic inner brand

Dont miss this inspiring conversation on building influence with integrity and purpose.

Listen on The Black Perspective
Subscribe to The Color Between the Lines on YouTube for more author interviews and powerful stories.

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New Culture Hub: Books, Stories & the African Diaspora with Melody Capote

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000

The Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) has opened a brand-new Culture Hub in New York City a space where books, stories, performance, and history come together to celebrate the African Diaspora.

In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, Executive Director Melody Capote shares how the Hub will connect authors, artists, and community voices. We explore how storytelling, literature, and cultural performance can preserve history and inspire future generations.

What youll hear in this episode:

Why CCCADI created this new Hub for books, history, and performance
How the African Diasporas stories are being preserved and celebrated
The role of authors and artists in building community and cultural memory
Melody Capotes vision for the future of cultural storytelling

If youre passionate about books, history, and Black voices in the Diaspora, this conversation is for you.

Learn more about CCCADI: [insert link]
Explore more interviews with authors and storytellers:

Subscribe to the podcast for more enlightening talks and join us in exploring how historical narratives shape our future. You can also watch it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@thecolorbetweenthelines

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Kimberly Minor on WOCRA’s B.I.G. Summit 2025: Solutions for Women of Color in Retail

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000

More than 300,000 Black women have lost jobs this year. But one leader is determined to change the narrative.

In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard speaks with Kimberly Lee Minor, CEO of the Women of Color Retail Alliance (WOCRA), about the upcoming B.I.G. Summit 2025 Blaze. Innovate. Grow.

Kimberly shares how the summit will:

Put women of color in the room with retails biggest decision-makers.
Provide leadership, resilience, and AI/tech training for long-term career growth.
Offer solutionsnot just conversationsfor women now searching for employment.

Event Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Location: Microsoft Headquarters, Times Square, New York City
Deadline to Register: Monday, September 22

Learn more at https://www.wocretailalliance.org/big-summit
or connect on LinkedIn: Women of Color Retail Alliance.

#BIGSummit2025 #KimberlyMinor #WOCRA #WomenOfColor #RetailLeadership #CareerOpportunities #EstherDillard

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Satori Shakoor: Menopause Uncensored in Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000

What does it mean to turn a deeply personal, often taboo experience into powerful art?

In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, journalist Esther Dillard sits down with award-winning storyteller, comedian, and social entrepreneur Satori Shakoor. From touring with George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic as one of the iconic Brides of Funkenstein to creating Detroits Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers, Shakoor has built a career on telling bold, authentic stories.

Now, shes taking the stage with her one-woman show, Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale a raw, funny, and fearless journey through her 12 years of menopause. In this interview, Shakoor shares why she uses humor and storytelling to break silence around womens health, how activism and art intersect, and why this conversation matters for women everywhere.

Watch Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale now streaming on Amazon Prime

https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Menopausal-Fatale-Jonathan-Jewell-Chatten/dp/B0DWSQPX28/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3B5UKZLLGJ1SH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rTnC9AgYBVRyfyZFta4vGIn_VPuZmBcAmr-5KDgmCdE.gC9pBGX6iyAixrFFHtYQVCMybTE_S4yD4NPXk-o5q48&dib_tag=se&keywords=Confessions+of+a+Menopausal+Femme+Fatale&qid=1757783760&sprefix=confessions+of+a+menopausal+femme+fatale%2Caps%2C109&sr=8-1

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ICE Raids and Haitian Voices - Imaeyen Ibanga Interview - Zip Codes Documentary

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 9 Sep 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Award-winning journalist and filmmaker Imaeyen Ibanga (AJ+) joins Esther Dillard to discuss her acclaimed documentary series Zip Codes, which explores the Haitian immigration crisis and the realities Black immigrants face in America.

We talk about:

The human impact of ICE raids and deportations
How U.S. history and policy shape Haitis struggles today
Why Haitian voices must be centered in immigration conversations

This is a timely and powerful interview that connects history, policy, and humanity.

Subscribe to my newsletter for more stories that matter https://colorbrief.beehiiv.com/

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Contessa Gayles on “The Debutantes,” Black Womanhood & Reclaiming Tradition

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard speaks with Contessa Gayles, the Emmy-nominated director and producer behind the acclaimed documentary The Debutantes.

Through powerful storytelling and intimate visuals, The Debutantes reimagines the legacy of Black debutante cultureexploring how young women of color use these traditions to assert their identity, build community, and challenge stereotypes.

Gayles discusses the inspiration for the film, the historical context of Black debutante balls, and the deeply personal stories that emerged during production. She also reflects on the importance of centering Black womens voices in media and what it means to create art that celebrates cultural pride while sparking conversation.

In this episode, youll learn:

The history and evolution of Black debutante balls
How The Debutantes reframes a tradition often overlooked in mainstream media
Why representation and cultural ownership matter in storytelling
Behind-the-scenes insights from an Emmy-nominated filmmaker
The power of art to preserve history and inspire the next generation

Whether you love documentaries, Black history, or stories of women reclaiming tradition, this conversation will move and inspire you.

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A’Lelia Bundles on Madam C.J. Walker’s Legacy, Black History & the Power of Storytelling

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 12:00:00 +0000

In this inspiring episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard speaks with award-winning journalist and author ALelia Bundles, the great-great-granddaughter of the legendary entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker.

ALelia shares her journey of preserving and telling her familys history, the untold stories behind Madam C.J. Walkers rise as Americas first self-made female millionaire, and why Black womens narratives remain essential to understanding American history.

In this episode, youll learn:

How Madam C.J. Walker built her beauty empire and influenced generations of Black entrepreneurs
The role of family archives and historical research in keeping legacies alive
Why telling authentic stories matters now more than ever
ALelia Bundles personal reflections on identity, heritage, and cultural preservation
Advice for writers and historians committed to telling underrepresented stories

Whether youre passionate about Black history, womens entrepreneurship, or the power of storytelling, this conversation will leave you inspired to preserve your own familys legacy.

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Kennedy Ryan: Black Love, Caregiving & Writing Softness in Can’t Get Enough

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000

What happens when Black love is rooted in softness, caregiving, and legacy?

In this episode, award-winning author Kennedy Ryan sits down with journalist Esther Dillard to talk about her newest novel Cant Get Enougha story that centers a Black male caregiver, an evolving romance, and the quiet strength found in caring for a loved one with Alzheimers.

We explore:

Why writing tenderness in Black love stories matters
The challenges and beauty of caregiving
How Kennedy weaves activism into fiction
The importance of bodily autonomy in romantic relationships
What legacy really meansespecially in Black communities

If youve ever cared for someone, loved someone through pain, or searched for stories that feel like home this episode is for you.

Cant Get Enough is available now.
Subscribe to The Color Between the Lines for more interviews with powerful Black and Brown storytellers.

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Fighting for Special Needs Families: Lola Greene on Budget Cuts, Disability Rights & Grassroots Action

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Buzzsprout Podcast Description:

In this powerful episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard speaks with Lola Greene, founder of Urban Indigo and the first Special Education PTSA in Georgia. As a passionate advocate for children with disabilities and their families, Lola shares personal insight into whats at stake as budget cuts and federal policy changes threaten vital services like Medicaid, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and transitional support.

Lola doesnt just highlight the problemsshe brings solutions. From launching parent advocacy fellowships to partnering with foster care experts and urban leadership programs, shes equipping families to protect their rights and raise their voices in halls of power.

In this episode, youll learn:

How proposed federal and state budget cuts may impact IEPs, 504 plans, and special education programs
What families can do right now to prepare and advocate for their children
Why community, housing insecurity, and disability are deeply interconnected
How Urban Indigo is empowering parents and future grassroots leaders
Recommended books like Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy and Black Disability Politics by Sami Schalk

This isnt just policyits personal. And Lola Greene reminds us that no one is coming to save uswe must save ourselves.

Whether you're a parent, educator, policymaker, or concerned ally, this conversation will move you to act.

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Sharon G. Flake on Fatherhood, Vulnerability & Black Boyhood in “The Family I’m In”

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +0000

In this deeply moving episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard sits down with award-winning author Sharon G. Flake, best known for her iconic book The Skin Im In, to discuss her powerful new release, The Family Im Ina heartfelt sequel exploring father-son dynamics, masculinity, and the emotional lives of Black boys.

Sharon shares what inspired her to revisit the characters of Malika and John-John, shedding light on:

The pressure young Black boys face to man up
The complicated relationships between fathers and sons
The often-overlooked vulnerability, humor, and emotional depth of teenage boys
Why she believes Black boys deserve space to feel, question, and grow

This episode speaks directly to educators, parents, book clubs, and youth advocates searching for stories that honor the complexity of Black identity and family life. Youll also hear how Flake has reached over 300,000 young people through school visitsand how you can invite her to speak at your organization.

Whether youre a longtime fan of The Skin Im In or discovering Sharon Flake for the first time, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone raising, teaching, or loving young Black boys.

Like this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a teacher, parent, or teen in your life.
Visit SharonGFlake.com to learn more or book her for a school visit.

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HIV Is Not a Gay Disease: A Wake-Up Call for the Black Community

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Sun, 29 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000

In this powerful episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard sits down with Grazell Howard, Board Chair of the Black AIDS Institute, for a compelling conversation that pulls back the curtain on HIV and AIDS in Black communities.

Howard, a passionate advocate and strategist, shares sobering facts and uplifting solutions about how HIV disproportionately affects not only Black gay menbut also heterosexual Black women, who now make up nearly 50% of new HIV diagnoses among women in the U.S. She breaks down persistent myths, explains what the "Black community" truly encompasses, and outlines what tools exist today to prevent and fight the disease.

Whether you're part of the diaspora or a concerned ally, this episode is a must-listen wake-up call packed with truth, strategy, and hope.

Highlights include:

Why HIV is not just a gay disease
How the epidemic is hitting heterosexual Black women hardest
What the Black AIDS Institute is doing to educate and equip our communities
The importance of reframing how we define "Black" in healthcare advocacy

Tune in and share this episodeit could save a life.

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Uncovering Truths: Ancestry’s Groundbreaking “Articles of Enslavement” Collection

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 18:00:00 +0000

In this powerful episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard speaks with Nika Sewell-Smith, Senior Story Producer and Genealogist at Ancestry.com, about a revolutionary new research tool: the Articles of Enslavement Collection.

This collection uses AI to surface hundreds of thousands of historical newspaper clippings that mention enslaved individualsfreedom seekers, auction listings, and morehelping Black families trace their roots through a dark but vital chapter in American history.

Nika breaks down:

What the Articles of Enslavement project is
How artificial intelligence was used to identify and index these historical records
Why this resource could be a game changer for Black genealogical research
The emotional impact of finding specific names, heights, weights, and hometowns of enslaved ancestors

Whether you're new to genealogy or continuing the work of a loved one, this episode will move you and provide a valuable roadmap for discovering family history once thought lost.

Listen in to discover how our ancestors' stories are being reclaimed, one article at a time.

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Bellen Woodard on Ballet Brown, Representation, and Creating Her Own Path

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 12:00:00 +0000

At just 13 years old, Bellen Woodard is leading a powerful movementone crayon and ballet slipper at a time. In this heartfelt conversation on The Color Between the Lines, Bellen opens up about the moment she was told brown tights werent part of the ballet uniformand how that led to her new book, Ballet Brown.

Host Esther Dillard dives into Bellens journey from starting the More Than Peach project to challenging outdated norms in dance, publishing, and education. Together, they explore what it means to create inclusive spaces where every child sees themselves reflectedin art, on stage, and in life.

Subscribe to the podcast to hear more conversations that celebrate powerful voices, bold storytelling, and Black and Brown excellence.

#BellenWoodard #BalletBrown #MoreThanPeach #RepresentationMatters #BlackGirlsDanceToo #TheColorBetweenTheLines #EstherDillard #PodcastForChange #InclusiveEducation #BuzzsproutPodcast

About Esther Dillard:
Esther Dillard is an award-winning journalist and host of The Color Between the Lines, a platform that spotlights untold stories, powerful voices, and issues impacting underrepresented communities. She has a passion for truth and advocacy and brings depth, empathy, and fearless storytelling to every conversation.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/iamestherdillard
IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamestherdillard
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-dillard-28a13b35/

Music: Let's Groove by Hotham is licensed under a Creative Commons License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Stream: https://linktr.ee/hothammusic Free Download: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DrqT... Support by RFM - NCM: https://bit.ly/2xGHypM

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Dr. Robin L. Smith on Collective Grief, Healing, and Honoring the Wholeness of Black Lives

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Sun, 1 Jun 2025 23:00:00 +0000

Renowned psychologist and author Dr. Robin L. Smith joins Esther Dillard for a profound and emotional conversation on the anniversary of George Floyds death. In this episode of The Color Between the Lines, Dr. Smith reflects on personal loss, the spiritual ache felt in the Black community, and why its crucial to remember the whole person when we say Black Lives Matter.

She shares lessons from her book The Invisible Ache, co-authored with Emmy Award-winning actor Courtney B. Vance, and explores the intersection of individual grief and collective trauma.

This episode is for anyone seeking healing, truth, and a deeper understanding of how personal loss mirrors national painand how storytelling can be a pathway to transformation.

Subscribe now to The Color Between the Lines for more episodes that heal, uplift, and challenge.

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Dr. Alvin B. Tillery: The Fallout After Trump’s Election and the Fight for Civil Rights

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 13 May 2025 12:00:00 +0000

Dr. Alvin B. Tillery breaks down how Trumps policies are threatening civil rights in America and what Black voters can do to fight back.

Join Esther Dillard on 'The Color Between The Lines' for a pivotal discussion with Dr. Alvin B Tillery. In this powerful interview, Dr. Alvin B. Tillery, a renowned political analyst, breaks down how Trumps policies are directly attacking civil rights in America. As the nation faces growing political divides, Dr. Tillery explores the impact of the Trump administration on Black America and vulnerable communities, offering critical insights into the future of racial justice and equity.

Dr. Tillery delves into key topics, including the Civil Rights Act, Agenda 47, and Project 2025, shedding light on the white nationalist agenda and how it threatens decades of progress in civil rights. He urges Black voters to mobilize and take action, emphasizing the power they hold in protecting civil rights law and racial equality.

If you're passionate about defending civil rights and ensuring equity for future generations, this interview is a must-watch. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay informed on the latest discussions about racial justice and political activism.

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Facing Bias and Thriving in Leadership: A Conversation with Vicky Wright Hamilton

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 6 May 2025 17:00:00 +0000

In this inspiring episode of The Color Between The Lines, Esther Dillard speaks with leadership coach, author, and trailblazer Vicky Wright Hamilton. Vicky shares her personal journey of overcoming bias in the corporate world including being told she was only hired because of affirmative action and how she transformed painful experiences into a powerful mission to empower women of color in leadership.

Drawing from her book Game Face: Corporate Success Strategies of a Trailblazing Black Woman, Vicky reveals leadership lessons and strategies to help others succeed without facing the same barriers.
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking resilience, leadership insights, and inspiration to keep moving forward despite obstacles.

Subscribe to The Color Between The Lines wherever you get your podcasts to hear more powerful conversations with leaders, authors, and changemakers.

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Turning Stigma into Strength: Janel Kitchen’s HIV Advocacy Journey

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 17:00:00 +0000

In this moving episode of The Color Between the Lines, host Esther Dillard speaks with HIV/AIDS activist Janel Kitchen about her personal journey after being diagnosed in 2005. Janel shares how she faced stigmaeven from medical professionals who doubted her storyand how she transformed her pain into a mission to uplift others.

As the founder of Positively U, Janel works tirelessly to provide medical care, food, clothing, and emotional support to individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Her powerful story is a reminder that no one should face illness alone or in shameand that community can heal what stigma tries to destroy.

Listen in and be inspired by her courage, resilience, and dedication to changing lives.

Dont miss future episodes that spotlight stories of resilience, advocacy, and empowerment. Subscribe to The Color Between the Lines wherever you get your podcasts.

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Farming Freedom: 'The Aunties' and Their Radical Act on Harriet Tubman’s Lands

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Sun, 6 Apr 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Join Esther Dillard on 'The Color Between The Lines' as we explore the powerful documentary, 'The Aunties.' This film celebrates the inspiring journey of Donna Dear and Paulette Greene, two pioneering Black elder women who farm Harriet Tubmans ancestral lands in Maryland as an act of liberation. Filmmakers Charlyn Griffith-Oro and Jeannine Kayembe-Oro share their insights into capturing the lives of these remarkable women. Premiering February 17 on Black Public Medias YouTube channel, this documentary is a tribute to Black history and environmental activism. Don't miss this profound story of love, legacy, and liberation.

#TheAunties #BlackHistoryMonth #EnvironmentalActivism #BlackFarmers #AfroPoP #BlackPublicMedia #DocumentaryFilm #RadicalLiberation

Subscribe to our channel for more compelling stories and insights into Black history and culture.

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DBI’s Journey Honored! Esther Dillard Wins Big at the 2025 Gracie's Awards

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The Black Information Network's Esther Dillard won her second Gracies Award for an inspiring news feature spotlighting Daughters Beyond Incarceration (DBI) a powerful non-profit organization based in Louisiana. DBI works to reconnect girls with their incarcerated parents, offering emotional support and mentorship to children impacted by mass incarceration.

This award-winning story captures the emotional journey of Dominique Johnson, the founder of DBI, and the life-changing impact the program has on children of incarcerated parents. Through weekend prison visits, educational workshops, and healing circles, DBI is helping young girls redefine their identity, rise above trauma, and thrive despite family incarceration.

From prison visitation rooms to graduation milestones, this feature explores how DBI fosters resilience, hope, and leadership in girls affected by the criminal justice system. Esther Dillard's storytelling sheds light on systemic challenges and the importance of prison reform and youth mentorship.

Dont miss this powerful story of healing, advocacy, and community transformation.
Subscribe for more stories that matter.

Learn more: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/gracie-awards-2025-winners-list-1236170166/

#dbi #gracie #estherdillard #prisonreform #nonprofit #criminaljusticereform #thecolorbetweenthelines #estherdillard #parenting #awards #nonprofitstories #justiceforfamilies #familyseparation #hopeandhealing #supportingfamilies

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Kemba Smith Pradia's Journey: From Pardon to Advocacy | The Color Between The Lines

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Join Esther Dillard on 'The Color Between The Lines' as we explore the compelling story of Kemba Smith Pradia, recently pardoned by President Joe Biden. Kemba delves into her past experiences with the criminal justice system, her ongoing advocacy work, and her new film on BET+. She also shares invaluable advice for women facing similar struggles. Don't miss this inspiring episode that bridges personal triumphs with broader systemic challenges.

Subscribe to our podcast and YouTube channel to stay updated on transformative stories and insights that inspire action and change. Tune in now to hear how Kemba is shaping the future of criminal justice reform and empowering women nationwide.

#KembaSmithPradia #CriminalJusticeReform #TheColorBetweenTheLines #Advocacy #WomenEmpowerment #PardonStory #Subscribe

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Understanding Shingles: Cassandra's Personal Battle and Prevention Insights | The Color Between The Lines

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Sun, 9 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Tune into 'The Color Between The Lines' as host Esther Dillard brings us an enlightening episode with Cassandra, who courageously recounts her struggle with Shingles. This episode delves into the personal challenges and wider health implications of Shingles, an often-misunderstood medical condition.

Joining the dialogue is Dr. Bayo Curry Winchell, a respected health expert, who offers valuable prevention tips and identifies key risk factors associated with Shingles. This conversation is crucial for anyone interested in enhancing their knowledge about health management, understanding patient experiences, and learning about effective preventive measures.

Listen to this episode to discover more about Shingles from Cassandra's impactful narrative and Dr. Curry Winchell's expert insights. Make sure to follow 'The Color Between The Lines' on Buzzsprout for more episodes that combine compelling personal stories with professional health advice.

Hashtags:

#ShinglesAwareness #HealthEducation #PreventiveHealth #TheColorBetweenTheLines #PatientStories #MedicalExpertise #BuzzsproutHealth

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Unveiling Black Faith & Justice: Danyelle Thomas and 'The Day God Saw Me As Black

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Tue, 4 Mar 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Join host Esther Dillard on 'The Color Between The Lines' for an in-depth discussion with D. Danyelle Thomas, a celebrated author, speaker, and activist in Black faith and spirituality. In this episode, Danyelle delves into her influential book, "The Day God Saw Me As Black," providing deep insights into the intersections of faith, race, and social justice.

Danyelle articulates her experiences and the challenges she has faced within the religious community, and elaborates on how her initiative, Unfit Christian, reconciles traditional Christian doctrines with African spiritual practices. This conversation not only highlights her unique viewpoints but also examines the wider impact of her work on fostering liberation and societal transformation. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the nuanced realities of Black religious life or seeking motivation to pursue social justice through faith.

With a background that includes contributions to major outlets like Rolling Stone, Essence, and NBC News, Danyelle's perspective is an essential addition to contemporary discussions on faith and liberation. Tune in to discover how Danyelle Thomas is redefining public theology with boldness and authenticity.

Subscribe to our podcast for more enlightening dialogues on faith, justice, and the transformative power of spirituality in contemporary social issues.

#BlackSpirituality #JusticeInFaith #DanyelleThomas #TheColorBetweenTheLines #PublicTheology #ChristianReform #AfricanSpirituality #SocialJusticeFaith #InspirationalBooks #PodcastOnFaith

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Heartbreak After Heartbeat: A New Mother's Near-Fatal Warning

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 03:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Color Between The Lines, host Esther Dillard brings to light a harrowing story of survival and awareness. Taleur Littlejohn, a new mother, experienced a life-threatening heart attack just one day after giving birth, spotlighting critical health risks that young Black mothers face. Join us as we delve into Taleur's powerful testimony, supported by insights from leading medical experts, to uncover why such dangers are often overshadowed and what can be done to prevent them. This episode isn't just a story; it's a crucial conversation about heart health, resilience, and change. Tune in to understand more about the intersection of motherhood and health in the Black community during both Heart Health Month and Black History Month. Don't forget to subscribe for more impactful stories.

#HeartHealthMonth #BlackMaternalHealth #SurvivorStories #EstherDillard #TheColorBetweenTheLines #HealthAwareness #Empowerment

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The Legacy of David Walker: Inspiring Modern Champions | Esther Dillard Interviews Dr. David Walker

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Join Esther Dillard on "The Color Between The Lines" as she engages in a profound conversation with Dr. David Walker, an acclaimed author, motivational speaker, and coach. In this episode, Dr. Walker reveals how the historical abolitionist David Walker's passionate appeals to the enslaved have inspired his personal and professional journey, influencing his book, "The Champion's Mind: How to Defeat Giants and Win". Discover how the timeless messages of resilience and empowerment resonate in today's struggles and successes. Don't miss these powerful insights that connect past activism with present-day challenges and victories.

Watch and be inspired to harness the lessons of history to craft your path to victory.

#DavidMWalker #AbolitionistLegacy #MotivationalSpeaking #PersonalDevelopment #TheChampionsMind #Resilience #Empowerment #BlackHistory #InspirationalBooks

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Dr. Julius Garvey Discusses Marcus Garvey's Legacy and Impact of Historic Pardon

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Sun, 16 Feb 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Join Esther Dillard on 'The Color Between The Lines' for an enlightening episode featuring Dr. Julius Garvey as he discusses the monumental legacy of his father, Marcus Garvey, and the profound implications of his recent posthumous presidential pardon. Dive deep into the heart of the Pan-African movement as Dr. Garvey shares personal insights into his fathers vision, the ongoing struggle for justice, and how this historic acknowledgment affects the discourse on civil rights and Black history today. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding how the past continuously molds our societal landscape and influences current and future social justice movements. Dont miss outsubscribe to our podcast for more thought-provoking discussions!

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Jor-El Carabello on Self-Care & Meditation: Tools for Mental Wellness | The Color Between the Lines

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 01:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Color Between the Lines with Esther Dillard, Jor-El Carabello, author of Meditations for Black Men, shares powerful insights on managing stress, navigating uncertain times, and prioritizing mental wellness. Amid a week filled with overwhelming news and major political changes, Jor-Els advice on self-care and mindfulness is more important than ever.

Tune in for actionable tips to help you stay grounded and resilient.

Catch The Color Between the Lines every Sunday at 9 AM and 9 PM EDT on The Black Information Network.

Learn more about Jor-El Carabello's book: Meditations for Black Men
https://jorelcaraballo.com/meditations-for-black-men

#SelfCare #BlackMentalHealth #MeditationForMen #MindfulnessMatters #MentalWellness #TheColorBetweenTheLines #BINNews #MentalHealthAwareness

Subscribe to the podcast for more enlightening talks and join us in exploring how historical narratives shape our future. You can also watch it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@thecolorbetweenthelines

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How to Attend an HBCU with Little to No Cost: Expert Advice from Mychal Wynn

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 21:00:00 +0000

Dreaming of attending an HBCU without the burden of student loans? Mychal Wynn, a renowned scholarship coach, has helped countless students unlock scholarships and cover their education costs. In this in-depth interview, he shares his proven strategies, insider tips, and personal story that inspires students and parents alike.

If you're a parent or student wondering how to make college affordable or even free this is the episode you need to watch. Mychal Wynns expertise and practical advice could be the game-changer your family has been looking for.

Click the link now to watch the full episode and learn how to unlock opportunities for a debt-free HBCU education!

#HBCUScholarships #DebtFreeEducation #MychalWynn #ScholarshipCoach #TheColorBetweenTheLines #BINNews #CollegeFunding #HBCU #StudentSuccess

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Navigating MLK Weekend & Trump's Inauguration: Insights from the BLK Community

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 18:00:00 +0000

This episode of "The Color Between the Lines" takes a unique turn as Esther Dillard explores the community's sentiment during the dual significance of MLK Weekend and the second inauguration of Donald Trump. Join us as we dive into an enlightening conversation with Jonathan, a DC resident and marketing manager for the app BLK, discussing the #BLKFreedomWeekend initiative. Discover how the community is choosing to navigate and connect during these complex times. Don't forget to subscribe for more impactful discussions!

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Dr. Alvin Tillery Says Dems Ignored Young Black Voters | The Color Between the Lines

podcast@aurn.com (Esther Dillard) — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:00:00 +0000

Kick off 2025 with a fresh episode of "The Color Between the Lines," where host Esther Dillard steps beyond the literary world to explore political strategies that could define the year for Democrats. In this insightful interview, political analyst Dr. Alvin B. Tillery, Co-founder and CEO of the 2040 Strategy Group, unveils how Democrats can effectively connect with Black millennials and Gen Z voters. Drawing parallels to tactics used by Donald Trump in previous elections, Dr. Tillery shares a compelling formula for success. Tune in to hear his expert analysis and learn why these strategies are crucial for the upcoming political season.

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