The Souls of Black Folk Archives - Jocelyn Jackson Williams

Ella Baker

Today, I’d like to highlight an unsung hero for Black History Month. She is the epitome of #leadershipgoals for my life. The foundation of her profound wisdom was developed through the art of listening. She was a major influence in the lives of all the well-known civil rights leaders. She dedicated her life to training…

Roses & Red Flags

James (name has been changed) was tall, light, and handsome. We had known each other for almost a year when he asked me out on a date. I was thoroughly confused because his best friend had just asked me out on a date the week before. “Don’t you guys talk to each other?,” I asked. …

Advocate for Your Children

My parents made a lot of sacrifices to put me through private school. But I wanted to be with all the cool kids. And the cool kids went to public school. I begged my mom to let me go to public school in the 8th grade. She relented. But at the young age of 12,…

You’ll Never Hear the Ice Cream Truck Song the Same Way

SPOILER ALERT If you don’t want a fond childhood memory to be shook, you may not want to read this entire post. Alternately, if you care about knowing the truth at all costs, keep reading. Remember last week when I was talking about the origin of the ‘black people & watermelon’ stereotype? Well, if you…

Got Therapy?

When I was in grad school, Henry Louis Gates, Jr. came to speak on campus. I wrote about in a previous post. He said something I’ll never forget which is, “If I could pay for every African-American to get therapy, I would because we all need it.” I agree. I love my family. I love…

Black People Love Watermelon

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word watermelon? Delicious fruit? For me, the answer depends on the company I keep. You see, deep down, I don’t like to eat watermelon in front of white people. Sometimes, I do it anyway to address and overcome my discomfort. I know we’re…

Race & the Church Next Steps

Here are the Next Steps as a result of the Expression 58 Town Hall on Juneteenth 2020. Take the Emotionally Healthy assessment Scroll down on the main page until you see ‘How Emotionally Healthy Are You?’ Engage in a Vulnerable, Focused, Loving Conversation Vulnerable—honesty that has overcome the fear of being judged for telling the…