In The Know with Tony Reeves

In 2008, I had just started my own law firm in Central Florida and was commuting daily through the quiet backroads of Polk County. One day, a young woman in my mentor’s office pulled me aside and said, “Be careful driving through that town — the Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan lives there.” That moment stopped me cold. Not because I feared what might happen, but because it revealed something deeper — that even decades after Jim Crow, the echoes of history still shape how we move through certain spaces. In this episode, I revisit that conversation, unpack what it meant for me as a Black Gen Xer, and reflect on how generational awareness — even from those born long after the civil rights era — reminds us that history doesn’t fade just because the laws change. Join me as I explore why awareness isn’t paranoia, why silence doesn’t equal safety, and why talking about history isn’t divisive — it’s survival. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and share this story with someone who believes history no longer matters. 💬 For exclusive reflections and bonus commentary, visit my Patreon at linktr.ee/anthonyreeves.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In 1996, I was a 27-year-old Black naval officer stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. One late night, I was driving home from Jacksonville along a dark, two-lane rural road — no lights, no traffic, just me and the sound of my tires against the pavement.Then I saw it — headlights, brake lights, and the unmistakable turn of a police cruiser making a U-turn behind me. In that moment, every image I had ever seen of how quickly things could go wrong for someone who looked like me came rushing to the surface. Nobody had ever given me “the talk.” I didn’t know the playbook. All I knew was that I wanted to make it home alive. This episode shares the story of that night — the split-second decisions, the unexpected conversation with the officer, and the reflections that came years later. It’s about instinct, survival, and the quiet ways Black Gen X learned lessons that weren’t always spoken but deeply understood. Because sometimes, survival isn’t about being brave — it’s about being wise. 🔊  In This Episode: Growing up without “the talk” about police encountersThe night I got pulled over in rural North CarolinaThe three choices that flashed through my mindHow a shared military connection shifted the momentWhy survival sometimes means de-escalating before it beginsReflections from older Black Marines who reminded me what mattered most💬  Call to Action: If this story resonates with you, share your thoughts in the comments or send a voice message through the platform. Your stories matter — and together, we keep these conversations alive. Explore more reflections, exclusive stories, and digital books at Linktree.com/mynameisreeves and join me on Patreon for behind-the-scenes access at Patreon.com/TheAnthonyReevesExperience. 🏷️  Hashtags / Tags for Podcast Platforms #BlackGenX #TheAnthonyReevesExperience #LifeLessons #TrueStory #BlackMenAndPolice #CampLejeune #SurvivalStory #MilitaryLife #Awareness #GenXReflectionsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this episode, Tony Reeves takes listeners beyond the viral video “Beware of the Klan County” to unpack what it truly meant for Black Generation X to grow up after the fall of legal segregation. The Civil Rights victories of the 1950s and 1960s—Brown v. Board of Education, the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, and the Fair Housing Act—changed the laws. But they didn’t immediately change the people. Tony explores how Gen X became the first generation to live without Jim Crow, yet still under the shadow of those who thrived during it. From courtrooms still fighting school segregation into the 1980s to the quiet persistence of prejudice in everyday life, this episode reveals the growing pains of a nation learning how to desegregate—and the emotional toll of being a transitional generation. Generation X inherited the promise of freedom without a blueprint for how to live it. This is our story. 🔊  Highlights Include Brown v. Board II and the slow road to integrationWhy 1970 marked a turning point for institutional discriminationHow laws and culture reinforced one another for generationsWhat happened when the institutions changed but the bigots didn’tThe identity divide within Generation XWhy remembering history is not “dwelling on the past”🎙️  Call to Action (for your podcast outro or show notes) 👉🏾 Join the conversation — Share your thoughts about growing up in the shadow of change. 👉🏾 Support the work — Visit mynameisreeves-shop.fourthwall.com for books and reflections from the Black Gen X Reflections collection. 👉🏾 Subscribe to IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves wherever you listen to podcasts for more real talk about history, identity, and lived experience.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In 1995, I arrived in Jacksonville, North Carolina — a young, proud Black naval officer reporting for duty at Camp Lejeune. Like anyone new to a duty station, I was trying to find my way — where to live, where to eat, and how to adjust. But within weeks, I received a warning I’ll never forget. A senior non-commissioned officer pulled me aside and said: “If you’re driving, make sure you drive the speed limit through that county.” At first, I thought he was talking about speed traps — until he told me that less than ten years earlier, that same county had a billboard that read: “Home of the Ku Klux Klan.” That warning changed how I saw everything. It wasn’t about fear — it was about awareness. Even though the signs came down, the attitudes hadn’t always disappeared. In this episode, I share how that experience shaped my understanding of race, safety, and survival in America — and why it still matters today. This story also marks the first reference to my upcoming book, Traveling While Black Gen X, a reflection on what it meant for my generation — post–Jim Crow, pre-smartphone — to navigate freedom and fear on the same road. 🎧 Listen now to hear how one warning became a lifelong reminder that awareness is not fear — it’s protection. Call to Action If this episode resonates with you: ✅ Follow and share this podcast with someone who values real stories and honest reflections. 💬 Join the conversation by leaving a comment or message on my socials. 📚 Learn more about my upcoming book, Traveling While Black Gen X, and how these experiences shaped its creation. 🏷️  Hashtags / Tags #BeCarefulOfTheKlanCounty #TravelingWhileBlackGenX #DrivingWhileBlack #BlackGenX #TheAnthonyReevesExperience #AmericanHistory #BlackExperience #TonyReeves #AwarenessNotFear #Storytime #RealTalkPodcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this special Commentary on the Comments episode of IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves, I’m responding to a viewer who asked a simple but powerful question:“Why do you keep talking about Black Generation X?” My answer goes far beyond nostalgia. Black Gen X stands at the crossroads of history — the first generation to grow up in a legally desegregated world but still carry the weight of institutional racism’s shadow. In this reflection, I explore how history remembers other generations through defining moments like Prohibition, World War II, and the Civil Rights Movement — but rarely defines our generation by anything beyond pop culture and MTV. I discuss how that historical oversight shapes the way we understand progress, identity, and belonging — and why it’s dangerous to “delete” parts of our shared story in the name of moving on. ✊🏾 Key themes: How history overlooks Black Gen X in favor of larger narrativesWhy we’re called the “transitional generation”The risk of erasing lived experiences in the name of progressWhy remembering our stories is essential to understanding where we are today💬 Join the conversation: Do you think Black Gen X has been overlooked or misrepresented in American history? Share your thoughts on YouTube or social media using the hashtag #CommentaryOnTheComments — I might feature your response in a future episode. 🔔 Follow IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves wherever you get your podcasts for more reflections on life, identity, and the truth behind the stories we tell.🎧 Listen. Reflect. Engage.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

At 7 years old, I thought I found the perfect friend. We played, laughed, and shared childhood joy—until one day, he told me we couldn’t play anymore because I was Black. That moment of rejection was my first real encounter with how quickly a welcoming space could become unwelcome. In this episode, I reflect on the innocence lost that day and how it shaped my understanding of race, belonging, and adaptation as a Black Gen Xer. From childhood confusion to adult perspective, I explore what it meant to grow up in spaces where acceptance was conditional and rejection could arrive without warning. Tune in for a personal story about resilience, race, and the lifelong impact of a single childhood moment. Do you want me to also add a short call-to-action for listeners (e.g., inviting them to follow, share their own experiences, or check out your e-books/memberships) so the podcast description doubles as both narrative and promotion?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this episode, I reflect on what it meant to be a Black Gen Xer navigating college life, cultural misunderstandings, and the loneliness of being “the only one” in spaces where I didn’t always feel welcome. From being told that HBCUs weren’t “the real world,” to living four years as the only Black student on my dorm floor, I share the raw lessons and coping strategies that my generation had to invent on the fly.We didn’t always get it right—but we tried. Gen X carried the burden of learning to survive in a world that claimed to be equal but wasn’t, and we passed those lessons—messy as they were—on to future generations. 🎧 Tune in as I explore: Why people “Monday morning quarterback” racism but rarely understand what it feels like in real timeHow cultural misunderstandings shaped my interactions and forced me to adaptWhat it meant to be the only one, and how safe spaces became essential for survivalWhy Generation X is the overlooked bridge generation between Baby Boomers and Millennials📩 Stay connected beyond the podcast:👉 Sign up for my mailing list:Mailing list signup 📚 Explore my eBooks: https://mynameisreeves-shop.fourthwall.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this episode, I share my very first experience of being exposed to racism as a child growing up in the rural South during the 1970s. At just eight years old, an innocent invitation to play on a trampoline turned into a painful lesson about exclusion, bigotry, and the way prejudice is passed down through generations.But this story is also about courage. When I was told I wasn’t welcome, one Cub Scout Den Mother stood up for me, making it clear that if I wasn’t accepted, none of the kids would be a part of it. That moment showed me not only what racism looked like up close, but also what it means to have someone defend you when you can’t defend yourself. Join me as I reflect on: The innocence of childhood interrupted by racism.How generational prejudice poisons relationships.The powerful role of allies who refuse to stay silent.Why these stories still matter today.👉 After listening, I’d love to hear from you: When was your first exposure to racism or bigotry?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

What was it like to hit the road in the late ’80s and early ’90s without cell phones, GPS, or streaming music? In this episode, I take you back to my days as a Black Gen Xer making 14-hour road trips from Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Tampa, Florida. From glovebox maps and pay phones to dodging sundown towns and planning gas stops, traveling was more than just getting from point A to point B — it was survival. I share the strategies, the risks, and the independence that defined an entire generation of travelers. If you’ve ever wondered how Gen X navigated long-distance road trips — or what it meant to travel while Black in the South — this is an episode you don’t want to miss.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this episode, I reflect on the unique reality of being part of Black Gen X—caught between two worlds that often felt at odds. Our parents, mostly Baby Boomers, grew up under segregation and faced open hostility, while we were the first generation to come of age in a fully desegregated society. I share my story of growing up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas—a majority-Black town in a majority-White state—where I saw both the nurturing support of Black communities and the subtle hostilities that lingered outside of them. I explore the shift from “hard bigotry” to “soft bigotry,” the absence of a blueprint for navigating this new reality, and the ways both Black and White Gen X had to learn by trial and error. This is a conversation about resilience, identity, and how Gen X forged its own path without letting the weight of the past hold us back.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves dives deep into the intersections of law, life, and lived experience. Hosted by Administrative Law Judge and storyteller Tony Reeves, this podcast explores the realities of navigating professional spaces, surviving systemic barriers, and finding your voice in a world that often overlooks it.From reflections on growing up post–Jim Crow, to the challenges of being “the only one” in corporate America, to practical insights on equity, access, and resilience — every episode blends personal stories with lessons that inspire, inform, and empower. Whether you’re a professional charting your own career path, someone seeking a better understanding of equity and justice, or just looking for real talk about what it means to thrive against the odds, this podcast brings you authentic conversations and timeless insights. 👉 New episodes weekly. Listen in, get inspired, and stay In the Know.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

Black Gen X grew up with no blueprint. Mainstream TV and movies didn’t reflect our lives—until the arts began to open the door. From The Cosby Show to Hip Hop, from BET to School Daze, representation transformed how we saw ourselves and how others saw us. 📖 For more insights, check out my book Black Gen X in the Middle, where I share how our generation bridged the gap between erahttps://mynameisreeves-shop.fourthwall.com/products/gen-x-in-the-middle-how-black-gen-x-bridged-two-worldsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, our lives changed overnight. Schools shut down, graduations moved to front lawns, and families were thrown into a reality no one had prepared for.Even after two years, many were left traumatized by the sudden shift. But what if we take that same lens and look back further? Imagine living under 90 years of Jim Crow and then seeing those laws vanish virtually overnight. For Black Gen X, that was our inheritance — growing up in a desegregated society that our parents and grandparents had never experienced, with no roadmap to guide us. In this episode, I connect the shock of the pandemic to the deeper historical transition after Jim Crow, showing how Gen X became the generation raised without a blueprint. 📚 This conversation is one of the central themes in my new book, Black Gen X in the Middle. Leave a comment on the YouTube version of this episode and request a free code for a copy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this episode, I revisit a powerful college conversation that revealed how deeply history shapes our everyday choices.Two young women — one from Jamaica, one from Georgia — faced the same situation: walking into a space known for hostility toward people of color. The Jamaican friend walked in without hesitation. The Georgia friend held back, cautious and wary. What followed was more than a difference of opinion — it was a clash between cultural confidence and generational survival. From the legacy of Jim Crow to the resilience of the Caribbean, this story unpacks why both courage and caution can be valid, and why empathy is crucial when perspectives collide. Tune in to explore how history, culture, and lived experience shape the way we move through the world — and how understanding these differences can bring us closer together.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

McDonald’s was a cultural staple for me—growing up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, hanging out after games, and later during college nights in Tampa. But I discovered something that changed my perspective forever: my great aunt lived her entire life without ever stepping foot into a McDonald’s. The reason? She remembered when McDonald’s was segregated and refused to serve Black customers. For her, that rejection was unforgettable, and she made a quiet, lifelong stand of resistance: “If my money wasn’t good then, it’s not good now.” In this episode, I share how her story impacted me as a member of Black Gen X—the first generation to live fully in an integrated world, yet still directly connected to those who endured segregation. This is more than a family story; it’s a reminder of the sacrifices and scars that shaped our path forward, and why we must keep telling these stories for future generations. 👉 Tune in as I reflect on what it means to be a gatekeeper of history, memory, and cultural lessons.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

Have you ever thought you landed your dream job—only to realize it was just comfortable? In this episode, I open up about what it’s really like to hit a career crossroads at 40.I share my personal journey of thinking I had my “forever” job, only to be forced into an unexpected pivot. That moment became the shock I needed to leave my old firm, build my own practice, and run it successfully for nearly a decade. This episode is a reminder that reaching a turning point in your late 30s or 40s is not the end of your career. It may be the chance to rebuild, refocus, and redefine your path. If you’ve ever asked yourself “What’s next for me?”—this conversation is for you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

What happens when words meant to be supportive actually cut the deepest? In this episode, I explore the subtle layers of racism, bigotry, and discrimination, and why so many people miss the nuanced forms that persist today.I share a personal story of someone saying it was “good I didn’t go to an HBCU because it wasn’t the real world”—a statement packed with bias and false assumptions. This kind of comment leaves people of color constantly deciding whether to call it out or let it slide. If you’ve ever faced that tension between intent and impact, this conversation is for you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this episode, I dive into the hard truth: racism didn’t disappear just because society decided to stop acknowledging it. Too often, we hear “that doesn’t happen anymore” or “we’ve moved past that,” while real people still face systemic barriers, microaggressions, and cultural denial. This conversation unpacks how racism continues to exist in hidden, unspoken ways—and why it’s critical that we refuse to let silence erase the truth.Call to Action (CTA): 👉 If this episode resonates with you, follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear this conversation. Your support helps keep these important discussions alive. Hashtags: #MakingSenseOfRacism #PodcastConversation #HiddenRacism #SocialJusticeTalks #BlackGenX #TruthTelling #EquityAndAccessBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this personal story, I recount my first major purchase after college—a simple furniture buy that turned into a moment of deep internal conflict. Was I being profiled? Was I invisible because I was young… or Black… or both? This isn’t just about a trip to Sears in 1992—it’s about what it means to exist in a space where you’re supposed to belong but don’t feel seen. Listen in as I break down the emotions, the questions, and how this moment shaped my perspective as a future discrimination attorney and judge. ▶️ Follow this podcast for more untold stories from the Black Gen X experience 💬 Leave a review or voice comment: Have you ever felt like you were “invisible in plain sight”? #BlackGenX #AnthonyReeves #Storytime #PodcastStory #RealTalk #SpreakerOriginal #LifeAfterJimCrow #UnseenExperiences #RacialBias #QuietDiscriminationBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this deeply personal episode, I reflect on my experience as a Black Generation Xer attending a predominantly white university in the years after the civil rights movement. While my dreams were shaped by stories of HBCUs, my reality landed me in a space where I was one of the few — constantly navigating identity, isolation, and subtle forms of exclusion. From culture shock to classroom dynamics, I unpack what it meant to pursue higher education where representation was nearly nonexistent and support often felt just out of reach. This is more than a college story — it’s a lesson in survival, self-discovery, and reclaiming pride in spaces not built for us.In this deeply personal episode, I reflect on my experience as a Black Generation Xer attending a predominantly white university in the years after the civil rights movement. While my dreams were shaped by stories of HBCUs, my reality landed me in a space where I was one of the few — constantly navigating identity, isolation, and subtle forms of exclusion. From culture shock to classroom dynamics, I unpack what it meant to pursue higher education where representation was nearly nonexistent and support often felt just out of reach. This is more than a college story — it’s a lesson in survival, self-discovery, and reclaiming pride in spaces not built for us.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.