In the Telling

In this season’s premiere episode of In the Telling (Season 5, Episode 35), Miranda Mims and Steven G. Fullwood speak with renowned Zimbabwean scholar, archivist, ethnomusicologist, filmmaker, and author Joyce Jenje Makwenda, whose four decades of work document Zimbabwe’s early urban life through music, women’s histories, and community storytelling.Raised by six parents across Gwatemba, Bulawayo, and Mbare, Joyce reflects on her grandparents’ house of ancestors and the kitchen as a sacred space built by women—where storytelling, childbirth, and remembrance intertwined to preserve family and culture. She traces how memory travels from pre-colonial hearths to township streets where jazz played by the gate, revealing how home, heritage, and everyday acts of resilience shape collective history. Her message is clear and enduring: “Documentation, documentation, documentation.”Selected Music from the album Four Daughters: Muchato KumushaTo learn more about our guest and her work, check out the following links:​Unpacking significance of the kitchen: https://www.heraldonline.co.zw/unpacking-significance-of-the-kitchen/​Zimbabwe Township Music Documentary: https://youtu.be/K-IAOlM250g?si=qKxxC7YJQfH3l4A1📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube!We’ve launched our ⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel⁠⁠—watch this episode in living color! For more podcasts, ⁠⁠Nomadic Archivists Project⁠⁠⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcastOriginal music by Sean BempongDesigns by Christopher Stalling

As we close out season 4 of In the Telling (episode 34), we’re bringing you something extra special. Not one, but two guests. We’re joined by the inimitable Robert Garcia — the self-described “world’s favorite boy girl” — a fierce, multi-talented Afro-Latinx artist, singer-songwriter, and nightlife icon whose motto, “visibility is revolutionary,” is a thread throughout Robert's work and life. And alongside him is his chosen family and firstborn in spirit, Jeremy Francisco Cruz — a New York native, makeup artist, performer, and person of trans experience who’s using his art and presence to stand in solidarity with those fighting oppression.This episode is a testament to chosen family, queer resilience, and the revolutionary act of loving each other out loud. Robert and Jeremy take us on a journey through found kinship, survival, tough love, and tender moments — reminding us how, in the words of Robert, “there’s no end as long as you’re walking this earth.”So settle in because this one is for anyone who’s ever built their own family when the world couldn’t hold them. And for those who’ve ever been mothered, mentored, or reminded to shine their light.To learn more about our guest, Robert Garcia📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube!We’ve launched our ⁠Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel⁠—watch this episode in living color! ⁠Nomadic Archivists Project⁠⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcastOriginal music by Sean BempongDesigns by Christopher Stalling

In this episode (33) of In the Telling, hosts Miranda Mims and Steven G. Fullwood engage with Tyler Andrew “Six” Nelson, a New York-based photographer and visual artist. The conversation delves into themes of identity, belonging, and safety, particularly within the context of family dynamics and personal experiences as a black trans individual. Tyler shares their insights on how their artistic practice reflects their lived experiences, the evolution of their understanding of home, and the complexities of navigating relationships with family members. The discussion highlights the importance of self-identity and the ongoing journey of understanding one's place in the world. Tyler discusses the complexities of family dynamics, particularly the challenges faced in his relationship with his biological family. They emphasize the significance of chosen family and supportive relationships in navigating identity and personal growth. Tyler also stressed the importance of self-care and prioritizing oneself, highlighting that existing authentically is not a linear process. The dialogue explores themes of emotional well-being, community, and the necessity of taking up space in one's life.To find out more about Six: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.novifotos.com/⁠⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/5xe9x4nd⁠⁠⁠📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube!We’ve launched our Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel—watch this episode in living color! Subscribe and stay tuned for more conversations with voices from around the world.Nomadic Archivists Project⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcastOriginal music by Sean BempongDesigns by Christopher Stalling

In this intimate episode (32) of season four of In the Telling, co-hosts Miranda Mims and Steven G Fullwood engage in a meaningful dialogue with Dr. Van Bailey, a fashion curator and advocate for LGBTQ+ representation. Together, they examine the concepts of safety, care, and intimacy beyond conventional family dynamics. The conversation addresses mental health challenges, the vital role of a support network, and how these connections contribute to our ability to endure and flourish.Dr. Bailey recounts his experiences as a Black trans individual, highlighting the importance of his chosen family in his life and the influence of community support on mental well-being and resilience. The discussion navigates the intricacies of intimacy, accountability, and the healing required to cultivate robust, affirming relationships—particularly for Black trans individuals. The dialogue underscores the necessity of love, acceptance, and the bravery to dismantle barriers in order to nurture deeper bonds.This episode serves as a meditation on love, trust, and the individuals who stand by us in our times of need. Whether it be a close friend, a mentor, or a community that fills the gaps left by biological relatives, chosen family acts as a unifying force in our lives.If you would like to learn more about Dr. Bailey, visit https://www.drvanbailey.com.📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube!We’ve launched our Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel—watch this episode in living color! Subscribe and stay tuned for more conversations with voices from around the world.Nomadic Archivists Project⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcastOriginal music by Sean BempongDesigns by Christopher Stalling

In this episode (31) of Season four of In the Telling, co-hosts Miranda and Steven sit down with movement artist, environmental justice advocate, and multi-disciplinary collaborator Ayan Felix to explore Black Southern family traditions and the power of intergenerational storytelling. Ayan shares their journey of discovering a second father in 2018, navigating the positive emotional complexities of identity, and embracing a broader, more fluid understanding of family. From Texas Zydecos to burlesque stages, from voter suppression stories to embodied resistance, this conversation weaves together themes of ancestry, queerness, and the narratives that shape us.Born to the swamps of Beaumont, TX, Ayan moved to Durham for the Duke Dance MFA program, completed in 2021. The land heavily informs their artistic practice which takes root in collaborative process with other cultural organizers, body workers, agitators, and spirits. Their research examines pleasurable terror and Black American markers of social class with a focus on burlesque and cabaret performers.  Felix was a NCDF Artist-in-Residence and makes screendance and performances in NC, TX, and NY. Learn more about their work at ⁠movingaf.com⁠.📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube!We’ve launched our Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel—watch this episode in living color! Subscribe and stay tuned for more conversations with voices from around the world.Nomadic Archivists Project⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcastOriginal music by Sean BempongDesigns by Christopher Stalling

In this episode (30) of Season four of In the Telling, co-hosts Miranda and Steven sit down with Amir, founder of ArtsXCulture—a Black trans artist, poet, and advocate. Amir shares his compelling journey of growing up in the foster care system, navigating gender and sexuality, and ultimately finding belonging through chosen family and creative expression. Through art and poetry, he has carved out a space for healing and self-discovery while reflecting on the impact of biological and chosen family on his identity and resilience. Amir also discusses the importance of queer genealogy, his interest in uncovering LGBTQ+ ancestors, and how community spaces in Chicago and Boston have shaped his path. From his early years in the Midwest and South to building a creative and affirming network, Amir’s story is a testament to perseverance, love, and the transformative power of art. You can learn more about Amir and ArtsXCulture on his IG page: https://www.instagram.com/artsxculture/.Original music by Sean BempongDesigns by Christopher Stalling. 📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube!We’ve launched our Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel—watch this episode in living color! Subscribe and stay tuned for more conversations with voices from around the world.Nomadic Archivists Project⁠: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcast

In this premiere episode (29) of Season Four of In the Telling, hosts Miranda Mims and Steven G. Fullwood engage in a conversation with art consultant Pacheanne Anderson. They explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and the dynamics of family—both biological and chosen. Pacheanne shares personal stories about their Caribbean and South Asian roots, the impact of intra-POC politics, and the importance of community in navigating their identity as a non-binary, trans-masculine individual. The discussion also delves into the significance of home, belonging, and the role of chosen family in recovery from mental health challenges, culminating in a vision for a future that embraces love, respect, and inclusivity.Pacheanne Anderson is an art consultant and art writer collaborating with art galleries & institutions, organizations, and publications that support the development and promotion of low-income, queer, Black, and PoC British artists. Pacheanne Anderson Gallery & Advisory offers a channel of access between the non-profit and commercial art sector through providing opportunities to artists directly through exhibitions, residencies, sales, and commissions.Original music by Sean BempongDesigns by Christopher Stalling📺 Watch the Full Conversation on YouTube!We’ve launched our ⁠Nomadic Archivists Project YouTube channel⁠—watch this episode in living color! Subscribe and stay tuned for more conversations with voices from around the world.Nomadic Archivists Project: https://www.nomadicarchivistsproject.com/in-the-telling-podcast

In this episode, genealogist Bernice Alexander Bennett shares information about the Homestead Act of 1862, and why it's critical that African Americans know about the Homestead Act when researching their ancestry. If your family was listed as a farmer, Bennett says, it's important to check the Homestead Act records to see if your ancestors participated in this program. Bennett advises that, "you have to understand [that] while we identify the land, and we tell the story, there is also more to the story and that’s what happened to the land."  Bernice Alexander Bennett is an award-winning author, genealogist, nationally recognized guest speaker, storyteller, and producer-host of the popular Research at the National Archives and Beyond BlogTalkRadio program. She is also the first recipient of the Ida B. Wells Service Award given by the Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage for her dedication to broadcast stories about enslaved and indentured ancestors of African descent. She also received the Elizabeth Clark-Lewis Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS) Genealogy Award in 2019 for original research in support of African American Genealogy. Bennett is on the Board of Directors for the National Genealogical Society and one of the founder’s of the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute, Bennett--a New Orleans native and current resident in Maryland--enjoyed a 35-year career in domestic and international public health. She received an undergraduate degree from Grambling State University and a graduate degree in Public Health from the University of Michigan. Her genealogical research centers on Southeast Louisiana, and Edgefield and Greenwood Counties, South Carolina. Her South Carolina journey is chronicled in Our Ancestors, Our Stories, which won the 2018 International AAHGS Book award for Non-Fiction Short Stories. Her second book Tracing Their Steps - A Memoir received the Phillis Wheatley Literary Award from the Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage in 2019; the International AAHGS Book Award in 2020 for Non-Fiction Short Story and, the Next Generations Indie Award in 2021 for African American Non-Fiction book category. Links:  Land Entry Case Files and Related Records at the National Archives https://www.archives.gov/research/land/land-records African American Homesteaders in the Great Plains https://www.nps.gov/articles/african-american-homesteaders-in-the-great-plains.htm U.S. Department of the Interior - Bureau of Land Management https://www.blm.gov Music by Sean Bempong

In this episode, genealogist Guy Weston falls in love with genealogy while researching 19th-century plot records purchased by his great, great, great, great grandfather on his mother's side. He learned the names of his ancestors and their descendants, fueling his obsession with genealogy. Guy’s mother initially thought she inherited this property when a cousin gave her the deed. However, they quickly learned it also belonged to several distant cousins, as new deeds were not executed over the years as one generation died and passed it on to the next. Guy’s introduction to genealogy was searching microfilm to look for these potential heirs. Guy has been engaged in genealogy research for 30 years, with a substantial focus on his maternal ancestors in Timbuctoo, NJ, where his fourth great-grandfather bought his family's plot in 1829. He says today’s online databases and DNA testing have changed the landscape of what Black folks can find. He encourages all his friends to find their roots. At present, Guy manages the Timbuctoo Historical Society, is a Visiting Scholar at Rutgers University, and serves as editor of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society Journal. He maintains a website at www.timbuctoonj.com. Original music by Sean Bempong.

In this episode, genealogist Melvin Collier talks about how he became involved in researching his family's history. From the age of 4, Melvin enjoyed listening to stories about his family. By 1993, he was actively searching archives for family records. Learn about how a DNA test and a trip to Ghana resulted in a surprise transcontinental family reunion.  Melvin has been conducting historical and genealogical research for over 25 years. He’s a former civil engineer, who later earned a Master of Arts degree in African American Studies at Clark Atlanta University, in 2008, with additional graduate coursework in Archival Studies from Clayton State University. For seven years, Melvin worked as a Library Associate/Archivist at the Robert W. Woodruff Library – Atlanta University Center. He now works for the Department of Defense in the Washington, D.C. area. Melvin has appeared on the NBC show, Who Do You Think You Are, as one of the expert genealogists on the Spike Lee episode in 2010. He has given numerous presentations on genealogy, slave ancestral research, and genetic genealogy at numerous events and conferences. Melvin is the author of three books: Mississippi to Africa: A Journey of Discovery (2008), 150 Years Later: Broken Ties Mended (2011) and Early Family Heritage: Documenting Our Legacy (2016). Music by Sean Bempong 

In her In the Telling conversation, LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson talks about the mystical aspect of doing genealogy: how the ancestors seem to guide you in uncovering their stories.  LaBrenda is a trustee and President of the Board for Certification of Genealogists. She also serves as the Registrar General of the Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage, a lineage society that honors ancestors who were enslaved in the United States. LaBrenda earned a BA from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York, and both a Law degree and a Master of Laws degree from the New York University School of Law. After working as a corporate tax attorney for thirty-five years, she retired in 2013 and turned her attention to her longtime avocation of Genealogy. She is now a full-time genealogist focused on writing and teaching at National institutes and conferences. Her 2016 guide to researching in her SC home county was hailed by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as a model for research in SC and other states.  Suggested links: LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson's website Sons and Daughters of the United States Middle Passage The Source of Our Pride by LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson A Guide to Researching African American Ancestors in Laurens County, South Carolina and Selected Finding Aids Genealogy: Ethnic Heritage Links - National Archives Original music by Sean Bempong.

In this episode, Lynne Huggins Smith shares a story about her 4th great grandfather, Caesar Springfield. Although Lynne knew she was a seventh generation New Yorker, she discovered that Caesar and his wife Mary, in fact were from New Jersey. And although she knew of her great grandmother Edith, and Edith’s mother Sarah, Lynne was inspired to dig deeper into her family research. Lynne grew up in Nanuet, New York where her family moved from the Bronx. She has been  doing family research since the sixties and is a former officer and current membership chair of  the New York City chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc. Her family lived in New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Neevis and Suriname. Lynne is currently researching the ancestors of all four grandparents from those places and beyond. She has a Master’s degree in  anthropology from the University of Michigan and completed coursework for the PhD in  American history from Emory University. Lynne spent her career as a financial planning and investment professional, retiring in 2015. She lives in New York state with her husband of over forty years. She has three children and four grandchildren.  Original Music by Sean Bempong.

In this episode, Deborah Robinson talks about Bob Robinson, her great-great-grandfather, who was born on Edisto Island, Charleston County, SC, and the land she inherited from him. Deborah Robinson has been a genealogist for more than 25 years. Born in Harlem and raised in the Bronx, Deborah's specialty is African American research in the southeastern United States, particularly the Gullah/Geechee culture of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Deborah holds certificates from the Boston University Center for Professional Education in Genealogical Research and the Professional Genealogy (ProGen) Study Program.  She also holds a bachelor’s degree in speech communications from Syracuse University. Deborah has worked as a Research Manager at Ancestry.com's ProGenealogists division and is currently the 2nd Vice President and Webmaster for the Jean Sampson Scott Greater New York Chapter of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society.  Music by Sean Bempong. Links Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society, Jean Sampson Scott Greater NY Chapter: https://aahgs-newyork.org/ Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission: https://gullahgeecheecorridor.org/ Lowcountry Africana: https://lowcountryafricana.com/ Donna Cox Baker and Frazine K. Taylor, The Beyond Kin Project: Descendants of Slaveholders, Do We Still Hold a Key?: https://beyondkin.org/ Enslaved: Peoples of the Historical Slave Trade: https://enslaved.org/ Stacy Ashmore Cole, They Had Names: African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia: https://theyhadnames.net/ Newberry Library, Atlas of Historical County Boundaries: https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/index.html Discover Freedmen: http://www.discoverfreedmen.org/ Toni Carrier and Angela Walton Raji, Mapping the Freedmen's Bureau: https://mappingthefreedmensbureau.com/ Ancestry.com, U.S. Freedmen's Bureau Records: A Breakthrough for Black Family History: https://www.ancestry.com/cs/freedmens?o_iid=116303&o_lid=116303&o_sch=Web+Property International African American Museum: Center for Family History [Charleston, SC]: https://cfh.iaamuseum.org/ FamilySearch.org Research Wiki: African American Genealogy: https://www.familysearch.org/wiki/en/African_American_Online_Genealogy_Records Books Nick Lindsay, And I'm Glad: An Oral History of Edisto Island (Charleston, SC: Tempus Publishing, Inc., 2000). Charles Spencer, Edisto Island, 1663 to 1860: Wild Eden to Cotton Aristocracy (Charleston, SC: The History Press, 2008). Charles Spencer, Edisto Island, 1861 to 2006: Ruin, Recovery and Rebirth, (Charleston, SC: The History Press, 2008). Lorenzo Dow Turner, Africanisms in the Gullah Dialect (Columbia, SC: University of Chicago Press, 1949). De Nyew Testament: The New Testament in Gullah, Sea Island Creole with Marginal Text of the King James Version, (NY, NY: American Bible Society, 2005).

In this episode, Kelly Navies shares a great story of how one 19th Century family photograph launched a genealogical journey of discovery that involves the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Kelly Navies is an oral historian, writer, and poet. She coordinates the Oral History Initiative at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Navies has degrees in African American Studies and Library and Information Science from the University of California, Berkeley, and the Catholic University of America, respectively. She has also studied at the Southern Oral History Program at UNC Chapel Hill. Navies’ oral history projects and interviews are located at the Southern Oral History Program, The Reginald F. Lewis Maryland Museum of African American History and Culture, the Washington DC Public Library, and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Her writing can be found in several publications including, June Jordan’s Poetry for The People: A Revolutionary Blueprint, edited by Lauren Muller, and Bum Rush the Page: A def poetry jam, edited by Tony Medina and Louis Reyes Rivera.  Links Here’s a great website for anyone interested in Black politicians during Reconstruction: https://much-ado.net. It is run by a librarian at Mississippi State University. Books Krewasky Salter. The Story of Black Military Officers, 1861-1948. London: Taylor and Francis, 2015. Pamela Peters. The Underground Railroad in Floyd County, Indiana. North Carolina: McFarland & Company, Inc., 2001. Original music by Sean Bempong

Sean Bempong has spent many years working on his family history. He is from the Deep Creek area of Chesapeake, Virginia, and was raised between Chesapeake and Norfolk. His maternal family has resided in various parts of the state since the 1600s. He is half Ghanaian. He holds a BA in Psychology from Norfolk State University graduating Magna Cum Laude, and has a Masters in Anthropology from the American University in Cairo. As a small child, Sean's grandma Lillie would often ask him "who is that person and how are they related to us" which sparked his interest in genealogy. At the age of 18, he began researching census reports at the Kirn Memorial Library in downtown Norfolk to discover more information about  the ancestors his family remembered in tales and photographs. His maternal family actively preserved their records and wanted this knowledge to be passed on to future generations. Sean also provided music for In the Telling.

On the season finale of In the Telling, Cheryl Boyce-Taylor shares poems and memories from her recent book of poetry, Mama Phife Represents, honoring her son, Hip-Hop Legend, Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest aka Malik Taylor. Mama Phife Represents is a verse memoir of a poet, mother and teaching artist who suddenly loses her son to type 1 diabetes. It is a story of loss, love, and courage. Boyce-Taylor’s work has appeared in Rolling Stone Magazine, Poetry, Prairie Schooner, and The Chicago Review of Books. She holds an MFA in creative writing/poetry from Stonecoast/The University of Southern Maine. Cheryl is the author of several books including Raw Air, Night When Moon Follows, Convincing the Body, and Arrival: Poems, and the forthcoming, We Are Not Wearing Helmets: Poems (February 2022). For more information about Cheryl and her work, check out her website. Purchase Mama Phife Represents here.  Music by Sean Bempong.

On today’s episode, Maurini Strub shares introspective and warm memories of her grandmother, Honora Georgina John, who was born in Trinidad in 1926 and had profound effect on her life. Born and raised in the twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Maurini emigrated to the US in the early 1990s to pursue her higher education. She spent over 20 years in Detroit and just shy of 5 years in Louisville, KY before moving to Rochester, NY. She has been a swim instructor, lifeguard, and even an insurance cold caller (yes, she's been that person) and hopes to one day bike her first century.   Music by Sean Bempong.

On today’s episode, Vernon Textel, who was born in Paramaribo, Suriname, shares a bit of his own family history, starting with himself, his parents and then maternal grandparents. He also talks about what African-ness means in Suriname--as in how African peoples came to Suriname and how people of African descent identify themselves today. Textel is a journalist at the De Ware Tijd newspaper and public communications officer at Staatsolie Petroleum Company in Paramaribo, Suriname. Born in 1975, Vernon was raised by his mother, Muriel Texel and says that he was born into a typical Black Surinamese family. Music by Sean Bempong.

Andwele means “God brought & delivered me” in Swahili. He was born November 20, 1977 in the capital of Suriname, Paramaribo. Suriname is a small country on the northern coast of South America where the official language is Dutch. He currently lives on the island of Saint Maarten in the West Indies where he works as a clinical pharmacist. His journey into unearthing his family history started as a child...being fascinated by stories told at family gatherings. Stories that connected him to people long dead before he was born...but whose stories helped to shape his identity...and fed his hunger to fill in the blanks. In this episode, Andwele's story begins with a 1926 photograph featuring his great grandmother on the occasion of her 60th birthday. It was his curiosity about the people in that picture that made him always listen to stories from his mother’s siblings and cousins about those memories from their childhood, and bits and pieces of information that they remembered about stories that were told to them. Music by Sean Bempong.

Odile Tevie’s love of people and their stories and connections inspire a curiosity that moves her to explore beyond the surface and cross boundaries. Born in Accra, Tevie refuses to be boxed in by anyone and embraces all the things that make and have shaped her. And for her, the voyage of discovery is a never-ending one. Tevie is the current director and co-founder of Nubuke Foundation, a visual arts and cultural foundation based in Accra, the capital of Ghana and in outstation Wa-Upper West Region. She is a graduate of University of Ghana BA (honors) Computer Science, Mathematics. Her journey within the arts started after retiring from 10 successful years in the field of IT. After setting up Black Swan gallery in London from 2000 to 2005, her interest in artists and creative people grew.  Under Tevie's vision and drive, Nubuke Foundation, established in 2006, has become an internationally acknowledged arts institution whose robust and engaging programming calendar has supported the career of many mid-career Ghanaian artists today. The multi-faceted programming initiatives of the Foundation can be attributed in Tevie's interests in people and her curiosity about human interactions beyond the obvious. Visit our website for more information about the NAP Scholarship. Music by Sean Bempong.