Now We Know

As it turns out, Watch Night has been incorporated into the traditions of more households than knew what to contribute the celebration. From celebratory and luck-ridden feasts to ceremonious gatherings; listen to learn more about how Watch Night came about and let us know what traditions you knew or now know were part of the same.Resources:https://www.pbs.org/video/journey-proud-freedoms-eve/https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/historical-legacy-watch-nighthttps://youtu.be/NtZeR-rfGVshttps://youtu.be/IqRenSaCGUI#newyearseve #nye #holiday

Dakarai Larriett shares about his erroneous arrest in Michigan that ultimately lead him to running for Alabama Senate in the 2026 race. With pillars of his candidacy rooted in education, 2nd amendment rights, healthcare and more, Dakarai shares his plan to win the state largely held by Republicans. Throughout the conversation, Donna & Jonathan reference a documentary called The Alabama Solution that takes us into one of the deadliest prison systems. Dakarai explains the connection of the important pieces, like education, that can help mitigate the outcomes we see today.BioDakarai Larriett, an Alabama native and the son of a U.S. Army veteran and a public school teacher, is a thriving entrepreneur and committed community volunteer. His candidacy for the U.S. Senate is driven by the injustice he faced from a false arrest in 2024. Growing up influenced by his father's military service, Dakarai moved between several states and even spent time in Germany. He excelled academically, earning a full scholarship to the University of Alabama, where his dedication to public service deepened during his junior year as an exchange student at Howard University. Dakarai has built a successful career as a corporate leader while also managing a pet-care business he launched from his garage. Over the past 20 years, he has served in leadership roles on multiple nonprofit boards, gaining a reputation for his servant leadership upon returning to Birmingham in 2021. Actively involved in various volunteer initiatives, he leads an HOA board in downtown Birmingham that represents local families and businesses, showcasing his passion for Alabama's culture and community. In his leisure time, Dakarai enjoys visiting the shooting range and regularly attends First United Methodist Church.Resources/Links:www.dakarailarriett.comhttps://www.instagram.com/dakarailarriettforsenate/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574763727908https://www.tiktok.com/@dakarai.larriettThe Alabama Solution

On this episode, Donna & Jonathan dive into the real about fashion trends, vulnerability of what your style says about you, with guest Laura Tully - Personal Wardrobe Stylist & Fashion Expert. This is one of those episodes that's best described by allowing it to speak for itself. However, we will say, owning your style starts with reflection of self and learning how you show up as your best self; based upon you, not a trend.Laura Tully - Personal Wardrobe Stylisthttps://www.lauratully.co/Instagram:@LauraTully.CoResources:https://vestoj.com/dressed-up-and-laying-bare-2/#fn4-6449A Black History of Stylehttps://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/black-panther-party-uniformInstagram:@DonnaJaneen#fashion #fashiontrends

You didn't ask, but Donna & Jonathan delivered. Focusing on the popularity of dances and how each phenomenon has shaped culture was, undoubtedly, one of the most fun, light hearted episodes to date. What's your favorite dance move?Sources:https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6F003CE2A4B31581&si=fhdzU-phEK7rdGG2https://youtu.be/CAkTaInCDzkhttps://youtu.be/4G97kcPumh8https://youtu.be/TPLK_Ei_7pIInstagram:@DonnaJaneen

When we say we were floored that Flint, Michigan announced the conclusion of it's water criss in early-August 2025, that's an understatement. Reading this sent Donna & Jonathan into a wormhole of environmental racism from Flint to St. Louis to Louisiana and beyond. To the surprise of no one, the current administration isn't helping the cause because, you guessed it, DEI. How could that possibly be related? Want to take a guess?Resources:https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/03/us/flint-michigan-clean-water-crisishttps://youtu.be/aeMxN_f4c8whttps://youtu.be/Hs8l-e1YZ5gInstagram:@DonnaJaneen

A riveting episode of Now We Know with first time guest, Kwame Terra, CEO of bEHR Health and world record holder of the most steps (over 2 million!) walked in 30 days . bEHR is a company that aims to place health at the core of black culture using health equity, best practices and the latest innovations in long time aging and longevity. Donna & Jonathan dive into Kwame's expertise as he shares tips and tricks on what it really takes to live a long, healthy life; all the while building community along the way. Although he grew up and currently lives in the south, the mecca for great soul and seafood, Kwame's whole food and plant based diet is becoming less of anomaly. This episode is about the intersection of community, health, and overall wellness. ResourcesThey're Trying to Kill Ushttps://tubitv.com/movies/100015069/they-re-trying-to-kill-usBlack Health Disparities Go Back to Slaveryhttps://youtu.be/bz00gbEGfhoBeta App: DacadooUse Access Code MBHwww.dacadoo.com Instagram:@bEHRHealth@KwameTerra@DonnaJaneen#wellness #blackhealth #blackcommunity #plantbaseddiet #theyretryingtokillus

Someone has to take interest in educating and advocating for the next generation, Donna & Jonathan are no exception. Whether they be those in their immediate surroundings or a program they're supporting, they recognize the downfalls of the current administration and the effects it's having on systems and structures that, while faulty, were in place for a reason. How can we help improve the lives of those around us; young or old, in big ways or in small ways? As a great prophet once said, may you leave someone better than you found them.Resources:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUWQ98YrBh4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HplwzKtJDSEInstagram:@DonnaJaneen

On March 7, 1942, a pivotal moment in history occurred as the first Black pilots joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. At the height of World War II, these brave men, fighting for both freedom abroad and racial equality at home, displayed extraordinary courage, belief in the greater good, and unwavering determination. These qualities defined the 992 black pilots, including the 450 who served overseas.Known as the Red Tails, they earned the respect of fellow servicemen through their valor, unmatched skills, and relentless dedication, both on the battlefield and beyond. While the fight for racial equality was no different on base, in the US or overseas, the Tuskegee Airmen charged forward. As we mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and celebrate Tuskegee Airmen Day on March 7th, Donna & Jonathan honor their legacy and the profound impact they had on changing hearts and minds near and far.Resources:https://play.history.com/specials/tuskegee-airmen-legacy-of-courage/full-special https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmcpILi1Rxchttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74e175p40qoNow You Know:https://www.thewarandtreaty.com/Instagram:@DonnaJaneen#airforce #military #worldwar2 #tuskegee #tuskegeeairmen

"I'm Penny Proud, I'm Cute and I'm Loud, And I Got It Going on!"Our commitment to ourselves, which subsequently is a commitment to you all listening, is to incorporate some lighter focuses on the show - bring the levity! We’re of course not going to stop doing the history dives, but we’ll aim to bring out the joy while recognizing and honoring the fight to get it.This episode Donna & Jonathan highlight a few of their favorite childhood stars, relishing in the theme songs and nostalgia of the 90s and early 2000s.What favorite shows or actors come to mind from these eras?Resources:https://girlsunited.essence.com/feedback/news/all-grown-up-your-favorite-black-child-stars-then-and-now/https://www.history.com/news/black-tv-shows-culturehttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0695497/?ref_=nmawd_ovhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0722647/?ref_=nmawd_ovhttps://people.com/parents/all-about-kyla-pratt-kids/https://one-on-one.fandom.com/wiki/Arnaz_Ballardhttps://www.ebony.com/raven-symone-doesnt-like-black-names-forgot-her-name-is-raven-symone/#.VhkpM2bh_bo.twitterInstagram:@DonnaJaneen

Call it a coincidence, call it kismet: the release of Wicked and Six Triple Eight. The true story of the first all women, all black army unit in 6888 and the fictional story of Wicked, the all green Wicked Witch of the West, coincided with the determination against the odds, the societal othering, and the plight of black women. Listen along as Donna & Jonathan dissect the stories and uncover the additional messaging of heroism, colorism, and the portrayal of black women through film. Did you see the correlation between the two stories? Were you inspired by any parts? Resources: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Wicked https://www.theroot.com/black-people-know-the-real-truth-about-glinda-and-elpha-1851715763 https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/The-Six-Triple-Eight-Proved-That-No-Role-Was-Too-Small-During-World-War-II https://www.forbes.com/sites/monicamercuri/2024/12/20/the-inspiring-true-story-behind-netflixs-the-six-triple-eight/ Instagram: @DonnaJaneen

For the first time in Now We Know's history, Donna & Jonathan have a two-peat guest: Thomas Polk. In March 2023, Donna & Jonathan interviewed Thomas (who happens to be Donna's dad) about his affiliation with Alpha Phi Alpha, Fraternity Incorporated. This episode is a continuation of that telling as the origin story. What prompted the discussion was the untimely passing of Caleb Wilson, a pledge of Omega Psi Phi, in Louisiana in February as a direct result of hazing. Hazing, a practice long withstanding time, has resulted in the tragic ending of too many young lives and negatively affected those around them. Does the potential cost of entry outweigh the benefits? Listen for more. Sources:https://www.netflix.com/title/80097003https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2yd0el491oBonus Source:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qT2RYDAuW4Flashback Episode:https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/SSjWDlPcySb#burningsands #greeklife #fraternity #sorority #hazing

Less than 90 years ago, 18 Black American athletes defied the odds being the first black athletes to compete in the Olympic Games. Of all to be the first competition, they went to Berlin, Germany in 1936: a time riddled with the racist and anti-Semitic indoctrinations of Hitler. We know black people have had to endure a lot in this country, come learn about the trials and tribulations they experienced here and abroad. Does this only scratch the surface? Yes. But the discussion of Donna & Jonathan continues to unveil the ugly underbelly of issues we continue to see in this country. Instagram: @DonnaJaneen Resources: https://www.pbs.org/video/olympic-pride-american-prejudice-lx0WCn/ https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/berlin-1936 https://www.ushmm.org/exhibition/olympics/?content=aa_athletes_medals&lang=en https://freedomcenter.org/voice/reveal-stories-the-18-black-american-athletes-of-the-1936-olympic-games/ https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/goebbels-olympics/#:~:text=With%20construction%20of%20an%20impressive,and%20called%20for%20a%20boycott. https://www.ushmm.org/exhibition/olympics/?content=jewish_athletes_more https://www.ushmm.org/exhibition/olympics/?content=aa_athletes&lang=en

We can often turn to music for inspiration, a lyrical expression and auditory stimulation to help us through certain times. Donna & Jonathan felt it apt in the current time to dive into protest songs of years past through present. Resource:https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/4/12/14462948/protest-music-history-america-trump-beyonce-dylan-mistyCameron Forbes - If I Was Whitehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwnj3q-p4ho Instagram:@DonnaJaneen

In this episode of Now We Know, Jonathan and Donna discuss the origins of Kwanzaa, the meaning of the holiday, and their personal connections or disconnections with the annual celebration. What are your connections with Kwanzaa? Did your family celebrate growing up or into adulthood? However you celebrate this holiday season, we hope it's a beautiful and memorable one. Resources: The History of Kwanzaa The Black Candle The Seven Principles Maulana Karenga Now You Know: Childish Children's Apparel Instagram: @DonnaJaneen #Kwanzaa #holidays #blackhistoryisamericanhistory #blackhistory

Good ol’ Bass Reeves. From HBO’s mini series Watchman, to the Lone Ranger, to the many unanswered questions that have followed. The duality of Bass Reeves’ life as the first Deputy U.S. Marshall as a formerly enslaved person comes to ahead later in his career as racial tensions rose in the late 1800s. How did Reeves become involved with the government as a black man in the US, especially at the time? Instagram: @DonnaJaneen Sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqw5uXWohlY  https://www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry.php?entry=RE020  https://naacp.org/find-resources/history-explained/origins-modern-day-policing  https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/reeves-bass-1838-1910/  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Y9yjOVsuoo https://www.naacpldf.org/black-judges-history/ #deputyusmarshall

A woman of class, dignity and a force to be reckoned with. Mary Church Terrell was an integral piece to the civil rights decades before subsequent laws were put into place. Coining the term, lifting as we climb - Church Terrell’s values were based upon intersectionality, education and bringing everyone along for the ride.  “I cannot help wondering what I might have become and might have done if I had lived in a country which had not circumscribed and handicapped me on account of my race, but had allowed me to reach any heights I was able to attain.” - Mary Church Terrell Sources: https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/mary-church-terrell  https://www.aroundrobin.com/product/dignity-and-defiance-the-story-of-mary-church-terrell/  Now You Know: https://www.nps.gov/people/idabwells.htm#:~:text=African%2DAmerican%20journalist%20and%20activist,also%20fought%20for%20woman%20suffrage. Instagram: @DonnaJaneen Mentions: @theconsciouslee Now You Know: Ida B Wells https://www.nps.gov/people/idabwells.htm#:~:text=African%2DAmerican%20journalist%20and%20activist,also%20fought%20for%20woman%20suffrage. 

Music is instrumental, pun intended, for many of us in the Black Community - Donna & Jonathan are no exception. From childhood artistry to a now multi-platinum singer-songwriter, Cameron Forbes joins the Now We Know podcast for an episode on the joys, the struggles and the triumphs of building his music career in LA over the last decade. Cameron details how he remains true to himself in keeping the love for music and not becoming jaded in a world that wasn't created for the faint of heart. How has the world of TikTok and plagiarism impacted the music industry? Are artists having greater control over their creations or will AI totally change the game?  Instagram: @CameronForbes www.cameronforbes.com EP - Back to Me @DonnaJaneen Sources: https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/celebrating-black-music-month#:~:text=The%20earliest%20form%20of%20black,defining%20the%20hardships%20of%20slavery.  https://www.npr.org/2021/06/30/1011901555/radio-diaries-harry-pace-and-the-rise-and-fall-of-black-swan-records  https://soundbetter.com/profiles/21436-cameron-forbes  #blackartistry #blackmusic

Often times it's noted how black women really come through to help save us all; Dorothy Height was no exception. Walking alongside the likes of the big Civil Rights names we all know, Dorothy was the true voice of reason to help propel some of the most monumental times of the movement.  Now You Know: WC Handy - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSuTTSOctGw  Jake Blount Instagram: @DonnaJaneen Sources: The Life and Surprising Times of Dr. Dorothy Height https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHwFaa1WZnA https://www.nps.gov/people/dorothy-i-height.htm#:~:text=Dorothy%20Height%20is%20recognized%20as,York%20School%20of%20Social%20Work.

Black Panther leader, Fred Hampton's, downfall was one that shook the party in the 1960s. How William O'Neal infiltrated the Party in Chicago from FBI funding was absolutely astonishing on so many fronts. Donna & Jonathan dissect Judas and the Black Messiah, the movie based on this historical event, bringing in clarifying facts and speak more on the overall mission of the Black Panther Party.  Did you know how many people infiltrated the organization? Where would we be on social justice issues if Fred Hampton were still alive today? Resources: https://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/26/us/settlement-near-in-a-panther-suit.html https://shec.ashp.cuny.edu/items/show/1254 https://www.britannica.com/biography/Fred-Hampton https://www.britannica.com/topic/Black-Panther-Party https://www.britannica.com/topic/COINTELPRO Now You Know: FLO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nr30aGYi--g British Girl Group Instagram: @DonnaJaneen #fredhampton #blackhistory #blackpanthers

Donna & Jonathan are keeping it light this episode. Reclaiming their Black Card from the likings of Paramore to not knowing the Electric Slide to not knowing all quintessentially black movies that ever existed. They know the Card can never be taken but, for funsies, are there any reasons you may have lost yours? Instagram: @DonnaJaneen Fun TikToks: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRVbGDsC/ https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRVb3mEW/ https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRVbpWag/ #blackcard #happyholidays #blackculture