(Shakyra) Hey, it's your girl Shakyra Mabone
(Jada) Jada Vasser
(Anthony) and Anthony Brinson, and this is All Shades of Chocolate where we bring
(Shakyra) this sweetest
(Jada) the hottest
(All three hosts) black culture to MSU.
(Anthony) We're here with a very special guest. She's making her return, Miss Dr. Myers how's your day been? So far?
(Dr Myers) It's been a wonderful day. I mean, this is the highlight of my day, quite honestly, emails, such a blessing be invited back to the cookout.
(Anthony) Yeah. Let's get things started. How's your summer been? How has things changed since the last time you were on the show? And I was teaching for you to semester?
(Dr Myers) Oh, wonderful questions. Again, thank you for inviting me back. First year, summer was amazing. Of course, I went back home to South Carolina to spend time with my family and friends and, and from there, I've had other of course research obligations. So travel a little bit which DC present at a conference, but um, he was an amazing summer, really good to be back home and to soak up all that love to prepare me for this academic year. Since last time was here, yeah, it's been one year down, right started my second year here at MSU. And thank you. And I again, I'm just so grateful the first year definitely was that period of adjustment. And, of course, I always say that you all the students have definitely made it such a special place to be. And so from the first to the second year, I feel like I got my groove a little bit, and I have a little flow. And so it's been going very well. And part of that is being able to teach a great class, I'm teaching journalism 108, the world of media. And so I'm having an opportunity to really dig into my research and my passions and bring it into the classroom and really engage into some critical discussions on how we consume media of all forms. So it's been it's been great.
(Anthony) That sounds pretty dope, what would you say is the best part of teaching just in general, and being able to work with kids and stuff?
(Dr Myers) Oh, the best part is just learning from you all, and just getting to know you. Because, you know, we have students, when you come into the university space, you're dealing and working and learning from students from so many different backgrounds and lived experiences. So I have an opportunity to get to know you beyond this role of Professor student, just human right, and just talking about how life is full and how we're navigating this space together. And so definitely, that has been that is has always been the best part of being in my role.
(Shakyra) Yeah. So, um, I don't know, like, do you still feel like have you gotten comfortable? Since you've been here? You know, since it's your second year here, like, yeah, just, you know, spill the tea on that?
(Dr Myers) No, I definitely feel more comfortable. And, you know, this experience is one that you're learning constantly, and hopefully growing constantly, and you always are confronted with new experiences and opportunities. So yes, I feel like I'm adjusting well, and every day, every semester, it gets better. And so yeah,
(Anthony) that's definitely dope. And I was wondering when like, they have questions for the interviewer just how do you balance being a professor? And then just Christina Meyers, because you were telling us about, like things you have planned for the year that will hopefully let you shout out soon. And I was just wondering
(Dr Myers) That is a great question. And we're still working on it daily? No. That's one thing I try to share with my students. One thing that I do when I in my class, I ended with the affirmation. Because I think it's important that we all recognize in this space that what do we say life we live in. And on top of the responsibilities that you all have, as students, you have jobs, you have other things you have to attend to. And so for me, personally, Christina, when I'm not wearing the professor, researcher hat, I tried to work on that self care, right, really looking and working and doing things that feed into my soul and bring me joy. So whether it's reading a novel that or a book that's not a research related or just listening to music, or just doing things that feed my soul playing my violin, whatever it is, I tried to I do I've been playing since the fifth grade. Wow. Sad No, but no, but I've but something intentional that I've done. I call it my self care Fridays. And so Fridays are the day where I'm like, Okay, I'm being very intentional with making sure that I'm doing all things that feed into me. So on top of my devotion, and doing all those things, I make sure that I am being very intentional with that time. So that is something that's helping me balance my jobs. Yeah. As professor and researcher, and then just Tina. So
(Shakyra) yes, I love to hear that because I know it just get really honored. You're just a busy woman. So I know it just get like really overwhelming to say so yeah.
(Anthony) Do you have any pieces of advice when it comes to like self care or just taking the chill pill and getting that time to relax and not being so like, like when you're working or you're traveling? Just any words of advice you give?
(Dr Myers) Yes. One thing one of my favorite professors told me when I was in my doctoral program was life is full. And so I want to put that out in the space that life is fully acknowledging that but then, part of that is show yourself some grace. It's okay to have a list and want to check it off. But we have to make sure make sure we're taking time to breathe and to live and to experience. And so that is one thing, I think we can be our biggest critic, right? And we can and and part of that helps us fuel to pull out the Excellence in the greatness that's within us. But then sometimes it's okay to take a step back and to say no, which is a full sentence, right? So I would say that would be my biggest advice, something that I need, listen to myself, it's just showing yourself some grace, because we all have so many responsibilities and things that are pulling us in different directions. And it's okay to acknowledge, feel your feelings, and then take a step back when you need to.
(Anthony) I really appreciate that. Oh, knowledge. I appreciate that. I was just
(Shakyra) I was just gonna say like, that's something I'm still learning. You know, even as a junior, I was a junior know,
(Dr Myers) it's a life lesson, right? It's like an exercise, you got to kind of build to it. And we will always have different opportunities. You all are certainly blessed with so many wonderful opportunities, including this podcast and it's knowing when to keep pushing and then when you can take a setback to breathe and to refill.
(Anthony) And with a Jada a hoodie, obviously they can't see it but with it saying self love mazing what is it? Is that self love? And they go like this? Oh, yeah, happy? Wait, hold on. Happy. Don't bother him discipline. Yes. Pretty good. From
(Jada) I got this from Target. Oh, so who's $5
(Dr Myers) But that's so important. Right? That self love piece. Right? And I know, naturally. I'm a nurturer. So how can I give my best to others if I'm not pouring the best and making sure I'm my best to be in that position to do so. So the key is that self loves I love that sweatshirt. I love it.
(Anthony) I mean thing when I add Jade or just comment about?
(Jada) Um, I guess my question that I was kind of thinking about, I know speaking to a lot of journalism professors and people that I work with, they always say that kind of like what you said they learned more when they're in it versus when someone was teaching it to him. So I guess my question would be, what's the biggest thing you've learned when you actually got into the real world, not what someone taught you in the classroom?
(Dr Myers) Absolutely. Well, to be candid, no one taught me in the classroom, what it's like to be a black woman, you better speak on it, right? Working in this space. There are so many of those tangible skills of how to write a lead and the headline and to build your the story structure storytelling, but the soft skills are the things that in life, we only learn through trial and error and being exposed in those environments. And so the dynamics of microaggressions. In that space, the dynamic did the dynamics of dealing with someone that's supposed to be a source who will cooperate with you or refuses to interview with you, for whatever reason, won't make any assumptions. But there is those tensions, especially for me, in South Carolina, right? Being a black woman in space where it wasn't so many of us, covering politics in a space. That's things that I was navigating, but life experiences, my parents right grown up in a household where they poured into me. So just because I didn't learn in the classroom, doesn't mean I wasn't prepared to face it. You see, I'm saying, and so yeah, those are things like that. That's why and if you don't have that, I'm so blessed and grateful for my family, the core, my two older brothers and my sister in law, my my, my nephew, like, like, I'm so grateful to have that core village. But then I had other village members, like a part of my church in my community. So when you have that covering, whether you're learning those lessons in the classroom or not, because mind you, there are policies, legislation that are being put in place to strip away our histories in the classrooms. Yeah, so they take it away. But guess what, we still have our communities we still have our families who know our narratives, who solidify our narratives, where that is a safe space for us. And so yeah, I didn't learn those things in classroom but I was covered because of where I was and who was surrounding me and protected me.
(Anthony) So phenomenal answer and with you sand now I want to ask when you are in those moments where maybe your voice isn't being heard, what would you say is the best strategy for lack of better words to get your voice out there and still have you a part of the story, even if it is a reporting topic or anything?
(Dr Myers) Absolutely great question, because that is something I had to constantly navigate in my different professional spaces, owning my voice, and I had to learn how to do that by advocating for certain voices in my story. You know, we had this thing where we say, in our teaching and learning this skill, why is it newsworthy? Right, whose audience who cares? And in my mind, I said, well, the audience and I'm speaking to may not care, but I have to make them care, right? Because I'd like to tell a lot of stories that were pertaining to my community, right, black experiences and policies that impacted us. So one strategy is, you know, being confident in your voice, and articulating why this is a matter that anyone everyone should be cognizant of and aware of. And so I mean, that comes with, you know, building some confidence, I know, just starting out, you may not feel comfortable going up against your editor, right. But I feel like if you have the facts to back up why this is important. Like you can't lose.
(Anthony) Yeah. And with to piggyback off that kind of what would you say it means to be a black woman in journalism?
(Dr Myers) Oh, the first word that comes to mind is a blessing. Okay? Because I take very personally hold very dearly, the opportunity, and to make sure our narratives are being framed in a way that speak to the beautiful rainbow of our experiences. And I also recognize the power and privilege of that as well. And also the fact that I am looking at three incredible black journalism students, right, and understanding that I have this great responsibility to help pave a path for you all. So the things that I'm dealing with, you won't have to deal with, because I want to share and pour my wisdom into you. And so yeah, I mean, it's, it's beautiful, to be able to be a part of what I feel is purpose driven work. And I just want to continue, as I'm in this space as a professor, whether it's through my writing scholarship, to continue to be a blessing to others and, and set the path for you all.
(Anthony) And with and with how you speak and how you carry yourself. And as you mentioned, on our last interview, you're a woman of God. And with you being a woman of God, I want to ask, how is your faith progressed over the years from traveling to a new state to teach and then teaching at MSU? And navigating as a black journalist? How would you say that you've gotten closer to God?
(Dr Myers) Well, let me tell you, you better you better ask the right questions. Always amazing questions. Great question. Um, this has been a stretching season. And because of that, I definitely say my walk with God as gotten closer. Because I think I know that has he continues to put me in positions to elevate me in different spaces. I'm going to come against some tensions, right? It's not easy, but I know it's because there's Divine Alignment there. And I'm walking within his will and path that he has for me. So definitely, my walk with him has become closer. Like, it's not enough for me to start my mornings with prayer. And, and Scripture is prayer scripture, devotions throughout the day. Like, I got to revisit the word and say a prayer. And I've always been that way. But it's been, it's the intentionality part of it as well. And just, you know, we're not, we're not gonna milk anymore, right? We own the meat, right? By digging into the word and, and being very intentional with like, seeking more, and so I'm definitely in the space. And as you said, just being in a new place physically, I know not outside of its presence. But being in that new space where I feel like I'm rebuilding and building community and all those aspects. It's hard. So because of my faith, I realize and recognize I'm never alone. And so I've been leaning into my faith even more in those moments when I felt, you know, in the presence of no one, but I'm in His presence. So
(Anthony) definitely and with getting stronger in your faith and then teaching MSU you mentioned like, you love learning things from your students. What's been the biggest lesson you've learned in this journey?
(Dr Myers) This is kind of sad to say, okay, But it's unfortunate because of what's happened in our society and what's happened here at home. In terms of tragedies with gun violence and things of that nature, students, you all are very resilient. And part of me is like, Wow, that's amazing. That part of me is like, wow, that's sad, because you all have had to endure so much wherein I was able to really grow up in a school system where concerns that you all had things where I wouldn't have to worry about right, I would never have to fear of going here going there. And so and I feel like part of that is, you know, y'all just a new generation and just amazing already, but I question that how things in society have impacted you all and shaped you all in the way that resiliency is a beautiful thing. But then that's when I tell y'all show yourself some grace, it's okay to pull back from school, it's okay to say I need a mental health day. Life is full. And I feel like it's so important for us, and especially in my role to encourage that because sometimes, it can be so all consuming. And we're blinded to the reality that you can feel your emotions and it's okay to step back. But I feel like oftentimes because of how you all have kind of grown up in this world, then that you're forced to fill that. I don't know if that makes sense. But I mean, I mean, I think it's wonderful how resile, but then I'm also like, it's okay to just be soft. And just, you know, take a step back.
(Anthony) Yeah. And with seeing those things happen, and still being a professor at NSU. And then knowing the knowledge you had of like being a black person or a black woman in journalism, if you were talking to let's say a high schooler who was deciding where to go for school, or what career to go into, how would you advocate for Michigan State or just the field of journalism? And if I asked like, Dr. Meyers, why'd you become a professor at MSU? Or Why'd you choose Michigan State? Or why'd you go into the field of journalism? How would you answer?
(Dr Myers) That's a great question. Well, I would start off by saying, come to the Michigan State University, I think the Michigan State University because I am here. Now. I think one thing that brought me here in my professor Rhodes Scholar role mainly is having the opportunity to be surrounded by phenomenal scholars, like they're renowned scholars in communication scholarship. So for me, I felt this was a great space that I can be around greatness, and kind of absorb that and then always laughed us, I want all the energy coming from this office, this office to feel my publications. So for me professionally, that is why I looked at Michigan State. For students, I feel like there's so many opportunities for you all here to learn different disciplines. I mean, you all can be in the journalism program, but also taking a course in business or something, and it works within your curriculum. It's not like you have to stay here two extra years to to experience and get to know these different disciplines. So I think that's a beautiful thing. Because that's not always something that you have opportunity to do when you're really figuring out I mean, the first year and maybe first two years, it's just figuring out, is this what I want to do for my life, what does my career look like and just have an opportunity to experience different departments. And what they offer to really get that sense is, I think, a beautiful thing. And then being a journalist, journalist, I mean, I think I love storytelling, and I love us. I love black people. And so for me, I'm like, Man, whenever I, you know, get the opportunity to continue to make sure that I am making sure our voices aren't silenced anymore. And when our voices are shared, that they're not manipulated through different facets of the institution of journalism. That's what drove me into this space. And I want to pour that into other students as well. So we really
(Anthony) and, like we haven't even like you've never been our official professor, but you've already made such an impact on us with having these conversations to learn so much just from hearing you speak and as with us being juniors hopefully with God's grace, we're going to be graduating soon in our bachelor degrees and sometimes you hear I've heard it from people who've graduated and they always ask like, what do I do now? Like what happens once I've gotten my degree? How do I get my job and how do I get my career so from the perspective of somebody who's done it all no PhD you know bachelors come on what was Dr. Myers ? What was your mindset when getting each degree? And
maybe not knowing where to go next? And how do you navigate your path to get to where you are now?
(Dr Myers) It's a great question. Um, like I told you before, my undergrad is biology and chemistry, and I was gonna go the medical school route, but quite honestly, let me just say this, it's okay, that you have your cap and gown on and you've received your degree, and you're still like, what am I going to do next? let's normalize that, it's okay to feel that. And I, and I feel like, there's this pressure to know exactly what that path is gonna look like. And I understand that I thought there was a path. But going back to my faith, I leaned into that. And that's what helped me find that peace in that season of, Okay, what's next. And then when I found my next when I was in it, when I was getting my master's in communications and doing that work, that's when I was like, Okay, this is, this is the space that you intend for me to work in God. And then from that point, the doors were open, the path was set hasn't always been easy, but it was clear to me to keep going that direction. So, um, it's not, it's okay to question or really still have that dealing with like, what do I do next? It's okay to have curiosity and wonder. But I promise you, you will find that path. And the path that you start out with may not be the path that's next or where you end up in. Right. That's okay. And I think that's what's so beautiful about communications, and this profession is transferable. You can go in so many directions with this. So hold on to that. And and it's like, yes, have a plan, definitely have a plan, right. And for me, I would say pray over that plan and make sure that that's the direction you feel like you should be going. But if it's okay to feel like I want to try this, I want to try that you're young, do it. You have so many opportunities before you.
(Anthony) And when you were deciding and realizing that in your own path. What was the moment if you remember that clicked where you say, Okay, this is where I need to be?
(Dr Myers) That's a great question. It's interesting, because I can't remember what the sermon was, but I remember walking out the sanctuary of my family. And I said, I need to go get my Master's in communication. I feel that and that's literally what it happened. It was on a Sunday when I came out the sanctuary. And I said, and the beautiful thing is blessedness family supported me. Right. And I know that's a gift. Everyone doesn't have that support system. But that was a moment for me. This was posted in my bachelor's and stuff. And I was like, I feel like I'm led to go this way. And it was because at that time, like I did a lot of community work, community engaged work, I was speaking and doing stuff like that. But I just felt called to communication and think I'm glad I was obedient. Because but at that point, I never would have imagined I would be here in terms of PhD and what I'm doing now. So
(Anthony) and we were mentioning off the mic before we started recording that you got some things coming up. As far as you know, you go see Kurt Franklin, hip hop things. So just go into the detail about that.
(Dr Myers) Oh, yeah. So again, I teach journalism 108, the world of media and I'm teaching my students how to with all the media we engage with how can we be critical of it? How can we analyze it and critique it, right. And that's really getting deeper into our critical thinking skills and how we're engaging with different media forms. And so we're talking about poetry, podcasting, traditional news, but then music because that's part of my research as well. And so, for one of my lectures, I had ready to put on the syllabus. I just want to do like a discussion on 50th Hip, you know, because if if University of hip hop this year, and then that transformed into me working with my dear friend, Amanda Wk er, where we're partnering together to bring in local talent, Mikey Austin, James garden, and the mama soul. They agreed to come on November 29, during my class period, from one to 20 as Studio A and Wk er, but for us to really dig into a conversation about the societal impact of hip hop, like beyond our culture, like this movement of hip hop, historically and what it means to us now. And not only that, these three individuals are engaged in their communities like they are activists, they give back to those spaces. And so how they leverage their positioning in the local community as well as their artistry just to feed back into our community. So I think it's going to be a dynamic discussion, really looking forward to that. Kurt flanking concert. That's fine. That's self care. Because she loves music, and I'm looking forward to running around and crying to miss
(Anthony) all that sounds so fun. Do you have a favorite hip hop artists or gospel saying,
(Dr Myers) Oh, don't say favorite hip hop artist, because that is so hard to say. Um, I'll just say, I'll just say Kendrick is one of those and I and I'm only naming him because I wrote my dissertation about candy bar. My dissertation was about his album, damn, it was a Pulitzer Prize winning album, right? That was like, how can people outside of our culture, see and appreciate his music in a way that they want to award him with the highest honor and the first hip hop artists to win a Pulitzer Prize? Right?
(Shakyra) This is why I want to go see your entertainment journalist talking about this and
(Dr Myers) I think there's something powerful that speaks to that because he's speaking about his lived experiences, but the black experiences in the album power poisoned pain and joy inside my DNA, you know, I'm saying I'm saying all those things. So that's, I'll just say Kendrick favorite gospel. That's hard to say I like the late Darrell Cole, we change LaShawn pace so I you know, and I appreciate and I appreciate Kurt Franklin guys, probably Maverick city.
(Jada) I love Maverick.
(Dr Myers) I appreciate it all school to school in between. So I just love music.
(Anthony) So I have a couple of questions with you love in both of those genres. So more specifically on the gospel end? What's a song that spoke to you in a time of need spiritually when you need to get through something and you needed that power of God and you're on your soul? What's the song that sticks out to you?
(Dr Myers) Um, well, is it hymn? My favorite hymn is Great is thy faithfulness, greatest faith most Oh God, my father, there is no shatel turning with the all I have needed that hands up provided like, that speaks to life. For me. Like no matter what happens, your faithfulness is enough. Like you are my provider. Whatever I need, my hands have provided I mean, it's Great is thy faithfulness. And it's just like it is it just is a beautiful hymn. It's just, it's beautiful. And that speaks to me. I listened to it every day. There's another song called more than enough by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Jehovah Jireh, my provider, you are more than enough for me. Thinks sometimes. When we become overwhelmed and consumed, it's like, I have to remind myself that God, you are more than enough for me. Like I don't, I really don't need anything else. But you. So if I'm focusing on you, that's going to feed me and sustain me. So those are songs that have just uplift me like that is part of my my routine every morning, putting those songs and then yeah, so I can keep going on and on.
(Anthony) With listening to genres that may be completely different between hip hop and gods. How do you balance what you consume and what feeds your spirit? Because my mom, she's really listened to the Gospel. And then when it comes to hip hop, she'd be like, Oh, you gotta you can consume certain stuff that says, the beginning of spirit and everything. So how do you balance what you consume and what you've listened to in your day to day?
(Dr Myers) That's a great question. And Mom was right, because I appreciate hip hop. And, and that's one thing too, in my faith journey is that I've been more intentional and hyper aware of what I allow into my spirit. And so I think sometimes I can appreciate the music and listen to it for the content and the context without being all consumed in it. And so I listened to pop, why not? He's brilliant. Brilliant. Amazing. I know, Drake just dropped something. I'm still trying to catch up on it. So I appreciate the artistry, because it is a gift. Gift comes from God. And so for me, I feel like it's okay. Like, it's okay to listen to hip hop. It's okay to listen to that music. But it's a great way to look at Yeah, and it's but I'm not, I'm not getting consumed in it. I'm appreciating the artistry. So around it like, yeah, absolutely. We can appreciate the artistry. We can, you know, we watch all kinds of shows and stuff and how to go yeah. That was my sole power and stuff. Yeah. It's entertainment. Yeah. And I think we can make that separation and appreciate it for the art form that it is.
(Anthony) That's definitely understandable. I like Jason Carter mentioned, that's a phenomenal perspective.
(Jada) Yeah, I never thought to like, look, because you know, everybody knows I'm a big football fan, to part, you know, saying I'm a big music fan. And I always like get that question a while you didn't grow up during that time where you don't know what they're talking about. How could you listen to it? And it's like, I'm not listening to a saint. I'm about to go do what they do. I'm listening to it because they found a way to Tell the life and you're listening to it. That's the whole thing. They're getting you to listen to it, you know what I mean? I understand it because I am it you know what I need, but they're they made that music so other people could get it and it was more white people let them concerts than black people. So that's how you know that they got it and that's the whole point. So yeah, they had to say it a specific way. But back in the day is the only way they would get attention. Yeah, you know, so I, I You hit the nail on
(Dr Myers) it. Let's celebrate artistry. I mean, let's just celebrate it. Beautiful.
(Anthony) And with being so much in this culture you also mentioned earlier that you play the violin strings being a great singer having a phenomenal voice and also being talented to play the violin. How did you how did for lack of better words how did you get some time to like pat yourself on the back?
(Dr Myers) Get some good my as jeans. But on top of that, part of that, well, I believe all that is a gift from God. Let me just it's not me. Let me make that clear. This is not about this is not Christina, this is all God in all aspects of my life. I appreciate my parents. So because when we found something we love, they encouraged us to be great. So started playing violin in fifth grade. And they kept feeling that like I need a new instrument okay, they invested in a new instrument they invested in me and the gift and the talent. And so and that's why over the years has been cultivated and so since that seed was planted now playing the violin serves as part of my self care just playing it and have a sense of enjoyment and finding peace and joy. So that's what I can speak to the and then the singer, not the quiet. Strong alto sometimes.
(Shakyra) The gospel choir here we have one. No, it's not called Truth seekers. But Krista Christian. Yeah, I think she's a part of it
(Anthony) I've been on stage a minute that that brings back memories. But with that being said, Is there anything just miscellaneous or random on your mind that you want to share that you want to talk about? Or give some words of affirmation at all?
(Dr Myers) Oh, we always look for words of affirmation. My friend sent me something the other day. And it said something about glimmers finding glimmers throughout your day, because we always talk about triggers. And that's like, the negative things we seen we feel. But let's let's count let's focus on the glimmers. Yeah. Oh, what are the things that happen throughout our day? That sparks a sense of joy and happiness today? Welcome today, it's a blessing. I'm here with you all. This is a glimmer. So I believe you know, the mind is the battleground and it's all about our mindsets and making sure we're maintaining positive perspectives. And so I encourage everyone throughout your day no matter what's happening focus on the glimmers what are those moments that fit into your soul and seek those out
(Shakyra) as word of the day your glimmers?
(Anthony) And with that being said, it's been a phenomenal conversation. Do you guys Shakyra Do you have anything you want to add or add to the combo at all?
(Shakyra and Jada) We got to ask her about the cookout activities. You write you write because we have welcome we love you. We had a good episode it kind of got a little crazy. So you know what's what's your favorite? Full? You know? Like when you wake up and your family's like Christina be here at this time we cook come in and get to know me. What would you be preparing for the cookout?
(Dr Myers) For the cookout? See, I feel like the cookout is a very specific type of food it is I feel like if I'm like mama food like Meyers household food, like I'll tear up anything. And I will cook it with my okay my mom makes amazing yeast rolls so I can make some homemade yeast rolls right? Um, she's frying chicken. We're down right let's fry some chicken. mamas. Collard greens, macaroni and cheese. See, this isn't a regular cookout now? Because we you don't say and you know we got to switch it. And then I'm about some out the shoulder.
(Shakyra) You're first off Carolina Correct? Yeah, so you know their cuisine is like Yes.
(Dr Myers) Yes, I have my brothers love me. I do take ownership since I've been in South Carolina most of my life Born in Germany army brat who. But that I'm glad you mentioned the South Carolina piece because my parents are native New Yorkers. Okay. Oh, Jamaica, Queens all day. Yeah, I'm pretty good photo. Amazing. My mama taught me how to make some cheap ones. Oh,
(Everyone) I never had it personally. I'm sorry. We're not that grown yet. I'm sorry. You gotta clean it right. Right. When when you cook it right. Awesome. White rice. Oh, some white gray sauce. Oh, Okay to speak to my heart, let's not go down. Listen, I had a duck in my freezer right now. My dad said he had duck when he was like my age, and it was so good. So I was like, it's amazing. Amazing. I'll go down on anything. Oh, I chef Tina in the spot.
(Anthony) And I want to leave the audience with this last question before we go. So when we talk about these types of things with food, or just black culture, and you mentioned inputs not getting in journalism, sometimes you had to make people care. And unfortunately, I've had conversations with people in the newsroom where some stories of black people have tried to get rid of and and then some people would just not care about them, like they would flat out say they wouldn't want to write those type of stories. So what would be the best way you would get people to care? And how would you speak to the non black audience on caring about issues that may be foreign to them?
(Dr Myers) Yes, yes, sir. Those are some beautiful questions all day just given to all day. How do we make them care? That's a good question. For me, and grateful for the amazing editors that I've had opportunity with. I kept it real with them. Because I think oftentimes people say no, that story shouldn't be told this because they really don't have an understanding. Like, let me break it down to you what this means, culturally? What does this mean for this community specifically? And so the the key to that is having someone who's willing to work with you and listen, right? I had to have editors who were willing to take the knowledge that I brought into that space, and offer me the space and opportunity to tell those stories. How do I make people that don't look like me? Listen, I can't, but I'm gonna give it to you. I'm gonna keep telling those stories anyways, and I'm gonna keep giving it you're gonna hear me all? Yes, over and over again. Because people and I think that's part of the our work, right? We inform our community, we inform our public's with the facts, what is going on. And we give them the opportunity to behave in the way that they like to write, but it's up to us to inform them, they can take with it whatever they want with it, but it's only my job to put it in their face when they do with it's up to them, but I'm gonna keep giving it to them in that way. So
(Anthony) definitely understandable. And there's been a phenomenal episode we always love when you come join us on the podcast and
(Everyone) time went by so quick. Yeah.
(All three hosts) Yeah, the conversations be so organic is we can sit here for hours and we don't even realize we did on our first record. We did two sessions.
(Anthony) If This hasn't been enough for you guys. Make sure to check out our first interview with Dr. Morris from the state news and also we did a part two for my own personal podcast and what's on your mind podcasts on Spotify and Apple podcasts. And this has been a phenomenal part. So hopefully we continue this series as a tradition and with that being said, this has been All Shades of Chocolate where we brought
(Shakyra) the sweetest
(Jada) the hottest
(All three hosts) black culture to MSU
(Jada) and remember to stay sweet bye