ALL I NEED ARE FIVE MICS: A CONVERSATION WITH THE BLACK GIRL PODCAST

by Khrystina Blanks

As millennials and Gen Zers, we sometimes struggle with finding our ‘place’ in society. We may feel like we are in constant search for something relatable where we can feel accepted among others. So, we create our own lanes of expression, making it easier for us to find those that look like us, think like us, and can guide us in the right direction. The voices of Black women are the very strength and understanding of our people. As a millennial in the media industry, I look for those voices and examples that I can learn from. And in my search for something refreshing, I found a podcast: The Black Girl Podcast.

In 2016, five dope Black women, working at Hot 97 decided to take their daily conversations from the radio station to the studio. Alysha Pamphile, Gia Peppers, Deanii “Scottie Beam” Scott, Rebecca “Bexx” Francois and Sapphira Martin decided to embark on a new journey to showcase exciting and relatable discussions about personal struggles, pop culture, sisterhood and much more. After spending years in the game and breaking barriers, they brought their stories to the people, impacting thousands of listeners and more than 45,000 followers across their social platforms. Their voices have definitely guided some of my choices working in a male-dominated industry. I got my entire life while interviewing them. It’s in times like these, when our voices are needed the most.

“I don’t think we’ll come out of quarantine or this moment looking the same. But this time, right now, we really have to speak,” said Gia Peppers.

Image By: Shannon Wallace

While currently dealing with a pandemic at the same time as fighting racial injustices in our country, I’ve been asked multiple questions that I, myself have struggled to find answers to. Whether it be, “How are you feeling?” “Are you okay?” “Will things ever change?,” it seems like this rollercoaster of emotion is never-ending.

“I’m angry. I am angry. There are so many Black lives that have died. It’s happening all the time. It’s happening every day,” said Scottie Beam.

Image By: Shannon Wallace

“Every day somebody is silenced. Every day a Black life feels like they are not heard, not seen, not visible at all. I was angry then, and I’m angry now. But now, I have more resources to help.”

In talking with the ladies of Black Girl Podcast, it was clear that the frustration was mutual. However, I was able to gain a more leveled insight into how we can also grow individually especially during this pandemic. “During this time of quarantine and pandemic, I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching,” Alysha told me as she shared her social distancing practices. “Within that time, I’ve been exploring who I am, what my blackness is, what that means to me, and unlearning a lot of the things that I was raised on, and kind of understand who I am more so and what I can contribute to my society.”

Image By: Shannon Wallace

Black women have been the voice of change for years. We have seen them stand tall and proud on the frontlines of multiple movements, working constantly and consistently behind the scenes with the loudest voices but the most pushback from counterparts. We find it in activism, workspaces, and even in media. For the ladies of Black Girl Podcast, their mission and what they represent provides a platform for Black women to be confident in their voices and vulnerability. “None of us thought we would be here making an impact in the way that we do, for being ourselves, or for speaking how we speak in this way. We are open to growing and building more spaces and more movements where Black women are centered and where we feel affirmed and heard,” Gia expressed.

There is an undeniable chemistry between Black women once they gather in a room. It is an experience like no other. There is power and truth. There is sisterhood, support, magic, and lessons. “I am blessed and fortunate to have grown up in the arts,” Sapphira stated. “One of my goals is to be able to teach people the things I have learned as a child. I have been fortunate as a Black woman in America to be enriched and learn my culture.”

Image By: Shannon Wallace

Younger me used to set unrealistic goals because I didn’t know my worth as a creative. While I knew I was talented, I just didn’t know where to start. In explaining this to the ladies, I was quickly asked: “What to you is an unrealistic goal?” I paused. “I don’t think there is a thing anymore as unrealistic goals,” said Gia. She was right. Some of us may feel like we’re setting “unrealistic goals” for ourselves and that’s not true. Living in a patriarchal society can shape you if you allow it. I’ve learned over time that being yourself, is to love yourself. Take away the limits that society tells you to set for yourself. “The importance of setting goals is that there is so much power in the tongue,” Sapphira shared. “Be intentional and be sure about what you’re writing down. It may not happen now or tomorrow. It may not happen in three months, but it’s going to happen.”

Image By: Shannon Wallace

With goals comes responsibility. With responsibility comes purpose. And in purpose, you find yourself learning something new every day. “Don’t discount what you’ve done because, in some way shape or form, they still spoke to your purpose,” said Bexx.

As Black women, we are often placed in boxes and only viewed through a specific lens. We are seen one way and told various things about ourselves that can be limiting to who we are as a people. “Befriend your curiosity,” she said.

We’ve all heard these statements before. “You’re too this, you’re too that.” But I’m here to tell you that you aren’t “too” anything. Your hair is not distracting, your clothes are not loud and your nails are not too long. We, Black women, are expressive. We are creative. We are bold. And we will no longer limit ourselves in any capacity when moving forward toward our greatest endeavors. (PERIOD!) “If you censor who you are, you don’t have much after that,” said Scottie. “Be what you think blackness looks like.”

The question is not about what people may think of you. The question is what are you doing to make yourself happy while also impacting your community? Make it your business to succeed on purpose and in purpose.

The effects of constantly having to deal with things on your own can form very warped opinions about life. That is why it’s important to have a support group as you continue to grow in yourself, your social life, personal life, and career. I can personally say that Alysha was a major inspiration for me to find a therapist because she walks in the light of taking control of your mental health - which is really important in the African American community. “Once you start really doing the self-healing work, you’re going to realize how tangible all those goals you thought weren’t realistic, actually are,” she said. “Once you hone in on the magic that you are, everything is literally going to fall into place.”

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Everything will fall into place. And your happiness will find itself shining in all that you do. As I began to close the conversation, I asked the ladies “What makes you happy?” It seems like a simple question, but given the times that we’re in, the weight of the answer can really determine and help guide how you can navigate through such a trying period. After a small pause, Bexx answered, “What’s making me happy is that I’m making MYSELF happy.” Let that marinate for a second. To young Khrystina with a dollar and dream, there is so much power in understanding the confidence within myself. “In doing some of these things, you start to realize how much you’re catering to that inner child that allows you the success and freedom you’re looking for,” said Alysha.

Freedom is right. It lies in the excitement of the young Khrystina walking down the streets of Bedford-Stuyvesant eager to create groundbreaking films. It lies in the voice of the young woman who spoke her truth and expressed her vulnerabilities unapologetically. It lies in the warmth from the hugs that have continued to comfort and encourage those who needed uplifting. It is freedom. It is power. It is change. And just like these women who took the risk to share their stories and speak their truths, you can do it too. Because your voice matters. All it took for them was five mics.