Higher Ground Society Podcast

*The Asterisk: Dr. Imani Perry

In this year's Women's History Month episode Jerald chats with Dr. Imani Perry, Hughes-Rogers Professor of African American studies at Princeton University, about how she stays connected to Alabama, the women who inspire her, and her latest book "South to America: A Journey Below the Mason Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation.

The Souls of Black Folk: The Powells, Pt. 2

Jerald continues his conversation with Auburn University vocal professors Dr. William Powell and Dr. Rosephanye Powell in talking about Mrs. Doc's latest published piece "Then, Here and Now," a musical reflection on the COVID-19 pandemic and racial justice, and the couple's hope for Alabama.

The Souls of Black Folk: The Powells, Pt. 1

Jerald sits down for a chat with his mentors/former college professors, husband and wife super duo, Dr. William Powell, the Auburn University Charles W. Barkley Endowed Professor of Music/Director of Choral Studies, and Auburn University Professor of Voice and internationally acclaimed composer, respectively. In observance of Black History Month, the trio discusses the doctors' career paths and the origins and meaning of African African spiritual music.

292 ”Bad” Songs: Jordy Searcy

Jerald chats with Fairhope singer-songwriter Jordy Searcy as he drives cross-country on I-40 West about his beginnings in a musical family, what it's been like to be a musician during the pandemic, and how Jordy's hope for Alabama comes from looking at the state's past.

I Go Hard: Tunisia Thomas, Pt. 2

Jerald continues his conversation with Tunisia as she talks about how her work has led her to meeting Michael B. Jordan, her debut at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and her favorite Christmas traditions.

A Star is Born: Tunisia Thomas, Pt. 1

In this episode Jerald chats with Tunisia Thomas, Alabama Department of Archives and History executive assistant by day, actor/dancer by night. Tunisia shares how she got involved with the performing arts and some of the film and theatre roles she's had so far.

Peaches vs. Coconuts: Tatiana Richards Hanebutte

Jerald connects with Tatiana Richards Hanebutte, a writer and native of Greenville who expatriated across the world to Germany.

Queer Cave Potatoes: Maigen Sullivan

To celebrate LGBT History Month, Jerald chats with Invisible Histories Project Director of Research and Development, Maigen Sullivan, about what it's like to champion and preserve queer history in the south.

We Are Here: Dr. Carlos Alemán

Jerald kicks off Season 2 observing Hispanic Heritage Month with Dr. Carlos Alemán of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama. Together they discuss Latin American History, immigration in Alabama, and the success achieved by the Latinx community in Alabama.

Still a N*gga, Still a Threat: Brontez Purnell

In observation of Pride Month and Juneteenth Jerald sits down with Alabama native and 2018 Whiting Award-winning author Brontez Purnell to discuss what it means to be unapologetically Black and queer today and in times past. (Caution: Language, "adult themes")