The Dignity Justified podcast, hosted by Calvin and Anita, was launched (01/2021) to provide another way to connect with communities. Anita is still getting the hang of delivery, while Calvin is quite at ease—having produced/hosted a public affairs radio program, “Empowering You” on WSNC FM @ Winston-Salem State University for 15 years.

The podcast, which focuses on cultural collections and community engagement, uses both narrative and interview formats to provide insight into African American culture and history. Join us every other week as we provide ways to illuminate art, artifacts, ideas, and individuals. Follow us on Sticher, Spotify—or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.

Season I:

Interviewing Dignity Justified—Calvin interviews Anita to better understand the business initiative of Dignity Justified. Anita broadly explains her initial collecting phase and shifts into racist objects that have saturated the memorabilia field. She notes ways in which images have historically supported systematic racism and then transitions to how her business seeks to promote an understanding of African Americans through collections, which should be examined and preserved.

Africatown Alabama, Joycelyn Davis—Dignity Justified promotes the richness of ideas and individuals by seeking legacy stories. Hence, a treasured story is the survival of captive Africans who built a town in Mobile, Alabama. Joycelyn Davis discusses her descendancy and her role as the town’s festival coordinator.

Carole Boston Weatherford—Calvin and Anita have a conversation with nationally acclaimed author Carole Boston Weatherford who has written over 60 books, including: The Roots of Rap: 16 Bars on the 4 Pillars of Hip-Hop, Unspeakable The Tulsa Race Massacre, Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom, Becoming Billie Holiday and a host of other stories of African American culture and history. Listen as the conversation includes topics ranging from childhood memories, poetry, anime, and a reading from her recent poetry book, R-E-S-P-E-C-T Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul.

Currie Williams—A native of Memphis TN, grew up in a family of 12 siblings who enjoyed listening to stories told by her father, as well as an older sister who regularly shared bedtime stories. Now residing in Winston-Salem NC, Currie continues the family’s storytelling tradition and shares her gift of folk painting—many of which feature apples as a symbol of uniqueness as well as a personal reminder of the family’s apple tree. In this episode, Currie known as "The Apple Lady," shares childhood memories, discusses the elation of selling her 1st painting, and much more! The essence of who Currie is lyrically comes to the forefront as she reads her children’s book, Middle Children are Special, which she has written and illustrated.

International Civil Rights Center & Museum For many, a turning point in the modern Civil Rights Movement was when four North Carolina Agricultural & Technical College students initiated a Sit In at the segregated lunch counter of F. W. Woolworth’s Department store in Greensboro, NC (1960). That site is now part of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum. Along with restored sections of the original lunch counter, there are various exhibits and initiatives that focus on the ongoing pursuit of civil and human rights. In this episode John Swaine, CEO of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum and University of Pennsylvania Professor Will Harris, principal scholar of the museum, discuss a range of impactful topics and initiatives, including Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to the Center and the recent programming series, "The Consolidated American Constitution of the Three Foundings."

Thankful Heritage Museum Mr. Effley D. Howell, Sr. is the Founder and CEO of Thankful Heritage Museum located in Kernersville, NC. Mr. Howell is a collector, genealogist, and historian, who grew a personal collection into Thankful Heritage, Inc. (THI) a 501C3 non-profit organization that features African American artifacts dating back to the 1700’s for the purposes of teaching and promoting an understanding of African American history. According to the museum’s website: “Touring the museum is like taking a trip into a rich history of a people filled with pride and compassion.” Listen as Calvin and Anita have an inspiring and delightful conversation with Mr. Howell.