Dominic Lawson

In this special Memorial Day presentation of the Black Is America podcast, we explore the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Doris "Dorie" Miller. From his humble beginnings in Waco, Texas, to his decision to join the Navy during a time of racial segregation, Dorie's story captivates and inspires.

 We first set the stage for his extraordinary path. Next, we delve into the events leading up to World War II and examine the impact of his choices. Then we highlight his heroic actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor, showcasing his bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. Lastly, we explore the recognition he received and the ultimate sacrifice he made aboard the USS Liscome Bay. We also introduce you to Charles Jackson French and his heroic actions aboard the USS Gregory during the attack. There's also the exploration of a "what if" scenario with Jackie Robinson at Pearl Harbor (yep, he was there too!)

This Memorial Day, we pay tribute to Dorie Miller's unwavering courage and honor his legacy as an American defender. Join us for this powerful and enlightening episode of the Black Is America podcast.

On May 8, 1925, when the M.E. Norman steamer suffered a catastrophic failure, Tom Lee saved thirty-two people from the Mississippi River. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why was Tom Lee on the river that day?
• Why was it dangerous for Tom to attempt the rescues?
• Why is May a fun time in Memphis?
• How did Memphis repay his good deed? 

Sources to create this episode come Memphis Magazine.com and Michael Finger beautiful piece be sure to read it as it has additional information about what happened that day. We have a link there in the show notes. NBC Olympics.com,WREG Memphis, WCNC Charlotte, GilderLehrman.org, History.com and more. For a complete list look in the show note of your podcast player or our website www.blackisamericapodcast.com.

Be sure to Like, review and subscribe to the Black Is America Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, where ever you like to listen to podcasts. Also, let people know about the podcast,we would appreciate that very much. 

For a full transcript of this episode and other resources, go to www.blackisamericapodcast.com. There you can read our blog, leave us a review, or you can leave a voicemail where you can ask a question or let us know what you think about the show that we may play in an episode. You can also hit the donation button if you like what you heard which helps us to create more educational content like this. 

Isolation is often a key contributor to addiction. And when you add abandonment on top of that, then you can really find yourself in a bad spot. For Chuck Hyppa living up to a legacy led him down an unwanted path. But with the help of his #1 fan and wife, Erin, Chuck learns that he was always enough. 

In our childhood, many of us have had adverse moments. Maybe you were always the last pick when playing sports, or perhaps you fell off your bike and scraped your knee. But for children of childhood trauma, it can leave scars that can take a lifetime to heal. For Janet Bentley, the journey has been harrowing, but with her husband Simon’s help, it’s also one that speaks to fortitude and endurance.

Black trauma is a complex issue with many layers when you dive into its history. In the season finale of Beyond Theory, we speak with Deran Young and Dr. Sheldon Jacobs, who share their personal stories and the work they are doing to face the mental health challenges in the Black community.