Black African or Pan American: A Biblical Response to the Essence Festival Controversy | Off Code #58
This year's Essence Festival of Culture sparked heated debate over representation, cultural ownership, and diaspora unity. Some attendees felt the event shifted away from its Black American roots, while others embraced its broader Pan-African focus. In this episode, we examine the controversy through the lens of Scripture—asking how the gospel speaks to questions of identity, culture, and unity. From Ephesians 2 to Revelation 7.
Breaking Free from Black Fragility and the Fear Narrative, part 2 | #57 | Off Code
Join Monique and Kevin for part 2 of their thought-provoking series discussing the fears that grip the Black community. In this episode, they unpack five new fears perpetuated by cultural narratives, including the controversial reaction to the recent Sydney Sweeney jeans commercial. From education policies and the fear of school choice to the fear of leaving the Democratic Party, they challenge the irrational anxieties that keep the black community in bondage and explore paths to empowerment and freedom. Watch part 1: https://youtu.be/VkCmgtWXtnQ
Breaking Free from Black Fragility and the Fear Narrative | #56 | Off Code
Kevin and Monique confront the uncomfortable truth: much of what is sold to the black community as “protection” or “progress” is often rooted in fear — fear of independence, fear of losing government support, fear of being left behind. In this podcast, we challenge the systems, narratives, and political strategies, especially from the Democrat Party, that keep blacks mentally fragile, emotionally dependent, and economically stagnant. This isn't about partisanship — it's about mental, spiritual, and economic liberation. It's time to think freely, act boldly, and pursue real flourishing, not fear-driven survival.
Black Children Left Behind | Episode 55 | Off Code
Where are black fathers? In his new book, The Children We Left Behind: How Western Culture Rationalizes Family Separation & Ignores The Pain Of Child Neglect, Adam B. Coleman documents his pain of growing up with an absent father and lays out a vision to prioritize our children first.
Booker T. Washington's Legacy + Repeal the Civil Rights Act? | Episode 54 | Off Code
Monique and Kevin dive into the life and philosophy of Booker T. Washington, exploring his seminal work, Up from Slavery. They discuss how his story of resilience, education, and self-reliance contrasts with modern narratives about race and history. Kevin also shares his controversial perspective on why he thinks the Civil Rights Act of 1964 should be repealed, arguing it violates constitutional freedoms of association, creating bureaucratic overreach and unintended consequences. From Washington's vision of black empowerment to the complexities of Jim Crow, integration, and DEI, this episode challenges mainstream views and invites honest dialogue. Time Stamps: 0:00 Intro 2:58 Booker T. Washington’s Up from Slavery 38:01 The Case Against the Civil Rights Act 1:04:33 Final Thoughts & Call to Action 🔗 Check out our previous episode on Manning Johnson: https://youtu.be/x2ueHJQ6RXQ 📖 Read Up from Slavery to discover Booker T. Washington’s inspiring story. 💬 Share your thoughts on the Civil Rights Act and Washington’s legacy in the comments!