In this premiere episode, Ray details the hardships that Blacks experienced after slavery and explores the themes and patterns of struggle that continued through the generations and into his own life.

This episode contains special music by Beej Gordy Brooks and cameo "appearances" by Kevin Allison and Kristina Wong.

WRS Classic: Life After Slavery

Storyteller Ray Christian shares personal stories as a sixty-something combat veteran, historian, and goat-wrangling father of six living in the rural mountains of Appalachia, all told through the fabric of centuries of Black history.

Arts

Literature

Performing Arts

Design

Food

Fashion & Beauty

Visual Arts

In this episode, Ray talks with Tiffany about the need for Black Americans to be flexible to move forward in their chosen profession, and the difference between a crack in the door and an open door to inclusion.

Ray's Ruminations: Staying Flexible

A Ray story produced by Snap judgment: When morale is low among the paratroopers in his company, Sergeant Ray Christian takes them on an unexpected trip.

Produced by Adizah Eghan, original score by Leon Morimoto.

For more incredible stories from around the world -- listen to Snap Judgment whenever you get your podcasts, or go to SnapJudgment.org to learn more about the show.

Bonus: Snap Judgment - Acid Jump

In this episode Ray asks Tiffany if and when it is appropriate to speak about groups outside of your own, particularly should he do an episode about women.

Ray's Ruminations: Stay in your lane

We know you love a good story, so here's another show we think you'll enjoy. RISK! is a live show and weekly podcast where people tell true stories they never thought they’d dare to share in public, created and hosted by Kevin Allison (MTV, Comedy Central, HBO, Netflix). In this episode, the fifth in the show's Black Lives series, Jenn Kamara, Ashton Cynthia Clarke, and Brian Russell share about life experiences where being Black mattered. It features guest-host Dr. Ray Christian. To find out more about the show, visit risk-show.com.

Bonus - RISK!: Black Lives #5

In this episode, Ray reflects on the elements of a story, and in a conversation with Tiffany, gives an example of a story he is contemplating.

WRS Classic: Life After Slavery

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