YANA - Black men, You Are Not Alone

Sam Grant. Beyond the Matrix: Black Liberation, Ecological Justice, and the Courage to Build a New World

In this profound episode of YANA: You Are Not Alone, host James Trice is joined by visionary organizer, thinker, and cultural worker Sam Grant for a far-reaching conversation on what it truly means to be a Black man in the world.
 
Drawing from ancestral wisdom, global Black history, and lived experience—from Tanzania to Minneapolis—Sam unpacks the intertwined systems of white supremacy, capitalism, patriarchy, colonialism, and ecological violence that shape Black life across the planet. Together, James and Sam explore internalized oppression, the unfinished work of liberation, and why Black freedom is not a niche struggle, but the pathway to collective well-being for all people.
 
This episode goes beyond critique. It asks bold, necessary questions:
How do Black men decolonize the mind and body?
What does leadership look like when it’s collective, not disposable?
How are climate change and environmental injustice accelerating Black suffering—and Black innovation?
What does it mean to live without masters, and to build systems rooted in care, land, water, and community?

Faith, Brotherhood, and the Front Lines: How Black Men Are Interrupting Violence and Reclaiming Identity

What does it take to stop violence before it happens—and what role do faith, brotherhood, and accountability play in that work?
 
In this powerful episode of YANA: You Are Not Alone, host James Trice welcomes members of the Youth Violence & Conflict Resolution Center, a nationwide, Bible-based organization working directly in communities to prevent violence, mentor youth, and equip families with real-world life skills.
 
Brothers Michael, Abel, Maccabees, and Amos share how their work goes far beyond theory—meeting young people where they are, intervening in real-time street conflicts, and teaching practical strategies for de-escalation, communication, and conflict resolution. From handing out “Stop the Violence” flyers in high-risk neighborhoods to mentoring youth in financial literacy, trades, and life skills, this conversation reveals what grassroots prevention actually looks like.
 
The discussion also tackles difficult and necessary topics, including:
 
How faith and Scripture are used as tools for conflict resolution
Teaching youth to de-escalate violence—both peer-to-peer and during police encounters
Addressing identity, history, and what it means to be a Black man navigating systemic oppression
Moving beyond “just say no” by giving youth something meaningful to say yes to
Why brotherhood, accountability, and guidance are essential to healing our communities

John Dawkins: Truth Bearer: Faith, History & the Journey of the Black Man

In this compelling episode of You Are Not Alone (YANA), host James Trice welcomes Minister John Dawkins—a Bahamian-American, truth-seeker, and passionate advocate for healing, empowerment, and faith. With a heart for ministry and a mind driven by curiosity, John shares his powerful testimony, from surviving depression and discovering his faith, to stepping into leadership as a minister of the Gospel.
John opens up about the importance of truth—spiritual, historical, and personal—and how that pursuit connects with his experience as a Black man in America. Together, he and James explore the role of Black churches in reclaiming hidden histories, the mental and emotional weight of systemic racism, and what it truly means to serve, uplift, and transform Black communities.
This episode is a candid, deeply heartfelt conversation on spiritual calling, historical truth, and the challenges—and responsibilities—of Black manhood in America.
Topics include:
John’s salvation and calling into ministry
Growing up Bahamian-American and honoring legacy
The impact of Black history erasure and systemic injustice
The urgent role of the Black church in community healing
Mental health, mentorship, and the vision for wholeness

Marques Armstrong: Healing, Brotherhood, and the Reality of Being a Black Man in America

In this powerful and deeply honest episode of YANA: You Are Not Alone, host James Trice sits down with community leader, counselor, and “Renaissance Man” Marques Armstrong for a raw conversation about what it truly means to be a Black man in America today.
Marques opens up about his journey—from taking James’s community organizing course decades ago to becoming a mental-health practitioner, entrepreneur, and spiritual leader committed to healing his community. Together, James and Marques dive into:
The silent emotional battles Black men carry every day
The rise in Black men finally seeking therapy—and why it matters
How financial stress, racial profiling, and constant vigilance shape our mental health
The lasting impact of George Floyd’s murder and the Derek Chauvin trial
Why safe spaces like YANA and “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?” are revolutionary acts
The difference between being a man and being a Black man in America
The spiritual, emotional, and communal strength required to withstand persistent trauma
Using the striking metaphor of Atlas on one knee, Marques reminds us that no man is meant to carry the world alone—and that healing begins when brothers reach out, speak up, and lift each other.

Conversation with Trey Joiner: Who Owns the Space? Black Voices, Urban Power, and the Fight Against Erasure

In this powerful episode of YANA: You Are Not Alone, host James Trice sits down with urban planner and community advocate Trey Joiner for a wide-ranging, deeply honest conversation about space, power, and Black survival.
From biking through Minnesota winters to navigating predominantly white planning rooms, Trey shares what it means to be a Black man working inside systems that have historically displaced Black communities—from Rondo to Tulsa to 38th & Chicago. Together, James and Trey unpack how racism shows up not only through violence, but through “polite,” sophisticated processes like urban planning, engagement meetings, and development decisions made far from the people most impacted.
This episode explores:
How Black communities are removed from their own spaces—again and again
Why “community engagement” often fails people of color
What it’s like being the only Black voice in decision-making rooms
How whiteness loses power when narratives are centered on lived experience
The danger of complacency—and the responsibility to stay vigilant
Why opening doors for other Black people is essential to our collective future

You Are Not Alone: Desmon Martin: A Black Father’s Journey of Faith, Family, and Redemption

In this deeply moving episode of YANA: You Are Not Alone, host James Trice sits down with King Desmond Martin, a man whose life story stretches across fatherhood, faith, community, struggle, and triumph. From navigating the streets of St. Paul to raising 11 children (and helping raise even more), to overcoming impossible odds—including crushing child support debt and the pressures of the system—King Desmond opens up about the joys, challenges, and responsibilities of being a Black father.
He speaks candidly about the power of brotherhood, the impact of community organizations, the importance of showing up for your children, and the deep spiritual relationship that carried him through every storm. Now a community leader, organizer, and co-founder of Steps and Strategies, he shares how he and his wife are serving the community through housing support, recovery partnerships, clothing, food, therapy, and genuine love.
This episode is a raw, inspiring reminder that we need each other, and that no Black man should ever walk his journey alone.

Raheem Simmons: Breaking Barriers: Black Boys, Tennis, and New Paths to Greatness

In this powerful episode of YANA — You Are Not Alone, host James Trice sits down with community leader and youth mentor Raheem Simmons for a conversation that redefines what opportunity looks like for Black boys.
 
Together, they explore:
Why exposure beyond basketball and football matters
How tennis is opening doors to scholarships, discipline, and lifelong fitness
The cultural and systemic gaps in youth sports — and how to close them
The importance of representation, mentorship, and community investment
Building confidence, leadership, and identity through sport

Tony Carter: Going Beyond: A Fire Chief’s Journey of Faith, Service & Black Brotherhood

In this heartfelt episode of YANA – You Are Not Alone, host James Trice sits down with lifelong St. Paul native and retired Assistant Fire Chief Tony Carter, a man whose journey embodies service, faith, and community.
Tony shares his powerful story—from growing up in St. Paul to serving 30 years on the fire department, rising through every rank, and eventually stepping into leadership as Assistant Fire Chief. But his service didn’t stop at retirement. Today, Tony and his wife lead Beyond New, a grassroots ministry providing clothing, furniture, dignity, and hope to people who need it most, including those re-entering society after incarceration.

Breaking Cycles, Building Legacies: Fatherhood, Faith, and Financial Freedom — A Conversation with Jamar Hester

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of YANA (You Are Not Alone), host James Trice sits down with Jamar Hester — a husband, father, and community leader — for a raw, heartfelt conversation about manhood, marriage, and what it truly means to lead with integrity as a Black man in today’s world.
Jamar opens up about growing up without a father, breaking generational cycles, and redefining what it means to be present for his children and wife. From the importance of faith and family to the realities of financial literacy and homeownership, this conversation is an honest look at responsibility, resilience, and redemption.
Whether you’re a father, son, husband, or simply a man striving to grow — this episode reminds us that strength is not just about survival, but about showing up, listening, and leading with love.

From House Parties to Flyte Tyme Studios: The Untold Story of Ray Seville

In this powerful episode of YANA (You Are Not Alone), host James Trice sits down with Minnesota legend Ray Seville—a former DJ, promoter, and marketing innovator who helped shape the Twin Cities’ music and nightlife scene.
Ray shares his extraordinary journey, from growing up in Minneapolis’ housing projects to becoming one of the first to bring hip-hop concerts to the Midwest, design full-color flyers, and transform grassroots parties into iconic cultural movements.
He recalls life-changing moments with Jimmy Jam, surreal encounters with Prince, and the grind of carrying heavy turntables long before digital DJing. With stories of 400-person house parties, university tours across the Midwest, and legendary nights that shook buildings to their foundation, Ray reveals the hustle, creativity, and resilience that defined his 40+ year career.