Stone Written

Stone Center Director Dr. Rhon Manigault-Bryant (@DoctorRMB) opens Stone Written Season 2 on the 21st anniversary of the Stone Center building. Reflecting on the Stone Center's legacy and Toni Morrison’s powerful lessons on centering Black life, Dr. Rhon speaks to the urgent need to secure sustainable funding to expand research programs, fellowships, and student support.
Tune in for a pithy, but powerful conversation on creating a future that honors Black scholarship, creativity, and community — and learn how your support can make that vision possible. Join us in building the future we’ve always deserved.  
Sources:
The Sonja Haynes Stone Center website and linktree. 
Toni Morrison's novel Paradise (1997).
Check out the full video and transcript of the 1998 “Toni Morrison Uncensored” Conversation with Morrison and Jana Wendt. 
Give to the Stone Center! 

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.
On this final episode of Stone’s Senior Stories, we sit down with Evan Andrews, a senior from Winston-Salem majoring in Political Science and Peace, War & Defense with a minor in History. Evan is deeply involved in campus leadership, serving as the Basileus (President) of the Psi Delta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and holding past roles as Vice President of the UNC National Pan-Hellenic Council and leader in organizations like the UNC Black Pre-Law Association, Richard Epps Emerging Leaders Program, and Order of the Omega. His work with Democracy NC and Cheri Beasley’s Senate campaign reflects his passion for civic engagement and advocacy. In this conversation, Evan shares his thoughts on campus culture, Black UNC, Greek life, and the challenges of elitism and collaboration in student spaces.
Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.
On this episode, Guest Editor Melanie Cabrero sits down with Krystal Lacayo, a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate with a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in Urban and Regional Studies. Krystal is a powerhouse advocate, including her role as the Founder and President of HBUNC Media Group. She is passionate about holistic community development, blending sustainability, media, and social advocacy to create lasting change. We’ll discuss her journey as a student leader, her global perspective gained through study abroad, and her vision for the future of equitable and sustainable development.
Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.
In this episode Guest Editor Melanie Cabrero sits down with Christopher Lee Williams, a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate who majored in Peace, War, and Defense with a minor in Entrepreneurship. As the Student Body Vice President, an advocate for financial literacy, and a leader in the Union of Black Men, Christopher dedicated his time at Carolina to service, mentorship, and institutional change. We discuss the state of the Black community at UNC, the importance of financial literacy for students, and the challenges of navigating leadership and advocacy in a changing political climate. Christopher also shares his thoughts on mentorship, the legacy he hopes to leave behind, and advice for students looking to step into leadership roles. Tune in for an insightful conversation about leadership, service, and creating lasting impact!
Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.
In this episode Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with Brooklynn Barnett, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill majoring in Biology with a minor in Health & Society. Brooklynn will soon take the next step in her journey at the #1 pharmacy school in the nation, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. She shares insights on navigating higher education as a first-generation college student, overcoming imposter syndrome, and her passion for health advocacy. Brooklynn also highlights her experience as a mentor in the SPARK program, empowering underrepresented women at UNC, and reflects on her favorite Carolina memories.
Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero
Guest Editor: Tobi Onsanya

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.
On this episode, Melanie Cabrero sits down with Nia Satterfield Brown, a recent graduate of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media with a dual focus in EXSS Sports Administration and a minor in Hispanic Studies. Nia is a force in sports media, having covered UNC football and basketball for three years while also serving as the President of the Carolina Association of Black Journalists. Outside of journalism, she wears many hats—working as a Peer Financial Coach, a cycling instructor, and balancing a full student life. In this episode, we’ll explore her journey as a woman in sports media, how she navigates imposter syndrome, her experience as an out-of-state student, and how she manages it all while prioritizing self-care and personal growth.
Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.
On this episode, Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with Nigel Parker, a Morehead-Cain scholar and UNC grad majoring in Management & Society with minors in Philosophy, Politics, & Economics and History. Nigel is dedicated to fostering understanding and impactful change on campus, co-founding the Food for Thought civic discourse speaker series, working as an Intern for Honors Carolina, and serving as Chief of Staff in the Undergraduate Student Government Executive Branch. We explore his perspectives on civic discourse, student activism, the role of student government, and what it takes to be an effective advocate for historically underserved communities.
Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.
In this episode, Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with Joann Obioma, a powerhouse leader at UNC-Chapel Hill. Joann shares her journey of finding her voice as a first-generation student, navigating a predominantly white institution, and transforming self-doubt into self-assurance. From serving as President of the Black Student Movement to co-founding the Black Pre-Law Association, Joann has dedicated her time at Carolina to advocacy, equity, and uplifting marginalized communities. Tune in as she reflects on how her upbringing shaped her pursuit of higher education, the lessons she wishes she learned, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind. This conversation is both inspiring and practical for anyone looking to make the most of their college experience while staying true to their roots and values.
Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero
Guest Editor: Seton Pajibo