Stone Written

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.
In this second episode of Stone's Senior Stories, Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with BJ Tillman. From founding a nonprofit that has registered thousands of voters to crafting economic policy with senators, BJ Tillman has made her mark on UNC and beyond. In this episode, we take a deep dive into her journey—how she stepped outside of her comfort zone, built a legacy of civic engagement, and balanced policy work with sports journalism. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, service, and the power of student advocacy.  
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 first episode of Stone's Senior Stories, Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with Julian Taylor, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill and co-founder of TransparUNCy, an organization dedicated to educating students about the political forces shaping public education. A Chapel Hill native studying Public Policy with a minor in City Planning, Julian has spent his college years advocating for transparency, equity, and student empowerment.  In this conversation, Julian reflects on his journey as an advocate, the importance of civic engagement, and how students can reclaim power over their education. 
Guest Host & Stone Written Assistant Producer: Melanie Cabrero

Join Dr. Rhon as she hosts a riveting discussion with directors Danielle Hiraldo, Heidi Kim, and Josmell Pérez, leaders of key academic and community engagement centers at UNC-Chapel Hill. Delving into their roles, challenges, and victories, this episode highlights how these centers serve as vital support systems for students, faculty, and communities amidst shifting political and educational landscapes.
Hear first-hand accounts of resilience and strategic advocacy and reflections on UNC's history and the ongoing efforts to create community. With a blend of personal experiences and professional insights, this episode offers a deep dive into the evolving dynamics at play in higher education and the significance of sustaining impactful community engagement.
To learn more about each center and the dynamic leaders at their helm, check out the following Episode Resources:
The Alliance 
The American Indian Center at UNC 
The Asian American Center at UNC 
The Carolina Latinx Center at UNC 
The Sonja Haynes Stone Center (Linktree) 
 
 
 

In this engaging episode of "Stone Written," join host Dr. Rhon as she welcomes two remarkable guests, Dr. Cassandra Denise Caldwell and Laura Anderson Wright to discuss the enduring impact and future potential of the Sonia Haynes Stone Center at UNC Chapel Hill. Both alumni of the university, they reveal personal stories of inspiration, connection, and the crucial role of philanthropy in sustaining the center's mission and expanding its reach.
The conversation dives into the complexity of Black alumni relationships with the university, addressing the challenges posed by recent shifts in policies and sentiments within higher education. Through personal anecdotes and shared memories, the trio explores the intersection of personal history, academic experiences, and the power of communal support in shaping future generations. Their lives attest to the power of philanthropy, where Black women prioritize giving that supports their vision for futures where Black students can thrive. 
Listeners are invited to consider their role in this collective effort, with discussions on how even modest contributions can create lasting impacts. The episode challenges current and future alumni to unite in support of the Stone Center, fostering a legacy for decades to come.
Sources: 
To learn more about the Stone Center, including naming opportunities, see: https://linktr.ee/shscgiving.
Charities Aid Foundation, "What is Philanthropy?" 
Listen to the "Decolonizing Philanthropy" episode of Philanthropisms podcast

In this episode, Dr. Rhon takes a deep dive into a broader American historical narrative and UNC-Chapel Hill's place within it. She considers: are we returning to "The Great Resegregation"?  
This episode confronts the realities of historical regression; its chilling effects on the learning spaces of higher education; and the long-term impact on academia’s role as a place for critical thought. Dr. Rhon invites a frank but necessary conversation about the future of higher education. In the end, the things we cannot say may just be what needs to be said.  
Sources:  
Adam Serwer, “The Great Resegregation.” The Atlantic. February 22, 2025.
Alice Walker, In Search of Our Mother’s Gardens: Womanist Prose (Mariner Books [reprint edition], 2003).  
Anthea Butler, White Evangelical Racism: The Politics of Morality in America (UNC Press [second edition], 2024). 
Origin, directed by Ava DuVernay (Array Filmworks, 2023). Based on Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson (Random House, 2020).  
“Paving the Way: Carolina’s Black Pioneers.” 
J. Brian Charles, “The Evolution of DEI." The Chronicle of Higher Education (June 23, 2023.) 

In this engaging episode of Stone Written, Dr. Rhon sits down with the Honorable Dean Patricia Timmons-Goodson to explore her inspiring journey through a remarkable public service career. As one of the first African-American women on North Carolina's Supreme Court, Dean Timmons-Goodson shares her profound insights into justice, history, and the importance of remaining grounded through life's challenges.
From her humble beginnings in Florence, South Carolina, to her leadership role as Dean of North Carolina Central University School of Law, Dean Timmons-Goodson's journey is a testament to resilience and courage. The conversation delves into the power of history in shaping innovative legal minds and the responsibility of educating the next generation of practice-ready lawyers.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the values of service, accountability, and historical awareness as foundational to personal and communal progress. With shared stories of overcoming adversity and honoring an ever-important past, Dr. Rhon and Dean Timmons-Goodson inspire us to continue the journey towards a brighter, justice-filled future.
Sources: 
North Carolina Central University School of Law
Project Uplift -UNC-Chapel Hill
Harvey Gantt & Jesse Helms, 1996 US Senate Election in NC
The Sonja Haynes Stone Center 
Production Assistants: Melanie Cabrero & Nyah Johnson
 

"What do you do when you feel as if the world is on fire?" 
Join Dr. Rhon as she engages this idea while reflecting on a viral essay she penned in 2016 titled "An Open Letter to White Liberal Feminists." The piece, initially published during the aftermath of Donald Trump's first election, resonated deeply, sparking a conversation on race, feminism, and politics.
In this episode, Dr. Rhon draws parallels between the past and the present, in light of Trump's re-election in 2024. She explores some shifts in voter dynamics, the persistent voter gender gap, and an evolving political landscape. With personal anecdotes and a profound sense of urgency, she delves into the implications of these events on marginalized communities, particularly Black Americans.
Dr. Rhon offers strategies for navigating this complex time, and she encourages listeners to grieve, rest, and find strength in collective action. As the world for some feels ablaze, this episode serves as both a call to action and a beacon of hope for those seeking change.
 
Sources:  
https://www.aaihs.org/an-open-letter-to-white-liberal-feminists/ 
https://cawp.rutgers.edu/sites/default/files/resources/ggpresvote.pdf 
https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/interactive/2024/exit-polls-2024-election/ 
https://www.electproject.org/election-data/voter-turnout-data 
Black Writers Read  Well-Read Black Girl and The Black Studies podcasts. 
Grief'd Up Podcast with Rebecca Feinglos 

Welcome to "Stone Written," hosted by Dr. Rhon. In this episode, Dr. Rhon is joined by Dr. Koritha Mitchell, an esteemed professor of English at Boston University, award-winning author, and cultural critic. Together, they delve into Dr. Mitchell's groundbreaking work on the intersection of culture and performance, focusing on how Black communities thrive amidst adversity. The conversation covers the importance of recognizing and embracing the concept of affinity, particularly in academic and cultural spaces, and challenges the notion of neutrality in race and identity discussions.
Drawing on her recent piece for Time magazine, Dr. Mitchell shares insights on the significance of Kamala Harris's candidacy and the broader implications for identity politics in America. The episode also explores the historical context of the Combahee River Collective and its influence on contemporary discussions around identity and power dynamics.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges conventional wisdom and encourages a deeper understanding of how identity shapes our interactions and societal structures. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in culture, history, and legacy.
Sources:
Koritha Mitchell “Identity Groups are Mobilizing for Kamala Harris. That Shows Progress.” Time. July 29, 2024. 
Combahee River Collective (via Wikipedia)
Production Assistant: Melanie Cabrero