Genealogy is more than names on a family tree! Genealogist, Tracey N. Miller comes to the table for a powerful conversation exploring the intersection of family history, archival research, and the enduring legacy of the Creek Freedmen. Drawing from years of genealogical experience, Tracey shares how genealogy serves as a form of historical recovery; preserving stories that official records often overlooked or erased. Tracey is the founder of Nikki’s Roots & Records, a genealogy research company dedicated to uncovering, documenting, and preserving family stories.

Together, we discuss the transformative outcomes of her genealogical work, the inspiration behind her works, and the personal journey that led her deeper into documenting her Creek heritage and Oklahoma roots. The episode also highlights essential genealogical resources from archives and libraries to school records, census documents, and yearbooks that help families reconnect with their histories.

Our conversation further examines the historical significance of the Treaty of 1866 between the United States and the Creek Nation, the impact of the Dawes Rolls (1898–1914), and the ongoing struggles surrounding citizenship, identity, and recognition for Creek Freedmen descendants today.

This episode is a compelling exploration of ancestry, resilience, and the power of reclaiming history through genealogical research. Rather than reducing history to simple binaries, this episode challenges listeners to wrestle with the layered realities of identity, survival, power, and memory in America’s past.

As WE continue to celebrate Juneteenth and America approaches its 250th anniversary, the question isn't just what we're celebrating, it's who is celebrating.

In this episode, your scholar and gentleman pulls back the curtain on the founding documents enshrined in American mythology, the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Pledge of Allegiance, and examines the timing behind each one. Because timing, as it turns out, tells the real story.

From Frederick Douglass's scorching 1852 indictment of Fourth of July hypocrisy to the Star-Spangled Banner being signed into law at the height of Jim Crow, we trace the throughline of a nation whose ideals have always been fragile and whose freedom has never been equally distributed.

Armed with a 1975 bicentennial commemorative brochure and five decades of perspective, we interrogate the heritage America claims to celebrate: Was it received or was it shaped by those with the power to shape it?

We move through the last fifty years from Black History Month's expansion to the Obama years and the growing White social insecurity they unleashed arriving at a moment that may signal the return of the Nadir.

This isn't cynicism. This is clarity.

Perplexed. Bewildered. But unbothered.

In this meaningful episode, we explore the depth and complexity of Black life through the lens of joy, resistance, and humanity. Centered on the exhibition Black Joy, in Spite of…, this candid conversation illuminates how moments of happiness, connection, and pride persist even in the shadow of historical and ongoing struggle.

Joining us is Brigette Janea Jones, the visionary guest curator behind the exhibit. Jones shares the intentionality behind selecting photographs from across Tennessee that span eras from enslavement to the present, offering a three-dimensional portrayal of Black American life. Rather than centering trauma alone, the exhibit uplifts family, friendship, and the enduring spirit of joy. This episode invites us to reimagine what it means to see, honor, and embrace Black joy in the past, present, and future.

Resource: Black Joy, in Spite of. . . - Frist Art Museum

In this powerful episode, we explore the enduring legacies of African Americans in STEM, stories of brilliance, resilience, and innovation that have shaped the world we live in today. From groundbreaking discoveries to transformative technologies, these contributions have often gone unrecognized yet remain foundational to progress across generations.

Joining the conversation is Dr. Whitney Gaskins, a dynamic mathematician, educator, and advocate for equity in STEM. Dr. Gaskins shares her insights on representation, the importance of access and opportunity, and how we can create pathways for the next generation of Black innovators.

Together, we reflect on the past, examine the present, and reimagine the future of STEM through a more inclusive lens. This episode is both a celebration and a call to action, reminding us that the future of innovation depends on who we choose to see, support, and uplift.

In this episode, Dr. Eric R. Jackson comes to the table to explore the legacy and current realities of Black Studies. Dr. Jackson is a Professor of History, and Associate Dean, in the College of Arts and Sciences, at Northern Kentucky University, with almost thirty-five years of academic experience at the university level, Dr. Eric R. Jackson has taught numerous classes in the fields of American and African American History, Race Relations and Peace Studies.

Dr. Jackson has published a wide array of books, books reviews, articles, etc. in many local, regional, national, and international journals, such as the Journal of African American History, the Journal of Negro Education, Ohio History, the International Journal of World Peace, and the Journal of Pan African Studies. With over fifty publications, Dr. Jackson is a trusted scholarly resource.

Storytelling is one of humanity’s oldest and most powerful tools, and at the heart of this tradition stands the Griot. In this episode, we explore the enduring legacy of the griot as historian, truth-teller, and cultural guardian, whose voice has preserved the memory, values, and identity of generations.

Rooted in countries like Mali and Senegal, the griot tradition embodies the art of weaving history, ancestry, music, and moral wisdom into living narrative. Through reflection and conversation, this episode illuminates sacred responsibility carried by storytellers and considers how the storytellers influence lives today.

Creatives, Akosua Akoben and Brandon Isaac come to the table to examine why storytelling remains essential to preserving truth, shaping identity, and reimagining our collective future. Through insight and lived experience, they unpack why storytelling is not just an art form, but a vital tool for cultural preservation and transformation.

A candid conversation on access, advocacy, and the unfinished work of democracy!

At a TIME when questions surrounding access, participation, and trust in the democratic process continue to shape our national conversation, this episode of GOT TIME with Christopher John takes a thoughtful and poignant look at the realities of voting in America. From voter suppression to voter fatigue, this dialogue explores the challenges and responsibilities tied to civic engagement and what it truly means to participate in democracy today.

Joining Christopher John at the table are two respected leaders in civic advocacy, Gwen McFarlin and David Whitehead, for a candid and unscripted conversation centered on registered voters and the power of informed participation.

Gwen McFarlin is a trailblazer whose career has been defined by a steadfast commitment to civil rights, voting rights, and social justice. In 1995, she made history as the first African American elected to the Springfield Township Board of Trustees, ushering in a new era of representation and trusted leadership. She continued breaking barriers as the first African American woman to serve as Chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party and later as the first African American to chair the Hamilton County Board of Elections. Through each of these milestones, McFarlin has not only expanded access to leadership but has also created pathways for future generations to engage in public service and civic life.

David Whitehead is a dedicated advocate for civil rights and community empowerment, currently serving as President of the Cincinnati NAACP and Political Action Chair for the Ohio NAACP. With a strong background in voter engagement and economic advocacy, he brings both strategic insight and grassroots experience to the conversation. In addition, his role as Voter Empowerment Chair for the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons underscores his commitment to mobilizing communities and strengthening democratic participation.

Together, this episode invites listeners to reflect, question, and recommit to the importance of voting, not just as a right, but as an enduring responsibility.