Shows
The Dap Project"How The Word Is Passed" by Clint Smith: The Book TalkThe Dap Project discusses the award winning book from Clint Smith. "How The Word is Passed" is a necessary read. Aaron and Rhonda point out a few reasons why.Intro music: "What We've Come From" by Wes Felton
2022-03-1350 min
The Dap ProjectResilience & Our Mental Health - A Conversation with Phillip ReynoldsAfter months of talking with folks about resilience, and hearing powerful testimonies of persisting through adversity and disappointment, staying on the path to excellence, we thought we should talk with an expert. Phillip Reynolds is a behavior and mental health professional who brought wisdom, jokes, and practical advice to the Dap Project podcast. And of course, we talked about dap. You know that feeling of a solid dap? Reynolds says that’s good for the spirit. When Reynold’s closes a session with a client, they dap it up. Yes, get you a therapist who will dap you up! But, unfo...
2021-11-1746 min
The Dap ProjectMarshall Keys - A DC Legend Defines ResilienceWhen we asked saxophonist Marshall Keys about resilience from a musician’s perspective, he had to pause. Playing music has always been a joy, he said, and he could not imagine doing anything else. And playing in Washington, DC, in his early years was especially magical. You could play music every night of the week, and make a living, he told us. However, he still offered a nuanced discussion about resilience, surviving and thriving as a musician, and the song that brings him joy. Did Keys also record a song with Chuck Brown, the Godfather of DC’s authentic sound, go-g...
2021-11-1047 min
The Dap ProjectWe Cast A ShadowListen In! Our book talk on We Cast a Shadow by Maurice Carlos Ruffin. Our new favorite New Orleans author evokes a humor packed review of a book that reflects on a world that is far from funny. Demelanization, racism, work and family relationships weave themselves together to provide a chilling look at how a tainted sense of self can haunt a family in ways we never imagined.
2021-11-0734 min
The Dap ProjectArt Of NoizeThe intimate Art of Noize art gallery and event space reflects owner Adrian Ferguson’s childhood of Saturday evenings listening to choir practice, aesthetic appreciation for Marvin Gaye’s album covers, and determination to showcase locally created art. In our ongoing series about resilience, he tells us about his formative years at Morehouse college (despite a naysaying guidance counselor), and the perseverance it took to become a cultural destination in the Petworth neighborhood of Washington, DC. Listen to the Dap Project on Apple podcasts. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter for additional TDP content at www.thedapproject.com.
2021-10-1947 min
The Dap ProjectThe State Must Provide - TDP Be Reading Book Talk With Adam Harris𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘀’ father, an Alpha, taught him the basic dap when the younger Harris was five years old. This lesson was emblematic of how his father wanted Harris and his siblings to grasp the fundamentals to be set up for success in life. With that sense of great expectation, Harris attended Alabama A & M University and discovered that the foundation of his father's lesson, and exposure to inequities in America, gave him a critical understanding for the disparities in and around his college town. Alabama A & M had been historically underfunded, and it showed. Harris observed the imparity between A & M and neighboring University of Alabam...
2021-10-0559 min
The Dap ProjectHigh Street Equity Partners - Mitch Brooks & Tristan Wilkerson - A Dap Project ConversationInvestors and entrepreneurs Mitch Brooks and Tristan Wilkerson co-founded High Street Equity Partners to close the racial and gender wealth gap, and support small businesses that can make a big impact. Undaunted by but well-aware of the fact that only two percent of venture capitalists are Black men, the pair are clear that this is their life’s work. Our conversation between these two friends is reflective, instructive, and funny. Pull up and learn who taught Mitch resilience, how Tristan responded to advice that he would have to cut his locs to succeed professionally, and what music is allowed in th...
2021-09-2859 min
The Dap ProjectA Tour de Roosevelt chat with Julian Hipkins - A Dap Project ConversationExperienced educator and school leader Julian Hipkins III organized the first annual Tour de Roosevelt, a community bike ride through the neighborhoods where Roosevelt students live. The Tour was not just a great event to support the high school, but also a personal triumph for Hipkins. During the pandemic, his young daughter learned to ride a bike, and he found it increasingly harder to walk alongside her as her distance and speed increased. After years away from the bike, he hopped back on, and soon began regular solo rides to clear his head. These rides connected to his earlier reading...
2021-09-2152 min
The Dap ProjectJonathan Tate of Food On The Stove - The Dap Project ConversationOver the past 10 years, 44% of firefighters who died in the line of duty suffered from a cardiac event. The life expectancy of firefighters is 10-15 years lower than other public servants. Jonathan Tate was unaware of these statistics when he joined the department nine years ago, or when he began Food on the Stove (@foodonthestove) four years ago. What did he know? Jonathan knew that three heart attacks and cancer had taken his father’s life just nine years into retirement. He knew that changing his own diet could prevent this fate. He then felt called to share what he le...
2021-09-1451 min
The Dap ProjectMyron Long & Brandon Johnson of The Social Justice School - A Conversation with The Dap ProjectTo celebrate Back to School after an unprecedented 18 months away, we are reposting our conversation with Myron Long and Brandon Johnson, founding leaders of the DC-based Social Justice School. We explore the lessons they learned as students that inform their philosophy as educators. The principles are appropriate for this moment: respect for the past, courage to design a just future.
2021-09-0856 min
The Dap ProjectNife Olufosoye of Black Futures Lab - A Conversation with The Dap ProjectNife Olufosoye approached middle school basketball tryouts confidently. Dribbling looked easy, and he had a Vince Carter poster hung in his bedroom for good luck. Nife’s earning a spot on the B team -- not the A team he coveted -- was his first lesson in resilience. Off the court, he learned resilience as he and his mother, recent immigrants to the United States, pursued citizenship to the United States. Soon, he was politically engaged and applying the skills learned in sports to the task of building political power. Nife is the Organizing Director for the Black Futures Lab. He...
2021-09-0139 min
The Dap ProjectRace Across America - The Dap Project Conversation with Skai ShadowWhat does it take to cycle 3000 miles across America? Skai Shadow’s legs have finally recovered from completing the world’s toughest bike race, Race Across America. Fascinated, we asked him all the questions. Apparently there were months of intense training, sleep deprivation on the journey, and lots of uptown body funk. But there was that one night where Skai felt inspired to leap out of the moving car to cheer on his team mate as they cycled up a steep hill. The night before Skai embarked on the race, he sat on the balcony of an AirBnB and meditated. “It was...
2021-08-1831 min
The Dap ProjectParable Of The Sower - TDP Be Reading - Book TalkEnjoy listening to our reflections on Octavia Butler’s prophetic Parable of the Sower. With guest Brandan Wilburn Herbert, we discuss poignant characters and their relationships, symbolism, and the meaning of Earthseed. Reading has the power to change the reader. We discuss how reading the Parable of the Sower changed us.
2021-08-101h 00
The Dap ProjectRev. Dr. Heber M. Brown - A Conversation with The Dap ProjectRev. Dr. Heber M. Brown - A Conversation with The Dap Project by TheDapProject.com
2021-08-0352 min
The Dap ProjectTDP Friday: What's on deck...The weekend is here and I know you plan to make the most of it👊🏾 TDP is cooking up our next batch of podcast conversations and keeping up that good #TDPBeReading energy! Thank you for rockin' with us👊🏾#keepgoing #resilience #food #sovereignty #read #books #summer #weekend #breaking #chains #chocolatecity #parableofthesower
2021-07-3001 min
The Dap ProjectStep Afrika's C. Brian Williams - A Conversation with The Dap ProjectC Brian Williams recalls that dap was always part of his life growing up in Houston, Texas. As an Alpha, he learned the sacred dap shared among frat brothers, and noticed similarities in greetings during travels throughout Africa. He also peeped a little boy in gigantic boots doing a dance that beautifully resembled stepping…Listen to our conversation about the birth of Step Afrika and the resolve you draw on when the bright lights unexpectedly go dark. TheDapProject.com@the.dap.projectTwitter: https://twitter.com/StepAfrikaHQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stepafrika1994 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stepafrika/ YouTube: https://ww...
2021-07-2351 min
The Dap ProjectKenyan McDuffie - A Conversation with The Dap ProjectCouncilmember Kenyan McDuffie represents Ward 5 on the Washington, DC City Council. In our first conversation about resilience, McDuffie takes us into the Stronghold community that shaped his unexpected path to public service where he uses legislation to address structural race-based inequities. The voices of family, friends, and Freeway reassure McDuffie that setbacks are temporary, and he’s here to win.
2021-07-1559 min
The Dap Project"I'm Dreaming of A Brown Christmas" - Kickstarter Conversation with The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project welcomes author Vernon Gibbs back to the podcast to discuss his latest offering, "I'm Dreaming of A Brown Christmas". A play on a popular classic that is overdue for some reimagination. Listen in and contribute to the book's Kickstarter campaign. Link below...https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/552271/im-dreaming-of-a-brown-christmas
2021-07-1026 min
The Dap ProjectThe Fire Next Time - TDP Be Reading - Book TalkWe’re coming in hot off of Instagram Live, our May book talk on The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin The Great. Independent Bookstores: Loyalty BookstoresMahogany BooksHarriett’s BookshopEast City BookshopSolid State BooksUncle Bobbie’s Coffee and BooksShop independent bookstores online at Bookshop.org. Search for independent bookstores on https://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder.
2021-07-0359 min
The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project - Season Three Mash UpFlash back with us to hear from a few of our guests from Season 3. Listen to full episodes on Apple and Spotify. We look forward to bringing you more with Season Four with our theme of Resilience. Keep rocking with us!SOURCEJobs numbershttps://www.cnbc.com/2020/12/04/jobs-report-november-2020.html#:~:text=In%20all%2C%20the%20economy%20has,two%20months%20of%20the%20crisis.&text=The%20total%20of%20permanent%20job,up%202.5%20million%20from%20February.Coronavirus numbers: https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/weekly-epidemiological-update---17-november-2020
2021-06-1222 min
The Dap ProjectTDP Be Reading - Book Talk - Breathe: A Letter To My SonsBreathe. We’re coming in hot off of Instagram Live, our May book talk on Breathe: A Letter to My Sons by Imani Perry. Independent Bookstores: Loyalty BookstoresMahogany BooksHarriett’s BookshopEast City BookshopSolid State BooksUncle Bobbie’s Coffee and BooksShop independent bookstores online at Bookshop.org. Search for independent bookstores on https://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder.
2021-05-2657 min
The Dap ProjectTDP Be Reading - Book Talk - The Miseducation of The NegroCarter G. Woodson Book Talk - The Mis-Education of the Engro. This week, we’re bringing to the podcast our February book talk, originally held on Instagram, where we discussed The Mis-Education of the Negro.Show notes: Independent Bookstores: Loyalty BookstoresMahogany BooksHarriett’s BookshopEast City BookshopSolid State BooksUncle Bobbie’s Coffee and BooksShop independent bookstores online at Bookshop.org. Search for independent bookstores on https://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder.
2021-05-1952 min
The Dap ProjectTDP Be Reading - Book Talk - The Purpose Of PowerThis week, we’re bringing to the podcast our March book talk, originally held on Instagram, where we discussed The Purpose of Power by Alicia Garza, Principal of the Black Futures Lab. Independent Bookstores: Loyalty BookstoresMahogany BooksHarriett’s BookshopEast City BookshopSolid State BooksUncle Bobbie’s Coffee and BooksShop independent bookstores online at Bookshop.org. Search for independent bookstores on https://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder.
2021-05-1345 min
The Dap ProjectTDP Be Reading - Book Talk - The Marathon Don't Stop...This week, we’re bringing to the podcast our April book talk, originally held on Instagram, where we discussed The Marathon Don’t Stop: The Life and Times of Nipsey Hussle. Teacher and scholar, Deonte Bridges, joined us for this revealing conversation.Shop independent bookstores online at... Bookshop.org. Search for independent bookstores at...https://www.indiebound.org/indie-store-finder.
2021-05-0451 min
The Dap ProjectGeorge Derek Musgrove - A Conversation with The Dap ProjectBringing this insightful conversation to the top of the queue as we prepare for our forthcoming Book Talk with Professor Musgrove, discussing Chocolate City - A History of Race and Democracy in the Nation's Capital. Stay tuned!Born in Connecticut, raised in Baltimore, author, historian, and professor G. Derek Musgrove associates dap with church and feels compelled, coming out of 2020, to make history even more relevant to the present moment. Where cities such as the District painted “Black Lives Matter” on main streets in the summer of 2020, Prof. Musgrove’s Black Power Map illustrates DC’s rich Black political tradition from its...
2021-04-281h 27
The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project Conversation with Markus BatchelorAaron and Rhonda talk with Markus Batchelor, Deputy Director for Leadership Development for People for the American Way. A native son of Washington, DC, Markus is well versed in DC political traditions but has developed a progressive, inclusive political vision. He joins us for an honest reflection of 2020, including his run for At-Large City Council seat, what statehood means for DC, and how to remain politically engaged when it’s not election season. Oh, and he drops a few songs that bring him life.SHOWNOTESOn cash bail: https://www.injusticewatch.org/news/2021/illinois-criminal-justice-reform-cash-bail-felony-murder/On ending the death penalty:https://theintercept.co...
2021-04-201h 15
The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project Conversation with David JohnsWe spoke with David Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition in our latest conversation. This interview came to pass a day earlier than planned in order for David to bring some heat to the Georgia legislators in response to SB 202. He also brought the fire to the pod, lighting us up about all the things at the intersection of gender and joy. Listen in. Like.Five Star Rating. Subscribe. Nap.SHOW NOTESNational Black Justice Coalition "Inviting In Toolkit"https://nbjc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/INviting-In-Toolkit-web.pdfAPA RESOLUTION on "Gender Identity Change Efforts"https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resol...
2021-04-091h 03
The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project Conversation with Tongo Eisen-MartinWe’re talking, laughing, and learning this week with poet, educator, and movement worker Tongo Eisen-Martin. At the Dap Project, we believe the personal is political and the personal influences the political. This conversation with Tongo beautifully exemplifies these dynamics. Born into a community steeped in the work of Black liberation, he’s always known dap, which is to say, he’s always known the struggle for, and celebration of “dignity and pride.” Rhonda crossed paths with Tongo for a minute when they were both undergrads at Columbia University. Tongo’s published books of poetry include SOMEONE'S DEAD ALREADY, and Heaven is al...
2021-03-241h 14
The Dap ProjectA Tribute to Vernon Jordan From The Dap ProjectAs much as Vernon Jordan was America’s power broker, he was America’s consummate mentor, especially to determined, emerging Black American talent. We are taking a moment to share personal tributes to the legend.
2021-03-0940 min
The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project Conversation With Taylor Morton - Environmental JusticeA child of an educator and a wildlife biologist, Taylor Morton spent their childhood in the outdoors of South Carolina, where they fell in love with nature, and watched their dad dap up the few other Black families on the trails. Taylor’s passion evolved into a pursuit of justice as Director of Environmental Health and Education at WE ACT for Environmental Justice in New York City. We talk with them about bears, climate change, and holding elected officials accountable.SHOW NOTESSources for news segment: -https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/19/us/texas-deaths-winter-storm.html-https://www.texastribune.org/2021/02/18/texas-power-outages-ercot/-https://www.cnn.com/vi...
2021-03-011h 07
The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project Conversation with Vincent SoutherlandThis week, we have a wide ranging conversation with Vincent Southerland, former public defender and current Executive Director of the Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law at NYU. He discusses how he experienced the summer of 2020, and critiques the current investment in policing over people.
2021-02-171h 11
The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project Conversation With Myron Long & Brandon JohnsonMyron Long and Brandon Johnson are co-founders of the Social Justice School, an innovative middle school in Washington, DC that teaches students to apply design principles to create a just world. This week, we talk with them about pivotal experiences as students-- reconciling with opportunities lost, answering fundamental questions about identity and the “right” path to liberation -- that deeply influenced their philosophy about teaching and leadership. While Long and Johnson did not plan to open their school in the receding waves of global protests against injustice, it is an auspicious time for students to witness the relevance of their uniq...
2021-02-081h 01
The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project Season 2 Finale Conversation!The final episode of Season 2 is a personal conversation with two brothers who tell the story of growing up in Washington DC in the 1960s, with a guest appearance by the cool-ass cousin who taught them the dap.SHOW NOTES AND LINKSDap defined by Malachi Byrd:https://soundcloud.com/user-882642710/the-definition-of-dapDamon Young “I Miss Dap”https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/30/opinion/dap-covid-black-men-losses-grief.htmlThe 1619 Projecthttps://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.htmlBarack Obama’s Daily Show response to the backlash on calling Defund The Police “snappy”https://youtu.be/ky7hpzBfh54Black and White in Vietnamhttps://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/18/opinion/racism-vietnam-war.htmlShaft and Blaxsp...
2021-01-091h 01
The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project Conversation with Adrian Loving & Jamil HamiltonThe subject of music emerges in every dap conversation, possibly because dap itself is rhythmic: the beat of coming in, the sounds of hands clasping, then snapping, the step back and smile (or nah, depending). DJs and long-term friends Jamil Hamilton and Adrian Loving know music well, and that we need it now more than ever. Our conversation begins in Far Northeast DC — “over by the Shrimp Boat” — blossoms at The Mecca (Howard University), and lands on the turntables in perfect time.SHOW NOTESWashington Ghosts: Former Record Stores of Georgetownhttps://dcist.com/story/14/01/29/washington-ghosts-former-record-sto/BEATS, RECORD BINS, AND RETAIL LIFE: A TOWER...
2020-12-011h 06
The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project Conversation with Kris Stith & Keagoe StithToday, twin brothers Kristopher and Keagoe Stith are, respectively, a graphic designer based in Washington, DC, and a visual arts teacher in Brooklyn, New York. But in 2004, when Rhonda happened to be their summer camp director, they were your typical middle school boys growing up in the nation’s capital: curious, savvy, and obsessed with drawing. Our conversation picks up from there...Show Notes:Outtake of Kris & Keogoe's take on women getting dap. Yes or no?https://soundcloud.com/user-882642710/outtake-season-2-episode-4-kris-and-keagoe-dap-with-women/s-d34QKGNC5DSAbout Duke Ellington School of the Artshttps://www.ellingtonschool.org/Diversity at Cooper Unionhttps://cooper.ed...
2020-11-231h 00
The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project Conversation with Olu Burrell & Aaron AbarnathyOlutosin Burrell and Aaron “Ab” Abernathy met at Howard University with a shared passion for music and the creative “Love Jones” life. After graduating Ab developed a professional career singing, playing the piano, and traveled the world. Olu influences the local government as a facilitator and executive coach. We talk about giving dap at the rec center, what is required to create an anti-racist culture, and how dap at its core is a radical expression. As COVID, unfortunately, has impacted the black community at a disproportionate rate to white people, Olu talks about being quarantined from his wife and two small ch...
2020-11-161h 02
The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project Conversation with Chike Aguh & Byron SandersHow do you use your gifts to help black and brown people to thrive at work and in life? A quarter life crisis led CEO of Big Thought Byron Sanders to write his personal mission statement, which he recited at a leadership development program. Chike Aguh, of the Equity Design Lab, was in that room and approached Bryon with a proper dap that initiated their brotherhood. Our conversation, which travels from a small town outside of Lagos to the boardroom in Dallas, explores authenticity, dismantling oppression, and, of course, dap.
2020-11-021h 07
The Dap ProjectDap Defined by Malachi ByrdMalachi Byrd was one of our first guests on TheDap Project. He shared with us how he defined dap and we had to share his perfectly chosen words with you. His definition has become a permanent part of The Dap Project.
2020-05-1400 min
The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project Conversation with Malachi & JasonThe conversation with friends Jason and Malachi, both recent graduates of Princeton University, was an unexpected gift to the Dap Project. They share their experience at the storied institution, “where giving dap felt like a revolutionary act.” We also hear what Jason said to Malachi that radically changed his perception of what black men can do to change the world.
2020-05-141h 09
The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project Conversation with George Ashton & Keir GumbsAaron remembers the first dap with friends George Ashton and Keir Gumbs at their investment club meeting. We invited them to the Dap Project to relive the moment, talk about the “privilege” of giving dap as a corporate leader, and ponder the resurgence of dap in a post-COVID world.
2020-04-2959 min
The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project Conversation with Lael & WinfredOver the years, we’ve had really deep conversations with Lael and Winfred, and I knew these two would be fascinating guests. But they totally exceeded expectations! From Winfred riffing on his Uncle Anderson, to Lael talking truth about giving dap in the halls of power, this was such a great talk. You can really feel the deep friendship between these guys.
2020-04-1133 min
The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project Conversation with Les WilliamsLes joined us, via Zoom, back in April to share his take on Dap. Les is a long time friend and an extraordinary business man. Most folks that know Les will label him as the guy that seems to know everyone. Les connects friends and business associates as easily as he connects Dap to the culture of Black men. Unless of course those men happen to be Clarence Thomas or Ben Carson. This chat is full of energy, laughter and keen insight on all things Dap!
2020-04-051h 13
The Dap ProjectThe Dap Project Conversation with Skai ShadowNearly every cool point Rhonda earned was courtesy of my Skai's instruction. Rhonda and Skai have talked about a lot of things, but this was a special conversation. Skai shares how dap appears in multiple spaces: DC coffee shops, work at Shell Oil, and with his in-laws. Listen for the touching conversation between Skai and Aaron about giving dap to their children.
2020-04-0252 min
The Dap ProjectThe 1st Dap Project Conversation featuring David & DarnellThis is our very first interview, and it sounds like our very first interview! We sat down with TDP Family for this one. David is Rhonda's younger brother and Darnell aka Cuzzo is, of course, Rhonda's cousin. We had some brief introductions, proceeded to pour a little wine and a little Uncle Nearest, then we sat around Rhonda's dining room table to begin our first dig into some of the fundamentals of Dap.
2020-03-141h 11