Occupied Territories is a podcast presented by CNP and The Reckoning. The podcast explores how Black LGBTQ Georgian’s are navigating this complicated political moment. The podcast tells stories of challenges and stories of triumphs from a Black LGBTQ+ perspective.

Occupied Territories Podcast

Revolutionary Health, hosted by Michael Ward, is a program by CNP that focuses on Black gay men's health and overall wellness. The show airs live on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cnptribe.

Revolutionary Health Podcast

Narratology is a podcast from CNP. The show features unique insights from people countering the narrative.

Narratology Podcast

Second Sunday Podcast

This podcast is a re-broadcast of the Counter Narrative Project's online events and programs.

CNP shifts narratives about Black gay men to change policy and improve lives.

Learn more at https://thecounternarrative.org.

The CNP Events Podcast

Anthony Antoine joins Charles Stephens for a conversation about his experience and memories with Second Sunday.

Anthony Antoine Bio

Anthony McWilliams, known professionally as Anthony Antoine, is a popular performance poet, community activist, singer/songwriter, HIV educator, author, and recognized trailblazer in the LGBTQ music scene who recorded his first out and proud song in 1997, and his first independently released out music project, “Dante’s Got a Man Too,” in 1999.

Support CNP

✔ Donation ► https://www.thecounternarrative.org/donation 

✔ Merchandise ► https://www.thecounternarrative.org/shop

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram 

✔ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/cnptribe 

✔ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/cnptribe 

✔ Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/cnptribe

Episode 1 - Anthony Antoine

Nasheedah Bynes-Muhammad joins Johnnie Ray Kornegay III on this episode to discuss how she discovered Second Sunday, her memories and honoring her friends who have passed on.

Nasheedah Bynes-Muhammad Bio

Nasheedah Bynes-Muhammad is the Co-Director at Lost-N-Found Youth (LNFY.org) in Atlanta, Georgia.  Nasheedah has worked in non-profit Management and Public Health since 1996 when she served as the Young Men’s Health Program Manager at Youth Pride (Atlanta GA). Previous roles include HIV Program Supervisor at Tri-City Health Center (Fremont, CA) and Health Promotions Director at AIDS Project of the East Bay (Oakland, CA).

Support CNP

✔ Donation ► https://www.thecounternarrative.org/donation

✔ Merchandise ► https://www.thecounternarrative.org/shop

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram  

✔ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/cnptribe

✔ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/cnptribe

✔ Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/cnptribe

Episode 2 - Nasheedah Bynes-Muhammad

Dr. Maurice Franklin is the co-founder of Second Sunday. He's chatting here with Charles Stephens about how an event he attended in Washington DC inspired the seminal group. Dr. Franklin also discusses how Second Sunday got its name, and other interesting history about the group.

Dr. Maurice Franklin Bio

Dr. Maurice Franklin is former Executive Staffer of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He was director of SCLC Southern HIV/AIDS Faith Based Education Strategies. Maurice credits his SCLC experiences and Dr. Joseph E. Lowery as a great incubator for his lifelong social justice passion and efforts. Franklin has been at the epicenter of the modern Black Gay Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender social justice movement. During his days at SCLC, he coordinated and facilitated the first meeting of National Black Gay and Lesbian leaders at the King Center.

Dr Franklin is former board member the Black Gay and Lesbian Leadership Forum, the Founder of Second Sunday, co-founder of the National Black Justice Coalition, the Black AIDS Institute, and former board member and regional director of Capacity Building, for Gay Men of African Descent. Franklin work has included:

- Organizer of Black Gay Male Participation of Million Man March

- Lobbyist Campaign for Military Service, Gays and Lesbians in the Military

Dr. Franklin lectures and consults on organizational sustainability and organizational development strategies. Dr. Franklin has previously served as an advisor to Dallas, Texas Mayor Mike Rawlings. Dr. Franklin’s published work focuses on Governance, Sustainability, and Strategic Thinking. Franklin has completed an upcoming social equity article that will be published in Lessons in Social Equity: A Case Study Book.

Dr. Franklin assisted Dr. Stephen Thomas, Ph.D. and Sandra Quinn, M.Ed., on their landmark and seminal Tuskegee Syphilis study, examining the Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, Behaviors (KABB) of African American faith members. Dr. Franklin has been interviewed and featured on PBS, New York Times, and countless local and international magazines and other publications. Dr. Franklin is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated and holds the honor of Grand Inspector General in Scottish Rite Masonry. Dr. Franklin has served as a faculty-student advisor at Clark Atlanta University, Old Dominion University, Norfolk State University, Virginia Wesleyan University, and Morehouse College.

Dr. Franklin attributes his activism and social justice commitment to the influences of mom, James Baldwin, Marcus Garvey, and his 4th Great Grandfather Buck Colbert Franklin, and cousin Dr. John Hope Franklin. Dr. Franklin resides in New York City and is a native of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.

Fun Fact Dr. Franklin was a Oklahoma standout high school wrestler, an Eagle Scout, Lifeguard, a University of Oklahoma NCA Cheerleader, and the first Black Class President at Ardmore High School.

Support CNP

✔ Donation ► https://www.thecounternarrative.org/donation

✔ Merchandise ► https://www.thecounternarrative.org/shop

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram  

✔ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/cnptribe

✔ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/cnptribe

✔ Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/cnptribe

Episode 3 - Dr. Maurice Franklin

Social Justice Educator and Activist Robert Suttle returns to chat with Michael Ward on Revolutionary Health to continue our dialogue on the work of HIV criminal law reform.  Robert Suttle is a student affairs practitioner in higher education and a respected leader and activist in the HIV racial justice and decriminalization movement for over a decade. His professional interests and efforts focus on multicultural and diversity education, meaningfully connecting with marginalized communities in collective leadership, advocacy, and policy work that advance social justice and inclusion. He is also a founding member of The SERO Project, an advisor for HIV Justice Network’s Global Advisory Panel (GAP),  Originally broadcast live on Facebook on 6/23/2021.

Robert Suttle on HIV Decriminalization

The Gay Dating Coach, Lamont White, joins Michael Ward for a special Revolutionary Health about the upcoming CNPTV program, "The Gay Man's Guide To Dating."   White is the founder of Better Way To Meet, an Atlanta-based gay dating service that launched in 2014. He holds a master’s degree in professional counseling and provides therapy to single gay men and couples through his company. He is married to Art White. The couple lives in Atlanta and is co-parenting their two nephews. Originally broadcast live on Facebook on 6/30/2021.

Lamont White Discusses "The Gay Man's Guide To Dating"

Malcolm Reid, co-chair of the Georgia HIV Justice Coalition joins guest host Johnnie Ray Kornegay III on Revolutionary Health. Reid, the Director of Programs at THRIVE SS and founder and Program Manager of the Silver Lining Project, discusses MIPA (Meaningful Involvement of People Living With HIV/AIDS) as well as aging with HIV, the importance of voting and building community.  Originally broadcasted live on Facebook on August 25, 2021.

MIPA: A Discussion With Malcolm Reid

CNP has long looked to the writer and activist James Baldwin for perspective and inspiration. Through his novels, essays, and other writings, we have found not only a wise ancestor but a trusted friend and witness. We were founded in part, as a tribute and love letter to Baldwin. His legacy is in our DNA. CNP is hosting a program to explore James Baldwin's relationship with Atlanta, particularly through his masterpiece "The Evidence of Things Not Seen."
Panelists: Charles Stephens and Dr. Scott Heath
Event Date: Aug 2, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time
Support CNP
✔ Donation ► https://www.thecounternarrative.org/donation
✔ Merchandise ►https://www.thecounternarrative.org/shop
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
✔ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/cnptribe
✔ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/cnptribe
✔ Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/cnptribe

Baldwin's Atlanta

According to the New York Times article: 15 Songs That Shook New York’s Queer Dance Floors in the 1970s and ’80s, "I Was Born This Way" is "The first record to feature lyrics about being an out-and-proud gay man..."
CNP honored the history of the song in a two-part event.
This part, entitled "Carl Bean, Black Liberation & Bringing Gospel to the Dancefloor," features a conversation with Singer/Songwriter Kipper Jones. The discussion is anchored by an audio interview with Carl Bean (the singer of the 1977 version of the song) conducted with Johnnie Ray Kornegay III. Johnnie and Kipper discuss Carl's words and the importance that Gospel music plays on secular Black music.
Panelists: Johnnie Ray Kornegay III, Kipper Jones
Event Date: Jul 21, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time
Read about this event on The Reckoning ► https://www.thereckoningmag.com/the-reckoning-blog/liberation-music-cnp-honors-i-was-born-this-way?rq=liberation
Support CNP 
✔ Donation ► https://www.thecounternarrative.org/donation
✔ Merchandise ►https://www.thecounternarrative.org/shop
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram 
✔ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/cnptribe
✔ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/cnptribe
✔ Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/cnptribe

LIBERATION: Remembering “I Was Born This Way” (Part 2)

According to the New York Times article: 15 Songs That Shook New York’s Queer Dance Floors in the 1970s and ’80s, "I Was Born This Way" is "The first record to feature lyrics about being an out-and-proud gay man..."
CNP honored the history of the song in a two-part event.

This part features an on camera dialogue with Charles Valentino, the singer of the original 1975 version of the song.
Panelists: Johnnie Ray Kornegay III, Charles Valentino
Event Date: Jul 14, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time
Read about this event on The Reckoning ► https://www.thereckoningmag.com/the-reckoning-blog/liberation-music-cnp-honors-i-was-born-this-way?rq=liberation
Support CNP
✔ Donation ► https://www.thecounternarrative.org/donation
✔ Merchandise ►https://www.thecounternarrative.org/shop
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
✔ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/cnptribe
✔ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/cnptribe
✔ Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/cnptribe

LIBERATION: Remembering “I Was Born This Way” (Part 1)

Second Sunday was an important and influential Black gay and bisexual men's discussion group that met from the early 1990s through the 2000s. This group brought our community together through some of the most joyous times and some of the most heartbreaking times in our movement history. CNP is hosting a program to kick off the planning committee commemorating the legacy of Second Sunday.
Panelists Include: Darian Aaron, Justin Smith, Anthony Antoine, Ulester Douglas, Dr. Maurice Franklin and Craig Washington
Event Date: Jun 13, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time
Support CNP
✔ Donation ► https://www.thecounternarrative.org/donation
✔ Merchandise ►https://www.thecounternarrative.org/shop
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
✔ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/cnptribe
✔ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/cnptribe
✔ Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/cnptribe

Remembering Second Sunday

CNP hosted our annual CNP Summit on March 17th and March 18th, 2021. The Summit will be virtual. The theme was: "Lessons Learned from Bayard Rustin."

Bayard Rustin was a brilliant strategist and organizer. He is also a key influence of CNP and a historical figure we have taken considerable inspiration from and look to honor his legacy through our work.

This session is entitled "Bayard Rustin: Brother of Omega Psi Phi"
Panelists: Charles Stephens, Brandon Wilson
Event Date: Mar 18, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time
Support CNP
✔ Donation ► https://www.thecounternarrative.org/donation
✔ Merchandise ►https://www.thecounternarrative.org/shop
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
✔ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/cnptribe
✔ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/cnptribe
✔ Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/cnptribe

CNP Summit 2021 - "Bayard Rustin: Brother of Omega Psi Phi"

CNP hosted our annual CNP Summit on March 17th and March 18th, 2021. The Summit will be virtual. The theme was: "Lessons Learned from Bayard Rustin."

Bayard Rustin was a brilliant strategist and organizer. He is also a key influence of CNP and a historical figure we have taken considerable inspiration from and look to honor his legacy through our work.

This session is entitled "Influencing a King: Bayard Rustin & Coretta Scott King's LGBTQ+ Activism."
Panelists Include: Charles Stephens, Dr. Beverley Guy-Sheftall and Lynn Cothren
Event Date: Mar 17, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time
Support CNP
✔ Donation ► https://www.thecounternarrative.org/donation
✔ Merchandise ►https://www.thecounternarrative.org/shop
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
✔ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/cnptribe
✔ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/cnptribe
✔ Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/cnptribe

CNP Summit 2021 - "Influencing a King: Bayard Rustin & Coretta Scott King's LGBTQ+ Activism"

CNP hosted a commemorative event honoring the legacy of Mario Cooper on his birthday, February 8th. Cooper who has been described as the "Nexus Between AIDS Activists and Black Leaders" was an incredible force as an advocate and leader in the HIV justice movement. He is one of our many, many, movement ancestors that paved the way for our work today.
CNP sees our work as being inspired by Mario's legacy and analysis of race and power. Our work seeks to be a tribute and love letter to his courage. We are very much a part of his movement lineage.
Panelists: Charles Stephens, Dr. Maurice Franklin, Ronald Johnson, Richard Marlink
Event Date: February 8, 2021 Eastern Time
Support CNP 
✔ Donation ► https://www.thecounternarrative.org/donation
✔ Merchandise ►https://www.thecounternarrative.org/shop
Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram 
✔ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/cnptribe
✔ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/cnptribe
✔ Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/cnptribe

NEXUS: On Mario Cooper and Black HIV Movement History

Michael Ward  is joined by Robert Suttle, Amir Sadeghi and Brad Sears for our HIV Criminalization Roundtable. The panel is discussing the latest news on efforts to modernize HIV criminal laws around the country. 

Originally broadcast on Facebook on September 22, 2021.  

Support CNP  
✔ Donation ► https://www.thecounternarrative.org/donation
✔ Merchandise ►https://www.thecounternarrative.org/shop 

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram  
✔ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/cnptribe
✔ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/cnptribe
✔ Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/cnptribe

HIV Criminalization Roundtable 2021

Michael Ward is joined by Dr. Keith Green. Dr. Green is joining us to discuss Crystal CLEAR Chicago, the research to understand the rise in crystal meth use among Black gay and bisexual men in Chicago. Originally broadcast on Facebook on October 21, 2021. Support CNP  ✔ Donation ► https://www.thecounternarrative.org/donation✔ Merchandise ►https://www.thecounternarrative.org/shop Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram  ✔ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/cnptribe✔ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/cnptribe✔ Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/cnptribe

Dr. Keith Green on Crystal Meth Research in Chicago

This year, 2021, marked the 40th anniversary of HIV. Though there have been a number of remembrances over the past year, recognizing both the progress we have made in how we respond to the epidemic, and what we still face ahead, a critical part of HIV history is the evolution and shift of public perception. This is critically important to address, because HIV stigma has largely circulated because of media depictions and framing.  

The Counter Narrative Project (CNP) hosted a virtual panel discussion with journalists and writers discussing media, HIV, Black communities, and the South. This panel offered both historical perspective in how the media has depicted HIV and insights from their own reporting and storytelling.  

Sponsor: PEN America (https://pen.org)

Panelists: Gracie Bonds Staples Stephen Hicks Craig Washington

Event Date: Nov 30, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time

Support CNP
✔ Donation ► https://www.thecounternarrative.org/donation
✔ Merchandise ►https://www.thecounternarrative.org/shop

Join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
✔ Twitter ► https://twitter.com/cnptribe
✔ Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/cnptribe
✔ Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/cnptribe

CNP Media Roundtable on HIV Justice & Journalism

Was the panel able to sleep after watching Fred Krueger for the first time? On this episode of CNP Horror the Tribe discusses the classic films A Nightmare on Elm Street and Candyman.

CNP Horror Podcast - A Nightmare On Elm Street & Candyman

On this episode of Occupied Territories, host Darian Aaron welcomes Eric Paulk. Eric served as a Poll Watcher during the November 5th election in rural Georgia.

Occupied Territories Episode #1 - Eric Paulk

On this episode, Darian welcomes Larry Scott-Walker and Leisha McKinley-Beach to discuss the challenges and triumphs while advocating for people living with HIV during the pandemic.

Occupied Territories Episode #2 - Larry Scott-Walker and Leisha McKinley-Beach

Artists Trevor Perry (Actor, Singer) and Juel D. Lane (Dancer, Choreographer, Filmmaker) sit down with Darian Aaron to discuss creating during the pandemic. Each artist delves into their work and also what it’s been like for them to create.

Occupied Territories Episode #3 - Trevor Perry and Juel D. Lane

Dr. Ashley Coleman Taylor joins Charles Stephens on this episode of Narratology. 

Dr. Coleman Taylor discusses her work in Black queer Atlanta studies.

Narratology Episode 1: Dr Ashley Coleman Taylor

Rev. Duncan Teague joins Charles Stephens on Narratology.

Rev. Teague was the first Black gay outreach worker at AID Atlanta. He discusses his journey to that role in 1985.

Narratology Episode 2: Rev. Duncan Teague

Dan Royles joins Charles Stephens on Narratology.

Dan discusses his new book To Make the Wounded Whole: The African American Struggle against HIV/AIDS.

Narratology Episode 3: Dan Royles

Al Cunningham joins Charles Stephens on this episode of Narratology.

Al discusses his life and his work to honor the legacy of Reggie Williams.

Narratology Episode 4: Al Cunningham

Michael Oby and Chi Hughes join Charles Stephens on this episode of Narratology.

Michael and Chi discuss their friendship and share their memories about the Enik Alley Coffeehouse. The two also shine light on the Black LGBTQ+ artistic and cultural renaissance of the 1980s.

Narratology Episode 5: Michael Oby and Chi Hughes

The CNP Podcast Network of shows is presented by the CNP Tribe.

CNP Podcast Network

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks