Truth Be Told is a new 12-part podcast series designed to illuminate the pervasive effects of systemic racism in Western New York. Hosted by Wil Green, each 30-minute episode explores racial inequity across the lifespan, from birth to legacy.
The podcast leverages the power of person-centered narratives to foster a greater understanding of how deep-seated racist policies and practices have resulted in an inequitable distribution of community wealth, health and access to opportunity.
Each episode examines a life stage — pregnancy and motherhood, childhood, career, and beyond— highlighting systemic challenges, historical context, and stories of resilience. The series unpacks issues like health inequities, food equity, educational barriers, transportation and economic disparities while celebrating progress, cultural pride, and - most importantly - joy.
The focus on personal stories will enable listeners to relate and empathize with the storyteller while the host will help connect the dots offering historical context, research, expert analysis and steps needed to affect change. The series will inspire listeners to understand, engage and act toward creating a more equitable future.
Truth Be Told is a production of Buffalo Toronto Public Media and Crews Control Media in collaboration with Clementine Gold Group LLC and WUFO.
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In this final episode, Kenneth and Sharon Holley, owners of Zawadi Books, share how literacy, oral tradition and Black entrepreneurship shaped their lives and their community. From childhood comic - book libraries to decades of cultural stewardship, their story shows how family history becomes community history and how stories keep us rooted. -
In this episode, Rene Petties - Jones shares her experience navigating dementia, hospice and the emotional weight of becoming a caregiver for her mother. Her story shines a light on the inequities Black families face at the end of life and the cultural traditions that bring joy and dignity even in grief. -
How does a lifetime of racial inequity shape life in our later years? In this episode, activist, educator and community leader Dr. Barbara Nevergold reflects on coming to Buffalo as part of the Great Migration. -
The stereotype of the “absent Black father” is powerful and deeply misleading. In this episode, Al Smith shares his journey from a childhood shaped by addiction, the crack epidemic and disrupted family systems to becoming a devoted single father and police officer. -
Homeownership is supposed to offer stability. But for many Black families, it still comes with barriers that have nothing to do with income and everything to do with history. Wylie and Njeri Hughes share their journey across continents and into Western New York. -
What happens when the path to a good job is filled with obstacles you never created? In this episode, we follow Vanessa Hall, who grew up in public housing in Lackawanna and spent years juggling low - wage work, long bus rides, caregiving and limited opportunities. -
What does the road to college really look like for first-generation students of color? In this episode, Sherman Webb-Middlebrooks reflects on growing up in Buffalo, discovering the HEOP program by chance and navigating hunger, culture shock and isolation on a campus where few people looked like him. -
When does school stop being a safe place and start pushing kids out? In this episode, Kenneth Simmons shares his journey from a promising student in the South to navigating poverty, instability and a school system that punished instead of supported. -
What happens when schools stop seeing Black children as children? In this episode of Truth Be Told, Chelest Ponzo shares her family’s story navigating bias, discipline and advocacy inside America’s education system. We examine how racial bias and ableism shape educational experiences from elementary school onward. -
How does identity form in childhood? And who helps shape it? Every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the world around them. In this episode of Truth Be Told, parents and educators Akil and Mariyama Ajamu share their story of raising and teaching Black children with pride, purpose and power.
