Stone Written

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.

On this episode, Guest Editor Melanie Cabrero sits down with Krystal Lacayo, a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate with a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in Urban and Regional Studies. Krystal is a powerhouse advocate, including her role as the Founder and President of HBUNC Media Group. ...

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.

In this episode Guest Editor Melanie Cabrero sits down with Christopher Lee Williams, a UNC-Chapel Hill graduate who majored in Peace, War, and Defense with a minor in Entrepreneurship. As the Student Body Vice President, an advocate for financial literacy, and a leader in the Union of Bla...

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.

In this episode Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with Brooklynn Barnett, a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill majoring in Biology with a minor in Health & Society. Brooklynn will soon take the next step in her journey at the #1 pharmacy school in the nation, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy...

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.

On this episode, Melanie Cabrero sits down with Nia Satterfield Brown, a recent graduate of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media with a dual focus in EXSS Sports Administration and a minor in Hispanic Studies. Nia is a force in sports media, having covered UNC football and basket...

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.

On this episode, Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with Nigel Parker, a Morehead-Cain scholar and UNC grad majoring in Management & Society with minors in Philosophy, Politics, & Economics and History. Nigel is dedicated to fostering understanding and impactful change on campus...

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.

In this episode, Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with Joann Obioma, a powerhouse leader at UNC-Chapel Hill. Joann shares her journey of finding her voice as a first-generation student, navigating a predominantly white institution, and transforming self-doubt into self-assurance. From s...

Stone Written Podcast proudly presents "Stones Senior Stories," a 10-episode series celebrating the inspiring journeys of our graduating seniors.

In this third episode of Stone's Senior Stories, Guest Host Melanie Cabrero sits down with Connor Barnes, a graduating senior from Frederick, Maryland. Connor is a content creator who has built a personal social media presence with over 100,000 followers. He's also a savvy creative strate...

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 d...

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 s...

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...

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 expandi...

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...

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 i...

"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 pre...

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 em...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Stone Written, the official podcast of the Sonya Haynes Stone Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Hosted by Dr. LeRhonda Manigault-Bryant, also known as Dr. Rhon, this episode introduces listeners to the rich history, mission, and dynamic programs of the Stone Center.

Dr. Rhon, a professor of African, African American, and Diaspora Studies, provides an in-depth look at the ...