On this episode of The Reckoning, host Dr. Deion Hawkins sits down with guest Dr. Lance T. McCready for an honest conversation about what it truly means to break barriers as Black men in higher education.

Tubi’s “Demascus” upends TV norms, blending sci-fi, comedy, and therapy to deeply explore Black masculinity and vulnerability. Writer, Josha Alston, argues that the show is a fresh, essential vision for Black storytelling, revealing how real revolution comes when platforms dare to center authentic voices and complex emotional journeys.

William Johnson, the Director of PEN America’s Florida office, writes this tribute to poet Jubi Arriola-Headley.

The Red Dress Run in New Orleans is famous for its spectacle, but its true impact and meaning for the Black queer community remain complex and deeply debated. Dr. Deion Hawkins explores how visibility, philanthropy, and Black queer joy intersect, and sometimes collide, at one of the city’s most colorful events.

Laverne Cox’s viral confession sparks a vital call for nuanced, intergenerational dialogue on accountability and history in Black queer communities, beyond quick criticism or shame.

Magic Johnson celebrates 66 years of life as a person with HIV, a testament to medical progress, while highlighting persistent disparities facing Black gay men who still bear the epidemic's heaviest burden despite available treatments.

Recorded in January 2021, Archbishop Carl Bean, spiritual leader, HIV activism pioneer, and the voice behind 1977’s “I Was Born This Way,” recounts his journey from gospel stages and Motown to founding Unity Fellowship and ministering through the HIV crisis of the 1980s and 1990s. It’s a candid, joy-filled reflection on faith, music, and queer Black liberation that turns history into a call to love openly and live unapologetically.

When Keith Lee’s fitness video drew sexualized comments from some men, his response highlighted a broader tension over how Black men’s bodies are policed online. Dr. Deion Hawkins argues that attraction isn’t the issue; the issue is harassment, and true queer-straight solidarity requires respecting boundaries and allowing all Black men to be carefree.

For years, Akeem Touré has used and openly advocated for PrEP, the drug that helps prevent HIV. Through his personal journey and candid conversations, Touré is challenging stigma and closing the information gap around PrEP uptake among Black men.

Mr. Loverman is a quietly stunning drama about a 74 year old Antiguan-born British patriarch who has hidden a decades-long same-sex affair with his best friend and soulmate. The story of love, regret, and longing, inside the glass closet, is told through theatrical storytelling and remarkable performances.

After surviving a near-fatal cardiac arrest during a routine surgery, Los Angeles-based physician and wellness advocate Dr. Leo Moore emerged with a renewed mission to empower Black men to proactively manage their health. His new book serves as a practical guide to screenings, self-care, and breaking long-standing barriers between men and the healthcare system.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s portrayal of Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show redefined Black boyhood on television. Through Warner’s work, generations of Black boys, from all backgrounds, found permission to be complex and unapologetically themselves.

After being laid off, Everett Long navigates the uncertainty by reflecting on his values and focusing on personal growth. His journey highlights the importance of redefining success beyond traditional career paths.

Noah’s Arc: The Movie revisits the groundbreaking Black gay series two decades later to deliver a searing meditation on aging and loss centering the seldom-told experiences of middle-aged Black gay men.

Freak Twitter, a hidden in plain sight, digital space where Black queer men explore their sexuality and build supportive connections is more than just an outlet for adult content. Dr. Deion Hawkins discusses how this overlooked corner of the internet offers a unique avenue for self-discovery and connection.

Dennis Rodman was a rebounding king and a style icon. He bent gender norms in the macho NBA of the 90s, hanging with Madonna & wearing dresses. But did his flamboyance change the game for LGBTQIA+ athletes, or was it just another Rodman spectacle?

Wicked's Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, shined new light on the story of prejudice and self-acceptance. In this piece, Dr. Deion Hawkins discusses how this casting choice illuminates the Black queer experience.

When Plaqueboymax’s (a heterosexual streamer) playful moment sparked talk of gay-baiting on Black Twitter, it raised tough questions about boundaries, expression, and accountability for both queer and straight communities online.

Condom use among young Black gay men is declining as fear of HIV fades, PrEP access lags, and risk is underestimated. This is raising concerns about rising HIV diagnoses and highlighting the urgent need for renewed dialogue and targeted prevention.

Craig Washington discusses his archive at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, which preserves Black queer history, honors untold stories, community, and courage.

When Grammy-winning producer Kaytranada faced online backlash over his dating preferences, it spotlighted the complex pressures Black men face regarding who they date. Writer, Joshua Alston examines how public policing of private lives not only flattens individual identity but also risks harming the very communities seeking greater representation.

As Black dandyism takes center stage, writer Eric Paulk explores the tradition's roots while calling for real change to address the mental health, education, and economic struggles plaguing Black men today.

As an academic, I was aware of numerous groundbreaking studies and scientific advancements related to HIV. Yet, even those actively involved in HIV advocacy outside academia were largely unaware of this research. This urgency drives me to bridge the gap between research and practice, to ensure that the brilliance of research is not confined to the Ivory Tower. 

in the Power universe, multiple Black queer characters are not caricatures or void of complexity. Instead, they are the core drivers of the plot and prompt character development for others. Their queerness is as apparent as their Blackness.