Where African American History Is American History
Black Is America

Black Is America

The Black Is America podcast highlights little-known African-American figures and stories. This podcast helps tell the story of America through the lens of the African American experience. Be prepared to hear stories of inventors, heroes, scientists, entrepreneurs, and so many more.

In Season 1, we feature the stories of Lt. John Fox, Marian Anderson, Wendell Scott, Bessie Coleman, and more. In each episode, we also make mention of other exceptional African Americans that are related. Be prepared to be inspired and amazed with an engaging listening experience.

Welcome to Black Is America, where African American history is American history.

Episodes

History Education

Welcome To Black Is America

Sept. 1, 2021

An Introduction To The Black Is America Podcast

Wendell Scott: An American Racing Legend

Dec. 23, 2021

A preview of episode 104, Wendell Scott: An American Racing Legend. The Black Is America podcast debuts Feb. 1, 2022.

Bessie Coleman: An American Aviatrix

Dec. 29, 2021

A preview of episode 103, Bessie Coleman: An American Aviatrix. The Black Is America podcast debuts Feb. 1, 2022.

Guion Bluford: An American Astronaut

Jan. 4, 2022

A preview of episode 107, Guion Bluford: An American Astronaut. The Black Is America podcast debuts Feb. 1, 2022.

Did Michael Jackson Save A Network?

Jan. 10, 2022

A preview of episode 108, Did Michael Jackson Save A Network? The Black Is America podcast debuts Feb. 1, 2022.

Garrett A. Morgan: The Great American Inventor

Jan. 14, 2022

A preview of Episode 106, Garrett A. Morgan: The Great American Inventor. The Black Is America podcast debuts Feb. 1, 2022.

Recent Blog Posts

Welcome to Black History Month

From slavery's chains to Civil Rights gains, Black history tells a story of pain. But through it all, a people strong, With courage, hope, and spirit …

Ten Things You May Have Not Known About Martin Luther King…

Martin Luther King Jr. was born Michael King Jr., but his father, a pastor, changed both names to Martin in honor of a German Protestant leader (Source…

Have You Heard of Captain Aaron Fisher?

Excerpt from Lt. John Fox: An All-American Hero Dominic Lawson (11:36): And, boy, was it worth it because John Fox was about to get quite the men…

About the Hosts

Alexandria Eddings

Dominic LawsonProfile Photo

Dominic Lawson

Podcast Creator & Host

Dominic Lawson is a native Memphian dedicated to empowering people to move society forward. He graduated from Westwood High School and began his professional career at Regions Bank. After a year in banking, he served in the Army. After his service, he returned to banking and pursued a Bachelors's Degree in Business Administration at National American University. In 2014, he co-founded an educational consulting firm, OWLS, LLC, with his wife, Kenda Lawson. At Owls, he serves as its COO to create curriculum and provide professional development to schools, school districts, non-profits, and corporations.

Since 2016, Dominic has been the host of The Startup Life Podcast, giving his audience the edge it needs in building their businesses and climbing the corporate ladder. He has interviewed some of the top minds in business, from the co-founder of Netflix Marc Randolph and countless others. Lawson continued to develop a podcasting passion, gaining experience by creating, writing, editing, hosting, and producing podcasts, including Nothin But Buckets (sports) and Just Blerdn' (Black nerd culture). He was initially drawn to the medium as "a tool to help people," but he admits the audience feedback is pretty great, too. "I love to hear people say that an episode resonates with them." Lawson joined the Meadows Behavioral Healthcare family in 2021 as a podcast producer, editor, and host. Responsible for cultivating a diverse slate of guests ranging from mental health experts to addiction recovery professionals and beyond, he enjoys the challenge of meeting the audience's expectations. While his position at MBH may not be clinical or involve daily interaction with patients, Lawson sees the potential to use his craft to make a difference. That's why he takes seriously the platform he's been given to share valuable information and resources that can change lives.

Dominic served as board president of the non-profit Hot Foot Honey's, Memphis' first and only tap dance company. Embark Alumnus of The New Memphis Institute. Dominic's current community service commitments include Coach/Mentor at LITE Memphis, Mentor at STS Enterprise, and Corporate sponsor of the Westwood PTSA. Lawson's core belief is that "success is ninety percent planning and ten percent execution."