The African Americans in Sport Podclass

Afripods, Africa, and Audio: Molly Jensen on Building the Future of Podcasting

In this episode of the African Americans in Sport Podclass, Langston sits down with Molly Jensen, former D1 student-athlete and CEO of Afripods, the pan-African podcast hosting platform. Molly shares how her background as a goalkeeper at George Washington University shaped her leadership style, how Afripods is amplifying African voices across the globe, and why Africa’s audio-first culture is key to the future of digital storytelling. This is a conversation about sports, strategy, identity, and global Black innovation.

Sport, Politics, and Protest: Unpacking History with Dr. Frank Guridy

In this dynamic episode of the African Americans in Sport Podclass, co-host Dr. Alvin Logan Jr. sits down with renowned historian Dr. Frank Guridy—Professor of History and African American and African Diaspora Studies at Columbia University and Executive Director of the Eric H. Holder Initiative. Together, they explore the intersections of sport, politics, and protest through a diasporic lens. Dr. Guridy reflects on his academic journey, from studying Afro-Cuban resistance to authoring pivotal works like The Sports Revolution and The Stadium: An American History of Politics, Protest, and Play. Tune in to learn how Black communities have historically used sports to survive, build institutions, and create change—both on and off the field.

Digital Money Demystified: Exploring Blockchain's Impact for Student Athletes with Professor Tonya Evans

In this episode of the African Americans in Sport Podclass, we welcome legal scholar, IP expert, and blockchain educator Professor Tonya M. Evans—a Penn State Dickinson Law professor and author of Digital Money Demystified: Go from Cash to Crypto Safely, Legally, and Confidently. From her roots as a tennis-playing undergrad at Northwestern to serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Howard Law Journal, Professor Evans walks us through her journey as a student-athlete and HBCU alum turned crypto legal powerhouse. We explore: 💡 The myths and facts about crypto 📱 How Black folks are already using blockchain—often unknowingly 🏛️ The legal implications of digital assets 🧠 Why professionals and student-athletes must be crypto-literate 🚀 The future of finance, FedNow, and the global currency shift This episode is not just a conversation—it's a course in how to be financially fearless and digitally prepared. Whether you’re crypto-curious or crypto-skeptical, this is the one episode you don’t want to miss. Note this episode is not intended to provide financial advice or guidance.

🧠 From Sidelines to Bottom Lines: Inside the $500B Sports Industry: A Conversation With Sport Business Journalist Eric Jackson

In this episode of the African Americans in Sport Podclass, we sit down with sports business journalist Eric Jackson, whose career spans over a decade with bylines at Sportico, the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and beyond. From his roots covering high school football in Georgia and Florida to becoming a leading voice on the business of sport, Eric shares his journey, insights, and the behind-the-scenes complexities that shape the $500 billion sports industry. We explore the shifting landscape of college athletics, diving deep into the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) policies—especially as they reach into the high school ranks. Eric breaks down how deals like the one between Playfly Sports and Mater Dei High School are redefining what it means to be a student-athlete and why “amateurism” in sports may be more myth than reality. Eric also gives voice to the growing trend of athlete empowerment through media, reflecting on Paul George’s candid comments about podcasting, and why athletes—especially Black athletes—are often criticized for exploring opportunities beyond their sport. We unpack the tensions between traditional sports journalism and the rise of athlete-driven media, all while considering the future of sports reporting in the era of influencers and brand creators. Plus, hear Eric's advice for aspiring journalists, career changers, and athletes transitioning out of competition. If you're interested in the intersection of sports, media, business, and Black identity—this episode is a must-listen. 📚 Each episode is a class. Each season, a semester. Join us in learning the lessons that shape African American experiences in sport.

Husky Roots, Black Excellence: Justin Glenn’s Path from Player to Player Development

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of the African Americans in Sport Podclass, host Dr. Alvin Logan Jr. reconnects with his former teammate and longtime friend, Justin Glenn—Director of the Big W Club & Engagement Programs at the University of Washington. Together, they explore Justin’s full-circle journey from playing safety for the Huskies to shaping the lives of student-athletes as a key leader within UW Athletics. Justin shares how sports shaped his early life, what it meant to grow up attending Husky games, and how his on-field leadership transitioned into impactful roles behind the scenes—from recruiting to player development. The episode also dives into the realities of life after sport and how Justin found purpose through community engagement and mentorship. Whether you're a current athlete, a former player, or someone passionate about athlete development, this episode is full of wisdom, gratitude, and Black excellence in motion.