A Journey of Belonging, History, and Hope

Blog Post: A Journey of Belonging, History, and Hope 

In the inaugural episode of the "To Be and Do" podcast, host Philip Amerson invite listeners into an engaging conversation with Dr. Charlie Nelms—renowned educator, servant leader, and advocate for equity—set against the thoughtful musical musings of guest Ken Medema. Crafted by the Belonging Exchange, this episode is a sincere exploration of belonging, resilience, and the transformative power of education and personal history.

Let’s look at three key takeaways from this inspiring episode:

1. Belonging Blossoms in Shared Places and Stories

Philip Amerson opens with a “Heartfelt” segment, reminiscing about his childhood in Scribner Park, Indiana—a place made warm and memorable through the kindness of Ms. Stella Newhouse, who gathered children for cookies, games, and Gospel stories. This memory sets the stage for the podcast’s central theme: how places and people shape our sense of belonging. Amerson challenges listeners to notice the “power of place”—to recognize where their own journeys toward understanding and community began. It’s a reminder that belonging starts with small acts of hospitality, and grows as we reflect on the spaces and stories that made us feel included.

2. Hope and Persistence in the Face of Setbacks

Dr. Charlie Nelms shares his wisdom as a seasoned leader and advocate for underserved communities, reflecting on the current challenges facing racial equity and diversity initiatives in America. “We’ve been here before, since 1619,” he points out, encouraging listeners not to lose heart but to be the light illuminating the path ahead. He emphasizes the need to remain engaged—especially when setbacks and resistance threaten progress. Nelms calls for a renewed commitment to the substance of equity work, rather than just the structures or programs (like DEI) in vogue at any given time. For Nelms, the lessons of history and the values that ground us are crucial anchors: “We were pursuing a more equitable America long before the concept of DEI.”

3. Education as an Engine of Opportunity and Resilience

As a product and champion of education, Dr. Nelms’s life story is a testament to its transformative power. Growing up in the Arkansas Delta, he describes how education opened doors not just for himself, but for countless others. He urges renewed investment in education at all levels and highlights the special role historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) play in fostering social mobility and strengthening democracy. For Nelms, education is not just about personal advancement but community uplift: “Education is the engine of opportunity.”

A poignant moment comes when Dr. Nelms describes the comfort he finds in a recording of his mother, made after she survived a stroke against doctors’ expectations. That tape, filled with advice for future generations, remains a source of joy and encouragement during tough times—a living artifact of the resilience and wisdom that shape his path.

Final Thoughts

This episode of "To Be and Do" is both heartwarming and challenging. It encourages listeners to reflect on the places, people, and values that inspire belonging and to stay committed to the slow work of justice and education, even when faced with adversity.

Find out more, listen to the episode, and join the conversation at belongingexchange.org. And as Philip says—think about where someone helped you see the world in a more compassionate way, and let that memory guide your next steps.