Show Notes

EP94: THE MAKING (and re-making) OF LARRY JOHNSON PART 3 with Dr. Kwame M. Brown Neuroscientist and Former Psychology Professor

About the Guest

Dr. Kwame M. Brown is a neuroscientist holding a PhD from Georgetown University and a BA in Molecular Biology from Hampton University. With an eight-year tenure as a professor of psychology at Hampton, Dr. Brown is widely recognized for his work as the “Neighborhood Neuroscientist,” where he combines science, movement, and activism. Throughout his career, he has emerged as a respected scientist and a beloved educator, significantly contributing to his field and the lives of his students.

Episode Summary

In this episode of “Becoming Undone,” hosted by Toby Brooks, we delve into the cultural and racial impacts of sports superstars, focusing on Larry Johnson. We start with a flashback to Johnson’s rise to fame with the Charlotte Hornets, transitioning into a discussion about Toby’s personal experiences that shape his view on growth, fear, and overcoming obstacles, inspired by Carol Dweck’s work on mindset. We then segue into addressing prevalent societal issues such as racism and stereotypes, seen through the lens of Toby’s admiration for black athletes and artists, against the backdrop of his predominantly white upbringing.

The latter half features an engaging conversation with Dr. Kwame M. Brown, exploring the intersection of nineties’ hip-hop culture and basketball. Dr. Brown shares insights from his experiences growing up in Virginia, amidst prodigious talents like Allen Iverson and Michael Vick. The discussion also touches upon the influence of Larry Johnson, the cultural shifts in NBA and college sports, and the complexities of addressing racial stereotypes in advertising campaigns like Johnson’s “Grandmama.” The episode closes with reflections on the profound impact these cultural phenomena had on society and individual mindsets during the transformative early nineties era.

Key Takeaways

• Growth vs. Fixed Mindset: Toby discusses Carol Dweck’s research on mindset and how shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset can profoundly affect one’s success.
• Cultural Influence: The blend of hip-hop and sports in the nineties significantly impacted popular culture, with figures like Larry Johnson and Allen Iverson representing a shift towards authentic self-expression.
• Racial and Social Dynamics: The episode examines how racial stereotypes and cultural representation in advertising and sports impact perceptions and social dynamics.
• Personal Narratives: Toby and Dr. Brown share personal stories highlighting the widespread impact of sports icons and their cultural representation on individual identity and societal views.
• Advocacy and Activism: Dr. Brown emphasizes the ongoing struggle against racial stereotypes and the importance of ownership and expression in the black community.

Notable Quotes:

1. Dr. Kwame M. Brown: “I’ve watched you just branch into things and just become great at them pretty much every time. Everything you touch.”
2. Toby Brooks: “In greeting you with Sayubona, I’m not just acknowledging that you’re here, I’m telling you that for this moment, you are the most important thing.”
3. Toby Brooks: “What I saw in Larry Johnson in 1991 was, in my mind, a superhero.”
4. Dr. Kwame M. Brown: “The NBA slowly changing despite its own intention.”
5. Dr. Kwame M. Brown: “No longer will you make money off our backs without us being able to express ourselves.”

Resources:

• Carol Dweck’s Research on Mindset (For further reading on growth vs. fixed mindset).

Join us for this enlightening episode and stay tuned for more riveting conversations that unravel the untold stories and insights from our guests. Listen to the full episode on your favorite platform and immerse yourself in the riveting journey of becoming undone.