Send us a text

Tiana Ferrell doesn't just carry the blood of a civil rights icon in her veins – she actively extends that legacy through her own unique blend of art, activism, and advocacy. As the great-great-granddaughter of Ida B. Wells, Tiana shares how family stories about her pioneering ancestor shaped her path toward becoming a social changemaker.

The conversation takes us to the campus of Rust College, where Tiana felt her ancestor's spiritual presence guiding her toward her purpose. It was there she began reading Wells' works and understanding how to channel that pioneering spirit into her own authentic voice. Though admittedly shy by nature, Tiana discovered that courage isn't about fearlessness – it's about moving forward despite fear.

When Tiana uncovered the little-known story of Ida B. Wells' refusal to give up her seat on a train – and her subsequent legal victory – seventy years before Rosa Parks' famous stand, she transformed this buried history into "The Lady's Car," a play that educates, entertains, and empowers. Even a 90-year-old resident of Ida's hometown confessed she'd never known this story, validating Tiana's mission to make history accessible through artistic expression.

As someone born with symbrachydactyly (a limb difference affecting her left hand), Tiana also discusses becoming the representation she never saw growing up. Her disability advocacy extends from personal interactions in grocery stores to creating films featuring characters with limb differences, always seeking to normalize and educate with authenticity and compassion.

Throughout our conversation, Tiana emphasizes that meaningful social change requires "the courage to be disliked." Drawing from her family's legacy of speaking truth to power, she reminds us that "we're not put on this earth to be liked – we all have an assignment," and fulfilling that assignment often means proceeding through discomfort toward greatness.

Whether you're an educator, artist, activist, or someone seeking to make an impact, Tiana's approach to blending creativity with social consciousness offers a powerful template for creating work that resonates across generations.

Learn More about Tiana Ferrell here: www.tianaferrell.com

Tiana's MLK Keynote address: https://youtu.be/xWenHkK3cFA?si=EO2e7H4zh9WZGRNz

COME SAY Hey!!

Instagram: @cultrallyjebeh_

Facebook: @JebehCulturalConsulting

Pinterest: @Jebeh Cultural Consulting

LinkedIn: @Jebeh Cultural Consulting

Leave a Review on our Podcast! We value your feedback!

Buy My eBook: Empowering Your BIPOC Students

Enroll In My Digital Course: How To Be A Culturally Competent Leader

Buy My K-12 Lesson Plans

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

Enjoy the Cultural Curriculum Chat podcast? Share the love! Refer a friend to Buzzsprout and both you and your friend will enjoy exclusive benefits. Click the link to get started and support our mission of promoting inclusivity! #SpreadTheWord #CulturalCurriculumChat