Something magical happens when we listen to the voices of people who have stories to share – stories that are deeply personal and, therefore, not widely known.
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ruth Be Told, a podcast that shines a spotlight on historically Black neighborhoods, proves this. Through the podcast, listeners can experience the history of Newport News through the eyes of our residents. Each episode highlights places that are sometimes overlooked – and these stories are now connecting people across races and generations.
With nothing more than a microphone and a story to tell, six residents of Newport News have recorded personal narratives that explain how the past has shaped their present. Themes range from adversity, strength, and perseverance to hope, change, and pride. These voices don’t just “walk history forward,” as its creators like to say; they help us strengthen our understanding of the city and the neighborhoods that shaped it.
Produced by Jackie Glass and Hannah Sobol, Truth Be Told: Newport News is the grand finale in a four-city audio tour that included Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Portsmouth.
Each episode of the podcast offers a unique lens into life in our city. These are the stories that connect us to our past and to each other – and, hopefully, lead to a less divisive future:
Ivey Leagues in Christopher Shores – Joni Ivey reflects on her lifelong dedication to community engagement in Newport News. Known as a mentor and a leader, Joni returned to the Southeast Community, the historic “heart” of the city’s African American population, after living for years in Washington, D.C. She shares stories from her childhood, her deep love of the neighborhood, and her admiration for local heroes, such as Norvleate Downing-Gross – for whom Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center is named – and Flora Crittenden, a longtime educator, civic leader, and State Delegate in the Virginia General Assembly.
The Linebacker at CNU (Christopher Newport University) – In this episode, Markel “Kelo” Bonds, a college football player from a small town in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, shares his first impressions of Christopher Newport University, a predominantly White institution in a majority-Black urban city. After being sidelined due to an injury his senior year, Kelo swapped his football gear for activism in 2019, rallying CNU leadership to recognize MLK Day as a holiday for the student body.
Voice of Reason in the Court House – Angela Reason, the first Black female Clerk of Court in Newport News, reflects on her upbringing in Midtown Newport News, where a closeknit family and community ties shaped her early life. As a mother of three school-age children, Angela discusses the challenges in balancing family life with her career and how her work in the court system allows her to support her community.
The Frat House in Windsor Great Park – Tommy Reamon, Jr., grew up in a household where both family and football shaped his life. Now, as founder of City on My Chest, a retail clothing brand at Patrick Henry Mall, he’s using his platform to honor his hometown and its legacy of legends. Tommy’s episode is a celebration of pride in Newport News and the power of giving back.
The Yogis on Warwick – Sean and Rylan Harrison turned shared struggles and a love of fitness into a unique gym in Newport News. Sean overcame a difficult past and physical setbacks, while Rylan integrated yoga and mental health expertise. Together, they developed a holistic program blending athletic training and emotional healing. Their space fills a critical gap, offering high-level training in a safe, supportive environment. It’s become a sanctuary for rebuilding lives and community in Newport News.
(Take me to) The Bridge on 16th Street – Newport News dentist and former mayor, Dr. McKinley Price, along with a group of local business professionals, work together to get a bridge repaired that was scheduled for demolition – both literally and metaphorically. This story is a testament to what can happen when a community unites for change. His story highlights resilience, community engagement, and the importance of perceptions in decision-making.
You don’t have to live in Newport News to feel the power of these stories. Truth Be Told reminds us that while our experiences may differ, the emotions and lessons behind them are universal. Because these stories are a meaningful part of the city’s past, it’s important that they be heard. By listening, we honor these voices and the stories they share.
We invite you to visit Newport News through the eyes of its people by listening to Season 4, Episodes 1 through 6, of Truth Be Told: Newport News. Each story, only about 10 minutes long, will leave you with a deeper understanding of the city and its remarkable residents. Our hope is that you carry these stories with you long after the podcast ends!