39. Brave Like Bessie | Talking Courage, Creativity & Representation with Keetha B.
Thu Oct 30 2025
Stories have the power to help us see ourselves, find courage, and imagine new possibilities. In this episode, we’re talking about creativity and representation in the arts with Charlotte-based playwright, actor, and author Lakeetha Blakeney, known as “Keetha B.”, whose original play Bessie Coleman: Fearless and Free, celebrates the life of aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. We discuss how storytelling can empower young audiences, the importance of preserving community spaces like the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, and how bravery often begins with believing your voice matters.
Lakeetha Blakeney is a Charlotte-based author, director, playwright, public speaker, and theatre educator. Her newest work, “Bessie Coleman: Fearless and Free,” will be featured at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte.
Connect with Keetha B. here:
Website
LinkedIn
Audible
Resources mentioned:
ImaginOn
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation
Get tickets to Bessie Coleman: Fearless and Free at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte (show runs November 15-16, 2025)
Some key takeaways from this episode include:
Representation helps children build confidence and belonging when they see themselves in stories.
Bravery can be quiet persistence, faith, or creativity. It doesn’t always need to look big or bold.
Community spaces like libraries and local theatres nurture imagination and connection for all ages.
Bessie Coleman’s legacy reminds us that courage opens doors for those who come after us.
Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood!
Connect with Us!:
Podcast Instagram
YouTube
Charlitta’s Instagram
Helen’s Instagram
More
Stories have the power to help us see ourselves, find courage, and imagine new possibilities. In this episode, we’re talking about creativity and representation in the arts with Charlotte-based playwright, actor, and author Lakeetha Blakeney, known as “Keetha B.”, whose original play Bessie Coleman: Fearless and Free, celebrates the life of aviation pioneer Bessie Coleman at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. We discuss how storytelling can empower young audiences, the importance of preserving community spaces like the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, and how bravery often begins with believing your voice matters. Lakeetha Blakeney is a Charlotte-based author, director, playwright, public speaker, and theatre educator. Her newest work, “Bessie Coleman: Fearless and Free,” will be featured at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte. Connect with Keetha B. here: Website LinkedIn Audible Resources mentioned: ImaginOn Children’s Theatre of Charlotte Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation Get tickets to Bessie Coleman: Fearless and Free at the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte (show runs November 15-16, 2025) Some key takeaways from this episode include: Representation helps children build confidence and belonging when they see themselves in stories. Bravery can be quiet persistence, faith, or creativity. It doesn’t always need to look big or bold. Community spaces like libraries and local theatres nurture imagination and connection for all ages. Bessie Coleman’s legacy reminds us that courage opens doors for those who come after us. Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood! Connect with Us!: Podcast Instagram YouTube Charlitta’s Instagram Helen’s Instagram