No Tears For Black Girls

"In this episode of No Tears For Black Girls, host Samantha Paul confronts the stark reality of how missing Black women are often overlooked in America’s media and criminal justice systems. Marking the debut of the new song “Invisible Woman” from the upcoming novella The Price of Silence by J.C. Reedburg, we revisit the 2018 disappearance of 26-year-old postal worker Kierra Coles. Three months pregnant and last seen on surveillance tape leaving her Chicago apartment, Kierra vanished without a trace, her personal belongings left behind and her case languishing for years.

Through conversations with Kierra’s mother, Karen Phillips, and analysis of law enforcement practices, we explore the systemic failures that led the Chicago Police Department to classify her case as low-risk and suspend active investigation after only one year. We examine the phenomenon known as “missing white woman syndrome,” supported by studies showing far greater media attention for white victims, and discuss the impact of this bias on families and communities. In October 2022, the FBI finally announced a $45,000 reward following relentless advocacy, but the question remains: why did it take four years of public pressure for this milestone to occur?

“Invisible Woman” by The Crown & Soul Collective—and the companion novella releasing this Juneteenth—shines a light on those whose disappearances are met with indifference. We encourage listeners to keep Kierra’s story alive by sharing her likeness, following “Find Kierra Coles” on social media, and contacting Chicago officials for case updates. Join us as we refuse to let another Black woman slip into silence."

In this episode of “No Tears For Black Girls,” we take you to 553 Sheldon Avenue SE in Grand Rapids, Michigan—a mustard-yellow house built in 1903 whose creaking floors and weathered walls have borne witness to generations of family stories. Nestled in the city’s South East Community, an area marked by both steadfast home ownership and stubbornly high crime rates, the house seems to stand apart from the bustle of downtown life, its somber presence a silent sentinel on cloudy Michigan days.

On a cold Wednesday morning in March 2019, 25-year-old Keyona Griffin made a final, desperate call to 911 from inside that very home. “I need help,” she whispered, her voice trembling so faintly that the crucial words—“He already killed my auntie”—were never properly understood by the dispatcher. What followed was a tragic cascade of missed signals and lost opportunities, and a case that would come to define the Grand Rapids Police Department’s worst fears: a vibrant young woman and her beloved aunt murdered in their own home, and the alleged perpetrator slipping through every net, only to end up on the U.S. Marshals’ 15 Most Wanted list.

But this is more than a tale of procedural breakdowns and unanswered calls. It is the story of Keyona Griffin—a “bubbly and big-hearted” woman whose radiant optimism made her loss all the more heartrending—and Cherletta Baber-Bey, the gentle, nurturing aunt who saw only the best in the man she trusted. Through interviews with family members, law enforcement officials, and community advocates, we piece together the human lives behind the headlines and ask how a case so full of potential turning points could still remain unresolved.

Join us as we sift through the fragments of evidence, revisit heart-wrenching 911 recordings, and confront the lingering questions of accountability and justice. In “Shadows on Sheldon,” we don’t just recount a crime—we explore the people caught in its crossfire, the flaws in our emergency response systems, and the enduring hope that one day, those who love Keyona and Cherletta will finally find the answers they deserve. Tune in and walk the creaking floors with us—if you dare.

In this episode, we revisit the harrowing January 2025 disappearance of 29-year-old Alexis Schuler, a devoted mother of three whose life was cut tragically short. Known for her radiant smile and unwavering love for her children, Alexis vanished after getting into a truck with Devontae Gray, the father of one of her children. What began as a missing person case quickly escalated into one of the most chilling domestic violence tragedies the Capitol Heights community had ever seen. When officers finally executed a search warrant at Gray’s duplex, they uncovered Alexis’s body concealed behind a newly built wall—entombed in concrete, soil, and hay—a discovery that would shock investigators and expose glaring lapses in the system’s response to domestic abuse warnings.

In this compelling episode of No Tears For Black Girls, host Samantha Paul invites listeners to engage with the transformative journey of Ashley, a remarkable survivor whose experiences illustrate both the personal and systemic challenges faced by many in our society. From a profoundly unsettling childhood marked by betrayal and silence to a powerful emergence as an advocate for change, Ashley's story is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of justice.

At a tender age of six, Ashley's world was turned upside down when someone she trusted shattered her sense of safety. Instead of receiving the support she desperately needed, she encountered skepticism and dismissal from those around her. As she navigated the complexities of her youth, Ashley faced mounting obstacles that would haunt her for years. With the intervention of a compassionate teacher at age twelve, what seemed to be a pivotal moment turned into another instance of lost opportunity, underscoring the systemic failures that often go unnoticed in our communities.

Over the course of three decades, Ashley's journey was fraught with familial struggles, societal stigma, and the frustrating delays of institutional responses. However, her indomitable spirit never wavered. It was on her thirtieth birthday that Ashley found renewed purpose, as long-buried truths came to light, reshaping her understanding of justice and healing. Driven by a desire to protect her child and uplift others who have experienced similar trauma, Ashley's advocacy work became a beacon of hope and empowerment.

Join us in this enlightening episode as we unpack the complexities of Ashley's experiences, exploring the profound impact of systemic gaps on individual lives, the power of community support, and the journey of reclaiming one's voice. Her story serves not only as a source of inspiration but also as a call to action for those seeking to understand and dismantle the barriers that perpetuate suffering. Tune in to hear how Ashley's courage and determination can inspire systemic change and foster a culture of accountability and support.

Tiera Rivers, 26, was remembered by her family as a devoted sister. Her life was cut short when she intervened in a confrontation between her older sister Amber and Amber's ex-boyfriend at an apartment complex in Sacramento, California, around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

Tamilore Odunsi, a nursing student, was found deceased in her Houston apartment on April 26, just days prior to her graduation. She sustained multiple stab wounds, and law enforcement officials have accused her roommate, Chester Lamar Grant, of being responsible for her death. Reports suggest that he attempted to take his own life following the incident. Authorities have indicated that the two had engaged in disputes regarding their cats in the days leading up to the tragedy. Odunsi had moved from the United Kingdom to pursue her nursing degree and had been residing with Grant for approximately two months before her untimely death.

A Texas man murdered almost an entire family as a 10-year-old girl watched.

The United States faces a troubling issue with illegal body part trade. Is this linked to the organ harvesting of missing individuals?

In this deeply personal episode of No Tears For Black Girls, a woman known only as Aisha courageously shares her heart-wrenching story of surviving a 13-year marriage filled with unimaginable abuse. She recounts the physical beatings that left her battered and broken, the sexual coercion she faced, and her husband's shocking infidelity with men. Enduring unspeakable trauma at the hands of the man she once loved, Aisha felt trapped in a cycle of manipulation and fear. Yet, she ultimately found the strength to continue, even after a near-fatal attack that led to her abuser's imprisonment. Aisha's powerful narrative illuminates the complex realities of domestic violence, highlights the resilience of the human spirit, and underscores the ongoing struggles faced by countless women caught in toxic relationships.

Ta’za endured unimaginable abuse in a satanic sex cult from age 4, suffering at the hands of her mother and stepfather. After giving birth at 12, she seeks her 18-year-old daughter. Despite her family's dismissal as "crazy," evidence from lie detector tests and medical records supports her claims. Her story sheds light on the trauma faced by abused women and raises awareness about the horrific abuses suffered by vulnerable girls.

The investigation continues into the murder of 16-year-old Kaylah Love, who was stabbed and beaten to death in a park on Chicago's West Side. Her family has organized a gathering to encourage anyone with information to come forward.

Kaylah was last heard from on Sunday, March 16, 2025, as she went to pick up fast food in the Lawndale neighborhood.

In a shocking tale of love, betrayal, and murder, 62-year-old Stephanie "Stevi-D" Dowell fell prey to the charms of a convicted quadruple murderer, David Brinson, behind bars. Their whirlwind romance, fueled by Bible study and emotional connection, led to a marriage that would ultimately seal her fate. After a fateful conjugal visit at Mule Creek State Prison, Stevi's lifeless body was discovered, with a coroner later confirming she had been brutally strangled to death. Join us as we delve into the twisted world of a prison love story turned deadly, and explore the demands for justice from Stevi's grieving family as they seek to hold her killer accountable. A cautionary tale of the dangers of blind love and the devastating consequences of trusting a monster. May Stephanie "Stevi-D" Dowell rest in peace.

In this chilling true crime story, a newlywed husband stumbles upon a devastating secret about his wife, setting off a chain of events that culminate in a brutal murder. Deon Washington, a devoted husband, uncovered a shocking truth that led to a horrific crime, leaving detectives stunned. The revelation tore apart their once-perfect marriage, plunging them into a living nightmare. To the outside world, Deon and Marquetta seemed like the picture-perfect couple, envied by all who knew them.

Beloved R&B songstress Angie Stone, known for her soulful vocals as part of the groundbreaking hip-hop trio The Sequence and her solo hit "Wish I Didn't Miss You," tragically lost her life early Saturday morning in a devastating car accident. She was 63 years old. R.I.P to sista Angie.

LaTrecia Thomas, an adoptee who overcame significant challenges, was separated from her siblings and mistreated by her adoptive family. Despite these hardships, she demonstrated resilience in her journey toward healing and forgiveness. This is her story.

LaTrecia Thomas, an adoptee who overcame significant challenges, was separated from her siblings and mistreated by her adoptive family. Despite these hardships, she demonstrated resilience in her journey toward healing and forgiveness. This is her story.

In a housing complex in Dayton, Ohio, China Arnold lived with her children and boyfriend, Terrell Talley. On August 30, 2005, a dispute over the paternity of their child, Paris, turned physical. In response, China placed her infant daughter in a microwave for two minutes. The infant died almost instantly from the heat.

A forensic artist sculpted the face of a Jane Doe from a 1973 cold case to identify her. The victim was discovered murdered near Foundry Road and Taylor Road in Lincoln, Virginia. Despite years of investigation, the case remains unsolved with no suspects.

Tamara Greene, also known as "Strawberry" during her days as an exotic dancer, was fatally shot in 2003 - just months after she reportedly performed at a party held at the Manoogian Mansion in Detroit. While never officially confirmed, it was rumored that former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who had been elected the year prior, was in attendance.