Broke-ish

On this payday, Amber and Erika are joined by Broke-ish all-star, Dr. Kehinde Andrews, to discuss his latest book, “Nobody Can Give You Freedom: The Real Mission of Malcolm X”. Malcolm X, the foundational inspiration of Season 11, articulated a vision of Black radicalism and liberation that informs how we engage the global fight against anti-Blackness and systemic oppression. Dr. Andrews helps us clarify Malcolm's liberatory strategies and political ethos—compellingly outlining America's injustice to the broader quest for freedom for all people of African descent. This season's episodes will not just focus on the broken “ish”, but each payday we will highlight what viable solutions we can glean from Minister Malcolm's work. Press play to get the scoop!

Season 11 of Broke-ish is here! Amber and Erika are back for a new season, and they're kicking things off by bringing the Brokers up to speed about what went down during the break. After the shenanigans, the duo laid out their vision for Season 11 and how Season 10 inspired its format. Season 10's episodes were based upon debunking the ever plentiful myths and misstatements of our most infamous guest: John Hope Bryant. Like Season 10, this new season will be centered around a central figure, but it will be in celebration and pursuit of his ideals instead of debunking them. Malcolm X spent his life opposing White Supremacy and capitalism and left a Black Radical framework for the pursuit of liberation. We'll explore how Minister Malcolm's work informs our current pursuit for Black unity and the fight against systemic anti-Blackness. Tune in to get the blueprint!

Well, it's over now! Amber and Erika have officially said, “Farewell” to Season 10. What was supposed to be a single episode featuring John Hope Bryant turned into a rundown of financial literacy's “greatest hits”, which we spent the season debunking one at a time. In this final episode, we recap the season and highlight our motivation behind this strategy and what we hope you learned. As always, we can't wait to come back and talk about all the “ish”! It's over now, but we'll be back soon!

On this payday, Amber and Erika explore the impact of generational poverty on Black communities and the systemic barriers to wealth accumulation. Joined by Taylor Darks, a PhD candidate at Florida State University, who studies reparations policies, we lay out the evidence that poverty is more than a mindset. Dr. Darks highlights the Evanston, Illinois reparations program, which provides $25,000 for homeownership or repairs, and the controversy surrounding cash payments. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of reparations, the role of black women in the movement, and the challenges posed by the current political climate. The hosts acknowledge the benefits of financial literacy while demonstrating that it is not enough to overcome the hurdles of generations of systemic racism. Tune in to get the scoop! Receipts/Homework: HR 40 Information: What is HR 40?

On the first payday of Black History Month 2025, Amber and Erika find themselves yet again debunking John Hope Bryant's foolish, false assertion that “racism is a barrier that Black people can get over.” The second Trump presidency has people questioning that contention, but this episode demonstrates that racism has been entrenched in every aspect of American life - politically, economically, socially, and culturally - since its inception. Through discussion of three key eras in history, we demonstrate that racism was literally designed to be insurmountably imbued into every system and institution such that it would restrain Black people in every way. We first discuss Reconstruction, and this country's deliberate abandonment of efforts to create racial equity. Next, we look at Woodrow Wilson and the racial regress back to de jure segregation in the Progressive era as racism cemented itself as a core tenant of mainstream southern, Democratic politics. And finally, the Reagan era reveals racism's insidious makeover to become palatable to White evangelical Christians. Resentment over desegregation was tucked into pro-life politics and repackaged as family values and concern for the unborn. This historical conversation proves that racism is present at every turn and nothing - not even financial literacy - can save Black people from its impact. Tune in to get the lesson!

On this payday, Amber and Erika discuss the concept of "model minorities" and how it relates to the expectations placed upon Black descendants of enslaved people to use tools like financial literacy to “pull themselves up by the bootstraps”. They highlight the challenges faced by Black Americans compared to other ethnic minorities and immigrants. Dr. Patrice Sims, a sociologist, joins the discussion to explain her book "The Fallacies of Racism," which addresses the fallacies that perpetuate racial inequality. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the epistemology of ignorance and the need for addressing racism at individual, institutional, and societal levels. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media algorithms and the importance of education and community support. Tune in to join the conversation!

On this New Year's Payday, Amber and Erika are busting another myth from our interview with John Hope Bryant. Bryant casually remarked, “If you go to the computer at midnight, the computer doesn't know what race you are.” The evidence, however, suggests that that is false, and technology and AI is laden with the same biases and racism present within our society. Our guest, Memme Onwudiwe, a Harvard trained space lawyer and EVP of AI company Evisort, breaks down the basics of emerging AI and explains how bias can creep into seemingly neutral technology. We also discuss real examples of how technology bias has caused harm to people and the resistance of some developers to acknowledge the problems. Finally, we discuss whether AI can be used as a tool of resistance to remediate racism and human bias. Press play and join the conversation!

On this payday, Amber and Erika are continuing the “Myth Busters” series, debunking the erroneous statement that banks are race neutral and “don't care about color”. Dr. Justene Hill-Edwards, University of Virginia professor and author of “Savings and Trust: The Rise and Betrayal of the Freedman's Bank”, joins us to discuss the first bank in American history created for Black Americans. Not only does Dr. Hill-Edwards' book offer insight into the challenges faced by the formerly enslaved during Reconstruction and the Gilded Age, but it also illuminates the racism and inequity that is foundational to the American banking system. Furthermore, her work demonstrates that financial literacy has been used as a tactic to shift blame to Black people for financial issues that we did not create and cannot fix. Listen in to “take a look, because it's in a book” that banks do actually care about color!

Amber and Erika are back on this payday debunking another one of John Hope Bryant's false statements. During his interview, Bryant contended that slavery as an institution was race neutral and existed long before the colonized iteration primarily rooted in anti-Blackness. Dr. Kehinde Andrews, renowned author, scholar, and historian joins us to unpack why this statement is misleading and erroneously dismissive of the residual impacts of anti-Black colonization and enslavement. Starting with the Arab slave trade and feudalism, we trace the defining markers of anti-Black enslavement and its intentional enduring effects. Press play to listen!

Amber and Erika promised to spend the remainder of Season 10 debunking the financial literacy myths you heard in Episode 1. Well, we're making good on that promise by interrogating John Hope Bryant's claim that “financial literacy is the civil rights issue of this generation”…whatever that means. Broke-ish All-Star and our Black Liberation Media comrade, Dr. Jared Ball, joins us to unpack the fallacies and insidious white supremacy underlying the statement. Join us to learn why capitalism and a good budget won't save us from this broken “ish”!

Whew, chile! Broke-ish is starting Season 10 with a bang - literally and figuratively. John Hope Bryant, chairman and CEO of Operation Hope, the nation's largest nonprofit provider of financial literacy resources, joins us to discuss the ins and outs of financial literacy. But the conversation gets interesting when Amber and Erika push back on Bryant's belief in a colorblind and race neutral economic system in which anyone can succeed if they are financially literate. Throughout this interview, you'll hear some of the most common myths on the virtues of financial literacy as a tool to achieve equity. But in this episode and for the remainder of the season, we'll roll out the receipts to show that Black people's broken “ish” is a feature and not a bug of this racist, capitalistic system. Lace up your boxing gloves and press play!

Broke-ish is ten and officially a preteen! And like most prepubescent knuckleheads, we're still a (mostly) delightful mix of unserious, curious, determined, and ever-evolving. We open Season 10 by recapping some of the notable shenanigans that occurred during our break, including Diddy being remanded without bail, Eric Adams's indictment, and CBS Morning's interview of Ta-Nehisi Coates. Then we discuss what the Brokers can expect this season and how you can be apart of what we explore in Season 10z Press play to get the scoop!

And just like that, it's a wrap on Season 9! Amber and Erika pause to look back on the highs, lows, and in-betweens of Season 9 and muse about what we've learned, our hopes for the future, and what you can expect in Season 10! America is still Broke-ish, but we are we resolved, determined, and excited about creating a better future for us and by us. Tune in to hear our reflections on this season!

In this episode, Amber and Erika pause to reflect on the horrific murder of Sonya Massey and the ascendance of Kamala Harris to the Democratic presidential nominee - all in the same week. We discuss how both women reflect different, yet ugly truths, about the unjust American police state. And we also reflect on the unique emotional impact of both events on Black women. Can we truly mourn Sonya Massey and simultaneously celebrate Kamala Harris? Is representation still a valuable indicator of progress? Can we hold the tension of Kamala's identity as a law enforcement agent while still celebrating the historic significance of this moment? Tune in to hear what we have to say!          

On this payday, Amber and Erika are examining America's third branch of government, the judiciary, and its often overlooked role in upholding the unjust systems at the base of this country. We examine three recent rulings - the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Chevron Doctrine and expand presidential immunity and the Eleventh Circuit's ruling dismantling the Fearless Fund - that reveal how judges can wield their power to promote inequitable political agendas. Next, we discuss how nefarious politicians co-opted the playbook of the Civil Rights Movement to dismantle judicial equal protection and racial remediation. Tune in to learn why we all need to pay more attention to the judicial branch!

We are revisiting one of the Broker's favorite episodes this week. Welcome to Civics 101! Amber and Erika are taking the Brokers back to school with this episode. So many of us have been propagandized in school and through media to believe that our nation is a democracy founded by the people for the people, and that voting and political participation were intended to keep government directly accountable to the people. However, through detailing the circumstances under which our nation was founded and the great distrust that many Founders harbored towards common people, it is clear that this nation never intended for everyday people to wield political power or exert significant influence. By debunking myths about the power of voting and highlighting the role that racism and slavery played in the formation of this country, we lay out why it is so important to understand how the American political system really works and who it was designed to benefit. Take a listen to get the scoop!

On this payday, Amber and Erika discuss America's hijacking of Jesus and the church's complicity with inequity, exploitative capitalism, and anti-blackness. We are joined by Stephanie M. House-Niamke, a sociologist whose work centers on power, access, and choice, across the areas of race, gender, and religion. Stephanie helps us see how problematic theological frameworks like the prosperity gospel and manifest destiny have resulted in the church being an extension of many of the same exclusionary, unjust practices propagated in our broader society. We also explore whether and under what conditions the Black church can return to itself, extricating the White Supremacy that has crept into its midst. Press play to hear what we have to say!

On this payday, Amber and Erika are talking about the unprecedented attack on America's public schools by conservative Republicans seeking to ban DEI efforts and replace fact-based curricula with ideological propaganda. Joined by Mike Hixenbaugh, investigative journalist behind the podcast series “Southlake” and author of the New York Times bestselling book “They Came for the Schools.” We look at how one suburban town's fight against diversity initiatives highlights the role racism plays in shaping public education. We also drill down to the dark money driving the efforts to defund public schools and promote vouchers in its stead. Unsurprisingly, these efforts are likely to have a disproportionately negative impact on Black families. Tune in to get the scoop on the fight brewing over America's public schools.

On this payday, Amber and Erika deep dive into anti-blackness propagated by other Black people. Although we usually focus on whiteness and white agents of anti-blackness, this episode looks at the unique harms to our community when Black leaders and influencers peddle in anti-blackness. From pathologizing Black people to blaming and shaming us for problems directly caused by white supremacist systems, we unpack how to identify anti-blackness and why white supremacy is invested in amplifying Black agents of it. Using examples like Emmanuel Acho, Al Sharpton, Candace Owens, Charlemagne the God, and Roland Martin, we show that anti-blackness is often insidious and packaged as informative and/or liberation. Tune in to get the scoop!

On this payday, Amber and Erika are debunking millionaire myths. Despite what we see on social media and television, most people will never ascend to the status of millionaire. But even for those who do, it doesn't always equate to a life flush with cash and no financial worries. And this is, of course, especially true for Black people. We get back to the basics by first explaining how to calculate net worth and then exploring the different asset classes that are included. Next, we discuss who is most likely to be a millionaire and how they got there. Be warned: it's probably not what you heard on IG! Tune in to get the scoop!

On this payday, Amber and Erika are “celebrating” Financial Literacy Awareness Month. We discuss what financial literacy looks like and how it is distinct from and related to financial education. Although, the Brokers know that financial literacy is not the antidote to the racism and inequitable capitalism that conspires against Black people, we look at the role of understanding money and economics as a means of survival. Walk with us as we navigate what it looks like to be financially savvy AND invested in dismantling this unjust capitalist system. Take a listen to get the steps!

On this payday, Amber and Erika discuss “Secure DC”, the new crime bill recently enacted in the nation's capital that harkens back to the “tough on crime” approach of the 80s and 90s. Despite history and data overwhelmingly demonstrating that increased policing and carcareal punishment do not reduce crime, we attempt to unpack the reasons why our policy makers constantly revert to this losing strategy. But most importantly, we highlight the anti-Blackness at the core of over-policing and criminal justice policies that ignore the poverty, inequity, and lack of resources that often fuel criminal activity. Press play to get the scoop!

On this payday, Amber and Erika are talking housing insecurity, poverty, and how a lack of access to affordable housing disproportionately impacts Black people. Joined by Bill Holston, the Chief Operations Officer of the Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center, we discuss the nationwide inconsistency in tenants' rights against landlords, the historical and legal events that created systemic inequity, and why poverty and insufficient resources impact people beyond just where they can afford to live. This episode was inspired by Matthew Desmond's ethnographic book, “Evicted”, and we share themes from the book which highlight America's long, dirty history of housing discrimination and resource deprivation towards its most vulnerable citizens. Take a listen and join in the conversation!

Broke-ish is back for Season 9!! Amber and Erika are so excited to kick off a new season. We start off by catching up and pouring the tea on what we've been up to during the break. Next, we recap the hottest current events, a sobering reminder that Earth is still really ghetto and there's so much broken “ish” that needs fixing. From Donald Trump's pending civil and criminal cases to morally bankrupt CEOs, we recap the current events that illuminate our need to continue to dismantle the brokenness that ensnares us. Most importantly, we offer a glimpse into what you can expect this season and invite you to take this journey with us. Tune in to get the scoop and join us for Season 9!       Attachments  

On the final episode of this season, Amber and Erika grapple with the quandary of Black billionaires. Can we root for those who have found success at the highest levels while still calling out their harm? Is it ever acceptable to publicly call out Black elites in front of the White gaze? Is it “hateration” to not support Black elites on the basis that their actions are harmful to our community by reinforcing inequity? We wrestle with these questions, acknowledging that there is no clear answer or easy solution. We end the season resolved to hold the tension and press on towards a world where all Black people are empowered, liberated, and connected.

On this Payday, Amber and Erika are discussing the explosive sexual misconduct lawsuits against some of today's most iconic celebrities, including Diddy, Jamie Foxx, Jimmy Iovine, Russell Simmons and Aaron Hall. Cassie, a singer and Diddy's former girlfriend, seemingly opened the floodgates with her lawsuit against Diddy and his related entities, alleging among other things, that she was repeatedly raped, drugged, beaten, and trafficked. We start by looking at the changes in the law that allowed these victims to come forward and pursue justice many years after the alleged offenses occurred. Next, we unpack the broken “ish” that enables systemic abuse to happen at such an egregious frequency. And finally, we discuss the importance of community accountability because abuse never happens without the assistance of enablers. Tune in to join the discussion!

On this episode, Amber and Erika are joined by platinum-selling R&B diva Nicci Gilbert of the iconic trio Brownstone. Nicci is a singer, songwriter, and film and stage producer who created the stage play “Soul Kittens Cabaret” in 2003. Nicci subsequently filed suit against the Starz network and others alleging that the hit show “P-Valley” uses the same plot line and wrongly infringes upon copyrighted elements of Soul Kittens Cabaret. Through her own experience, Nicci explains what intellectual property is and how difficult it can be for Black creatives in particular to protect their work. She candidly discusses the entertainment industry normalizing the theft of intellectual property through bad contracts, promises of exposure, and enforcing the notion that it's part of “paying one's dues” on the road to success. Nicci uses her and other Black artist's experiences to explain what's at stake when creatives lose ownership of their work. But most importantly, we learn what's being done to close the gap. Tune in to learn more!       Activity

On this episode, Amber and Erika are joined by Maggie Parker, the founder and CEO of Innovan Neighborhoods to discuss a new, more equitable way of creating affordable housing: through community development. Maggie walks us through the process, which includes putting the voices of community members at the forefront of the development conversation, empowering marginalized developers committed to equity, and using the right funding partner. We also discuss the historical and present systemic barriers that have made access to housing difficult of Black people. Maggie highlights how equitable development often takes much longer than the traditional process and introduces the importance of using “patient capital,” which are funding partners willing to allow more time before expecting a return on investment. Tune in to learn more!

On this episode, Amber and Erika discuss the current war between Israel and Palestine, diving into the complexities on both sides. We explore the creation of modern Israel against the backdrop of historical atrocities committed against the Jews and the Palestinian resistance to apartheid and for self-determination. Like most of the broken “ish” around us, this crisis has everything to do with propping up white supremacy, western influence, and settler colonialism in the Middle East. Looking at examples of American racism and other global resistance movements, we note that this is the same playbook used throughout the world to oppress marginalized people and hoard power. Listen in and get the scoop!

This week Amber and Erika have a personal and heartfelt conversation about how we as Black people have to navigate our relationships with each other against the backdrop of a system that actively conspires to break us down. While we are all in this struggle to varying degrees, some of us are more broken than others - by generational trauma, financial insecurity, mental illness, and all the ish that we confront. How do we do our own work while holding space for our siblings who are more broken? How do we offer support while acknowledging the role of choices and personal responsibility? In what ways can we show up for those who are resistant to help? Although we don't have all the answers, come have this discussion with us as we love and support each other in healing and liberation.

On this episode of Broke-ish, Erika talks with Dr. Andre Brock about Black people in digital spaces. Dr. Brock helps us to understand some of the history of the internet to help contextualize the current role it and technology play in helping Black people create and curate community in an online world. We talk about everything from ratchetness and respectability, and how Black people reclaim spaces even under the threat of dispossession. Despite all of the reasons to have for defeat, we choose optimism, and hope you will, too.

This payday, Amber and Erika are unpacking the Supreme Court's recent ruling on affirmative action in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College. We discuss the significance of the Court holding that race conscious admissions policies violate the 14th Amendment. But more importantly, we walk through how this ruling highlights America's historical dishonesty regarding the enduring impact and present perpetuation of systemic racism. Finally, by revealing who the people and institutions are behind this litigation, we drop the scoop on the far reaching implications of this case and what's coming next. Take a listen to see what we have to say!        

On this episode, Amber and Erika are unpacking the insidious ways that White Supremacy infiltrates the American adoption system. Lia, co-host of the podcast “Adoptees Crossing Lines” and an adoptee, walks us through the systemic inequities that often lead to adoption. Through both her personal experience and statistics and data, Lia describes how lack of assistance with job security, housing, and food often disproportionately results in Black and Brown children being removed from otherwise loving families and placed for adoption. Lia also discusses the lack of oversight and transparency in many adoptions, with children being put in families that have financial security but who are otherwise unloving or outright abusive. Lia then provides us with resources and recommendations on alternatives to adoption that help to protect vulnerable children and keep them connected to their families of origin when possible. Tune in to get the scoop!

Season 8 of Broke-ish is officially back! Amber and Erika couldn't wait another minute, so we cut our hiatus short to get back to work. Of course, we had to catch up with the Brokers and let y'all know what we've been up to and the changes life has brought about. We also know that the “broken ish” didn't take a break just because we did, so we recapped some of the notable current events that happened while we were on break. Most importantly, we offered a peak into what you can expect this season and how you can help us select topics and show subjects. It's so good to be back, and we can't wait for another exciting season to unfold!

On this week's episode, Amber and Erika are joined by Broke-ish all-star, Dr. Algernon Austin, the Director of Race and Economic Justice at the Center for Economic and Policy Research. We discuss Dr. Austin's latest article, “Black Women's Views on Black Men's High Rate of Joblessness.” Dr. Austin helps us unpack some of the systemic reasons why the Black population is the only demographic where there are fewer employed men than women. From both the relational perspective and the communal impacts, Dr. Austin's research clearly demonstrates that Black male employment is an issue that undeniably and deeply affects Black women, too. Finally, we look at potential policy solutions that may help to address this problem and create stronger job opportunities for Black men in the future. Tune in to get the scoop!

On this episode of Broke-ish, Amber, and Erika are joined by Tosca Davis and Dr. Cedrick Smith, the co-founders of To Be Us Productions, to discuss their groundbreaking film, “To Be Us: To Work.” The documentary film, which won “Best of Film” at the International Black Film Festival, chronicles a cross-section of working Black people sharing their experiences with racism, micro-aggressions, and the accompanying insidious hostility in their respective industries and workplaces. These heartfelt, painful stories are a sobering reminder of how inescapable racism is for all Black Americans and how we must endure it to survive in this world. But in reclaiming our power by sharing our stories and empowering each other, “To Be Us: To Work” is a beautiful reminder that Black people overcome by the words of our testimony. Tune in to listen and learn where you can watch the film!

On this episode, Erika is joined by Fernanda Meier to talk about the similarities between agents of white supremacy in corporations and within police forces. Are they two sides of the same, racist coin? We also discuss the global impacts of colonialism that have so many within our community in a chokehold. We ponder lots of questions in this show: is it possible to join the police force and change it from the inside, how do we hold those who harm us accountable for their misdeeds, are we going to have to leave some people behind? Join us and hear what we think!

This payday, Amber and Erika are joined by Adrienne Fikes, the Soul Power Coach and Founder of the Parent Leadership Training Institute of Alexandria, Virginia. Adrienne helps us unpack the often insidious ways that racism seeps into the pathology of Black people, impacting our family dynamics and parenting choices. It is undeniable that living in a society that denies our full humanity shapes our norms, values, and sense of self - all things that affect how we parent. We examine the increasingly popular trend of “gentle parenting”, reflecting on the ways that it fails to account for the realities of parenting amidst systemic injustice. Adrienne arms Black caretakers with practical tools and encouragement to reimagine how we can parent our Black babies and equip them to be whole, happy, and empowered. Press play to get the scoop!

On this week's episode, Amber and Erika are joined by Michael DeLong, Research and Advocacy Associate from the Consumer Research Federation of America, to discuss how racism insidiously and nefariously impacts the American insurance industry. Michael walks us through the factors that are used to calculate the cost of insurance for most people - credit, education, zip code, and job titles, just to name a few. As expected, the racial disparities inherent in those factors naturally spill out into the pricing of insurance and handling of insurance claims. We discuss some real-world examples of insurance discrimination and the impact it has on Black families trying to protect their most valuable assets. And then, we conclude with Michael providing the Brokers some practical tips on how to spot whether they're experiencing discrimination and what steps can be taken if that's true. Tune in and get the scoop!

On this week's episode, Amber and Erika are joined by Fernanda Meier, a photographer, educator, activist, and digital nomad to discuss the unique, subversive ways that Black people - particularly Black women and femmes - have utilized social media to build community and advocate for equity and justice. Fernanda walks us through the value of community in digital spaces and how social media has been a space of togetherness, sharing, and connection. But just like everything built against the backdrop of capitalist greed, Black social media is not immune to the anti-blackness, patriarchy, and phobias that pervade society at large. Through current events, Fernanda helps us identify what we can learn about the need for critical analysis, media literacy, and boundaries in curating thriving digital spaces created for us and by us. Press play to hear the scoop!

On this episode - the last of 2022 - Amber and Erika are looking back at one of the most eventful years in recent history. From Amir Locke's untimely death by police at the top of the year, to Brittney Griner's release near the end, we look back over the notable events of 2022. But most importantly, we're discussing lessons that we can all learn about the broken “ish” that forms the backdrop of our lives. Although there is much to despair, we've come too far to give up in our fight for liberation and justice. We're using the lessons from 2022 to make 2023 a better year for all of us. Take a listen and join us!

On this episode, Amber and Erika are joined by Broke-ish all-star, Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, to discuss the economic impact of the Great Migration on Black Americans. Post-Reconstruction and against the backdrop of Jim Crow, many Black people fled the South for the North and Midwest in hopes of less oppression and more economic opportunity. But new research on the long-term success of the Great Migration actually casts doubt on whether Black families proved to fare better as a result of the move. Dedrick walks us through both the history and the data to demonstrate how rising costs of living, inflation, and racist economic policies have made it difficult for Black Americans to thrive regardless of geographic location. He helps us gain insight on the influx of Blacks returning to the South and what really needs to happen for us to accumulate wealth and obtain financial liberation. Click the link to listen!        

This episode, Amber and Erika are joined by Michelle Williams of Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. Michelle, an activist, and abolitionist, shares with us the story of Kevin Johnson, a Black man sentenced to death for taking the life of a police officer at 19 years old after witnessing the sudden death of his younger brother. Michelle details the trauma, neglect, and abuse that filled Kevin's life prior to his conviction. Next, we discuss how the consistent disregard for Kevin's traumatic past highlights the inequities that necessitate a reimagined societal framework and criminal justice system. We walk through what it means to be an abolitionist and how liberated, safe, and justice-oriented communities can be created outside of the carceral context. Tune in to hear what we've got to say!        

On this episode of Broke-ish, Amber and Erika are jumping head first into current events by discussing Kanye West's disastrous interview on the Drink Champs Podcast. We start by breaking down the anti-semitism, misogyny/misogynoir, pro-capitalist delusions, and racist tropes that pervaded the interview. Next, we outline what Kanye's vapid comments teach us about the ways that Black people can be invested in upholding White Supremacy and oppressive capitalism. Kanye's statements about Jews and women also demonstrate how oppressive systems are thrive off of pitting marginalized people against each other. Capitalism won't save us and neither will proximity to power nor the pursuit of White affirmation. Tune in to listen to us unpack the madness! 

On this episode, Amber and Erika discuss Child Protective Services (CPS) and its often overlooked role as a powerful ally and agent of law enforcement. Along with our guest, Amanda Wallace of Stop CPS, a former CPS investigator in North Carolina with over a decade of experience, we are diving into how CPS is often biased against Black families and disproportionately exercises its power to the detriment of Black children. Amanda walks us through the history of CPS, revealing its racially discriminatory roots, and then shares with us first-hand accounts of how policies and procedures can mix with systemic racism to harm Black people. Amanda also offers practical tips that families can employ if they are ever under CPS investigation and alternatives to CPS that are more beneficial and responsive to vulnerable families. Take a listen to get the inside scoop!

On this week's episode, Amber and Erika are joined by activist and artist, Leroy Moore, to discuss the often ignored world of Black disabled people. Leroy is a Grammy award-winning poet, speaker, and the founder of Krip Hop Nation, a collective of disabled artists and musicians. Through his own personal experiences combined with his advocacy and activism, Leroy sheds light on how ableism joins with racism to especially impact disabled Black people. He also opens up about the sad reality that Black justice movements like Black Lives Matter and the NAACP often fail to be inclusive of and sensitive to the unique struggles of Black disabled people. Listen up to get Leroy's insight about how we can create more inclusive Black movements and advocate for an equitable society for all Black people.

Welcome to Civics 101! Amber and Erika are taking the Brokers back to school with this episode. So many of us have been propagandized in school and through media to believe that our nation is a democracy founded by the people for the people, and that voting and political participation were intended to keep government directly accountable to the people. However, through detailing the circumstances under which our nation was founded and the great distrust that many Founders harbored towards common people, it is clear that this nation never intended for everyday people to wield political power or exert significant influence. By debunking myths about the power of voting and highlighting the role that racism and slavery played in the formation of this country, we lay out why it is so important to understand how the American political system really works and who it was designed to benefit. Take a listen to get the scoop!

Here we go again, Brokers! Amber and Erika are back for the Season 6 opening episode. Not only do we catch up, but we discuss all the new things coming this season. From audio and visual episodes (we fancy now!) to our new membership in the Black Power Media Network and our expanded platform - we are giving you the scoop on everything you can expect in the upcoming episodes. We can't wait for y'all to join us in our new adventures as we try to expand our reach and dive deeper into the broken “ish” that's always trying to keep us down and out. Take a listen because we are back!!

Can you believe another season of Broke-ish has come to an end?! In this episode, Amber and Erika are running back all the season's episodes and guests, discussing the highlights of Season 6. Through recapping the takeaways from each episode, we remind the Brokers why we took a broadened approach to discussing the broken ish in America beyond finances and money. Racism is entrenched into every aspect of American life, corrupting all of its systems and institutions. Our goal this season was to use each episode to provide an expanded lens into more of the ways that racism conspires to break us and leave us broken. Tune in to see if we accomplished our mission!

This episode Amber and Erika are discussing the leak of Dobbs, et. al. v. Jackson, et. al., the Supreme Court case which allegedly overturns the landmark ruling in Roe v. Wade protecting the right to access abortion as healthcare. First, we outline the history of Roe and then discuss the potential significance of its holding in other areas of life, including marriage, sexual freedom, and access to contraceptives. Through an intersectional analysis, we also highlight why the debate over abortion is especially nuanced for Black birthing people. Carceral injustice, lack of access to care, skyrocketing costs, wage discrimination, and affordable housing are all part of the equation in family planning for many people. Because these societal ills disproportionately affect Black people, it highlights the necessity of abortion being part of comprehensive medical care. Take a listen to get the facts and our point of view!        

On this episode, Amber and Erika are joined by Lawrence Grandpre, co-author of “The Black Book” and Director of Research for Leaders of a Beautiful Struggle. Our fellow Black Power Media mate helps us to understand the basics, explaining the difference between hemp, CBD, THC, and marijuana. Next, we dive into this nation's historically racist and unjust drug laws, which coupled with terrorized policing, has resulted in generations of Black people being criminalized and now shut out of the increasingly lucrative legalized marijuana business. Lawrence helps us unpack what “street economies” can teach us about political and economic self-determination and why legalizing marijuana could potentially be a key component to reparations and Black political autonomy. Tune in to get the scoop!