SpeakEZ: Black Renaissance Podcast

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A Podcast exploring race, religion, & politics through classic jazz and vintage hip hop. A celebration of Black flourishing. The Renaissance lives...

Qadry Harris, M. Div.


    • Apr 18, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 43m AVG DURATION
    • 48 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The SpeakEZ: Black Renaissance Podcast is a powerful and thought-provoking show that delves into important topics often ignored in black and brown communities, such as mental health and overall physical and spiritual care. The host, Qadry, and his guests share personal stories that resonate deeply with listeners, creating a sense of relatability and understanding. This podcast opens up conversations about insecurities, body image issues, and the negative perceptions experienced both within and outside the home. Salma's journey is particularly heartbreaking yet uplifting, shedding light on the different ways our insecurities manifest themselves. The episode also tackles the unfair treatment of prominent black individuals like Kanye West by the media, emphasizing the importance of support for mental health.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is how it combines music, culture, politics, and personal experiences to provide a unique blend of content that listeners may not have realized they needed. The conversations feel like discussions with close family members or cousins, making you feel at home while exploring what is happening in the world. Qadry has a talent for unpacking complex ideas in an accessible way that encourages critical thinking and deeper examination of our surroundings. The use of MCs and rappers as part of the backdrop for each topic adds an extra layer of artistry to the show.

    Although there isn't much to criticize about this podcast, one possible improvement could be providing more concrete solutions or suggestions for change when discussing challenging topics like prison reform or systemic issues affecting black communities. While it's valuable to raise awareness about these issues, offering potential solutions can help inspire action and create tangible progress.

    In conclusion, The SpeakEZ: Black Renaissance Podcast is an essential listen for anyone seeking thought-provoking content that explores important topics often overlooked in black communities. Qadry brings together music, culture, politics, and personal stories to create a podcast that feels like meaningful conversations with family members. It encourages critical thinking, raises awareness about mental health, and sheds light on societal issues affecting black communities. This podcast is a powerful platform for dialogue and understanding, and it has the potential to inspire positive change.



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    Latest episodes from SpeakEZ: Black Renaissance Podcast

    Christ, Kemet, and the Final Word from the Cross

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 7:15


    In this Good Friday sermon, Pastor Qadry delivers a soul-stirring message rooted in Afrocentric theology, drawing sacred parallels between the ancient burial of Pharaoh Pepi I of Kemet and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Framed by Luke 23:46, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit,” this 8-minute reflection invokes African spiritual traditions, the 42 Principles of Ma'at, and the redemptive power of sacrifice. What does it mean to live and die in holy alignment? What can we learn from a poor Palestinian refugee who dared to fulfill a divine ritual abandoned by the empire? This is more than a sermon—it is a remembrance, resistance, and return ritual.

    Sermon: Christ & a Culture of Reconciliation

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 15:37


    St. Luke United Methodist Church—Bryn Mawr, PA. Centering on the life and legacy of Sojourner Truth, this message challenges traditional interpretations of 2 Corinthians 5:16–21 that promote cultural conformity in the name of Christian unity. Min. Harris reclaims reconciliation as sacred coexistence, not submission, through Africological theology, womanist spirituality, and bold biblical exegesis. From the African origins of humanity to the silenced wisdom of the poor and prophetic voices of Black women, this sermon invites listeners to reimagine what it truly means to be “new creations” in Christ. Tune in and discover how genuine reconciliation allows every culture to worship God without erasure or apology.

    Sermon: Bread of Life that Breaks Chains

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 22:06


    Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church—New Haven, CT. This (22 min) sermon honors the legacy of Queen Mother Harriet Tubman and her embodiment of divine sacrifice. It is rooted in John 6:47-53 and explores the profound connections between Jesus' time in Egypt, ancient African spirituality, and the liberating principles of justice and love. We are called to fight mental slavery, reclaim our history, and honor Christ and our ancestors as we partake in communion today.

    Sermon: Created in Praise—Reclaiming Thanksgiving

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2024 14:52


    Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church —New Haven, CT. This (13 min) sermon reclaims Thanksgiving as a celebration of unity and faith, rooted in the joyful encounter between Native Americans and Africans, as evidenced by shared cultural and spiritual practices. Psalm 100 emphasizes worship, identity, and God's steadfast love, urging us to honor our ancestors and the Creator through enduring gratitude and praise.

    Kemet to Black Liberation

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2024 11:59


    This short lecture explores key insights from the presentation "Theological Anthropologies: From Kemet to Black Liberation," given at the 36th Annual Cheikh Anta Diop International Conference. In just 12 minutes, we break down how James Cone's Black Liberation Theology compares to African spiritual traditions rooted in Ancient Egypt. We'll also look at critiques of Cone's work, especially around its reliance on Western ideas, and discuss how scholars like Diop and Theophile Obenga offer a more Afrocentric perspective. Finally, we'll discuss how these ideas can help reshape the Black Church today. Listen in for a fresh look at Black theology and African spirituality!

    Sermon–Wisdom, Resistance, & Love.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2024 31:29


    Part 4 of the Sermon Series Christ and the ISIS Cult, "Wisdom, Resistance, and Love” is a transformative sermon. We'll explore how the Holy Trinity guides us in reclaiming our African spiritual roots, honoring the legacy of Queen Candace of Ethiopia, and learning from the Ethiopian Eunuch's story in Acts 8. Discover how these ancient lessons challenge cultural assumptions, strengthen the Black church's resilience, and call us to live in divine love and justice.

    Sermon–Souls of BLK Folk

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 24:45


    Join us for a powerful sermon exploring the roots of Black spirituality, the resilience of the Black Church, and the timeless lessons from 'The Souls of Black Folk' and Matthew 15. Discover how our faith connects to African heritage and challenges Jewish cultural biases.

    Sermon–Shrine of BLK Madonna

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2024 22:00


    "The Shrine to the Black Madonna" | Matthew 5 | Exploring African Spirituality and the Black Woman's Divine Role ✨

    Sunday School Special – The Crucifixion of Jesus

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 50:37


    Join us for a powerful Sunday School lesson as we delve into Luke 23:33-46, drawing captivating parallels between the Crucifixion of Jesus and the ancient practice of Pharaoh mummification dating back over 2600 years. Discover the profound connections and deeper spiritual insights awaiting us as we explore this rich tapestry of history and faith. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/speakezblkpod/message

    Sermon–Divine Partnerships: Unveiling Harmony in Ausar, Auset, and Heru

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2023 41:57


    Isaiah 20. Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church - New Haven, CT. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/speakezblkpod/message

    Cornel West 4 President - A SpeakEZ Short

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2023 28:47


    Sermon–King's Disease

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 18:16


    2 Samuel 12:1-13. First Baptist Church of Stratford, CT. 4/30/23 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/speakezblkpod/message

    Sermon: Paradise.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2023 12:33


    Luke 23:38-43. 7 Last Words. Abyssinia Free Will Baptist Church (Mt. Vernon, NY) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/speakezblkpod/message

    Sermon: Back to Africa

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2022 32:58


    Sunday, November 13, 2022. Saints Memorial Baptist Church, Willingboro, NJ. Genesis 50:1-7;14. Acts 8:26-35. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    N.Y. State of Mind - A SpeakEZ Short

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2022 55:03


    Is Nas the most excellent lyrical emcee of all time? Qadry and Chris JB break down a classic hip-hop track as an example of high African American culture. The Renassaince Lives...

    The Slave Ship

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2022 50:48


    Exclusive Recording: A New Haven Charter School principal attempts to fire a teacher for lack of professionalism. It didn't work. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Lecture - African American Theology + Violence

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2022 39:07


    St. George's Episcopal Church - Brooklyn, NY. 07/24/2022 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Body and Soul Pt. 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2022 45:26


    Salma is back!!! This time to discuss how her upbringing with Muslim and Christian parents shapes her spiritual journey today. The Renaissance Lives...

    Episode 18: Body and Soul

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2022 66:21


    SpeakEZ welcomes Ms. Salma Dulo (a.k.a. MindBodySalma)—a fitness expert and social media “influencer.” Qadry and Chris JB address the complexities of Kanye West, Salma's incredible fitness journey, and how we can redefine Spirituality. The Renaissance Lives…

    Sermon: A Reason to Riot

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2022 26:21


    John 2:13-21. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Dreams - A SpeakEZ Short

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2022 45:05


    Celebrating the Game as a renaissance artist and hip hop historian, Qadry and Chris JB break down the record "Dreams" lyric by lyric. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Sermon: Death Certificate

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2022 11:47


    Mark 15:33-39. Senior Sermon at Yale Divinity School. November 14, 2017. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Part 2 of Episode 17

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2022 77:37


    "Jim Streets" is Back. If You are trying to get us canceled this is the one. The Renaissance Lives... ♬ "Fables of Faubus" ~ Mingus Big Band, from Gunslinging Birds. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Episode 17: Sound of da Police (Pt. 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2022 65:01


    SpeakEZ dives into the complex realities of Blk law enforcement with "Jim Streets." The First installment of this 2 Part Episode focuses on professional challenges faced by Blk officers, disconnects with our communities, and how we all might thrive together. The Renaissance Lives... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Sermon: Mary Did You Know?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2022 11:34


    Abyssinia Free Will Baptist, Mt. Vernon, NY. April 15th, 2022 —Good Friday. 3rd Word. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Episode 16: Ujamaa

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2022 67:20


    It's ALL about the Benjamin's, baby! In the final days of Black History Month, SpeakEZ welcomes Rev. Andrew Wilkes - pastor, scholar, and public policy expert. After a conversation on great hip hop collaborations, Rev. Wilkes helps us understand Democratic Socialism as it relates to freedom. Join us for an informative dialogue on money and Black politics. The Renaissance Lives...  https://checkout.square.site/buy/5XZ6O2UXQUMSJISP2KPKEKC4 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Social Media Plug

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2021 0:24


    PLEASE Follow us on Instagram @SpeakEZblkpod and leave us a 5 Star Rating + Review on Apple Podcasts App! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Reflecting as High School Educators - A SpeakEZ Short

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2021 7:36


    Qadry reflects on the challenges of Latin American History lesson planning and decolonization in Charter School systems. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Episode 15: Crossing the Line

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2021 65:45


    In the aftermath of Dave Chappelle's special, The Closer, Qadry and Chris JB discuss some of Eminem's canceled lyrics and why the rapper is NOT in Qadry's Top 10. Additionally, the duo addresses if Chappelle's jokes went too far. Join us for a difficult conversation about underlying tensions between Black communities and LGBTQ+ people. The Renaissance Lives... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Sermon: Living in the Flesh...Faithfully.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2021 30:14


    John 6:56-69. Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church - New Haven, CT.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Sermon: Prophetic Justice

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2021 31:39


    Amos 5. Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church - New Haven, CT. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Episode 14: The Lock Up

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2021 80:04


    Taking a trip down memory lane, Qadry and Chris JB welcome Sungi Clark and Devante James, Qadry's line brothers. After recalling the epic performance by the Lox, four brothers reflect on their introduction to Alpha Phi Alpha 10 years later and challenges in identity formation for young men in Black Fraternity culture. Join us for a discussion covering why every member of the fraternity is not a brother and so much more! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Sermon: A Prophet Praying for Peace

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2021 26:46


    1 Kings 19:4-8. Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church - New Haven, CT --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Episode 13: Spiritual Vibes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2021 58:32


    Luke 3:21-22. As we continue to celebrate Black fatherhood, Qadry and Chris JB acknowledge Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor as spiritual hip hop. Qadry also reflects on the Holy Spirit and how spiritual differences led to a rift in his family. What is "spirituality"? What is it not? And can spiritual living lead Black people beyond double consciousness? You don't want to miss this one! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Episode 12: Going Way Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2021 79:00


    RIP Earl (DMX) Simmons! Chris JB and Qadry are Going Way Back with Donavan Tracey and Myles Mabry - professional educators and members of Alpha Phi Alpha. After praising the lyrical ability of Rakim and Kool G Rap, these Ice Cold Brothers imagine what it would look like to educate our kids as if we are on the Underground Railroad. Join us for an honest discussion on the Mis-Education of the Negro, the role of the Talented Tenth, and so much more. The Renaissance Lives...   --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Episode 11: The Black Messiah (Harlem Edition)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2021 58:59


    John 1:46. While honoring the legendary Harlem emcee Big L, Qadry And Chris JB discuss what L has in common with Fred Hampton and Jesus. The two also interrogate how one can be a Christian and not believe what the Bible says about Christ. (***Mild Spoiler ALERT for Judas and the Black Messiah***). The Renaissance Lives... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    On the Mic with Mike - A SpeakEZ Short

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2021 39:36


    Following another white terrorist attack, a survivor of American Slavery and a survivor of American Colonialism (in the Philippines) come together for a candid conversation about solidarity amongst Black and Asian/Pacific Islander communities. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Episode 10: Content Queens

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2021 72:33


    10 out of 10! In celebration of BLACK Woman's History Month, SpeakEZ welcomes Ugo, Carlee, and Kris—the hosts of We Are That Podcast. In ways only Black women can, this dynamic trio gives Qadry and Chris JB a Master's Class in podcasting while emphasizing the importance of Black men shutting the f**k up! Join us for discussions on WAP, Racism vs. Sexism, and John Coltrane being the sexiest jazz musician of ALL TIME. The Renaissance Lives... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Episode 9: The White Devil

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2021 54:22


    “Lekòl, Legliz, La kay!” While exploring the theme of “the Devil” in Jay-Z's music, Qadry and Chris JB get caught up debating Jay vs Nas as lyricist and rapper. Additionally, the duo discusses in detail the question if white people are devils and how this relates to Trump's Acquittal. The Renaissance Lives... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Conversation with Meg Adler - A SpeakEZ Short

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2021 30:49


    In our first SpeakEZ Short, Meg Adler, a Jewish artist, poet, and educator has a question for Qadry: What should white people be doing during Black History Month? Tune in to find out. The Renaissance Lives... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Episode 8: Liberated.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2021 51:48


    “WHAT TIME BIDEN CROSS TOMORROW?!” Qadry and Chris JB are joined by friend of the show, Ms. Ashanté Josey – Visual Artist and Entrepreneur. Following a tribute to the genius of Pharrell Williams, the trio discusses the nature of true artistry vs. entertainment, spirituality vs. conditioning, and the role of the artist in the revolution. The Renaissance Lives... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Episode 7: (DIS)Respectfully... N*gga!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2021 50:19


    The FORCE Awakens! Ms. Dijonée Talley (Criminology Ph.D. Candidate, Temple), joins the SpeakEZ Cast again, to discuss being DISRESPECTFUL in Black Greek Life, Black Religion, and Black Politics. The Cast also responds to the terrorist attack at the Capitol and Qadry's beef with Facebook. The Renaissance Lives... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Episode 6: Faith in the Darkness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2021 56:04


    Job 38:17. As WE anticipate the end of 2020, the Original SpeakEZ team comes together for a discussion on philosophy in Hip Hop, church hurt in secular culture, and how a Christian minister can be an Atheist. Happy New Year ALL!! The Renaissance Lives... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    darkness hip hop atheists happy new year all
    Episode 5: Black Consciousness is Our Super Power!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2020 79:33


    As Black people all over the world eagerly await the arrival of our Super Powers... Qadry and Chris JB are joined by friend of the show, Ms. Imani Lawrence (a.k.a. The Hotep Slayer) to discuss Black Consciousness in Hip Hop, Religion, and Politics. The Renaissance Lives... --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Episode 4: A New Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2020 75:41


    The REBELLION! On this Episode, Ms. Dijonée Talley, friend of the show and soon to be Ph.D., joins the FULL SpeakEZ cast for a RAW discussion on our HOPE for a Dipset V G-Unit Verzuz, gentrification of Chicken spots in Harlem, decriminalization of Marijuana, and so much more. The Renaissance Lives… --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Episode 3: "N*gga Please..."

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2020 65:48


    "3rd time's a charm." In this episode of SpeakEZ: Black Renaissance Podcast, Qadry and Chris JB are joined by friend of the show, the Rev. Landon Moore. These 3 distinguished Black men chop up who's the real hip hop "King of New York" and our long anticipated conversation on the 'N' Word. Who gets to use it? And when is it appropriate? --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Episode 2: U.N.I.T.Y.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2020 56:43


    Another one! In this episode of #SpeakEZblkpod, Q. Harris is again joined by Sharnae and Chris JB to discuss Black UNITY in the year 2020 and beyond. Is Lauryn Hill a Top 10 lyricist of all time? And can Black people unify around VP Elect - Kamala Harris. This Episode is Dedicated to All the Black women of the Divine 9. Special Shout out to the Women of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. - celebrated their 98th Founders Day before we recorded this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

    Episode 1: For the Philly Jawns!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2020 104:35


    On our pilot Episode of SpeakEZ: Black Renaissance Podcast, Qadry,  Sharnae, and Chris JB give Philly their Flowers for saving whatever is  left of Democracy. Also, what the HELL does Star Wars have to do with  American Politics? Where do we go from here now that Biden will win? And  so much more. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/speakezblkpod/message

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