The Institute of Black Imagination.

Episode Overview:In this milestone 100th episode of the Institute of Black Imagination podcast, we sit down with the incomparable Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson—marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and visionary climate futurist. Co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab, The All We Can Save Project, and co-creator of the podcast How to Save a Planet, Dr. Johnson is at the forefront of reimagining a climate future rooted in justice, imagination, and care.In this expansive conversation, we explore how the ocean is central to climate solutions, how storytelling intersects with science, and what's possible when we lead with joy. From co-authoring the Blue New Deal to her most recent book, What If We Get It Right?, Dr. Johnson invites us to reframe our climate fears into courageous vision.What We DiscussedImagination is a political tool for climate justiceHope is strategy in What If We Get It Right?Urban Ocean Lab is rethinking coastal citiesWomen's leadership drives climate solutionsBlack imagination reshapes the ocean's narrativeDispatches from the ArchiveE93. Imagining Diasporic Retrofutures with Olalekan Jeyifous Explore speculative architecture and Afro-futurism as artist Olalekan Jeyifous reimagines urban landscapes, challenging conventional notions of beauty and success in architecture.E38. Toni L. Griffin: The Just City Urban planner Toni L. Griffin discusses the concept of "The Just City," focusing on designing urban spaces that are equitable, inclusive, and reflective of diverse communities.E48. Sara Zewde: Parks and Liberation Landscape architect Sara Zewde delves into the intersection of public spaces and cultural narratives, emphasizing how parks and landscapes can serve as platforms for liberation and community identity.E55. Sekou Cooke: Creation of Hip-Hop Architecture Architect Sekou Cooke introduces the concept of Hip-Hop Architecture, exploring how the ethos of hip-hop culture can inform and transform architectural practices and urban design.E61. Justin Garrett Moore: Imagining Black Space Urban designer Justin Garrett Moore discusses the importance of imagining and creating Black spaces that honor cultural heritage, foster community, and challenge systemic inequalities.A Playlist Inspired by the ConversationOptimistic – Sounds of Blackness – Because joy and action can coexist.Everything Is Everything – Lauryn Hill – A nod to interconnectedness and time.

Episode Overview:In this episode of The Institute of Black Imagination, host Dario Calmese sits down with Gina Paige, the co-founder of African Ancestry, to explore the transformative power of knowing your roots. For over two decades, Gina has pioneered DNA ancestry tracing for people of African descent, helping countless individuals reclaim their lineage and reshape their identities.Gina shares her personal journey—what sparked her passion for genealogy, how her work is changing lives, and why ancestry is more than just science—it's a cultural and spiritual homecoming. If you've ever wondered where you come from or how your history shapes your future, this conversation is for you.What We DiscussedKnowing Your Roots Shapes Your Identity DNA Can Reconnect Us to Lost Histories Ancestry is More Than Just Genetics—It's Culture Representation in Genealogy Matters Knowing Your Past Helps Shape Your Future A Playlist Inspired by the Conversation1. “I Am Light” – India.Arie- A soulful meditation on self-worth and inner identity, this song beautifully echoes the idea that we are more than just our history—we are light, love, and legacy.2. “Black Man” – Stevie Wonder- A powerful anthem celebrating the global contributions of Black people throughout history, reinforcing the importance of knowing where we come from.3. “My People” – Angie Stone - This song is a love letter to the African diaspora, reminding us of our strength, resilience, and connection to one another.4. “Back to Africa” – Dennis Brown - A reggae classic that speaks directly to the desire to reconnect with one's ancestral homeland, much like what African Ancestry makes possible.5. “I'm Coming Home” – The Staple Singers - A gospel-infused track that captures the spiritual and emotional essence of returning to one's roots and embracing one's heritage.6. “I Gotta Find Peace of Mind - LIVE" – Ms. Lauryn Hill - A haunting echo of Gina Paige's journey—where reclaiming ancestry becomes a path to inner peace, and remembering becomes a form of healing.Books to Complement This Conversation1. The Healing Wisdom of Africa – Malidoma Patrice SoméThis book explores African spiritual traditions and the...

Episode Summary:In this deeply moving and insightful episode, we sit down with activist, organizer, and founder of the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, Elle Moxley. Elle takes us on a journey through the heart of activism, the lessons learned from movement-building, and the power of Black trans leadership. She shares her experiences with Black Lives Matter, the founding of her own organization, and her reflections on love, resilience, and desire. This conversation is one of power, truth, and transformation.What We DiscussedFinding Community in Black Love Navigating Activism and Identity The Birth of Black Lives Matter & Elle's Role Reflections on Organizing & Movement Building The Creation of the Marsha P. Johnson Institute Desire, Politics, and the Hidden Truths Lessons from Love & the Future We Imagine A Playlist Inspired by the Conversation"Brown Skin Girl" by Beyoncé, SAINt JHN, WizKid, and Blue Ivy Carter – An empowering anthem celebrating Black beauty and heritage."Peng Black Girls Remix" by ENNY featuring Jorja Smith – A vibrant track highlighting the diversity and strength of Black women. "Alright" – Kendrick Lamar - A revolutionary anthem of resilience and hope in the face of adversity."Stand Up" – Cynthia Erivo - A powerful ballad from Harriet that speaks to perseverance and justice."Golden" – Jill Scott - A song about embracing joy, self-love, and living life on your terms.Books to Complement This Conversation"Sister Outsider" by Audre Lorde – A powerful collection of essays and speeches exploring Black identity, feminism, and the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. "The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart" by Alicia Garza – A deeply insightful memoir and guide from one of the co-founders of the Black Lives Matter movement, examining the power of collective organizing. "The Transgender Issue: Trans Justice Is Justice for All" by Shon Faye – A bold and necessary examination of the systemic issues facing trans people and how true justice benefits all of society.

Episode Summary:In this monumental 98th episode—our first-ever live recording—we welcome legendary costume designer and visual storyteller Paul Tazewell, just one week after his historic win as the first Black man to receive the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for Wicked. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Space 001, the Institute's newly opened physical space, Paul and host Dario Calmese delve into a deeply moving, expansive conversation about storytelling through clothing, the power of design, Black imagination, and the long road to recognition.From his early days sewing dashikis and puppets in Akron, Ohio, to crafting iconic looks for Hamilton, The Wiz Live!, Harriet, West Side Story, and now Wicked, Paul shares the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual layers that shape his work. This episode is a masterclass in creative process, artistic evolution, and how style becomes a vessel for history, identity, and transformation.What We Explore:A Historic Win: Paul reflects on becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar for costume design.Roots & Influence: His upbringing in Akron and support from his two moms shaped his creative path.Finding His Lane: He learned to trust design as his true calling while navigating multiple talents.Design as Story: Paul reveals how costumes—like those in Wicked—carry emotion, science, and symbolism.Legacy & Access: He honors Black creative lineage and shares his vision for mentoring future storytellers.Quotables:“Clothing is never just about what you wear. It's about the story you tell.”— Paul Tazewell“Being visible, taking up space, allows you access to investigate what's next.— Paul Tazewell“Beauty is the antidote to the ugliness in the world.”— Paul TazewellAbout the Guest:Paul Tazewell is a Tony, Emmy, BAFTA, and now Academy Award-winning costume designer whose breathtaking work has helped shape the visual identity of contemporary theater and film. From Hamilton to Wicked, his designs transcend aesthetics—they are blueprints for character, history, and emotion.Follow Paul on Instagram: @paultazewellResources & Mentions:Space 001 – A concept store, research lab, and living archive in the Oculus, NYCGeoffrey Holder – Legendary Black artist and costume designer for The WizWicked (Film) – Now featuring Oscar-winning costume designNorth Carolina School of the Arts, NYU, and Pratt Institute – Key touchstones in Paul's trainingMellon Foundation – Supporting imagination and justice through the artsSoundtrack: Inspired by Paul Tazewell's Journey & Genius"Home" – Stephanie Mills (from The Wiz) - A soulful ode to identity, memory, and belonging—an emotional anchor for Paul's early influence and connection to The Wiz."Defying Gravity" – Cynthia...

Welcome to the Institute of Black Imagination podcast, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of Black genius. I'm your host, Dario. Today we're honored to introduce our guest, Professor Lesley Lokko. A distinguished Ghanaian-Scottish architect, educator, and bestselling novelist, Dr. Lokko most recently served as the Curator of the 18th Venice Biennale of Architecture, becoming the first Black-identified person to hold the position. She's also the founder and Director of the African Futures Institute (AFI) a pioneering postgraduate school of architecture in Accra, Ghana.Dr. Lokko is also a best-selling novelist with 12 titles under her belt. Her novels have been translated into sixteen languages dealing with themes of love, loyalty, class, race, and cultural identity, transforming the “beach-read” genre into an extension of her architectural, world-building practice. For her contributions to the fields of Architecture and education, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2023 and 2024 won the Gold Medal Award, by the Royal Institute of British Architects, one of the highest honors in the world of architecture. And in many ways, that's where today's conversation with Prof. Leslie Lokko begins. The reality of appearing to be at the top, juxtaposed against the sweat and elbow grease required in institution-building and well… being a human being. Prof. Lokko joyfully and deftly takes us on a journey of triumph, career pivots, culture shock, womanhood, and becoming. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. Now, And now, the indefatigable Professor Lesley Lokko. Key LinksDarren Walker - president of the Ford FoundationAfrican Futures Institute - a new model for architectural education centered on three areas: teaching, research and public events.La Biennale di Venezia - Venice Biennale - an international cultural exhibition hosted annually in Venice, Italy by the Biennale Foundation.Officer of the Order of the British Empire ( OBE )- This is awarded for having a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area.Mellon Foundation -Mellon makes grants to support communities through the power of the arts and humanities.What to ReadBiennale Architettura 2023: The Laboratory of the Future - Lesley LokkoSaffron Skies - Lesley Lokko

Welcome to the Institute of Black Imagination podcast, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of Black genius. I'm your host, Dario, and today, we have the pleasure of chatting with Nifemi Marcus-Bello, a visionary design director and founder of Nmbello Studio. Renowned for his community-centric and ethnographically-conscious design ethos, Nifemi's practice exemplifies how obstacles are merely opportunities in disguise.PIn this conversation, we explore the journey of a designer deeply rooted in his Nigerian upbringing. Nifemi shares how he overcame societal pressures that attempted to sway him from his creative path, how reimagining local materials and processes expanded his own design language, and we even get into blood memory and ancestral wisdom. Yeah, it's one of those episodes. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. Now, beaming in from across the Atlantic, design director and industrial designer, Nifemi Marcus-Bello.Key LinksEthnographic Museum of Trocadero - first anthropological museum in ParisThis conversation was recorded on April 30, 2024.Host Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. ThompsonLead Designer: Elliott McKnightDirector of Digital Content: Vicky GarciaProduction Asst: Noa LescheArchivist & Research: Cyle WarnerOriginal Music composed by Adam RadiceSound Engineer: Adam RadiceVisit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.

Welcome to the Institute of Black Imagination, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of black genius. Today, we're thrilled to present Shani Peters and Joseph Cuillier III, the co-founders of The Black School—an innovative art institution dedicated to teaching radical Black politics through experimental approaches to art and design education.Both artists and organizers in their own right, Founded by Joseph Cuillier and Shani Peters, they're mixing art with talks about Black politics and community projects. Inspired by past community-run schools, like those from the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, they're making a difference today.The Black School has three parts: the School itself, the Festival where students show off their work, and the Studio, where students learn about design and get job training. It's all about helping students understand their neighborhoods, make art that matters, and get ready for the future. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. Join us as we explore how organizations like The Black School are changing the game in education and beyond. Now, let's warmly welcome Shani Peters and Joseph Cuillier, the Co-Founders of The Black School, to our conversation.Key LinksJoseph A. Cuillier Career Center - We are a school dedicated to providing an education that empowers our students to succeed in the workforce and beyond.bell hooks - American authorAlma Thomas - American artist and teacherRosenwald/Booker T. Washington Schools- Booker T. Washington of the Tuskegee Institute and Julius Rosenwald, philanthropist and president of Sears Roebuck, built state-of-the art schools for African American children across the South.Augusta Savage -American sculptorHarlem Community Art School - The Center was a place for the Harlem community to receive education in the arts for free or little charge.Oakland Community School - was a Black Panther-run liberation school that operated in Oakland from 1973 to 1982.Emory Douglas - The former Minister of Culture and Revolutionary Artist for the Black Panther PartyBlack Love Festival- presented by The Black School, is an art and music festival promoting a cultural movement for Black love.

Welcome to the Institute of Black Imagination podcast, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of Black genius. I am your host, Dario. Today, we're excited to introduce Olalekan Jeyifous, an innovative artist and architect whose world-building practice reimaginations the relationship between community, urbanity, nature, and time; It's very much giving Main Character Energy, and citizens of the Black Atlantic take centerstage.In today's conversation, Olalekan and I discuss how architecture alone is rarely sufficient in solving problems in the urban landscape, we reimagine what the continent of Africa COULD have looked like if colonial powers were expelled post-independence, and Lek challenges conventional notions of beauty and success in architecture and why storefront churches and bodegas deserve a shoutout. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. And now, take a breath, as we take a ride with artist and architect Olalekan Jeyifous.Key LinksLebbeus Woods - American architect and artistSilver Lion - an annual award presented for best directing achievements in a feature film at official competition section of the Venice Film Festival since 1998.Saul Williams - American singer-songwriter and musicianThe Apocryphal Gospel of Oakland- A discussion between artist, Olalekan Jeyifous and UC Berkeley assistant professor of Geography, Dr. Brandi T. Summers on the generative power of collaboration and the potential for speculative architecture as a means to develop comprehensive constructions of urban Utopias/Dystopias that engage with a variety of social, political, and environmental realities.Black Reconstruction Collective -American architecture collectiveBlack Quantum Futurism - A literary and artistic collectiveAmanda Williams - Visual ArtistJustin Garrett Moore- a transdisciplinary designer and urbanist.Torkwase Dyson - Interdisciplinary artistNorma Merrick Sklarek - American architectGrace Wales Bonner - London-based designerVenice Biennale - an international cultural exhibition hosted annually in Venice,...

Hey explorers, it's Dario. Welcome to the IBI podcast, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of Black genius. Today, we browse the mind of Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress, appointed by U.S. President Barack Obama. Dr. Hayden is the first woman and the first African American to hold this position at the National Library. As an actual librarian, Dr. Hayden is known for advocating for the privacy of library users and for her initiatives to promote broad access to public libraries and their resources. Our dialogue today, much like the Library of Congress itself, is a treasure trove of literary jewels. We discuss how the Library of Congress is not your mother's library, containing priceless artifacts like the Bayard Rustin papers, and a handwritten letter from Nina Simone to Hazel Scott. We talk American literacy rates, how parents can engage reluctant readers, and we even get personal, as Dr. Hayden and i discuss the health challenges black women face in the workplace, especially in positions of power.Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. So grab your library card and a snack… It's time to check into the people's university, with Dr. Carla Hayden.Key LinksLibrary Of Congress - the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office.Nina Simone - American singer-songwriter, pianist, and activist.Hazel Scott - Jazz pianist and singerEnoch Pratt Free Library- the free public library system of Baltimore, Maryland.American Library Association - largest membership association in the world for the library industry.August Wilson - American playwrightAndré Leon Talley - American fashion journalistCitizen DJ - Make music using the free-to-use audio and video materials from the Library of CongressJessye Norman - American opera singerWhat to ReadSeven Guitars - August Wilson

Welcome to the Institute of Black Imagination, where we beam in conversations with iconoclasts from the galaxy of Black genius. I am your host, Dario. Today, we're thrilled to welcome Jawara, a cutting-edge visionary in all things hair, fashion, and beauty. His work graces the pages of British Vogue, American Vogue Italian Vogue, OK, all the Vogues.., i-D Magazine, T Magazine, and W Magazine… all the lettered magazines. Not to mention the runways of Burberry, Gucci, Chanel. You understand what I'm saying. In today's conversation, Jawara discusses the historical challenges within the industry around the styling and care of black women's hair, how the rituals of haircare can allow us a bit of reprieve from an ever-increasing pace of life, some practical styling tips, and how hair indeed can bring you closer to God. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. And now, a beautifully candid conversation with the maestro, Jawara.Key LinksSister Carol- Jamaican musical artistKingston, Jamaica- Capital city and chief port of JamaicaDancehall - genre of Jamaican popular music that originated in the late 1970sFashion Institute of Technology (FIT)- Public college in New York City with focuses on art, business, design, mass communication, and technology connected to the fashion industry.Tyler Mitchell - American photographer, best known for his cover photo of Beyoncé for the cover of Vogue.Micaiah Carter - American photographer/directorWhat to ReadCrowns: My Hair, My Soul, My Freedom: Photographs - Sandro MillerHair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America - Ayana ByrdOn Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker - A'Lelia BundlesYou Can't Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain- Phoebe RobinsonWhat to...

Welcome to the IBI podcast, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of Black genius. Today, we explore the mind of Brigette Romanek, one of LA's foremost Interior designers. As the founder of Romanek Design Studio, some of her notable clients include Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna, Demi Moore, and even the queen herself, Beyonce. (a fact we can neither confirm nor deny). Known for her “Livable Luxe” Gucci meets Gap aesthetic, Brigette's illustrious career affirms the power and value of the black feminine gaze, and that space is indeed the place. Our conversation today is full of gems, like simple, affordable tips on sprucing up your space, and discovering your design aesthetic, to more existential questions about what it looks like to refuse the expectations of others, and how to know when it's time to move on. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. And here we go… space agency, with Brigette Romanek.Key LinksPaulette McWilliams- American Jazz Singer Mark Romanek- American filmmaker and photographerHarvey Nichols - British luxury department store chainRomanek Design Studio- Interior designer in Los Angeles, CaliforniaCarpenters Workshop Gallery - a contemporary art gallery, focused on redefining the boundaries between art, sculpture, and design.The Future Perfect - a leading platform for collectible contemporary design that curates' unique pieces from global designers.What to ReadLivable Luxe - Brigette RomanekIconic Home: Interiors, Advice, and Stories from 50 Amazing Black Designers - Black Interior Designers Inc, June Reese The New Bohemians: Cool and Collected Homes - Justina BlakeneyWild Interiors: Beautiful Plants in Beautiful Spaces- Hilton CarterWhat to listen toMellow Madness - Quincy Jones, Paulette McWilliams

Welcome to Semester 6 of the IBI podcast, your Tribe of Mentors, from the Pool of Black Genius. Speaking of Black genius, today's guest needs no introduction, but we will go ahead and introduce him anyway. Y'all it's Kirk Franklin. Yes, THAT Kirk Franklin. 19 Grammy Award-winning Kirk Franklin. Contemporary Gospel innovator Kirk Franklin. .. The gifted singing, songwriting, piano-playing, producing, and yes, a rapping, Mr. Kirk Franklin! In case there was any confusion. We talk about personal pain and trauma. We dismantle the Black church and the traditions that keep us fractured and apart, we wrestle with the notion that life is composed of both moments of happiness and sorrow, but with the unwavering presence of God, regardless of the circumstances, anything is possible.Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. And now, without further ado, the musical luminary, Kirk Franklin.Key LinksThomas A. Dorsey- Widely regarded as the father of gospel musicGood Words with Kirk Franklin- Kirk Franklin Podcast welcomes people, from all walks of life, seeking inspiration and empowerment.The Dead Sea Scrolls - ancient, mostly Hebrew, manuscripts (of leather, papyrus, and copper) first found in 1947 on the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea.Southern Baptists Apologize For Slavery Stance - NPR, August 28, 2009 2 Corinthians 12:6-10 (NIV) - Biblical Scripture referenceDr. Charles Stanley - American Southern Baptist pastor and writerFather's Day: A Kirk Franklin Story - YouTube · Kirk Franklin Sep 15, 2023What to ReadThe Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life's Storms - Kirk Franklin The Evolution of African-American Worship: From the Thomas Dorsey to Kirk Franklin Era - Dr. Antonia Arnold-McFarlandChurch Boy - Kirk FranklinWhat to listen toPrecious Lord, Take My Hand - Thomas Dorsey

Well friends, we made it. 2023 had its share of joys and challenges, individually and collectively, but we are here. Together. In community. This special podcast edition is our final episode of the year, and you're in for a treat! Not only will you hear from me, but you will also hear from 6 IBI team members, in their own words, as they introduce a snippet from their favorite episode of 2023.We begin with a conversation from Choreographer and Director Camille A. Brown.Followed by Former Minister of Culture, Black Panther Party Emory DouglasUp next will be Chorographer & Producer George FaisonThen a chat with Director and writer Milisuthando BongelaNext, we hear from Producer, writer, and actress Lena WaitheFollowed by Photographer and artist Andre D. WagnerAnd conclude with Dancer, Choreographer, and Artistic Director Robert Battle. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com.Featured Episode LinksE59. Camille A. Brown: For Colored GirlsE86. Sketching A Revolution with Emory DouglasE82. Dancing Through the Archive with the Legendary George FaisonE66. Inside Apartheid's Wish with Milisuthando BongelaE85. Mastering Your Story - Lena WaitheE84. Life on the Streets with Andre D WagnerE62. Robert Battle: The Power of CommunityHost Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. ThompsonVisual Art Direction and Designs: River WildmenDirector of Digital Content: Vicky GarciaProduction Asst: Noa LescheOriginal Music composed by Adam RadiceSound Engineer:

Today's conversation is with the legendary photographer, Chester Higgins. I've admired Chester's work for years… he's a master of his craft, and a technician to the Nth degree. But it's one thing to appreciate the work of an artist, it's another to delve into their worldview: the work we see simply being an artifact of a greater pursuit. Well, that's what today's holds. What appears to be captured images, is actually Chester's attempts at in all actuality, capturing God. In today's episode, Chester reflects on the near-death childhood experience at the age of 9 that opened his eyes to a parallel reality, introducing him to the spirit that shapes existence. He shares his insights on the interconnectedness of life, the continuous cycle of energy, and the pursuit of capturing the elusive spirit in his photographs.Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com.Key LinksHaile Selassie I- Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974Tuskegee University- a private, historically black land-grant university in Tuskegee, Alabama.P. H. Polk - American photographer known for his portraits of African Americans.Andrew Young - American politician, civil rights leader, and served in the U.S. House of RepresentativesWhat to ReadSacred Nile - Betsy Kissam, Chester Higgins Jr. Feeling the Spirit - Chester Higgins Jr.Elder Grace: The Nobility of Aging - Maya Angelou, Chester Higgins THROUGH THESE EYES: The Photographs of P. H. Polk - Chester Higgins Jr., Deborah Muirhead, Amalia Amaki, Meredith SolesWhat to listen toWater No Get Enemy - Fela KutiGrazing In The Grass - Hugh MasekelaMighty God (Remix) - Soweto Gospel Choir

Today, we embark on a profound journey with the iconic Emory Douglas. As the former Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party, Emory's art ignited a revolution. Today, we ask you to reorient your ears… this is history. There's an old African proverb that states when a person transitions, a library burns to the ground. Well, today's conversation with Emory Douglass is a living archive revealing itself. It's what we here at the Institute call Archival Intelligence. Take notes. Research the names. Refer back. Today's conversation is a retelling of artmaking in revolutionary times, and what it means to create new identities within a community. Join us in this safe space as Emory candidly shares tales of rebellion, societal exchanges, and the intricate web of connections in his formative years. This episode is not just an interview; it's a voyage through the corridors of time, shedding light on the profound interplay of art, activism, and the Black experience. And to hear another side of this story, be sure to check out episode 26 with Elaine Browne, the only woman to serve as Chair of the Black Panther party. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. Visit our YouTube channel, 'The Institute of Black Imagination,' and explore more content on blackimagination.com.And now, join us as Emory Douglas navigates through the intersections of art, activism, and the enduring quest for justice. Key LinksThe Black Panther Party- African American revolutionary partyBobby Seale - African American political activist and co-founder and national chairman of the Black Panther Party.Huey P. Newton- African American revolutionary and political activist and co-founder of ‘The Black Panther Party Zapatista National Liberation Army - A group of mostly indigenous activists from the southern Mexican state of ChiapasThe Black Arts Movement (1965-1975) - Black nationalism movement that focused on music, literature, drama, and the visual arts made up of Black artists and intellectuals.Eldridge Cleaver- member of The Black Panther Party, he served as the first Minister of Information.Dr. Betty Shabazz - an American educator and civil rights activist, wife of Malcolm XCharles W. White - African American painter, printmaker, and teacherWhat to Read

Today, we're honored to sit down with the incredible Lena Waithe, a trailblazing writer, producer, and actress who's reshaped film and TV.In this enlightening chat, Lena shares her roots, tracing back to her grandmother's brave journey from Arkansas to Chicago. We explore the concept of identity, her take on 'ladylike,' and how she's embraced her individuality.Lena reflects on how societal expectations shape identity and the importance of curiosity and meaningful conversations. We also delve into her creative process and the genesis of 'Queen & Slim,' a film challenging conventions and examining Black identity.Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. Visit our YouTube channel, 'The Institute of Black Imagination,' and explore more content on blackimagination.com.Stay tuned as Lena Waithe shares insights on self-transformation, overcoming naysayers, and the power of community in her journey from Chicago to Hollywood. Don't miss this captivating conversation on the Institute of Black Imagination.Key LinksQueen & Slim- 2019 American romantic road crime drama filmReady Player One- 2018 American science fiction action film The CHI - An American drama television series created by Lena Waithe Michael G. Fry - Chicago born, Emmy nominated television writer, actor and producerMara Brock Akil- American screenwriter and television producer Gina Prince-Bythewood - American film director and screenwriterAva DuVernay - American filmmakerYvette Lee Bowser - American television written What to ReadBlack Directors in Hollywood- Melvin DonalsonWhy We Make Movies: Black Filmmakers Talk About the Magic of Cinema - George AlexanderHaving Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years - Sarah L. Delaney & A. Elizabeth DelaneyWhat to listen to

Our guest today is none other than the visionary photographer, Andre D. Wagner. With a lens that tells stories in a way that words cannot, Andre has made a significant mark in the world of photography. He has been commissioned by The New Yorker, The New York Times, Esquire, W Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Time, Vogue, well, YouTube the picture. In addition to his editorial work, he was the creative force behind the promotional imagery for the film "Queen & Slim" in 2019.His first monograph, Here for the Ride, was published by Creative Future in 2017 and he is currently editing a 10-year body of work titled New City, Old Blues. In 2022, he was awarded the Gordon Parks fellowship, and His photographs have appeared in several solo exhibitions and group shows in Los Angeles, New York, and North Carolina.Be sure to share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us on Instagram at @blackimagination. If you want to stay updated on all our latest news and exclusive content, click on this newsletter link. If you love what we do and like to support the show, click this support link. Key LinksThe Gordon Parks Foundation- permanently preserves the work of Gordon ParksGordon Parks - one of the greatest photographers of the twentieth century, was a humanitarian with a deep commitment to social justice.Andre D. Wagner: New City, Old Blues - Exhibition runs through November 17, 2023Gordon Parks Fellowship The Strivers Row- A multi-cultural marketing agency specializing in content development, talent relations, and event production.Queen & Slim - Stylish, provocative, and powerful, Queen & Slim tells a gripping fugitive story steeped in timely, thoughtful subtext.What to ReadVoices in the Mirror: An Autobiography (Harlem Moon Classics) - Gordon ParksA Choice of Weapons - Gordon ParksThe Camera - Ansel AdamsThe Negative - Ansel AdamsThe Print - Ansel AdamsWhat to listen toLivin' For The

Today, we have a truly remarkable guest. Joining us today is the brilliant Dr. Joy Buolamwini, a computer scientist, digital activist and self-described “Poet of Code” whose journey began at that Temple of Technology, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT for short. She's the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, a place where art and activism intersect to illuminate the social implications of AI. She also has a book dropping on Halloween called, wait for it, Unmasking AI. How fitting is that for Halloween?But her story isn't just about her prestigious academic credentials; it's about the extraordinary transformation her creative journey has taken. In today's conversation, she reveals how her quest to create a digital filter, one that could change the reflection of herself in a mirror, led to a profound exploration of technology's hidden biases. Be sure to share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us on Instagram at @blackimagination. If you want to stay updated on all our latest news and exclusive content, click on this newsletter link. If you love what we do and would like to support the show, click this support link. Key LinksKimberlé W. Crenshaw- American activist, intersectionalitySingle axis analysisNiles Luther - Cellist & ComposerRobert Williams- man arrested through skewed AI detectionCoded Bias- a film on NetflixMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - a private land-grant research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts.What to ReadUnmasking AI- Dr. Joy BuolamwiniBreaking the Code: Thriving as Black Individuals in the Era of Artificial Intelligence - Rayshaun "Chu" SmithBlack in White Space: The Enduring Impact of Color in Everyday...

Today, we have a very special interview with the legendary choreographer and producer, George Faison. In this conversation, George takes us on a journey through his remarkable life, from his early days in Washington, D.C., to his experiences dancing with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and mostly, and his iconic role as the choreographer of the "The Wiz" on Broadway. For which he won a Tony. Becoming the first Black person to do so.George shares stories of his encounters with great artists like Maya Angelou and Stevie Wonder and the incredible impact they had on his life. But perhaps the most captivating part of this interview is George's vivid description of creating the Emerald City sequence in "The Wiz." He also shares the role books play in his creative process. For George, it all begins with the archive.Be sure to share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us on Instagram at @blackimagination. If you want to stay updated on all our latest news and exclusive content, click on this newsletter link. If you love what we do and want to support the show, click this support link. Things MentionedMaya Angelou - an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist.The Wiz - The musical version of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz"Dick Gregory - an American comedian, actor, writer, activist and social critic.Gazelle - George Faison ballet - Dedicated to the Free Spirit in All of Us.1967 Detroit riot - The 1967 Detroit Riots were among the most violent and destructive riots in U.S. history.Alvin Ailey - American dancer, director, choreographer, and activist. American Light Opera Company - semi-professional theatre company performing light operas and musicals in Washington, D.C. from 1960 to 1968.Suite Otis - Otis Redding's sassy, sizzling music sets the stage for George Faison's playful battle of the sexes.What to ReadAll God's Children Need Traveling Shoes - Maya AngelouGiovanni's Room - James BaldwinThe Color Purple - Alice WalkerThe Incredible Lightness of Being - Camie J. Davis

In today's episode, we're joined by Tarriona ”Tank” Ball and Norman Spence of the Grammy-nominated Tank & The Bangas, a band hailing from the vibrant, swampy, and swinging coastal town of New Orleans. They've been wowing audiences since 2011 with their eclectic fusion of funk, soul, hip-hop, and spoken word. Today, we explore their dynamic journey from open mic nights to Grammy nominations; diving into the inspiration behind their genre-blurring music.To date, they've released three studio albums, Thinktank (2013), Green Balloon (2019), and Red Balloon (2022). With two Grammy nominations under their belt, they are just getting started. Also, a note, the audio quality of this episode gets a little bonkers as Norman's headphones begin to fail and Tank's phone dies. But it's all a part of the journey to becoming, so we left it in. Be sure to share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us on Instagram at @blackimagination. If you want to stay updated on all our latest news and exclusive content, click on this newsletter link. If you love what we do and want to support the show, click this support link. Current members.Tarriona "Tank" Ball – lead vocals (2011–present)Norman Spence II – bass, keyboards, guitar (2011–present)Joshua Johnson – drums, musical director (2011–present)Albert Allenback – alto saxophone, flute (2014–present)Band History:Members of Tank and the Bangas met at a New Orleans open mic show called Liberation Lounge and formed the group in 2011.The band won the 2017 NPR Tiny Desk Contest and in November 2019, they were nominated in the Best New Artist category for the 2020 Grammy Awards. They have released three studio albums, Thinktank (2013), Green Balloon (2019), and Red Balloon (2022).Throughout their career, the group has performed on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Austin City Limits” and “The Today Show.” Tank and The Bangas have toured non-stop, selling out venues both stateside and abroad including festival appearances at Coachella, Glastonbury, Bonnaroo and the Newport Jazz Festival.Key Links:Tank and The Bangas - WikiTank And The Bangas: NPR Music Tiny Desk ConcertTarriona “Tank” Ball | geauxgirlmagazineTank and the Bangas Unveil 'Black Folk (Remix)' Featuring Kota the Friend, Rapsody & More

Today we have a truly inspiring conversation that delves into the power of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformational journey of one extraordinary individual, photographer, entrepreneur, and social activist, Misan Harriman, a name that has become synonymous with the art of storytelling through the lens. The first brother to shoot a cover for British Vogue in its 104-year history. Misan's incredible journey from self-doubt to becoming a global voice of the moment is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. His iconic protest images became a voice for the voiceless, igniting a conversation that asks, "Why is ending racism still a debate?"Hailing from Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State in Nigeria, Misan was raised in England, yet didn't formally begin his photographic career until the age of 40. Gifted a camera by his wife, who recognized his passion for the image, Misan taught himself the ins and outs of image-making. A burgeoning portraitist, it was his protest images during the 2020 global reckonings for Black Lives that caught the attention of British Vogue editor-in-chief, Edward Enningful, and the rest, as they say… is history. Be sure to share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us on Instagram at @blackimagination. If you want to stay updated on all our latest news and exclusive content, click on this newsletter link. If you love what we do and want to support the show, click this support link. Things mentionedGordon Parks- American photographer and activistEve Arnold- American photojournalistSally Mann- American photographerDavid LaChapelle- American photographer and director George Floyd- American man who was killed through police brutalityMohamed Amin- Kenya photojournalistWeb3 - is a possible future version of the internet based on public blockchains, a record-keeping system best known for facilitating cryptocurrency transactions.Tezos Foundation- financial literacy with blockchain and crypto artSykes-Picot agreement- secret convention made during

Today we are diving into the captivating life story of Attorney, Artist & Activist (Reginald) Dwayne Betts, a man whose path took unexpected turns, leading him to discover the boundless potential within himself.As we journey through Dwayne's life, we'll explore the profound impact of literature on his transformation, his encounters with influential poets like Sonia Sanchez, and the survival strategies that poetry offered him during his incarceration.Be sure to share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us on Instagram at @blackimagination. If you want to stay updated on all our latest news and exclusive content, click on this newsletter link. If you love what we do and want to support the show, click this support link. Things mentionedFreedom Reads- Organization founded by Dwayne Betts that aims to place millions of books into prisonsKiese LeMond- ambassador of Freedom ReadsTraci Thomas- podcast host of the StacksSherley Anne Williams - American PoetLucille Cliffton- American poetEldridge cleaver- author and activistWhat to ReadMakes me Wanna Holler - Nathan McCallThe Black Poets- Dudley RandallHomegirls and Hand Grenades- Sonia SanchezThe Art of War- Sun TzuCrazy as Hell, (the best book on black history you'll ever read)- Dwayne Betts coming soonWhat to listen toWe the People - A Tribe Called QuestLiving For The City - Stevie WonderThe Message - Grandmaster FlashWho to followWebsite: https://www.dwaynebetts.com/IG: Reginald Betts (@dwaynebetts)TW: Dwayne Betts (@dwaynebetts)This conversation was recorded on July 13, 2023.Host

Welcome to The Institute of Black Imagination, the podcast that takes you on a journey through the pool of black genius and beyond. Our guest today, Dr. Danielle Wood, is a shining example of how passion and perseverance can lead you to the stars. She defied the odds, shattered expectations, and carved her own path to become a leader in the world of space exploration and technology.So, join us as we embark on this cosmic voyage with Dr. Danielle Wood and discover how she unveiled the universe, one challenge at a time.Be sure to share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us on Instagram at @blackimagination. If you want to stay updated on all our latest news and exclusive content, click on this newsletter link. If you love what we do and want to support the show, click this support link. And without further ado, Dr. Danielle Wood.Things to mentionedIndia south pole Moon landing- After a failed attempt to land on the moon in 2019, India now joins the United States, the Soviet Union and China as only the fourth country to achieve this milestone.The Outer Space Treaty- the exploration and use of outer space shall be carried out for the benefit and in the interests of all countries and shall be the province of all mankind;outer space shall be free for exploration and use by all States;outer space is not subject to national appropriation by claim of sovereignty, by means of use or occupation, or by any other means;States shall not place nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in orbit or on celestial bodies or station them in outer space in any other manner;the Moon and other celestial bodies shall be used exclusively for peaceful purposes;astronauts shall be regarded as the envoys of mankind;States shall be responsible for national space activities whether carried out by governmental or non-governmental entities;States shall be liable for damage caused by their space objects; andStates shall avoid harmful contamination of space and celestial bodies.Chandra Xray observatory telescope - NASA's sophisticated telescope is specially designed to detect X-ray emission from very hot regions of the UniverseSystems architecture- A system's architecture reflects how it is thought about in terms of its structure, functions, and relationships.TNW Conference - is a website and annual series of conferences focused on new technology and start-up companies in Europe.Phillis Wheatley- American poet and author, the first black woman to publish a book (as an American woman, but the book was published in the UK).

Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Institute of Black Imagination. Today we're taking a little detour, podcast inception if you will! We're sharing with you another podcast that featured yours truly as a guest.Get ready to embark on a journey with The Future of Storytelling and my good friend host Charlie Melcher, where we explore my personal journey and delve into the heart of the Institute of Black Imagination.We have so many wonderful gems coming this Fall, and we're not just talking about our Semester 5 lineup… but our upcoming physical space at the Oculus in NYC. That's right. We're not just a podcast. If you'd like to know more about the upcoming Oculus space, or just want the inside scoop on what we've got cooking over here, be sure to click on this newsletter link.And if you love what we're up to, click this support link.Things that we mentionPyer Moss Fall 2021 Couture ShowVanity Fair Cover w/ Viola Davis - Dario 1st black photographer to shoot the coverThe Institute of Black Imagination - Interactive websiteGeoffrey Holder - Trinidadian American actor, dancer, musician, and artistAndré Leon Talley - an American fashion journalist, stylist, creative director, and editor-at-large of Vogue magazine.Originally Aired on February 24, 2022, on Future of StorytellingFoST Audio Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp.With special thanks to Charles Melcher, Madison Brown, Eitan Wolf, and the entire FoST TeamHost Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. ThompsonVisual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Cyle WarnerDirector of Digital Content: Vicky GarciaVisit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.

Today's Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is part 1 of episode 13 with Harlem socialite and style icon, Lana Turner. Born at the Women's Hospital on West and 110th St. and still residing in the neighborhood 70 years later, Ms. Turner is quintessential Harlem, a landmark unto herself. A mathematician of dressing, Ms. Turner does not just put clothes on but uses her body as a medium in which she expresses her appreciation and preservation of life, style, and beauty, or as she likes to refer to it: “Painting the body canvas.”A doyenne of mid-20th century fashion, and muse of New York Times Street style photographer Bill Cunningham, Lana Turner and I were introduced almost a decade ago at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem when I was looking for a few hats for a fashion story while in grad school. Upon meeting and chatting with her, I realized quite quickly that it was SHE who needed to be photographed, in her wardrobe, and in her hats… of which there are upwards of, wait for it… 500. Actually, I believe the exact number is 638.Here are some highlights:On the discovery of self: “You know a single woman, single mother, taking care of all of that. But when he got old enough to fly away from the nest, it allowed me to expand my sense of self. Prior to his leaving, however, that sense of self was always in play.” (19:46)“That sense of self was one thing that allowed for, for example, deciding to change say the furniture in my room, and I woke up one morning and I said, No everything should not only be functional, it should also be beautiful.”(20:09)On her love for archiving: “I think the archiving element is in my DNA, it seems to have always been there without you know, want for formalizing that as an educational piece in my life, and it's always been there.” (4:28)On the theatricality of the black church: “But of course, with the black church we are looking at, or at least I'm looking at it as the as a critical foundation for our deliverance from the slavery, both external and internal. I look at church as a way to release the notion of what it means as a collective, to breathe and to pray. I look at the black church in particular for all the things that go on in it that have more theatricality attached.-But I love the collective energies that black people bring to anything. And when it comes to church, oh my goodness. (39:29)On the art of living: I don't know what the formula is I don't know if I could articulate it all. So let's see, I can start, I can try. There's things that I love. So I love and I don't need other people to do it. I just like being myself. (27:04)Thank you for tuning in! Please don't forget to rate, comment, subscribe and SHARE with a friend.Visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.Connect with us on Instagram at @blackimagination---Editorial content provided by Kalimah Small.

Today's Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 25 with fencer and three-time Olympian, Daryl Homer. Hailing from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Daryl, along with his mother and sister relocated to the Gun Hill section of the Bronx when he was five. His interest in fencing began at an early age, after encountering the word “Fencing” in a pictorial dictionary that his mother gave him. Inspired, he begged his mother to begin lessons, but it wasn't until a chance encounter with an advertisement featuring two black fencers did Daryl's Mother finally cave into her son's growing obsession.And so, at the ripe old age of eleven, Daryl was enrolled at the Peter Westbrook Foundation, an organization founded by its namesake, Peter Westbrook, who took home the bronze in fencing in the 1984 Olympics, quickly seeing his potential, Daryl was placed on the Olympic track just one year later, and his path to the games began. By the age of 17, he'd already medaled in the Cadet World fencing championships, later, taking home gold in 7 Pan American championships, also competing in the 2012 Olympics in London, the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and most recently the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. At the Rio Games, Daryl took home the silver medal in men's individual saber fencing, surpassing his mentor Mr. Westbrook, and thereby making him the highest-medaled Olympic fencer in American history.In today's episode, we discuss Daryl's early beginnings in the Bronx, what it takes to have a champion mindset, how to recover from failure, and the power of imagination and visualization to overcome obstacles. This is such a powerful episode, as we chart the sheer will and tenacity needed to accomplish big dreams. I learned so much, and I'm sure you will too. Be sure to subscribe wherever you receive your podcasts, and leave us a review over on Apple Podcasts, we love to hear your thoughts and be sure to follow us over on Instagram at Blackimagination. And now I invite you to pull out your notepads, Daryl's about to drop some wisdom.Follow Daryl on Instagram: @daryldhomerVisit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.Connect with us on Instagram at @blackimagination

‘Black Thought' Trotter on his origin story: “I think often in the case of heroes or of a character, a protagonist who sort of rises to greatness there is some trauma Yeah. And you know my life is was no different.”Today's Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 12 with a man who needs no introduction, but I'm going to introduce him anyway: Tariq Luqmaan Trotter, better known as Black Thought, lead MC and co-founder of the hip-hop band, The Roots. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Tariq faced some early hardships– losing both of his parents to homicide before the age of 16, but he found his path in the arts, attending Philadelphia's High School for creative and performing arts, also known as ‘the fame school of Philly', notable alumni include Boys to Men, Erika Alexander, Leslie Odom Jr., Joey de Francesco, Jasmine Sullivan, and many more. While immersed in this brilliant world of musicianship, Black Thought encountered yet another now-famous alum and co-founder of The Roots, Questlove.Emerging from the Philly soul scene in the late eighties and early 90s, The Roots created a space for themselves that didn't exist during that era: A live, hip hop band. Known for their jazzy and eclectic approach to the genre, their debut album Organix was released and sold independently and were quickly signed to DGC/Geffen. Today, they serve as the house band for the Tonight show, while still touring extensively, and producing projects both collectively and individually, including an upcoming Broadway musical, “Black NO More”, penned by today's guest, Mr. Trotter.Here are some highlights…On His Origin Story: “That's, that's sort of my, my origin story is I am, you know, I grew up in Philadelphia, I lost my father at a very, very young age before I was two years old, and, you know, to murder to homicide in the streets of Philly and I lost my mother to the same at 15 or 16. So, yeah, I feel like that is my origin”On Trauma being a motivating factor in his life: “It's the ways in which we allow that internalization to, you know, compel us, and sometimes you're compelled to, you know, to quit, or in that pause to, you know, to give up, or sometimes it becomes a huge motivating factor for you. And, in my experience, that's, that's, you know, the purpose that it has served is as a, as a motivator”On The Notorious Roots Jam Sessions: “I remember John Legend, you know, he was a student at the University of Penn, he would come and, you know, try and get into our jam sessions and would often be turned away, for whatever reason, like, you know, go figure. I wasn't at the door had I been at the door, that would never have been the case, but I know people who remember turning him away, and I feel like that was a motivating factor for him and you know, that that's part of what propelled him to greatness”Links we mention in the episode:Tariq's Instagram: @blackthoughtLink to "Black No More" info: deadline.comThank you for tuning in! Please don't forget to rate, comment, subscribe and SHARE with a friend.Visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.Connect with us on Instagram at

In today's Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 4 with psychologist, Dr. Courtney Cogburn. Hailing from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Doctor Cogburn's research focuses on how racism contributes to health disparities amongst Black Americans and in particular how over time, blatant and subtle racism in media stresses and literally wears down Black bodies—a phenomenon also known as “weathering”—something we have all witnessed to during the current outbreak of Covid-19 in the United States, and its devastating effects on communities of color.An associate professor at Columbia's School of Social Work, Dr. Cogburn's racial immersion VR experience, 1000-Cut Journey, debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2018. Developed in collaboration with the Virtual Human Interaction Lab at Stanford University, It allows for the viewer to experience life as a Black man, from adolescence through adulthood, and has been featured on TEDx, CBS, and Forbes.In this conversation we discuss when she first began to notice the correlation between race and academic achievement (5:00), the effects of "breathing racism" (13:00), how watching videos of police brutality is bad for our health (18:46), how reason rarely works as well empathy (22:00), a step-by-step explanation of her racial VR experience (28:04), how her lack of experience with virtual reality didn't keep her from pursuing her goals (34:22), her biggest failure as a researcher (41:40), how her own son changed the way she works (43:18), why higher education has health benefits for every demographic, except for those of African decent (46:48), and the ways in which VR is being used to help Black people begin to heal from a lifetime of racial stress (59:26). Given where we are as a country and a people, I found this conversation to be right on time.Links we mention in the episode:Courtney's Twitter Account: @courtneycogburnHer Racial VR Experience: 1,000-Cut JourneyHyphen Labs: Neurospeculative AfrofeminismThank you for tuning in! Please don't forget to rate, comment, subscribe and SHARE with a friend.Visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.Connect with us on Instagram at @blackimagination

Today's Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 39 with Timnit Gebru an artificial intelligence researcher. Timnit advocates for fair and just use of the technology we use everyday. A former employee of Google, Timnit consistently calls in and calls out a Big Tech industry that leverages power, capital, and bias in favor of, well, themselves and their wallets. From language to surveillance- Timnit knows the potential harms of artificial intelligence know no bounds.In a time when we're at war, today's episode calls into question for whom we are fighting? Whose wars are worthy of discussion and what harms are so deeply ingrained within our consciousness that we ignore our own civilian casualties. As the world witnesses the 16th month of a war in Ethiopia, Timnint's journey reminds us of the refugee, the warrior, and the heroes we often dismiss and determine unworthy of home. This conversation was recorded on Jan 27, 2022Learn More about this topic Rhua benjaminSimone browne (Dark Matters: on Surveillance of Blackness) Coded bias Tawana pettySupport regulations to safeguard Mar Hicks wrote op ed for Wired (tech historian)Who to follow? Algorithm justice league Data society Data for black livesAI Now DAIR Other Things we mention contentauthenticity.org The fairness doctrine Fairness doctrine washington post article Visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.Connect with us on Instagram at @blackimaginationHost Dario Calmese

Today's Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 2 with architect, designer, and scholar, Dr. Mabel O. Wilson. Doing double duty as a Professor of Architecture and as Associate Director of the Institute for Research in African American Studies, both at Columbia University, Dr. Wilson is not your traditional designer of buildings. Her trans-disciplinary practice extends well beyond the built environment into the worlds of curation, performance, art, and cultural history.We discuss how Mabel's problems fitting in as a young architect led to designing her own path to success (5:40), her advice for young architectural students (9:00), what Beyonce stole from her (21:30), the ways in which design and structures have been used to create the concepts of both blackness and whiteness (26:26), the radical change needed for an equitable America (32:27), the invisibility of Black women (35:00) and how mass incarceration not only tied a generation of Black men to a failing capitalist state, but left a generation of Black women without partners (49:40).Links we mention in the episode:Mabel's Instagram: @studio_andHer new book: Race and Modern Architecture: A Critical History from the Enlightenment to the Present Thank you for tuning in! Please don't forget to rate, comment, subscribe and SHARE with a friend. Visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.Connect with us on Instagram at @blackimagination

Today's Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 3 with writer Casey Gerald. Born in Oak Cliff Texas, Casey's life reads like a textbook definition of The American Dream. Oh you know, Small town boy from a troubled home makes good and lands in the Ivy Leagues—Yale to be exact. Casey later goes off to Harvard Business school and co-founds the nonprofit MBAs Across America, for which he is listed as one of Fast Company's Most Creative People. All of this and more can be found in his memoir, There Will be No Miracles Here, which was listed by both NPR and The New York Times as one of the best books of 2018. His Ted Talk, “The Gospel of Doubt” has over 2.1 million views. Did I mention he was also a Rhodes Semifinalist?Recorded via Zoom while under lockdown, we speak about when Casey realized the "American Dream" was a scam (16:35), how he rediscovered his inner child (19:30), the malleability of time (26:10), the first boy he ever loved (40:15), the gift of being gay (47:25), what prisons and the coronavirus have in common (50:30), the joy of blackness (56:07), why it's always a good idea to leave New York City (59:30), and the path to finding internal joy (1:02:43) We cover so many amazing topics, and Casey shows us a side of himself he rarely ever does. This episode takes on a more conversational tone, and a few F-bombs are dropped, be warned, lol.Links we mention in the episode:Casey's Instagram and Twitter: @caseygeraldCasey's book: There Will Be No Miracles HereAbraham Hicks: https://www.abraham-hicks.comMarianne Williamson's A Return to LoveBell Hook's All About Love: New VisionsThank you for tuning in! Please don't forget to rate, comment, subscribe and SHARE with a friend.Visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.Connect with us on Instagram at @blackimagination

Today's Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 23 with Heather McGhee. Heather designs and promotes solutions to inequality in America. Do you know Heather? You might know Heather. Maybe you saw her on NBC's Meet the Press, or MSNBC's “Morning Joe.” Or perhaps you saw her sparring with Republican Senator John Kennedy during the confirmation hearings of supreme court Justice Neil Gorsuch, or it just may have been that time when, while on C-Span, an older white gentleman called in to acknowledge his own racism and prejudice, and wanted Heather's advice on how to change, how to be a better American Citizen, and Heather's response went… viral. Born on the south side of Chicago, and raised in the suburbs of Evanston IL, Heather McGhee has made a career out of fighting for a more equal America. She holds a B.A. in American Studies from Yale University and a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and for the last two decades, helped build the nonpartisan “think and do” tank, Demos, later serving as president for four years. She's argued before the Supreme Court to protect voting rights. She's helped Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz design anti-bias training for its 250,000 employees. She's lead research campaigns behind successful wage increases for low-wage workers on federal contracts as well as at Walmart and McDonalds.And that's like, 5% of her resume. But of course, Heather is so much more than her work. She's also a wife and mother of a beautiful two-year-old, who makes a small cameo in this episode. Her new book being released this week, and also partially written while carrying the aforementioned toddler, is called The Sum of Us. It unravels the mystery of how. How the wealthiest country on earth suffers some of its worst health disparities, and has a collapsing infrastructure, all while its citizens are crippled by insurmountable levels of debt. One word: Racism. And you know who actually suffers most? White people. In this episode we discuss Heather's journey into the hallowed halls of our country's government, How motherhood has changed her view of the world, what parents can do to ensure their children receive good educations, even while under lockdown, and how we ALL lose in the zero-sum game of racism. Heather's website: https://heathermcghee.comGet your copy of "The Sum of Us" here. Thank you for tuning in! Please don't forget to rate, comment, subscribe and SHARE with a friend.Visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.Connect with us on Instagram at @blackimagination

And now a word from our Founder & Host Dario Calmese. Thank you for your support and being a part of our community. We are taking a break, but we will not leave you wanting. Class is still in session. This Summer School Semester we will be sharing some of our favorite previous episodes. In case you missed it, or want to revisit and catch more pearls of wisdom with us. We are looking forward to seeing you in person this fall at our physical location at the Oculus at World Trade Center in New York. But you don't have to wait until then to connect with us. All of our links are listed below. The world we live in has been designed and we must design our way out of it.Stay Curious and Keep Dreaming!Connect with usVisit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.Stay Informed sign up for our NewsletterBe Social IG: @blackimagination LinkedIn: The Institute of Black Imagination.For any question or potential interview requests, write to: info@blackimagination.org

Today's episode is an odyssey through Mili's own journey through ancestral ties, personal identity, and relationships. She walks us through the process of engaging our ancestors in our everyday lives. We explore the necessity for connection and healing between Africans and African Americans. And we delve into the lessons one learns by simply sitting with questions that may never be answered. Tell us what you think about today's episode. Don't be shy, share your favorite moment with us on Twitter and Instagram at @blackimagination. Remember, you can view this episode and others on our YouTube channel The Institute of Black Imagination. If you're interested in getting lost in what else we have going on, visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com where this and other content live. Things MentionedTranskei - Officially the Republic of Transkei, was an unrecognized State in the Southeastern Region of South Africa from 1976 to 1994Apartheid in South Africa - a system of institutionalized racial segregation that existed in South Africa and South West Africa (now Namibia) from 1948 to the early 1990s.Bantu - a general term for over 400 different ethnic groups in Africa, from Cameroon to South AfricaShockoe Bottom African Burial Ground - It was the first municipal burial ground of the city of Richmond, VA. It was historically known as the "Burial Ground for Negroes".Milisuthando - Sundance Film Festival 2023What to ReadSouth Africa: The Rise and Fall of Apartheid by Nancy L. Clark, William H. WorgerThe Bantu, Past and Present; an Ethnographical and Historical Study of the Native Races of South Africa by Sm MolemaThe Inheritors: An Intimate Portrait of South Africa's Racial Reckoning by Eve FairbanksWhat to listen toGrandma's Hands by Bill WithersSounds From The Ancestors by Kenny GarrettIt's Wrong (Apartheid) by Stevie WonderAfrican Secret Society by Hugh MasekelaWho to followFollow Milisuthando Bongela on IG @msmillib and by visiting...

Today's episode is an odyssey through Mili's own journey through ancestral ties, personal identity, and relationships. She walks us through the process of engaging our ancestors in our everyday lives. We explore the necessity for connection and healing between Africans and African Americans. And we delve into the lessons one learns by simply sitting with questions that may never be answered. Tell us what you think about today's episode. Don't be shy, share your favorite moment with us on Twitter and Instagram at @blackimagination. Remember, you can view this episode and others on our YouTube channel The Institute of Black Imagination. If you're interested in getting lost in what else we have going on, visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com where this and other content live. Things MentionedTranskei - Officially the Republic of Transkei, was an unrecognized State in the Southeastern Region of South Africa from 1976 to 1994Apartheid in South Africa - a system of institutionalized racial segregation that existed in South Africa and South West Africa (now Namibia) from 1948 to the early 1990s.Bantu - a general term for over 400 different ethnic groups in Africa, from Cameroon to South AfricaShockoe Bottom African Burial Ground - It was the first municipal burial ground of the city of Richmond, VA. It was historically known as the "Burial Ground for Negroes".Milisuthando - Sundance Film Festival 2023What to ReadSouth Africa: The Rise and Fall of Apartheid by Nancy L. Clark, William H. WorgerThe Bantu, Past and Present; an Ethnographical and Historical Study of the Native Races of South Africa by Sm MolemaThe Inheritors: An Intimate Portrait of South Africa's Racial Reckoning by Eve FairbanksWhat to listen toGrandma's Hands by Bill WithersSounds From The Ancestors by Kenny GarrettIt's Wrong (Apartheid) by Stevie WonderAfrican Secret Society by Hugh MasekelaWho to followFollow Milisuthando Bongela on IG @dossevia and

In today's episode, Rayvon gives us a peek into the locker room, revealing how athletic teams use biometric data to craft game day strategy. He also shares the drawbacks of using technology and Artificial Intelligence not only on the playing field but also in the courtroom. He shines a light on the importance of creating pathways for black and brown individuals to gain access to research funding, and why our future depends on it. Let us know what your favorite moment was in today's episode on Twitter and Instagram at @blackimagination. To view this full episode and others, head over to our YouTube channel The Institute of Black Imagination. For this and more content visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com.Things MentionedGranville T. Woods - American inventorLewis H. Latimer - American inventor, DraftsmanShelby J. Davidson - American lawyer and inventor.Nike Alphaflys - sneakers banned from Tokyo OlympicsNational Science FoundationWhat to ReadGame Changer: The Technoscientific Revolution in Sports by Rayvon FouchéBlack Inventors in the Age of Segregation by Rayvon FouchéPlant, Performance and the Endocannabinoid System: 21st Century Sports Medicine by Doug Brown, Don McLaughlinSports Science and Technology in the Real World by Janet SlingerlandWhat to listen toBlack Man - Stevie WonderI'm The One - DJ Khaied ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, Lil WayneWe Win (Space Jam: A New Legacy) - Kirk Franklin and Lil BabyWho to followFollow Rayvon Fouché on IG @dossevia and @scorpiomystiqueLearn more about him at Rayvon Fouché or NSF - National Science FoundationThis conversation was recorded on March 30th, 2023.Host...

In today's episode, Alia gives us a rundown on the role of the gallery and gallery representation. She shares what young artists should be considering when starting their careers, and helpful guidance on how to price their work. She weighs in on the impacts and pitfalls of social media for artists, the direction of NFT's and what the art world needs to do to become more egalitarian. We're trying something new with today's episode, so we want you to weigh in. Let us know what you think on Twitter and Instagram at @blackimagination. To view this episode and others head over to our YouTube channel The Institute of Black Imagination. For this and more content visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com. Things mentionedJeffrey Deitch - Art GalleryJeffrey Deitch - American art dealer and curatorVernissage - a private viewing of paintings before public exhibition.Shibboleth - a custom, principle, or belief distinguishing a particular class or group of peopleSotheby's Institute of Art What to ReadClay Pop by Alia DahlThe $12 Million Stuffed Shark: The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art by Donald ThompsonTalking Prices: Symbolic Meanings of Prices on the Market for Contemporary Art by Olav VelthiusBlk Art: The Audacious Legacy of Black Artists and Models in Western Art by Zaria WareThe Black Market: A Guide to art collecting by Charles MooreWhat to listen toRespect - Aretha FranklinAlright - Kendrick LamarPicasso Babe - Jay-ZRich Nigazz - J. ColeWho to followFollow Alia Dahl on IG @aliajessenia and @jeffreydeitchgalleryLearn more about her at

Today's episode is an exploration of the stars, so get your notebooks out. Dossé-Via walks us through the African origins of modern astrology, how star-gazing is actually compatible if not embedded within Christianity, Islam, and other religious practices, and what compatibility REALLY means. Not to mention breaking down all those astrological houses and alignments and, well, you get the picture. Grab your paper and sharpen your pencils, today's episode will be out of this world.(who writes this stuff?) We want to hear from you, share your favorite moment with us on Twitter and Instagram at @blackimagination. Be sure to check out our YouTube channel The Institute of Black Imagination and soar through the galaxy of IBI Digital at blackimagination.com where this and other content resides.Things mentionedScorpioMystique - Where Scorpios Come to SoarMagic & Melanin - African Travel ExperienceThe Houses in Astrology and Their MeaningEpistemology - the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope. Trace Your African Roots - African AncestryWhat to ReadSigns Skymates: The Ultimate Guide to Astrological Compatibility by Dossé-Via TrenouYou Were Born for This: Astrology for Radical Self-Acceptance by Chani NicholasWhat to listen toDream with Dossé-Via by Dossé-ViaSigns by BeyonceWritten in the Stars from AIDA on Broadway sung by Heather Headley & Adam PascalAquarius/Let the Sunshine In by The 5th DimensionWho to followFollow Dossé-Via on IG @dossevia and @scorpiomystiqueLearn more about her at Dossé-ViaThis conversation was recorded on January 19th, 2023.Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen,

In today's episode, Robert explores what it means to lead with legacy in mind. We talk through the lessons learned from fully immersing oneself in their craft and the importance of building a community. Today's episode is sure to leave you inspired so be sure to share your most motivational moments with us over on Twitter and Instagram at @blackimagination. You can also view this episode and catch up on others by visiting and subscribing to our YouTube channel The Institute of Black Imagination. You can find this and more content on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com.Things MentionedRobert Moses - “The Master Builder” History of Hip-HopMiami (Liberty City) Riot, 1980Liberty City Riots 1968What to ReadMy Story, My Dance: Robert Battle's Journey to Alvin Ailey by Lesa Cline-Ransome (Author) Robert Battle (Foreword)Dancing Revelations: Alvin Ailey's Embodiment of African American Culture by Thomas F DefrantzBlack Bodies, White Gazes: The Continuing Significance of Race in America by George YancyI Am Dance: Words and Images of the Black Dancer by Hal Banfield What to listen toSaving All My Love - Whitney HoustonLiving For The City - Stevie Wonder Miami - Will SmithRevelations - Album by Alvin AileyWho to followFollow Robert Battle on IG @alvinaileyLearn more about Robert at Robert Battle This conversation was recorded on October 7th, 2022.Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen,

In today's episode, Justin educates us on the questions we should be asking about our neighborhoods. He shares how to find your voice while highlighting the important role black and brown people can play in the world of philanthropy. Today's episode will be full of gems so make sure to share your favorite moment with us over on Twitter and Instagram at @blackimagination. You can also view this episode and catch up on others by visiting and subscribing to our youtube channel The Institute of Black Imagination. You can find this and more content on IBI Digital at, blackimagination.com. And without further ado, the exceptional, Justin Garrett Moore.Things mentionedMeridian-Kessler - neighborhoodCleo W. Blackburn- EducatorHilyard Robinson - ArchitectElizabeth Alexander - American poet and the president of the Andrew W. Mellon FoundationWhat to ReadMultitude: War and Democracy in the Age of Empire by Michael Hardt & Antonio Negri The Trayvon Generation by Elizabeth AlexanderUrban Planning and the African-American Community: In the Shadows by June Manning Thomas, Marsha Ritzdorf What to listen toThe Ghetto - Donny HathawaySir Duke - Stevie WonderAlright - Kendrick LamarWho to followFollow Justin Garrett Moore on IG @j.g.mooreLearn more about him at Justin Garrett MooreThis conversation was recorded on August 6th, 2022.Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Adam Selah, Will DomingueDirector of Digital Content: Vicky GarciaBookings: K.T. ThompsonOriginal Music composed by

Show notesIn today's episode, Kevin shares with us his life-long pursuit of creative curiosity. He reminds us that what may seem like a career pivot from the outside, is really an internal expansion; as each new acquired skill makes you uniquely qualified for the problems you aim to solve. It encourages us to tap into the path of experimentation and how pursuing “stretch assignments” can test the limits of our creativity, provide evidence that you're on your path, ultimately getting us closer to where we want to be. Things mentionedUK Design CouncilJason Mayden - DesignerDr. D'wayne Edwards - DesignerWhat to ReadReimagining Design: Unlocking Strategic Innovation - Kevin BethuneThe Laws of Simplicity (Simplicity: Design, Technology, Business, Life) - John MaedaWhat to Listen ToIf I Could Build My Whole World Around You – Marvin Gaye & Tammi TerrellI'm in a Different World – The Four TopsWho to followFollow Kevin Bethune on IG @kevinbethuneLearn more about him at Kevin BethuneThis conversation was recorded on October 20th, 2022.Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Adam Selah, Will DomingueDirector of Digital Content: Vicky GarciaBookings: K.T. ThompsonOriginal Music composed by Adam RadiceAudio Edited by Adam RadiceVisit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.

Today's episode is with award-winning choreographer + director Camille A. Brown. Do you know Camille? You know Camille. You may recognize her work, on Broadway in Once On This Island or on television choreographing Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert! Camille's work is an ode to reclamation and staying connected to ancestral ties with her deep passion to empower Black bodies by allowing them to tell their own stories. Camille is literally history in the making. In 2021 she became the first Black artist to direct a mainstage production at the Metropolitan Opera, doing double-duty as co-director and choreographer. She repeated this dual act in the latest adaptation of Ntozke Shange's “for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf,” making her the first Black woman to Direct and Choreograph a Broadway show in 67 years.In today's episode, Camille reminds us just how vital resilience and listening to your own voice can be. She shares lessons from rejection and struggle and encourages us to be ourselves regardless of the stakes. Things mentionedDarius Barnes - Dancer + ChoreographerFire Shut Up in My Bones - Camille A. Brown performed at the Met OperaDeVore Dance Center, founded by Choreographer + Dancer Carolyn DeVore Ronald K. Brown/ EVIDENCE, A Dance CompanyRoger Jeffrey - School of Dance - George Mason UniversityWhat to ReadKatherine Dunham: Dance and the African Diaspora by Joanna Dee DasModern Dance, Negro Dance: Race in Motion by Susan ManningAlvin Ailey: A Life in Dance by Jennifer DunningWhat to listen toMo' Better Blues - Branford Marsalis Quartet (feat. Terence Blanchard)Rhythm Nation - Janet JacksonRemember The Time - Michael Jackson Dancing In The Street - Martha and The VandellasSo into You - SWVWho to followFollow Camille A. Brown on IG @camilleabrownLearn more about her upcoming events at Camille A. BrownThis conversation was recorded on...

Today's episode is with sneaker designer and tech entrepreneur Jason Mayden. Jason is the founder of Super Heroic, a footwear brand empowering children to be their own heroes. He's also the CEO of Trilicon Valley– a modern design collective made up of entrepreneurs, designers, athletes, and all-around creatives. You may recognize him from his time spent at Nike in their digital sports division serving as the senior global design director as well as the director of innovation. During his tenure, he designed iconic footwear for athletes and cultural icons such as Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and living legend Michael Jordan.In today's episode, Jason shares how unquenchable desire and focus set the foundation for pursuing his various ambitions. He reminds us about the power of transmuting our own painful experiences, using them as fuel to manifest our dreams and desires. We also discuss why holding your inner child close is important to the overall well-being of your big adult self. Things mentionedDC Comics Dr. Lucius FoxTrillicon ValleyJason's SUPER HEROIC collection CointelproWhat to listen toJay-Z - Show You How John Coltrane - A Love Supreme, Pt I (Acknowledgment)YoYo Get Funky - Fast EddieWho to followFollow Jason Mayden on IG @jasonmaydenLearn more about Trilicon Valley on IG @trilliconvalleyThis conversation was recorded on August 4th, 2022.Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Adam Selah, Will DomingueDirector of Digital Content: Vicky GarciaBookings: K.T. ThompsonOriginal Music composed by Adam RadiceAudio Edited by Adam RadiceVisit us at blackimagination.com Watch this and other episodes on YouTube at

This special edition of the podcast is our final episode of 2022. Today we are revisiting our conversations with thirteen of our guests from this year as they illustrate what happens when you lead with love. Our guests not only talk about romantic love but also highlight what it means to be madly in love with your work, what it can teach us about ourselves, and how important it is to fall head over heels for the process. We will close today's episode with the kind of love they imagine for the future. We begin with dedications from Grammy-award-winning singer + songwriter Estelle, Chef + Activist Zoe Adjonyoh, Preacher + Scholar Eboni Marshall Turman, Choreographer and Dancer Bill T. Jones, and finally, Culinary Entrepreneur Jon Gray of Ghetto Gastro. They remind us of their “why” as we open the floodgates to allow love to flow freely through the conversation. Episodes to listen toDedication:E41. Estelle: Becoming the Love of Your Life.E42. Zoe Adjonyoh: Exploring Identity Through Cuisine.E44. Rev.Eboni Marshall Turman: Redefining God's BodyE49. Bill T. Jones: The Artist is Present.E52. Ghetto Gastro (Jon Gray): 15 Seconds to Decide.Love:E37. Bisa Butler: The Realization of MemoryE49. Bill T. Jones: The Artist is Present.E40. Jericho Brown: Shaping Reality with Words.E47.David Zilber: A Fermenter's Guide to the Universe.E56. Rita Dove: The Pleasure of Text.Imagine for the future:E36. Dario Calmese: Designing Consciousness with IBI Founder.E41. Estelle: Becoming the Love of Your Life.E50. June Ambrose: The Style Architect.

Today's episode is with Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and Author Rita Dove. Rita is a US Poet Laureate, the recipient of 29 honorary degrees…Yes, you heard correctly…29, and the only poet to be honored with both the National Humanities Medal and the National Medal of Arts. Her portfolio of work is timeless, precise, and captures the complexity of life. In today's episode, we explore the pleasure of the text. We also journey through how using your imagination can help to get what you want, the role writing can play in the midst of chaos, and how Rita's lived experience as a Black woman has shaped her understanding of the world.Things mentionedAward Winning Poet Nikki Giovanni Dawn Revisited, a poem written by Rita DoveAmerican Poet Michael S. Harper What to readPlaylist for the Apocalypse: Poems by Rita Dove Thomas and Beulah by Rita DoveThe Collected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni: 1968-1998 by Nikki GiovanniI Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou The Pleasure of the Text written by Roland Barthes and translated by Richard Miller Dear John, Dear Coltrane: Poems by Michael S HarperStaged Otherness: Ethnic Shows in Central and Eastern Europe, 1850–1939 by Dagnosław Demski and Dominika CzarneckaWhat to listen toFeeling Good - Nina SimoneSo What - Miles DavisTake the "A" Train - Duke Ellington Summertime - Ella FitzgeraldThis conversation was recorded on August 20th, 2022.Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Adam Selah,

Today's episode is with architect Sekou Cooke. Sekou is one of the leading advocates for the study and practice of Hip-Hop Architecture, a practice that poses hip-hop as architecture and uses the language of design to investigate its construction.In today's episode, we explore why urban design cannot exist without hip-hop. We lean into what can happen if we start to understand the nature of urban environments, and Sekou reminds us that whether it is hip-hop, your career, or practice, it's essential to make sure love is at the center of what you do. Things mentionedArtist, Architect, and Fashion designer Virgil Abloh“Figures of Speech” exhibition at Brooklyn Musuem dedicated to the work of Virgil AblohArtist Theaster GatesArtist Lauren Halsey Urban Planner Robert MosesPost–World War II development StuyTown Architect Beverly Lorraine Greene Bricolage is the construction of a sculpture, or a structure of ideas achieved by using whatever comes to handWhat to readHip-Hop Architecture by Sekou CookeAbloh-Isms by Virgil Abloh Virgil Abloh. Nike. Icons by Virgil AblohTheaster Gates: Black Madonna by Elvira Dyangani Ose, Theaster Gates (Artist)The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York by Robert A. CaroAsk and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires by Esther Hicks and Jerry HicksThe Secret by Rhonda ByrneWhat to listen toChampion - Buju Banton One Dance - Drake One Love - Bob Marley and the WailersThe Breaks - Kurtis Blow

Today's conversation is with creative director, and architectural archivist Jerald “Coop” Cooper. Coop is the founder of Hood-century Modern — an Instagram account that sparked a preservation movement by highlighting the iconic and unique designs of mid-century buildings in Black neighborhoods; connecting modern architecture to Black culture. A hip-hop aficionado and curious soul, Coop reminds us to get in touch with our spirit, take ownership of our neighborhood, and challenges us to develop a deeper understanding of how design affects our everyday experience. In today's conversation we explore our relationship to land, the importance of being attuned to spirit, what architects can learn from hip-hop, and the importance of not just repping your block, but understanding how it was made.Things mentionedCollege Hill, OH Maria Montessori Creator of Montessori School StructureBuckminster Fuller - ArchitectMolefi Kete Asante - Professor & PhilosopherRobert Moses - Urban PlannerWhat to readBeloved by Toni MorrisonR. Buckminster Fuller: Pattern-Thinking by Daniel López-Pérez and R Buckminster FullerAfrocentricity: The Theory of Social Change by Molefi Kete AsanteHank Willis Thomas: All Things Being Equal by Julia Dolan, Sara Krajewski, Bobby Martin, Hank Willis Thomas (Photographer)The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad StoneWhat to listen toThis Can't Be Life - Jay-ZGet By - Talib KweliGhetto: Misfortune's Wealth - 24-Carat BlackThe Heat is On - The Isley BrothersWho to followFollow Jerald “Coop” Cooper on IG @hoodmidcenturymodernYou can also find more of Hood Century here.This conversation was recorded on August 13th, 2022.Host:

Today's episode is with award-winning writer, scholar and activist Frank B. Wilderson III. Frank is known as the Godfather of Afropessimism: a critical theory that positions anti-blackness as the antidote for the psychic well-being of society. Did that sound heady? Well, pull out our pen and paper. Frank's curiosity and fearlessness in revealing hard truths, takes us on a scholarly journey that will surely require some unpacking.   In part two of today's episode, Frank reminds us to be fearless in the pursuit of knowledge, even if that knowledge reveals unhealthy truths.  Strap in, as Frank takes us on a ride exploring the foundational tenets Afropessimism along with his own thoughts about reconciliation, activism, and what it means to be a Black individual living in a state of social consciousness and racial reckoning.  Please share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us over on twitter and instagram at @blackimagination. To watch this episode go, visit, and subscribe to our youtube channel The Institute of Black Imagination. You can find this and more content over on IBI Digital at, blackimagination.com. And without further ado, the profound Frank B. Wilderson III. People and ideas mentioned More information on what is https://thebrooklyninstitute.com/items/courses/new-york/what-is-afropessimism-politics-society-and-anti-blackness/ (Afropessimism) https://www.faculty.uci.edu/profile.cfm?faculty_id=5113 (Jared Sexton) - Professor, African American Studies https://www.britannica.com/topic/Marxism (Marxism) thought of Karl Marx Professor https://criticaltheory.berkeley.edu/?event=poetic-knowledge-a-conversation-on-whither-fanon (David Marriott) History of Consciousness Historical and cultural sociologist https://scholar.harvard.edu/patterson/home (Orlando Patterson) What to Read https://bookshop.org/books/afropessimism-9781324090519/9781631496141 (Afropessimism) by Frank B. Wilderson https://bookshop.org/books/incognegro-a-memoir-of-exile-and-apartheid/9780822359937 (Incognegro: A Memoir of Exile and Apartheid) by Frank B. Wilderson III https://www.routledge.com/The-Future-is-Black-Afropessimism-Fugitivity-and-Radical-Hope-in-Education/Grant-Woodson-Dumas/p/book/9780815358206 (The Future Is Black: Afropessimism, Fugitivity, and Radical Hope in Education) by Michael J. Dumas, Carl A. Grant, Ashley N. Woodson https://www.sup.org/books/title/?id=27225 (Whither Fanon?: Studies in the Blackness of Being) by David Marriott  https://bookshop.org/books/slavery-and-social-death-a-comparative-study-with-a-new-preface/9780674986909 (Slavery and Social Death: A Comparative Study, with a New Preface) by Orlando Patterson https://bookshop.org/books/the-autobiography-of-medgar-evers-a-hero-s-life-and-legacy-revealed-through-his-writings-letters-and-speeches/9780465021789 (The Autobiography of Medgar Evers: A Hero's Life and Legacy Revealed Through His Writings, Letters, and Speeches) by Manning Marable, Myrlie Evers-Williams  What to listen to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-4AtiOjBmg (Fight the Power – Public Enemy) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8kFSTzXyew (Hell You Talmbout – Janelle Monae and Wondaland Records) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYOjWnS4cMY (This is America – Childish Gambino) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57Ykv1D0qEE (Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) – Marvin Gaye) Who to follow Follow Frank B. Wilderson III on IG https://www.instagram.com/frank_wilderson/?hl=en (@frank_wilderson) Visit his website https://www.frankbwildersoniii.com/ (here.) This conversation was recorded on August 11th, 2022.   Host https://www.instagram.com/dario.studio/ (Dario Calmese)  Producer: https://www.instagram.com/holly_woodco/ (Coniqua Johnson)  Visual Art Direction and Designs:  http://riverwildmen.com (River Wildmen), https://www.instagram.com/almost_adam/ (Adam Saleh), https://www.instagram.com/willdomingue/ (Will Dominique),...

Today's episode is with award-winning writer, scholar and activist Frank B. Wilderson III. Frank is known as the Godfather of Afropessimism: a critical theory that anti-blackness is “necessary for world-making at every level of abstraction.” Did that sound heady? Well, get ready. Frank's curiosity, appetite for knowledge and nuance, along with his fearlessness to explore what is, in the absence of what isn't, reminds us of the importance of inquiry and the power of examining the world around us.  In part one of today's episode, Frank reminds us to be fearless in the pursuit of knowledge, even if that knowledge reveals unhealthy truths. Strap in, as Frank takes us on a ride exploring Afropessimism and themes of reconciliation, activism, and what it means to be a young Black man living in a state of social consciousness and racial reckoning. Please share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us over on twitter and instagram at @blackimagination. To watch this episode go, visit, and subscribe to our youtube channel The Institute of Black Imagination. You can find this and more content over on IBI Digital at, blackimagination.com. And without further ado, the profound Frank B. Wilderson III. People and ideas mentioned More information on what is https://thebrooklyninstitute.com/items/courses/new-york/what-is-afropessimism-politics-society-and-anti-blackness/ (Afropessimism) https://www.faculty.uci.edu/profile.cfm?faculty_id=5113 (Jared Sexton) - Professor, African American Studies https://www.britannica.com/topic/Marxism (Marxism) thought of Karl Marx Professor https://criticaltheory.berkeley.edu/?event=poetic-knowledge-a-conversation-on-whither-fanon (David Marriott) History of Consciousness Historical and cultural sociologist https://scholar.harvard.edu/patterson/home (Orlando Patterson) What to Read https://bookshop.org/books/afropessimism-9781324090519/9781631496141 (Afropessimism) by Frank B. Wilderson https://bookshop.org/books/incognegro-a-memoir-of-exile-and-apartheid/9780822359937 (Incognegro: A Memoir of Exile and Apartheid) by Frank B. Wilderson III https://www.routledge.com/The-Future-is-Black-Afropessimism-Fugitivity-and-Radical-Hope-in-Education/Grant-Woodson-Dumas/p/book/9780815358206 (The Future Is Black: Afropessimism, Fugitivity, and Radical Hope in Education) by Michael J. Dumas, Carl A. Grant, Ashley N. Woodson https://www.sup.org/books/title/?id=27225 (Whither Fanon?: Studies in the Blackness of Being) by David Marriott  https://bookshop.org/books/slavery-and-social-death-a-comparative-study-with-a-new-preface/9780674986909 (Slavery and Social Death: A Comparative Study, with a New Preface) by Orlando Patterson https://bookshop.org/books/the-autobiography-of-medgar-evers-a-hero-s-life-and-legacy-revealed-through-his-writings-letters-and-speeches/9780465021789 (The Autobiography of Medgar Evers: A Hero's Life and Legacy Revealed Through His Writings, Letters, and Speeches) by Manning Marable, Myrlie Evers-Williams  What to listen to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-4AtiOjBmg (Fight the Power – Public Enemy) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8kFSTzXyew (Hell You Talmbout – Janelle Monae and Wondaland Records) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYOjWnS4cMY (This is America – Childish Gambino) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57Ykv1D0qEE (Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) – Marvin Gaye) Who to follow Follow Frank B. Wilderson III on IG https://www.instagram.com/frank_wilderson/?hl=en (@frank_wilderson) Visit his website https://www.frankbwildersoniii.com/ (here.) This conversation was recorded on August 11th, 2022.   Host https://www.instagram.com/dario.studio/ (Dario Calmese)  Producer: https://www.instagram.com/holly_woodco/ (Coniqua Johnson)  Visual Art Direction and Designs:  http://riverwildmen.com (River Wildmen), https://www.instagram.com/almost_adam/ (Adam Saleh), https://www.instagram.com/willdomingue/ (Will...

Today's conversation is with food enthusiast, storyteller, and creative strategist Jon Gray. Jon is the co-founder and self-proclaimed dishwasher of Ghetto Gastro— a collective that uses food as a medium to ignite conversations about race, inequity, and inclusivity. Jon's love affair with the Bronx, usage of mixed media, and desire to build new narratives that empower black and brown people, teaches us the importance of having pride in your roots and staying true to yourself.  In today's conversation, we're reminded of the importance of staying true to ourselves. We explore themes such as the value of fostering deep connections, the importance of perseverance, and we journey into why trusting your instincts can be your greatest tool.  What to read Pre-order https://ghettogastro.com/pages/black-power-kitchen (Black Power Kitchen - Ghetto Gastro) by Jon Gray, Pierre Serrano, Lester Walker (Drops 10.18.22) https://bookshop.org/books/my-grandmother-s-hands-racialized-trauma-and-the-pathway-to-mending-our-hearts-and-bodies-9781942094470/9781942094470 (My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies) by Resmaa Menakem  https://bookshop.org/books/the-rise-black-cooks-and-the-soul-of-american-food-a-cookbook/9780316480680 (The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food: A Cookbook) by Marcus Samuelsson,  Yewande Komolafe, Osayi Endolyn People mentioned https://studiomuseum.org/thelma-golden-director-and-chief-curator (Thelma Golden) - Director and Chief Curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem Curator, critic & author https://cargocollective.com/museummammy (Kimberly Drew)  Graphic Artist https://www.moma.org/artists/70943 (Emory Douglas)  Artist https://www.jamelrobinson.com/ (Jamel Robinson)  Co-Founder of ArtNoir & President of Saint Heron https://www.instagram.com/queencc/?hl=en (Carolyn Concepcion) https://camh.org/event/in-conversation-amoako-boafo-and-larry-ossei-mensah/ (Larry Ossei-Mensah) Curator & Co-founder of https://www.instagram.com/artnoirco/?hl=en (@artnoirco) Artist http://www.derrickadams.com/ (Derrick Adams)  https://www.sheamoisture.com/ca/en/narratively-longroad.html (Richelieu Dennis) - Founder & CEO of Sundial Brands, maker of SheaMoisture Learn more about Jon Gray Check out Ghetto Gastro's appliance collection https://cruxgg.com/ (CRUXGG)  https://www.cooperhewitt.org/channel/jon-gray-of-ghetto-gastro-selects/ (Jon Gray's) of Ghetto Gastro, Cooper Hewitt Installation Watch Jon Gray's https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cWkKwGUt3g ((Ghetto Gasto) TedTalk) What to listen to https://open.spotify.com/track/1sYRkVKdT2ize1HSDCwbEF (Say It Loud - I'm Black And I'm Proud) by James Brown https://open.spotify.com/track/6HZILIRieu8S0iqY8kIKhj (DNA.) by Kendrick Lamar https://open.spotify.com/track/48EjSdYh8wz2gBxxqzrsLe?autoplay=true&v=T (Cranes in the Sky) by Solange Who to follow Find him on https://www.instagram.com/ghettogray/ (IG) To learn more about his work, visit GhettoGastro.com  This conversation was recorded on July 30th, 2022.  Host https://www.instagram.com/dario.studio/ (Dario Calmese)  Producer: https://www.instagram.com/holly_woodco/ (Coniqua Johnson)  Visual Art Direction and Designs:  http://riverwildmen.com (River Wildmen), https://www.instagram.com/afrovisualism/ (Justin Smith), Adam Selah Director of Digital Content: https://www.instagram.com/vickygcreative/ (Vicky Garcia) Bookings: http://@itsms.kt (K.T. Thompson) Audio Engineer + Composer: https://www.instagram.com/adamradice/ (Adam Radice) Original music composed by https://www.instagram.com/adamradice/ (Adam Radice) 

Today's conversation is with creative director, designer and stylist Jerome Lamaar. Jerome is a trendsetter whose perspective on art, culture, concepts and colors has transformed style. Exploring the power of imagination, controlling their own narrative, and pride in their community, Jerome has never been afraid to color outside the lines, illustrating their own reality.  In today's episode, we're reminded of what it means to design a life on your own terms. We explore themes of manifestation, building your own brand, staying true to yourself, and the value in accessibility. Things mentioned https://www.cooperhewitt.org/channel/willi-smith-street-couture/ (Willi Smith: Street Couture - Cooper Hewitt) https://www.macys.com/s/icons-of-style/jerome-lamaar/ (5:31 by JÉRÔME LAMAAR for And Now - Macy's) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby_Phat (Baby Phat) Designer and artist https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Rucci (Ralph Rucci) What to read https://bookshop.org/books/willi-smith-street-couture/9780847868193 (Willi Smith: Street Couture) by Alexandra Cunningham Cameron https://bookshop.org/books/the-chiffon-trenches-a-memoir-9780593129258/9780593129272 (The Chiffon Trenches: A Memoir) by André Leon Talley https://bookshop.org/books/black-designers-in-american-fashion-9781350138476/9781350138476 (Black Designers in American Fashion) by Elizabeth Way https://bookshop.org/books/fashion-trends-analysis-and-forecasting/9781350099012 (Fashion Trends: Analysis and Forecasting) by Ann Marie Fiore, Eundeok Kim, Alice Payne  https://bookshop.org/books/life-visioning-16pt-large-print-edition/9780369308269 (Life Visioning) by Michael Bernard Beckwith What to listen to https://open.spotify.com/album/4jovLVRCu6H0Ce6NHR4eTZ (My Life) by Mary J. Blige https://open.spotify.com/album/2fv3CMkuVgYRtQVnhv1rQW (The Glamorous Life) by Sheila E https://open.spotify.com/track/3uy0jtkM8QYVTsBazkli1x (Planet Rock) by Afrika Bambaataa & the Soulsonic Force https://open.spotify.com/track/7Ezwtgfw7khBrpvaNPtMoT (All The Way Up) by Fat Joe and Remy Ma Who to follow Follow Jerome Lamaar on https://instagram.com/jeromelamaar?utm_medium=copy_link (IG @jeromelamaar) You can also find Jerome's fashion https://531pm.com/ (here). This conversation was recorded on July 9th, 2022. Host https://www.instagram.com/dario.studio/ (Dario Calmese)  Producer: https://www.instagram.com/holly_woodco/ (Coniqua Johnson)  Visual Art Direction and Designs:  http://riverwildmen.com (River Wildmen), https://www.instagram.com/afrovisualism/ (AfroVisualism) Director of Digital Content: https://www.instagram.com/vickygcreative/ (Vicky Garcia) Bookings: https://www.instagram.com/itsms.kt/ (K.T. Thompson) Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at https://www.blackimagination.com/oral-history (blackimagination.com )