From Economic Justice Consultant to Empowering Black Women Through Storytelling

In this episode of Heard, Afros & Audio's Black History Month series, host Talib Jasir engages in a powerful conversation with Najmah Ahmad, founder of the Freed Black Girl podcast. Najmah reflects on the inspiration behind launching her podcast in April 2020, drawing from her own experiences of quitting her job, working as an economic justice and education consultant, and coaching Black women on entrepreneurship. Her mission: to create a space for empowerment and healing through storytelling and shared experiences. The conversation explores themes of self-discovery, inner child healing, and the ancestral and intergenerational influences that shape Najmah's journey. She shares her bold decision to step away from consulting to embrace content creation fully, channeling her passion into work that centers community, vulnerability, and authentic storytelling. Najmah also underscores the importance of supporting Black women, inviting listeners to engage with her work through viewership, merchandise, and community involvement. Her reflections on the Afros & Audio Podcast Festival reveal the power of connection and the importance of amplifying diverse voices in podcasting. Episode Highlights 00:00 – Welcome to Heard! Season 3 00:37 – The inspiration behind Freed Black Girl 00:58 – Entrepreneurship and coaching Black women 04:26 – Themes of self-discovery and inner child healing 09:05 – Balancing roles and embracing content creation 14:57 – Vulnerability and courage in podcasting 24:26 – Ancestral dreams and intergenerational impact 27:40 – The transformative power of storytelling 31:14 – Creating authentic, empowering content 36:48 – How to support the Freed Black Girl movement 41:02 – Reflections on the Afros & Audio Podcast Festival 43:52 – Final thoughts and connections This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration on healing, empowerment, and the transformative potential of storytelling. Tune in and discover how Najmah Ahmad is fostering liberation and connection through her groundbreaking podcast. Listen to Freed Black Girl podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-freed-black-girl-podcast/id1754677865 To learn more about Najmah Ahmad, host of Freed Black Girl podcast visit www.freedblackgirl.com  www.instagram.com/freed_blackgirl_podcast Freed Black Girl upcoming merch line https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDAWtZESDDx/?igsh=NjJjam43dXdlMXp6 Learn more about the 7th Annual Afros & Audio Podcast Festival, October 17-19, 2025 in Baltimore, MD: https://www.afrosandaudio.com  Visit https://linktr.ee/afrosandaudio for additional information and opportunities! DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by guests of Afros & Audio's Black History Month interview series are their own and do not reflect the values, mission, or business of Talib Jasir, Afros & Audio, Black Podcasters Association, Vanguard Podcast Network, or any other names, podcasts, events, businesses, or organizations mentioned in the video or audio of this series unless explicitly stated.