Episodes
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Talk 58 - Abena Speaks
In this solo episode, I sat down and spoke directly to us — Black folx moving through these uncertain, shifting times. I named the moment we're living in, the fatigue, the brilliance, the contradictions. We are not new to the struggle, nor the triumph. This one is a word of grounding and an...
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Talk 57 - Bo James, Emcee N.I.C.E. & Miz Tiffany on the Cornbred Renaissance
It's all about music and that good feelin' on this episode. Abena talks with Cornbred Renaissance DSM founder Bo James and musical artists Emcee N.I.C.E. and Miz Tiffany. This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast.
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Talk 56 - Staying Ready: Safety in the Age of Domestic Terror
Abena Sankofa talks with Diogenes Ayala, Iowa’s 2023 Emergency Manager of the Year, about what it really means to stay safe in these times. From spotting warning signs to building resilience, this conversation goes beyond fear and focuses on practical strategies for survival and strength.
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Talk 55 - A Conversation with the Author: Amina Luqman-Dawson
Abena Sankofa talks with Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Amina Luqman-Dawson about her groundbreaking novel Freewater. This is a conversation about history, imagination, and the price—and promise—of Black liberation.
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Talk 54 - CultureALL's First 20 Years
Abena Sankofa sits down with Jessi Orton, Executive Director of CultureALL. The CultureALL Ball is on September 20. What makes it unique, and what's the organization’s broader mission. Jessi also addresses the delicate balance between cultural celebration and cultural misappropriation, offering...
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Talk 53 - Wellness Is Wealth: A Conversation with Corey Dion Lewis
This isn't your typical self-care convo. Abena Sankofa sits down with Corey Dion Lewis, health coach, entrepreneur, and host of The Healthy Project podcast, to explore what it means to reframe wellness as a form of power. They talk Black men and mental health, navigating the healthcare system…
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Talk 52 - Project 2025: Don't Comply in Advance
Abena has an incisive talk on Project 2025 with Jason Benell, president of the Iowa Athiest & Freethinkers, and Al Womble, president of the Iowa Democratic Black Caucus. It's getting real. This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast.
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Talk 51 - Dwana Bradley & Urban Experience Magazine
Season 5! Abena talks with CEO Dwana Bradley about Iowa Urban Media's 10 years of impact. This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast.
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Talk 50 - Wrapping Season 4: What We Built.
Season 4 of Black & Privileged in America Podcast was one for the books! Abena looks back on the unforgettable guests and colorful convos that made this season so special. She's also sharing some personal reflections and dropping a little hint: Season 5 is about to be fire! Tune in, soak it up…
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Talk 49 - Iowa's State Auditor
Abena and Rob talk about his book, The Winning Ticket, and more. There is also pizza! This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast.
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Talk 48 - We Gotta Show Up
Abena talks with community leader Louis Fountain right off the stage at the AALA Cultural & Economic Development Project, live at Drake University. Louis shares his resilience through a cancer diagnosis and why he is still committed to showing up. Book recommendations: • Iowa's Black Legacy by...
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Talk 47 - African American Leadership Academy
Abena talks with AALA fellows Arichica Banks and Jazlin Coley-Smith about their work in the Academy and their Cultural & Economic Development Project live at Drake University. Book recommendations: • African Americans of Des Moines & Polk County by Honesty Parker, • The Four Agreements by Don...
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Talk 46 - Dr. Wayne Ford Keeps It Real
Abena has the TALK OF A LIFETIME with former Iowa Representative Wayne Ford. From the hood to the hill, Dr. Ford shares his storied past and his hopes for Black futures.This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast.
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Talk 45 - Barbara Western, Matriarch of Western Family Farms.
Barbara Western became the CEO of Western Family Farms after her husband, Todd Western Jr., died suddenly. Abenasits with Mrs. Western as she drops gem upon gem about ownership, legacy-building, and the importance of family. This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast....
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Talk 44 - Minerva's Meadow Farm
There is, in fact, a black-owned no-till flower farm smack dab in the middle of Iowa. Abena visited Hannah Scates Kettler at Minerva’s Meadow Farm for the Iowa Farmers of Color Cookout. This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast. https://www.minervasmeadow.com
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Talk 43 - The Oldest Black-owned Century Farm in Iowa
Did you know there are Black farmers in Iowa? Abena talks with brothers Todd & Chris Western of the incredible Western Family Farms. This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast. https://www.westernfamilyfarms.com A huge shoutout to https://www.minervasmeadow.com for generously hosting our...
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Talk 42 - Black Dollars with Efrem Jackson
Abena sits down with Free to Serve CEO and investment expert Efrem Jackson for an in-depth conversation about wealth-building and the Black cultural imprint on how we think about money. This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast.
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Talk 41 - Local Org Addresses Racial Wealth Gap
Ever heard of the One Economy Financial Development Corp.? Vince Lintz and Weslyn Caldwell talk about a little-known initiative to close the wealth gap. They break down who they can help, and how. Learn more: https://oefdc.org/ This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast.
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Talk 40 - Black Woman in Business, Kourtney Perry
Abena is in community with BossLady, author and CEO of Privacy LLC, Kourtney Perry. Kourtney reveals some of the secrets to her success and talks about her role in the Iowa Juneteenth Observance. Learn more about Kourtney's work at www.privacyllc.net, www.ladielexcandles.net, and...
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Talk 39 - Ako Abdul-Samad & Rob Johnson
Ako Abdul-Samad, the longest-serving Black representative in the Iowa House, is now retired and wants to pass the political baton to Rob Johnson. They sit down with Abena to talk about the lessons, the legacy, and the future. This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast. Key Takeaways: The...
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Talk 38 - Melissa Vine Raises Her Hand for US Congress
Abena talks with Democratic Congressional hopeful, Melissa Vine, ahead of the June 4 primary election. They discuss the issues and why Vine wants to replace Republican incumbent Zach Nunn. This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast.
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Talk 37 - Black Success Strategies
Life coach Paula Bell visits the studio to give Abena 5 ways that Black folx can shine professionally. Buckle up...you'll wanna take notes! This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast.
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Talk 36 - Dear Brother, Tommy Ross
Abena sits in community with thought leader and advocate Tommy Ross. It's a wide-ranging talk from relationships and fatherhood to mindset and legacy. This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast.
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Talk 35 - Nonprofit group Just Voices release "The People's History"
Abena is in conversation with Just Voices founder Harvey Harrison and activist Lori Young as they detail the findings comprising their eye-opening report, "The People's History."
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Talk 34 - Max's Next Chapter
A man betting on himself, Iowa Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer & legendary talk radio host MaxwellSchaeffer joins Abena. He's making his next chapter the best chapter.
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Talk 33 - Athene Black & Brown Business Summit 2024
Diverse business owners from across the globe converge in Des Moines for the 4th annual Athene Black & Brown Business Summit. Abena discusses with Angela Jackson and Katherine Harrington.
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Talk 32 - Connection with John Martin, Sr. (part 2)
Abena continues her conversation with John on connection and standing on business.
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Talk 31 - Connection with John Martin, Sr. (part 1)
Abena is in community with author, entrepreneur, and mentor John Martin, Sr. as reveals his early influences and the power of connection.
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Talk 30 - Books, Plays, and Living Life On Your Own Terms
Abena talks with author, playwright, producer, director, actress Claudine Cheatem about the adaptation of "Jamaica’s Kaleidoscope" from book to stage, and more.
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Talk 29 - Public Education in Turbulent Times
Budget cuts, teacher shortages, low enrollment. Where's the silver lining? Abena, sits down with the superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, Dr. Ian Roberts.
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Talk 28 - Abena talks with filmmaker Craig Farley
Genius through the eyes of a creative, Craig Farley Jr. about the roses and thorns of storytelling and he reveals a new project
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Is DEI Killing Black Women at Work?
Licensed social worker, Debra Carr, and legendary singer/songwriter Lizz Sharp open up to Abena about Blackwomen vs diversity equity & inclusion.
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Talk 26- Year in Review!
Abena and Abraham look back on Season 3 of Black & Privileged in America Podcast. All the guests, all the book recommendations, and what's coming in 2024.
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Talk 25 - Black Mental Health & Coping with Holiday Stress
With the holiday season upon us it can be tough to keep it all together. Abena talks with Breanne Ward of ForWard Consulting LLC about Black mental health, stigma, and 3 tips for reducing stress during the holidays. Breanne's book recommendations are "Your Purpose is Calling" by Dharius Daniels,...
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Talk 24 - Israel-Hamas War: The Perspective of Palestinian Allies
Abena furthers her conversation surrounding the Israel-Hamas War, this time from the perspective of Palestinian allies. Guests Samy El-Baroudi and Maria Reveiz share their thoughts on the war, allyship, and a peaceful resolution. Maria's book recommendations are "On Palestine" by Noam Chomsky &...
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Talk 23 - Israel-Hamas War, a Jewish American Perspective
The Israel-Hamas War has captivated the world's attention so Abena invited Michael Libbie, a Jewish American community leader, to share his thoughts. This is a sensitive topic for a lot of people, but through communication & empathy we find our shared humanity. Michael's book pic is "The Torah"…
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Talk 22 - What's Wrong with Black DMi?
Abena saw Mena Jones' social media call-out and got her in the studio right quick to chat about what's wrong with Black Des Moines. Tune in now. From unity to representation to where the money reside, they discuss all of the things. Mena's book pick is "The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental...
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Talk 21 - Dads on a Mission
Abena is in conversation with Lance Williams, founder of Dads on a Mission -- a nonprofit uplifting Black families. They talk about the "absent black father" myth and how volunteering can make an impact. Lance's book picks are "8 Conversations to Have With Your Son" by John Martin, Sr. and...
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Talk 20 - Black Iowa News is Making a Difference
Abena sits down with Black Iowa News founder and publisher, the incomparable Dana James. Her statewide print newspaper highlights the joys and pains of Black life in Iowa. She's also introducing the Black Business Holiday Guide, fall 2023! Dana's book pick is "N*gga Theory: Race, Language…
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Talk 19 - Celebrating Gospel Music
Singer-songwriters and musicians Kenneth Cameron, Sara McIntosh and Jerrae Lindsey bless the studio and share about the enduring power of gospel music. Kenneth's book pick is "Reposition Yourself: Living Life Without Limits" by TD Jakes. Sara's book pick is "The Holy Bible." Jerrae's book pick is...
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Talk 18 - A Real Life African Superhero
Listen to this inspiring talk with author/entrepreneur Lilian Okech about her journey of resilience, survival and perserverance. Book picks: "The Spirit of Warriors" and "Ageno" both by Lilian Okech.
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Talk 17 - Literacy, War and Love
Don't let all the trouble in the world get you down. In this episode, Abena reads passages about the redemptive power of love as an alternative to hate. Book picks: "All About Love" by bell hooks and "The Measuring of Our Lives: A Gathering of Wisdom" by Toni Morrison.
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Talk 16 - Natural Hair & The Loc Link Up
This episode is all things natural hair! Abena talks with expert locticians Tabby G & Shanita Southward about the C.R.O.W.N. Act, natural hair journeys and The Loc Link Up on Sept. 9 in Des Moines. What They're Reading:Abena's reading "Hair Love" Matthew CherryTabby G's reading "I Love My Hair!"…
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Talk 15 - Drake Alum on Bright College & Higher Ed
Patricia Johnson and DeShana Taylor, Abena's fellow Drake alumnae at Bright College, stopped by to talk about Black women pursuing higher education. Can the rest of the world keep up? Listen to find out. Their book recommendations: Abena's reading, "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates....
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Talk 14 - Play-by-Play of the Montgomery Brawl aka the Riverfront Resistance
Madison Ray and Ryan-Christopher join Abena to break down the Montgomery Brawl and what it could mean for the culture and the country. Also, check out their book recommendations below: Abena's reading, "Freedom is a Constant Struggle" by Angela Davis. Ryan's reading two books, "The DC Milestone...
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Talk 13 "The Next Generation of Healthcare"
The book recommendations are: 1. Tae'Shaun's pick - The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot 2. Diaminique's pick - Sex and Race by Joel Augustus Rogers 3. Abena's pick - Freedom Dreams by Robin D.G. Kelley Special thanks and much success to guests, Tae'Shaun and Diaminique. To…
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Talk 12 "Welcome Back" (short episode) the book recommendation is:
1. Abena's pick - Omari's Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe by Abena Sankofa Imhotep This is Abena's debut children's book and it's gone global with rave reviews! It can be purchased at Storyhouse Bookpub in Des Moines and it's available online at...
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Talk 11: The Power of Black Stories w/Teresa Zilk
The queen and master storyteller Teresa Zilk joined Abena & Jay in-studio to discuss life, Blackness, and her dope storytelling platform Stories to Tell My Daughter.
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Talk 10: Rick Stewart Speaks Candidly About Election, Hopes for Iowa
Abena welcomes Libertarian candidate for Iowa governor Rick Stewart back to the studio. Rick makes his final appeal to voters, talks about campaign life, and his hopes for the state of Iowa.
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Talk 9: Deidre DeJear Calls for Midterm Voter Turnout
Once more, democratic hopeful Deidre DeJear joined Abena at the Black & Privileged mic before the midterm elections on Nov. 8 and tells why she'll be "the people's governor."