CUNY TV's Black America

Author and philanthropist Deborah Santana joins host Carol Jenkins to discuss her new memoir, Loving the Fire.

While serving as Special Assistant to President Obama and Associate White House Counsel, where he advised on economic and domestic policy issues, Jason was confronted with a difficult career choice when his grandmother's health began to decline. Join our host, Carol Jenkins in conversation with Jason G. Green as he discusses his new book, Too Precious to Lose, a powerful story about preserving family, heritage, and what matters most.

Author and artist Rachel Eliza Griffiths discusses her memoir, The Flower Bearers and the journey of healing that followed profound loss and violence.

Simone I. Smith and Nicole Lyons explore entrepreneurship, personal evolution, women supporting women, and what it truly means to reinvent yourself while staying authentic to your purpose.

Poet and author Dr. Mahogany L. Browne shares her journey as a writer, reflecting on the experiences that shaped her voice and purpose.

In a time when suicide rates have risen among Black youth, Therese Myers, founder of Yes Girls Create Inc., and Jessica McJunkin-Flatts, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, create supportive spaces where young people can express themselves.

Artist and composter, Du'Bois A'Keen reflects on his journey—from his early years in dance to the evolution of his music career today.

In this special anniversary edition, host Carol Jenkins looks back at the moments that moved us and the vision that continues to guide us forward.

Journalist A'Lelia Bundles shares the history of her great-grandmother A'Lelia Walker, daughter of Madam C.J. Walker. Also joined by historian Eric K. Washington, who discusses the life of James H. Williams, Chief Porter at Grand Central Terminal.

Cheryl McKissack Daniel is the President and CEO of McKissack & McKissack, one of the nation’s oldest Black-owned construction firms. As a fifth-generation leader, she’s built on a powerful legacy while shaping the future of large-scale development, equity, and impact.

Camille A. Brown, 5-Time Tony-nominated director and choreographer reflects on breaking barriers, reviving classic works, honoring the trailblazers who paved the way for her, and the projects still to come—along with much more.

Dr. Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, Founder of Vision and Justice and Associate Professor at Harvard University discusses how the work of our culture matters and what's at stake.

Host Carol Jenkins sits with Sade Lythcott, CEO of the National Black Theater, one of the longest-running theaters by a woman of color, and Patricia McGregor, artistic director of the New York Theater Workshop.

Chef Chrystina Casado joins host Carol Jenkins to discuss her journey launching her business, Brunch at Zion's, as well as her nonprofit, Dine with Dignity. And then, Duane Ferguson talks to author Tony Weaver Jr. about mental health, representation and youth empowerment.

Ty Jones, Producing Artistic Director of the Classical Theater of Harlem, shares how the organization brings to life classical stories with a twist while surviving federal funding cuts to the arts.

Nnenna Freelon, a seven-time Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist and composer, podcaster and now author, shares with host Carol Jenkins how she overcame a series of personal losses and how that grief has shaped her musical path and latest book, Beneath the Skin of Sorrow.

TikTok creator Taylor Cassidy joins host Carol Jenkins to discuss her new book, Black History is Your History—a powerful exploration of influential African American figures and their lasting impact on society.

Author Derrick Barnes joins us to talk about his powerful new book, The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze. In this heartfelt conversation, Barnes explores the importance of affirming Black boyhood and the inspiration behind Henson's story.

Grammy Award-winning drummer and composer Terri Lyne Carrington, together with Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist and recording artist Christie Dashiell discuss We Insist 2025—a powerful reimagining of Max Roach's groundbreaking 1960 work, We Insist!.

Comedian Kerry Coddett shares how she went from struggling in school and growing up in Brooklyn to turning her life around—becoming her high school’s valedictorian and rising to success as a writer, producer, and comedian.

We revisited powerful conversations with guests including philanthropist and author Frederick Joseph, artist and activist Sophia Victor, professional troublemaker Luvvie Ajayi Jones, and Lurie Daniel Favors, Exec. Dir. of CLSJ at Medgar Evers College.

Filmmaker, Khary Saeed Jones joins host Carol Jenkins for a reflective conversation about his return to the rural Canadian town where he once faced racism in his film, Night Fight.

Artist and Professor Sophia Victor explores the power of art to give voice to those often forgotten. She reflects on the role of art in preserving narratives that challenge societal norms, pushing back against systems of oppression, and ensuring that important stories are never forgotten.

Anyone who has ever searched in vain for their name on a souvenir keychain or had it mispronounced because it’s unique will relate to Luvvie Ajayi Jones’ latest book, Little Troublemaker Defends Her Name.

New York Times bestselling author Frederick Joseph joins us to dive into his powerful new book, This Thing of Ours.

Melicia Whitt-Glover, executive director of the Council on Black Health, talks about her work to improve health outcomes in Black communities, the challenges of health disparities, and the power of culturally-centered research and community leadership.

Artist and Professor Sophia Victor explores the power of art to give voice to those often forgotten.

Author and historian Martha S. Jones discusses her latest book, The Trouble with Color: An American Family Memoir.

Jamia Wilson discusses her book, "Make Good Trouble", a powerful and inspiring book aimed at young readers to encourage them to stand up for justice, equality, and human rights, drawing on the legacy of civil rights leaders like John Lewis.

Anna Glass, Executive Director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, discusses the Theatre's evolution into one of the most dynamic cultural institutions of our time.

Photographer Deborah Willis, along with journalist Kevin Merida, collaborate to co-author the compelling book Kamala: Her Historic, Joyful, and Auspicious Sprint to the White House.

New York Times best-selling author Renée Watson talks about her book All the Blues in the Sky, which follows 13-year-old Sage as she navigates the pain and sorrow of losing her best friend. Also joined by Sharice Simpson and Dr. Charles Barrett.

Executive Producer, Kamilah Forbes discusses the legacy and future of the Apollo Theater and her work as a director.

American photographer and visual artist Chester Higgins discusses his journey documenting African and African-American history and culture over five decades, his book The Sacred Nile, and the significance of preserving these histories through visual art.

Award-winning children’s and young adult author Leah Johnson discusses her journey as a writer, her upcoming anthology Black Girl Power, and the importance of representation for Black girls in literature.

Paulana Lamonier, CEO and Founder of Black People Will Swim, discusses the work her organization is doing to promote water safety, increase access to swimming lessons, and challenge cultural barriers within the Black community.

Emmy® award-winning choreographer and founder of the Black Iris Project, Jeremy McQueen, discusses his company's upcoming premiere of Blood in the Soil, a ballet that honors the history and legacy of Black and Indigenous farmers and their deep connection

Lurie Daniel Favors, Lawyer, Activist, and Executive Director of The Center for Law and Social Justice at CUNY's Medgar Evers College, discusses organizing efforts, voting and the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election.

Emmy® and Tony Award winner Courtney B. Vance returns to Black America to discuss his role in Ryan Murphy's FX and Hulu series "Grotesquerie", the impact James Earl Jones had on his career, the challenges Black men face with mental health and more.

Jonnel C. Doris, CEO of START Treatment & Recovery Centers, discusses the urgent social challenges affecting New Yorkers and the need for comprehensive solutions to these interconnected health issues.

Dr. Jervette R. Ward, Chair of the Black Studies Department at City College, explores the transition from a program to a full-fledged department and the role five key demands from Black and Hispanic students played in this shift.

In this episode of Black America, we revisit Season 9 and highlight key moments and conversations that challenged our perspectives.

Tony Award-winning actress Nikki M. James delivers a powerful performance as Ida B. Wells in Shaina Taub's "Suffs," a musical that explores the 1913 Women's Movement.

Historian and New York Times bestselling author Nell I. Painter explores her latest book, "I Just Keep Talking: A Life in Essays," delving into decades of her historical research with original sketches and more.

New York Times bestselling and award winning author, Renée Watson joins host Carol Jenkins to discuss her novel, "Skin & Bones".

Gilda N. Squire, Founder of Squire Media & Management Inc. Gilda is one of the few Black women who has reached to upper echelons of public relations. Her professional network has pushed the careers of many celebrities, history makers, authors and more.

Maleek Washington is a performer, choreographer and teaching artist whose creative footprint extends from the stages of Broadway to off-Broadway productions like "Soul Train: The Hippest Trip", "Hell's Kitchen" and "For Colored Girls."

For many years, Rikers Island has remained at the epicenter of human rights violations. In this episode, Stanley Richards, President/CEO of The Fortune Society shares his experience working on his mission to reintegrate formerly imprisoned into society.

Marc Morial, President and CEO of The National Urban League discusses their "State of Black America" Report, home ownership, wealth gap, moving to Harlem, and other important topics with host Carol Jenkins.

Join us for the 2nd half as we dive into the importance of the Black vote and what it means for voting rights, the Supreme Court, IVF, and other key issues with three political experts.