CUNY TV's Black America
by CUNY TV
Black America is an in-depth conversation that explores what it means to be Black in America. The show profiles Black activists, academics, business leaders, sports figures, elected officials, artists and writers to gauge this experience in a time of both turbulence and breakthroughs.
Episodes
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The Cost of Fitting In
Author and behavioral scientist, Patricia Faison Hewlin joins host Carol Jenkins to discuss her book, "Staying True to You" exploring authenticity, self-discovery, and the courage to remain true to yourself in a world that often demands conformity.
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There's Power in Your Voice
Soprano, Brandie Inez Sutton shares stories from her life in opera, discusses her passion for performing, and gives viewers a glimpse into the work behind the voice.
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Marching to Greatness: The Magic of HBCU Bands
Award-winning illustrator and author, Shadra Strickland discusses her new children’s book, "Here Comes the Band". Shadra takes us inside the colorful world of HBCU marching bands and shares how the sights, sounds, movement, and community of these incredible bands inspired her to bring their magic...
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When Your Innocent But Still Sent to Jail
Huwe Burton shares his journey from wrongful conviction to exoneration after spending 19 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Christina Swarns, Executive Director of the Innocence Project discusses wrongful convictions & the fight for justice.
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The Tulsa Massacre: The History They Tried To Erase
Journalist Kristal Brent Zook discusses her new book on the Tulsa Race Massacre, Black Wall Street, reparations, and the ongoing pursuit of racial justice in Tulsa.
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What Happens When You Wake Up & Can't See Anymore?
Award-winning recording artist and disability advocate Lachi and nonprofit leader Krystle Allen, founder of Eyes Like Mine joins our host, Carol Jenkins for a powerful conversation about their personal journeys into blindness.
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When "Impossible" Isn't an Option
Karisma Jay, Performing Artist and Filmmaker opens up about the challenges that shaped her path and the determination that continues to drive her.
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It's Never Too Late to Choose You First
Author and philanthropist Deborah Santana joins host Carol Jenkins to discuss her new memoir, Loving the Fire.
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What Are You Willing To Lose When You Put Your Career First?
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...
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Making Time To Heal
Author and artist Rachel Eliza Griffiths discusses her memoir, The Flower Bearers and the journey of healing that followed profound loss and violence.
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Be Bold Enough to Change the Game
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.
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When Words Breathe: A Conversation with Mahogany L. Browne
Poet and author Dr. Mahogany L. Browne shares her journey as a writer, reflecting on the experiences that shaped her voice and purpose.
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Providing Space and Help For Your Daughters
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.
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From Dance to the Mic: The Journey of Du'Bois A'Keen
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.
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10 Years of Truth, Triumph & Transformation
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.
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No One Can Tell Like We Can Tell It
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.
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Building a Legacy One Brick At a Time
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.
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Breaking Barriers and Building Legacy
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.
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Where Vision Meets Justice: What's at Stake?
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.
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Legacy to Vision: Reimagining the American Stage
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.
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Cultivating Food Dignity and Youth Empowerment
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.
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Keeping Black Theater Alive
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.
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Exploring Grief through Music with Nnenna Freelon
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.
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Black History is Our History
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.
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Protect Our Black Boys
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.
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The Reimagining of Max Roach's We Insist
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!.
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Straight Out of Flatbush to LA with Kerry Coddett
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.
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Taking a Look Back to Moments that Challenged & Inspired Us
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.
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Going Back To Go Forward
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.
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The Power in Art
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.
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Have You Ever Had to Defend Your Name?
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.
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Finding My Voice with Frederick Joseph
New York Times bestselling author Frederick Joseph joins us to dive into his powerful new book, This Thing of Ours.
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When Is The Time To Take Control of Your Health?
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.
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The Power in Art
Artist and Professor Sophia Victor explores the power of art to give voice to those often forgotten.
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Holding on To Our History
Author and historian Martha S. Jones discusses her latest book, The Trouble with Color: An American Family Memoir.
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Make Good Trouble And Be The Change We Need
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.
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The Evolution of the Dance Theatre of Harlem
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.
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The Stories Behind Kamala Harris and Her Journey to the White House
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.
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Kids Feel Grief Too!
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.
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The Apollo Theater: Continuing the Legacy
Executive Producer, Kamilah Forbes discusses the legacy and future of the Apollo Theater and her work as a director.
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Chester Higgins Is Capturing the Spirit of Africa
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.
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Leah Johnson is Celebrating Black Girl Power in Literature
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.
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Paulana Lamonier Is Saving Black Lives from Drowning
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.
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The History Behind Blood in the Soil with Jeremy McQueen
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
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Using Your Power Through Your Vote with Lurie Daniel Favors
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.
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Courtney B. Vance Talks Grotesquerie & Basset Vance Deal
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.
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Social Challenges Affecting New Yorkers with Jonnel C. Doris
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.
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How Five Demands Led to Change at City College
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.
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Taking a Look Back at Season 9
In this episode of Black America, we revisit Season 9 and highlight key moments and conversations that challenged our perspectives.
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Nikki M. James On Her roles as an Actress, Director and Mom
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.
About this show
Black America is an in-depth conversation that explores what it means to be Black in America. The show profiles Black activists, academics, business leaders, sports figures, elected officials, artists and writers to gauge this experience in a time of both turbulence and breakthroughs.
Hosted by
CUNY TV