CUNY TV's Black America

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 to children and families. Shadra talks about her artistic journey, the inspiration behind Here Comes t...

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.

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.

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.

Karisma Jay, Performing Artist and Filmmaker opens up about the challenges that shaped her path and the determination that continues to drive her.

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 fam...

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.