BLACK & PRIVILEGED IN AMERICA

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 invitation to remember who we are and the privilege to be Black. This is Black & Privileged in Ameri...

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. 

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.

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.

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 insights into how CultureALL ensures authenticity.

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, and why our communities deserve better. This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast. 

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. 

Season 5! Abena talks with CEO Dwana Bradley about Iowa Urban Media's 10 years of impact. This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast. 

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, and stay ready for what’s coming next. This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast.

Abena and Rob talk about his book, The Winning Ticket, and more. There is also pizza!  This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast. 

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 Charline Barnes, Ed. D. & Floyd Bumpers • The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz    This is Bl...

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 Miguel Ruiz • How To Do The Work by Nicole LePera   This is Black & Privileged in America...

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. 

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.  https://www.westernfamilyfarms.com A huge shoutout again to https://www.minervasmeadow.com for generously hosting our recor...

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

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 recording session! Your beautiful farm provided the perfect backdrop and made our project a success...

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. 

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. 

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  www.iowajuneteenth.org . This is Black & Privileged in America Podcast. 

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 significance of legacy and passing the baton in leadership Reflections on the Black Panther movement and...

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. 

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. 

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. 

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."

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.