BLACK & PRIVILEGED IN AMERICA

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. 

Abena continues her conversation with John on connection and standing on business. 

Abena is in community with author, entrepreneur, and mentor John Martin, Sr. as reveals his early influences and the power of connection. 

Abena talks with author, playwright, producer, director, actress Claudine Cheatem about the adaptation of "Jamaica’s Kaleidoscope" from book to stage, and more.

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. 

Genius through the eyes of a creative, Craig Farley Jr. about the roses and thorns of storytelling and he reveals a new project

Licensed social worker, Debra Carr, and legendary singer/songwriter Lizz Sharp open up to Abena about Blackwomen vs diversity equity & inclusion.

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.

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, and "Out of the Fire" by Jennifer Shepard Payne, PhD, LCSW. Abena's book re...

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 & Ilan Pappe, and "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid" by Jimmy Carter. Samy's...

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" by Moses, and Abena's book pic is "Freedom is a Constant Struggle" b...

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 Health" by Rheeda Walker, PhD.

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 "Relationship Goals" by Michael Todd.

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, Unequal Justice, and the Law" by Jody Armour.

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 "12 Rules for Life" by Jordan Peterson.

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. 

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. 

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!" by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley Shanita's reading "Butterfly&...

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. Mama Pat's reading, "The Holy Bible" by...well, God. DeShana's re...

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 Universe" and "Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childho...

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 learn more about the Broadlawns Medical Center TECH & TEACH Apprenticeship Pr...

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  https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/828641-omaris-big-tree-and-the-mighty-djembe  and everywhere books ar...

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.

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.

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."