The Beacon and Blueprint

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards joins Sheena and David to take on the SHSAT and the numbers behind it: Black and Latino students make up over 62% of NYC's public school system, but under 10% of the students admitted to specialized high schools. Richards calls it "our civil rights moment" and argues the fix starts well before test day, with real investment in neighborhood scho...

This week, hosts Sheena and David sit down with David R. Jones, President & CEO of the Community Service Society of New York, to unpack the SHSAT. Stuyvesant made 777 offers this year — only 3 went to Black students. Jones traces the test back to a 1971 law designed to stop "white flight," breaks down how scoring quietly favors certain students, and explains why the mayor already has t...

Faith has always been at the center of black liberation. Sheena and David sit down with Reverend Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, senior pastor of the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church, to talk about the church's 218-year legacy, black liberation theology, the fight to preserve Harlem and black homeownership, generational leadership, and what it truly means to build a black agenda for the future. @theBe...

Back to school means back to the tough conversations. Sheena & David sit down to unpack what the new school year means for students, parents, and educators across New York City — from the state of public education to the challenges still facing our schools and the changes it'll take to set kids up for real success this year. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on You...

Black excellence has always been around, whether America recognizes it or not. Sheena & David sit down with Cheryl McKissack Daniel to discuss her family’s 230-year legacy, the Black professionals who built America, reparations, ownership, real estate development, and the responsibility to build something that outlasts you. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube...

The building is on fire. Sheena & David sit down with Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant to talk the Divine Nine, voting rights, grassroots activation, collaborative leadership, faith, and the urgency of doing something now. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videogra...

Don’t confuse Black persons doing better with Black people doing better. Sheena & David sit down with Public Advocate Jumaane Williams to talk political power, public safety, affordability, democratic socialism, and the work of turning populist messages into real outcomes. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you...

Get in where you fit in. Sheena & David sit down with Errol Louis to talk New York politics, journalism, Mamdani, political power, and why staying informed is not optional. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor Patrice Sanders - Produ...

We need you all in the arena & holding us accountable. Sheena & David speak with City Comptroller, Mark Levine. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant Terry McDonald - Makeup Oumou Sy - Hair M...

It’s all at stake right now. Sheena & David sit down with United States Congressman Gregory W. Meeks to discuss the midterms, Hakeem Jeffries, coalition building, and why political power matters. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor...

You can not put your head in the sand and call that leadership. AI, Education and Fear - Sheena & David sit down with Andrew Rasiej @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant Terry McDonald - Makeup O...

What's happening in the streets, is what's happening in the schools. Sheena & David sit down with Dr. Pedro Noguera. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant Terry McDonald - Makeup Oumou Sy...

"You want to take me out? You got to take me to church." David & Sheena welcome Rev. Al Cohen and Janet Cohen. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant Terry McDonald - Makeup Oumou Sy - Hai...

From post 911 to Trump's 2nd term, Sheena & David discuss immigration issues in these times with Stephen Choi Sheena & David talk to Gary Beidleman & Dr. Taiwo Alonge. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor Patrice Sanders...

One in five young people are experiencing a mental disorder. Right now. Today. Sheena & David talk to Gary Beidleman & Dr. Taiwo Alonge. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant Terry McDonald -...

Sheena and David talk about the value and necessity of real estate opportunities for Black New York with Valerie White & James J. Johnson. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant Terry McDonald - M...

Believing you can fly, and becoming a black butterfly. Sheena & David walk with Adrienne Adams through her journey to becoming Kathy Hochul's running mate & pick for Lieutenant Governor of New York. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videographer...

Born, bred and buttered in Harlem. Sheena & David chop it up with Melba Wilson. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant Terry McDonald - Makeup Oumou Sy - Hair Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor DJ Sp...

From civically curious to civically committed. Sheena & David dig into nurturing tomorrow's leaders with DeNora Getachew & Garrett Lucien.  @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant Terry Mc...

Outrage without demands is wasted energy. David & Sheena talk about the Black Church, politics, and policy with Bishop Leah Daughtry & Pastor Michael A. Walrond, Jr. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor Patrice Sanders - Producti...

From building schools to building tools. Sheena & David discuss career connected learning with Jade Grieve & David Adams. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant Terry McDonald - Makeup Oumou S...

Picking up the blood stained banner. David & Sheena reflect on the 30-year anniversary of the Million Man March with Kevin Powell and Rev. Jacques DeGraff. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant T...

Sheena & David shine light on the essence of Black History with Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad & Joy Bivins @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant Terry McDonald - Makeup Oumou Sy - Hair Malcolm R...

When you've been raised by giants, it's hard to look up to people with little minds. David & Sheena ​g​o deep on affordability, racial justice and the true cost of living​ - with ​Jennifer Jones Austin. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videograp...

Literacy rates across America are heartbreaking & fixable. Sheena & David grapple with the epidemic of illiteracy in America with Dr. Meisha Ross Porter & Assemblyman Bobby Carroll. @theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram @TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by: Sheena Wright & David Banks Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor Patric...