Explore every episode of the podcast The Institute of Black Imagination.
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| E97. SEAMLESS. with Oscar Winning Costume Designer, Paul Tazewell | 13 Apr 2025 | 01:15:02 | |
Episode Summary: In this monumental 97th episode—our first-ever live recording—we welcome legendary costume designer and visual storyteller Paul Tazewell, just one week after his historic win as the first Black man to receive the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for Wicked. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Space 001, the Institute’s newly opened physical space, Paul and host Dario Calmese delve into a deeply moving, expansive conversation about storytelling through clothing, the power of design, Black imagination, and the long road to recognition. From his early days sewing dashikis and puppets in Akron, Ohio, to crafting iconic looks for Hamilton, The Wiz Live!, Harriet, West Side Story, and now Wicked, Paul shares the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual layers that shape his work. This episode is a masterclass in creative process, artistic evolution, and how style becomes a vessel for history, identity, and transformation. What We Explore:
Quotables: “Clothing is never just about what you wear. It’s about the story you tell.” — Paul Tazewell “Being visible, taking up space, allows you access to investigate what’s next. — Paul Tazewell “Beauty is the antidote to the ugliness in the world.”— Paul Tazewell About the Guest:Paul Tazewell is a Tony, Emmy, BAFTA, and now Academy Award-winning costume designer whose breathtaking work has helped shape the visual identity of contemporary theater and film. From Hamilton to Wicked, his designs transcend aesthetics—they are blueprints for character, history, and emotion. Follow Paul on Instagram: @paultazewell Resources & Mentions:
Soundtrack: Inspired by Paul Tazewell’s Journey & Genius
Recommended Reading List: For Further Exploration
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Until next time, stay curious and keep dreaming. | |||
| E96. Towards A New Architecture. with Dr. Lesley Lokko OBE | 26 May 2024 | 01:33:41 | |
About The Guest Today we're honored to introduce our guest, Professor Lesley Lokko. A distinguished Ghanaian-Scottish architect, educator, and bestselling novelist, Dr. Lokko most recently served as the Curator of the 18th Venice Biennale of Architecture, becoming the first Black-identified person to hold the position. She’s also the founder and Director of the African Futures Institute (AFI) a pioneering postgraduate school of architecture in Accra, Ghana. Dr. Lokko is also a best-selling novelist with 12 titles under her belt. Her novels have been translated into sixteen languages dealing with themes of love, loyalty, class, race, and cultural identity, transforming the “beach-read” genre into an extension of her architectural, world-building practice. For her contributions to the fields of Architecture and education, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2023 and 2024 won the Gold Medal Award, by the Royal Institute of British Architects, one of the highest honors in the world of architecture. And in many ways, that’s where today's conversation with Prof. Leslie Lokko begins. The reality of appearing to be at the top, juxtaposed against the sweat and elbow grease required in institution-building and well… being a human being. Prof. Lokko joyfully and deftly takes us on a journey of triumph, career pivots, culture shock, womanhood, and becoming. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. Now, And now, the indefatigable Professor Lesley Lokko. Key Links Darren Walker - president of the Ford Foundation African Futures Institute - a new model for architectural education centered on three areas: teaching, research and public events. La Biennale di Venezia - Venice Biennale - an international cultural exhibition hosted annually in Venice, Italy by the Biennale Foundation. Officer of the Order of the British Empire ( OBE )- This is awarded for having a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area. Mellon Foundation -Mellon makes grants to support communities through the power of the arts and humanities. Key Readings Biennale Architettura 2023: The Laboratory of the Future - Lesley Lokko Saffron Skies - Lesley Lokko The Black Experience in Design: Identity, Expression & Reflection - Jennifer Rittner (Editor) Lesley-Ann Noel (Editor) Kelly Walters (Editor) Anne H Berry (Editor) Kareem Collie (Editor) Penina Acayo Laker (Editor) What to listen to One World - Guy Warren Ghana - Becca Canopy - Kuami Eugene Into The Future - Stonebwoy No Competition - Okyeame Kwame Previous IBI Episodes to check out E61. Justin Garrett Moore: Imagining Black Space. E90. Space Agency. with Brigette Romanek E95. Designing In Place. with Nifemi Marcus-Bello E60. Kevin Bethune: Dreams, Design and Life. Who to follow IG: Lesley Lokko (@lesleylokko) X: Lesley Lokko (@LokkoLesley) / X This conversation was recorded on March 26, 2024. Host Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. Thompson Lead Designer: Elliott McKnight Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Production Asst: Noa Lesche Archivist & Research: Cyle Warner Original Music composed by Adam Radice Sound Engineer: Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com | |||
| E87: Catching The Spirit with Chester Higgins, Jr. | 17 Dec 2023 | 01:37:10 | |
Today’s conversation is with the legendary photographer, Chester Higgins. I’ve admired Chester’s work for years… he’s a master of his craft, and a technician to the Nth degree. But it’s one thing to appreciate the work of an artist, it’s another to delve into their worldview: the work we see simply being an artifact of a greater pursuit. Well, that’s what today’s holds. What appears to be captured images, is actually Chester’s attempts at in all actuality, capturing God. In today’s episode, Chester reflects on the near-death childhood experience at the age of 9 that opened his eyes to a parallel reality, introducing him to the spirit that shapes existence. He shares his insights on the interconnectedness of life, the continuous cycle of energy, and the pursuit of capturing the elusive spirit in his photographs. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. Key Links Haile Selassie I- Emperor of Ethiopia from 1930 to 1974 Tuskegee University- a private, historically black land-grant university in Tuskegee, Alabama. P. H. Polk - American photographer known for his portraits of African Americans. Andrew Young - American politician, civil rights leader, and served in the U.S. House of Representatives What to Read Sacred Nile - Betsy Kissam, Chester Higgins Jr. Feeling the Spirit - Chester Higgins Jr. Elder Grace: The Nobility of Aging - Maya Angelou, Chester Higgins THROUGH THESE EYES: The Photographs of P. H. Polk - Chester Higgins Jr., Deborah Muirhead, Amalia Amaki, Meredith Soles What to listen to Water No Get Enemy - Fela Kuti Grazing In The Grass - Hugh Masekela Mighty God (Remix) - Soweto Gospel Choir African Drums - African Tribal Orchestra Who to follow W: https://www.chesterhiggins.com/ IG: Chester Higgins (@chesterhiggins12) This conversation was recorded on October 12, 2023. Host Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. Thompson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Production Asst: Noa Lesche Original Music composed by Adam Radice Sound Engineer: Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com | |||
| E1. T.J. Walker of Cross Colours | 29 May 2020 | 00:48:26 | |
Today’s episode is with TJ Walker, one of the co-founders of the pioneering streetwear brand, Cross Colours. Cross Colours blasted onto the urban fashion scene in the late 80’s, and their bright colors, loose silhouettes, and inspiring message, “Clothing Without Prejudice” presaged the launch of a string of urban streetwear brands like Karl Kani, FuBu, and Phat Farm. Cross Colours came to define the 90s, worn by every musical icon of the era like Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Lil Kim, Mary J Blige, TLC, and most famously Will Smith while on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The brand has had a resurgence recently, especially after Bruno Mars and Cardi B wore Cross Colours during the 2018 Grammy Awards. In this episode we discuss TJ’s path from a farm in Mississippi to designing for one of the most profitable Black businesses of his time (2:34), how he actually got those clothes on Will Smith (16:30), why their slogan, “Clothing without Prejudice” still resonates 2 decades later (29:07), and a new initiative he’s started with costume designer Ruth Carter, who most recently won the Academy Award for her costume design for Marvel’s Black Panther(38:10). Thank you so much for listening, and if you enjoyed this conversation,, shout us out on social, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, which is super helpful! please share it out over social media. and let him know your favorite part of our conversation together. Thank you all so much for tuning in today, I hope this show brought a lot of value to you. If you enjoyed, please share it out over social media with your friends and loved ones. Tag me at @blackimaginationpodcast on instagram, and shoutout our boy TJ Walker @tjwalkerofficial. We have so many amazing episodes coming your way, so be sure to subscribe wherever you receive your podcasts, and be sure to rate us over on iTunes, which helps out a lot! Keep Dreaming! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/blackimagination/support | |||
| E86: Sketching A Revolution with Emory Douglas | 03 Dec 2023 | 01:32:24 | |
Today, we embark on a profound journey with the iconic Emory Douglas. As the former Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party, Emory's art ignited a revolution. Today, we ask you to reorient your ears… this is history. There’s an old African proverb that states when a person transitions, a library burns to the ground. Well, today’s conversation with Emory Douglass is a living archive revealing itself. It’s what we here at the Institute call Archival Intelligence. Take notes. Research the names. Refer back. Today’s conversation is a retelling of artmaking in revolutionary times, and what it means to create new identities within a community. Join us in this safe space as Emory candidly shares tales of rebellion, societal exchanges, and the intricate web of connections in his formative years. This episode is not just an interview; it's a voyage through the corridors of time, shedding light on the profound interplay of art, activism, and the Black experience. And to hear another side of this story, be sure to check out episode 26 with Elaine Browne, the only woman to serve as Chair of the Black Panther party. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. Visit our YouTube channel, 'The Institute of Black Imagination,' and explore more content on blackimagination.com. And now, join us as Emory Douglas navigates through the intersections of art, activism, and the enduring quest for justice. Key Links The Black Panther Party- African American revolutionary party Bobby Seale - African American political activist and co-founder and national chairman of the Black Panther Party. Huey P. Newton- African American revolutionary and political activist and co-founder of ‘The Black Panther Party Zapatista National Liberation Army - A group of mostly indigenous activists from the southern Mexican state of Chiapas The Black Arts Movement (1965-1975) - Black nationalism movement that focused on music, literature, drama, and the visual arts made up of Black artists and intellectuals. Eldridge Cleaver- member of The Black Panther Party, he served as the first Minister of Information. Dr. Betty Shabazz - an American educator and civil rights activist, wife of Malcolm X Charles W. White - African American painter, printmaker, and teacher What to Read Zapantera Negra: An Artistic Encounter Between Black Panthers and Zapatistas- Emory Douglas Black Panther: The Revolutionary Art of Emory Douglas - George Alexander Seize the Time: The Story of the Black Panther Party and Huey P. Newton - Bobby Seale What to listen to IBI Episode 26 w/ Sis. Elaine Brown Say it Loud - I’m Black and I’m Proud - James Brown Am I Black Enough for You- Billy Paul Ghetto Child - The Spinners The Revolution Will Not Be Televised - Gil Scott-Heron Who to follow W: MoMA.org TW: Emory Douglas Art (@emorydouglasart) This conversation was recorded on October 17, 2023. Host Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. Thompson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Production Asst: Noa Lesche Original Music composed by Adam Radice Sound Engineer: Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E85. Mastering Your Story with Lena Waithe | 19 Nov 2023 | 01:29:59 | |
Today, we're honored to sit down with the incredible Lena Waithe, a trailblazing writer, producer, and actress who's reshaped film and TV. In this enlightening chat, Lena shares her roots, tracing back to her grandmother's brave journey from Arkansas to Chicago. We explore the concept of identity, her take on 'ladylike,' and how she's embraced her individuality. Lena reflects on how societal expectations shape identity and the importance of curiosity and meaningful conversations. We also delve into her creative process and the genesis of 'Queen & Slim,' a film challenging conventions and examining Black identity. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. Visit our YouTube channel, 'The Institute of Black Imagination,' and explore more content on blackimagination.com. Stay tuned as Lena Waithe shares insights on self-transformation, overcoming naysayers, and the power of community in her journey from Chicago to Hollywood. Don't miss this captivating conversation on the Institute of Black Imagination. Key Links Queen & Slim- 2019 American romantic road crime drama film Ready Player One- 2018 American science fiction action film The CHI - An American drama television series created by Lena Waithe Michael G. Fry - Chicago born, Emmy nominated television writer, actor and producer Mara Brock Akil- American screenwriter and television producer Gina Prince-Bythewood - American film director and screenwriter Ava DuVernay - American filmmaker Yvette Lee Bowser - American television written What to Read Black Directors in Hollywood- Melvin Donalson Why We Make Movies: Black Filmmakers Talk About the Magic of Cinema - George Alexander Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years - Sarah L. Delaney & A. Elizabeth Delaney What to listen to Homecoming - Kanye West The Light- Common No Problem - Chance the Rapper (feat. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz) Through the Fire - Chaka Khan Who to follow W: Hillman Grad IMDB: Lena Waithe This conversation was recorded on September 5, 2023. Host Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. Thompson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Production Asst: Noa Lesche Original Music composed by Adam Radice Sound Engineer: Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E84. Life on the Streets with Andre D. Wagner | 05 Nov 2023 | 01:37:00 | |
Our guest today is none other than the visionary photographer, Andre D. Wagner. With a lens that tells stories in a way that words cannot, Andre has made a significant mark in the world of photography. He has been commissioned by The New Yorker, The New York Times, Esquire, W Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Time, Vogue, well, YouTube the picture. In addition to his editorial work, he was the creative force behind the promotional imagery for the film "Queen & Slim" in 2019. His first monograph, Here for the Ride, was published by Creative Future in 2017 and he is currently editing a 10-year body of work titled New City, Old Blues. In 2022, he was awarded the Gordon Parks fellowship, and His photographs have appeared in several solo exhibitions and group shows in Los Angeles, New York, and North Carolina. Be sure to share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us on Instagram at @blackimagination. If you want to stay updated on all our latest news and exclusive content, click on this newsletter link. If you love what we do and like to support the show, click this support link. Key Links The Gordon Parks Foundation- permanently preserves the work of Gordon Parks Gordon Parks - one of the greatest photographers of the twentieth century, was a humanitarian with a deep commitment to social justice. Andre D. Wagner: New City, Old Blues - Exhibition runs through November 17, 2023 The Strivers Row- A multi-cultural marketing agency specializing in content development, talent relations, and event production. Queen & Slim - Stylish, provocative, and powerful, Queen & Slim tells a gripping fugitive story steeped in timely, thoughtful subtext. What to Read Voices in the Mirror: An Autobiography (Harlem Moon Classics) - Gordon Parks A Choice of Weapons - Gordon Parks The Camera - Ansel Adams The Negative - Ansel Adams The Print - Ansel Adams What to listen to Livin' For The City - Stevie Wonder Empire State of Mind- Jay-Z, Alicia Keys Autumn In New York - Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald Who to follow W: https://www.andredwagner.com/ IG: Andre D. Wagner (@photodre) TW: Andre D. Wagner (@photoDre) / X This conversation was recorded on October 19, 2023. Host Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. Thompson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Production Asst: Noa Lesche Original Music composed by Adam Radice Sound Engineer: Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E83. The Unmasking of AI with Dr. Joy Buolamwini | 29 Oct 2023 | 01:31:22 | |
Today, we have a truly remarkable guest. Joining us today is the brilliant Dr. Joy Buolamwini, a computer scientist, digital activist and self-described “Poet of Code” whose journey began at that Temple of Technology, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT for short. She's the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, a place where art and activism intersect to illuminate the social implications of AI. She also has a book dropping on Halloween called, wait for it, Unmasking AI. How fitting is that for Halloween? But her story isn't just about her prestigious academic credentials; it's about the extraordinary transformation her creative journey has taken. In today’s conversation, she reveals how her quest to create a digital filter, one that could change the reflection of herself in a mirror, led to a profound exploration of technology's hidden biases. Be sure to share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us on Instagram at @blackimagination. If you want to stay updated on all our latest news and exclusive content, click on this newsletter link. If you love what we do and would like to support the show, click this support link. Key Links Kimberlé W. Crenshaw- American activist, intersectionality Niles Luther - Cellist & Composer Robert Williams- man arrested through skewed AI detection Coded Bias- a film on Netflix Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - a private land-grant research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. What to Read Unmasking AI- Dr. Joy Buolamwini Breaking the Code: Thriving as Black Individuals in the Era of Artificial Intelligence - Rayshaun "Chu" Smith Black in White Space: The Enduring Impact of Color in Everyday Life - Elijah Anderson What to listen to Somebody’s Watching Me - Rockwell Thriller - Michael Jackson Computer Love - Zapp & Roger Who to follow Website: Algorithmic Justice League TW: Dr. Joy Buolamwini (@jovialjoy) / X Linked In: Dr. Joy Buolamwini This conversation was recorded on September 19, 2023. Host Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. Thompson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Production Asst: Noa Lesche Original Music composed by Adam Radice Sound Engineer: Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E82. Dancing Through the Archive with the Legendary George Faison | 22 Oct 2023 | 01:15:54 | |
Today, we have a very special interview with the legendary choreographer and producer, George Faison. In this conversation, George takes us on a journey through his remarkable life, from his early days in Washington, D.C., to his experiences dancing with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and mostly, and his iconic role as the choreographer of the "The Wiz" on Broadway. For which he won a Tony. Becoming the first Black person to do so. George shares stories of his encounters with great artists like Maya Angelou and Stevie Wonder and the incredible impact they had on his life. But perhaps the most captivating part of this interview is George's vivid description of creating the Emerald City sequence in "The Wiz." He also shares the role books play in his creative process. For George, it all begins with the archive. Be sure to share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us on Instagram at @blackimagination. If you want to stay updated on all our latest news and exclusive content, click on this newsletter link. If you love what we do and want to support the show, click this support link. Things Mentioned Maya Angelou - an American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist. The Wiz - The musical version of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" Dick Gregory - an American comedian, actor, writer, activist and social critic. Gazelle - George Faison ballet - Dedicated to the Free Spirit in All of Us. 1967 Detroit riot - The 1967 Detroit Riots were among the most violent and destructive riots in U.S. history. Alvin Ailey - American dancer, director, choreographer, and activist. American Light Opera Company - semi-professional theatre company performing light operas and musicals in Washington, D.C. from 1960 to 1968. Suite Otis - Otis Redding's sassy, sizzling music sets the stage for George Faison's playful battle of the sexes. What to Read All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes - Maya Angelou Giovanni's Room - James Baldwin The Color Purple - Alice Walker The Incredible Lightness of Being - Camie J. Davis The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration - Isabel Wilkerson I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings - Maya Angelou The Bluest Eye - Toni Morrison What to listen to Take My Hand, Precious Lord – Mahalia Jackson Someday We'll All Be Free – Donny Hathaway Where Is The Love– Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway Stand By Me - Otis Redding The Wiz - Original Movie Soundtrack - (1978) Various Artists Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder Who to follow Website: https://www.faisonfirehouse.org/ IG: George Faison (@therealgeorgefaison) TW: George Faison (@GeorgeFaison) / X This conversation was recorded on August 15, 2023. Host Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. Thompson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Production Asst: Noa Lesche Original Music composed by Adam Radice Sound Engineer: Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E81. The Sound of Success with Tank and The Bangas | 15 Oct 2023 | 00:57:11 | |
In today's episode, we're joined by Tarriona ”Tank” Ball and Norman Spence of the Grammy-nominated Tank & The Bangas, a band hailing from the vibrant, swampy, and swinging coastal town of New Orleans. They've been wowing audiences since 2011 with their eclectic fusion of funk, soul, hip-hop, and spoken word. Today, we explore their dynamic journey from open mic nights to Grammy nominations; diving into the inspiration behind their genre-blurring music. To date, they’ve released three studio albums, Thinktank (2013), Green Balloon (2019), and Red Balloon (2022). With two Grammy nominations under their belt, they are just getting started. Also, a note, the audio quality of this episode gets a little bonkers as Norman’s headphones begin to fail and Tank’s phone dies. But it’s all a part of the journey to becoming, so we left it in. Be sure to share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us on Instagram at @blackimagination. If you want to stay updated on all our latest news and exclusive content, click on this newsletter link. If you love what we do and want to support the show, click this support link. Current members. Tarriona "Tank" Ball – lead vocals (2011–present) Norman Spence II – bass, keyboards, guitar (2011–present) Joshua Johnson – drums, musical director (2011–present) Albert Allenback – alto saxophone, flute (2014–present) Band History: Members of Tank and the Bangas met at a New Orleans open mic show called Liberation Lounge and formed the group in 2011. The band won the 2017 NPR Tiny Desk Contest and in November 2019, they were nominated in the Best New Artist category for the 2020 Grammy Awards. They have released three studio albums, Thinktank (2013), Green Balloon (2019), and Red Balloon (2022). Throughout their career, the group has performed on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Austin City Limits” and “The Today Show.” Tank and The Bangas have toured non-stop, selling out venues both stateside and abroad including festival appearances at Coachella, Glastonbury, Bonnaroo and the Newport Jazz Festival. Key Links: Tank And The Bangas: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert Tarriona “Tank” Ball | geauxgirlmagazine Tank and the Bangas Unveil 'Black Folk (Remix)' Featuring Kota the Friend, Rapsody & More What To Listen To: Cafe Du Monde by Tank and The Bangas (feat. Jamison Ross, Trombone Shorty, Rachel Robinson Mo’ Better Blues by Branford Marsalis Quartet (feat. Terence Blanchard) Who to Follow: TARRIONA TANK BALL (@thinktank20) • Instagram photos and videos Norman Spence (@namronyoccm) • Instagram photos and videos Joshua Johnson (@1drum) • Instagram photos and videos Albert (@albthebuilder) • Instagram photos and videos This conversation was recorded on June 05, 2023. Host Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. Thompson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Production Asst: Noa Lesche Original Music composed by Adam Radice Sound Engineer: Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E80. Apertures and Activism with Misan Harriman | 08 Oct 2023 | 01:31:22 | |
Today we have a truly inspiring conversation that delves into the power of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformational journey of one extraordinary individual, photographer, entrepreneur, and social activist, Misan Harriman, a name that has become synonymous with the art of storytelling through the lens. The first brother to shoot a cover for British Vogue in its 104-year history. Misan's incredible journey from self-doubt to becoming a global voice of the moment is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. His iconic protest images became a voice for the voiceless, igniting a conversation that asks, "Why is ending racism still a debate?" Hailing from Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State in Nigeria, Misan was raised in England, yet didn’t formally begin his photographic career until the age of 40. Gifted a camera by his wife, who recognized his passion for the image, Misan taught himself the ins and outs of image-making. A burgeoning portraitist, it was his protest images during the 2020 global reckonings for Black Lives that caught the attention of British Vogue editor-in-chief, Edward Enningful, and the rest, as they say… is history. Be sure to share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us on Instagram at @blackimagination. If you want to stay updated on all our latest news and exclusive content, click on this newsletter link. If you love what we do and want to support the show, click this support link. Things mentioned Gordon Parks- American photographer and activist Eve Arnold- American photojournalist Sally Mann- American photographer David LaChapelle- American photographer and director George Floyd- American man who was killed through police brutality Mohamed Amin- Kenya photojournalist Web3 - is a possible future version of the internet based on public blockchains, a record-keeping system best known for facilitating cryptocurrency transactions. Tezos Foundation- financial literacy with blockchain and crypto art Sykes-Picot agreement- secret convention made during World War I between Great Britain and France, with the assent of imperial Russia, for the dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire. Balfour agreement- It was made in a letter from Arthur James Balfour, the British foreign secretary, to Lionel Walter Rothschild, 2nd Baron Rothschild (of Tring), a leader of the Anglo-Jewish community. What to Read A Choice of Weapons - Gordon Parks The Art of Protest: A Visual History of Dissent and Resistance - Jo Rippon Black on Black: On Our Resilience and Brilliance in America - Daniel Black What to listen to Legend (album) – Bob Marley A Change is Gonna Come – Sam Cooke Man in the Mirror – Michael Jackson We Insist (album)- Max Roach Who to follow Website: https://www.misanharriman.com/ IG: Misan Harriman (@misanharriman) TW: Misan Harriman (@misanharriman) This conversation was recorded on July 05, 2023. Host Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. Thompson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Production Asst: Noa Lesche Original Music composed by Adam Radice Sound Engineer: Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E79. Liberation Through Libraries. with (Reginald) Dwayne Betts | 01 Oct 2023 | 01:17:53 | |
Today we are diving into the captivating life story of Attorney, Artist & Activist (Reginald) Dwayne Betts, a man whose path took unexpected turns, leading him to discover the boundless potential within himself. As we journey through Dwayne's life, we'll explore the profound impact of literature on his transformation, his encounters with influential poets like Sonia Sanchez, and the survival strategies that poetry offered him during his incarceration. Be sure to share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us on Instagram at @blackimagination. If you want to stay updated on all our latest news and exclusive content, click on this newsletter link. If you love what we do and want to support the show, click this support link. Things mentioned Freedom Reads- Organization founded by Dwayne Betts that aims to place millions of books into prisons Kiese LeMond- ambassador of Freedom Reads Traci Thomas- podcast host of the Stacks Sherley Anne Williams - American Poet Lucille Cliffton- American poet Eldridge cleaver- author and activist What to Read Makes me Wanna Holler - Nathan McCall The Black Poets- Dudley Randall Homegirls and Hand Grenades- Sonia Sanchez The Art of War- Sun Tzu Crazy as Hell, (the best book on black history you'll ever read)- Dwayne Betts coming soon What to listen to We the People - A Tribe Called Quest Living For The City - Stevie Wonder The Message - Grandmaster Flash Who to follow Website: https://www.dwaynebetts.com/ IG: Reginald Betts (@dwaynebetts) TW: Dwayne Betts (@dwaynebetts) This conversation was recorded on July 13, 2023. Host Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. Thompson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Production Asst: Noa Lesche Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E78. The Black Space Continuum. with Dr. Danielle Wood | 24 Sep 2023 | 01:28:02 | |
Our guest today, Dr. Danielle Wood, is a shining example of how passion and perseverance can lead you to the stars. She defied the odds, shattered expectations, and carved her own path to become a leader in the world of space exploration and technology. So, join us as we embark on this cosmic voyage with Dr. Danielle Wood and discover how she unveiled the universe, one challenge at a time. Be sure to share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us on Instagram at @blackimagination. If you want to stay updated on all our latest news and exclusive content, click on this newsletter link. If you love what we do and want to support the show, click this support link. And without further ado, Dr. Danielle Wood. Things Mentioned India south pole Moon landing- After a failed attempt to land on the moon in 2019, India now joins the United States, the Soviet Union and China as only the fourth country to achieve this milestone.
Chandra Xray observatory telescope - NASA's sophisticated telescope is specially designed to detect X-ray emission from very hot regions of the Universe Systems architecture- A system's architecture reflects how it is thought about in terms of its structure, functions, and relationships. TNW Conference - is a website and annual series of conferences focused on new technology and start-up companies in Europe. Phillis Wheatley- American poet and author, the first black woman to publish a book (as an American woman, but the book was published in the UK). Henrietta Cordelia Ray- American poet and teacher. Katherine Johnson- American mathematician and NASA worker Dogon Tribe- an ethnic group indigenous to the central plateau region of Mali, in West Africa, south of the Niger bend, near the city of Bandiagara, and in Burkina Faso. Octavia Butler- American science fiction writer Audre Lorde- black feminist philosopher and intersectional thought What to Read Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America - by Ibram X. Kendi Minor Notes Volume 1- byJoshau Bennett and Jesse McCarthy Overstory- by Richard Powers What to listen to Saturn - Stevie Wonder There’s a Star for Everyone - Aretha Franklin The Space Program - A Tribe Called Quest Who to follow Follow Dr. Danielle Wood on IG @space_enabled and by visiting her website. This conversation was recorded on August 31, 2023. Host Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. Thompson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Production Asst: Noa Lesche Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E95. Designing In Place. with Nifemi Marcus-Bello | 12 May 2024 | 01:36:17 | |
Welcome to the Institute of Black Imagination podcast, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of Black genius. I'm your host, Dario, and today, we have the pleasure of chatting with Nifemi Marcus-Bello, a visionary design director and founder of Nmbello Studio. Renowned for his community-centric and ethnographically-conscious design ethos, Nifemi’s practice exemplifies how obstacles are merely opportunities in disguise. In this conversation, we explore the journey of a designer deeply rooted in his Nigerian upbringing. Nifemi shares how he overcame societal pressures that attempted to sway him from his creative path, how reimagining local materials and processes expanded his own design language, and we even get into blood memory and ancestral wisdom. Yeah, it’s one of those episodes. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. Now, beaming in from across the Atlantic, design director and industrial designer, Nifemi Marcus-Bello. Key Links nmbello Studio - is a design studio currently based in Lagos, Nigeria. Our design ethos is rooted in empathy. Ethnographic Museum of Trocadero - first anthropological museum in Paris Kwali - acts as a portable shop, weaving through Lagos traffic Kerry James Marshall- American artist Salone del Mobile Milano -The global benchmark event for the furnishing and design sector. Anna Karnick - Design Miami Curator 2023 Tavares Strachan - a Bahamian-born conceptual artist Tahir Carl Karmali - Artist Samuel Ross - Fashion designer What to Read Dieter Rams: Ten Principles for Good Design - Cees W. de Jong (Editor) Dieter Rams: The Complete Works - Klaus Klemp What to listen to Tested, Approved & Trusted - Burna Boy Drogba (Joanna) - Afro B Kontrol - Maleek Berry All Over - Tiwa Savage Ginger - Burna Boy Previous IBI Episodes to check out E38. Toni L. Griffin: The Just City. E48. Sara Zewde: Parks and Liberation. E55. Sekou Cooke: Creation of Hip-Hop Architecture. E61. Justin Garrett Moore: Imagining Black Space. Who to follow IG: Nifemi Marcus-Bello (@nmbello1) X: nmbello Studio (@nmbello_Studio) / X This conversation was recorded on April 30, 2024. Host Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. Thompson Lead Designer: Elliott McKnight Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Production Asst: Noa Lesche Archivist & Research: Cyle Warner Original Music composed by Adam Radice Sound Engineer: Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E77. Predictions of Black Imagination (feat. The Future of Storytelling w/ Charlie Melcher) | 10 Sep 2023 | 00:34:14 | |
Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Institute of Black Imagination. Today we're taking a little detour, podcast inception if you will! We're sharing with you another podcast that featured yours truly as a guest. Get ready to embark on a journey with The Future of Storytelling and my good friend host Charlie Melcher, where we explore my personal journey and delve into the heart of the Institute of Black Imagination. We have so many wonderful gems coming this Fall, and we’re not just talking about our Semester 5 lineup… but our upcoming physical space at the Oculus in NYC. That’s right. We’re not just a podcast. If you’d like to know more about the upcoming Oculus space, or just want the inside scoop on what we’ve got cooking over here, be sure to click on this newsletter link. And if you love what we’re up to, click this support link. Things that we mention Pyer Moss Fall 2021 Couture Show Vanity Fair Cover w/ Viola Davis - Dario 1st black photographer to shoot the cover The Institute of Black Imagination - Interactive website Geoffrey Holder - Trinidadian American actor, dancer, musician, and artist André Leon Talley - an American fashion journalist, stylist, creative director, and editor-at-large of Vogue magazine. Originally Aired on February 24, 2022, on Future of Storytelling FoST Audio Produced by Future of StoryTelling, Corp. With special thanks to Charles Melcher, Madison Brown, Eitan Wolf, and the entire FoST Team Host Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. Thompson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Cyle Warner Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| Summer School - The Art of Living w. Lana Turner - Part 1 | 27 Aug 2023 | 00:49:10 | |
Today’s Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is part 1 of episode 13 with Harlem socialite and style icon, Lana Turner. Born at the Women’s Hospital on West and 110th St. and still residing in the neighborhood 70 years later, Ms. Turner is quintessential Harlem, a landmark unto herself. A mathematician of dressing, Ms. Turner does not just put clothes on but uses her body as a medium in which she expresses her appreciation and preservation of life, style, and beauty, or as she likes to refer to it: “Painting the body canvas.” A doyenne of mid-20th century fashion, and muse of New York Times Street style photographer Bill Cunningham, Lana Turner and I were introduced almost a decade ago at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem when I was looking for a few hats for a fashion story while in grad school. Upon meeting and chatting with her, I realized quite quickly that it was SHE who needed to be photographed, in her wardrobe, and in her hats… of which there are upwards of, wait for it… 500. Actually, I believe the exact number is 638. Here are some highlights: On the discovery of self: “You know a single woman, single mother, taking care of all of that. But when he got old enough to fly away from the nest, it allowed me to expand my sense of self. Prior to his leaving, however, that sense of self was always in play.” (19:46) “That sense of self was one thing that allowed for, for example, deciding to change say the furniture in my room, and I woke up one morning and I said, No everything should not only be functional, it should also be beautiful.”(20:09) On her love for archiving: “I think the archiving element is in my DNA, it seems to have always been there without you know, want for formalizing that as an educational piece in my life, and it's always been there.” (4:28) On the theatricality of the black church: “But of course, with the black church we are looking at, or at least I'm looking at it as the as a critical foundation for our deliverance from the slavery, both external and internal. I look at church as a way to release the notion of what it means as a collective, to breathe and to pray. I look at the black church in particular for all the things that go on in it that have more theatricality attached.-But I love the collective energies that black people bring to anything. And when it comes to church, oh my goodness. (39:29) On the art of living: I don’t know what the formula is I don't know if I could articulate it all. So let's see, I can start, I can try. There's things that I love. So I love and I don't need other people to do it. I just like being myself. (27:04) Thank you for tuning in! Please don't forget to rate, comment, subscribe and SHARE with a friend. Visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. Connect with us on Instagram at @blackimagination --- Editorial content provided by Kalimah Small.
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| Summer School - Through Obstacles with Olympian Daryl Homer. | 20 Aug 2023 | 01:29:14 | |
Today’s Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 25 with fencer and three-time Olympian, Daryl Homer. Hailing from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Daryl, along with his mother and sister relocated to the Gun Hill section of the Bronx when he was five. His interest in fencing began at an early age, after encountering the word “Fencing” in a pictorial dictionary that his mother gave him. Inspired, he begged his mother to begin lessons, but it wasn’t until a chance encounter with an advertisement featuring two black fencers did Daryl’s Mother finally cave into her son’s growing obsession. And so, at the ripe old age of eleven, Daryl was enrolled at the Peter Westbrook Foundation, an organization founded by its namesake, Peter Westbrook, who took home the bronze in fencing in the 1984 Olympics, quickly seeing his potential, Daryl was placed on the Olympic track just one year later, and his path to the games began. By the age of 17, he’d already medaled in the Cadet World fencing championships, later, taking home gold in 7 Pan American championships, also competing in the 2012 Olympics in London, the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and most recently the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo. At the Rio Games, Daryl took home the silver medal in men’s individual saber fencing, surpassing his mentor Mr. Westbrook, and thereby making him the highest-medaled Olympic fencer in American history. In today’s episode, we discuss Daryl’s early beginnings in the Bronx, what it takes to have a champion mindset, how to recover from failure, and the power of imagination and visualization to overcome obstacles. This is such a powerful episode, as we chart the sheer will and tenacity needed to accomplish big dreams. I learned so much, and I’m sure you will too. Be sure to subscribe wherever you receive your podcasts, and leave us a review over on Apple Podcasts, we love to hear your thoughts and be sure to follow us over on Instagram at Blackimagination. And now I invite you to pull out your notepads, Daryl’s about to drop some wisdom. Follow Daryl on Instagram: @daryldhomer Visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. Connect with us on Instagram at @blackimagination | |||
| Summer School - The Art of Hip-Hop w. Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter. | 13 Aug 2023 | 01:18:21 | |
‘Black Thought’ Trotter on his origin story: “I think often in the case of heroes or of a character, a protagonist who sort of rises to greatness there is some trauma Yeah. And you know my life is was no different.” Today’s Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 12 with a man who needs no introduction, but I’m going to introduce him anyway: Tariq Luqmaan Trotter, better known as Black Thought, lead MC and co-founder of the hip-hop band, The Roots. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Tariq faced some early hardships– losing both of his parents to homicide before the age of 16, but he found his path in the arts, attending Philadelphia’s High School for creative and performing arts, also known as ‘the fame school of Philly’, notable alumni include Boys to Men, Erika Alexander, Leslie Odom Jr., Joey de Francesco, Jasmine Sullivan, and many more. While immersed in this brilliant world of musicianship, Black Thought encountered yet another now-famous alum and co-founder of The Roots, Questlove. Emerging from the Philly soul scene in the late eighties and early 90s, The Roots created a space for themselves that didn’t exist during that era: A live, hip hop band. Known for their jazzy and eclectic approach to the genre, their debut album Organix was released and sold independently and were quickly signed to DGC/Geffen. Today, they serve as the house band for the Tonight show, while still touring extensively, and producing projects both collectively and individually, including an upcoming Broadway musical, “Black NO More”, penned by today’s guest, Mr. Trotter. Here are some highlights… On His Origin Story: “That's, that's sort of my, my origin story is I am, you know, I grew up in Philadelphia, I lost my father at a very, very young age before I was two years old, and, you know, to murder to homicide in the streets of Philly and I lost my mother to the same at 15 or 16. So, yeah, I feel like that is my origin” On Trauma being a motivating factor in his life: “It's the ways in which we allow that internalization to, you know, compel us, and sometimes you're compelled to, you know, to quit, or in that pause to, you know, to give up, or sometimes it becomes a huge motivating factor for you. And, in my experience, that's, that's, you know, the purpose that it has served is as a, as a motivator” On The Notorious Roots Jam Sessions: “I remember John Legend, you know, he was a student at the University of Penn, he would come and, you know, try and get into our jam sessions and would often be turned away, for whatever reason, like, you know, go figure. I wasn't at the door had I been at the door, that would never have been the case, but I know people who remember turning him away, and I feel like that was a motivating factor for him and you know, that that's part of what propelled him to greatness” Links we mention in the episode: Tariq's Instagram: @blackthought Link to "Black No More" info: deadline.com Thank you for tuning in! Please don't forget to rate, comment, subscribe and SHARE with a friend. Visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. Connect with us on Instagram at @blackimagination --- Editorial content provided by Kalimah Small. | |||
| Summer School - VR Immersion w. Psychologist Dr. Courtney Cogburn. | 06 Aug 2023 | 01:10:18 | |
In today’s Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 4 with psychologist, Dr. Courtney Cogburn. Hailing from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Doctor Cogburn’s research focuses on how racism contributes to health disparities amongst Black Americans and in particular how over time, blatant and subtle racism in media stresses and literally wears down Black bodies—a phenomenon also known as “weathering”—something we have all witnessed to during the current outbreak of Covid-19 in the United States, and its devastating effects on communities of color. An associate professor at Columbia’s School of Social Work, Dr. Cogburn’s racial immersion VR experience, 1000-Cut Journey, debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2018. Developed in collaboration with the Virtual Human Interaction Lab at Stanford University, It allows for the viewer to experience life as a Black man, from adolescence through adulthood, and has been featured on TEDx, CBS, and Forbes. In this conversation we discuss when she first began to notice the correlation between race and academic achievement (5:00), the effects of "breathing racism" (13:00), how watching videos of police brutality is bad for our health (18:46), how reason rarely works as well empathy (22:00), a step-by-step explanation of her racial VR experience (28:04), how her lack of experience with virtual reality didn't keep her from pursuing her goals (34:22), her biggest failure as a researcher (41:40), how her own son changed the way she works (43:18), why higher education has health benefits for every demographic, except for those of African decent (46:48), and the ways in which VR is being used to help Black people begin to heal from a lifetime of racial stress (59:26). Given where we are as a country and a people, I found this conversation to be right on time. Links we mention in the episode: Courtney's Twitter Account: @courtneycogburn Her Racial VR Experience: 1,000-Cut Journey Hyphen Labs: Neurospeculative Afrofeminism Thank you for tuning in! Please don't forget to rate, comment, subscribe and SHARE with a friend. Visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. Connect with us on Instagram at @blackimagination | |||
| Summer School - Timnit Gebru: Asylum From A.I. | 30 Jul 2023 | 01:33:00 | |
Today’s Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 39 with Timnit Gebru an artificial intelligence researcher. Timnit advocates for fair and just use of the technology we use everyday. A former employee of Google, Timnit consistently calls in and calls out a Big Tech industry that leverages power, capital, and bias in favor of, well, themselves and their wallets. From language to surveillance- Timnit knows the potential harms of artificial intelligence know no bounds. In a time when we’re at war, today’s episode calls into question for whom we are fighting? Whose wars are worthy of discussion and what harms are so deeply ingrained within our consciousness that we ignore our own civilian casualties. As the world witnesses the 16th month of a war in Ethiopia, Timnint’s journey reminds us of the refugee, the warrior, and the heroes we often dismiss and determine unworthy of home. This conversation was recorded on Jan 27, 2022 Learn More about this topic
Who to follow? Other Things we mention Fairness doctrine washington post article Visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. Connect with us on Instagram at @blackimagination Host Dario Calmese | |||
| Summer School - Dr. Mabel O. Wilson, Architect and Scholar. | 23 Jul 2023 | 01:11:57 | |
Today’s Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 2 with architect, designer, and scholar, Dr. Mabel O. Wilson. Doing double duty as a Professor of Architecture and as Associate Director of the Institute for Research in African American Studies, both at Columbia University, Dr. Wilson is not your traditional designer of buildings. Her trans-disciplinary practice extends well beyond the built environment into the worlds of curation, performance, art, and cultural history. We discuss how Mabel’s problems fitting in as a young architect led to designing her own path to success (5:40), her advice for young architectural students (9:00), what Beyonce stole from her (21:30), the ways in which design and structures have been used to create the concepts of both blackness and whiteness (26:26), the radical change needed for an equitable America (32:27), the invisibility of Black women (35:00) and how mass incarceration not only tied a generation of Black men to a failing capitalist state, but left a generation of Black women without partners (49:40). Links we mention in the episode: Mabel's Instagram: @studio_and Her new book: Race and Modern Architecture: A Critical History from the Enlightenment to the Present Thank you for tuning in! Please don't forget to rate, comment, subscribe and SHARE with a friend. Visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. Connect with us on Instagram at @blackimagination | |||
| Summer School - Casey Gerald, Writer and Entrepreneur. | 16 Jul 2023 | 01:10:19 | |
Today’s Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 3 with writer Casey Gerald. Born in Oak Cliff Texas, Casey’s life reads like a textbook definition of The American Dream. Oh you know, Small town boy from a troubled home makes good and lands in the Ivy Leagues—Yale to be exact. Casey later goes off to Harvard Business school and co-founds the nonprofit MBAs Across America, for which he is listed as one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People. All of this and more can be found in his memoir, There Will be No Miracles Here, which was listed by both NPR and The New York Times as one of the best books of 2018. His Ted Talk, “The Gospel of Doubt” has over 2.1 million views. Did I mention he was also a Rhodes Semifinalist? Recorded via Zoom while under lockdown, we speak about when Casey realized the "American Dream" was a scam (16:35), how he rediscovered his inner child (19:30), the malleability of time (26:10), the first boy he ever loved (40:15), the gift of being gay (47:25), what prisons and the coronavirus have in common (50:30), the joy of blackness (56:07), why it's always a good idea to leave New York City (59:30), and the path to finding internal joy (1:02:43) We cover so many amazing topics, and Casey shows us a side of himself he rarely ever does. This episode takes on a more conversational tone, and a few F-bombs are dropped, be warned, lol. Links we mention in the episode: Casey's Instagram and Twitter: @caseygerald Casey's book: There Will Be No Miracles Here Abraham Hicks: https://www.abraham-hicks.com Marianne Williamson's A Return to Love Bell Hook's All About Love: New Visions Thank you for tuning in! Please don't forget to rate, comment, subscribe and SHARE with a friend. Visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. Connect with us on Instagram at @blackimagination | |||
| Summer School - The Hidden Costs of Racism with Heather McGhee. | 09 Jul 2023 | 01:16:53 | |
Today’s Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 23 with Heather McGhee. Heather designs and promotes solutions to inequality in America. Do you know Heather? You might know Heather. Maybe you saw her on NBC’s Meet the Press, or MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” Or perhaps you saw her sparring with Republican Senator John Kennedy during the confirmation hearings of supreme court Justice Neil Gorsuch, or it just may have been that time when, while on C-Span, an older white gentleman called in to acknowledge his own racism and prejudice, and wanted Heather’s advice on how to change, how to be a better American Citizen, and Heather’s response went… viral. Born on the south side of Chicago, and raised in the suburbs of Evanston IL, Heather McGhee has made a career out of fighting for a more equal America. She holds a B.A. in American Studies from Yale University and a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and for the last two decades, helped build the nonpartisan “think and do” tank, Demos, later serving as president for four years. She’s argued before the Supreme Court to protect voting rights. She’s helped Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz design anti-bias training for its 250,000 employees. She’s lead research campaigns behind successful wage increases for low-wage workers on federal contracts as well as at Walmart and McDonalds. And that’s like, 5% of her resume. But of course, Heather is so much more than her work. She’s also a wife and mother of a beautiful two-year-old, who makes a small cameo in this episode. Her new book being released this week, and also partially written while carrying the aforementioned toddler, is called The Sum of Us. It unravels the mystery of how. How the wealthiest country on earth suffers some of its worst health disparities, and has a collapsing infrastructure, all while its citizens are crippled by insurmountable levels of debt. One word: Racism. And you know who actually suffers most? White people. In this episode we discuss Heather’s journey into the hallowed halls of our country’s government, How motherhood has changed her view of the world, what parents can do to ensure their children receive good educations, even while under lockdown, and how we ALL lose in the zero-sum game of racism. Heather's website: https://heathermcghee.com Get your copy of "The Sum of Us" here. Thank you for tuning in! Please don't forget to rate, comment, subscribe and SHARE with a friend. Visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. Connect with us on Instagram at @blackimagination | |||
| E67. Semester Four Recap with Dario. | 02 Jul 2023 | 00:08:34 | |
And now a word from our Founder & Host Dario Calmese. Thank you for your support and being a part of our community. We are taking a break, but we will not leave you wanting. Class is still in session. This Summer School Semester we will be sharing some of our favorite previous episodes. In case you missed it, or want to revisit and catch more pearls of wisdom with us. We are looking forward to seeing you in person this fall at our physical location at the Oculus at World Trade Center in New York. But you don't have to wait until then to connect with us. All of our links are listed below. The world we live in has been designed and we must design our way out of it. Stay Curious and Keep Dreaming! Connect with us Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. Stay Informed sign up for our Newsletter Be Social IG: @blackimagination LinkedIn: The Institute of Black Imagination. For any question or potential interview requests, write to: info@blackimagination.org | |||
| E94. The Black School with Co-Founders Shani Peters And Joseph Cuillier, III | 28 Apr 2024 | 01:20:36 | |
Welcome to the Institute of Black Imagination, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of black genius. Today, we're thrilled to present Shani Peters and Joseph Cuillier III, the co-founders of The Black School—an innovative art institution dedicated to teaching radical Black politics through experimental approaches to art and design education. Both artists and organizers in their own right, Founded by Joseph Cuillier and Shani Peters, they're mixing art with talks about Black politics and community projects. Inspired by past community-run schools, like those from the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, they're making a difference today. The Black School has three parts: the School itself, the Festival where students show off their work, and the Studio, where students learn about design and get job training. It's all about helping students understand their neighborhoods, make art that matters, and get ready for the future. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. Join us as we explore how organizations like The Black School are changing the game in education and beyond. Now, let's warmly welcome Shani Peters and Joseph Cuillier, the Co-Founders of The Black School, to our conversation. Key Links Joseph A. Cuillier Career Center - We are a school dedicated to providing an education that empowers our students to succeed in the workforce and beyond. bell hooks - American author Alma Thomas - American artist and teacher Rosenwald/Booker T. Washington Schools- Booker T. Washington of the Tuskegee Institute and Julius Rosenwald, philanthropist and president of Sears Roebuck, built state-of-the art schools for African American children across the South. Augusta Savage -American sculptor Harlem Community Art School - The Center was a place for the Harlem community to receive education in the arts for free or little charge. Oakland Community School - was a Black Panther-run liberation school that operated in Oakland from 1973 to 1982. Emory Douglas - The former Minister of Culture and Revolutionary Artist for the Black Panther Party Black Love Festival- presented by The Black School, is an art and music festival promoting a cultural movement for Black love. Project Row Houses - a community platform that enriches lives through art with an emphasis on cultural identity and its impact on the urban landscape. Booker T. Washington - American educator and author What to Read Salvation: Black People and Love - bell hooks The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations - Toni Morrison Character Building: Education that Educates - Booker T. Washington What to listen to DNA. - Kendrick Lamar Seize The Time- Elaine Brown This Is America - Childish Gambino F.U.B.U. - Solange Knowles We The People - A Tribe Called Quest Previous IBI Episodes to check out E2. Dr. Mabel O. Wilson, Architect and Scholar E26. A Revolutionary Life with Black Panther Chairman, Elaine Brown E86. Sketching a Revolution with Emory Douglas E53a. Frank Wilderson III: On Afropessimism I E53a. Frank Wilderson III: On Afropessimism II Who to follow IG: Joseph Cuillier (@josephcuillier) IG: Shani Peters (@shanipeters) Linktree: The Black School This conversation was recorded on March 21, 2024. Host Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. Thompson Lead Designer: Elliott McKnight Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Production Asst: Noa Lesche Archivist & Research: Cyle Warner Original Music composed by Adam Radice Sound Engineer: Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E66b. Milisuthando Bongela: Inside Apartheid's Wish. | 28 May 2023 | 01:13:11 | |
Today’s episode is an odyssey through Mili’s own journey through ancestral ties, personal identity, and relationships. She walks us through the process of engaging our ancestors in our everyday lives. We explore the necessity for connection and healing between Africans and African Americans. And we delve into the lessons one learns by simply sitting with questions that may never be answered. Tell us what you think about today’s episode. Don’t be shy, share your favorite moment with us on Twitter and Instagram at @blackimagination. Remember, you can view this episode and others on our YouTube channel The Institute of Black Imagination. If you’re interested in getting lost in what else we have going on, visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com where this and other content live. Things Mentioned Transkei - Officially the Republic of Transkei, was an unrecognized State in the Southeastern Region of South Africa from 1976 to 1994 Apartheid in South Africa - a system of institutionalized racial segregation that existed in South Africa and South West Africa (now Namibia) from 1948 to the early 1990s. Bantu - a general term for over 400 different ethnic groups in Africa, from Cameroon to South Africa Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground - It was the first municipal burial ground of the city of Richmond, VA. It was historically known as the "Burial Ground for Negroes". Milisuthando - Sundance Film Festival 2023 What to Read South Africa: The Rise and Fall of Apartheid by Nancy L. Clark, William H. Worger The Bantu, Past and Present; an Ethnographical and Historical Study of the Native Races of South Africa by Sm Molema The Inheritors: An Intimate Portrait of South Africa's Racial Reckoning by Eve Fairbanks What to listen to Grandma’s Hands by Bill Withers Sounds From The Ancestors by Kenny Garrett It’s Wrong (Apartheid) by Stevie Wonder African Secret Society by Hugh Masekela Who to follow Follow Milisuthando Bongela on IG @msmillib and by visiting her website. Learn more about her film at Milisuthando Bongela. This conversation was recorded on March 16th, 2023. Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E66a. Milisuthando Bongela: Inside Apartheid's Wish. | 21 May 2023 | 00:48:43 | |
Today’s episode is an odyssey through Mili’s own journey through ancestral ties, personal identity, and relationships. She walks us through the process of engaging our ancestors in our everyday lives. We explore the necessity for connection and healing between Africans and African Americans. And we delve into the lessons one learns by simply sitting with questions that may never be answered. Tell us what you think about today’s episode. Don’t be shy, share your favorite moment with us on Twitter and Instagram at @blackimagination. Remember, you can view this episode and others on our YouTube channel The Institute of Black Imagination. If you’re interested in getting lost in what else we have going on, visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com where this and other content live. Things Mentioned Transkei - Officially the Republic of Transkei, was an unrecognized State in the Southeastern Region of South Africa from 1976 to 1994 Apartheid in South Africa - a system of institutionalized racial segregation that existed in South Africa and South West Africa (now Namibia) from 1948 to the early 1990s. Bantu - a general term for over 400 different ethnic groups in Africa, from Cameroon to South Africa Shockoe Bottom African Burial Ground - It was the first municipal burial ground of the city of Richmond, VA. It was historically known as the "Burial Ground for Negroes". Milisuthando - Sundance Film Festival 2023 What to Read South Africa: The Rise and Fall of Apartheid by Nancy L. Clark, William H. Worger The Bantu, Past and Present; an Ethnographical and Historical Study of the Native Races of South Africa by Sm Molema The Inheritors: An Intimate Portrait of South Africa's Racial Reckoning by Eve Fairbanks What to listen to Grandma’s Hands by Bill Withers Sounds From The Ancestors by Kenny Garrett It’s Wrong (Apartheid) by Stevie Wonder African Secret Society by Hugh Masekela Who to follow Follow Milisuthando Bongela on IG @msmillib and by visiting her website. Learn more about her film at Milisuthando Bongela. This conversation was recorded on March 16th, 2023. Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E65. Rayvon Fouché: Game Changer - Tech, Sports & Black Ingenuity. | 07 May 2023 | 01:29:23 | |
In today’s episode, Rayvon gives us a peek into the locker room, revealing how athletic teams use biometric data to craft game day strategy. He also shares the drawbacks of using technology and Artificial Intelligence not only on the playing field but also in the courtroom. He shines a light on the importance of creating pathways for black and brown individuals to gain access to research funding, and why our future depends on it. Let us know what your favorite moment was in today’s episode on Twitter and Instagram at @blackimagination. To view this full episode and others, head over to our YouTube channel The Institute of Black Imagination. For this and more content visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com. Things Mentioned Granville T. Woods - American inventor Lewis H. Latimer - American inventor, Draftsman Shelby J. Davidson - American lawyer and inventor. Nike Alphaflys - sneakers banned from Tokyo Olympics What to Read Game Changer: The Technoscientific Revolution in Sports by Rayvon Fouché Black Inventors in the Age of Segregation by Rayvon Fouché Plant, Performance and the Endocannabinoid System: 21st Century Sports Medicine by Doug Brown, Don McLaughlin Sports Science and Technology in the Real World by Janet Slingerland What to listen to I’m The One - DJ Khaied ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, Lil Wayne We Win (Space Jam: A New Legacy) - Kirk Franklin and Lil Baby Who to follow Connect with Rayvon Fouché on LinkedIn. Learn more about Rayvon Fouché by visiting his website Rayvon Fouché or through his work at the NSF - National Science Foundation. This conversation was recorded on March 30th, 2023. Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E64. Alia Dahl: Curriculum - The Business of Art. | 23 Apr 2023 | 01:40:31 | |
In today’s episode, Alia gives us a rundown on the role of the gallery and gallery representation. She shares what young artists should be considering when starting their careers, and helpful guidance on how to price their work. She weighs in on the impacts and pitfalls of social media for artists, the direction of NFT’s and what the art world needs to do to become more egalitarian. We’re trying something new with today’s episode, so we want you to weigh in. Let us know what you think on Twitter and Instagram at @blackimagination. To view this episode and others head over to our YouTube channel The Institute of Black Imagination. For this and more content visit us on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com. Things mentioned Jeffrey Deitch - American art dealer and curator Vernissage - a private viewing of paintings before public exhibition. Shibboleth - a custom, principle, or belief distinguishing a particular class or group of people What to Read Clay Pop by Alia Dahl The $12 Million Stuffed Shark: The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art by Donald Thompson Talking Prices: Symbolic Meanings of Prices on the Market for Contemporary Art by Olav Velthius Blk Art: The Audacious Legacy of Black Artists and Models in Western Art by Zaria Ware The Black Market: A Guide to art collecting by Charles Moore What to listen to Who to follow Follow Alia Dahl on IG @aliajessenia and @jeffreydeitchgallery Learn more about her at Alia Dahl This conversation was recorded on March 24th, 2023. Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E63. Dossé-Via Trenou: Written In The Stars. | 09 Apr 2023 | 01:45:41 | |
Today's episode is an exploration of the stars, so get your notebooks out. Dossé-Via walks us through the African origins of modern astrology, how star-gazing is actually compatible if not embedded within Christianity, Islam, and other religious practices, and what compatibility REALLY means. Not to mention breaking down all those astrological houses and alignments and, well, you get the picture. Grab your paper and sharpen your pencils, today’s episode will be out of this world.(who writes this stuff?) We want to hear from you, share your favorite moment with us on Twitter and Instagram at @blackimagination. Be sure to check out our YouTube channel The Institute of Black Imagination and soar through the galaxy of IBI Digital at blackimagination.com where this and other content resides. Things mentioned ScorpioMystique - Where Scorpios Come to Soar Magic & Melanin - African Travel Experience The Houses in Astrology and Their Meaning Epistemology - the theory of knowledge, especially with regard to its methods, validity, and scope. Trace Your African Roots - African Ancestry What to Read Signs Skymates: The Ultimate Guide to Astrological Compatibility by Dossé-Via Trenou You Were Born for This: Astrology for Radical Self-Acceptance by Chani Nicholas What to listen to Dream with Dossé-Via by Dossé-Via Signs by Beyonce Written in the Stars from AIDA on Broadway sung by Heather Headley & Adam Pascal Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In by The 5th Dimension Who to follow Follow Dossé-Via on IG @dossevia and @scorpiomystique Learn more about her at Dossé-Via This conversation was recorded on January 19th, 2023. Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Adam Selah, Will Domingue Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E62. Robert Battle: The Power of Community. | 26 Mar 2023 | 01:46:57 | |
In today's episode, Robert explores what it means to lead with legacy in mind. We talk through the lessons learned from fully immersing oneself in their craft and the importance of building a community. Today’s episode is sure to leave you inspired so be sure to share your most motivational moments with us over on Twitter and Instagram at @blackimagination. You can also view this episode and catch up on others by visiting and subscribing to our YouTube channel The Institute of Black Imagination. You can find this and more content on IBI Digital at blackimagination.com. Things Mentioned Robert Moses - “The Master Builder” Miami (Liberty City) Riot, 1980 What to Read My Story, My Dance: Robert Battle's Journey to Alvin Ailey by Lesa Cline-Ransome (Author) Robert Battle (Foreword) Dancing Revelations: Alvin Ailey's Embodiment of African American Culture by Thomas F Defrantz Black Bodies, White Gazes: The Continuing Significance of Race in America by George Yancy I Am Dance: Words and Images of the Black Dancer by Hal Banfield What to listen to Saving All My Love - Whitney Houston Living For The City - Stevie Wonder Revelations - Album by Alvin Ailey Who to follow Follow Robert Battle on IG @alvinailey Learn more about Robert at Robert Battle This conversation was recorded on October 7th, 2022. Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Adam Selah, Will Domingue Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E61. Justin Garrett Moore: Imagining Black Space. | 12 Mar 2023 | 01:46:42 | |
In today’s episode, Justin educates us on the questions we should be asking about our neighborhoods. He shares how to find your voice while highlighting the important role black and brown people can play in the world of philanthropy. Today’s episode will be full of gems so make sure to share your favorite moment with us over on Twitter and Instagram at @blackimagination. You can also view this episode and catch up on others by visiting and subscribing to our youtube channel The Institute of Black Imagination. You can find this and more content on IBI Digital at, blackimagination.com. And without further ado, the exceptional, Justin Garrett Moore. Things mentioned Meridian-Kessler - neighborhood Cleo W. Blackburn- Educator Hilyard Robinson - Architect Elizabeth Alexander - American poet and the president of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation What to Read Multitude: War and Democracy in the Age of Empire by Michael Hardt & Antonio Negri The Trayvon Generation by Elizabeth Alexander Urban Planning and the African-American Community: In the Shadows by June Manning Thomas, Marsha Ritzdorf What to listen to Who to follow Follow Justin Garrett Moore on IG @j.g.moore Learn more about him at Justin Garrett Moore This conversation was recorded on August 6th, 2022. Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Adam Selah, Will Domingue Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination | |||
| E60. Kevin Bethune: Dreams, Design and Life. | 26 Feb 2023 | 01:17:14 | |
Show notes In today’s episode, Kevin shares with us his life-long pursuit of creative curiosity. He reminds us that what may seem like a career pivot from the outside, is really an internal expansion; as each new acquired skill makes you uniquely qualified for the problems you aim to solve. It encourages us to tap into the path of experimentation and how pursuing “stretch assignments” can test the limits of our creativity, provide evidence that you're on your path, ultimately getting us closer to where we want to be. Things mentioned Jason Mayden - Designer Dr. D’wayne Edwards - Designer What to Read Reimagining Design: Unlocking Strategic Innovation - Kevin Bethune The Laws of Simplicity (Simplicity: Design, Technology, Business, Life) - John Maeda What to Listen To If I Could Build My Whole World Around You – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell I'm in a Different World – The Four Tops Who to follow Follow Kevin Bethune on IG @kevinbethune Learn more about him at Kevin Bethune This conversation was recorded on October 20th, 2022. Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Adam Selah, Will Domingue Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E59. Camille A. Brown: For Colored Girls. | 12 Feb 2023 | 01:18:34 | |
Today’s episode is with award-winning choreographer + director Camille A. Brown. Do you know Camille? You know Camille. You may recognize her work, on Broadway in Once On This Island or on television choreographing Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert! Camille’s work is an ode to reclamation and staying connected to ancestral ties with her deep passion to empower Black bodies by allowing them to tell their own stories. Camille is literally history in the making. In 2021 she became the first Black artist to direct a mainstage production at the Metropolitan Opera, doing double-duty as co-director and choreographer. She repeated this dual act in the latest adaptation of Ntozke Shange’s “for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf,” making her the first Black woman to Direct and Choreograph a Broadway show in 67 years. In today’s episode, Camille reminds us just how vital resilience and listening to your own voice can be. She shares lessons from rejection and struggle and encourages us to be ourselves regardless of the stakes. Things mentioned Darius Barnes - Dancer + Choreographer Fire Shut Up in My Bones - Camille A. Brown performed at the Met Opera DeVore Dance Center, founded by Choreographer + Dancer Carolyn DeVore Ronald K. Brown/ EVIDENCE, A Dance Company Roger Jeffrey - School of Dance - George Mason University What to Read Katherine Dunham: Dance and the African Diaspora by Joanna Dee Das Modern Dance, Negro Dance: Race in Motion by Susan Manning Alvin Ailey: A Life in Dance by Jennifer Dunning What to listen to Mo’ Better Blues - Branford Marsalis Quartet (feat. Terence Blanchard) Remember The Time - Michael Jackson Dancing In The Street - Martha and The Vandellas Who to follow Follow Camille A. Brown on IG @camilleabrown Learn more about her upcoming events at Camille A. Brown This conversation was recorded on August 20th, 2022. Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Adam Selah, Will Domingue Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E58. Jason Mayden: Be Your Own Superhero. | 29 Jan 2023 | 01:42:38 | |
Today’s episode is with sneaker designer and tech entrepreneur Jason Mayden. Jason is the founder of Super Heroic, a footwear brand empowering children to be their own heroes. He’s also the CEO of Trilicon Valley– a modern design collective made up of entrepreneurs, designers, athletes, and all-around creatives. You may recognize him from his time spent at Nike in their digital sports division serving as the senior global design director as well as the director of innovation. During his tenure, he designed iconic footwear for athletes and cultural icons such as Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and living legend Michael Jordan. In today's episode, Jason shares how unquenchable desire and focus set the foundation for pursuing his various ambitions. He reminds us about the power of transmuting our own painful experiences, using them as fuel to manifest our dreams and desires. We also discuss why holding your inner child close is important to the overall well-being of your big adult self. Things mentioned DC Comics Dr. Lucius Fox Jason’s SUPER HEROIC collection What to listen to John Coltrane - A Love Supreme, Pt I (Acknowledgment) Who to follow Follow Jason Mayden on IG @jasonmayden Learn more about Trilicon Valley on IG @trilliconvalley This conversation was recorded on August 4th, 2022. Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Adam Selah, Will Domingue Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch this and other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E93. Imagining Diasporic Retrofutures with Olalekan Jeyifous | 14 Apr 2024 | 01:32:48 | |
Welcome to the Institute of Black Imagination podcast, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of Black genius. I am your host, Dario. Today, we're excited to introduce Olalekan Jeyifous, an innovative artist and architect whose world-building practice reimaginations the relationship between community, urbanity, nature, and time; It’s very much giving Main Character Energy, and citizens of the Black Atlantic take centerstage. In today's conversation, Olalekan and I discuss how architecture alone is rarely sufficient in solving problems in the urban landscape, we reimagine what the continent of Africa COULD have looked like if colonial powers were expelled post-independence, and Lek challenges conventional notions of beauty and success in architecture and why storefront churches and bodegas deserve a shoutout. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. And now, take a breath, as we take a ride with artist and architect Olalekan Jeyifous. Key Links Lebbeus Woods - American architect and artist Silver Lion - an annual award presented for best directing achievements in a feature film at official competition section of the Venice Film Festival since 1998. Saul Williams - American singer-songwriter and musician The Apocryphal Gospel of Oakland- A discussion between artist, Olalekan Jeyifous and UC Berkeley assistant professor of Geography, Dr. Brandi T. Summers on the generative power of collaboration and the potential for speculative architecture as a means to develop comprehensive constructions of urban Utopias/Dystopias that engage with a variety of social, political, and environmental realities. Black Reconstruction Collective -American architecture collective Black Quantum Futurism - A literary and artistic collective Amanda Williams - Visual Artist Justin Garrett Moore- a transdisciplinary designer and urbanist. Torkwase Dyson - Interdisciplinary artist Norma Merrick Sklarek - American architect Grace Wales Bonner - London-based designer Venice Biennale - an international cultural exhibition hosted annually in Venice, Italy What to Read Now You See Me: An Introduction to 100 Years of Black Design - Charlene Prempeh Mickalene Thomas: All about Love - Mickalene Thomas Black Nature: Four Centuries of African American Nature Poetry - Camille T. Dungy (Editor) What to listen to A Possibility (Back Home) - Wanda Robinson Wake Me When I'm Free- Babatunde Olatunji Viva Nigeria - Fela Kuti All Over - Tiwa Savage Sittin On Top Of The World - Burna Boy Previous IBI Episodes to check out E38. Toni L. Griffin: The Just City. E48. Sara Zewde: Parks and Liberation. E55. Sekou Cooke: Creation of Hip-Hop Architecture. E61. Justin Garrett Moore: Imagining Black Space. Who to follow W: V5 IG: kidcadaver - Olalekan Jeyifous LinkedIn: Olalekan Jeyifous - Designer, Artist, Illustrator - Vigilism X: Olalekan Jeyifous (@OJeyifous) / X This conversation was recorded on March 20, 2024. Host Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. Thompson Lead Designer: Elliott McKnight Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Production Asst: Noa Lesche Archivist & Research: Cyle Warner Original Music composed by Adam Radice Sound Engineer: Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E57. All About Love. | 25 Dec 2022 | 00:46:05 | |
This special edition of the podcast is our final episode of 2022. Today we are revisiting our conversations with thirteen of our guests from this year as they illustrate what happens when you lead with love. Our guests not only talk about romantic love but also highlight what it means to be madly in love with your work, what it can teach us about ourselves, and how important it is to fall head over heels for the process. We will close today’s episode with the kind of love they imagine for the future. We begin with dedications from Grammy-award-winning singer + songwriter Estelle, Chef + Activist Zoe Adjonyoh, Preacher + Scholar Eboni Marshall Turman, Choreographer and Dancer Bill T. Jones, and finally, Culinary Entrepreneur Jon Gray of Ghetto Gastro. They remind us of their “why” as we open the floodgates to allow love to flow freely through the conversation. Episodes to listen to Dedication: E41. Estelle: Becoming the Love of Your Life. E42. Zoe Adjonyoh: Exploring Identity Through Cuisine. E44. Rev.Eboni Marshall Turman: Redefining God's Body E49. Bill T. Jones: The Artist is Present. E52. Ghetto Gastro (Jon Gray): 15 Seconds to Decide. Love: E37. Bisa Butler: The Realization of Memory E49. Bill T. Jones: The Artist is Present. E40. Jericho Brown: Shaping Reality with Words. E47.David Zilber: A Fermenter's Guide to the Universe. E56. Rita Dove: The Pleasure of Text. Imagine for the future: E36. Dario Calmese: Designing Consciousness with IBI Founder. E41. Estelle: Becoming the Love of Your Life. E50. June Ambrose: The Style Architect. E46. Stephen Satterfield: The Origins of Food. E39. Timnit Gebru: Asylum From A.I. What to read All about Love: New Visions by bell hooks Playlist for the Apocalypse: Poems by Rita Dove Story/Time: The Life of an Idea by Bill T. Jones The Seven Levels of Intimacy: The art of loving and being loved by Matthew Kelly What to listen to Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald September by Earth, Wind & Fire These conversations were recorded for our 2022 season. Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Producer for episodes in the first half of 2022: Carmen D. Harris Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Adam Selah, Will Domingue Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch this and other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E56. Rita Dove: The Pleasure of Text. | 11 Dec 2022 | 01:24:56 | |
Today’s episode is with Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and Author Rita Dove. Rita is a US Poet Laureate, the recipient of 29 honorary degrees…Yes, you heard correctly…29, and the only poet to be honored with both the National Humanities Medal and the National Medal of Arts. Her portfolio of work is timeless, precise, and captures the complexity of life. In today’s episode, we explore the pleasure of the text. We also journey through how using your imagination can help to get what you want, the role writing can play in the midst of chaos, and how Rita’s lived experience as a Black woman has shaped her understanding of the world. Things mentioned Award Winning Poet Nikki Giovanni Dawn Revisited, a poem written by Rita Dove American Poet Michael S. Harper What to read Playlist for the Apocalypse: Poems by Rita Dove Thomas and Beulah by Rita Dove The Collected Poetry of Nikki Giovanni: 1968-1998 by Nikki Giovanni I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou The Pleasure of the Text written by Roland Barthes and translated by Richard Miller Dear John, Dear Coltrane: Poems by Michael S Harper Staged Otherness: Ethnic Shows in Central and Eastern Europe, 1850–1939 by Dagnosław Demski and Dominika Czarnecka What to listen to Take the "A" Train - Duke Ellington Summertime - Ella Fitzgerald This conversation was recorded on August 20th, 2022. Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Adam Selah, Will Domingue Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch this and other episodes on YouTube at: The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E55. Sekou Cooke: Creation of Hip-Hop Architecture. | 27 Nov 2022 | 01:36:34 | |
Today's episode is with architect Sekou Cooke. Sekou is one of the leading advocates for the study and practice of Hip-Hop Architecture, a practice that poses hip-hop as architecture and uses the language of design to investigate its construction. In today's episode, we explore why urban design cannot exist without hip-hop. We lean into what can happen if we start to understand the nature of urban environments, and Sekou reminds us that whether it is hip-hop, your career, or practice, it's essential to make sure love is at the center of what you do. Things mentioned Artist, Architect, and Fashion designer Virgil Abloh “Figures of Speech” exhibition at Brooklyn Musuem dedicated to the work of Virgil Abloh Artist Theaster Gates Artist Lauren Halsey Urban Planner Robert Moses Post–World War II development StuyTown Architect Beverly Lorraine Greene Bricolage is the construction of a sculpture, or a structure of ideas achieved by using whatever comes to hand What to read Hip-Hop Architecture by Sekou Cooke Abloh-Isms by Virgil Abloh Virgil Abloh. Nike. Icons by Virgil Abloh Theaster Gates: Black Madonna by Elvira Dyangani Ose, Theaster Gates (Artist) The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York by Robert A. Caro Ask and It Is Given: Learning to Manifest Your Desires by Esther Hicks and Jerry Hicks The Secret by Rhonda Byrne What to listen to Champion - Buju Banton One Dance - Drake One Love - Bob Marley and the Wailers The Breaks - Kurtis Blow Your Wish is Your Command - Kevin Trudeau Who to follow Follow Sekou Cooke on IG @sekou21 You can also find his studio here. This conversation was recorded on July 16th, 2022. Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Adam Selah, Will Domingue Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch this and other episodes on YouTube at: The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E54. Jerald Cooper: HoodCentury Modern. | 13 Nov 2022 | 01:28:07 | |
Today’s conversation is with creative director, and architectural archivist Jerald “Coop” Cooper. Coop is the founder of Hood-century Modern — an Instagram account that sparked a preservation movement by highlighting the iconic and unique designs of mid-century buildings in Black neighborhoods; connecting modern architecture to Black culture. A hip-hop aficionado and curious soul, Coop reminds us to get in touch with our spirit, take ownership of our neighborhood, and challenges us to develop a deeper understanding of how design affects our everyday experience. In today’s conversation we explore our relationship to land, the importance of being attuned to spirit, what architects can learn from hip-hop, and the importance of not just repping your block, but understanding how it was made. Things mentioned Maria Montessori Creator of Montessori School Structure Buckminster Fuller - Architect Molefi Kete Asante - Professor & Philosopher Robert Moses - Urban Planner What to read Beloved by Toni Morrison R. Buckminster Fuller: Pattern-Thinking by Daniel López-Pérez and R Buckminster Fuller Afrocentricity: The Theory of Social Change by Molefi Kete Asante Hank Willis Thomas: All Things Being Equal by Julia Dolan, Sara Krajewski, Bobby Martin, Hank Willis Thomas (Photographer) The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon by Brad Stone What to listen to This Can’t Be Life - Jay-Z Get By - Talib Kweli Ghetto: Misfortune's Wealth - 24-Carat Black The Heat is On - The Isley Brothers Who to follow Follow Jerald “Coop” Cooper on IG @hoodmidcenturymodern You can also find more of Hood Century here. This conversation was recorded on August 13th, 2022. Host: Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, AfroVisualism, Adam Selah, Will Domingue Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com | |||
| E53b. Frank B. Wilderson III: On Afropessimism II. | 30 Oct 2022 | 01:03:33 | |
Today’s episode is with award-winning writer, scholar and activist Frank B. Wilderson III. Frank is known as the Godfather of Afropessimism: a critical theory that positions anti-blackness as the antidote for the psychic well-being of society. Did that sound heady? Well, pull out our pen and paper. Frank’s curiosity and fearlessness in revealing hard truths, takes us on a scholarly journey that will surely require some unpacking. In part two of today’s episode, Frank reminds us to be fearless in the pursuit of knowledge, even if that knowledge reveals unhealthy truths. Strap in, as Frank takes us on a ride exploring the foundational tenets Afropessimism along with his own thoughts about reconciliation, activism, and what it means to be a Black individual living in a state of social consciousness and racial reckoning. Please share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us over on twitter and instagram at @blackimagination. To watch this episode go, visit, and subscribe to our youtube channel The Institute of Black Imagination. You can find this and more content over on IBI Digital at, blackimagination.com. And without further ado, the profound Frank B. Wilderson III. People and ideas mentioned More information on what is Afropessimism Jared Sexton - Professor, African American Studies Marxism thought of Karl Marx Professor David Marriott History of Consciousness Historical and cultural sociologist Orlando Patterson What to Read Afropessimism by Frank B. Wilderson Incognegro: A Memoir of Exile and Apartheid by Frank B. Wilderson III The Future Is Black: Afropessimism, Fugitivity, and Radical Hope in Education by Michael J. Dumas, Carl A. Grant, Ashley N. Woodson Whither Fanon?: Studies in the Blackness of Being by David Marriott Slavery and Social Death: A Comparative Study, with a New Preface by Orlando Patterson The Autobiography of Medgar Evers: A Hero's Life and Legacy Revealed Through His Writings, Letters, and Speeches by Manning Marable, Myrlie Evers-Williams What to listen to Fight the Power – Public Enemy Hell You Talmbout – Janelle Monae and Wondaland Records This is America – Childish Gambino Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) – Marvin Gaye Who to follow Follow Frank B. Wilderson III on IG @frank_wilderson Visit his website here. This conversation was recorded on August 11th, 2022.
Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Adam Saleh, Will Dominique, Sablā Stays Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Audio Engineer + Composer: Adam Radice Original music composed by Adam Radice. Visit us at blackimagination.com | |||
| E53a. Frank B. Wilderson III: On Afropessimism I. | 23 Oct 2022 | 00:56:11 | |
Today’s episode is with award-winning writer, scholar and activist Frank B. Wilderson III. Frank is known as the Godfather of Afropessimism: a critical theory that anti-blackness is “necessary for world-making at every level of abstraction.” Did that sound heady? Well, get ready. Frank’s curiosity, appetite for knowledge and nuance, along with his fearlessness to explore what is, in the absence of what isn’t, reminds us of the importance of inquiry and the power of examining the world around us. In part one of today’s episode, Frank reminds us to be fearless in the pursuit of knowledge, even if that knowledge reveals unhealthy truths. Strap in, as Frank takes us on a ride exploring Afropessimism and themes of reconciliation, activism, and what it means to be a young Black man living in a state of social consciousness and racial reckoning. Please share some of your thoughts on today's episode with us over on twitter and instagram at @blackimagination. To watch this episode go, visit, and subscribe to our youtube channel The Institute of Black Imagination. You can find this and more content over on IBI Digital at, blackimagination.com. And without further ado, the profound Frank B. Wilderson III. People and ideas mentioned More information on what is Afropessimism Jared Sexton - Professor, African American Studies Marxism thought of Karl Marx Professor David Marriott History of Consciousness Historical and cultural sociologist Orlando Patterson What to Read Afropessimism by Frank B. Wilderson Incognegro: A Memoir of Exile and Apartheid by Frank B. Wilderson III The Future Is Black: Afropessimism, Fugitivity, and Radical Hope in Education by Michael J. Dumas, Carl A. Grant, Ashley N. Woodson Whither Fanon?: Studies in the Blackness of Being by David Marriott Slavery and Social Death: A Comparative Study, with a New Preface by Orlando Patterson The Autobiography of Medgar Evers: A Hero's Life and Legacy Revealed Through His Writings, Letters, and Speeches by Manning Marable, Myrlie Evers-Williams What to listen to Fight the Power – Public Enemy Hell You Talmbout – Janelle Monae and Wondaland Records This is America – Childish Gambino Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) – Marvin Gaye Who to follow Follow Frank B. Wilderson III on IG @frank_wilderson Visit his website here. This conversation was recorded on August 11th, 2022.
Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Adam Saleh, Will Dominique, Sablā Stays Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Audio Engineer + Composer: Adam Radice Original music composed by Adam Radice. Visit us at blackimagination.com | |||
| E52. Ghetto Gastro (Jon Gray): 15 Seconds to Decide. | 09 Oct 2022 | 01:27:48 | |
Today’s conversation is with food enthusiast, storyteller, and creative strategist Jon Gray. Jon is the co-founder and self-proclaimed dishwasher of Ghetto Gastro— a collective that uses food as a medium to ignite conversations about race, inequity, and inclusivity. Jon’s love affair with the Bronx, usage of mixed media, and desire to build new narratives that empower black and brown people, teaches us the importance of having pride in your roots and staying true to yourself. In today’s conversation, we’re reminded of the importance of staying true to ourselves. We explore themes such as the value of fostering deep connections, the importance of perseverance, and we journey into why trusting your instincts can be your greatest tool. What to read Pre-order Black Power Kitchen - Ghetto Gastro by Jon Gray, Pierre Serrano, Lester Walker (Drops 10.18.22) My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food: A Cookbook by Marcus Samuelsson, Yewande Komolafe, Osayi Endolyn People mentioned Thelma Golden - Director and Chief Curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem Curator, critic & author Kimberly Drew Graphic Artist Emory Douglas Artist Jamel Robinson Co-Founder of ArtNoir & President of Saint Heron Carolyn Concepcion Larry Ossei-Mensah Curator & Co-founder of @artnoirco Artist Derrick Adams Richelieu Dennis - Founder & CEO of Sundial Brands, maker of SheaMoisture Learn more about Jon Gray Check out Ghetto Gastro’s appliance collection CRUXGG Jon Gray's of Ghetto Gastro, Cooper Hewitt Installation Watch Jon Gray's (Ghetto Gasto) TedTalk What to listen to Say It Loud - I'm Black And I'm Proud by James Brown DNA. by Kendrick Lamar Cranes in the Sky by Solange Who to follow Find him on IG To learn more about his work, visit GhettoGastro.com This conversation was recorded on July 30th, 2022. Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: River Wildmen, Justin Smith, Adam Selah Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Audio Engineer + Composer: Adam Radice Original music composed by Adam Radice | |||
| E51. Jerome Lamaar: The Power of Imagination. | 25 Sep 2022 | 01:27:59 | |
Today’s conversation is with creative director, designer and stylist Jerome Lamaar. Jerome is a trendsetter whose perspective on art, culture, concepts and colors has transformed style. Exploring the power of imagination, controlling their own narrative, and pride in their community, Jerome has never been afraid to color outside the lines, illustrating their own reality. In today’s episode, we’re reminded of what it means to design a life on your own terms. We explore themes of manifestation, building your own brand, staying true to yourself, and the value in accessibility. Things mentioned Willi Smith: Street Couture - Cooper Hewitt 5:31 by JÉRÔME LAMAAR for And Now - Macy's Designer and artist Ralph Rucci What to read Willi Smith: Street Couture by Alexandra Cunningham Cameron The Chiffon Trenches: A Memoir by André Leon Talley Black Designers in American Fashion by Elizabeth Way Fashion Trends: Analysis and Forecasting by Ann Marie Fiore, Eundeok Kim, Alice Payne Life Visioning by Michael Bernard Beckwith What to listen to My Life by Mary J. Blige The Glamorous Life by Sheila E Planet Rock by Afrika Bambaataa & the Soulsonic Force All The Way Up by Fat Joe and Remy Ma Who to follow Follow Jerome Lamaar on IG @jeromelamaar You can also find Jerome's fashion here. This conversation was recorded on July 9th, 2022. Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Bookings: K.T. Thompson Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com | |||
| E50. June Ambrose: The Style Architect. | 11 Sep 2022 | 01:03:38 | |
Today’s conversation is with designer and creative director June Ambrose. June is an award-winning creative director, stylist, costume designer, and entrepreneur who has built a career creating culture-shifting moments through fashion and style. Using fashion as her language, June teaches us her own personal way of finding one’s voice. In today’s episode, we explore themes of finding one’s voice, the importance of authenticity, the constance of reinvention and what happens when you give yourself permission. Today’s conversation reminds us of the power in building a brand and not to be defined by someone elses opinion of us. Things mentioned June Ambrose’s Collection with Puma What to listen to Mo Money Mo Problems (feat. Puff Daddy & Mase) Missy Elliott - The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) Jay-Z - Change Clothes ft. Pharrell Who to follow Follow June Ambrose on IG @juneambrose Visit her website here. This conversation was recorded on August 18th, 2022.
Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: Director of Digital Content: @vickygcreative Bookings: @itsms.kt Original Music composed by Adam Radice Audio Edited by Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com | |||
| E49. Bill T. Jones: The Artist is Present. | 04 Sep 2022 | 01:42:23 | |
Today’s episode is with choreographer and dancer Bill T. Jones. Jones is an award winning artist and legendary dancer. His work uses storytelling, movement, and multimedia elements such as spoken narrative and videotape to examine identity, social issues and autobiographical elements of his life. His 43-year long career reminds us on the importance of gratitude and remaining present in your life and artistry. In today’s conversation we’re reminded of the power in investigation. We also explore what it means to create amidst a state of grief. And the importance of spending a life in service to others. Things mentioned 2010 Kennedy Center Honors - Bill T. Jones Bill T. Jones: Still / Here with Bill Moyers What to read Story/Time: The Life of an Idea by Bill T. Jones The Emigrants by W.G. Sebald The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison The Spirit in Man, Art and Literature by Carl Gustav Jung Body Against Body: The Dance and Other Collaborations of Bill T. Jones & Arnie Zane by Bill T. Jones, Artie Zane, Elizabeth Zimmer Democracy Moving: Bill T. Jones, Contemporary American Performance, and the Racial Past By Ariel Nereson What to listen to Fela! (Original Broadway Cast Recording) - Album by Fela Kuti I Will Move On Up a Little Higher - by Mahalia Jackson September by Earth, Wind & Fire Who to follow Follow Bill T. Jones on IG @billtjonesarniezaneco You can also find his company here. This conversation was recorded on July 9th, 2022.
Host Dario Calmese Producer: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: Director of Digital Content: @vickygcreative Bookings: @itsms.kt Audio Engineer + Composer: Adam Radice Original Music composed by Dario Calmese Visit us at blackimagination.com | |||
| E92. The People's University with Dr. Carla Hayden | 31 Mar 2024 | 01:00:14 | |
Hey explorers, it's Dario. Welcome to the IBI podcast, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of Black genius. Today, we browse the mind of Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress, appointed by U.S. President Barack Obama. Dr. Hayden is the first woman and the first African American to hold this position at the National Library. As an actual librarian, Dr. Hayden is known for advocating for the privacy of library users and for her initiatives to promote broad access to public libraries and their resources. Our dialogue today, much like the Library of Congress itself, is a treasure trove of literary jewels. We discuss how the Library of Congress is not your mother’s library, containing priceless artifacts like the Bayard Rustin papers, and a handwritten letter from Nina Simone to Hazel Scott. We talk American literacy rates, how parents can engage reluctant readers, and we even get personal, as Dr. Hayden and i discuss the health challenges black women face in the workplace, especially in positions of power. Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. So grab your library card and a snack… It’s time to check into the people’s university, with Dr. Carla Hayden. Key Links Library Of Congress - the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Nina Simone - American singer-songwriter, pianist, and activist. Hazel Scott - Jazz pianist and singer Enoch Pratt Free Library- the free public library system of Baltimore, Maryland. American Library Association - largest membership association in the world for the library industry. August Wilson - American playwright André Leon Talley - American fashion journalist Citizen DJ - Make music using the free-to-use audio and video materials from the Library of Congress Jessye Norman - American opera singer What to Read Seven Guitars - August Wilson A Library - Nikki Giovanni Library of Congress "Books That Shaped America" Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants- Robin Wall Kimmerer Behind the Scenes: Or Thirty Years a Slave, and Four Years in the White House - Elizabeth Keckley A History of Reading - Alberto Manguel Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum - Antonia Hylton Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents - Isabel Wilkerson What to listen to Wild Is The Wind - Nina Simone Round Midnight - Hazel Scott Amazing Grace - Jessye Norman Process - Samora Pinderhughes Previous IBI Episodes to check out E2. Dr. Mabel O. Wilson, Architect and Scholar. E7. André Leon Talley, Fashion Icon (part one). E7. André Leon Talley, Fashion Icon (part two). E56. Rita Dove: The Pleasure of Text. E79. Liberation Through Libraries. with (Reginald) Dwayne Betts Who to follow IG: Library of Congress (@librarycongress) TW: Carla Hayden (@LibnOfCongress) · X This conversation was recorded on January 30, 2024. Host Dario Calmese Producer: K.T. Thompson Lead Designer: Elliott McKnight Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia Production Asst: Noa Lesche Original Music composed by Adam Radice Sound Engineer: Adam Radice Visit us at blackimagination.com Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination. | |||
| E48. Sara Zewde: Parks and Liberation. | 22 May 2022 | 01:17:31 | |
Today’s episode is with landscape architect, designer, urbanist, and public artist Sara Zewde. Sara is the co-founder of Studio Zewde– a design firm practicing landscape architecture, urban design, and public art, as well as an assistant professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. In this episode, she shares how design has been leveraged as a tool of oppression and how everyone must be involved in the process of thinking about the world they want to create. We explore the controversial origins of landscape architecture along with topics that range from Hurricane Katrina not only being a natural disaster but a political failure that ignited her curiosity about the land, architecture being built on the backs of Black women, and ultimately the bold moves we should be making now to engage with the environment. Sara’s story introduces you to the origins of architecture that have been omitted and challenge us to participate in the design of being. Things mentioned Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. is the father of landscape architecture Seneca Village existed before Central Park Liberatory Design is a process and practice Africatown Community Land Trust can be a model for us Graffiti Pier by Studio Zewde What to read Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde An Aesthetic of Blackness: Strange and Oppositional by bell hooks The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. Du Bois Journeys and Explorations in the Cotton Kingdom: A Traveller's Observations on Cotton and Slavery in the American Slave States Based Upon Three Former by Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. Who to follow Find her on IG To learn more about her work, visit Studio Zewde and follow them on IG This conversation was recorded on May 3rd, 2022. Host Dario Calmese Production Assistant: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: Original Music composed by Dario Calmese Visit us at blackimagination.com | |||
| E47.David Zilber: A Fermenter's Guide to the Universe. | 08 May 2022 | 01:39:39 | |
Today’s episode is with Chef, Fermenter, Food Scientist, Photographer, and New York Times best-selling author David Zilber. David is the former Director of Fermentation for “NOMA” Copenhagen; known as one of the most coveted restaurants on the planet, and co-author of the New York Times best-selling book, “The Noma Guide to Fermentation”. In this episode, he shares how the power of a nudge can unlock a world of unlimited possibilities, and trusting biological processes beyond instant gratification. We explore David’s multicultural upbringing growing up in Toronto, Canada, along with topics that range from connecting fermentation to everyday life, how photography allows him to tether his curiosity for science and fermentation, and ultimately how he’s been able to bloom in the midst of chaos. David’s story is one filled with invaluable gems and speaks to the power of leaning into curiosity. Things mentioned What to read The Noma Guide to Fermentation: Including Koji, Kombuchas, Shoyus, Misos, Vinegars, Garums, Lacto-Ferments, and Black Fruits and Vegetables by David Zilber and René Redzepi Inbetweeners: On the meaning of (re)mediation in mycelial and human worlds by David Zilber Why Fermentation Is So Important To One Of The World’s Best Restaurants Essays in Love by Alain de Botton The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David Wengrow The Living Planet by David Attenborough On the Origin of Evolution: Tracing 'Darwin's Dangerous Idea' from Aristotle to DNA by John Gribbin and Mary Gribbin A Natural History of the Future: What the Laws of Biology Tell Us about the Destiny of the Human Species by Rob Dunn The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green Being a Human: Adventures in Forty Thousand Years of Consciousness by Charles Foster What to listen to Too Hot by Kool & The Gang Get Up Offa That Thing by James Brown September by Earth, Wind & Fire Who to follow Follow David Zilber on IG @david_zilber You can also find his photography here. This conversation was recorded on February 3rd, 2022. Host Dario Calmese Producer Carmen D. Harris Production Assistant: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: Original Music composed by Dario Calmese Visit us at blackimagination.com | |||
| E46. Stephen Satterfield: The Origins of Food. | 01 May 2022 | 01:01:26 | |
Today’s episode is with food writer, producer, and media entrepreneur Stephen Satterfield. Stephen is the host of Netflix’s critically acclaimed docuseries “High on the Hog” and the founder of Whetstone, a magazine and media company dedicated to food origins and culture from around the world. In this episode, he shares the importance of food origins as a space for reclamation and what it means to examine who and what’s being left out of the story. We explore Stephen’s own origin story–growing up in Atlanta in the ’80s–along with topics that range from his start as a young sommelier, the implications of citizens being divorced from food culture, and ultimately how being crushed by a series of life events propelled his career forward; leading him from self-doubt to conviction. Things to read Oysters originated because of a Black man James Hemings invented baked Mac and Cheese Whetstone Magazine, Summer 2021 What to check out Kara Washington and food apartheid Environmental factors that affect a crop - Terroir Stephen Satterfield became a Sommelier before his 21st birthday What to listen to Episode mentioned by Dario - The Morality of Meat Point of Origin Podcast Who to follow Stephen Satterfield on IG This conversation was recorded on March 4th, 2022 Host Dario Calmese Producer Carmen D. Harris Production Assistant: Coniqua Johnson Visual Art Direction and Designs: Original Music composed by Dario Calmese Visit us at blackimagination.com | |||