Blacklining Forum

E26: Liberation Is All or Nothing

This is an invitation to reimagine your relationship with agency, community, and the very systems that shape our lives. In this conversation, we uncover the nuanced differences between freedom and liberation, and free fall into the chasm between asserting control and letting go.
Guest sister sadada, an embodied liberation teacher, enriches the discussion with insights on freeing oneself not just from systemic constraints, but also from the unseen, liberating our spiritual and relational ties. Our conversation weaves through reflections on culture and identity, ultimately encouraging us to question societal norms and embrace a broader notion of interconnectedness.
Website: http://www.sistersadada.com
Things They Don't Teach Us About the Scarcity Mindset (episode)
The People Could Fly (book)
 

E25: Collective Action, from Whoville to Uhura

We're back in Boston with an urgent broadcast. Thinking broadly about Black wealth, power and land, we take a moment to explore how ordinary citizens can respond to the political changes and growing repression sweeping the country. With dramatic shifts occurring at both a federal and community level, Melony and Derek discuss the growing necessity for dispersed grassroots action and strategize on how small, localized movements can collectively drive broad-scale change.
Through engaging storytelling and insightful dialogue, they highlight the power of boycotts, economic leverage, and the importance of "wrong think", also known as exercising one's First Amendment rights to challenge the new political reality. This conversation is both a call to action and a beacon of hope. Communities, armed with knowledge, resilience, and creativity, can push back against the forces that seek to overwhelm them.
Listeners are encouraged to connect, organize, and mobilize. It is within our collective agency to create change grounded in the belief that through solidarity and strategic action, we can enhance communal wealth, safety, and power.

E24: A Middle Class Reckoning

For our first episode in 2025, we're welcoming the new year contemplating questions about societal evolution, collective responsibility, and the possibility of genuine transformation of the Black middle class centered around the power of mutual support.
Our discussion with guest Malia Lazu takes into consideration what a liberatory future might require, unpacks the capitalist desires of the Black middle class, and questions its aspirations for freedom. In short, we delve into an examination of traditional markers of success and urge listeners to contemplate wealth and privilege through new, actionable lenses.

E23: Results 2024: What's the Vision?

Malia Lazu, a powerhouse in diversity and inclusion strategy, joins us for our first conversation after the 2024 U.S. presidential election. We chat about the importance of rest, the power of community, and what it means to truly love Black people—and ourselves—ferociously.
In a world that feels uncertain, politically, socially, and environmentally, we're reminded of the lessons from our ancestors and predecessors of the strength we have within. Whether it's finding solace in the quiet, or building networks that can uplift or provide escape, we explore paths to freedom during a rising authoritarian tide.

E22: Land & Water

Melony and Derek get realer about the upcoming election and the pressing issues that are shaping it.
The duo explore evolving sources of power, both political and natural. As climate change accelerates, they question the value of land and mobility, and how these elements shape Black freedom. It's a complex web of questions about capital, community, and the future of our environment.
As they discuss the stakes of the election, the role of government, and the impact of climate change on our lives, they also challenging themselves - and listeners - to think about what they truly value.

E21: Countdown to Election 2024

The Blacklining Forum is back with an October surprise.
Melony and Derek delve into the 2024 U.S. presidential election (only 28 days away at the time of the recording) and its potential intersections on Black wealth, power, and land. They discuss the complexities of the political landscape, the tight race, and the potential implications for Black communities. Reflecting on past administrations, they ponder whether the future holds a new era akin to the New Deal or a resurgence of Jim Crow.
The two share personal anecdotes and insights on the socio-political climate, highlighting the shifts in Black power across different eras. They examine the roles of literature, arts, sports, and hip-hop in shaping the Black American image and influencing cultural narratives.
As they navigate the uncertainties of the future, Melony and Derek emphasize the importance of vigilance, proactive engagement, and the need for strong leadership. They encourage listeners to consider the potential for societal evolution and the seeds of hope that can be nurtured within communities.
Join them for the first in a series of compelling conversations that challenge conventional thinking and inspire reflection on the future of Black wealth, power, and land in the face of political and social change.

E20: Hip-Hop and Gen X

Holla at us, Gen X! This episode is about you.
Independent journalist and content creator, Gregory Ball, brings his wealth of knowledge and shares insights on the cultural and economic impact of hip hop and it's influence on Gen X, both of which are now in their 50s.
Greg's conversation with Melony and Derek touches on the roots of hip hop as a form of resistance, resilience, expression, and aspiration in the face of socioeconomic challenges. They also discuss whether and how the genre has matured, stayed true to its roots, and/or been a window into the desires of its earliest followers. For example, have the aspirations and teachings of hip hop icons like Jay-Z translated into real power and economic stability for the broader generation?
Additionally, as they reflect on the need for community, connectivity, and cultural pride, they also ponder the future of hip hop and its ongoing role in shaping identity and social dynamics. In short, from The Message to Fight the Power to My President, this is a wide-ranging conversation that re-examines the podcast's tagline about Black power and wealth through a new lens.

E19: Opening the Archives

There's power inherent in crafting communities in your own likeness. In this episode, we begin by briefly comparing images and stories from the concurrent narratives of the Harlem Renaissance and the Great Migration. From there, our guest, Jay Cephas, an historian of architecture, landscapes, and cities, shares his insights and research on the overlooked - and suppressed - contributions of Black architects and builders throughout American history.
Jay walks us through an expansive and rich history, from the days of enslavement through Reconstruction and into the early 20th century. He highlights the significant impact generations of Black tradespeople had on shaping urban environments and building communities, despite facing systemic barriers and exclusions. Additionally, Jay introduces us to the Black Architects Archive, an interactive repository documenting the work of Black architects, builders, and contractors in North America.
In short, we have an enlightening and inspiring conversation showcasing how Black Americans built schools, churches, and other vital structures with limited resources, and left an enduring impact on the American landscape.