Blacklining Forum

E10: A New Narrative

With this being the tenth episode, we took a step back to think about where we began when we laid the groundwork for the podcast and how conversations with our guests informed, challenged, and evolved our thinking. Today's discussion highlights three forms of power that have been defined along the way, and grasps at one that continues to elude identification.
Overall, with 21st-century Black America able to look back at its progress over generations and able to look ahead at new opportunities, we poke at the underlying possibility of the creation of a new narrative, what it looks like to grapple with power, and what is needed to secure protection.

E9: Rooting in the Community

Moving into a new home and/or starting a new business are both major life achievements. The magnitude of each of those takes on even greater significance when also trying to become established in a new community.
Nyacko Pearl Perry, new homeowner and co-owner of Comfort Kitchen, shares stories and advice from the early days of getting established in Uphams Corner, the most diverse neighborhood in America, and explains how property ownership gives her a greater sense of security for her family.
Additionally, Melony and Derek discuss that feeling when a community is hesitant to choose you and parse the difference between a "neighborhood" and a "community."

E8: (Re)Building from the Ground Up

What is home?
How do you decide where to make your home?
Should you move to build collective political power?
These were some of the questions we explored as we referenced a New York Times op-ed piece by Charles Blow that encouraged Black Americans to move to the South. As we discussed the opportunities, we also challenged our assumptions - and his - around where we are as a community, where we could be collectively, and what the risks are. Karleen Porcena also joined us to share insights from her travels and research of southern towns being built from scratch by new Black landowners.
*Recorded before the HBO documentary South to Black Power was announced.

E7: Reparations vs Recovery

Kris Manjapra, PhD, author of Black Ghost of Empire, joins us to discuss reparations and expand the idea of what that could look like. In doing so, we touch upon the Benin Bronzes, question what wealth is, examine the legitimacy of ownership, and approach the edge of Afrofuturism.

E6: Redlining

Attention, please, class is in session!
After reading his article "Redlining: The Silent Segregator," we invited Dr. Jae to join us to discuss redlining. During the discussion, he revealed the U.S. president who created the conditions for hip hop, described his own experience with real estate appraisers, and then turned the tables on us by asking some probing questions.

E5: Make It Rain (Building & Using Wealth)

Financial planner Marguerita (Rita) Cheng helps us rethink who the traditional financial planning client is and why starting financial planning at any age is important. Our conversation also includes changing one's mindset around finances and letting go of shame and stigma.

E4: Planning & Pitfalls in Becoming a Real Estate Investor

Thinking about becoming a real estate investor? Need some inspiration or practical guidelines to help you get started? Wendy Desabaye shares tips and stories from her 20+ years of investing experience.
Melony and Derek also discuss practical steps first-time investors should consider as they enter the market, as well as the historic and systemic challenges that continue to reverberate for Black and Brown buyers.

E3: Investing in Multiple Markets

In this wide-ranging conversation, real estate agent and investor Melinda Jordan discusses real estate's intersection with America's legacy of slavery, the emergence of the metaverse, and so much more. She includes her thoughts on why Chicago is a great place to invest and shares her childhood memories from Mississippi.