Black Information Network Interviews

This week on The Black Perspective, Andrea Coleman returns with her special Saving Black Moms Report, exploring how doulas are stepping up and leading the fight to improve maternal-health outcomes for Black women.Misty Jordan sits down with Slim of the legendary R&B group 112 to look back on their 30-year career, discuss their new tour celebrating that milestone, and talk about what’s next. BIN’s Esther Dillard speaks with Phillip Atiba Solomon, Yale professor and policing equity expert, about the deployment of federal officials and the National Guard to so-called “blue” cities and the implications for civil liberties and democratic trust.Morgyn Wood reports live from the 58th Congressional Black Caucus Conference, where she sat down with Justin Pearson (Tennessee’s District 86) about policy priorities and community impact.And the show closes with Doug Davis’s segment Your Black Business, featuring Alan Bacon, founder and CEO of the equitable art fair BUTTER Fine Art Fair — a conversation about culture, commerce, and creative power. Listen now!

This week’s Hope Has an Address segment highlights the 10th anniversary of My Brother’s Keeper, the Obama Foundation’s initiative empowering young men of color.This segment brings together MBK alumni, mentors, and Foundation staff to reflect on a decade of impact — how mentorship, leadership, community programs, and brotherhood have changed lives. They share stories of growth, second chances, and the power of showing up for one another. The conversation looks ahead to the next generation of leaders who are turning those lessons into lasting change in their own communities.Listen now!

This week on the Black Perspective, BIN’s Alexandria Ikomoni sits down with J. Carter, the Black founder and visionary behind ONE Musicfest. He shares what’s in store for this year’s massive event happening in Atlanta on October 25th and 26th.Misty Jordan catches up with award-winning singer Leela James to talk about her nationwide tour, what inspires her powerful sound, and more. Esther Dillard returns with another installment of The Color Between the Lines, featuring author Tami Charles and her latest book, Together We Unite.They dive into the importance of community, identity, and storytelling in children's literature.And Vanessa Tyler speaks with actor Sean Ringgold, star of the BET+ original series Carl Weber's The Family Business, about his role, representation in media, and what fans can expect next.Listen now!

Gracie Award-winning journalist and BIN news anchor Esther Dillard talks with Alexis Anderson Reed, President of State Voices, about President Trump's mobilization of military forces in urban cities.Listen now!

American jazz singer, composer, producer, and arranger Nnenna Freelon joins BIN National News Anchor Andrea Coleman on the latest episode of Leading While Black to discuss her new memoir, Beneath the Skin of Sorrow: Improvisations on Loss. She explores grief, creativity, and how her artistic voice evolved through personal tragedy.Listen now!

In this week's episode, Hope Has an Address returns with Part Two of its exploration of the Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund, showcasing two powerful programs transforming young girls’ lives.First, we spotlight Girl Up Initiative Uganda (GUIU) in Kampala. This grassroots organization supports over 65,000 girls with education, leadership, and health initiatives, working to reduce school dropouts and build life skills. With backing from the Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund, GUIU is expanding its Adolescent Girls Program and Big Sisters Network, providing mentorship, scholarships, and training so girls can learn safely, lead boldly, and uplift their communities.That expansion is documented publicly via the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance.Next, we feature the Jumping Juniors program run by Beautiful Beginnings to Lasting Legacies in Chicago. This initiative uses Double Dutch jump rope as a tool for physical fitness, teamwork, and confidence-building. With funding from the Girls Opportunity Alliance, Jumping Juniors is expanding into Emmett Till Elementary on the South Side, aiming to reach more than 150 girls, weaving in mentorship and socio-emotional learning along the way.Through these stories, we examine how hope is built in action — not promised, but rooted in lived community change, resilience, and collective care.Listen now!

This week on The Black Perspective, BIN’s Andrea Coleman returns with part two of her conversation with Dr. Angelica Geter, exploring how the new administration is reshaping public health policy and what that means in real communities.Misty Jordan sits with Dr. Leanne Woods-Burnham — assistant professor at Morehouse School of Medicine and nationally recognized expert on prostate cancer disparities — to discuss her work with ZERO Prostate Cancer and what Black men can do to reduce their risk.Esther Dillard talks with a mental health practitioner and author of Meditations for Black Men, offering emotional tools for navigating turbulent times in our country.Doug Davis features Jennifer Grace Jennings, founder and CEO of Funlay Grace, who shares her vision for creating jobs and generational wealth in rural America.And news anchors Vanessa Tyler and Mike Stevens team up with podcast hosts Ramses Ja and Q Ward to unpack this week’s major headlines.Listen now!

Teri McCready is back with part two of her new series called "Reading the Room." For part two, McCready speaks with Author Jerry Craft.

Teri McCready talks to Author Darius Myers in a new series called "Reading the Room."Listen now!

This week on the Black Perspective, Alexandria Ikomoni sits down with actors Tyler Lepley and Serayah, stars of the new Netflix film Ruth and Boaz, to talk about the story behind the project and what drew them to their roles.Misty Jordan speaks with Hall of Fame sportscaster and prostate cancer survivor Ernie Johnson Jr. as he shares his personal journey and his advocacy work with ZERO Prostate Cancer.Esther Dillard talks with Melody Capote, Director of Harlem’s Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute, about the center’s mission and the power of storytelling in preserving community and culture.And Doug Davis is joined by a leading Black HR consultant for a timely conversation on DEI in the workplace and how Black professionals can navigate today’s challenging business climate.Listen now!

This week on the Black Perspective, Alexandria Ikomoni returns with part two of her sit-down with the OMG Girlz, where they open up about their new music, upcoming tour, and what’s next for the group.Misty Jordan talks with Mathew Knowles — father of global superstar Beyoncé — about his battle with cancer and his work as a Global Ambassador for ZERO Prostate Cancer.Esther Dillard sits down with Kimberly Minor, CEO and changemaker, to discuss a brand-new summit creating opportunities for women.Andrea Coleman speaks with Dr. Angelica Geter, a public health expert, about how the new administration is reshaping health policy and its impact on communities.And Teri McCready is back with part two of her series "Reading the Room," this week featuring award-winning author Jerry Craft.Listen now!

This week’s episode, titled “Legacy and the Next Generation — Obama Fellows in Action,” will spotlight notable Obama Fellows working in policy, advocacy, and education.This segment will explore how the legacy of President Obama continues to inspire a new generation of changemakers. Through interviews and storytelling, we’ll highlight Fellows whose work is deeply embedded in their communities — building long-term solutions and driving systemic change.This segment is a powerful opportunity to showcase how legacy lives on — not in monuments, but in mentorship, service, and community leadership.

This week on the Black Perspective, Misty Jordan sits down with Grammy Award-winning singer Montell Jordan, who opens up about his journey as a prostate cancer survivor.Esther Dillard speaks with Satori Shakoor, a powerhouse storyteller from Detroit, about her bold new one-woman show, "Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale." Kevin Brown catches up with fashion designer Miguel Wilson to talk about his annual Soul Symphony Weekend, happening September 19–21 in Atlanta.Teri McCready kicks off a two-part series on Black authors, titled "Reading the Room." This week, she highlights author Darius Myers.And Doug Davis closes the show with a conversation with Keith Robinson, one of the stars of a hit Black soap opera that’s capturing the attention of households across the country.Listen now!

"Hope Has an Address: Community Resilience" shines a light on the powerful voices and tireless efforts of grassroots leaders, community organizers, food justice advocates, and mental health program directors — especially those rooted in the South Side of Chicago.In neighborhoods often overlooked, these changemakers are cultivating resilience through mutual aid, culturally grounded healing, and food sovereignty. Their stories reflect a deep commitment to restoring dignity, building trust, and creating sustainable solutions from within.This segment captures how hope is not just a feeling, but a force — anchored in the lived experiences and collective strength of communities determined to thrive.Listen now!

This week on the Black Perspective, BIN Anchor Andrea Coleman shares another emotional installment of Saving Black Moms, spotlighting the devastating reality of losing a child.Alexandria Ikomoni sits down with the OMG Girlz to talk about new music, their upcoming tour, and what’s next for the group.Misty Jordan speaks with Dorri McWhorter about how companies can step up and invest more in Black communities.Esther Dillard interviews award-winning filmmaker Imaeyen Ibanga, whose new documentary explores how Black immigrant communities are navigating the challenges of today’s political climate.And Doug Davis returns with "Your Black Business," featuring entrepreneur Brandon Butler, CEO of Butter ATL, a platform redefining culture and community.Listen now!

Two decades after Hurricane Katrina, Black New Orleans: 20 Years After Katrina explores how the city’s Black communities rebuilt, preserved their cultural roots, and led the revival from the grassroots up. Narrated by Tammy Estwick, this hour-long special centers authentic voices from neighborhoods like the Lower Ninth Ward, Tremé, and Pontchartrain Park — spotlighting the people who lost homes, endured displacement, and turned collective hardship into new strengths. With the help of local New Orleanians, this special will help tell the true story of that moment in history through firsthand experience and reflection.Through storytelling, interviews, and local music, the special revisits:Community leaders and grassroots organizations redefining recovery and resilienceBlack artists, chefs, musicians, and tradition-bearers driving New Orleans’ cultural comebackThe ongoing fight for affordable housing, resilient public schools, and neighborhood safetyHopes, innovations, and the unfinished journey toward justice and renewal in a city forever shaped by its Black residentsThis is not a story of tragedy, it’s a story of survival, legacy, and the enduring vision of Black New Orleanians charting their future.

Chef Cliff Rome is not just a celebrated culinary artist hailing from Chicago's South Side; he is also a passionate mentor whose work extends far beyond the kitchen.At the Obama Presidential Center, Chef Rome honors Black culinary traditions and shines a spotlight on local ingredients, ensuring that his menus are not only inventive but also deeply rooted in the community's heritage. His dedication to supporting Black-owned businesses is truly commendable, as he sources ingredients locally and collaborates with fellow entrepreneurs.What sets Chef Rome apart is his commitment to mentorship and skill-building for local youth. His kitchen becomes a transformative space where young people can gain valuable experience and opportunities.Chef Rome's restaurant is more than just a place to enjoy a meal – it's a hub for community, connection, and positive change. The Black Information Network is really looking forward to sharing more about Chef Rome's inspiring journey and the impact he is making.Listen now!

This week on the Black Perspective, Esther Dillard spotlights Black Business Month with Falayn Ferrell, one of the founders behind the celebration, and a restaurant owner whose story ties food and culture together in a unique way.We’ll also preview Vanessa Tyler’s upcoming Black Land podcast and revisit BIN commentator Mo Kelly’s conversation with actresses Wendy Raquel Robinson and Tisha Campbell about their latest film, Operation Aunties.Doug Davis may be on assignment this week, but we’re replaying two of his standout conversations: one with Tulsa’s first Black mayor, Monroe Nichols, and another featuring Vanessa Tyler’s sit-down with BIN President Tony Coles reflecting on the network’s five-year anniversary.Plus, we close out with commentary from Mo Kelly, James T. Harris, and Roland S. Martin.Listen now!

This week on the Black Perspective, we dive into stories that spotlight health, culture, and love across the Black community.Andrea Coleman continues her powerful public awareness campaign, Saving Black Moms: A Maternal Health Crisis, shedding light on the urgent fight to protect Black mothers. Katie Gray returns with Part 2 of her conversation with Georgia State Senator Drew Echols on the Tourism Study Committee and its impact on Georgia’s economy and communities.The Black Information Network’s Esther Dillard sits down with Emmy-nominated filmmaker Contessa Gayles to discuss her new documentary, The Debutantes, and the stories it brings to light.Plus, Vanessa Tyler gives us a sneak peek of her Blackland podcast, and Misty Jordan shares the story of a couple whose journey defines the true meaning of “love is blind.”Listen now!

In this week’s segment, we journey to Chicago’s South Side to explore the transformative vision behind the Obama Presidential Center. More than just a museum, the Center is a living tribute to President Barack Obama’s legacy and a beacon of hope for future generations. Located in Jackson Park, steps from where President Obama began his career, the Center is designed to be a vibrant civic hub — featuring a public plaza, a branch of the Chicago Public Library, classrooms, a Winter Garden Café, and an auditorium open to all.Listeners will hear how the architectural design, inspired by hands holding a vessel of light, symbolizes a welcoming lantern for the community. The segment also delves into the deep personal connection the Obamas have to the South Side, and how the Center will celebrate their story within the broader context of American history. With input from local residents and a focus on accessibility, the Center is being built not just for reflection, but for action—empowering youth, fostering dialogue, and inspiring civic engagement.This episode reminds us that hope isn’t just a feeling — it’s a place. And in Chicago, that place now has an address. Listen now!