Belonging to Blackness

It’s June and Caribbean American Heritage month!  In this Season 6 finale, Dr. Yndia is in conversation with historian of science, writer, and global public intellectual, Dr. Edna Bonhomme about her new book A History of the World in Six Plagues.  Bonhomme, herself of Haitian descent, discusses how plagues—both microbial and structural—have shaped the contours of our world, disproportionately impacting African and African descendant communities across the globe.  Listen in as they discuss the histories of epidemic and exploitation, from colonial-era plantations to modern-day medical apartheid, and how health justice is deeply entwined with global Black liberation movements...

In this episode, Dr. Yndia is in conversation with guest, Devin McCourty on always being a champion—in the NFL, on television and to our communities.  Delving into the topic of social impact leadership, Devin shares his passion and inspiration for being a servant-leader and making a difference in the lives of so many through his philanthropy, social justice and health advocacy, and legislation efforts for youth.  They also discuss the afterlife of professional football players, television sports commentary and what lies ahead. Production credit: @Masauko. Episode sponsored by @Give Black Alliance and @Get Konnected!  Available on all podcast platf...

In this episode, Dr. Yndia is in conversation with guest, Dr. Shadan Deleveaux, Google global recruiter and co-founder of the nonprofit, Technologies for Families in Need (TechFIN).  Delving into the topic of representation of Blackness in tech, Shadan shares his over two decades-long career journey as coach/consultant/leader at global companies and the significance of amplifying diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) in tech and beyond.  They also discuss the current climate for staff recruitment and funding for nonprofits like TechFIN that are focused on bridging the digital divide for communities in need. Production credit: @Masauko. Episode sponsored by...

Spring forward with Dr. Yndia in this episode with her guest, Pulitzer Prize winning author Mitchell Jackson.  Delving into the topic of re-visioning Black life through stories, Mitchell shares his journey as a writer whose real life may mirror story lines typically found in a Walter Dean Myers or Kwame Alexander book and how he uses storytelling to inspire and transform the lives of others. Listen in as they discuss the various representations of Black masculinity and womanhood as explored in Mitchell’s memoir, Survivor Math, and in the context of sports, civil rights, and fashion with his latest boo...

It’s #BHM365 and Dr. Yndia is excited to be in conversation with Tawny Chatmon, award-winning photographic artist, on the topic of art and the regal reflection of Black life. Serious collectors of all backgrounds, including celebrities such as Beyoncé, Alicia Keys and Carol Christine Pounder, deeply appreciate Tawny’s portraits of Black children/families, often overlayed with layers of paint and 24-karat gold leaf, semi-precious stones, glass, and other mixed media. Listen in as they discuss Black representation in contemporary art, the politics and identity of Black women creatives, and the legacy of Black portraiture. Production Credit: @Masauko. Episo...

It’s the second half of Season 6 and we are kicking off 2025 with a focus on storytelling. In this episode, host Dr. Yndia is in conversation with award-winning film writer, producer, and CEO of Auburn Avenue Films, Wendy Eley Jackson. Wendy reflects on her illustrious film and t.v career, developing and producing feature-length films, documentaries, screenplays and programming for major studios and networks, including Sony Pictures, Turner Broadcasting, Hallmark Channel, and Netflix. Listen in as they discuss the power of Black storytelling on big a

In this episode, host Dr. Yndia is in conversation with guest Charla Jones, founder and CEO of Eu2Be cosmetics brand. Eu2Be has garnered the attention of editors at Allure, Cosmo, InStyle, Self and other magazines for having the “Best Clean Skincare Line.” Utilizing her twenty-years+ entrepreneurial career and passion for illuminating the essential nature of beauty and wellness, Charla has created a collection of award-winning skincare products designed to honor all bodies and skin types to transform how we care for our skin. Listen in as they discuss how Eu2Be’s journey as an unconventional, purpose-driven and in...

Now, more than ever, the timeliness and significance of Black podcasting communities is critical to the sanctity and survival of the voice and perspectives of African descendants across the globe. In this episode, host Dr. Yndia is in conversation with Talib Jasir, the founder of the Afro & Audio Podcast Festival for Black indie podcast creatives and Vanguard Podcast Network, a podcast production company that produces original independent stories and social impact nonprofit podcasts. They discuss the importance of Black creators developing targeted content that centers the diverse experiences, perceptions, and worldviews of African descended people globally and why having F...

Rebroadcast of Live Show recording: Belonging to Blackness Podcast x Give Black Alliance #CouchConversations speaker series (August 18 2024 on Martha’s Vineyard). In this episode, host Dr. Yndia facilitates an important conversation between two powerhouse journalists, political analysts and NYT bestselling authors Joy-Ann Reid and Goldie Taylor on the topic of “The Right to be Loved” and the power and wealth of Black Love in African descended communities. (Prod. Credit: @Masauko). Episode & Live Show event sponsored by @Give Black Alliance. Available on all po

Season 6 debut!  Host Dr. Yndia is in conversation with guest Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) about the power of Black womanhood in 2024 U.S. politics.  Their discussion is not only timely but also important as U.S. citizenry gears up for their presidential elections in November and must contend with critical policy issues that deeply impact Black and Brown communities nationally and globally. (Prod. Credit: @Masauko).  Episode sponsored by @Give Black Alliance.  Follow on IG: @ProfYndia & @BelongingToBlackness_Podcast. Visit website: www.yndialorickwilmot

In the Season 5 finale, join host Yndia as she sits with Dr Matifadza Martha Nyazema (affectionately referred to as “Doc Mati”) of Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls by Mantis, a 5-star boutique luxury hotel that she founded, built and manages, since 2020. In this episode, Doc Mati reflects on her two-decades plus experience in the […]

The post S5, Ep 048 on 5-Star Luxury at MBano Manor (Zimbabwe) with Dr. Mati, first Black female Hotelier first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

In this episode, #47, we venture to the western Cape province of South Africa to Stellenbosch winelands. Host Yndia is drinking wine and chatting with M’Hudi Wines’ vintners, co-owner Baba Diale Rangaka and his daughter in-law and business manager Rae-leigh Rangaka. Similar to the famous African tale of M’hudi, the name for this first fully […]

The post S5, Ep 047 with M’Hudi Wines, first and oldest Black-owned wine farm & brand in Stellenbosch South Africa first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

We are in Cape Town and Cape of Good Hope, South Africa! Host Yndia continues her exploration of what it means to be “Coloured” in South Africa as she speaks with guest Yusef Larney, co-owner and restaurateur of the famous “The Kombius” restaurant in beautiful Bo-Kaap, Cape Town. On a bustling Saturday, with patrons filling […]

The post S5, Ep 046 with Bo-Kaap Kombius Restaurateur Yusef Larney on Colouredness in Cape Town, South Africa first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

In this episode, the podcast’s journey continues in South Africa. Host Yndia is in conversation with South African sociologist, political analyst and author Tessa Dooms about her new book, Coloured: How Classification Became Culture. Their conversation explores concepts of race and identity as they differ across the diaspora. Yndia and Tessa examine the historical significance […]

The post S5, Ep 045 with political analyst and author Tessa Dooms on Blackness & being Coloured in South Africa first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

In this episode, journey to South Africa’s SOWETO with host Yndia as she visits the Hector Pieterson memorial site and museum and is in conversation with Antoinette Sithole, Ambassador and Co-founder of Driving Education Culture. Antoinette Sithole is most known as the sister of Hector Pieterson, an emblem of the June 16 1976 Student Uprising. […]

The post S5, Ep 044 with Antoinette Sithole and the Legacy of the Hector Pieterson Museum in SOWETO first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

Kicking off the new year, this episode features co-founders and leaders of (Un)Known Project, Hannah Drake and Josh Miller. (Un)Known Project is a Louisville, Kentucky artist-run nonprofit collaborative of IDEAS x Lab, whose mission is to use art to unearth the names, stories, histories and experiences of U.S. enslaved African descendants in order to support […]

The post S5, Ep 043 with Hannah Drake and Josh Miller of (Un)Known Project on using art to unearth the names of enslaved African descendants first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

‘Tis the Season! It’s December and this month commemorates Computer Literacy and Computer Science Education. This episode features guest Terysa Ridgeway, a computer scientist, previously a rocket scientist who developed code for Exoatmospheric Spacecraft and currently a software engineering program manager at Google.  She is also author and creator of the children’s book series, “Terysa […]

The post S5, Ep 042 with Terysa Ridgeway, computer scientist and author of the children’s book series “Terysa Solves It” first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

Sak Pase! It’s episode #41 with guest Nadege Green, award-winning journalist, historian and founder of Black Miami Dade, an emerging digital platform that resists the erasure of Miami-Dade’s Black past. Passionate about history and storytelling, Nadege weaves together a compelling narrative that celebrates her Haitian-American roots while amplifying the diversity, voice and personhood of African […]

The post S5, Ep 041 with award-winning journalist and historian Nadege Green on Black Miami Dade and Black digital archives first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

We are talking all the things Hip Hop in Ep #40! with guest Rob Marriott, a pioneering voice and thought leader in Hip Hop journalism, producer and artist. The journey has been beautiful so far: writing, producing documentaries and dramatic series for Amazon Prime, engaging in humanitarian work with Jay-Z and Beyonce, creating portraits, and […]

The post S5, Ep 040 with Rob Marriott/alias DJ Tafari (humanitarian, artist, Hip Hop journalist and documentarian) about the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop and the state of the Culture  first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

Season 5 premier is bigger than ever! Nominated for the 2023 Podcaster of the Year Award (Black Podcasting Awards). In this episode, host Yndia is excited to sit with Sheena Collier, founder and CEO of the Collier Connection and Boston While Black. Listen in as they chat about what it means to be “Black in […]

The post S5, Ep 039 with Sheena Collier, CEO of Boston While Black, on the importance of Black spaces first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

By popular demand, Special Topics! In this Season 4 finale, host Yndia ushers in the season of summer. She shares insights on the ways we can find more opportunities to rest, refresh and reimagine our lives when we take a moment to be still. It’s all about #BlackJoy and a couple of Black women authored […]

The post S4, Ep 038 on Summertime Rest, Refresh & Reimagining (Special Topic with Dr. Yndia) first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

Good people, Ep 37! Host Yndia is in conversation with the beloved research-scholar and pediatric emergency medicine physician, Dr. Tiffani Johnson. The newly-elected President of the Academic Pediatric Association and award-winning scholar for the American Academy of Pediatrics, Tiffani is an agitator and abolitionist focused on dismantling racism through clinical practice. Listen in as they […]

The post S4, Ep 037 with Tiffani Johnson, physician scientist and President of Academic Pediatric Association on dismantling racism through clinical practice first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

Host Yndia sits with Hollywood veteran actor, musician, activist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Malik Yoba. Best known for his 30+ years of commitment to the arts and more than 50 film and tv credits, which include the Disney movie classic Cool Runnings, Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married (1 & 2), New York Undercover (which […]

The post S4, Ep 036 with Malik Yoba (NAACP Image Award winner, Hollywood veteran actor and entrepreneur) about increasing health and wealth equity in Black diasporic communities  first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

Celebrating Women’s History Month with guest Colette Phillips, President, CEO and founder of Get Konnected! An award-winning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) pioneer, PR & Marketing maven, thought-leader and uber connector, Colette has had an impactful career, spanning almost 40 years, amplifying and championing BIPOC professionals and WOC entrepreneurs. Listen to learn more about Colette’s […]

The post S4, Ep 035 with Colette Phillips, award-winning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) pioneer, on “The Includers” anti-racists and white allies first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

It’s Black History! Host Yndia interviews scientist, surgeon, retired NASA astronaut and the first African American to walk in space, Dr. Bernard Harris. Author of the bestseller “Dream Walker,” Bernard continues to be a champion for STEM education, youth and teachers through Vesalius Ventures, Inc. and the National Math and Science Initiative. To learn more […]

The post S4, Ep 034 with Dr. Bernard Harris (former NASA astronaut and author) about being the first African American to walk in space and the importance of Black children in STEAM education  first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

All things Hair and Visuality! Host Yndia is in conversation with Jasmine Nichole Cobb, author and scholar of African & African American Studies and of Art, Art History and Visual Studies on her new book, “New Growth: The Art and Texture of Black Hair.” Listen in as they discuss the hypervisibility and invisibility of Blackness […]

The post S4, Ep 033 with African American/Visual Studies author Jasmine Nichole Cobb on “New Growth: The Art and Texture of Black Hair” first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

In this episode, host Yndia is in conversation with nationally-renowned children’s book author and illustrator, Javaka Steptoe. Listen in as they discuss several topics, including: the intention and impact of his award-winning and NYT best-seller books “In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall” and “Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat” and collaborations with […]

The post S4, Ep 032 with Javaka Steptoe, award-winning children’s book author & illustrator, about Black storytelling through art first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

#WakandaForever! Host Yndia chats with Academy Award Winner, costume designer and AfroFuturist, Ruth E. Carter about her almost four-decade long career working on iconic projects for the big and small screens, including both Black Panther films, Malcolm X, Coming 2 America, Love & Basketball, Amistad–to name a few. Listen in as they discuss Ruth’s experiences […]

The post S4, Ep 031 with Ruth E. Carter (two-time Academy Award winner for Fashion/Costume Design) about Black futurism and working with Oprah, Spike Lee and Chadwick Boseman  first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

In this episode, host Yndia sits with Charity C. Elder, award-winning journalist and media executive and author of the book, Power: The Rise of Black Women in America. A lovely meditation that celebrates African descended women’s everyday strength, resilience, and determination to succeed, along with their expressions of joy, love, and excellence in a world […]

The post S4, Ep 030 with media executive and author Charity C. Elder on “Power: The Rise of Black Women in America” first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

In this Season 4 premiere, host Yndia is in conversation with author, editor and professor of African diasporic literature, Natasha Gordon-Chipembere. Known for her seminal book, Representation and Black Womanhood: The Legacy of Sarah Baartman, senior co-editor of the AfroLatin@ book series and her articles in Essence Magazine and the Tico Times, Natasha’s new book […]

The post S4, Ep 029 with historical fiction author Natasha Gordon-Chipembere of “Finding La Negrita” on the legacy of African descended storytelling in Latin America and the Caribbean first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

Season 3 finale celebrates June as Caribbean Heritage Month with guest Desiree Gordon, an Antiguan healing artist, singer and cultural strategist, whose work has been recognized by the Smithsonian Institute along with other art and curatorial organizations. In conversation with host Yndia, Desiree discusses how art and art institutions are tools for social justice, wellness […]

The post S3, Ep 028 with Desiree Gordon, cultural strategist and curator on how art and art institutions are tools for social justice, wellness and equity first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

Special Topic Episode: “Trusting the Process” with host Yndia. By popular demand, this episode focuses on what it means to “trust the process” and why it is important especially when embarking upon a new project or endeavor. Host Yndia also shares a few anecdotes and provides a couple of strategies (including mental pivots) to support […]

The post S3, Ep 027 on Trusting the Process (Special Topic with Dr. Yndia) first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

Part of the year-long Reimagining Together speaker series (Fall 2021- Spring 2022) held at Northeastern University in Boston, Host Yndia sat down with guest Haitian American activist, professor, scholar and author Regine Jean-Charles. Originally recorded in front of an in-person and virtual audience, they discussed her latest book, Martin Luther King and The Trumpet of […]

The post S3, Ep 026 with Regine Jean-Charles, english professor and author on the significance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s “Trumpet of Conscience” today (Live recording) first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

In this episode, Host Yndia sits down with legacy owner Yvonne Blake of Hakim’s Bookstore. Founded in 1959, Hakim’s Bookstore is the first and oldest Black-owned bookstore in Philadelphia and is considered one of the oldest operating Black-owned bookstores in the U.S. They discuss the highs and lows related to Black entrepreneurship and women of […]

The post S3, Ep 025 with Yvonne Blake of Hakim’s Bookstore, the first and oldest Black-owned Bookstore in US about the importance of Black-owned community spaces  first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

In this episode, host Yndia sits down with photographer, poet, and professor Kevin Adonis Browne, winner of the 2019 Bocas Literary Prize for High Mas: Carnival and the Poetics of Caribbean Culture.  Listen in as they discuss the significance of literatures of the Caribbean, visual arts, carnival, and the utility of the Black imagination as […]

The post S3, Ep 024 with Kevin Adonis Browne, poet, photographer and winner of the Bocas Literary Prize on visual arts and carnival cultures first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

In this episode host Yndia chats with producer, actor and professional screenwriter, Shameek Cook.  Drawing on his personal and professional experiences, Shameek imaginatively traverses several genres, both in his production projects and 10 screenplays released to-date.  Listen in as they discuss the lack of representation of diverse African descended stories on the big screen and […]

The post S3, Ep 023 with Shameek Cook, producer, actor and screenwriter, on scaling the “invisible Hollywood wall” first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

In this episode #22, host Yndia sits with Amanda Bates, founder and creative director of The Black Expat, a multimedia platform focused on the intersection of global mobility and Black identity, and podcaster for the Global Chatter.  Listen in as they discuss what it means to “travel while Black,” to be a “third culture kid” […]

The post S3, Ep 022 with Amanda Bates of The Black Expat on traveling while Black and being a “third culture kid” first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

Season 3, Episode 021: In this episode, host Yndia sits down with Black Farmers Collective’s managing director Ray Williams and board treasurer James King Jr.  The Black Farmers Collective is a group of urban food system activists, growers, sellers, preparers, and educators dedicated to improving the health, wealth and wellbeing of Black, Indigenous and people […]

The post S3, Ep 021 with Black Farmers Collective about the historical legacy of Black farming, sustainable food systems and food justice  first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

Season 3, Episode 20: Host Yndia sits down with professor and author Janell Hobson to discuss her latest book, When God Lost Her Tongue, her upcoming Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Series with Ms. Magazine, patriotic education, and the significance of the Black Feminist Imagination when amplifying African descended women’s voices and experiences across history, pop culture […]

The post S3, Ep 020 with Janell Hobson on her book, “When God Lost Her Tongue,” and the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Series first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.

In this SEASON 3 PREMIERE, host Yndia is in conversation with guest Mahogany L. Browne, performance poet, author and the Lincoln Center’s Inaugural Poet-in-Residence. Listen in as they talk about Mahogany’s books “Black Girl Magic,” “Chlorine Sky” and the recently released “I Remember Death by Its Proximity to What I Love.” This is an episode […]

The post S3, Ep 019 with Mahogany L. Browne (performance poet, activist and inaugural Lincoln Center Poet-in-Residence) about Black freedom and Black girlhood  first appeared on Yndia Lorick-Wilmot, PhD.