Blacklining Forum

Dance and joy take center stage today. There's a movement afoot in Black America in which dance is emerging as a revolutionary act - a subversive expression of joy and cultural memory.

Melony and Derek begin by sharing personal reflections on the movement's roots to moments of community and survival. Returning guest, Malia Lazu, then expands the conversation to encompass broader themes of societal change and collaboration. Together, they navigate through thoughts of joy as resistance, the necessity of decentralized action, and the crucial role of the working class as the heart of the movement.

Architect and urban planner Adam Paul Susaneck returns to continue the conversation about the hardened lines that divided Americans spatially and racially in the 20th century, and grassroot efforts to undo and repair the damage in the 21st century. From the grandparents of Pope Leo XIV to the urban cores of Rochester, NY and Boston, MA, Melony, Derek, and Adam connect the dots between personal histories and broader societal changes, shedding light on how urban renewal and transportation projects have shaped cities, metropolitan areas, and imaginations for generations.

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Dividing Lines, Deborah Archer: h...

Architect and urban planner Adam Susaneck joins Melony and Derek for a vivid examination of the profound impact urban planning has had on Black communities in the United States, from Jim Crow to the New Deal and into modern times. Using the histories of Miami and Los Angeles as the primary examples, they explore how informal practices to divide cities by race hardened to become permanent, real-world features that reshaped U.S. cities in the 20th century and still impact metropolitan areas today.

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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.<...

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...

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.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Guest Kerry Reilly returns for a sobering-yet-important episode that takes a deeper dive into wills, trusts, and the importance of estate planning. The conversation addresses the worrying fact that a vast majority of Black Americans lack a legally-framed will, and how this oversight could prevent their participation in the largest wealth transfer in US history. Examples include high-profile celebrities like Chadwick Boseman, Prince, and Aretha Franklin, who tragically passed away with no wills - or unclear ones - triggering complex financial headaches for their heirs.

Kerry Riley navigates us through the maze of legalities surrounding wills and...

What's the difference between generational wealth and dynastic wealth?

Dr. LaTanya White, a scholar-practitioner who specializes in the intersections of global competitiveness, equity, entrepreneurship, and the racial wealth gap, joins us to introduce the concept of dynastic wealth, breaking down its five key forms — financial, spiritual, intellectual, relational, and wealth of knowledge — and how they can be intentionally cultivated and passed down through generations. She also discusses the importance of mindset, entrepreneurship, and community in building sustainable wealth.

Through practical examples and insightful anecdotes, Dr. White provides listeners with actionable steps to start meaningful conversations abou...

Who's an expat?

Who's an immigrant?

How does being a Black person from the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada complicate the idea of those identities when personal and societal experiences, perceptions, and feelings are factored in?

Derek and Melony discuss the historical impacts and societal implications of these notions with guests Margo Gabriel, a journalist based in Portugal, and Karleen Porcena, a globetrotting scholar of comparative politics. Our discussion also captures the personal journeys and insights we've each had overseas, from the Dominican Republic to Japan.

During the conversation, we...

Melinda Jordan, a leading real estate advisor based in Chicago, returns to the show to take us on her personal roller coaster. From leaving a six-figure corporate job to losing everything and then rebuilding to establish a successful career, Melinda's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Her resourcefulness in the face of adversity was also a constant companion on every step of the way. She reveals the various tactics employed to thrive despite very large challenges, emphasizing the importance of asking for help while navigating life's uneven playing field.

Derek and Melony...

Melony and Derek exchange insights with Courtney Brunson, a champion for economic and racial justice, and Director of the Greater Boston Partnership to Close the Racial Wealth Gap at the Boston Foundation. We begin with considerations of wealth-building strategies for Black communities, housing access complexities, and the role of fair housing in wealth creation.

But, the episode diverges from that path by taking a deeper dive into the cultural and societal growth of the City of Boston. We raise concerns about the socioeconomic factors in the landscape that challenge the city's cultural narrative, and explore whether the...

Today Melony and Derek delve into the crucial, yet often misunderstood, topic of estate planning. We consider its vital role in ensuring future financial security, protecting asset privacy, and transferring wealth in accordance with your wishes. Guest Kerry Reilly, Estate Planner to the 99%, unpacks the common misconception that estate planning is exclusive to the affluent and shines a light on its relevance and necessity for everyone.

We focus on the importance of planning for future contingencies, indicating how estate planning could serve as your ultimate "out-of-office memo" for safeguarding personal financial health. Additionally, we examine legal elements...

Glynn Lloyd has been a pioneer in the field of transformative urban economic development for over 25 years. He is the founder of City Fresh Foods, a nationally-renowned food service business, and over 20 years grew it on average 15% annually to an 8-figure revenue. He is also a founder of the Urban Farming institute (UFI), a community-led nonprofit supporting the development of the urban farming industry in Massachusetts and helped establish the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts (BECMA), a coalition of black business, community, religious and labor leaders working together to improve economic indicators in the Black community. Recently, Glynn has...

In this episode, we delve into the world of collective equity with Jock Payton, founder and CEO of Nubian Square Investment Advisors. With his wealth of experience, Jock paints a vivid picture of the varying definitions and applications of equity, and its capacity to foster social justice and financial well-being. He sheds light on how individual investments can transform into collective equity, potentially bringing a significant impact to a broader community. Furthermore, this conversation helps even those outside of the financial sector understand how equity and value intersect with societal structures and social justice.

The discussion then t...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sheena Collier, Founder & CEO of The Collier Connection (TCC) and Boston While Black (BWB), joins us for a candid conversation on why owning real estate matters. She shares personal stories about how her family’s experiences impacted her real estate choices and why she believes owning real estate is a hedge against displacement.

Melony and Derek discuss concepts of freedom, the tension between land and power, and whether institutions should be trusted.