Black Information Network Interviews

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. 

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This week on the Black Perspective, Gracie Award winner Esther Dillard sits down with A’Lelia Walker, daughter of the legendary Madam C.J. Walker, to share the captivating story behind The Joy Goddess of Harlem.

Katie Gray brings us part one of her conversation with a Georgia state senator as lawmakers launch a Tourism Study Committee, and how you can get involved.

BIN’s Morgyn Wood continues her discussion with Tarek DeLavallade, Executive Director of the United Golfers Association, about the launch of the Sapphire Golf Tour — a groundbreaking platform for Black women in professional golf.

Doug Davis returns with part two of his conversation with Yolo Akili Robinson, founder of BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective), diving deeper into mental health and Black masculinity.

Plus, insightful commentary from our three voices of reason: Mo’Kelly, Roland S. Martin, and James T. Harris.

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In this week’s Hope Has an Address, host Bridgette “Bri” Wood spotlights the Obama Foundation's Leaders Africa program, which "seeks to build a growing network of innovative and values-based changemakers who will drive positive change in their communities, the continent, and the world."

This episode introduces listeners to young Black leaders tackling some of the most pressing challenges of our time — from advancing climate justice to expanding access to education. Their work reflects the power of community-led solutions and the global reach of the Foundation’s mission to develop visionary leadership.

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This week on the Black Perspective, BIN Anchor Andrea Coleman returns with another powerful edition of Saving Black Moms, exploring how poverty directly impacts the health and well-being of young expectant mothers.

BIN’s Misty Jordan catches up with actor and director Michael Jai White and his wife Gillian White to talk about their new film Trouble Man, which stars Michael Jai White, Gillian White, Method Man, Mike Epps, Orlando Jones, and La La Anthony. The couple also opens up about their careers and love for martial arts.

Morgyn Wood speaks with Tarek DeLavallade, Executive Director of the United Golfers Association, about the launch of the Sapphire Golf Tour—an exciting new platform aimed at elevating Black women in professional golf.

Mo Kelly sits down with beloved actresses Wendy Raquel Robinson and Tisha Campbell to discuss their new project Operation Aunties, and the heart behind the film.

And Doug Davis is back with an important conversation about Black masculinity and mental health with Yolo Akili Robinson, founder of BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective).

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In this episode of Hope Has an Address, host Bridgette “Bri” Wood explores the powerful impact of the Girls Opportunity Alliance, an Obama Foundation initiative dedicated to advancing girls’ education and empowerment around the world.

Through on-the-ground storytelling and interviews, the episode introduces listeners to young women overcoming systemic barriers—from poverty to cultural stigma—and using education as a catalyst for change. As these girls rise, so do their families, schools, and communities. 

This episode is a reminder that when we invest in girls, we unlock progress that spans generations.

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This week on the Black Perspective, BIN Anchor Tammy Estwick returns with part two of her important conversation on heart health in the Black community, featuring Dr. Anthony M. Fletcher, President of the Association of Black Cardiologists.

Alexandria Ikomoni continues her discussion with George Acheampong and Carter Cofield, co-founders of the nationally recognized financial education platform Melanin Money, as they dive deeper into wealth-building strategies and financial literacy for Black communities.

BIN Anchor Morgyn Wood talks to iHeartRadio’s DJ Scream about his upcoming 5th Annual FreshFest Back-to-School event in Atlanta on August 2nd. She also sits down with TLynn — a mental health advocate and wellness entrepreneur — for an honest conversation about healing and holistic health.

Plus, we bring you another powerful installment of A Shade Deeper with Esther Dillard.

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Hope Has an Address is a powerful, narrative-driven audio series that brings listeners inside the transformative work of the Obama Foundation and the Obama Presidential Center. Hosted by Bridgette “Bri” Wood, each episode highlights the people, programs, and principles driving real change, particularly in Black communities across the U.S. and around the world. Through storytelling, interviews, and on-the-ground reporting, the series explores how hope becomes action.

In this debut episode, My Brother’s Keeper, the program dives into the Obama Foundation initiative designed to support boys and young men of color. Listeners hear how one MBK leader is helping young men navigate challenges, find structure, and build brighter futures, graduating high school, enrolling in college, and launching careers. The episode also explores how MBK’s work extends beyond mentorship to address mental health, education access, and leadership development.It’s a powerful reminder that hope doesn’t just inspire—it builds.

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Amber Payton talks to Melissa Jean-Baptiste, a former NYC teacher turned personal finance expert who paid off $102K in student loans on a teacher’s salary.

Known as the “Beyoncé of personal finance,” she now helps millennials and Gen Z build wealth and confidence through accessible, shame-free financial education

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Amber Payton speaks with Obi Okereke, founder of College Money Habits, about turning personal lessons into public impact.

He opens up about his journey into investing and shares practical, empowering advice to help students and young adults build wealth from the ground up.

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In this episode, Amber Payton chats with Meme Kelly, the powerhouse behind Silk Me Kids.

From salon chair to classroom, Kelly shares how she’s combining cosmetology and youth education to instill confidence, promote self-care, and build the next wave of beauty industry leaders.

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