In this episode, we speak with Kamal Ben Ali—author, legacy entrepreneur, and founder of the ASCEND movement. Kamal is the son of the founders of Ben’s Chili Bowl, the legendary D.C. landmark that’s nourished bodies and built community for more than six decades.

After four decades of leadership in the family business, Kamal has written a transformational guide for a new kind of nourishment—ASCEND: The Black Man’s Guide to Elevation, Success, and Purpose. launching July 25, 2025. This book dives deep into the challenges, breakthroughs, and mindsets that shape our journey. From overcoming generational pain to stepping into leadership and self-worth, this space is about rising above limitations and living fully in your purpose. This is more than conversation—it’s elevation.

In this episode, we talk with Terrell Spurlock Sr. and Terrell Spurlock Jr. of Spurlock and Son Inc.

Founded in 1998, Spurlock & Son Inc. is a leading electrical contracting firm in Chicago, IL. We will discuss the firm's commitment to service, community, and inspiring future generations.

In this episode, we will discuss the low rate of employment in Black America, especially Black Men. One of the three major labor market challenges facing this population and on using subsidized employment as a tool to address this problem.

Austin Algernon has conducted research and writing on issues of race and racial inequality for over 20 years. Austin has a PhD in sociology from Northwestern University, and he taught sociology as a faculty member at Wesleyan University. He has held positions at the Economic Policy Institute, the Center for Global Policy Solutions, Dēmos, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. He has discussed racial inequality on PBS, CNN, NPR, and other national television and radio networks.

In this episode, we will discuss "A Peculiar Legacy" with novelist Rashid Darden. A Peculiar Legacy is part contemporary fiction and historical fiction.

It's the story of a Black community in the District of Columbia called Slope that gathers in silence every Sunday, without the presence of a Pastor, in silent prayer, with occasional vocal ministry from among themselves.

Rashid Darden is an award-winning, best-selling novelist of the urban LGBT experience, a seasoned leader of Black fraternal movements and nonprofit organizations, and a professional educator in alternative schools. He is local to the District of Columbia and Conway, North Carolina.

Cy Richardson, Senior Vice President for Economic Programs at the National Urban League and a member of the League’s Executive Leadership Team, will discuss the gap in financial literacy among the African American community, the P-Fin index, and the eight key knowledge areas that should be understood around personal finance.

Writer, philanthropist, and producer Damon Mosley, discusses how walks around Target to help achieve a daily steps goal turned into a crusade to help children connect with the joy of reading.

Black Men Speak talks with Malcolm D. Lee is a highly accomplished director, producer, and screenwriter known for films like The Best Man series, Girls Trip, and Space Jam: A New Legacy. We discuss his creative process, career evolution, and unique perspective on filmmaking regarding Black Men.

Black Men Speak host, Keith Dent speaks with Jelani Millard, host of the podcast Pay Me in Plane Tickets, a podcast discussing all things travel with individuals who love to explore all parts of the world, experience all cultures and people and would rather be paid in plane tickets.