Listen to this inspiring talk with author/entrepreneur Lilian Okech about her journey of resilience, survival and perserverance. Book picks: "The Spirit of Warriors" and "Ageno" both by Lilian Okech. 

Don't let all the trouble in the world get you down. In this episode, Abena reads passages about the redemptive power of love as an alternative to hate. Book picks: "All About Love" by bell hooks and "The Measuring of Our Lives: A Gathering of Wisdom" by Toni Morrison. 

This episode is all things natural hair! Abena talks with expert locticians Tabby G & Shanita Southward about the C.R.O.W.N. Act, natural hair journeys and The Loc Link Up on Sept. 9 in Des Moines. What They're Reading:Abena's reading "Hair Love" Matthew CherryTabby G's reading "I Love My Hair!" by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley Shanita's reading "Butterfly" by Ashley Antoinette 

Patricia Johnson and DeShana Taylor, Abena's fellow Drake alumnae at Bright College, stopped by to talk about Black women pursuing higher education. Can the rest of the world keep up? Listen to find out.

Their book recommendations:

Abena's reading, "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Mama Pat's reading, "The Holy Bible" by...well, God.

DeShana's reading two books, "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran and "Gorilla, My Love" by Toni Cade Bambara.

Madison Ray and Ryan-Christopher join Abena to break down the Montgomery Brawl and what it could mean for the culture and the country.

Also, check out their book recommendations below: Abena's reading, "Freedom is a Constant Struggle" by Angela Davis. Ryan's reading two books, "The DC Milestone Universe" and "Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal" by Christopher Moore. Madison's reading, "The Efficient Hustle" by Lucas Meek.

The book recommendations are:

1. Tae'Shaun's pick - The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

2. Diaminique's pick - Sex and Race by Joel Augustus Rogers

3. Abena's pick - Freedom Dreams by Robin D.G. Kelley

Special thanks and much success to guests, Tae'Shaun and Diaminique. To learn more about the Broadlawns Medical Center TECH & TEACH Apprenticeship Programs visit www.broadlawns.org/careers/apprenticeship-programs

1. Abena's pick - Omari's Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe by Abena Sankofa Imhotep

This is Abena's debut children's book and it's gone global with rave reviews! It can be purchased at Storyhouse Bookpub in Des Moines and it's available online at https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/828641-omaris-big-tree-and-the-mighty-djembe and everywhere books are sold.

The queen and master storyteller Teresa Zilk joined Abena & Jay in-studio to discuss life, Blackness, and her dope storytelling platform Stories to Tell My Daughter.

Abena welcomes Libertarian candidate for Iowa governor Rick Stewart back to the studio. Rick makes his

Once more, democratic hopeful Deidre DeJear joined Abena at the Black & Privileged mic before the