Free Black Thought Podcast

Connie Morgan chats with DEI reformer Amri B. Johnson. Amri discusses his upbringing in a family with a rich history of self-determination and entrepreneurship, highlighting the influence of his parents and grandparents on his values. He reflects on his academic background in public health and epidemiology, which strangely eventually led him to the field of organizational development and diversity training. Amri emphasizes the importance of creating conditions for everyone to thrive in organizations, moving beyond traditional DEI frameworks to what he terms ‘emergent inclusion.’

Show notes:

1. Inclusion Wins
2. Amri’s “How to Foster True Inclusion” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
3. Amri’s Substack
4. Amri’s Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable

Connie Morgan catches up with FBT President Erec Smith about his move from academia to the Cato Institute, where he now serves as a research fellow. They discuss leaving professorship behind, today’s cultural climate, testifying on Capitol Hill, and, of course, rhetoric.

Michael DC Bowen and Winkfield F. Twyman Jr. explore a range of topics including the emergence of AI agents, reflections on Black History Month, generational perspectives on black identity, and the impact of migration on black communities.

Host Connie Morgan talks with Nique Fajors about his journey from a difficult childhood to Harvard Business School, his views on marriage, family, cultural identity, and personal responsibility, and his evolution as a Condoleezza Rice–Colin Powell style conservative.

1. Nique’s podcast

Host Connie Morgan interviews her father, and the truth behind who she is finally comes to light.

Michael DC Bowen and Winkfield F. Twyman Jr. reflect on their New Year's resolutions, focusing on personal growth and the pursuit of knowledge.

Jamie shares his harrowing journey from being born into a Scientology community to overcoming extreme neglect and poverty. Jamie emphasizes resilience, curiosity, and the idea that genius exists in every community, regardless of socioeconomic status.

1. Jamie’s Child X: A Memoir of Slavery, Poverty, Celebrity, and Scientology
2. Jamie’s Hybred: A Graphic Novel
3. Jamie on Instagram

Sabrina Joy Stevens talks on how she moved from a passionate young lefty activist to someone who now rejects much of the progressive pedagogy. She discusses the personal cost of truth, including lost friendships and ideological divides, and emphasizes the importance of faith and knowledge in navigating the chaotic political landscape.

1. Sabrina’s “The Counter-Disinformation Industry Promotes Left-wing Groupthink, Not Truth” for the Journal of Free Black Thought
2. Sabrina’s website
3. Sabrina on YouTube
4. Sabrina on Instagram

Mike and Wink reflect on their writing journeys, exploring themes of identity, heritage, and the complexities of black culture. A year in review.

The conversation explores the many layers of black identity in America, touching on social distance, cultural nuance, genealogy, and the weight of historical narratives. Wink and Mike discuss attraction, dating, and family influence, sharing personal stories about how skin color, upbringing, and intellectual connection shape relationships. Broader themes include aging, community, cultural heritage, generational change, and the pressure of navigating impressive or damaged people.