HYFINated Conversations

How do you build a new digital home for Black culture? In this episode, we talk with Rudy Fraser, the creator of Blacksky, a rapidly growing community on the Bluesky social network. As Black users leave Twitter/X in unprecedented numbers, Fraser shares how his background in mutual aid and community organizing shaped his vision for a different kind of social platform.

Fraser breaks down how Blacksky works, from its innovative use of the AT Protocol to its community-led approach to content moderation. He explains why he chose to make Blacksky open-source rather than seeking venture capital, and how the platform grew to over 750,000 users without any promotion or funding.

We dig into the technical details of how Blacksky protects its community from harassment while preserving authentic cultural expression, and discuss the challenges of scaling from 10 moderation reports per week to over 500 daily. Fraser also shares his vision for the future of Black social media spaces and how decentralized technology could help preserve Black digital culture.

Key topics:

• How mutual aid principles influenced Blacksky's development
• The technical architecture behind Blacksky's custom feeds
• Community-based approaches to content moderation
• Balancing rapid growth with community safety
• The future of Black social media communities
• Why open source matters for cultural preservation

Follow the conversation with Rudy on Bluesky @rudy.fraser, and stay connected with us at @tarikmoody.com and @hyfin.org. Check out Tarik's starter pack on Bluesky for a curated list of Black thought leaders and creators to follow."

In this episode, we dive deep into the untold story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the revolutionary guitarist who helped birth rock 'n' roll, through an intimate conversation with actor Bethany Thomas. Currently starring in Milwaukee Repertory Theater's "Marie and Rosetta," Thomas shares powerful insights about portraying the legendary "Godmother of Rock 'n' Roll." Learn how this groundbreaking production takes on new meaning with the revelation that Tharpe's family lives in Milwaukee and regularly attends performances. Thomas discusses the responsibility of portraying a historical figure whose relatives are in the audience, while exploring the parallels between Tharpe's boundary-breaking career and today's conversations about Black musicians in rock. We explore:

• The challenge of capturing Tharpe's revolutionary guitar style
• The powerful partnership between Tharpe and Marie Knight
• How two Black women toured the Jim Crow South
• The ongoing struggle for recognition of Black artists in rock music
• The show's relevance to contemporary discussions about representation in music

Whether you're a music history buff, theater enthusiast, or simply love stories about pioneering artists, this episode offers a fascinating look at how the past continues to resonate with present-day conversations about music, race, and representation.

Hey everyone, it’s Kim Shine from the HYFIN team – doing something a little different. I’m hoping on a story!

One of HYFIN's freelancers, Joy Boyd, visited the Uplifting Mansion in Milwaukee to cover the open house of Nkenge’s gallery, a fantastic showing of nearly 100 pieces of historic African artifacts. The owner is Kenge Adams, a proud woman of African American decent who's also a former IT project manager turned entrepreneur. Being a collector wasn’t exactly part of her plan; that is until leaders at St. Augustine Preparatory Academy reached out. They’d purchased the old Cardinal Stritch University campus and found the pieces there. 

If you haven’t already, you can read Joy’s write-up on the open house and the Uplifting Mansion, or you can keep listening for my interview with Kenge about her mission to now share these invaluable pieces with others and how she’s using AI technology to connect to past and the present.

Read Joy's article on HYFIN.org 
Learn more about Nkenge's Gallery: https://www.nkengegallery.com/
Learn more about the Uplifting Mansion: https://www.upliftingmansion.com/

Anthony Foster sits down with Byron Stripling, the new Stein Family Foundation Principal Pops Conductor of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. In this captivating episode, Stripling shares his musical journey from childhood inspirations to conducting one of America's premier orchestras.

Discover how Stripling plans to infuse the Milwaukee Symphony with diverse genres, from classical to jazz and gospel. Learn about his vision for community outreach and bringing music to underserved areas. Stripling's passion for mentorship and education shines through as he discusses the transformative power of live music.

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the changing face of classical music, with anecdotes about jazz legends, personal triumphs, and the enduring influence of icons like Louis Armstrong. Stripling's infectious enthusiasm and innovative approach to orchestral music will inspire you whether you're a classical music aficionado or a casual listener.

In this powerful episode of HYFINated Conversations, host Tarik Moody sits down with Tashemia Dean, author of "Cheers to Sobriety: Navigating Social Pressures, Finding Resilience and Crafting a Healthier Lifestyle." Dean courageously shares her journey from the depths of addiction and suicidal thoughts to becoming a beacon of hope in Milwaukee's recovery community.

Listeners will hear Dean's raw account of her battle with anxiety and substance use disorder, including a near-fatal crisis point that became her turning point. She discusses her transformative experience in treatment and how it led to her mission of supporting others in recovery. The conversation covers Dean's innovative approach to sobriety, including her take on the growing mocktail trend and how it's reshaping social norms around drinking. Dean also introduces her unique "Cheers to Sobriety September Book Crawl Tour" across Milwaukee, highlighting local businesses that create inclusive spaces for non-drinkers.

As the founder of Fight Anxiety, Addiction and Adversity Corporation, Dean provides insights into the challenges facing the recovery community, particularly within the Black community. She addresses the concerning trend of high suicide rates among young Black males and emphasizes the importance of open communication and positive role models. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, addiction recovery, and social change.

Dean's story of resilience and her practical strategies for navigating sobriety in a drinking culture offer hope and guidance to those on their own recovery journeys. Whether you're in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about living an alcohol-free lifestyle, this conversation with Tashemia Dean will inform, inspire, and challenge your perspectives on sobriety and social norms.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson discusses Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign and addresses critical issues facing Black voters. Mayor Johnson offers unique insights into how national policies impact local communities, from affordable housing and job creation to diversity initiatives and criminal justice reform. Discover how the Biden-Harris administration's efforts resonate in Milwaukee and what it could mean for the upcoming election. Join us for a candid conversation that bridges local concerns with national politics, offering a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities shaping America's urban landscape.

Join us for an intimate conversation with the innovative R&B trio Moonchild. In this episode, Amber Navran, Max Bryk, and Andris Mattson share their musical journey from USC jazz students to internationally acclaimed artists. Discover the story behind their unique sound, creative process, and the making of their latest album "Starfruit."

The band discusses their upcoming Milwaukee performance, their dream of playing with an orchestra, and the artists who have shaped their musical vision. Get ready for an inspiring discussion about authenticity in music, collaborative creativity, and the power of staying true to your artistic instincts. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Moonchild's soulful grooves, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of contemporary R&B.

In this episode, we discuss actor Jacob Latimore's recent collaboration with Kohl's and Boys & Girls Clubs of America to promote youth mental health awareness. Latimore, the star of Showtime's "The Chi," shares his experiences with therapy and his commitment to supporting young people. We highlight key moments from a recent panel discussion featuring Latimore and youth from Atlanta-area Boys & Girls Clubs, exploring the challenges faced by young people in underserved communities. Tara Geiter from Kohl's discusses the company's dedication to mental health initiatives. Latimore also reveals his shift towards more meaningful engagements to impact youth positively. As "The Chi" gears up for a new season, we examine how Latimore balances his entertainment career with social responsibility and personal growth.

Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of King Willonius, a comedian and tech enthusiast, who has revolutionized comedy with AI. From his early inspirations to the viral sensation BBL Drizzy, discover how he merges humor with cutting-edge technology, creating innovative projects that push the boundaries of traditional entertainment. Listen in for an inspiring tale of creativity, perseverance, and the seamless blending of art and tech.

In this eye-opening podcast, we explore the hidden injustices buried within America's tax system and their profound impact on African American communities. Based on the groundbreaking book "The Black Tax: 150 Years of Theft, Exploitation, and Dispossession in America" by historian Andrew W. Kahrl, we delve into the staggering financial toll of systemic overtaxation and discriminatory practices that have stripped Black Americans of their wealth and property, perpetuating the racial wealth gap.

Through a recent interview with Kahrl, we gain deeper insights into the evolution of this inequity, from the overt bureaucratic racism of the Jim Crow era to the more insidious structural inequality embedded in modern tax systems. We also examine the regressive nature of property taxes, the co-opting of anti-tax revolts by right-wing interests, and the flawed tax reform experiment of Proposition 13 in California.

As we explore potential solutions, such as a universal home tax exemption and a federal wealth tax, we highlight the need for systemic change at the national level to address these persistent inequities. We also showcase grassroots efforts like Black Land Services, an organization combating land loss among African Americans in the South Carolina Sea Islands.
Join us as we shed light on the hidden mechanisms of racial and economic injustice in America's tax system and issue a call for a national dialogue and structural reforms to combat the extreme economic disadvantages burdening African American households.