The Institute of Black Imagination.

E101: Answering The Call with Rev. Dr. Norvel Goff, Sr.

In this episode of The Institute of Black Imagination, host Dario Calmese sits down with Rev. Dr. Norvel Goff, Sr., pastor, civic leader, and former interim pastor of Mother Emanuel AME Church following the tragic massacre of the Emanuel Nine.

From his upbringing in Georgetown, South Carolina, during the Jim Crow era to his leadership within the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Goff reflects on a life devoted to faith, service, justice, and community building. He shares lessons from his journey through ministry, civil rights advocacy, and public leadership, offering a powerful meditation on what it means to serve others, create meaningful change, and imagine a more just future.

Together, Dario and Rev. Goff explores leadership, the role of the Black church, intergenerational wisdom, community organizing, healing after tragedy, and the importance of creating a table where everyone has a seat.

Key Takeaways

Service Is the Highest Form of Leadership

Rev. Goff believes leadership begins with serving others. Throughout the conversation, he returns to the idea that greatness is measured not by status, but by a willingness to meet needs, uplift communities, and pour into others.

Community Change Requires Participation

From growing churches to organizing with the NAACP, Rev. Goff emphasizes that transformation happens when people engage directly with their communities, build relationships, and work collectively toward solutions.

We Are Stronger Together

One of the defining themes of the conversation is unity. Whether discussing Charleston, church leadership, or civic engagement, Rev. Goff reminds us that meaningful progress requires collaboration across generations, backgrounds, and institutions.

Leadership Begins with Listening

Rev. Goff offers a simple framework for leadership: listen, learn, and then lead. Before we can guide others, we must be willing to hear their stories, understand their realities, and remain open to new ideas.

Vision Creates Possibility

"Without a vision, the people perish." Rev. Goff reflects on the importance of imagination, strategic thinking, and shared purpose in creating better futures for communities and future generations.

• Growing up in Georgetown, South Carolina, during segregation
• Family, faith, and community as foundations for leadership
• Answering the call to ministry
• Building congregations and community institutions
• The role of the Black church in civic life
• Leadership during the aftermath of the Mother Emanuel tragedy
• Faith, justice, and public service
• Intergenerational wisdom and mentorship
• The importance of listening, learning, and leading
• Black imagination, vision, and the future of community

1. "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" – Mahalia Jackson - A timeless hymn of faith, perseverance, and spiritual guidance that reflects the heart of Rev. Goff's ministry.

2. "Optimistic" – Sounds of Blackness - A reminder that hope remains possible even during difficult times.

3. "I Need You to Survive" – Hezekiah Walker - An anthem of collective responsibility and community support.

4. "A Change Is Gonna Come" – Sam Cooke - A civil rights era classic that echoes the themes of justice, faith, and perseverance woven throughout this conversation.

5. "Total Praise" – Richard Smallwood - A song of gratitude and surrender that embodies Rev. Goff's unwavering faith.

6. "We Shall Overcome" – The Freedom Singers - A reminder that collective action and hope have always been at the heart of social transformation.

1. The Strength to Love — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - A collection of sermons exploring faith, justice, and moral leadership.

2. The Cross and the Lynching Tree — James H. Cone - A profound examination of Christianity, race, suffering, and liberation.

3. Walking with the Wind — John Lewis - A powerful memoir of faith, courage, and the Civil Rights Movement.

4. Moral Leadership for a Divided Age — David P. Gushee - An exploration of ethical leadership in times of social division.

5. My Soul Looks Back — Jessica B. Harris - Reflections on culture, memory, ancestry, and community.

"We must create a table where everyone has a seat."

"If you want to be great in the kingdom, be a servant."

"We are stronger together."

"Listen. Learn. Lead."

Ep. 26 Sister Elaine Brown — A Revolutionary Life - Former Chairwoman of the Black Panther Party, Elaine Brown reflects on power, justice, political organizing, and what it means to lead during periods of profound social change. Like Rev. Dr. Goff, she challenges listeners to consider the responsibilities that come with leadership and community stewardship.

Ep. 23 Dr. Heather McGhee — The Hidden Cost of Racism - Economic policy expert and author of The Sum of Us, Dr. McGhee explores the connections between racial justice, collective prosperity, and civic responsibility. Her vision of shared flourishing resonates deeply with Rev. Dr. Goff's belief that we are stronger together.

Ep. 29 Jacqueline Woodson — Scripting Your Life - National Book Award-winning author Jacqueline Woodson examines how family, history, and place influence who we become. This conversation complements Rev. Dr. Goff's reflections on upbringing, mentorship, and the power of intergenerational wisdom.

Ep. 99 Gina Paige — Blood Memories - Gina Paige's exploration of ancestry, belonging, and identity offers a powerful companion to Rev. Dr. Goff's discussion of roots, heritage, and the importance of understanding where we come from in order to imagine where we're going.

Ep. 24 Carmen de Lavallade — Dancing Through Life - The legendary dancer and choreographer reflects on longevity, excellence, mentorship, and living a life dedicated to one's calling. Like Rev. Dr. Goff, Carmen's journey demonstrates how purpose, discipline, and service create lasting impact across generations.

Ep. 2 Dr. Mabel O. Wilson — Designing Memory, Place, and Possibility - Her conversation explores how institutions, public spaces, and cultural memory shape collective futures. This pairs beautifully with Rev. Dr. Goff's emphasis on creating spaces where everyone has a seat and communities can thrive.

These conversations, like Rev. Dr. Goff's, challenge us to think deeply about the worlds we inherit—and the worlds we are called to create.

📖 Learn more about the African Methodist Episcopal Church

🔗 https://www.ame-church.com

📖 Learn more about The Institute of Black Imagination

🔗 https://www.blackimagination.org

If this dialogue resonated with you, sparked inspiration, or offered a new perspective, we’d love your support! Here’s how you can help us keep these powerful stories alive:

🎧 Subscribe & Review – Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review! Your words help more people discover these conversations. Subscribe to our newsletter.

📢 Spread the Word – Share this episode with your friends, family, and community. Let’s keep the dialogue going!

💬 Engage With Us – Follow us on social media and join the conversation @blackimagination on Instagram & Twitter. We’d love to hear your thoughts, takeaways, and what topics you want to explore next.

💜 Support the Work – Love what we’re creating? Help us sustain and grow by making a contribution! Whether it’s a one-time donation or becoming a patron, every bit fuels our mission. Click here to support us.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your voice, your presence, and your support make all the difference! ✨

Until next time, stay curious, and keep dreaming. ✨

This conversation was recorded on December 18, 2025.

Host Dario Calmese

Producer: K.T. Thompson

Original Music composed by Adam Radice

Sound Engineer: Adam Radice

Visit us at blackimagination.com

Episode Overview:

In this milestone 100th episode of the Institute of Black Imagination podcast, we sit down with the incomparable Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson—marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and visionary climate futurist. Co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab, The All We Can Save Project, and co-creator of the podcast How to Save a Planet, Dr. Johnson is at the forefront of reimagining a climate future rooted in justice, imagination, and care.

In this expansive conversation, we explore how the ocean is central to climate solutions, how storytelling intersects with science, and what’s possible when we lead with joy. From co-authoring the Blue New Deal to her most recent book, What If We Get It Right?, Dr. Johnson invites us to reframe our climate fears into courageous vision.

• Imagination is a political tool for climate justice
• Hope is strategy in What If We Get It Right?
• Urban Ocean Lab is rethinking coastal cities
• Women’s leadership drives climate solutions
• Black imagination reshapes the ocean’s narrative

E93. Imagining Diasporic Retrofutures with Olalekan Jeyifous Explore speculative architecture and Afro-futurism as artist Olalekan Jeyifous reimagines urban landscapes, challenging conventional notions of beauty and success in architecture.

E38. Toni L. Griffin: The Just City Urban planner Toni L. Griffin discusses the concept of "The Just City," focusing on designing urban spaces that are equitable, inclusive, and reflective of diverse communities.

E48. Sara Zewde: Parks and Liberation Landscape architect Sara Zewde delves into the intersection of public spaces and cultural narratives, emphasizing how parks and landscapes can serve as platforms for liberation and community identity.

E55. Sekou Cooke: Creation of Hip-Hop Architecture Architect Sekou Cooke introduces the concept of Hip-Hop Architecture, exploring how the ethos of hip-hop culture can inform and transform architectural practices and urban design.

E61. Justin Garrett Moore: Imagining Black Space Urban designer Justin Garrett Moore discusses the importance of imagining and creating Black spaces that honor cultural heritage, foster community, and challenge systemic inequalities.

A Playlist Inspired by the Conversation

1. Optimistic – Sounds of Blackness – Because joy and action can coexist.
2. Everything Is Everything – Lauryn Hill – A nod to interconnectedness and time.
3. Swim Good – Frank Ocean – A deep and symbolic dive into the currents of escape, healing, and emotional truth.
4. Alright – Kendrick Lamar – The rally cry that keeps communities moving.
5. Freedom – Beyoncé ft. Kendrick Lamar – For the fierce spirit of climate justice.

Books to Complement This Conversation

1. What If We Get It Right? – Ayana Elizabeth Johnson  A visionary call to imagine and build the world we want to live in, rather than focusing solely on preventing disaster.
2. All We Can Save – Edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine Wilkinson A powerful anthology of essays, poetry, and art by women climate leaders offering climate solutions with heart.
3. The Climate Book – Edited by Greta Thunberg (featuring Johnson’s essay) An essential compendium of climate insights from global experts, including a compelling essay by Dr. Johnson.
4. Emergent Strategy – adrienne maree brown – On adaptation as revolution A guide to building movements and futures through adaptability, decentralization, and relational work.
5. The Intersectional Environmentalist – Leah Thomas – For deeper equity in ecology A foundational text on climate justice that centers marginalized voices and offers inclusive strategies for ecological action.

Resources & Links: 

🔗 Urban Ocean Lab

🔗 All We Can Save Project

🔗 Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s Website

🔗 What If We Get It Right Podcast www.getitright.earth/podcast

🔗 Instagram @ayanaeliza

🔗 X @ayanaeliza

If this dialogue resonated with you, sparked inspiration, or offered a new perspective, we’d love your support! Here’s how you can help us keep these powerful stories alive:

🎧 Subscribe & Review – Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review! Your words help more people discover these conversations. Subscribe to our newsletter.

📢 Spread the Word – Share this episode with your friends, family, and community. Let’s keep the dialogue going!

💬 Engage With Us – Follow us on social media and join the conversation @blackimagination on Instagram & Twitter. We’d love to hear your thoughts, takeaways, and what topics you want to explore next.

💜 Support the Work – Love what we’re creating? Help us sustain and grow by making a contribution! Whether it’s a one-time donation or becoming a patron, every bit fuels our mission. Click here to support us.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your voice, your presence, and your support make all the difference! ✨

Until next time, stay curious, and keep dreaming.

In this episode of The Institute of Black Imagination, host Dario Calmese sits down with Gina Paige, the co-founder of African Ancestry, to explore the transformative power of knowing your roots. For over two decades, Gina has pioneered DNA ancestry tracing for people of African descent, helping countless individuals reclaim their lineage and reshape their identities.

Gina shares her personal journey—what sparked her passion for genealogy, how her work is changing lives, and why ancestry is more than just science—it’s a cultural and spiritual homecoming. If you’ve ever wondered where you come from or how your history shapes your future, this conversation is for you.

• Knowing Your Roots Shapes Your Identity 
• DNA Can Reconnect Us to Lost Histories 
• Ancestry is More Than Just Genetics—It’s Culture 
• Representation in Genealogy Matters 
• Knowing Your Past Helps Shape Your Future 

1. “I Am Light” – India.Arie-  A soulful meditation on self-worth and inner identity, this song beautifully echoes the idea that we are more than just our history—we are light, love, and legacy.

2. “Black Man” – Stevie Wonder-  A powerful anthem celebrating the global contributions of Black people throughout history, reinforcing the importance of knowing where we come from.

3. “My People” – Angie Stone -  This song is a love letter to the African diaspora, reminding us of our strength, resilience, and connection to one another.

4. “Back to Africa” – Dennis Brown - A reggae classic that speaks directly to the desire to reconnect with one’s ancestral homeland, much like what African Ancestry makes possible.

5. “I’m Coming Home” – The Staple Singers - A gospel-infused track that captures the spiritual and emotional essence of returning to one’s roots and embracing one’s heritage.

6. “I Gotta Find Peace of Mind - LIVE" – Ms. Lauryn Hill - A haunting echo of Gina Paige’s journey—where reclaiming ancestry becomes a path to inner peace, and remembering becomes a form of healing.

1. The Healing Wisdom of Africa – Malidoma Patrice Somé

This book explores African spiritual traditions and the importance of reconnecting with ancestral wisdom to find purpose and healing in the modern world.

2. Roots: The Saga of an American Family – Alex Haley

A groundbreaking classic that traces a family’s lineage from Africa to America, demonstrating the power of ancestral storytelling and reclaiming lost histories.

3. Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" – Zora Neale Hurston

Based on interviews with the last known survivor of the transatlantic slave trade, this book offers a firsthand account of the forced displacement of African people and the longing for ancestral connection.

4. Finding Your Roots: The Official Companion to the PBS Series – Henry Louis Gates Jr.

Inspired by the TV series, this book provides a compelling guide to genealogy research and the cultural significance of tracing one’s ancestry.

5. The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration – Isabel Wilkerson

Though focused on migration within the U.S., this book powerfully illustrates the deep impact of displacement, identity, and reclaiming one’s place in history.

🔗 Learn more about African Ancestry: www.africanancestry.com (use code black imagination for 10% off your kit)

📖 Follow Gina Paige on social media: @AfricanAncestry

If this conversation inspired you, visit AfricanAncestry.com to begin your own journey of self-discovery. Take a DNA test to uncover your African roots and connect with your heritage.(use code black imagination for 10% off your kit)

If this dialogue resonated with you, sparked inspiration, or offered a new perspective, we’d love your support! Here’s how you can help us keep these powerful stories alive:

🎧 Subscribe & Review – Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review! Your words help more people discover these conversations. Subscribe to our newsletter.

📢 Spread the Word – Share this episode with your friends, family, and community. Let’s keep the dialogue going!

💬 Engage With Us – Follow us on social media and join the conversation @blackimagination on Instagram & Twitter. We’d love to hear your thoughts, takeaways, and what topics you want to explore next.

💜 Support the Work – Love what we’re creating? Help us sustain and grow by making a contribution! Whether it’s a one-time donation or becoming a patron, every bit fuels our mission. Click here to support us.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your voice, your presence, and your support make all the difference! ✨

Until next time, stay curious, and keep dreaming.

In this deeply moving and insightful episode, we sit down with activist, organizer, and founder of the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, Elle Moxley. Elle takes us on a journey through the heart of activism, the lessons learned from movement-building, and the power of Black trans leadership. She shares her experiences with Black Lives Matter, the founding of her own organization, and her reflections on love, resilience, and desire. This conversation is one of power, truth, and transformation.

• Finding Community in Black Love 
• Navigating Activism and Identity 
• The Birth of Black Lives Matter & Elle’s Role 
• Reflections on Organizing & Movement Building 
• The Creation of the Marsha P. Johnson Institute 
• Desire, Politics, and the Hidden Truths 
• Lessons from Love & the Future We Imagine 

1. "Brown Skin Girl" by Beyoncé, SAINt JHN, WizKid, and Blue Ivy Carter – An empowering anthem celebrating Black beauty and heritage.
2. "Peng Black Girls Remix" by ENNY featuring Jorja Smith – A vibrant track highlighting the diversity and strength of Black women. 
3. "Alright" – Kendrick Lamar - A revolutionary anthem of resilience and hope in the face of adversity.
4. "Stand Up" – Cynthia Erivo - A powerful ballad from Harriet that speaks to perseverance and justice.
5. "Golden" – Jill Scott - A song about embracing joy, self-love, and living life on your terms.

1. "Sister Outsider" by Audre Lorde – A powerful collection of essays and speeches exploring Black identity, feminism, and the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. 
2. "The Purpose of Power: How We Come Together When We Fall Apart" by Alicia Garza – A deeply insightful memoir and guide from one of the co-founders of the Black Lives Matter movement, examining the power of collective organizing. 
3. "The Transgender Issue: Trans Justice Is Justice for All" by Shon Faye – A bold and necessary examination of the systemic issues facing trans people and how true justice benefits all of society. 
4. "Black Futures" by Kimberly Drew & Jenna Wortham – A stunning collection of essays, art, and reflections that explore the possibilities of Black culture, activism, and imagination. 
5. "Marsha: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson" by Tourmaline (upcoming release) – A forthcoming deep dive into the first definitive biography of the revolutionary activist Marsha P. Johnson, one of the most important and remarkable figures in LGBTQIA+ history, revealing her story, her impact, and her legacy.

🔗 Marsha P. Johnson Institute – marshap.org

🔗 Virtual Exhibitions - Ellemnop Art

🔗 Follow Elle Moxley on Social Media 

IG: Elle Moxley (@elle_moxley)

FB: Elle Moxley

TikTok: Elle Moxley (@elle_moxley) Official

If this conversation inspired you, consider supporting MPJI through donations, advocacy, or simply spreading awareness. Every action, big or small, helps carry the movement forward.

If this dialogue resonated with you, sparked inspiration, or offered a new perspective, we’d love your support! Here’s how you can help us keep these powerful stories alive:

🎧 Subscribe & Review – Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review! Your words help more people discover these conversations. Subscribe to our newsletter.

📢 Spread the Word – Share this episode with your friends, family, and community. Let’s keep the dialogue going!

💬 Engage With Us – Follow us on social media and join the conversation @blackimagination on Instagram & Twitter. We’d love to hear your thoughts, takeaways, and what topics you want to explore next.

💜 Support the Work – Love what we’re creating? Help us sustain and grow by making a contribution! Whether it’s a one-time donation or becoming a patron, every bit fuels our mission. Click here to support us.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your voice, your presence, and your support make all the difference! ✨

Until next time, stay curious, and keep dreaming.

In this monumental 97th episode—our first-ever live recording—we welcome legendary costume designer and visual storyteller Paul Tazewell, just one week after his historic win as the first Black man to receive the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for Wicked. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Space 001, the Institute’s newly opened physical space, Paul and host Dario Calmese delve into a deeply moving, expansive conversation about storytelling through clothing, the power of design, Black imagination, and the long road to recognition.

From his early days sewing dashikis and puppets in Akron, Ohio, to crafting iconic looks for Hamilton, The Wiz Live!, Harriet, West Side Story, and now Wicked, Paul shares the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual layers that shape his work. This episode is a masterclass in creative process, artistic evolution, and how style becomes a vessel for history, identity, and transformation.

• A Historic Win: Paul reflects on becoming the first Black man to win an Oscar for costume design.
• Roots & Influence: His upbringing in Akron and support from his two moms shaped his creative path.
• Finding His Lane: He learned to trust design as his true calling while navigating multiple talents.
• Design as Story: Paul reveals how costumes—like those in Wicked—carry emotion, science, and symbolism.
• Legacy & Access: He honors Black creative lineage and shares his vision for mentoring future storytellers.

“Clothing is never just about what you wear. It’s about the story you tell.”

— Paul Tazewell

“Being visible, taking up space, allows you access to investigate what’s next.

— Paul Tazewell

“Beauty is the antidote to the ugliness in the world.”— Paul Tazewell

Paul Tazewell is a Tony, Emmy, BAFTA, and now Academy Award-winning costume designer whose breathtaking work has helped shape the visual identity of contemporary theater and film. From Hamilton to Wicked, his designs transcend aesthetics—they are blueprints for character, history, and emotion.

Follow Paul on Instagram: @paultazewell

• Space 001 – A concept store, research lab, and living archive in the Oculus, NYC
• Geoffrey Holder – Legendary Black artist and costume designer for The Wiz
• Wicked (Film) – Now featuring Oscar-winning costume design
• North Carolina School of the Arts, NYU, and Pratt Institute – Key touchstones in Paul’s training
• Mellon Foundation – Supporting imagination and justice through the arts

1. "Home" – Stephanie Mills (from The Wiz) - A soulful ode to identity, memory, and belonging—an emotional anchor for Paul’s early influence and connection to The Wiz.
2. "Defying Gravity" – Cynthia Erivo (from Wicked) - A triumphant anthem of transformation, resistance, and rising above—mirroring Paul’s groundbreaking win and Elphaba’s journey.
3. "Back to Life" – Soul II Soul - An Afro-futurist groove echoing Paul’s ability to breathe story into garments—rooted in culture, yet futuristic.
4. "Optimistic" – Sounds of Blackness - A call to persevere, perfect for honoring Paul’s long and winding path through doubt, brilliance, and breakthrough.
5. "Mood Indigo" – Nina Simone - A textured, moody classic that reflects the complexity and emotion Paul brings to characters through costume and color.

1. Costume and Fashion: A Concise History by James Laver - A beautifully illustrated guide tracing the evolution of dress—perfect for those curious about how fashion and costume shape culture.
2. Black Futures by Kimberly Drew & Jenna Wortham - A multi-dimensional exploration of Black creativity, possibility, and presence—mirroring the ethos of this episode and the IBI. (check out our episode with Kimberly Drew)
3. Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World by Paul Stamets - Dive deeper into the mycelium metaphor Paul used for Elphaba’s costume—a poetic and scientific lens on connection and transformation.

If this dialogue resonated with you, sparked inspiration, or offered a new perspective, we’d love your support! Here’s how you can help us keep these powerful stories alive:

🎧 Subscribe & Review – Follow us on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review! Your words help more people discover these conversations. Subscribe to our newsletter.

📢 Spread the Word – Share this episode with your friends, family, and community. Let’s keep the dialogue going!

💬 Engage With Us – Follow us on social media and join the conversation @blackimagination on Instagram & Twitter. We’d love to hear your thoughts, takeaways, and what topics you want to explore next.

💜 Support the Work – Love what we’re creating? Help us sustain and grow by making a contribution! Whether it’s a one-time donation or becoming a patron, every bit fuels our mission. Click here to support us.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your voice, your presence, and your support make all the difference! ✨

• Host & Creator: Dario Calmese
• Producer: KT Thompson
• Executive Producer: Chrystal Genesis
• Engineering & Original Music: Adam Radice
• Presented by: The Institute of Black Imagination, with support from The Mellon Foundation

Until next time, stay curious and keep dreaming.

About The Guest

Today we're honored to introduce our guest, Professor Lesley Lokko. A distinguished Ghanaian-Scottish architect, educator, and bestselling novelist, Dr. Lokko most recently served as the Curator of the 18th Venice Biennale of Architecture, becoming the first Black-identified person to hold the position. She’s also the founder and Director of the African Futures Institute (AFI) a pioneering postgraduate school of architecture in Accra, Ghana.

Dr. Lokko is also a best-selling novelist with 12 titles under her belt.  Her novels have been translated into sixteen languages dealing with themes of love, loyalty, class,  race, and cultural identity, transforming the “beach-read” genre into an extension of her architectural, world-building practice. For her contributions to the fields of Architecture and education, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2023 and 2024 won the Gold Medal Award, by the Royal Institute of British Architects, one of the highest honors in the world of architecture. 

And in many ways, that’s where today's conversation with Prof. Leslie Lokko begins. The reality of appearing to be at the top, juxtaposed against the sweat and elbow grease required in institution-building and well… being a human being. Prof. Lokko joyfully and deftly takes us on a journey of triumph, career pivots, culture shock, womanhood, and becoming. 

Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. Now, And now, the indefatigable Professor Lesley Lokko. 

Key Links

Darren Walker - president of the Ford Foundation

African Futures Institute - a new model for architectural education centered on three areas: teaching, research and public events.

La Biennale di Venezia - Venice Biennale - an international cultural exhibition hosted annually in Venice, Italy by the Biennale Foundation.

Officer of the Order of the British Empire ( OBE )- This is awarded for having a major local role in any activity, including people whose work has made them known nationally in their chosen area.

Mellon Foundation -Mellon makes grants to support communities through the power of the arts and humanities.

Key Readings

Biennale Architettura 2023: The Laboratory of the Future - Lesley Lokko

Saffron Skies - Lesley Lokko

The Black Experience in Design: Identity, Expression & Reflection - Jennifer Rittner (Editor)  Lesley-Ann Noel (Editor)  Kelly Walters (Editor)  Anne H Berry (Editor)  Kareem Collie (Editor)  Penina Acayo Laker (Editor)

What to listen to

One World - Guy Warren

Ghana -  Becca

Canopy - Kuami Eugene

Into The Future - Stonebwoy

No Competition - Okyeame Kwame

Previous IBI Episodes to check out

E61. Justin Garrett Moore: Imagining Black Space.

E90. Space Agency. with Brigette Romanek

E95. Designing In Place. with Nifemi Marcus-Bello

E60. Kevin Bethune: Dreams, Design and Life.

Who to follow

W: African Futures Institute

IG: Lesley Lokko (@lesleylokko)

X: Lesley Lokko (@LokkoLesley) / X

This conversation was recorded on March 26, 2024.

Host Dario Calmese 

Producer:  K.T. Thompson

Lead Designer:  Elliott McKnight

Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia

Production Asst:  Noa Lesche

Archivist & Research: Cyle Warner

Original Music composed by Adam Radice

Sound Engineer:  Adam Radice

Visit us at blackimagination.com

Welcome to the Institute of Black Imagination podcast, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of Black genius. I'm your host, Dario, and today, we have the pleasure of chatting with Nifemi Marcus-Bello, a visionary design director and founder of Nmbello Studio. Renowned for his community-centric and ethnographically-conscious design ethos, Nifemi’s practice exemplifies how obstacles are merely opportunities in disguise.

In this conversation, we explore the journey of a designer deeply rooted in his Nigerian upbringing. Nifemi shares how he overcame societal pressures that attempted to sway him from his creative path, how reimagining local materials and processes expanded his own design language, and we even get into blood memory and ancestral wisdom. Yeah, it’s one of those episodes. 

Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. Now, beaming in from across the Atlantic, design director and industrial designer,  Nifemi Marcus-Bello.

Key Links

nmbello Studio - is a design studio currently based in Lagos, Nigeria. Our design ethos is rooted in empathy.

Ethnographic Museum of Trocadero - first anthropological museum in Paris

Kwali - acts as a portable shop, weaving through Lagos traffic

Kerry James Marshall- American artist

Salone del Mobile Milano -The global benchmark event for the furnishing and design sector.

Anna Karnick - Design Miami Curator 2023

Tavares Strachan - a Bahamian-born conceptual artist

Tahir Carl Karmali - Artist

Samuel Ross - Fashion designer

What to Read

Dieter Rams: Ten Principles for Good Design - Cees W. de Jong (Editor)

Dieter Rams: The Complete Works - Klaus Klemp

What to listen to

Tested, Approved & Trusted - Burna Boy

Drogba (Joanna) -  Afro B

Kontrol - Maleek Berry

All Over - Tiwa Savage

Ginger - Burna Boy

Previous IBI Episodes to check out

E38. Toni L. Griffin: The Just City.

E48. Sara Zewde: Parks and Liberation.

E55. Sekou Cooke: Creation of Hip-Hop Architecture.

E61. Justin Garrett Moore: Imagining Black Space.

Who to follow

W: nmbello Studio

IG: Nifemi Marcus-Bello (@nmbello1)

X: nmbello Studio (@nmbello_Studio) / X

This conversation was recorded on April 30, 2024.

Host Dario Calmese 

Producer:  K.T. Thompson

Lead Designer:  Elliott McKnight

Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia

Production Asst:  Noa Lesche

Archivist & Research: Cyle Warner

Original Music composed by Adam Radice

Sound Engineer:  Adam Radice

Visit us at blackimagination.com 

Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.

Welcome to the Institute of Black Imagination, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of black genius. Today, we're thrilled to present Shani Peters and Joseph Cuillier III, the co-founders of The Black School—an innovative art institution dedicated to teaching radical Black politics through experimental approaches to art and design education.

Both artists and organizers in their own right,  Founded by Joseph Cuillier and Shani Peters, they're mixing art with talks about Black politics and community projects. Inspired by past community-run schools, like those from the Civil Rights and Black Power movements, they're making a difference today.

The Black School has three parts: the School itself, the Festival where students show off their work, and the Studio, where students learn about design and get job training. It's all about helping students understand their neighborhoods, make art that matters, and get ready for the future. 

Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. Join us as we explore how organizations like The Black School are changing the game in education and beyond. Now, let's warmly welcome Shani Peters and Joseph Cuillier, the Co-Founders of The Black School, to our conversation.

Key Links

Joseph A. Cuillier Career Center - We are a school dedicated to providing an education that empowers our students to succeed in the workforce and beyond.

bell hooks - American author

Alma Thomas - American artist and teacher

Rosenwald/Booker T. Washington Schools- Booker T. Washington of the Tuskegee Institute and Julius Rosenwald, philanthropist and president of Sears Roebuck, built state-of-the art schools for African American children across the South.

Augusta Savage -American sculptor

Harlem Community Art School - The Center was a place for the Harlem community to receive education in the arts for free or little charge.

Oakland Community School - was a Black Panther-run liberation school that operated in Oakland from 1973 to 1982.

Emory Douglas - The former Minister of Culture and Revolutionary Artist for the Black Panther Party

Black Love Festival- presented by The Black School, is an art and music festival promoting a cultural movement for Black love.

Project Row Houses - a community platform that enriches lives through art with an emphasis on cultural identity and its impact on the urban landscape.

Booker T. Washington - American educator and author

What to Read

Salvation: Black People and Love - bell hooks

The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations - Toni Morrison

Character Building: Education that Educates -  Booker T. Washington

What to listen to

DNA. - Kendrick Lamar

Seize The Time-  Elaine Brown

This Is America - Childish Gambino

F.U.B.U. - Solange Knowles

We The People - A Tribe Called Quest

Previous IBI Episodes to check out

E2. Dr. Mabel O. Wilson, Architect and Scholar 

E26. A Revolutionary Life with Black Panther Chairman, Elaine Brown 

E86. Sketching a Revolution with Emory Douglas 

E53a. Frank Wilderson III: On Afropessimism I 

E53a. Frank Wilderson III: On Afropessimism II

Who to follow

W: The Black School

IG: Joseph Cuillier (@josephcuillier)

IG: Shani Peters (@shanipeters)

Linktree: The Black School

This conversation was recorded on March 21, 2024.

Host Dario Calmese 

Producer:  K.T. Thompson

Lead Designer:  Elliott McKnight

Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia

Production Asst:  Noa Lesche

Archivist & Research: Cyle Warner

Original Music composed by Adam Radice

Sound Engineer:  Adam Radice

Visit us at blackimagination.com 

Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.

Welcome to the Institute of Black Imagination podcast, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of Black genius. I am your host, Dario. Today, we're excited to introduce Olalekan Jeyifous, an innovative artist and architect whose world-building practice reimaginations the relationship between community, urbanity, nature, and time; It’s very much giving Main Character Energy, and citizens of the Black Atlantic take centerstage.

In today's conversation, Olalekan and I discuss how architecture alone is rarely sufficient in solving problems in the urban landscape, we reimagine what the continent of Africa COULD have looked like if colonial powers were expelled post-independence, and Lek challenges conventional notions of beauty and success in architecture and why storefront churches and bodegas deserve a shoutout. 

Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. And now, take a breath, as we take a ride with artist and architect Olalekan Jeyifous.

Key Links

Lebbeus Woods - American architect and artist

Silver Lion - an annual award presented for best directing achievements in a feature film at official competition section of the Venice Film Festival since 1998.

Saul Williams - American singer-songwriter and musician

The Apocryphal Gospel of Oakland- A discussion between artist, Olalekan Jeyifous and UC Berkeley assistant professor of Geography, Dr. Brandi T. Summers on the generative power of collaboration and the potential for speculative architecture as a means to develop comprehensive constructions of urban Utopias/Dystopias that engage with a variety of social, political, and environmental realities.

Black Reconstruction Collective -American architecture collective

Black Quantum Futurism  - A literary and artistic collective

Amanda Williams - Visual Artist

Justin Garrett Moore- a transdisciplinary designer and urbanist.

Torkwase Dyson - Interdisciplinary artist

Norma Merrick Sklarek - American architect

Grace Wales Bonner - London-based designer

Venice Biennale - an international cultural exhibition hosted annually in Venice, Italy

What to Read

Now You See Me: An Introduction to 100 Years of Black Design - Charlene Prempeh

Mickalene Thomas: All about Love - Mickalene Thomas 

Black Nature: Four Centuries of African American Nature Poetry - Camille T. Dungy (Editor)

What to listen to

A Possibility (Back Home) - Wanda Robinson

Wake Me When I'm Free-  Babatunde Olatunji

Viva Nigeria - Fela Kuti

All Over - Tiwa Savage

Sittin On Top Of The World - Burna Boy

Previous IBI Episodes to check out

E8. Torkwase Dyson, Artist.

E38. Toni L. Griffin: The Just City.

E48. Sara Zewde: Parks and Liberation.

E55. Sekou Cooke: Creation of Hip-Hop Architecture.

E61. Justin Garrett Moore: Imagining Black Space.

Who to follow

W: V5

IG: kidcadaver - Olalekan Jeyifous

LinkedIn: Olalekan Jeyifous - Designer, Artist, Illustrator - Vigilism

X: Olalekan Jeyifous (@OJeyifous) / X

This conversation was recorded on March 20, 2024.

Host Dario Calmese 

Producer:  K.T. Thompson

Lead Designer:  Elliott McKnight

Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia

Production Asst:  Noa Lesche

Archivist & Research: Cyle Warner

Original Music composed by Adam Radice

Sound Engineer:  Adam Radice

Visit us at blackimagination.com 

Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.

Hey explorers, it's Dario. Welcome to the IBI podcast, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of Black genius. Today, we browse the mind of Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress, appointed by U.S. President Barack Obama. Dr. Hayden is the first woman and the first African American to hold this position at the National Library. As an actual librarian, Dr. Hayden is known for advocating for the privacy of library users and for her initiatives to promote broad access to public libraries and their resources. 

Our dialogue today, much like the Library of Congress itself, is a treasure trove of literary jewels. We discuss how the Library of Congress is not your mother’s library, containing priceless artifacts like the Bayard Rustin papers, and a handwritten letter from Nina Simone to Hazel Scott. We talk American literacy rates, how parents can engage reluctant readers, and we even get personal, as Dr. Hayden and i discuss the health challenges black women face in the workplace, especially in positions of power.

Connect with us on Twitter and Instagram @blackimagination, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and support the show by clicking this support link. and explore more content on blackimagination.com. So grab your library card and a snack… It’s time to check into the people’s university, with Dr. Carla Hayden.

Key Links

Library Of Congress - the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office.

Nina Simone - American singer-songwriter, pianist, and activist.

Hazel Scott - Jazz pianist and singer

Enoch Pratt Free Library- the free public library system of Baltimore, Maryland.

American Library Association - largest membership association in the world for the library industry.

August Wilson - American playwright

André Leon Talley - American fashion journalist

Citizen DJ - Make music using the free-to-use audio and video materials from the Library of Congress

Jessye Norman - American opera singer

What to Read

Seven Guitars - August Wilson

A Library - Nikki Giovanni

Library of Congress "Books That Shaped America"  

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants- Robin Wall Kimmerer

Behind the Scenes: Or Thirty Years a Slave, and Four Years in the White House - Elizabeth Keckley

A History of Reading - Alberto Manguel

Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum - Antonia Hylton

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents - Isabel Wilkerson

What to listen to

Wild Is The Wind - Nina Simone

Round Midnight - Hazel Scott

Amazing Grace - Jessye Norman

Process - Samora Pinderhughes

Previous IBI Episodes to check out

E2. Dr. Mabel O. Wilson, Architect and Scholar.

E7. André Leon Talley, Fashion Icon (part one).

E7. André Leon Talley, Fashion Icon (part two).

E56. Rita Dove: The Pleasure of Text.

E79. Liberation Through Libraries. with (Reginald) Dwayne Betts

Who to follow

W: https://www.loc.gov/

IG: Library of Congress (@librarycongress)

TW: Carla Hayden (@LibnOfCongress) · X

This conversation was recorded on January 30, 2024.

Host Dario Calmese 

Producer:  K.T. Thompson

Lead Designer:  Elliott McKnight

Director of Digital Content: Vicky Garcia

Production Asst:  Noa Lesche

Original Music composed by Adam Radice

Sound Engineer:  Adam Radice

Visit us at blackimagination.com 

Watch other episodes on YouTube at The Institute of Black Imagination.