Today’s episode is with landscape architect, designer, urbanist, and public artist Sara Zewde. Sara is the co-founder of Studio Zewde– a design firm practicing landscape architecture, urban design, and public art, as well as an assistant professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. In this episode, she shares how design has been leveraged as a tool of oppression and how everyone must be involved in the process of thinking about the world they want to create. 

We explore the controversial origins of landscape architecture along with topics that range from Hurricane Katrina not only being a natural disaster but a political failure that ignited her curiosity about the land, architecture being built on the backs of Black women, and ultimately the bold moves we should be making now to engage with the environment. Sara’s story introduces you to the origins of architecture that have been omitted and challenge us to participate in the design of being. 

Things mentioned

Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. is the father of landscape architecture

Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. 

Seneca Village existed before Central Park 

Liberatory Design is a process and practice

Africatown Community Land Trust can be a model for us

Graffiti Pier by Studio Zewde

What to read

Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde

An Aesthetic of Blackness: Strange and Oppositional by bell hooks

The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. Du Bois 

Journeys and Explorations in the Cotton Kingdom: A Traveller's Observations on Cotton and Slavery in the American Slave States Based Upon Three Former by Frederick Law Olmsted Sr. 

Who to follow

Find her on IG

To learn more about her work, visit Studio Zewde and follow them on IG

This conversation was recorded on May 3rd, 2022. 

Host Dario Calmese 

Production Assistant: Coniqua Johnson 

Visual Art Direction and Designs: 

River Wildmen, AfroVisualism

Original Music composed by Dario Calmese 

Visit us at blackimagination.com 

Today’s episode is with Chef, Fermenter, Food Scientist, Photographer, and New York Times best-selling author David Zilber. David is the former Director of Fermentation for “NOMA” Copenhagen; known as one of the most coveted restaurants on the planet, and co-author of the New York Times best-selling book, “The Noma Guide to Fermentation”. In this episode, he shares how the power of a nudge can unlock a world of unlimited possibilities, and trusting biological processes beyond instant gratification.  

We explore David’s multicultural upbringing growing up in Toronto, Canada, along with topics that range from connecting fermentation to everyday life, how photography allows him to tether his curiosity for science and fermentation, and ultimately how he’s been able to bloom in the midst of chaos. David’s story is one filled with invaluable gems and speaks to the power of leaning into curiosity. 

Things mentioned

"NOMA", Copenhagen restaurant

James Webb Space Telescope

Hubble Space Telescope

Lagrange point

What to read

The Noma Guide to Fermentation: Including Koji, Kombuchas, Shoyus, Misos, Vinegars, Garums, Lacto-Ferments, and Black Fruits and Vegetables by David Zilber and René Redzepi

Inbetweeners: On the meaning of (re)mediation in mycelial and human worlds by David Zilber

Why Fermentation Is So Important To One Of The World’s Best Restaurants

Essays in Love by Alain de Botton

The Dawn of Everything by David Graeber and David Wengrow

The Living Planet by David Attenborough

On the Origin of Evolution: Tracing 'Darwin's Dangerous Idea' from Aristotle to DNA by John Gribbin and Mary Gribbin

A Natural History of the Future: What the Laws of Biology Tell Us about the Destiny of the Human Species by Rob Dunn 

The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green

Being a Human: Adventures in Forty Thousand Years of Consciousness by Charles Foster

What to listen to

Too Hot by Kool & The Gang

Get Up Offa That Thing by James Brown

September by Earth, Wind & Fire

Who to follow

Follow David Zilber on IG @david_zilber

You can also find his photography here.

This conversation was recorded on February 3rd, 2022.

Host Dario Calmese 

Producer Carmen D. Harris  

Production Assistant: Coniqua Johnson 

Visual Art Direction and Designs: 

River Wildmen, AfroVisualism

Original Music composed by Dario Calmese 

Visit us at blackimagination.com 

Today’s episode is with food writer, producer, and media entrepreneur Stephen Satterfield. Stephen is the host of Netflix’s critically acclaimed docuseries “High on the Hog” and the founder of Whetstone, a magazine and media company dedicated to food origins and culture from around the world. In this episode, he shares the importance of food origins as a space for reclamation and what it means to examine who and what’s being left out of the story. 

We explore Stephen’s own origin story–growing up in Atlanta in the ’80s–along with topics that range from his start as a young sommelier, the implications of citizens being divorced from food culture, and ultimately how being crushed by a series of life events propelled his career forward; leading him from self-doubt to conviction. 

Things to read

Oysters originated because of a Black man

James Hemings invented baked Mac and Cheese

Whetstone Magazine, Summer 2021

What to check out

Whetstone Media

Kara Washington and food apartheid

Environmental factors that affect a crop - Terroir

Stephen Satterfield became a Sommelier before his 21st birthday

What to listen to

Episode mentioned by Dario - The Morality of Meat

Point of Origin Podcast

Whetstone Radio Collective

Outkast - Mainstream (1996)

Who to follow

Stephen Satterfield on IG

This conversation was recorded on March 4th, 2022

Host Dario Calmese 

Producer Carmen D. Harris  

Production Assistant: Coniqua Johnson 

Visual Art Direction and Designs: 

River Wildmen, AfroVisualism

Original Music composed by Dario Calmese 

Visit us at blackimagination.com 

Today’s episode is with author, podcast host, and speaker Luvvie Ajayi Jones. Luvvie is a New York Times-Bestselling author and in this conversation, she lays out what it takes to become a professional troublemaker: unapologetically opinionated, courageous, and unafraid to speak the truth even if your voice shakes. 

We explore topics that range from the difference in Black identities between Nigeria and the United States, her path from failing chemistry to creating one of the industry’s most popular blogs, how love shows up when you’re not paying attention, and what ultimately allowed her to finally call herself as a writer. This conversation is one that speaks to the troublemaker in all of us. 

Her latest book, “Rising Troublemaker: A Fear-Fighter Manual for Teens'' is now available for preorder at Penguin Randomhouse (link below).

Click here to take our listener survey!

What to read

Luvvie Ajayi Jones’ NYT, bestselling book "I’M JUDGING YOU: The Do-Better Manual"

Her recently released book, "Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual"

Luvvie Ajayi Jones' Blog 

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

Rising Troublemaker: A Fear-Fighter Manual for Teens

What to listen to

Luvvie’s podcast Professional Troublemaker

Things mentioned

Join Luvvie in her private community, Luvvnation

Who to follow?

Check out Luvvie on all her platforms: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn

For more information about Luvvie Ajayi Jones, visit her site.

This conversation was recorded on January 20th, 2022

Host Dario Calmese 

Producer Carmen D. Harris  

Production Assistant: Coniqua Johnson 

Visual Art Direction and Designs: 

River Wildmen, AfroVisualism

Original Music composed by Dario Calmese 

Visit us at blackimagination.com 

In this conversation, we discuss a wide range of topics from Eboni’s experience growing up in Brooklyn during the ’80s, to her studies of Black Theology along with her definition of Womanist Theology. Through conversation, vulnerability and curiosity eventually we land on what that pivotal moment in Eboni’s life was that ultimately propelled her to pursue her calling. 

More on a Black Liberation and Womanist Theology 

Womanist theology

Black theology

Black Theology and Black Power 

Black Theology of Liberation 

The Matriarchs of Black Womanist Theology 

Jacqueline Grant 

Katie Cannon 

Delores Williams 

Sacred Text of Black Womanist Theology

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Black Madonna

The Father of Black Liberation Theology

James Howell Cone 

Sermons by Eboni Marshall Turman 

Rev. Dr. Eboni Marshall Turman at Howard University Andrew Rankin Chapel Feb 28 2021

Books by Eboni Marshall Turman 

Toward a Womanist Ethic of Incarnation: Black Bodies, the Black Church, and the Council of Chalcedon (Black Religion/Womanist Thought/Social Justice) 

Where Eboni started her education 

Headstart

Where Eboni started her dance education 

Da Butt by E.U. 

Playlist inspired by this conversation 

Iesha by Another Bad Creation 

Biz Markie “Albee Square Mall” (1988)

Jay-Z “Where I’m From” (1997)

Short Films inspired by this conversation 

Celebrating Revelations at 50 by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 

Places to Visit 

Eboni Marshall Turman

This conversation was recorded on February 25, 2022 

Host Dario Calmese 

Producer Carmen D. Harris  

Visual Art Direction and Designs: 

River Wildmen, AfroVisualism

Director of Digital Content: vickygcreative.com

Original Music composed by Dario Calmese 

Today’s episode is with contemporary artist Kenturah Davis. Exploring language, looms, and listening beyond the limen, Kenturah's work reminds us that identity requires an intimacy with the unknown and oftentimes hidden portraits of ourselves. 

We explore topics that range from the diminishing value of a Masters of Fine Arts degree to urban planning and design to Toni Morrison’s essay “The Site of Memory”, this conversation is one that holds our hearts in an audible essay on the shadows of life and living. 

What to read.

The Site of Memory by Toni Morrison 

Playlist inspired by this conversation.

Atladena- Kelela 

Apocalypse-Thundercat

Who to follow.

Kenturah Davis 

This conversation was recorded on 12/14/21. 

Host Dario Calmese 

Producer Carmen D. Harris  

Visual Art Direction and Designs: 

River Wildmen, AfroVisualism

Director of Digital Content: vickygcreative.com

Original Music composed by Dario Calmese 

Today’s conversation is with chef and activist Zoe Adjonyoh. Zoe is the founder and creative brainchild behind Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen and author of one of New York Times most notable cookbooks of 2021. Exploring identity, belonging,and culture, Zoe’s career is one of pivots and pirouettes that ultimately land her at home with herself and her love of Ghanian food, family, and justice. 

In today’s episode, we explore themes of identity, justice, ancestry, family, and well, of course, food. Zoe’s story will inspire anyone whose path feels non-linear or circuitous. Remember, you are right where you are supposed to be…always..in all the ways.  As Zoe reminds us, those whispers of the universe are always speaking to us

Things that we mention

What is a Black hole?  Let’s ask NASA 

Peanut Stew

Zoe’s Ghana Kitchen Site

Cooking up consciousness 

British National Party

Zoe's Ghana Kitchen: An Introduction to New African Cuisine

James Baldwin, In his own searing revelatory words,’I am not your Negro’

What was happening in the 1980s in London

From the New York Time Archives: 

Neo-nazis accoused of London Riots, July 5 1981 

And also from the New York Times

The Best Cookbooks of 2021

This conversation was recorded on December 16, 2021 and February 1, 2022 

Host Dario Calmese 

Producer Carmen D. Harris  

Production Assistant: Coniqua Johnson 

Visual Art Direction and Designs: 

River Wildmen, AfroVisualism

Original Music composed by Dario Calmese 

Visit us at blackimagination.com 

Today’s episode is with Estelle; a Grammy-award winning singer, song writer, and record producer.  A woman clearly comfortable with who she is, how she loves, and the boundaries she erects to express said love, Estelle has opened the sun-lit window of her lyrical world for the Institute of Black Imagination… on today.  And the church said amen.

Through storytelling and poignant advice-laden gems, Estelle shares the value of being prepared, why you must  stay in your craft, and how the industry has changed since she first started over 20 years ago. This conversation is not all business though- Estelle shares her definition of love with me and who to go to for advice when your friends and family can’t help you anymore

A playlist Inspired by Estelle’s journey and this conversation 

Mi Deyah Again- Beres Hammond

Better-Estelle

American Boy-Estelle featuring Kanye West 

Stomp-Kirk Franklin

Right Here (Human Nature Radio Mix)-SWV

Don’t Leave Me- Blackstreet

Roc Boys- Jay-Z

You Bring Me Joy-Anita Baker 

It Don’t Mean a Thing if You Aint Got That Swing- Ella Fitzgerald 

A Night in Tunisia (live)- Dizzy Gillespie 

Books that Estelle gifts the most

Will Smith’s Memoir “Will” 

The Seven Levels of Intimacy: The art of loving and being loved by Matthew Kelly

This conversation was recorded on March 3, 2022

Host Dario Calmese 

Producer Carmen D. Harris  

Visual Art Direction and Designs: 

River Wildmen, AfroVisualism

Original Music composed by Dario Calmese 

Visit us at blackimagination.com

Today’s episode is with Jericho Brown, a Pulitzer-prize winning poet, scholar, and the Director of Creative Writing at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Exploring poetry as sound, Jericho's written word reminds us that language is always heard before it is spoken and spoken in order to be experienced. 

Dario explores an intimate conversation characterized by love- Jericho’s love for exploring the sound of creation, love for his inner child, and love for being in love. We discuss how it is possible to fall in love in a pandemic and what we do to protect ourselves from love and harm. If you aspire to write or create, allow this professor to guide you out of your belief in writer’s block and into your seat of messy.  Sensitive content: sexual abuse and rape

What We Mention

Jericho reads his latest poem Vaccinated and from The Tradition 

Battle of Jericho

Phenomenal Woman- Maya Angelou 

Ego Tripping- Niikki Giovani 

Mother to Son- Langston Hughes 

The Negro Speaks of Rivers - Langston Hughes

A Playlist Inspired by this Conversation

Lord I’m running trying to make 100  St Stephens COGIC Youth Choir, 1997

I put on for my city by Young Jeezy

The Lord’s Prayer – Patti LaBelle 

This conversation was recorded Jan 4, 2022

Host Dario Calmese 

Producer Carmen D. Harris  

Visual Art Direction and Designs: 

River Wildmen, AfroVisualism

Original Music composed by Dario Calmese 

Visit us at blackimagination.com 

Show Notes 

Timnit Gebru is an artificial intelligence researcher.  Timnit advocates for fair and just use of the technology we use everyday. A former employee of Google, Timnit consistently calls in and calls out a Big Tech industry that leverages power, capital, and bias in favor of, well, themselves and their wallets. From language to surveillance- Timnit knows the potential harms of artificial intelligence know no bounds.

In a time when we’re at war, today’s episode calls into question for whom we are fighting? Whose wars are worthy of discussion and what harms are so deeply ingrained within our consciousness that we ignore our own civilian casualties. As the world witnesses the 16th month of a war in Ethiopia, Timnint’s journey reminds us of the refugee, the warrior, and the heroes we often dismiss and determine unworthy of home. 

This conversation was recorded on Jan 27, 2022

Learn More about this topic 

• Rhua benjamin
• Simone browne (Dark Matters: on Surveillance of Blackness) 
• Coded bias 
• Tawana petty
• Support regulations to safeguard 
• Mar Hicks wrote op ed for Wired (tech historian)

Who to follow? 

• Algorithm justice league 
• Data society 
• Data for black lives
• AI Now 
• DAIR 

Other Things we mention 

 contentauthenticity.org 

The fairness doctrine  

Fairness doctrine washington post article 

Host Dario Calmese