This week we’re sharing an episode of Living for We, a podcast focused on the experiences of Black Women in Cleveland. Host Marlene Harris-Taylor uncovers how Cleveland was labeled the “Least Livable” city for Black women in a 2020 Bloomberg CityLab article. Bloomberg CityLab reporter Brentin Mock shares the story behind the livability index and how he worked with a Pittsburgh researcher who gathered the data. On the heels of the ranking, Black women in Cleveland are exploring how to finally escape from tropes such as the “strong Black woman” in order to move the needle toward a more equitable and livable city.

Calling all logophiles! Grab a pen and dust off that dictionary, we’re talking about language and vocabulary this week! Jennifer, Cheryle and Taylor share their thoughts on the power of words. Then we’re joined by vocabulary queen, author and TikTok star Beverly Mahone, popularly known as Auntie Bev. Auntie Bev talks about where her love of words began and the importance of building a strong vocabulary. Plus she dishes out some of her favorite words.

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The Black card, do you have one? Has your card ever been revoked? Have you ever revoked someone else’s? We’re answering these questions and more in this week’s episode all about “Blackness.” We’re examining ideas around performative blackness and society’s influence on our identities. Taylor, Cheryle and guest host, WBEZ reporter Adora Namigadde, share the current state of their Black cards. Plus, we’re joined by Sequoia B. Holmes, host of the Black People Love Paramore podcast.

In the battle to save democracy, who is fighting for us? This week, we’re highlighting the Black women who have and are currently fighting for equality and justice, pushing against the status quo and dismantling systems of power. Taylor, Cheryle and Jennifer name the political leaders that inspire them, the historical pitfalls of democracy and how they choose to engage politically. Then we are joined by author, trans activist and diversity and inclusion specialist Hope Giselle.