The Institute of Black Imagination.
The Institute of Black Imagination is a podcast hosted by artist, writer, and designer Dario Calmese. Each week, it features conversations with leading cultural innovators and iconoclasts from The Pool of Black Genius. The show aims to inspire, engage, and help listeners unleash their own imagination.
Episodes
E101. Answering The Call with Rev. Dr. Norvell Goff, Sr.
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 th
E100. What If We Get It Right? with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
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
E99. Blood Memories with Gina Paige Co-Founder of AfricanAncestry.com
Episode Overview: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 h
E98. The Body Politic. A Conversation with Elle Moxley
Episode Summary: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 he
E97. SEAMLESS. with Oscar Winning Costume Designer, Paul Tazewell
Episode Summary: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 d
E96. Towards A New Architecture. with Dr. Lesley Lokko OBE
About The GuestToday 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 pio
E95. Designing In Place. with Nifemi Marcus-Bello
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 o
E94. The Black School with Co-Founders Shani Peters And Joseph Cuillier, III
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,
E93. Imagining Diasporic Retrofutures with Olalekan Jeyifous
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 Bl
E92. The People's University with Dr. Carla Hayden
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
E91: From Dancehall to the World with JAWARA
Welcome to the Institute of Black Imagination, where we beam in conversations with iconoclasts from the galaxy of Black genius. I am your host, Dario. Today, we're thrilled to welcome Jawara, a cutting-edge visionary in all things hair, fashion, and beauty. His work graces the pages of British Vogue, American Vogue Italian Vogue, OK, all the Vogues.., i-D Magazine, T Magazine, and W Magazine
E90. Space Agency. with Brigette Romanek
Welcome to the IBI podcast, beaming in conversations from the galaxy of Black genius. Today, we explore the mind of Brigette Romanek, one of LA’s foremost Interior designers. As the founder of Romanek Design Studio, some of her notable clients include Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna, Demi Moore, and even the queen herself, Beyonce. (a fact we can neither confirm nor deny). Known for her “Livable Luxe” Gu
E89. Perfection is an Illusion with Kirk Franklin
Welcome to Semester 6 of the IBI podcast, your Tribe of Mentors, from the Pool of Black Genius. Speaking of Black genius, today’s guest needs no introduction, but we will go ahead and introduce him anyway. Y’all it’s Kirk Franklin. Yes, THAT Kirk Franklin. 19 Grammy Award-winning Kirk Franklin. Contemporary Gospel innovator Kirk Franklin. .. The gifted singing, songwriting, piano-playing, producin
E88. The Best of 2023 - IBI Team Favorites
Well friends, we made it. 2023 had its share of joys and challenges, individually and collectively, but we are here. Together. In community. This special podcast edition is our final episode of the year, and you’re in for a treat! Not only will you hear from me, but you will also hear from 6 IBI team members, in their own words, as they introduce a snippet from their favorite episode of 2023.We be
E87: Catching The Spirit with Chester Higgins, Jr.
Today’s conversation is with the legendary photographer, Chester Higgins. I’ve admired Chester’s work for years… he’s a master of his craft, and a technician to the Nth degree. But it’s one thing to appreciate the work of an artist, it’s another to delve into their worldview: the work we see simply being an artifact of a greater pursuit. Well, that’s what today’s holds. What appears to be captured
E86: Sketching A Revolution with Emory Douglas
Today, we embark on a profound journey with the iconic Emory Douglas. As the former Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party, Emory's art ignited a revolution. Today, we ask you to reorient your ears… this is history. There’s an old African proverb that states when a person transitions, a library burns to the ground. Well, today’s conversation with Emory Douglass is a living archive reveali
E85. Mastering Your Story with Lena Waithe
Today, we're honored to sit down with the incredible Lena Waithe, a trailblazing writer, producer, and actress who's reshaped film and TV.In this enlightening chat, Lena shares her roots, tracing back to her grandmother's brave journey from Arkansas to Chicago. We explore the concept of identity, her take on 'ladylike,' and how she's embraced her individuality.Lena reflects on how societal expecta
E84. Life on the Streets with Andre D. Wagner
Our guest today is none other than the visionary photographer, Andre D. Wagner. With a lens that tells stories in a way that words cannot, Andre has made a significant mark in the world of photography. He has been commissioned by The New Yorker, The New York Times, Esquire, W Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Time, Vogue, well, YouTube the picture. In addition to his editorial work, he was the cr
E83. The Unmasking of AI with Dr. Joy Buolamwini
Today, we have a truly remarkable guest. Joining us today is the brilliant Dr. Joy Buolamwini, a computer scientist, digital activist and self-described “Poet of Code” whose journey began at that Temple of Technology, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, or MIT for short. She's the founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, a place where art and activism intersect to illuminate the social im
E82. Dancing Through the Archive with the Legendary George Faison
Today, we have a very special interview with the legendary choreographer and producer, George Faison. In this conversation, George takes us on a journey through his remarkable life, from his early days in Washington, D.C., to his experiences dancing with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and mostly, and his iconic role as the choreographer of the "The Wiz" on Broadway. For which he won a Tony. B
E81. The Sound of Success with Tank and The Bangas
In today's episode, we're joined by Tarriona ”Tank” Ball and Norman Spence of the Grammy-nominated Tank & The Bangas, a band hailing from the vibrant, swampy, and swinging coastal town of New Orleans. They've been wowing audiences since 2011 with their eclectic fusion of funk, soul, hip-hop, and spoken word. Today, we explore their dynamic journey from open mic nights to Grammy nominations; di
E80. Apertures and Activism with Misan Harriman
Today we have a truly inspiring conversation that delves into the power of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformational journey of one extraordinary individual, photographer, entrepreneur, and social activist, Misan Harriman, a name that has become synonymous with the art of storytelling through the lens. The first brother to shoot a cover for British Vogue in its 104-year history. Misan's
E79. Liberation Through Libraries. with (Reginald) Dwayne Betts
Today we are diving into the captivating life story of Attorney, Artist & Activist (Reginald) Dwayne Betts, a man whose path took unexpected turns, leading him to discover the boundless potential within himself.As we journey through Dwayne's life, we'll explore the profound impact of literature on his transformation, his encounters with influential poets like Sonia Sanchez, and the survival st
E78. The Black Space Continuum. with Dr. Danielle Wood
Our guest today, Dr. Danielle Wood, is a shining example of how passion and perseverance can lead you to the stars. She defied the odds, shattered expectations, and carved her own path to become a leader in the world of space exploration and technology.So, join us as we embark on this cosmic voyage with Dr. Danielle Wood and discover how she unveiled the universe, one challenge at a time.Be sure t
E77. Predictions of Black Imagination (feat. The Future of Storytelling w/ Charlie Melcher)
Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Institute of Black Imagination. Today we're taking a little detour, podcast inception if you will! We're sharing with you another podcast that featured yours truly as a guest.Get ready to embark on a journey with The Future of Storytelling and my good friend host Charlie Melcher, where we explore my personal journey and delve into the heart of the In
Summer School - The Art of Living w. Lana Turner - Part 1
Today’s Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is part 1 of episode 13 with Harlem socialite and style icon, Lana Turner. Born at the Women’s Hospital on West and 110th St. and still residing in the neighborhood 70 years later, Ms. Turner is quintessential Harlem, a landmark unto herself. A mathematician of dressing, Ms. Turner does not just put clothes on but uses her body as a medium in whic
Summer School - Through Obstacles with Olympian Daryl Homer.
Today’s Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 25 with fencer and three-time Olympian, Daryl Homer. Hailing from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Daryl, along with his mother and sister relocated to the Gun Hill section of the Bronx when he was five. His interest in fencing began at an early age, after encountering the word “Fencing” in a pictorial dictionary that his mother gave him.
Summer School - The Art of Hip-Hop w. Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter.
‘Black Thought’ Trotter on his origin story: “I think often in the case of heroes or of a character, a protagonist who sort of rises to greatness there is some trauma Yeah. And you know my life is was no different.”Today’s Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 12 with a man who needs no introduction, but I’m going to introduce him anyway: Tariq Luqmaan Trotter, better known a
Summer School - VR Immersion w. Psychologist Dr. Courtney Cogburn.
In today’s Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 4 with psychologist, Dr. Courtney Cogburn. Hailing from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Doctor Cogburn’s research focuses on how racism contributes to health disparities amongst Black Americans and in particular how over time, blatant and subtle racism in media stresses and literally wears down Black bodies—a phenomenon also known as
Summer School - Timnit Gebru: Asylum From A.I.
Today’s Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 39 with Timnit Gebru 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
Summer School - Dr. Mabel O. Wilson, Architect and Scholar.
Today’s Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 2 with architect, designer, and scholar, Dr. Mabel O. Wilson. Doing double duty as a Professor of Architecture and as Associate Director of the Institute for Research in African American Studies, both at Columbia University, Dr. Wilson is not your traditional designer of buildings. Her trans-disciplinary practice extends well beyond the
Summer School - Casey Gerald, Writer and Entrepreneur.
Today’s Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 3 with writer Casey Gerald. Born in Oak Cliff Texas, Casey’s life reads like a textbook definition of The American Dream. Oh you know, Small town boy from a troubled home makes good and lands in the Ivy Leagues—Yale to be exact. Casey later goes off to Harvard Business school and co-founds the nonprofit MBAs Across America, for wh
Summer School - The Hidden Costs of Racism with Heather McGhee.
Today’s Summer School episode from the IBI Archive is episode 23 with Heather McGhee. Heather designs and promotes solutions to inequality in America. Do you know Heather? You might know Heather. Maybe you saw her on NBC’s Meet the Press, or MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” Or perhaps you saw her sparring with Republican Senator John Kennedy during the confirmation hearings of supreme court Just
E67. Semester Four Recap with Dario.
And now a word from our Founder & Host Dario Calmese. Thank you for your support and being a part of our community. We are taking a break, but we will not leave you wanting. Class is still in session. This Summer School Semester we will be sharing some of our favorite previous episodes. In case you missed it, or want to revisit and catch more pearls of wisdom with us. We are looking forwa
E66b. Milisuthando Bongela: Inside Apartheid's Wish.
Today’s episode is an odyssey through Mili’s own journey through ancestral ties, personal identity, and relationships. She walks us through the process of engaging our ancestors in our everyday lives. We explore the necessity for connection and healing between Africans and African Americans. And we delve into the lessons one learns by simply sitting with questions that may never be answered. Tell
E66a. Milisuthando Bongela: Inside Apartheid's Wish.
Today’s episode is an odyssey through Mili’s own journey through ancestral ties, personal identity, and relationships. She walks us through the process of engaging our ancestors in our everyday lives. We explore the necessity for connection and healing between Africans and African Americans. And we delve into the lessons one learns by simply sitting with questions that may never be answered. Tell
E65. Rayvon Fouché: Game Changer - Tech, Sports & Black Ingenuity.
In today’s episode, Rayvon gives us a peek into the locker room, revealing how athletic teams use biometric data to craft game day strategy. He also shares the drawbacks of using technology and Artificial Intelligence not only on the playing field but also in the courtroom. He shines a light on the importance of creating pathways for black and brown individuals to gain access to research fun
E64. Alia Dahl: Curriculum - The Business of Art.
In today’s episode, Alia gives us a rundown on the role of the gallery and gallery representation. She shares what young artists should be considering when starting their careers, and helpful guidance on how to price their work. She weighs in on the impacts and pitfalls of social media for artists, the direction of NFT’s and what the art world needs to do to become more egalitarian. We’re trying s
E63. Dossé-Via Trenou: Written In The Stars.
Today's episode is an exploration of the stars, so get your notebooks out. Dossé-Via walks us through the African origins of modern astrology, how star-gazing is actually compatible if not embedded within Christianity, Islam, and other religious practices, and what compatibility REALLY means. Not to mention breaking down all those astrological houses and alignments and, well, you get the pi
E62. Robert Battle: The Power of Community.
In today's episode, Robert explores what it means to lead with legacy in mind. We talk through the lessons learned from fully immersing oneself in their craft and the importance of building a community. Today’s episode is sure to leave you inspired so be sure to share your most motivational moments with us over on Twitter and Instagram at @blackimagination. You can also view this episode and catch
E61. Justin Garrett Moore: Imagining Black Space.
In today’s episode, Justin educates us on the questions we should be asking about our neighborhoods. He shares how to find your voice while highlighting the important role black and brown people can play in the world of philanthropy. Today’s episode will be full of gems so make sure to share your favorite moment with us over on Twitter and Instagram at @blackimagination. You can also view this epi
E60. Kevin Bethune: Dreams, Design and Life.
Show notesIn today’s episode, Kevin shares with us his life-long pursuit of creative curiosity. He reminds us that what may seem like a career pivot from the outside, is really an internal expansion; as each new acquired skill makes you uniquely qualified for the problems you aim to solve. It encourages us to tap into the path of experimentation and how pursuing “stretch assignments” can test the
E59. Camille A. Brown: For Colored Girls.
Today’s episode is with award-winning choreographer + director Camille A. Brown. Do you know Camille? You know Camille. You may recognize her work, on Broadway in Once On This Island or on television choreographing Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert! Camille’s work is an ode to reclamation and staying connected to ancestral ties with her deep passion to empower Black bodies by allow
E58. Jason Mayden: Be Your Own Superhero.
Today’s episode is with sneaker designer and tech entrepreneur Jason Mayden. Jason is the founder of Super Heroic, a footwear brand empowering children to be their own heroes. He’s also the CEO of Trilicon Valley– a modern design collective made up of entrepreneurs, designers, athletes, and all-around creatives. You may recognize him from his time spent at Nike in their digital sports division ser
E57. All About Love.
This special edition of the podcast is our final episode of 2022. Today we are revisiting our conversations with thirteen of our guests from this year as they illustrate what happens when you lead with love. Our guests not only talk about romantic love but also highlight what it means to be madly in love with your work, what it can teach us about ourselves, and how important it is to fall hea
E56. Rita Dove: The Pleasure of Text.
Today’s episode is with Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and Author Rita Dove. Rita is a US Poet Laureate, the recipient of 29 honorary degrees…Yes, you heard correctly…29, and the only poet to be honored with both the National Humanities Medal and the National Medal of Arts. Her portfolio of work is timeless, precise, and captures the complexity of life. In today’s episode, we explore the pleasur
E55. Sekou Cooke: Creation of Hip-Hop Architecture.
Today's episode is with architect Sekou Cooke. Sekou is one of the leading advocates for the study and practice of Hip-Hop Architecture, a practice that poses hip-hop as architecture and uses the language of design to investigate its construction.In today's episode, we explore why urban design cannot exist without hip-hop. We lean into what can happen if we start to understand the nature of urban
E54. Jerald Cooper: HoodCentury Modern.
Today’s conversation is with creative director, and architectural archivist Jerald “Coop” Cooper. Coop is the founder of Hood-century Modern — an Instagram account that sparked a preservation movement by highlighting the iconic and unique designs of mid-century buildings in Black neighborhoods; connecting modern architecture to Black culture. A hip-hop aficionado and curious soul, Coop reminds us
E53b. Frank B. Wilderson III: On Afropessimism II.
Today’s episode is with award-winning writer, scholar and activist Frank B. Wilderson III. Frank is known as the Godfather of Afropessimism: a critical theory that positions anti-blackness as the antidote for the psychic well-being of society. Did that sound heady? Well, pull out our pen and paper. Frank’s curiosity and fearlessness in revealing hard truths, takes us on a scholarly journey that wi
E53a. Frank B. Wilderson III: On Afropessimism I.
Today’s episode is with award-winning writer, scholar and activist Frank B. Wilderson III. Frank is known as the Godfather of Afropessimism: a critical theory that anti-blackness is “necessary for world-making at every level of abstraction.” Did that sound heady? Well, get ready. Frank’s curiosity, appetite for knowledge and nuance, along with his fearlessness to explore what is, in the absence of
E52. Ghetto Gastro (Jon Gray): 15 Seconds to Decide.
Today’s conversation is with food enthusiast, storyteller, and creative strategist Jon Gray. Jon is the co-founder and self-proclaimed dishwasher of Ghetto Gastro— a collective that uses food as a medium to ignite conversations about race, inequity, and inclusivity. Jon’s love affair with the Bronx, usage of mixed media, and desire to build new narratives that empower black and brown people, teach
E51. Jerome Lamaar: The Power of Imagination.
Today’s conversation is with creative director, designer and stylist Jerome Lamaar. Jerome is a trendsetter whose perspective on art, culture, concepts and colors has transformed style. Exploring the power of imagination, controlling their own narrative, and pride in their community, Jerome has never been afraid to color outside the lines, illustrating their own reality. In today’s episode, w
E50. June Ambrose: The Style Architect.
Today’s conversation is with designer and creative director June Ambrose. June is an award-winning creative director, stylist, costume designer, and entrepreneur who has built a career creating culture-shifting moments through fashion and style. Using fashion as her language, June teaches us her own personal way of finding one’s voice. In today’s episode, we explore themes of finding one’s vo
E49. Bill T. Jones: The Artist is Present.
Today’s episode is with choreographer and dancer Bill T. Jones. Jones is an award winning artist and legendary dancer. His work uses storytelling, movement, and multimedia elements such as spoken narrative and videotape to examine identity, social issues and autobiographical elements of his life. His 43-year long career reminds us on the importance of gratitude and remaining present in your life a
E48. Sara Zewde: Parks and Liberation.
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 inv
E47.David Zilber: A Fermenter's Guide to the Universe.
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 unl
E46. Stephen Satterfield: The Origins of Food.
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
E45. Luvvie Ajayi Jones: The Professional Troublemaker.
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 N
E44. Rev.Eboni Marshall Turman: Redefining God's Body
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 Liberati
E43. Kenturah Davis: The Limits of Language.
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 Sit
E42. Zoe Adjonyoh: Exploring Identity Through Cuisine.
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
E41. Estelle: Becoming the Love of Your Life.
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-lad
E40. Jericho Brown: Shaping Reality with Words.
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 explor
E39. Timnit Gebru: Asylum From A.I.
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 a
E38. Toni L. Griffin: The Just City.
In today’s conversation, Dario sits with urbanist and architect Toni Griffin. Toni’s work asks us to question the design of our neighborhoods, communities, and cities. From values of belonging to voices of protection, Toni’s work calls us to stand in the center of who we say we are while gazing through the cities we claim to love. In this episode we explore themes of city design, inequity, an
E37. Bisa Butler: The Realization of Memory
In today’s conversation, Dario sits with fiber artist and storyteller Bisa Butler. Bisa tells the stories of African heritage and American home through an artistry and craft we all know as quilts. Her use of vibrant color and fine fibers reminds us that intentionality, textile, and choice allows our spirits to be known and rendered as portraits suspended in time and stories never forgotten.&n
E36. Dario Calmese: Designing Consciousness with IBI Founder.
Today’s episode is a special one. This time, it's me in the hot seat, in an extremely candid conversation with our inaugural IBI Fellow, Adam Saleh, an anti-disciplinary designer and current senior at UC Berkeley studying computer science and linguistics. The Institute of Black Imagination began as a library, when I acquired roughly 2000 books from the personal archive of the late great
E35. The Hero's Journey with Model and Activist Bethann Hardison.
Today’s episode is with the ineffable Bethann Hardison. Bethann is known to the world as a model, activist, and the grand dame of the fashion and design industry.Today’s conversation is one of iconoclastic voice and elder stateswoman reason. Wherever you are in life, you’ll find a treasure trove of timeless wisdom in this conversation with the Bethann Hardison. Save it. Bookmark it. Come back to i
E34. The Process of Un-Drowning with Poet and Scholar Alexis Pauline Gumbs (Part Two).
In today’s episode Dario sits with poet, independent scholar, and self-ascribed cousin to all sentient beings, Sista Docta Alexis Pauline Gumbs. As described by writer, Sharon Bridgforth, “Alexis serves as guide and translator of vibrational realities of dreaming into how to survive, thrive and shape-shift this world.” Dario and Alexis discuss creating our own paths outside of es
E34. The Process of Un-Drowning with Poet and Scholar Alexis Pauline Gumbs (Part One).
In today’s episode Dario sits with poet, independent scholar, and self-ascribed cousin to all sentient beings, Sista Docta Alexis Pauline Gumbs. As described by writer, Sharon Bridgforth, “Alexis serves as guide and translator of vibrational realities of dreaming into how to survive, thrive and shape-shift this world.” Dario and Alexis discuss how creatives can use their own arch
E33. The Power of Critique with Journalist Robin Givhan.
In today’s conversation, Dario sits with fashion editor and Pulitzer prize winning writer Robin Givhan. Robin’s love for the written word and the sound of a sentence is never lost on her readers. She slips in and out of the worlds of fashion, politics, culture, and race with the ease of a classically composed concerto. In a day where facts are fabled, Robin’s essays share truth with intellectual c
E32. Truth Telling Between the Lies with Chef Omar Tate.
In today’s conversation, Dario sits with celebrated community activist, restauranter, and poet, Omar Tate. Hailing from West Philadelphia, Omar’s work reminds us of our vulnerabilities when we live in the worlds of whiteness, power, and privilege. Honeysuckle, his fine dining pop-up experience turned community center and cafe, uses food as an antidote to these worlds and a portal into Black and af
E31. Cultivating Community Through Art with Curator and Activist Kimberly Drew.
Show Notes. Today’s episode Dario sits with art curator, writer, and social activist Kimberly Drew. Hailing from Orange, New Jersey, Drew was taught by her parents to trust her own voice at an early age. In a family full of creatives, this lesson was fortuitous of Kimberly’s career in the arts. Her words and voice have served to shape a new canon of Black contemporary art and question w
E30. The Tenets of Healing with Writer and Activist Darnell Moore.
In this episode, Dario sits with award-winning author and activist Darnell Moore. Moore’s scholarship weaves effortlessly between the role of the colonial state, the depraved church and the destitutes of patriarchy on political, spiritual, and social freedoms of Black, queer and marginalized people. A leading voice in culture, media, and movement, Moore antagonizes any Black liberation thought tha
E29. Scripting Your Life with Writer Jacqueline Woodson.
In this episode, Dario sits with writer and MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellow, Jacqueline Woodson. Woodson’s work reflects the prose, poetry, and undying possibilities that exist within the lives of young Black people. Often including themes that land her books on censored reading lists, Woodson challenges readers to consider our own relationships to the complexities and contraindications of life.&n
E28. Dissolving the Illusion with Artist Hank Willis Thomas.
Today’s episode is with conceptual artist, Hank Willis Thomas. Hailing from the mean streets of Plainfield, NJ… That’s a joke, by the way,. Hank’s body of work explores themes related to perspective, identity, commodity, media, and popular culture, Hank is one of the most celebrated artists of his generation. The son of musician and physicist Hank Thomas, and artist, photographer, hist
E27. Art as Therapy with Graphic Designer & Artist Brandon Breaux
Today’s episode is with artist and graphic designer, Brandon Breaux. Hailing from Chicago’s South Side, Brandon is one of those rare artists whose body of work sits comfortably at both the personal and at commercial scale. If you don’t know Brandon by name, that’s ok because we’re sure you’ve seen his work with brands like Bud Light, Alia Seltzer, most likely on all 3 of Chance t
E26. A Revolutinary Life with Black Panther Chairman, Elaine Brown.
Todays episode is with former chairman and the first and only woman to lead the Black Panther Party, Sister Elaine Brown. Elaine is a activist, writer, speaker, and songwriter known for her sharp wit and sheer intellectual voracity, but we all began somewhere, and Elaine is no exception.Hailing from the streets of North Philadelphia, Elaine had a bit of trouble finding herself early on, some would
E25. Slashing Through Obstacles with Olympian Daryl Homer.
Today’s episode is with fencer and three-time Olympian, Daryl Homer.Hailing from the U.s. virgin islands, Daryl, along with his mother and sister relocated to the Gun Hill section of the Bronx when he was five. His interest in fencing began at a early age, after encountering the word “Fencing”” in a pictorial dictionary that his mother gave him. Inspired, he begged hi
E24. Dancing Through Life with Performance Legend Carmen De Lavallade.
Today’s Episode is with actress, choreographer and dance legend, Carmen De Lavallade. Raised by a single father in post-depression Los Angeles, Carmen began her formal training at 14, a bit late for female dancers, but that didn’t stop her one bit. Within 5 years she became a lead dancer under the tutelage of renown teacher and choreographer Lester Horton, who’s technique is taught in
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