CUNY TV's Black America

Emmy® and Tony Award winner Courtney B. Vance returns to Black America to discuss his role in Ryan Murphy’s FX and Hulu series “Grotesquerie”, the impact James Earl Jones had on his career, the challenges Black men face with mental health and more.

Jonnel C. Doris, CEO of START Treatment & Recovery Centers, discusses the urgent social challenges affecting New Yorkers and the need for comprehensive solutions to these interconnected health issues.

Dr. Jervette R. Ward, Chair of the Black Studies Department at City College, explores the transition from a program to a full-fledged department and the role five key demands from Black and Hispanic students played in this shift.

In this episode of Black America, we revisit Season 9 and highlight key moments and conversations that challenged our perspectives.

Tony Award-winning actress Nikki M. James delivers a powerful performance as Ida B. Wells in Shaina Taub’s “Suffs,” a musical that explores the 1913 Women’s Movement.

Historian and New York Times bestselling author Nell I. Painter explores her latest book, “I Just Keep Talking: A Life in Essays,” delving into decades of her historical research with original sketches and more.

New York Times bestselling and award winning author, Renée Watson joins host Carol Jenkins to discuss her novel, “Skin & Bones”.

Gilda N. Squire, Founder of Squire Media & Management Inc. Gilda is one of the few Black women who has reached to upper echelons of public relations. Her professional network has pushed the careers of many celebrities, history makers, authors and more.

Maleek Washington is a performer, choreographer and teaching artist whose creative footprint extends from the stages of Broadway to off-Broadway productions like “Soul Train: The Hippest Trip”, “Hell’s Kitchen” and “For Colored Girls.”

For many years, Rikers Island has remained at the epicenter of human rights violations. In this episode, Stanley Richards, President/CEO of The Fortune Society shares his experience working on his mission to reintegrate formerly imprisoned into society.

Marc Morial, President and CEO of The National Urban League discusses their “State of Black America” Report, home ownership, wealth gap, moving to Harlem, and other important topics with host Carol Jenkins.

Join us for the 2nd half as we dive into the importance of the Black vote and what it means for voting rights, the Supreme Court, IVF, and other key issues with three political experts.

Janet Dewart Bell shares her collection of speeches by Black women in her latest work, “Blackbirds Singing: Inspiring Black Women’s Speeches from the Civil War to the Twenty-first Century”.

As the 2024 election approaches, we dive into the importance of the Black vote and what it means for voting rights, the Supreme Court, IVF, and other key issues with three political experts, Dr. Basil Smikle, Errol Louis and Dr. Christina Greer.

Our host, Carol Jenkins sits with Dr. Jonathan Quash, Director of CUNY’s Black Male Initiative (BMI), and James Viafara, a student at Medgar Evers College to discuss the program’s significance, its historical roots, and its broader impact beyond people of color.

Dr. Uché Blackstock discusses the devastating cycle of racism in our health care system in her memoir, “Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine”.

Taking a look at Black academia and what it looks like for Black Faculty with host Carol Jenkins. Joined by June Cross, Errol Olton Dr. Marcus D. Allen

Award-winning journalist and senior television producer, Marquita Pool-Eckert shares her journey in television as a woman of color who has worked in 15 countries, breaking major news events and Sr. Producer of Sunday Morning at CBS News for 30 years.

Kimberly Peeler-Allen, Co-Founder of Higher Heights discusses Black women in politics and her new role as the Chair of Reproductive Freedom for All; formerly known as NARAL.

Marlon Taylor-Wiles, Experiential Designer & Founder of “Flying Under the Radar” (FUTR) discusses how he combines his love for fashion, dance and art through his work.

Spike Lee discusses his personal collection featured in the Brooklyn Museum, his work and legacy.

Raven Jemison, an experienced sports business executive, joins host Carol Jenkins to discuss her book, “More Than Representation: The Cheat Codes to Own Your Seat at the Table”.

Kazem Abdullah discusses his role as Conductor in “X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X” to the Metropolitan Opera for a groundbreaking performance.

Denene Millner is a New York Times Bestselling author who has written over 30 books for countless celebrities and now debuts her first solo book entitled “One Blood”.

Author, Kristal Brent Zook joins host Carol Jenkins to discuss “Girl in the Yellow Poncho: A Memoir” that takes us through her life as a young girl who navigates what it means to be biracial while trying to overcome trauma on her journey to healing.

New York Times Best Selling Author, Jacqueline Woodson joins us to discuss being named NYS Author and her latest book, “Remember Us” along with Patricia Spears Jones who shares her latest work, “The Beloved Community” and being named NYS Poet.

Rachel L. Swarns discusses her latest book, “The 272: The Families Who Were Enslaved and Sold to Build the American Church”. A story of the American Catholic Church and one family’s will to survive.

New York Times Bestselling young adult author Renée Watson discusses her journey as a writer, how she is inspiring the next generation, her character Ryan Hart and what we can expect from her next as she steps into writing for an older audience.

Entrepreneurs in Harlem receive opportunity to advance their business through M&T’s Small Business Lab. David Femi, M&T’s Head of Multicultural Banking & Diverse Market Strategy & Business and Erica Watson, winner/Owner of Mixxtresses Hair Collection.

Legendary poet and activist, Nikki Giovanni sits with host Carol Jenkins to discuss her work as a poet, activist, mother and how life has changed since sitting down as a young writer at the age of 28 with James Baldwin.

Harlem’s fashion icon, Dapper Dan joins Black America’s host Carol Jenkins to discuss his journey to building a brand that will leave a legacy beyond Harlem to remember.

Political Strategists, Yvette Buckner and Amelia Adams of Adams Buckner Advisors discuss strategies that has changed the game in getting women elected in NYC and discuss the work they have done with some high ranking officials.

Yoruba Richen, Award winning Documentary Filmmaker and Director of the Documentary Program at the Craig Newmark School of Journalism talks with us about her recent documentary, “The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Parks.”

Collette Watson, Director of Media 2070 Project and Khristopher J. Brooks, Reporter at CBS MoneyWatch shares what it looks like to be Black in the newsroom, the inequality of pay for Black journalists and how they are devalued.

Abdel R. Salaam, Artistic Director of B.A.M’s DanceAfrica and the Executive Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Forces of Nature Dance Theatre shares healing and joy through dance.

Black, Race and Ethnic Studies Initiative Council members, Dr. Anthony Browne and Dr. Tsedale Melaku discusses what this historical gift from the Mellon Foundation means for CUNY in furthering the development in University programs in BRESI.

Musicologist and Author, Dr. Guthrie P. Ramsey Jr. discusses his latest work, "Who Hears Here?", his inspirations and how he is passing it down to generations to come.

Founder and CEO, Bea Dixon joins us with her brother and Co-Founder, Sy Gray to discuss the success of their company and recent backlash from a Target ad that sparked controversy.

Creator and Executive Producer Michaela angela Davis along with Elle Moxley, Founder of The Marsha P. Johnson Institute discusses docuseries, "The Hair Tales" on HULU and OWN. Also Executive Produced by Oprah Winfrey and Tracy Ellis Ross.

Randy Donaldson, Executive Producer and Tamara Tunie, Director of "Marian the Musical" joins host, Carol Jenkins to discuss the impact Marian Anderson had on so many during the era of racial segregation to now that inspired this work they are doing today.

What's at stake for the Black vote with guests Errol Louis, Host of "Inside City Hall" on NY1 and Dr. Basil A. Smikle Jr., Distinguished Lecturer and Director of the Public Policy Program at the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College.

Emerald Garner releases her memoir, "Finding My Voice" as she shares the pain from the unjust murder of her father, Eric Garner. Emerald's story with police brutality, mental health and loss can be seen as a guide to understanding collateral damage and the way out of it.

Dr. Alexea Gaffney shares her own journey in fighting to survive breast cancer and how she continues to educate and encourage others.

Kim Taylor-Thompson, NYU Professor of Clinical Law Emerita and Editor of "Progressive Prosecution" joins host, Carol Jenkins to discuss how race shapes and misshapes the injustice in this country and her role in changing that.

Carol Jenkins sits down with her daughter Elizabeth Hines, Editor of "After Math: Life in Post-Roe America". While discussing legacy, her upcoming book and more, we turn the tables and allow Elizabeth to ask Carol a few questions of her own.

Maria Davis-Pierre, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Founder of Autism in Black joins host, Carol Jenkins to bring awareness to how autism affects those in the black community.

Author, Linda Villarosa discusses the racial health disparities in America in her latest book, "Under the Skin: The Hidden Toll of Racism American Lives and on the Health of Our Nation".

Emmy nominated journalist Abi Ishola-Ayodeji discusses her debut novel "Patience is a Subtle Thief".

Ntozake Shange's "For Colored Girls" returns to Broadway after almost 50 years. Lady in Orange, Amara Granderson, and Lady in Brown, Tendayi Kuumba joins Carol Jenkins to discuss their experiences in the play after receiving 7 Tony Nominations.

Host, Carol Jenkins is joined by Imani Perry, Author of "South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation".

Tony and Emmy® Award winning Costume Designer, Paul Tazewell joins host, Carol Jenkins to discuss looks in his latest works, "West Side Story" and "MJ the Musical" and how it all started.

Dr. Farah Jasmine Griffin joins host, Carol Jenkins to discuss her latest book, "Read Until You Understand: The Profound Wisdom of Black Life and Literature".

Carol Jenkins is joined by Brittney C. Cooper, Professor and Author of "Feminist AF: A Guide To Crushing Girlhood”.

Lighting Designer, Kathy A. Perkins joins host, Carol Jenkins to discuss her latest work and debut on Broadway for Alice Childress, "Trouble in Mind".

Playwright Keenan Scott II and Actor Forrest McClendon discuss Broadway's latest sensation, "Thoughts of a Colored Man".

Award winning journalist Vanessa De Luca has been the driving force behind many companies as Editor-in-Chief such as Essence and Zora Magazine by Medium and joins Carol Jenkins to discuss her current role as Editor-in-Chief at The Root.

CUNY welcomes Guttman's 2nd President, Dr. Larry Johnson Jr. He joins host, Carol Jenkins to discuss the goals for the school as they approach 10 years, equity and inclusion initiatives and more.

Host, Carol Jenkins sits with Joy Bivins, newest director of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture to discuss upcoming exhibitions, the African diaspora and more.

The Williamstown Theater Festival presents, Celebrating the Black Radical Imagination: 9 solo plays written and directed by Black playwrights and directors, performed live on the front lawn of the '62 Center for Theatre and Dance.

Author, Zakiya Dalila Harris joins Carol Jenkins to discuss her first and highly anticipated novel, "The Other Black Girl”.

Jamira Burley, Activist and Co-Founder of "I Am Here To" joins us to discuss this organization, being a change maker and more.

Sherra Aguirre, Author of "Joyful, Delicious, Vegan: Life Without Heart Disease" discusses her book and the importance of developing a healthy lifestyle

Marley Dias, Founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks joins us to discuss her work as an author, activist and Executive Producer to her Netflix hit, "Bookmarks”.s

Jeremy McQueen, Artistic Director and Choreographer of The Black Iris Project joins us to discuss his latest work, "Wild: Act 1", a film that explores systematic racism in the juvenile justice system.s

Cliff Albright, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Black Voters Matter joins us to discuss the fight on voter suppression, support from major corporations in voting rights, the filibuster and more.

Deborah Willis joins us to discuss her latest work, "The Black Civil War Soldier", in which she retells the stories of soldiers. Hank Willis Thomas also joins us to capture us with his works of art.

Rebecca Carroll talks with us about her latest book, "Surviving the White Gaze: A Memoir" that walks us through her struggle with race and identity as she navigates life in a white world.

Editors, Jenna Wortham and Kimberly Drew created an anthology consisting of art, recipes and moments captured in black culture and history and presented to us,"Black Futures".

Salamishah Tillet releases her new book, "In Search of the Color Purple: The Story of An American Masterpiece", where she takes a deeper look into Alice Walker's classic "The Color Purple".

After 86 years, The Apollo Theater continues to create platforms for artists and preserve a culture for the next generation.

Jamia Wilson, Director and Publisher of Feminist Press joins us to discuss her journey as a writer, her upcoming children's book and what we can expect as she prepares to move forward in her next position as the Executive Editor at Random House.

Author, Cole Brown takes us through his journey in "Greyboy: Finding Blackness in a White World", where he is met at an intersection of others expectations of "blackness" versus how he views himself.

Rep. Elijah Cummings was an influencer in politics and one who fought for the underdog. Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings joins us to discuss her late husband's final book, "We're Better Than This: My Fight For the Future of Our Democracy".

Aimee Allison, Founder and President of She the People discusses the upcoming election, the strategies in getting people out to vote and women of color running in historic numbers. Hosted by Carol Jenkins

Dr. Berenecea Johnson Eanes, President of York College discusses how York College continues to provide academic excellence to their students and meeting the challenges

Martha S. Jones, History Professor at John Hopkins University and Author of "Vanguard" and L. Joy Williams, Political Strategist and Creator and Host of "#SundayCivics" discusses the fight for black women in securing their voice and seat at the table.

Eddie Glaude Jr., Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University discusses the way he studies the works of James Baldwin and how it ties into what we are experiencing today in black america with his new book, "Begin Again".

Dr. Joy Harris-Smith, Co-Author of “The ABC’s of Diversity” and Siah Hagin, School and Mental Health Counselor discuss if and when it’s the right time to discuss racism with your children and how they are being affected by this pandemic

Dr. D'Weston Haywood, author of "Let Us Make Men and Professor at Hunter College discusses racial advancement, #sayhername, justice reform and recent protests.

Rashad Robinson, President of Color of Change; the largest online racial justice organization joins us to discuss the issues African Americans are facing during this pandemic.

Marc Morial, Mayor of New Orleans from 1994-2002 and President and CEO of the National Urban League since 2003 joins us to discuss his new book, “The Gumbo Coalition” and the importance of having a strong leader with a plan.

The HistoryMakers is the nations largest digital archive, composed of 11,000 hours of testimonies of African Americans. Julieanna L. Richardson, Executive Director and Founder joins us to discuss their work and how they have done this for 20 years.

Mikki Kendall, Author of "Hood Feminism" discusses environmental racism, food deserts and how this pandemic will affect us all on various levels.

Designers Kianga Milele and Farai Simoyi discuss the importance of being visible as a female and minority in the fashion industry. Featuring guest host, Abi Ishola.

Morgan Jerkins, Author of "This Will Be My Undoing" and Senior Editor for Zora; a medium publication for women of color joins us with guest host, Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson. They discuss the power in storytelling, The Zora Canon and upcoming new book.

Parker Todd, Author and Activist against Sickle Cell Disease discusses his journey with sickle cell and his book, "The Adventures of the Sickler". Also joined by his father and actor, Sean Ringgold.

J'Nai Bridges, Mezzo Soprano known for her "rich, dark, exciting sound" and Artist and Composer, Damien Sneed discusses their work in the arts and performs Duke Ellington's "Heaven".

NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams joins host, Carol Jenkins to discuss his plan for housing the underprivileged, underfunding at CUNY and the criminal justice reform.

Mostly known for her role as "Aunt Vi" in Oprah Winfrey and Ava Duvernay's produced show, "Queen Sugar", actress Tina Lifford joins Abi Ishola to discuss her newly released book, "The Little Book of Big Lies: A Journey Into Inner Fitness".

Author, Marlon James joins to discuss his latest book “Black Leopard, Red Wolf”.

Cristal Williams Chancellor, Director of Communications for the Women's Media Center and Journalist, Katti Gray discusses the presence of women of color in the media or lack thereof.

Filmmaker and Journalist June Cross along with MIT Professor and Award winning Director, Charlotte Brathwaite discusses voter suppression in America and their work in examining our future in the struggle for democracy and justice.

Are we still struggling with diversity today? Author & Journalist, Pamela Newkirk joins us to discuss her latest book, "Diversity, Inc.: The Failed Promise of a Billion-Dollar Business" & tackles this issue in corporate America, academia and Hollywood

As we explore the topic of race in America, we sit down with Journalist & Author, Linda Villarosa to discuss mass incarceration, slavery and her contribution to The New York's Times "The 1619 Project"

Author of Birthright Citizens, Martha S. Jones joins Carol Jenkins to discuss her book in how African American activists radically transformed the terms of citizenship for all Americans, #TheSquad and our President's views on the matter

This week, we are joined by Brent Staples, Editorial Writer for The New York Times, Pulitzer Prize winner and Author of "Parallel Time: Growing Up in Black and White".

Aimee Allison, Pres. of Democracy in Color, an organization that focuses on race, politics & the New American Majority discusses why she believes black women are the best hope for this country, her "Get in Formation" launch & the Women's March.

On this episode of Black America, we highlight our Emmy award winning web series, Blk/Am and speak to people in the arts, a fashion designer and author.

Carol Jenkins talks with celebrity hairstylists Stacey Ciceron and Yancey Edwards on the topic of hair, black women revisiting their natural hair, styles, textures and their journey in this career path.