State sponsored police violence in the murder of George Floyd and the death of so many other victims of police violence, the grossly disproportionate death and life-altering impacts on Black communities generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the growing recognition of the systems, policies and practices that have constructed a web of oppression and disadvantage for Black people in this country for 400 years has brought America to an important inflection point. There are many questions before us, including; Who are we as a nation; Who do we want to be as a nation? Inside the exploration of these questions is also the question about the ways in which the Black community’s voice, perspective, history, and lived experience can be amplified. What are the principles that should drive the strategies for the liberation of Black people, while contributing to a movement that builds toward a more democratic America? Activists, advocates, faith leaders, community and political leaders and neighborhood residents will be enlisted to share their voices, liberation principles, and equity-building strategies that facilitate the unleashing of the untapped assets of communities that have been constrained by systems and institutional inequities. The Black Dispatch Podcast will seek out those stakeholders for their vision and perspective on transforming America’s future.

The hosts of The Black Dispatch are Hubert Morgan and Dr. Kirk E. Harris, urban planners with decades of experience. Urban planning is the practice of strengthening communities by ensuring community economic health and social well-being, while giving voice to those most vulnerable in communities. Hubert Morgan and Dr. Harris are deeply rooted in their own Black communities, and they are committed to seeing Black communities thrive by continuing to cultivate and grow their political, economic, and cultural strength.