In this episode, we reflect on the importance of creating liberatory art and media rooted in oral histories. We explore how to honor our experiences through storytelling that is honest, ethical, and complete in the pursuit of collective liberation.

LeeAnn C. Morrissette is a Black southern, multidisciplinary storyteller and cultural worker based on unceded Cusabo land (Charleston, SC). She has created for Oxford American, the Cornucopia Institute, Good Food Jobs, Nonprofit Quarterly, the Stacey Abrams for Governor Campaign, Blavity, Black Girl In Om, Honey Pot Co, The Highland Project, and most recently the National Black Food & Justice Alliance serving as the Director of Communications and Culture.

Richie Reseda creates high-quality music, film and fashion that dismantles oppressive narratives and expands love in pop culture through his company Question Culture. He also cofounded and co-directed Success Stories, which is a transformational feminist program for incarcerated  men and was chronicled in the CNN documentary “The Feminist on Cell Block Y”. Finally, He organized people who are impacted by mass incarceration to change laws and end it through Initiate Justice.

Sovereign: Reclaiming Black Land is a series, rich in storytelling, history, and ritual, in which we explore what it means to be sovereign. With Black land at the center, this podcast brings together prominent activists, artists, and weavers with the rising generation of Black land stewards for inspiring conversations that honor the past and create blueprints for the future.

This podcast is hosted by Crysta Bloom and Clara AgborTabi, and co-produced by Crysta Bloom and Zera Bloom. Our theme music is created by Naima Penniman and Zera Bloom. Our artwork and graphics is created by Crysta Bloom. Sovereign: Reclaiming Black Land is presented by Soul Fire Farm.

Watch Richie’s film Songs from the Hole and follow him on social media @richiereseda

Learn more about LeAnne’s work at https://www.lcmorrissette.com/

Find Soul Fire Farm at https://www.soulfirefarm.org/ and on social media @soulfirefarm

Follow Crysta Bloom’s work at https://www.embodiedbloom.com/ and on social media @crystaembodiedbloom

Follow zera bloom on social media at @zera.bloom

Learn more about Naima Penniman’s work at https://www.naimainfinity.com and on social media at @naimainfinity