Black Market Reads, the podcast produced by the Givens Foundation for African American Literature, proudly announces the release of its 100th episode, marking a decade of conversations with Black authors and artists whose work shapes the cultural landscape of Minnesota and beyond.
Hosted by Lissa Jones, the 100th episode is an expansive, deeply moving celebration that honors the elders, the artists, the activists, and the community that built—and continues to fuel—the Black literary tradition.
LISTEN
Anura Si-Asar of Papyrus Publishing and Rekhet Si-Asar of In Black Ink share words of congratulations and support.
GO DEEPER
Can’t Stop Won’t Stop (Rain Taxi 2020) Edited by Mary Moore Easter, Individual Poets Showcase Video Production iDream.tv/Paul Auguston
Sounds of Blackness at MIA Video iDream.tv/Edie French
The Circle Unbroken – exhibit marking the 40th anniversary of the Givens Collection of African American Literature , Curator Davu Underwood Seru, Video Production: iDream.tv/Paul Auguston, Edie French, Amy Waksmonski
FULL VERSIONS of ORIGINAL CONVERSATIONS in order of appearance
J. California Cooper, presented by Beverly Cottman
Ross Gay, The Book of Delights
Megan Giddings, The Women Could Fly
Rickey Fayne, The Devil Three Times
Pearl Cleage, The Nacirema Society and Blues For An Alabama Sky
Lynn Nottage, Sweat
Esther Callahan, Keisha Williams and Gary Hines at MIA
Claudia Rankine, Just Us
Mary Moore Easter and Bernard James, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop
Dr. Frank B. Wilderson III, Afropessimism
Gail C. Christopher, RX Racial Healing: A Guide to Embracing Our Humanity
Davu Underwood Seru, Curator Archie Givens Collection of African American Literature and Life
ABOUT
The Givens Foundation for African American Literature
The Givens Foundation is dedicated to celebrating and advancing Black storytelling through literary arts, education, and community engagement. As the nation’s oldest African American family foundation focused on literature, we amplify Black voices, inspire lifelong learning, and foster cultural connections across generations.
Lissa Jones
Lissa Jones is an experienced executive leader, culture coach, and governance strategist with a passion for helping mission-driven organizations align people, purpose, and operations.
Lissa’s work lives at the intersection of leadership, learning, and liberation. She brings clarity, care, and cultural intelligence to every room she enters. Lissa has been the host and co-producer of Black Market Reads since Season 2.
Black Market Reads
Black Market Reads is created by co-producers Lissa Jones and Edie French, technical director Paul Auguston, the voice of Derek Emery (akaYo Derek), and our artist of inspiration Ta-coumba T. Aiken. Black Market Reads is a production of the Givens Foundation for African American Literature produced in partnership with iDream.tv.
Be sure to visit BlackMarketReads.com where you can hear all 100 episodes and find GO DEEPER information about the authors and the topics explored.