Soulful conversations with Black writers, from seasoned authors to those just beginning to put pen to paper. Each episode explores their unique journeys, creative processes, cultural insights, and the works that shape their craft. Whether published or aspiring, every writer has a story worth sharing. Join us as we celebrate the power of writing and the beauty of our stories, one word at a time.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/10/13/0/10b3e7c2-eac5-4640-8f91-7b1e0c36f0c4_rochelle_riley.mp3

We talk with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Rochelle Riley about her creative process, the themes that shape her work, and how she tackles difficult yet necessary topics in her writing. Presented by the Akron Black Artist Guild, The Black Pen podcast showcases powerful conversations with Black writers at every stage of their journey—from seasoned authors to rising voices. This platform celebrates the power of storytelling and the richness of our narratives. Follow and connect with the Guild at <a href="http://www.abaguild.org/" rel="nofollow">www.abaguild.org</a>

Writing with Purpose

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/9/13/14/7b01451f-7a64-4161-863c-5178caa0ad29_ava_blu_wilson.mp3

Multifaceted artist, author, and illustrator Ava Blu Wilson talks about her creative journey, what inspires her stories, and how she brings her children’s books to life through both words and art. Presented by the Akron Black Artist Guild, The Black Pen podcast showcases powerful conversations with Black writers at every stage of their journey—from seasoned authors to rising voices. This platform celebrates the power of storytelling and the richness of our narratives. Follow and connect with the Guild at <a href="http://www.abaguild.org/" rel="nofollow">www.abaguild.org</a>

Writing and Illustrating Children’s Books

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/8/11/16/0b16089a-61d8-41a7-b578-e3af6625515b_dr._greene.mp3

Dr. Brenda M. Greene joins us to explore the importance of Black literature, the role of Black writers in shaping cultural identity, and why preserving this literary legacy matters more than ever.Presented by the Akron Black Artist Guild, The Black Pen podcast showcases powerful conversations with Black writers at every stage of their journey—from seasoned authors to rising voices. This platform celebrates the power of storytelling and the richness of our narratives.Follow and connect with the Guild at <a href="http://www.abaguild.org/" rel="nofollow">www.abaguild.org</a>

The Cultural Significance of Black Literature

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/7/11/16/02ead0c5-47fc-4aa6-be6f-ffb6db6cb7d2_kenny_jo-jo_smith.mp3

Kenny “Coach Jo-Jo” Smith, M.Ed., discusses the unique experience of co-authoring a book with his daughter and the deeper value of writing together as a family.

Writing with Family: Co-Authoring with Your Children

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/6/16/19/fc35f1ab-32dc-4e5d-b35f-65b5a93ee586_jason_blakely-keep_it_moving.mp3

Poet Jason Blakely shares his journey into writing, self-publishing, and how poetry can be a powerful tool for activism and social change. Presented by the Akron Black Artist Guild, The Black Pen podcast showcases powerful conversations with Black writers at every stage of their journey—from seasoned authors to rising voices. This platform celebrates the power of storytelling and the richness of our narratives. Follow and connect with the Guild at <a href="http://www.abaguild.org/" rel="nofollow">www.abaguild.org</a>

Poetry as Resistance: Writing, Publishing, and Social Justice

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2025/5/22/1/c6e9cbb9-b6e3-4c9d-ad42-5da88109fa24_scott_woods-do_the_work.mp3

In our inaugural episode, we sit down with poet and cultural curator Scott Woods to discuss art, community-building, and the challenges and triumphs of Black creatives. Presented by the Akron Black Artist Guild, The Black Pen podcast showcases powerful conversations with Black writers at every stage of their journey—from seasoned authors to rising voices. This platform celebrates the power of storytelling and the richness of our narratives. Follow and connect with the Guild at <a href="http://www.abaguild.org/" rel="nofollow">www.abaguild.org</a>

Creativity, Community, and Black Artistry

The Black Pen

Soulful conversations with Black writers, from seasoned authors to those just beginning to put pen to paper. Each episode explores their unique journeys, creative processes, cultural insights, and the works that shape their craft. Whether published or aspiring, every writer has a story worth sharing. Join us as we celebrate the power of writing and the beauty of our stories, one word at a time.