Episodes

EPISODE 1: AWBI's Manifesto: Redefining Wealth for Black Communities and Challenging the Status Quo

In this episode, AWBI CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Dr. Janelle Williams invites a special guest, co-founder of AWBI, Tené Traylor, to the mic for an intimate conversation about the genesis, growth, and the future of AWBI. Join us as Janelle and Tené traverse the remarkable journey of AWBI including the organization's birth during the challenging times such as the pandemic and civil unrest, its unwavering commitment to Black empowerment, and its profound impact on communities in Atlanta and beyond. Janelle and Tené also discuss the future of the AWBI and its mission to redefine wealth for Black communities, focusing on shared prosperity as the cornerstone of its vision.

EPISODE 2: BLACK WEALTH UNLOCKED: STRATEGIES FOR ADVANCING ECONOMIC JUSTICE AND LIBERATION

In this episode, AWBI CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Janelle Williams and AWBI VP of Research and Policy Dr. Alex Camardelle delve into the concept of Black wealth and its significance for the Black community. In this thought-provoking episode of Black Wealth Unlocked, the Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative's groundbreaking podcast, they explore how wealth equates to freedom and liberation, along with the role that data and public policy play in shaping Black wealth outcomes.

Janelle and Alex also explore the dynamic and diverse meaning of Black wealth, and how it is vital to create better outcomes for Black communities. Through this episode, discover how Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative is working towards building Black wealth by amplifying community voices, challenging policymakers and philanthropy, and rewriting existing policies and practices.

EPISODE 3: Empowering Black Entrepreneurs: The Transformative Power of Partnerships

In this episode, host Kim Addie, Vice President of Strategy and Impact at the Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative, and special guest Harriett Williams, Co-Founder and Vice President of the Village Micro Fund, as they delve into the transformative power of partnerships in building and empowering Black businesses. In this episode of Black Wealth Unlocked, you’ll discover how Village Micro Fund is bridging the gap in investments for underserved communities and providing creative financial solutions.

Together, Kim and Harriett explore the importance of trust and meaningful relationships in empowering communities. They discuss the urgent need to address the predicted decline in Black families net worth and the innovative community wealth-building practices that can reverse this trend.

EPISODE 4: The South Has Something To Say

In the last episode of the series, host Dr. Janelle Williams is joined by esteemed guests Tamieka Mosley from GrantMakers for Southern Progress, Kelly Burton from Black Innovation Alliance, and April Albritton from Black Voters Matter, as they delve deep into the importance of collective power, shared experiences, and the assault on Black communities within the diaspora.

Our guest speakers share their personal journeys and experiences, highlighting the power of grassroots organizing and using the law to fight for justice. They touch upon landmark cases, such as the Black farmers' lawsuit, where reparations were not fully attained but progress was made in reclaiming land taken from them.

The discussion also reveals the powerful connection between economic empowerment and political participation, showcasing the transformational impact of providing mortgages to the Black communities. Our guests stress the importance of understanding the historical movements for independence and supporting nations fighting for wealth-building policies.