This week, we’re joined by Anna Gifty Opoku-Ayeman. Anna is a is a researcher, writer, science communicator and activist. She is the co-founder of The Sadie Collective, the only nonprofit organization addressing the lack of Black women in economics and related fields, and the editor of The Black Agenda: Bold Solutions for a Broken System, a new book of essays on policy solutions to social problems written by black activists.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“An expansive set of essays highlighting the range and force of Black leadership….An inclusive, edifying, often fiery assembly of voices articulating the way forward for Black America―and America in general.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Invigorating…policymakers will want to take note.” ―Publishers Weekly

“The Black Agenda mobilizes top Black experts from across the country to share transformative perspectives on how to deploy anti-racist ideas and policies into everything from climate policy to criminal justice to healthcare. This book will challenge what you think is possible by igniting long overdue conversations around how to enact lasting and meaningful change rooted in racial justice.” ―Ibram X. Kendi, #1 New York Times bestselling author of How to Be an Antiracist and Stamped From the Beginning

“This book is the first step towards defining Black expertise, assigning value to the work that we do, and taking up space in the public on our own terms. I, for one, am looking forward to being able to knock people on the head with the collection. I’m looking forward to the spaces in need of critical self-reflection that make this book a normal part of routine business and the discourse. And most of all, I am looking forward to everybody with any resource, no matter how small, reading this book too.” ―Tressie McMillan Cottom, author of Thick: And other Essays

“The Black Agenda is urgent. It’s urgent that white people recognize that centering, listening to, and being led by the voices in this book are the start to investing in societal solutions. I wish that moral arguments of equity were enough but know they’re not. These chapters are a strong mix of diagnosis and prescription, with an appropriate layer of moral calling to help us learn, reflect, and be motivated toward specific action.” ―Chelsea Clinton, New York Times bestselling author of She Persisted

“This book is overdue and imperative. We can’t get clear national momentum without a core focus on the Black agenda. I am thrilled for the conversation and action this will inspire.” ―Wes Moore, New York Times bestselling author of The Other Wes Moore

“The Black Agenda brings together a group of brilliant thinkers offering bold solutions to combat many of the social problems facing Black people in the United States. This powerful collection is a must-read for anyone interested in turning anti-racist ideas into action.” ―Keisha N. Blain, Co-Editor of #1 New York Times bestseller Four Hundred Souls

“The Black Agenda elevates the much-needed insight of Black scholars on the front lines of the most pressing discourses of today. It serves as a jump-start for how we should all be thinking about the future of our world while healing the problems of our past.” ―Raquel Willis, writer and activist

“The Black Agenda is a deeply smart and important book. It offers excellent ideas of how to fix our deeply broken system. This is a must read.” ―Molly Jong-Fast

“The Black Agenda is bold and unflinching, tackling urgent issues coupled with policy-oriented solutions. I look forward to the work that this volume will catalyze in the world.” ―Dr. Sarah Elizabeth Lewis, Harvard Associate Professor and Founder, The Vision and Justice Project