On this episode—a Broke-ish first—Amber and Erika are diving into the comments and responding directly to what the Brokers have to say. Many of you had strong opinions about Episode 114, where we did a deep dive into the ADOS movement and Black unity across the diaspora. Community accountability is essential to liberation, and this episode was our attempt to pause and listen to our community’s opinions, concerns, and constructive criticism about our discussion on unity and Black freedom. Press play to join the conversation!

On this episode, Amber and Erika are joined by Dr. Calvin Schermerhorn, author of “The Plunder of Black America: How the Racial Wealth Gap Was Made”, to discuss the economic status of Black Americans. Despite the propaganda that Black people have less wealth due to poor choices, laziness, and missed opportunities, Dr. Schermerhorn points us to the historical data that clearly demonstrating that Black Americans have been continuously and systematically exploited and de-capitalized through racist laws, racial violence, and outright theft. We also examine Malcolm X’s vision for economically independent and vibrant Black communities and the extent to which integration distracted us from building and maintaining wealth within our own communities. Finally, Dr. Schermerhorn helps us identify reasons to be optimistic in the present fight for liberation and steps we can take to keep the past from repeating itself. Press play to hear what we have to say!

Homework: Purchase and read Dr. Schermerhorn’s book: The Plunder of Black America: How the Racial Wealth Gap Was Made

Guest Name: Dr. Calvin Schermerhorn

Guest Bio:

Dr. Calvin Schermerhorn grew up in Southern Maryland. After graduate degrees at Harvard Divinity School and the University of Virginia, he became an historian of slavery, capitalism, and African American inequality. He teaches courses in nineteenth-century American history and advises Honors, Masters, and Ph.D. students. He was a Fulbright Scholar to the University of Nottingham in 2022. He has contributed to The Atlantic, The Daily Beast, Time and The Washington Post, among other popular venues, and his work has been featured in national discussions of racial inequality. He is author of four books on American slavery and inequality including The Plunder of Black America: How the Racial Wealth Gap Was Made, which was published by Yale University Press in early 2025.

On this episode, Amber and Erika are discussing Black politics and how the fight for liberation of descendants of enslaved people here in the United States is connected to the fight of other African people in the diaspora. We are joined by journalist and teacher, Salifu Mack, and Broke-ish all-star, Dr. Kehinde Andrews, to examine black liberation politics in America and the degree to which those movements see themselves connected to broader Pan-Africanism. Finally, we look at what we can learn about the fight for freedom from Minister Malcolm X’s teachings and political philosophy. Tune in to get the scoop!

Homework: Watch Kehinde’s documentary: Nobody Can Give You Freedom