African Voices has launched a new podcast series titled "Harvest" in celebration of Black History Month. The limited series will feature conversations with established and emerging artists, including filmmakers, writers, museum curators, and creative visionaries who are shaping contemporary culture. The inaugural season consists of three episodes, each highlighting a different influential voice in the arts and entertainment sectors.
The first episode features Samantha Knowles, an award-winning filmmaker and recent recipient of the Reel Sisters Trailblazer Award 2025. Knowles is currently receiving widespread acclaim for her powerful new film Katrina: Come Hell and High Water, which examines one of America's most devastating natural disasters and its lasting impact. She is also the director of Harlem Ice (Disney+), a 2026 Emmy-nominated documentary series. Her participation underscores the podcast's focus on artistic work that addresses significant historical and social themes.
The second episode features Amy Andrieux, Executive Director of the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA). Andrieux shares insights from her latest exhibition featuring artist Esteban Whiteside. The show, titled "Beyond Rage," tackles social and political issues through a style reminiscent of Basquiat, exploring themes of racism, social justice, and community dialogue. Andrieux discusses MoCADA's evolution since its 1999 founding and the museum's ongoing mission to support Black artists and communities. More information about MoCADA can be found at https://www.mocada.org.
The third episode features Gregory Gates, founder of Eucalyptus Entertainment. Gates discusses his journey from spoken word contestant at the Apollo Theater to establishing a national poetry slam at the legendary Harlem venue. He has collaborated with music icons including Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, and Stevie Wonder, and has produced major concerts, television shows, and films at prestigious venues including Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Barclays Center, and the Prudential Center. His story highlights the intersection of performance art and mainstream entertainment.
Carolyn Butts, Founder of African Voices, explained the podcast's title, stating, "I chose to name the podcast Harvest because it symbolizes the process of most cultural work; a sometimes long and evolving process that in the end yields beauty and abundance." Butts established African Voices 34 years ago with a vision to amplify diverse creative voices and celebrate cultural contributions across the African diaspora. The organization is a non-profit dedicated to fostering cultural understanding through art, literature, and film, primarily through public programs, arts appreciation, and the publication of African Voices magazine. The magazine reaches over 38,000 followers via its websites and social media network and has earned national respect for publishing excellent fiction, poetry, and artwork. Spelman College is archiving its art collection for future generations.
The Harvest podcast will be available on Spotify and the African Voices YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@africanvoices. This launch represents a significant expansion of African Voices' multimedia outreach, providing a platform for in-depth discussions about art, culture, and social issues. By featuring such a diverse array of guests, the podcast aims to illuminate the multifaceted contributions of Black artists and cultural leaders, offering listeners insights into creative processes, institutional histories, and the ongoing impact of diasporic art on global culture. The series' timing during Black History Month emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating these contributions year-round, while its focus on "harvest" metaphorically underscores the value of sustained artistic labor and its eventual cultural yield.
