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The Iowa Idea: Abena Sankofa Imhotep
“Embrace books.”
On this episode of The Iowa Idea Podcast, I’m joined by Abena Sankofa Imhotep. Abena is the director of Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group, which promotes works by black authors and is the principal consultant for Sankofa Strategies Consulting. An active advocate, Abena serves on several boards of directors. She’s a TEDx speaker, a published writer, a podcaster, and an undergrad at Drake University. Abena resides in central Iowa.
We talk about Abena’s journey growing up in Des Moines, her love of books, the power of community libraries, and how these things come together in her work in literary empowerment and providing greater awareness of Black authors. I appreciated Abena sharing her perspectives and insights and the spirit of the term Sankofa, and the positive potential we’re capable of as Iowans.
Please check out the links in the show description. I strongly encourage listeners to check out Abena’s Tedx Talk, “Iowa Nice Interrupted.” She uses the analogy of a bike lane to highlight the experience of Black Iowans. In our conversation, we also looked at RAGBRAI, the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa, as a positive example of when Iowans are at their best – celebrating community, sharing the road, hosting strangers, etc.
It was an honor having Abena on the show. I hope you enjoy the episode.
About Abena
Abena Sankofa Imhotep is the director of Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group, which promotes works by black authors and is the principal consultant for Sankofa Strategies Consulting. An active advocate, Abena serves on several boards of directors. She’s a TEDx speaker, a published writer, a podcaster, and an undergrad at Drake University. Abena resides in central Iowa.
Links
TEDx Talk: Iowa Nice Interrupted
Website: www.abenasankofa.com
Facebook: Sankofa Literary & Empowerment Group
Podcast: Black & Privileged in America Podcast
Credits
Episode produced by Spark Consulting Group (www.inspiredbyspark.com) in Iowa City, with support from Executive Podcast Solutions (https://www.executivepodcastsolutions.com/).
The Iowa Idea Podcast theme music written and performed by Paisley Bible (https://paisleybible.bandcamp.com/).