In this book, Minna Salami applies an Africa-centered feminist sensibility to issues of racism and sexism, challenging illusions about oppression and liberation. The book is a collection of essays that explore key questions about identity, history, and the world. Salami draws on feminist theory, popular culture, science, philosophy, African myths, and her personal narrative to establish a language for change and self-liberation. She argues for a balanced approach that combines emotional intelligence with intellectual skill, critiquing the dominant Europatriarchal knowledge system and advocating for decolonization and the abolition of established power structures.
In this book, Minna Salami delves into the complex relationship between feminism and African identity. She argues against the populist critique that labels feminism as a Western imposition, instead highlighting the precolonial African societies that embraced principles of gender equity and collective leadership. The book aims to redefine the narratives around African feminism, emphasizing its indigenous roots and its relevance to contemporary social and political issues.
Today, I’m honored to share a conversation with Minna Salami—author, social critic, and senior fellow at The New Institute.
This exchange was recorded during the Fugitive Futures Summit I co-hosted in February 2025. I’m sharing it here because of the powerful resonance between Minna’s work and the questions we hold on this podcast.
Her book Sensuous Knowledge: A Black Feminist Approach for Everyone proposes a liberatory way of knowing that’s embodied, relational, and rooted in both thought and feeling. Drawing on African cosmologies and feminist philosophy, Minna challenges the dominance of Euro-patriarchal systems and invites us toward a more holistic worldview.
We explore this sensuous way of knowing—and its deep relevance to masculinity. We speak to the adolescent forms of masculine power so common in leadership today, and ask how a more mature, rooted masculinity might emerge through depth and inner listening.
UPCOMING OFFERINGS
Speaking of pathways of mature masculinity, men are invited to check out my online trainings and in-person events.
The Deep Masculine - 12 week online journey to repattern your relationship to sex, soul and purpose. Begin anytime.
Awakening The Wild Erotic - A men’s ritual initiation into the archetype of The Lover. We have two upcoming weekends:
* July 25-27 - Montreal, Canada
* Aug 22-24 - Vancouver Island
All folks are invited to explore Iron John: A Mythic Story about Men.
Would love to hear your comments on my conversation with Minna! Leave you thoughts below.
This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
themythicmasculine.substack.com/subscribe
The Mythic Masculine 
