In this conversation, Chiké Okonkwo discusses his background as a Nigerian growing up in the UK, his journey to becoming an actor, and the challenges and triumphs he has faced in the industry. He reflects on the impact of the film 'The Birth of a Nation' and the importance of telling untold stories. Chiké also shares his experiences as a black man in America and the perseverance required in the acting profession. He discusses his voice acting work on the Calm app and the TV show 'La Brea,' where he explores his character's backstory. We also explore the importance of complex characters and the impact of historical work. He shares his favorite performances by Denzel Washington, Robert De Niro, Samuel L. Jackson, and Sidney Poitier. He also introduces us to his new venture as one of the founders of Mansa, a platform for curated black culture. Connect: @CariChampion @ChikeOkonkwo Subscribe: Cari Champion’s YouTube Channel Learn More: Mansa.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we celebrate award season, Wilson Morales joins us from BlackFilmandTV.com to discuss predictions and he offers a 101 on the overall award show selection process.  Connect: @CariChampion @WilsonMoralesFilm Let us know your Oscar favorites and why! @NakedwithCariChampionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Black Excellence a shield that protects us from scrutiny or attacks from extremist with subpar accusations that seemingly weigh heavier that our excellence by their accounts? Being great at doing what you do does not equate to an opportunity to continue to do so. Last week, Claudine Gay, the first black woman to hold the title of President of Harvard University in its 388 years history resigned or rather was forced to step down after being accused of plagiarism. Throughout countless occasions we can pinpoint circumstances where persons of color were forced to redirect their greatness or remove their excellence from the deemed goal, due to ill-intended persecution, is this another one of those scenarios? Learn More: Claudine Gay Connect: @CariChampion  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we embrace a new year, we are taking a moment to highlight some of our favorite episodes and we hope you are also reflecting on your accomplishments from 2023!  Happy New Year Champions!  Connect: @CariChampion  Visit: CariChampion.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is a gift to filmmakers and anyone who has a vision for their goals. A masterclass coupled with an intimate backstory of how Deniese Davis became the Producer she is today. Davis is entering into 2024 with her new company, Reform Media Group, and a production deal with Tyler Perry Studios to start creating her first film. Based on her trajectory thus far and her work with Issa Rae, the next chapter will continue to inspire.  Connect: @CariChampion @MsDeniese Learn More: RMG x TPS Deal See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitchell S. Jackson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer. His debut novel The Residue Years won a Whiting Award and The Ernest J. Gaines Prize for Literary Excellence. But well before his acclaimed career took flight; he wrote a feature on three athletes from his neighborhood who didn’t make it to the NBA. Now years later well into his acclaimed career, his latest book brings him full circle back to the beginning with, “Fly” a coffee table book that fuses fashion with basketball. Listen to the end to hear Cari and Mitchell discuss their favorite NBA player’s fashion choices. Connect: @CariChampion @MitchSJackson Learn More: MitchellSJackson.com FLY – The Big Book of Basketball Fashion Amazon | BOOKSHOP | B&N | POWELL’S | AppleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charmaine Wilkerson is the author of the New York Times Best-Selling novel, “Black Cake”. Wilkerson started her career as a journalist, but after finding more power in telling her truth through stories of fiction she started writing scenes and flash fiction stories; which led to her debut novel, Black Cake. Wilkerson’s voice and melodic speech will pull you in and offer an introduction to her eloquent approach to storytelling. Connect: @CariChampion @charmspen1 Learn More: CharmsPen.com Watch: Black Cake on Hulu Read: Black Cake by Charmaine WilkersonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is a real honor because today Bobi Wine and Barbie Kyagulanyi join us to bring awareness to the plights and the hopes of Uganda and how we can show our support.  Bobi Wine ran for president of Uganda in 2021, he describes the election as going to hell and coming back.  He survived several attempts to take his life and it is believed that the presidency was stolen from him. Despite all the adversities Bobi and his family have experienced, he and his wife speak with a strong conviction for hope and inevitable change for their country. “Oppressed people have never stayed oppressed forever, good has never lost to evil. We are sure we are going to win, we are sure because we are on the right side of morality…” Watch the Documentary: Bobi Wine – The People’s President on National Geographic on HULU or Disney Connect: @CariChampion @BobiWine Learn More: BobiWine.com Support: National Unity Platform Caring Hearts Uganda  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is an insight into the writer’s room. Syreeta Johnson is a Writer and Showrunner who received her start as an eager writer with the opportunity to submit her script to Issa Rae before the acclaim of Insecure on HBO. As Rae's success grew, so did Issa and Syreeta's relationship; from starting as an assistant on Insecure to now working as the Showrunner on Rae's new project, Rap Shit. Johnson shares her experiences at every level and how her confidence has grown while working through her own insecurities as a writer and a leader.  Connect: @CariChampion @reetafajita Watch: RAP SH!T ON MAXSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born into a well-known talented family that has made a lasting imprint in the world of Gospel music, the natural progression would be to follow in their footsteps. However, Deborah Joy Winans decided to live her life following the direction of her heart. Deborah Joy is best known for her role in Greenleaf and The Final Say. She joins us today to share a special story about the birth of her son, when Oprah called her, and her upcoming role in the allblk original series, Terror Lake Drive. Connect: @CariChampion @DeborahJoyWinans Learn More: JoyWinans.com Subscribe: Cari Champion’s YouTube ChannelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.