African Voices Launches 'Harvest' Podcast Series for Black History Month

African Voices has launched "Harvest," a new podcast series debuting during Black History Month. The limited series spotlights conversations with established and emerging artists, including notable filmmakers, writers, museum curators, and creative visionaries who are shaping contemporary culture. The inaugural season launches with three episodes featuring groundbreaking voices in the arts and entertainment.

Samantha Knowles, an award-winning filmmaker and recent recipient of the Reel Sisters Trailblazer Award 2025, opens the series. 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. Knowles is also the director of Harlem Ice (Disney+), a 2026 Emmy-nominated documentary series.

Amy Andrieux, Executive Director of the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA), 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.

Gregory Gates, founder of Eucalyptus Entertainment, rounds out the initial episodes by discussing his remarkable journey from spoken word contestant at the Apollo Theater to establishing a national poetry slam at the legendary Harlem venue. Gates 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.

"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," says Carolyn Butts, Founder of African Voices. "I thought this is a fitting theme for our show and reflective of our mission at African Voices." Butts established African Voices 34 years ago with a vision to amplify diverse creative voices and celebrate cultural contributions across the African diaspora.

The podcast series represents a significant expansion of African Voices' mission to foster cultural understanding through art, literature, and film. By featuring conversations with influential Black artists and cultural figures, the series provides a platform for discussing the creative process, social issues, and the evolution of cultural institutions. The timing during Black History Month emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating Black contributions to contemporary culture throughout the year. Harvest will air on Spotify and the African Voices YouTube channel, accessible at https://www.youtube.com/@africanvoices.