In this powerful episode of Black Men Speak, we sit down with the author of Black Cherokee to unpack the rarely told story of Black and Indigenous identity in America.

Through history, ancestral truth, and courageous storytelling, our guest explores what it means to exist at the intersection of Blackness and Cherokee heritage—while navigating belonging, erasure, and legacy. This conversation dives into hidden histories, the impact of enslavement within Native nations, and the emotional weight of claiming an identity that has often been questioned or denied.

We also explore how generational trauma, and cultural reclamation shape the lives of Black Cherokee people today.

Antonio Michael Downing is an acclaimed author, broadcaster, and musician. Kiese Laymon praised his memoir Saga Boy as "singularly dazzling" and received critical acclaim from publications like Essence Magazine.

His novel Black Cherokee has been called "a triumph" by Giller Prize winner Ian Williams. He has also won praise for his novella Molasses and children's book Stars in My Crown.

His works have been nominated for several awards, including the Speaker's Book Prize and the Toronto Book Awards. More than a history lesson, this episode is an invitation to reflect, unlearn, and reclaim stories that have been pushed to the margins. It's a necessary dialogue on ancestry, truth-telling, and the power of knowing who you are—on your own terms.

Bryce Savoy is an Oakland-born rapper, entrepreneur, and filmmaker whose work centers on authenticity, community, and resilience. As the founder of Neighborhood Diamonds, both a record label and lifestyle brand, Savoy is dedicated to discovering and elevating hidden talent—a philosophy inspired by his late father, affectionately known as Big Bryce. In a transformative ten-month period, Savoy experienced the profound loss of his father and the birth of his son, Zimri.

This journey of grief and new life became the foundation for his deeply personal documentary "Big Bryce Son" and the accompanying EP of the same name. His latest album, "Just Keep Shining," reflects his perseverance through life's most challenging moments.

Beyond music, Savoy is a co-founder of The Black Neighborhood, a non-profit organization, and helps run Euphorium Oakland with his mother. Based in Los Angeles, he continues to honor his father's legacy by living the lesson that life isn't restricted to one lane—embracing multiple creative and entrepreneurial ventures while raising his son and building community through art.

To follow him and give to his Neighborhood Diamonds Fund, check the links below.

In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Arthur L. Burnett, one of America's leading urologists and author of "The Manhood Rx," pulls back the curtain on men's sexual health and reveals why erectile dysfunction is far more than an embarrassing bedroom problem—it's often the first warning sign of serious cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other life-threatening conditions.

Dr. Burnett dismantles the stigma surrounding men's sexual health, explaining how lifestyle choices, psychological factors, and underlying medical issues converge to impact male sexual function. From the overreliance on quick-fix pills to the critical connection between heart health and sexual performance, this conversation challenges men to view their sexual health as a vital component of overall wellness.

Whether you're experiencing issues now or want to protect your health for decades to come, Dr. Burnett provides the science-backed roadmap every man needs—but few are willing to talk about.