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.