Economic transformation rarely begins inside government policy or corporate boardrooms. More often, it begins in trusted community spaces where people gather, exchange ideas, solve local challenges, and build relationships capable of creating lasting institutions.

This episode of Profound Conversations examines what it takes to build an economy that is locally rooted, technologically sophisticated, and globally connected. Rather than viewing neighborhood development, artificial intelligence, food systems, and international trade as separate conversations, this dialogue explores them as interconnected components of a new architecture for community wealth and self-determination.

Joining the discussion are three nationally respected innovators whose work represents different points along the same continuum.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jerome Paige reintroduces the framework from his recent book—"private equity state capitalism"—describing it as an attempt to define the disturbing contemporary system of governance, one that prioritizes the extraction and concentration of value, often at the expense of marginalized communities. Out of this context, Jerome Paige and his brother offer the concept of “African Americanism”—a living tradition, distilling the everyday strategies and survival skills passed down through Black history. The premise: to move Black history from mere remembrance to active application, useful “24/7, 365” as a toolkit for resilience and change.

African Americanism, as Jerome Paige outlines, offers a “fourfold path,” beginning with the courage to “testify, talk truth to power, and say what’s real.” In a climate that obstructs open expression and collective organization, this first step is both radical and essential.

Profound Conversations is written and produced by the AALIANETWORK; Technical Production by Erika Christie; Associate Producer Wanda Belle; Moderator/ Navigator Dr. Mwata Sankara (Kevin Washington).

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.