Ingrid Silva: Why I Became My Own Ballet Hero
When Ingrid Silva started taking ballet classes as a young girl growing up in Brazil, there wasn’t a single Black dancer on the national level for her to look up to. She knew then that she would have to become her own hero. That tenacity brought her all the way to the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
Produced and edited by Abi Ishola for Black America, CUNY TV
John Jay Students Find Release in Podcasting
When it comes to narrative nonfiction podcasts, very few cater to young and diverse voices. See how students at John Jay College are filling the void.
Produced, and edited by Abi Ishola for Urban U, CUNY TV
LGBTQI+ Student Leadership Program Offers Students a Haven
Many universities have leadership training initiatives, but finding one specifically for LGBTQI+ students is quite rare, unless you go to a CUNY school. I spoke to members of CUNY's LGBTQI+ Student Leadership program about how it's become a great training ground and a haven.
Produced, and edited by Abi Ishola for CUNY TV
One Woman's Vow Turns into a Place of Refuge for At Risk Girls
After Dawn Rowe struggled through her teen years from parental abandonment and a lack of direction, she vowed to one day help girls of color who are growing up with similar challenges. That vow turned into Girl Vow—a non-profit organization where many girls have found refuge. Abi Ishola spoke to Rowe about her work.
Produced, and edited by Abi Ishola for CUNY TV
The Opening of The African American Museum
Black America’s award winning, hour long special (PBS/CUNY TV) captures the details, ingenuity, and the history surrounding the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Black America is hosted by Carol Jenkins, Emmy award winning New York City journalist, and founding president of The Women's Media Center.
Produced by Abi Ishola for PBS/CUNY TV
Medical Racism & Maternal Mortality
When Dana-Ain Davis began researching neonatal intensive care units for a project, she was hardly prepared for what she would learn about the racial disparities in how black women are treated while pregnant, during labor and postpartum. After years of gathering information, she published a book that contextualizes the shocking data around this issue.
Produced, and co-edited by Abi Ishola, CUNY TV
The First Feminist Bookstore in Brooklyn
I sat down with Kalima DeSuze to find out what inspired her to open Cafe Con Libros, the first and only feminist book store in Brooklyn.
Produced, and edited by Abi Ishola
What's Eating Black Women?
In this video I profile Michaela Angela Davis, an image activist who works to promote positive images among people of color, about her healthy eating and fitness program.
Produced, and co-edited by Abi Ishola.
Revenge Porn Victim Enrolls in Law School, Finds Justice From Her Abuser
When Annie Seifullah lost her dream job as a high school principal in Queens after being falsely accused of sexual misconduct on school property, her life was turned upside down. Little did she know, her journey to clear her name would lead her to pursuing a law degree so she could begin to advocate for those who have the hardest time in America’s justice system.
Produced, and co-edited by Abi Ishola.
Joy's Children
There are over 7 million orphans and vulnerable children in Nigeria. In 2007 the country's president announced a $1.6 billion plan to address the problem, but the issue has gone virtually ignored. Here I profiled Nigerian siblings in their early 20s, who’ve sacrificed their lives to take care of over 30 orphans and foster children.
Produced, filmed, and edited by Abi Ishola