The Reading Is Freedom Podcast

Sasha Beckette-Abdullah
  • 5.0 (3)
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The Reading Is Freedom Podcast is more than a conversation—it’s a movement. This podcast is dedicated to unlocking our minds and reclaiming our power through literacy. Each episode explores the deep connection between reading and true freedom—because when we can read, think, and understand for ourselves, we move differently in the world. We dive into real conversations that matter to the Black community—how to build a culture of literacy in our homes, support our children, and break cycles that have held us back for generations. You’ll hear from authors, educators, parents, community leaders,

  1. Nov 3

    A Three Year Old Threat?!

    WHEN YOUR CHILD'S GIFT MAKES OTHER PEOPLE UNCOMFORTABLE, WHAT DO YOU DO? Imagine being just THREE YEARS OLD and already dominating the soccer field with extraordinary talent, only to have parents from your own soccer team reportedly call the POLICE on you! That's the story of a young soccer phenom out of Nevada, and in this episode of The Reading Is Freedom Podcast, I'm sharing why I was actually GLAD those parents called the police! Why? Because sometimes being pushed out of an environment is exactly what opens the door to something GREATER! My hope is that this experience leads his parents to place him in an environment where his gifts are celebrated, his talents are nurtured, and his light can truly SHINE! But this conversation goes much deeper than soccer. As Black and Brown parents, we MUST be intentional about the spaces we place our children in. Not every environment is designed to nurture their brilliance. There are people who will attempt to diminish, discourage, and even extinguish the very gifts and talents our children possess. Our job is NOT to teach our children to shrink themselves to make others comfortable. Our job is to help them recognize their greatness and provide opportunities for them to FLOURISH! I also close out this episode by sharing some powerful books that I believe every parent should have in their literary arsenal. Books for both parents and children that cultivate self-love, confidence, strong character, and a healthy sense of identity. Because at the end of the day, READING IS FREEDOM, and the stories we expose our children to can help shape how they see themselves and their place in the world! This is an episode that you do not want to miss! https://abclearntutoring.com/ https://abcread.org/ https://www.amazon.com/H-R-Healed-Empowered-Resilient/dp/B0FCFJWP59/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1WQEUI65TONOA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CQKHIC5QXN5HLr0IbcOrSllvU5t-WvVUeRuKxQa435SjIZku7d2RYpePDo2PaC1oo34a7zADWIXZ6gX_ineG2WFrRa1FeL79PtRJH-2UdEJSjPHE5XVv5PYZTL8hlaGF4LPTSi3z66kHXcBI8MQxZE7pLWPAI5ZrBU_3OJhj7P6DvUlzFUbcFrQbRyoAShUERYbAYlJOASiwFR82rrtSn-n2Px0rf-PQxrUKg3YtFmo.-e-EOemRumckXpI_TTaBCM1FbU7PccOTKP4f_atKMzk&dib_tag=se&keywords=h.e.r+healed+empowered+resilient&qid=1793715154&sprefix=%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1

  2. Oct 29

    Jay-Z We are the Mainstream: Stop Thinking We Need white approval.

    🔥 WHO DECIDED WHITE APPROVAL WAS THE STANDARD FOR BLACK SUCCESS? Jay-Z recently made a comment about AfroTech being a “subset” because it isn't part of the mainstream. He even compared it to the Negro Leagues, which operated outside of Major League Baseball. But here's my question: Since when does being outside of white-controlled institutions make what Black people build any less powerful, valuable, or successful? 🤔 In this episode of The Reading Is Freedom Podcast, I'm pushing back against the idea that Black excellence needs mainstream acceptance to be legitimate. Why are we still talking about getting a seat at THEIR table when we have the brilliance, talent, creativity, resources, and intellectual power to BUILD OUR OWN TABLE, CHAIRS, HOUSE, AND EVERYTHING ELSE WE NEED? 💥 We don't need permission to be powerful! The Negro Leagues weren't lacking greatness because they weren't part of Major League Baseball. They had extraordinary talent, built their own institutions, and created opportunities in the face of racial exclusion. So why are we measuring Black success by proximity to white institutions? This conversation is about more than Jay-Z or AfroTech. It's about ownership, self-determination, economic independence, and freeing our minds from the belief that somebody else must validate our greatness. Because when we understand our history, recognize our value, and develop our intellectual power, we stop seeking approval and start building institutions that reflect OUR vision. 📚 THAT'S WHY READING IS FREEDOM! 🎙️ Watch the episode, then let's have a conversation! 👇🏾 Do you believe Black businesses need mainstream acceptance to reach their full potential, or is it time we redefine what mainstream really means? 🔥 LIKE 👍🏾 | COMMENT 💬 | SHARE 🔁 | SUBSCRIBE 🔔 #ReadingIsFreedom #JayZ #AfroTech #BlackExcellence #BlackOwnership #BlackEconomicEmpowerment #SelfDetermination #BlackHistory #BlackEntrepreneurship https://abclearntutoring.com/ https://abcread.org/

  3. Sep 21

    It Wasn't because of the Whuppings it was in Spite of them.

    “I got whupped and I turned out fine.” But did you turn out fine because of the whuppings—or IN SPITE of them? That’s the conversation I had with my father, and that’s where this episode begins. We have got to stop calling whuppings, yelling, threatening and intimidating our children Black culture. We have to be willing to examine where these behaviors came from, how they were passed down, and the physical, emotional and mental damage they can leave behind. Some of us survived it. But at what cost? We for damn sure do not have to keep passing it on. 🔥 This conversation is necessary. And we have to keep having it UNAPOLOGETICALLY. 🎧 Click the link and listen to “It Wasn’t Because of the Whuppings—It Was In Spite of Them.” Then LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE. Let’s talk about it. https://www.amazon.com/H-R-Healed-Empowered-Resilient/dp/B0FCFJWP59/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2TQCO8I0M37HO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5s5jS_TY6JCUUFqcJuU_h8HzSTEYgVSMyKyT_j-EJ5zgXB05LwlZ49ELwwdPRGaHeRlU4l0Xm8HbcFf6-rSUAxvPhGuy3OBSPEeois8tXfhM6Chh2Nu3VUQEL3YeP4fE-qgWN4_d8nLQ-UJzlBQzgicbt6MMnQ-cmsY-ABHkllcszPAXuBTsH9jew1OkOs3tGnd1jMlW94rCoIYDG4s53LIALs49t0thSxb9CfTQDJg.Khjb9G8R6H3KQdGhXGUTcW7BxpP5Bxbf_VbQV_FgcSI&dib_tag=se&keywords=h.e.r.+healed+empowered+resilient&qid=1789957248&s=books&sprefix=%2Cstripbooks%2C225&sr=1-2 https://abclearntutoring.com/ https://abcread.org/

  4. Aug 26

    The Literacy Crisis is Deeper Than: "These Kids Can't Read and Write."

    A Texas teacher broke down over his 17- and 18-year-old seniors who, according to him, struggle to read and write. But my question is: Was it just they didn't know how to read or are they disconnected from the literature that they are being asked to read? In my latest episode of The Reading Is Freedom Podcast, I dig deeper into this conversation. Because we cannot talk about Black children struggling with literacy without also talking about the educational system they have spent years navigating. We have to talk about the Eurocentric curriculum that was never created with Black children in mind. We have to talk about the lack of culturally relevant literature. We have to talk about what happens when children spend year after year reading books and studying history where their lives, their communities, their voices, their brilliance, and their experiences are either pushed to the margins or completely absent. And then we wonder why some children become disconnected from reading. Representation is not just about making Black children feel good. It can be a doorway to engagement. When children encounter literature that reflects who they are while also expanding their understanding of the world, we give them another reason to connect with reading. Yes, our children need strong phonics instruction.Yes, they need vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.Yes, they need to be challenged academically. But they also need books that make them WANT to read. We can't wait until children are 17 and 18 years old to become alarmed about literacy. This conversation needs to start much earlier. 🎙️ Listen to the full conversation on my YouTube channel, Reading Is Freedom. And after you listen, I want to hear YOUR thoughts. LIKE. SUBSCRIBE. COMMENT. SHARE. Let's keep having the conversations about literacy that our children deserve. READING IS FREEDOM. https://abcread.org/ https://abclearntutoring.com/ https://readingisfreedommovement.com/ https://www.amazon.com/H-R-Healed-Empowered-Resilient/dp/B0FCFJWP59/ref=sr_1_1?crid=372GJIH0O9SSF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CQKHIC5QXN5HLr0IbcOrSpHvZJXd_PRClTf_dZfyr-5YOAeS8aO-DSRjREecgZm-jYj2OeFrjv_3pHzUQsAjlbDH29h9N2_x5JayvrQQBnU._CAqgaW8CevH1uswNnYBU4M87lAT8t1feXR94Fpitlc&dib_tag=se&keywords=h.e.r.+healed%2C+empowered+resilient+book&qid=1787708204&sprefix=%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-1

  5. Jul 30

    The Right To Rest!

    What if rest isn't a luxury—but a form of liberation? In this episode of Reading Is Freedom, I explore the powerful connection between literacy, history, and our right to rest. Drawing inspiration from Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey, we examine how centuries of anti-Black racism conditioned Black people—especially Black women—to believe our worth is measured by how much we produce. This mindset didn't happen by accident. It is rooted in a system that treated Black bodies as property and labor rather than as fully human beings deserving of care, restoration, and peace. Together, we'll unpack why reclaiming rest is an act of resistance, healing, and self-preservation. It's time to reject grind culture, honor the wisdom of our ancestors, and give ourselves permission to slow down, breathe, daydream, and restore our minds, bodies, and spirits. Because freedom isn't just about what we fight against—it's also about what we allow ourselves to experience. 🎙️ Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and don't forget to subscribe to Reading Is Freedom on YouTube for more conversations that help us unlock our minds, reclaim our power, and build a culture of literacy. https://abclearntutoring.com/ https://abcread.org/ https://www.amazon.com/H-R-Healed-Empowered-Resilient/dp/B0FCFJWP59/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RQH5FAWX26YT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xyig7WAJ9j17pGhh831eQYRVOETsQbdnv_ZOqI6NMvata-En71ZgxgTCDWi3LiqR863n22Vm9YoE0NJbKWdLtpEqKOVgbst7_YHDb5XmqUk.iFq7P26Uu_7qWJqQIp2DqQObvZZXpQY7yxyi3e8QIjM&dib_tag=se&keywords=h.e.r.+healed%2C+empowered+resilient+book&qid=1785446303&sprefix=%2Caps%2C269&sr=8-1

  6. Jul 21

    The Greatest Trick the devil Ever Pulled was Convincing the World he Doesn't Exist.

    🚨 Podcast Premiere This Tuesday | Reading Is Freedom 🚨 If you don't understand racism/white supremacy what it is and how it works then everything you think you understand will only confuse you.-Neely Fuller, Jr. In this upcoming episode of Reading Is Freedom, I discuss why we must be willing to name racism when we see it and acknowledge the lasting impact of anti-Blackness in America. We also explore the importance of intuition, discernment, and the lessons our ancestors passed down about paying attention to warning signs and trusting our instincts. I will be discussing the case of Nolan Wells, a young Black man who went out on July 4th with his white so-called friends and never returned home. Majority of Black people and some white people most definitely believe there is foul play because of reported details surrounding the case, including questions that his parents revealed about Nolan's personal belongings and digital information that was scrubbed that have fueled calls for a full, transparent, and thorough investigation. These unanswered questions have left family members, supporters, and community members seeking truth and accountability. This case also reminds many Black Americans of a long history of racial violence and unsolved injustices, including the murder of Emmett Till and other cases where families spent years fighting for answers. This case is not unique because it is unfortunately all too familiar in a society that has built a lot of laws on protecting the false notion of white supremacy. Reading Is Freedom is about more than books. It is about learning to think critically, recognize patterns, trust our intuition, and reclaim the wisdom that has helped Black communities survive, resist, and persevere for generations. Please keep Nolan's family in your prayers and continue to support efforts to uncover the truth and seek justice. 🎙️ Tune in Tuesday for this important conversation. 📺 Like, subscribe, and share Reading Is Freedom on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts. #ReadingIsFreedom #JusticeForNolan #BlackLiteracy #CriticalThinking #TrustYourGut #ReadingIsResistance #PodcastPremiere https://abcread.org/ https://abclearntutoring.com/ https://www.amazon.com/H-R-Healed-Empowered-Resilient/dp/B0FCFJWP59/ref=sr_1_1?crid=18FB78HSG7TKT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xyig7WAJ9j17pGhh831eQUezC1KbAx3XRc1ZciedZ1gGD6nwCoEjKYRx9Z6gpdFuShTwQ1BMP1xTsS3RLqlnbZEqKOVgbst7_YHDb5XmqUk.jJ7m-Kn87MLihs_mqAL6pF7KkUuHXvXDEPu0XGBKws4&dib_tag=se&keywords=h.e.r.+healed%2C+empowered+resilient+book&qid=1784478518&sprefix=%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1

  7. Jul 17

    Read the Book, Read Yourself, Read the Room

    Reading teaches more than words—it teaches wisdom. When most people think about reading, they think about phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension. While those skills are important, reading also helps us develop life skills that can shape how we navigate the world. In this episode of Reading Is Freedom, I discuss how reading helps us build self-awareness, recognize and trust our intuition, and learn how to read the room by paying attention to people, situations, and context. Through stories, characters, and experiences different from our own, reading teaches us to reflect, think critically, and make better decisions. These are skills our children need just as much as strong reading scores. The ability to understand yourself, trust your instincts, and navigate relationships can impact success in school, work, and life. Listen to the latest episode of Reading Is Freedom on all major podcast platforms. Don't forget to subscribe to the Reading Is Freedom YouTube channel for more conversations about literacy, learning, culture, and personal growth. Because reading doesn't just help us understand books—it helps us understand ourselves. #ReadingIsFreedom #LiteracyMatters #SelfAwareness #LifeSkills #ReadingCulture #TrustYourIntuition #ReadTheRoom #BlackLiteracy #Podcast #Education https://abcread.org/ https://abclearntutoring.com/ https://www.amazon.com/H-R-Healed-Empowered-Resilient/dp/B0FCFJWP59/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OXBY9DMZJFWO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xyig7WAJ9j17pGhh831eQYRVOETsQbdnv_ZOqI6NMvata-En71ZgxgTCDWi3LiqR863n22Vm9YoE0NJbKWdLtpEqKOVgbst7_YHDb5XmqUk.iFq7P26Uu_7qWJqQIp2DqQObvZZXpQY7yxyi3e8QIjM&dib_tag=se&keywords=h.e.r.+healed%2C+empowered+resilient+book&qid=1784247201&sprefix=h.e.r.+he%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-1

  8. Jun 25

    The Freedom to Choose: Lessons from Sis Ayisha's Move to Africa

    Freedom Requires Options: A Conversation with Sis Ayisha on Life Beyond America What does it look like to imagine a different future for yourself and your family? In this powerful episode of The Reading Is Freedom Podcast, I sit down with Sis Ayisha to discuss her inspiring journey from America to Ghana and the faith, courage, and vision that helped her make that life-changing decision. Sis Ayisha shares how her belief in Allah guided her path and how the love, hospitality, and sense of belonging she experienced among African people affirmed her decision to relocate to the Motherland. She also gives us a glimpse into her future by sharing footage of her home being built in Ghana. This conversation is not about telling everyone they should leave America. It is about reminding Black people that we have options. It is about expanding our thinking beyond the limitations we have been taught to accept and exploring what freedom, peace, opportunity, and community can look like for our families. Join us for an honest conversation about faith, freedom, global citizenship, and the power of imagining new possibilities for ourselves and future generations. 🎧 Listen in and ask yourself: What becomes possible when we realize we have choices? https://abclearntutoring.com/ https://abcread.org/ https://www.amazon.com/H-R-Healed-Empowered-Resilient/dp/B0FCFJWP59/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1XOY61LS6TMN7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.in8JnACYF_KOoJJqOol46mOScdM3emhYTTAvZG6mpHPgXB05LwlZ49ELwwdPRGaH863n22Vm9YoE0NJbKWdLtpEqKOVgbst7_YHDb5XmqUk.LjAgMjnGyShh0qbw3oms5gEHpZ1J6v5FWvMfRcEv_gs&dib_tag=se&keywords=h.e.r.+healed%2C+empowered+resilient+book&qid=1782345146&sprefix=h.e.r+hea%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-1

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About

The Reading Is Freedom Podcast is more than a conversation—it’s a movement. This podcast is dedicated to unlocking our minds and reclaiming our power through literacy. Each episode explores the deep connection between reading and true freedom—because when we can read, think, and understand for ourselves, we move differently in the world. We dive into real conversations that matter to the Black community—how to build a culture of literacy in our homes, support our children, and break cycles that have held us back for generations. You’ll hear from authors, educators, parents, community leaders,

Information

  • Creator
    Sasha Beckette-Abdullah
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    127
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sasha Beckette-Abdullah
  • Show Website
    The Reading Is Freedom Podcast