The Reading Is Freedom Podcast

Sasha Beckette-Abdullah

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. May 31

    Beat the Summer Slide: Create the Reading Space That Your Child Will Love

    Summer is a time for fun, relaxation, and family memories—but it can also be a time when children lose some of the reading skills they worked so hard to build during the school year. In this episode of The Reading Is Freedom Podcast, I explain what the "summer slide" is, why it happens, and how it can impact your child's reading growth. One of the easiest and most effective ways to combat the summer slide is by creating a cozy reading space right in your own home. I share practical tips on how to design an inviting reading nook that makes books feel exciting, accessible, and enjoyable for your child. From comfortable seating and good lighting to making books a natural part of your child's daily routine, you'll learn how a simple space can help nurture a lifelong love of reading. If you're looking for affordable and realistic ways to keep your child's reading skills sharp this summer, this episode is for you. Tune in and discover how creating the right environment can turn reading from a chore into an adventure. Because when children love to read, they gain the freedom to learn, grow, and succeed. click the link to donate to ABC READ https://abcread.org/ https://abclearntutoring.com/ https://www.amazon.com/H-R-Healed-Empowered-Resilient/dp/B0FCFJWP59/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2QBLLLUGRU64Q&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SL9bpHu07vumWhZcWDoWp6C1mGXe_0wIKpjqKHc7DnKta-En71ZgxgTCDWi3LiqR863n22Vm9YoE0NJbKWdLtpEqKOVgbst7_YHDb5XmqUk.tetJX_AC6FAaOa8FdUPF-lAShDAdJeto_VZAa_90uFs&dib_tag=se&keywords=h.e.r.+healed%2C+empowered+resilient+book&qid=1780266369&sprefix=%2Caps%2C110&sr=8-1

    9 min

  2. May 20

    Conversation with scholar and author Dr. Yusuf Malik Frederick.

    What happens when faith, literacy, racial trauma, and liberation all collide in one powerful conversation? I recently sat down with New York native Dr. Yusuf Malik Frederick, author of the groundbreaking book I Love Islam but I'm Tired of Muslims: How Spiritual Abuse and Racial Trauma Intersect to Cause Psychological Distress Among African American Muslims. This wasn’t just an interview. This was a necessary conversation. Dr. Frederick talked about the painful realities that led him to write a book that has so many people — especially within the Black Muslim community — reflecting, healing, and finally having conversations that have been silenced for far too long. But what made this discussion even more powerful was our conversation about literacy and access to information. We talked about how reading is more than a skill — it is a tool of empowerment. Literacy gives Black people the ability to think critically, challenge harmful systems, heal through knowledge, and reclaim our narratives. Throughout this thought-provoking episode, one message remained clear: literacy is deeply connected to liberation. If you care about faith, healing, education, Black empowerment, or the power of reading to transform lives, this is an episode you need to hear. Let's grow! Click the link to purchase Dr. Yusuf's book. Also follow him on Facebook and IG at Dr. Yusuf Malik Frederick www.crescentwellnessfoundation.org Click the link if you're looking for a pre-k-4th grade reading tutor https://abclearntutoring.com/ Click the link to donate to ABC READ https://abcread.org/ https://www.amazon.com/H-R-Healed-Empowered-Resilient/dp/B0FCFJWP59/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1S51VDD2Z33P0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SL9bpHu07vumWhZcWDoWp6C1mGXe_0wIKpjqKHc7DnKta-En71ZgxgTCDWi3LiqR_9oo32Q6rpTQ-7iK5hF8q5iVn6s0R0tHP5klRWKVt7c.emIvzHJzKgkAb1srcu_VYhfodYZ76E_rM_xYYFmsBu0&dib_tag=se&keywords=h.e.r.+healed%2C+empowered+resilient+book&qid=1779246459&sprefix=%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-1

    1h 21m

  3. May 15

    Conversation with Bronzeville's own author and film maker Abdullah Rasheed Muhammad.

    In this powerful episode of the Reading Is Freedom Podcast, I sit down with Bronzeville native and author Abdullah Rasheed Muhammad to discuss his new release, Hood Coma. This conversation goes far beyond the pages of a book — it dives deep into the realities many Black communities face, including poverty, alcoholism, drugs, and the absence of fathers in the home. But this episode is also about hope, transformation, and the power of access to knowledge. Abdullah shares how, despite growing up surrounded by difficult conditions, certain values were instilled in him — the importance of family, community, and seeking information that could help him make better choices for his life. Those choices ultimately led him toward personal growth, purpose, and his conversion to Islam. This is an empowering and dynamic conversation that not only highlights the problems impacting our communities, but also presents meaningful solutions, healing, and pathways forward. You do not want to miss this inspiring discussion. Tune in, share with someone who needs to hear it, and join us as we continue using conversation, literacy, and truth to spark transformation.

    1h 5m
  4. These Are The Five Books That Changed My Life!

    Apr 16

    These Are The Five Books That Changed My Life!

    There are books you read… and then there are books that change you. In this powerful episode, I’m breaking down five books that didn’t just inform me—they transformed how I see myself, my history, and what freedom truly means. From The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley, to Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Joy DeGruy, to Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass—each of these works exposes truth, demands reflection, and calls us higher. We also dive into Spare the Kids by Stacey Patton and Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey—two books that challenge how we show up in our homes, in our bodies, and in our communities. The common thread?We were created to be free.But for generations, our existence has been under attack through racism and white supremacy—shaping not only systems, but mindsets, behaviors, and beliefs. And yet…Our greatness has never been erased. Only interrupted. This episode is a call to unlearn what has held us back and reclaim the ways of thinking, living, and loving that move us closer to freedom. If you’ve read these books before, this is your reminder.If you haven’t, this is your invitation. Because the right book… at the right time… can change everything. Tap in, reflect deeply, and let this episode push you to pick up one—or all—of these life-changing reads. Your next level of freedom might just be one page away. Click the link to check out our work in the community https://abcread.org/ Click the link to sign your child up for reading tutoring https://abclearntutoring.com/ Click the link to purchase your copy of my book! https://www.amazon.com/H-R-Healed-Empowered-Resilient/dp/B0FCFJWP59/ref=sr_1_1?crid=SGTIBIOE5BS7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SL9bpHu07vumWhZcWDoWp6C1mGXe_0wIKpjqKHc7DnKta-En71ZgxgTCDWi3LiqR863n22Vm9YoE0NJbKWdLtpEqKOVgbst7_YHDb5XmqUk.tetJX_AC6FAaOa8FdUPF-lAShDAdJeto_VZAa_90uFs&dib_tag=se&keywords=h.e.r.+healed%2C+empowered+resilient+book&qid=1776310943&sprefix=%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-1

    40 min

  5. 11/19/2025

    Conversation with Esteemed Author Kerwyn Phillip

    Creating generational wealth and learning about financial literacy has been one of the most talked about conversations in the Black community over the last 20+ years. We have become more conscious about breaking free from the financial generational trauma that was created by design ever since the inception of this country. This is what esteemed author Kerwyn Phillip is doing with both of his books Malik's First Job: Financial Principles for Teens and The Money Twins: Nigel and Anaijah Learn About Payment Methods. He and I have dope conversation on why he wrote these books and how it came from him not being taught about financial literacy when he was growing up. Grab your notebook and pens because this episode is packed with nuggets and gems that I believe every parent should listen to with their child. Click the link below to purchase Kerwyn Phillip's books today! www.maliksfirstjob.com Click the link to donate to our organization ABC READ, INC. https://abcread.org/ Need a reading tutor for your pre-k-4th grade student. Click the link below https://abclearntutoring.com/ Click the link below to purchase your copy of the book I co-authored entitled H.E.R. Healed, Empowered, Resilient https://www.amazon.com/H-R-Healed-Empowered-Resilient/dp/B0FCFJWP59/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RQBUQR56UKYD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SL9bpHu07vumWhZcWDoWpwRxwNQQDvc9e7WwgDamFjA.Yj4LZvE_TkgtsveHMN0DbO_6ER-O7tyyftEBPkwUFAw&dib_tag=se&keywords=h.e.r.+healed%2C+empowered+resilient+book&qid=1752106104&sprefix=%2Caps%2C355&sr=8-1

    1h 7m

  6. 11/05/2025

    The root cause of Black and Brown children falling behind in reading.

    In this episode I'm addressing the recent article done in The Harvard Gazette that talks about the driving decline in U.S. literacy rates. Of course they mention things like the rise of electronic devices, children not being taught phonics anymore or not seeing adults around them reading. However, I take it a step further by going into the root cause of this decline that really has hit Black, Brown and underserved communities which is the trauma from slavery and systemic racism. In the spirit of why I started Real Reading Talk over 7 years ago I don't just talk about the problem I also talk about the solutions. I'm reminding us that we are the solution that we have been waiting on. https://abcread.org/ https://abclearntutoring.com/ https://readingisfreedomshop.com/ https://www.amazon.com/H-R-Healed-Empowered-Resilient/dp/B0FCFJWP59/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RQBUQR56UKYD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SL9bpHu07vumWhZcWDoWpwRxwNQQDvc9e7WwgDamFjA.Yj4LZvE_TkgtsveHMN0DbO_6ER-O7tyyftEBPkwUFAw&dib_tag=se&keywords=h.e.r.+healed%2C+empowered+resilient+book&qid=1752106104&sprefix=%2Caps%2C355&sr=8-1

    39 min

  7. 09/17/2025

    Struggling with trusting yourself? Then this is the book for you.

    You tired of not trusting your gut? Do you second guess yourself a lot? Are you constantly having to ask other people what to do before you make decisions? Well in this episode I break down where that lack of trust in yourself and the ability to make sound decisions come from. This is one of the core reasons as to why I wrote my chapter Escaping the Fear Trap House of our book H.E.R. Healed Empowered Resilient. Grab your notebook, pen because I'm telling you I took the deep dive with this episode. Oh yeah be sure to order your copy of our book so that you get to read for yourself not only my chapter but all of our stories on how life's challenges turned us into champions! https://abcread.org/ https://abclearntutoring.com/ https://readingisfreedomshop.com/ https://www.amazon.com/H-R-Healed-Empowered-Resilient/dp/B0FCFJWP59/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RQBUQR56UKYD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SL9bpHu07vumWhZcWDoWpwRxwNQQDvc9e7WwgDamFjA.Yj4LZvE_TkgtsveHMN0DbO_6ER-O7tyyftEBPkwUFAw&dib_tag=se&keywords=h.e.r.+healed%2C+empowered+resilient+book&qid=1752106104&sprefix=%2Caps%2C355&sr=8-1

    58 min

  8. 09/02/2025

    Why we stopped reading for pleasure and how to change it.

    There was an article written in the Black Wallstreet Times that talked about how reading for pleasure has gone down about 40% for Americans within the last 20 years. For Black people that number looks even more dismal. Well if you've guessed the main reason are the internet, social media and electronic devices you are absolutely on point. In this episode I'm talking about how pleasure reading is almost obsolete and how we can change this negative into positive with persistency and consistency. The link to the article is below. https://theblackwallsttimes.com/2025/08/28/reading-for-pleasure-has-dropped-40-over-the-last-two-decades/ Shop for your latest Reading Is Freedom Merch https://readingisfreedomshop.com/ Click the link below to support our non-profit organization https://abcread.org/ Need a reading tutor for pre-k-4th grade click the link below https://abclearntutoring.com/ click the link to purchase a copy of our book. https://www.amazon.com/H-R-Healed-Empowered-Resilient/dp/B0FCFJWP59/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RQBUQR56UKYD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.SL9bpHu07vumWhZcWDoWpwRxwNQQDvc9e7WwgDamFjA.Yj4LZvE_TkgtsveHMN0DbO_6ER-O7tyyftEBPkwUFAw&dib_tag=se&keywords=h.e.r.+healed%2C+empowered+resilient+book&qid=1752106104&sprefix=%2Caps%2C355&sr=8-1

    25 min
See All (118)

Trailer

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

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
    118
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sasha Beckette-Abdullah
  • Show Website
    The Reading Is Freedom Podcast