It’s January 2026 and we’re filled with deep gratitude and anticipation for what’s ahead in the new year. 2025 was a year that moved us forward and expanded us. The Belonging to Blackness podcast experienced a 400% audience growth, indicating that people are not just finding the show; they’re staying, listening intently, and returning for more!
Our community of listeners stretched across global borders. We expanded our global listenership (with almost 90 countries) that now includes Curaçao and Jamaica, affirming Black stories, Black thought, and Black imagination are boundless and connected across the diaspora.
And in a world where people’s attention spans are constantly under high demand, our podcast audience members are tuning in to listen to over 90% of each full episode! That level of engagement tells us we’re doing something right. It tells us that when we honor complexity, center truth, and hold thoughtful and intentional conversations, people lean in.
Even more affirming is the fact that Belonging to Blackness consistently ranks among the top five podcast shows for our audience members. This is not just a stat to brag about; it’s an indication of a relationship we’ve formed together, rooted in a shared commitment toward growth, healing, and liberation.
And we continue to press forward!
This month, on January 20, 2026, we kick off the second half of Season 7 with a powerful new episode 63, featuring Chi-town artist and MacArthur Genius grantee Tonika Lewis Johnson. Tonika’s work sits at the intersection of art, archives, and social justice, challenging us to reclaim home and confront inequity while envisioning radical possibilities for repair and reparations. In this episode, we talk about place, memory, and the beautiful responsibility artists share to show us the truth. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss.
Our vision for 2026 is clear: continued expansion, deeper conversations, and an ever-growing global community committed to amplifying African descendant stories and experiences. Thank you for listening, sharing, and building with us.
#TonikaLewisJohnson #Season7 #BelongingToBlackness # MacArthurGenius #BlackArt #ChicagoArtists #ReclaimingHome #Reparations #HousingInequity #Neighborhoods #CulturalMemory
Peace and blessings,
Dr. Yndia & the Belonging to Blackness, LLC team
