- 19
- Episodes
- 1
- Ratings
- Weekly
- Cadence
- 2023
- First episode
- 760
- YouTube views
About Abolitionist Sanctuary
Join Founder and Executive Director of Abolitionist Sanctuary, Rev. Nikia S. Robert, Ph.D., in a podcast about Black women/mothers, religion, and mass punishment. Connect with us to be apart of a faith-based abolitionist movement!
- Publisher
- Nikia
- Category
- arts
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 26 Feb 2023
- Latest episode
- 3 Apr 2026
Latest episodes
19 episodes in the feed.
3 Apr 2026
Ancestral Wisdom Can Help Us Resist Authoritarian Politics
Send us Fan Mail Monuments, memory, and movement power collide when we sit down with Pastor William Lamar IV of Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC. We start with Abolition April and why faith-based abolition cannot stay theoretical when regressive policies and public violence keep targeting Black communities, especially Black women. From the first minutes, this conversation is clear: abolition is not only a practice, it is a way of life that forms what we believe, how we worship, and h...
6 Mar 2026
Renita Weems On Black Womanhood, Faith, And The Making Of A Scholar
Send a text Start with open windows, end with open hands. We sit down with Rev. Dr. Renita Weems—writer, AME elder, and pioneering biblical scholar—to trace the unlikely roads from paper dolls and public libraries to Princeton and the pulpit. She takes us into the classrooms and kitchens that mothered her, the librarians who handed her systems and keys, and the teachers who crossed boundaries to keep a brilliant, mouthy teenager from disappearing. What emerges is a map of how ordinary people ...
6 Feb 2026
How Faith, Rhetoric, And Black Memory Resist White Christian Nationalism
Send us a text We trace Black history as living resistance, linking Reconstruction to today’s bans and misinformation while centering Henry McNeal Turner’s radical theology and the Colored Conventions as blueprints for action. Faith, rhetoric, and archives become tools to confront white Christian nationalism and build abolitionist sanctuaries. • significance of Black History Month amid erasure • Reconstruction as a mirror for current politics • rhetorical strategies for truth in a noisy age ...
2 Jan 2026
From Loss To Leverage: Reimagining Government With Black Women At The Core
Send us a text Start with the sting, end with a plan. After a brutal political cycle and a year of losses, we refuse to romanticize resilience and instead ground it in what Bishop Leah Daughtry calls the ripple effect: small, faithful actions that travel farther than the splash. Together, we unpack how to turn communal values into public power, why the most radical choice today is real community, and how churches can move from Sunday language to Monday policy. We get specific. Community isn’...
5 Dec 2025
Investing In Black Girls: From Pushout To Possibility
Send us a text What changes when we treat girls as sacred rather than disposable? We sit down with Dr. Monique Couvson —scholar, author of Pushout, and leader of G4GC—to map how schools, policies, and everyday assumptions push Black girls toward punishment instead of possibility. From her roots in San Francisco and the wisdom of ancestors to a clear-eyed analysis of data and discipline, she shows how faith, research, and philanthropy can work together to build learning spaces where belonging ...
8 Nov 2025
Black Women, Wealth, And The Work Ahead
Send us a text Faith, numbers, and land meet in a bold conversation about how Black families—and especially Black mothers—can move from survival to ownership. With guest Tawan Davis, CEO of The Steinbridge Group and NYU adjunct professor, we unpack the cycles behind DEI whiplash and government contraction, then chart a different route: activating underused HBCU and church land, replacing consumer debt with asset-backed leverage, and negotiating from ownership in a global economy that won’t wa...
3 Oct 2025
From Pulpit to Protest: Dr. Jamal Bryant on Faith, Organizing, and Black Futures
Send us a text We trace Dr. Jamal Bryant’s journey from family roots and grief to a movement-facing ministry that blends sermon craft, organizing, and economic imagination. We press into DEI rollbacks, leadership succession, and building power that feeds, houses, and employs our people. • personal roots, parental influence, and grief as teacher • love, accountability, and prayer as intimacy • sermon craft for an unscripted, attention-thin culture • Target Fast strategy and reawakening the Bl...
28 Aug 2025
Rising Like the Day: Susan Burton's Journey from Prison to Purpose
Send us a text Susan Burton shares her powerful journey from cycling through prison to founding A New Way of Life, an organization providing housing and support for formerly incarcerated women with a 94% success rate. Her story illuminates how systemic racism criminalizes Black women's survival strategies while offering a model for healing through love, tolerance, and community care. • Experiencing the tragic death of her five-year-old son and lacking access to healing resources in South LA ...
1 Aug 2025
S3:E2 Beauty in Ashes: Black Mothers Surviving the Eaton Canyon Wildfires
Send us a text When flames tore through Altadena on January 7th, they destroyed more than buildings—they revealed deep inequities in how America responds to disasters in Black communities. Against the backdrop of California's fifth deadliest wildfire, this episode brings together two survivors with starkly different recovery experiences. Tamil, an intergenerational homeowner who operated a braiding business from the house her mother owned for 50 years, woke to find her world literally on fir...
17 Jul 2025
Sinners (S3:E1)
Send us a text What does one night of freedom look like when you're trapped in systems designed to extract your labor, silence your voice, and deny your humanity? In Ryan Coogler's masterful film "Sinners," this question unfolds through the story of Sammy, a young guitarist who seeks artistic expression outside the church walls in 1930s Mississippi. But freedom comes with costs, raising profound theological questions that still resonate today. This riveting episode of Abolitionist Sanctuary f...
8 Aug 2024
S2:E5 EbonyJanice: All The Black Girls Are Activists
Send us a Text Message. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2106651/open_sms) Join us as we welcome the extraordinary Ebony Janice, a luminary in the realms of authorship and activism, hailing from the rural landscapes of Ohio and North Carolina to the vibrant streets of Harlem. Listen as she recounts her journey and the essence of her impactful work with the Free People Project and the Ebony Janice Project. Discover how she champions Black women's healing and pleasure, and how her parents and ancestors have profoundly influenced her mission. Explore the cultural significance of her visual presence, and dive into her reflections on spiritual and romantic pursuits that drive her activism. Experience Harlem through Ebony Janice's eyes as we uncover the community's unique challenges with environmental noise and the concept of "hood wellness." Hear firsthand accounts of the persistent noise pollution that affects mental well-being and the role gentrification plays in altering the cultural fabric of marginalized neighborhoods. We discuss the essential need for tranquil spaces where Black women and femmes can reconnect with their bodies and find peace amidst chaos. The dialogue extends to her transformative spiritual journey, navigating beyond a Christocentric identity to Yoruba priestess after an enlightening mission trip to Kenya, and the complex intersections of Christianity, Black identity, and slavery. Throughout our conversation, we celebrate the wisdom of Black women elders, honoring figures such as Toni Morrison and Maya Angelou, whose contributions have paved the way for future generations. We delve into the intersectional challenges of race, gender, and state violence, emphasizing the resilience and joy that Black women cultivate in the face of adversity. Envisioning a future rooted in community safety and well-being, we discuss an abolitionist approach that prioritizes the protection and cherishing of Black lives. This episode discusses the sharp contrasts among the attack, ascension, and activism of Black womanhood reflected in the murder of Sonya Massey by the police, the presumptive presidential nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris, and Black women leading organizing actions to redeem our democracy. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode that honors Black womanhood, spirituality, and activism, offering both a reflective and forward-looking abolitionist perspective on these critical issues. Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2106651/support) Sign-up (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org) and join a social media platform for abolitionists Enroll (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org/train/courses/) to take courses at Abolition Academy Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/abolitionistsanctuary/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/AbolitionSnctry), and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AbolitionistSanctuary) Subscribe to our YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AbolitionistSanctuary) Channel
5 Jul 2024
S2:E4 Silencing White Noise: Dr. Willie D. Francois, III on Abolition Spirituality and Anti-Racism
Send us a Text Message. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2106651/open_sms) Can racism be silenced? Join us as Reverend Nikia Smith Robert, PhD and Reverend Doctor Willie D Francois tackle this pressing question by exploring the concept of "white noise" from Francois’s book, "Silencing White Noise: Six Practices to Overcome Our Inaction on Race." Together, we dissect how racist speech, silence, and inaction serve to maintain white supremacy, and how even those affected by racism can unknowingly perpetuate it. From the specific vulnerabilities of Black women to the intersectionality of various forms of oppression, this episode lays bare the urgent need for comprehensive anti-racism practices. Hear Dr. Francois and Dr. Robert as they scrutinize the theological underpinnings of punishment and incarceration, revealing how entrenched societal narratives frame Black bodies as inherently dangerous. With insights from Christian doctrines on sin and punishment, parallels are drawn between the concept of hell and the punitive nature of prisons. By weaving in perspectives from Chinese Buddhism and real-life stories, such as that of Kelly Williams Bolar, we illuminate the moral and ethical implications of a racially biased carceral system. Finally, this episode explore actionable steps toward creating a true abolitionist sanctuary, grounded in the rhythms of reparative intercession. Dr. Francois discusses moving beyond white guilt to racial grief, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus' ministry in fostering compassion and justice. Discover how these spiritual principles can guide us towards a society where sanctuaries of refuge and solidarity replace systems of policing and punishment. Dr. Francois challenges us to stay connected as we strive for communal flourishing and a just society, following the teachings and hope of resurrection. Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2106651/support) Sign-up (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org) and join a social media platform for abolitionists Enroll (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org/train/courses/) to take courses at Abolition Academy Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/abolitionistsanctuary/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/AbolitionSnctry), and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AbolitionistSanctuary) Subscribe to our YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AbolitionistSanctuary) Channel
5 Jul 2024
S2:E4 Silencing White Noise: Dr. Willie D Francois on Abolition Spirituality and Anti-Racism
Send us a Text Message. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2106651/open_sms) Can racism be silenced? Join us as Reverend Nikia Smith Robert, PhD and Reverend Doctor Willie D Francois tackle this pressing question by exploring the concept of "white noise" from Francois’s book, "Silencing White Noise: Six Practices to Overcome Our Inaction on Race." Together, we dissect how racist speech, silence, and inaction serve to maintain white supremacy, and how even those affected by racism can unknowingly perpetuate it. From the specific vulnerabilities of Black women to the intersectionality of various forms of oppression, this episode lays bare the urgent need for comprehensive anti-racism practices. Hear Dr. Francois and Dr. Robert as they scrutinize the theological underpinnings of punishment and incarceration, revealing how entrenched societal narratives frame Black bodies as inherently dangerous. With insights from Christian doctrines on sin and punishment, parallels are drawn between the concept of hell and the punitive nature of prisons. By weaving in perspectives from Chinese Buddhism and real-life stories, such as that of Kelly Williams Bolar, we illuminate the moral and ethical implications of a racially biased carceral system. Finally, this episode explore actionable steps toward creating a true abolitionist sanctuary, grounded in the rhythms of reparative intercession. Dr. Francois discusses moving beyond white guilt to racial grief, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus' ministry in fostering compassion and justice. Discover how these spiritual principles can guide us towards a society where sanctuaries of refuge and solidarity replace systems of policing and punishment. Dr. Francois challenges us to stay connected as we strive for communal flourishing and a just society, following the teachings and hope of resurrection. Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2106651/support) Sign-up (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org) and join a social media platform for abolitionists Enroll (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org/train/courses/) to take courses at Abolition Academy Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/abolitionistsanctuary/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/AbolitionSnctry), and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AbolitionistSanctuary) Subscribe to our YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AbolitionistSanctuary) Channel
4 Jun 2024
S2:E3 Patrisse Cullors: Black Lives Matter
Send us a Text Message. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2106651/open_sms) Join Dr. Nika in a discussion with Patrisse Cullors, the co-founder of Black Lives Matter. Cullors' journey will inspire you as she shares how her maternal lineage and ancestral experiences with religion and systemic oppression fuel her art and activism. One standout moment is her collaboration with designer Rita Nazarino on the North Star bag collection, a project that combines traditional hand weaving with potent abolitionist symbolism inspired by Underground Railroad quilt patterns. Enhancing the narrative is a poignant poem by formerly incarcerated Black poet Nisi Berry, making these bags a canvas for abolitionist expression and future. Our conversation takes you through the transformative power of embracing West African spiritual traditions, particularly Ifa, through the influence of Malidoma Patrice Somé's seminal book, "The Healing Wisdom of Africa." We delve into a moving case study from Malawi, as Ida Puliwa's work in her village to empower girls highlights the synergy between mutual aid and community resilience against patriarchal oppression that makes the African diaspora instructive for building abolitionist futures in the U.S.. Additionally, we examine the intertwined histories of African indigenous religions and political movements, underscoring how practices like Voodoo, Candomblé, and Orishas have historically fortified Black power and resistance. These reflections are deeply personal, drawing connections between abolition and the Cullors' own family encounters with carceral systems. Our discussion pivots to the critical role of healing justice, particularly in the context of the Los Angeles County jail system. Spearheaded by concepts championed by Cara Page, we emphasize the necessity of healing justice services to support continually traumatized communities. Shifting the focus from individual self-care to collective care, we outline systemic changes vital for addressing the deep scars racism inflicts on Black health and well-being. We also touch on the delicate balance of activism and motherhood, revealing the often overlooked physical and emotional toll borne by those on the front lines. Wrapping up, we discuss the crucial role of artists in the struggle for abolition and reimagining a more just and equitable world. Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2106651/support) Sign-up (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org) and join a social media platform for abolitionists Enroll (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org/train/courses/) to take courses at Abolition Academy Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/abolitionistsanctuary/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/AbolitionSnctry), and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AbolitionistSanctuary) Subscribe to our YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AbolitionistSanctuary) Channel
4 Jun 2024
S2:E3 June Pride and Juneteenth: Black Lives Matter
Send us a Text Message. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2106651/open_sms) Join Dr. Nika in a discussion with Patrisse Cullors, the co-founder of Black Lives Matter. Cullors' journey will inspire you as she shares how her maternal lineage and ancestral experiences with religion and systemic oppression fuel her art and activism. One standout moment is her collaboration with designer Rita Nazarino on the North Star bag collection, a project that combines traditional hand weaving with potent abolitionist symbolism inspired by Underground Railroad quilt patterns. Enhancing the narrative is a poignant poem by formerly incarcerated Black poet Nisi Berry, making these bags a canvas for abolitionist expression and future. Our conversation takes you through the transformative power of embracing West African spiritual traditions, particularly Ifa, through the influence of Malidoma Patrice Somé's seminal book, "The Healing Wisdom of Africa." We delve into a moving case study from Malawi, as Ida Puliwa's work in her village to empower girls highlights the synergy between mutual aid and community resilience against patriarchal oppression that makes the African diaspora instructive for building abolitionist futures in the U.S.. Additionally, we examine the intertwined histories of African indigenous religions and political movements, underscoring how practices like Voodoo, Candomblé, and Orishas have historically fortified Black power and resistance. These reflections are deeply personal, drawing connections between abolition and the Cullors' own family encounters with carceral systems. Our discussion pivots to the critical role of healing justice, particularly in the context of the Los Angeles County jail system. Spearheaded by concepts championed by Cara Page, we emphasize the necessity of healing justice services to support continually traumatized communities. Shifting the focus from individual self-care to collective care, we outline systemic changes vital for addressing the deep scars racism inflicts on Black health and well-being. We also touch on the delicate balance of activism and motherhood, revealing the often overlooked physical and emotional toll borne by those on the front lines. Wrapping up, we discuss the crucial role of artists in the struggle for abolition and reimagining a more just and equitable world. Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2106651/support) Sign-up (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org) and join a social media platform for abolitionists Enroll (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org/train/courses/) to take courses at Abolition Academy Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/abolitionistsanctuary/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/AbolitionSnctry), and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AbolitionistSanctuary) Subscribe to our YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AbolitionistSanctuary) Channel
11 May 2024
S2:E2 The Triumph of Black Motherhood: Prisons, Pews, and Protests
Send us a Text Message. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2106651/open_sms) When the weight of societal judgment weighs on the shoulders of Black mothers, where can they turn for solace and strength? Our latest conversation with Reverend Dr. Najuma Smith Pollard tackles this piercing question, unwrapping layers of faith interlaced with the fabric of social justice. A legacy passed down from her activist grandparents, Reverend Najuma's life is a testament to the power of education and awareness in challenging systemic injustices. We uncover the raw realities of Black motherhood, the criminalization of poverty, and the untold stories of resilience that redefine the narrative of struggle into one of indomitable spirit. Rev. Najuma vulnerably shares her personal story with the stigma and shame of survival as a single poor Black mother that led to incarceration and how her resilience is a source of an unlawful salvation that fuels her faith as a social justice leader and Pastor. The echoes of the gospel's call for liberation frame our dynamic discussion, as we untangle the sanitized interpretations that strip the Bible of its social justice roots. Reverend Najuma's insights as a pastor and community leader spotlight the church's pivotal role in advocating for the marginalized, serving as the hands and feet of a faith that demands action against oppression. We share our own encounters with systemic barriers and the psychological toll they exact on those fighting to provide for their families, while also casting a vision of hope through communal support and empowerment strategies. As a beacon leading towards the intersection of faith and justice, this episode is an invitation to join hands with movements reshaping the future of black and brown communities. Witness the transformative power of solidarity as we reflect on our experiences, from the painful loss of loved ones to the triumph of breaking cycles of poverty. We leave listeners with actionable steps, urging them to engage with social justice initiatives that resonate, educate themselves on the systemic challenges, and embrace the communal vision of thriving and justice for all. Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2106651/support) Sign-up (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org) and join a social media platform for abolitionists Enroll (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org/train/courses/) to take courses at Abolition Academy Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/abolitionistsanctuary/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/AbolitionSnctry), and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AbolitionistSanctuary) Subscribe to our YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AbolitionistSanctuary) Channel
10 Apr 2024
S2:E1 Art and Abolition: Crenshaw Dairy Mart's Creative Path to Liberation
Send us a Text Message. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2106651/open_sms) Embark on an enlightening journey with the passionate voices of Crenshaw Dairy Mart's Ashley Blakeney, Ale, and Noe Olivas as they define the essence of abolition through the lens of art and resistance. Each guest unveils their unique interpretation of abolition, interweaving their cultural narratives and life stories into a tapestry of activism that challenges and inspires. Ashley, the executive director of CDM, demystifies the idea of abolition as more than a concept—it's a movement for dismantling oppressive structures and crafting a world where every need finds fulfillment. Meanwhile, Ale merges the worlds of fashion and activism, and Noe grounds his work in the rich soil of his family's history. Within the nurturing walls of the Crenshaw Dairy Mart, discover how art serves as a catalyst for healing and spiritual growth, anchored by the triad of ancestry, abolition, and spirituality. Explore innovative programs such as the North Star Healing Generations exhibit and the Abolitionist Pods, which take the form of intimate geodesic domes, demonstrates the tangible intersection of artistic expression and social transformation. These spaces symbolize a sanctuary for contemplative growth, encouraging community healing through the communal embrace of art. Join us as we acknowledge the profound impact of African diasporic religions on the spirit of political resistance, exploring the capacity of art and music to fuel the fires of liberation. In this heartfelt exchange, we draw connections between personal spiritual paths and the proactive nature of abolitionist endeavors, while also envisioning a future where resources flow towards nurturing artists as agents of change. As Abolition April unfurls its banner of joy and community solidarity, we look forward to the unfolding celebrations, steeped in creative resilience and driven by a fervent belief in the power of compassion, justice, and the flourishing of every community member. Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2106651/support) Sign-up (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org) and join a social media platform for abolitionists Enroll (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org/train/courses/) to take courses at Abolition Academy Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/abolitionistsanctuary/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/AbolitionSnctry), and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AbolitionistSanctuary) Subscribe to our YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AbolitionistSanctuary) Channel
31 Mar 2023
S1:E3 Candice Marie Benbow and Red Lip Theology
Send us a Text Message. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2106651/open_sms) Dr. Nikia Smith Robert hosts special guest Candice Benbow, to discuss her book, Red Lip Theology, and the intersections of faith, culture, Black women, and abolition. Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2106651/support) Sign-up (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org) and join a social media platform for abolitionists Enroll (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org/train/courses/) to take courses at Abolition Academy Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/abolitionistsanctuary/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/AbolitionSnctry), and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AbolitionistSanctuary) Subscribe to our YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AbolitionistSanctuary) Channel
26 Feb 2023
S1:E2 Black Dignity with Dr. Vincent Lloyd
Send us a Text Message. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2106651/open_sms) Dr. Nikia Smith Robert hosts special guest Dr. Vincent Lloyd, to discuss his recent book, Black Dignity, and the struggle against domination that has undermined social justice movements, including #BlackLivesMatter. Support the Show. (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2106651/support) Sign-up (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org) and join a social media platform for abolitionists Enroll (https://www.abolitionistsanctuary.org/train/courses/) to take courses at Abolition Academy Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/abolitionistsanctuary/), Twitter (https://twitter.com/AbolitionSnctry), and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/AbolitionistSanctuary) Subscribe to our YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@AbolitionistSanctuary) Channel
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
- YouTube views
- 760
- Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
- Apple Podcasts (US)
- 5.0 / 5
- 1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 41 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
- Quality
- 44
- Social presence
- 0
- YouTube
- 66
- Engagement
- 27
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