Insights: A Conversation With Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman

Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman is an award-winning researcher and writer and the co-founder of the Sadie Collective. In this book recommendation episode of HPS Insights, Tony interviews Anna about her new book, “The Black Agenda.” The two chat about the book, a collection of essays by Black experts on a variety of public policy topics, and discuss why it is so important to include Black voices in public policy debates. 

In the current societal environment where race, diversity, and inclusion have come to the forefront of public discourse, Anna saw an opportunity to create a book that elevates the work and commentary of Black experts on public policy. As Anna and Tony explore a wide range of issues the book covers, the two note that each section is full of important and often widely unknown data, as well as thought-provoking and timely policy prescriptions.

In addition to delving into some of the issue-specific essays, Anna and Tony also discuss the important role that institutions more broadly play in increasing the inclusion of Black voices and talent, such as by hiring from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. There is no shortage of Black folks looking to take opportunities, Anna notes, and organizations that make an effort to realize that will be rewarded with a deeper, better workforce that everyone benefits from.

You can listen to the full conversation here. You can also learn more about Anna and “The Black Agenda” here and follow Anna on Twitter @itsafronomics. Subscribe to the HPS Podcast Channel on your favorite podcast service for more HPS Insights episodes and our weekly Macrocast.