- Why NYC's Specialized High School Admissions Need to Change
Black and Latino students make up over 60% of NYC public school students, yet remain locked out of the city's specialized high schools. Why, and what can we do about it?
Sheena and David sit down with Deputy Speaker Dr. Nantasha Williams and Council Member Lincoln Restler to talk about why one test shouldn't decide a child's future, and what it will take to change admissions.
🎧 Listen to the full conversation.
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49m - Oct 13, 2026 - "We've Been Here Before": Dr. Monique Couvson on the Neo-Redeemer Era
Sheena and David sit down with Dr. Monique Couvson, acclaimed author of Pushout, Black Stats, and Girls, Unlimited, and president and CEO of Grantmakers for Girls of Color.
Dr. Couvson calls this moment the "neo-redeemer era," a backlash that follows progress, and she argues that we've been here before and the ancestors left us notes. She breaks down why data is one of the first things to come under attack, what Black Stats shows about a community that is growing and not dwindling, and why Black girls and women are at the center of this moment. She also talks about her "grandma's philanthropy," what it means to come together and "get bigger than the bear," and why it is never illegal to love our children and our communities.
🎧 Watch the full conversation now.
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👇 What's one way you're leading with love right now? Tell us in the comments.
1h 2m - Oct 6, 2026 - "This Is Our Civil Rights Moment": Queens Borough President Donovan Richards on the SHSAT
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards joins Sheena and David to take on the SHSAT and the numbers behind it: Black and Latino students make up over 62% of NYC's public school system, but under 10% of the students admitted to specialized high schools.
Richards calls it "our civil rights moment" and argues the fix starts well before test day, with real investment in neighborhood schools, exam information in every middle schooler's hands, and elected officials willing to speak up. They also get into what the city can change now for five of the eight specialized schools without waiting on Albany, and how to bring the Asian community to the table for a solution that works for everyone.
Plus, Richards on what's happening in Queens, from the borough's first standalone cancer center to the $20 billion JFK redevelopment.
38m - Sep 29, 2026 - 3 Black Students. 777 Seats. The Truth About the SHSAT
This week, hosts Sheena and David sit down with David R. Jones, President & CEO of the Community Service Society of New York, to unpack the SHSAT.
Stuyvesant made 777 offers this year — only 3 went to Black students. Jones traces the test back to a 1971 law designed to stop "white flight," breaks down how scoring quietly favors certain students, and explains why the mayor already has the power to change admissions at 5 of the city's 8 specialized high schools.
@theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram
@TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube
The Beacon and Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by:
Sheena Wright & David Banks
Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor
Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant
Terry McDonald - Makeup
Oumou Sy - Hair
Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor
DJ Spinna - Theme Music "Crystal Duds"
55m - Sep 22, 2026 - Faith, Legacy, and the Fight for Harlem: Rev. Dr. Kevin Johnson on Abyssinian's 218 Years
Faith has always been at the center of black liberation. Sheena and David sit down with Reverend Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, senior pastor of the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church, to talk about the church's 218-year legacy, black liberation theology, the fight to preserve Harlem and black homeownership, generational leadership, and what it truly means to build a black agenda for the future.
@theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram
@TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube
The Beacon and Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by:
Sheena Wright & David Banks
Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor
Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant
Terry McDonald - Makeup
Oumou Sy - Hair
Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor
DJ Spinna - Theme Music "Crystal Duds"
58m - Sep 12, 2026 - Back to School: The Challenges Facing NYC
Back to school means back to the tough conversations. Sheena & David sit down to unpack what the new school year means for students, parents, and educators across New York City — from the state of public education to the challenges still facing our schools and the changes it'll take to set kids up for real success this year.
@theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram
@TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube
The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by:
Sheena Wright & David Banks
Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor
Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant
Terry McDonald - Makeup
Oumou Sy - Hair
Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor
DJ Spinna - Theme Music "Crystal Duds"
22m - Sep 8, 2026 - The Black Family Who Built America – with Cheryl McKissack Daniel
Black excellence has always been around, whether America recognizes it or not. Sheena & David sit down with Cheryl McKissack Daniel to discuss her family’s 230-year legacy, the Black professionals who built America, reparations, ownership, real estate development, and the responsibility to build something that outlasts you.
@theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram
@TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube
The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by:
Sheena Wright & David Banks
Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor
Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant
Terry McDonald - Makeup
Oumou Sy - Hair
Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor
DJ Spinna - Theme Music “Crystal Duds”
In association with Signal Co. No1
56m - Jul 28, 2026 - Stronger Together - with Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant
The building is on fire. Sheena & David sit down with Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant to talk the Divine Nine, voting rights, grassroots activation, collaborative leadership, faith, and the urgency of doing something now.
@theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram
@TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube
The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by:
Sheena Wright & David Banks
Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor
Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant
Terry McDonald - Makeup
Oumou Sy - Hair
Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor
DJ Spinna - Theme Music “Crystal Duds”
In association with Signal Co. No1
56m - Jul 21, 2026 - Power, Policy & the Work of Leadership - with Public Advocate Jumaane Williams
Don’t confuse Black persons doing better with Black people doing better. Sheena & David sit down with Public Advocate Jumaane Williams to talk political power, public safety, affordability, democratic socialism, and the work of turning populist messages into real outcomes.
@theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram
@TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube
The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by:
Sheena Wright & David Banks
Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor
Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant
Terry McDonald - Makeup
Oumou Sy - Hair
Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor
DJ Spinna - Theme Music “Crystal Duds”
In association with Signal Co. No1
1h 2m - Jul 14, 2026 - Politics Is Interested in You - with Errol Louis
Get in where you fit in. Sheena & David sit down with Errol Louis to talk New York politics, journalism, Mamdani, political power, and why staying informed is not optional.
@theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram
@TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube
The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by:
Sheena Wright & David Banks
Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor
Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant
Terry McDonald - Makeup
Oumou Sy - Hair
Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor
DJ Spinna - Theme Music “Crystal Duds”
In association with Signal Co. No1
1h 1m - Jul 7, 2026 - On being and building a better New York - with Mark Levine
We need you all in the arena & holding us accountable. Sheena & David speak with City Comptroller, Mark Levine.
@theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram
@TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube
The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by:
Sheena Wright & David Banks
Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor
Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant
Terry McDonald - Makeup
Oumou Sy - Hair
Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor
DJ Spinna - Theme Music “Crystal Duds”
In association with Signal Co. No1
52m - Jun 30, 2026 - Vote, brother. Vote, brother. Vote, brother - with United States Congressman Gregory W. Meeks
It’s all at stake right now. Sheena & David sit down with United States Congressman Gregory W. Meeks to discuss the midterms, Hakeem Jeffries, coalition building, and why political power matters.
@theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram
@TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube
The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by:
Sheena Wright & David Banks
Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor
Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant
Terry McDonald - Makeup
Oumou Sy - Hair
Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor
DJ Spinna - Theme Music “Crystal Duds”
In association with Signal Co. No1
58m - Jun 23, 2026 - Recognizing a technology that is here. AI & Education - with Andrew Rasiej
You can not put your head in the sand and call that leadership.
AI, Education and Fear - Sheena & David sit down with Andrew Rasiej
@theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram
@TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube
The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by:
Sheena Wright & David Banks
Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor
Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant
Terry McDonald - Makeup
Oumou Sy - Hair
Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor
DJ Spinna - Theme Music “Crystal Duds”
In association with Signal Co. No1
1h 0m - Jun 16, 2026 - The Humility to be Mentored. On Education - with Dr. Pedro Noguera
What's happening in the streets, is what's happening in the schools. Sheena & David sit down with Dr. Pedro Noguera.
@theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram
@TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube
The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by:
Sheena Wright & David Banks
Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor
Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant
Terry McDonald - Makeup
Oumou Sy - Hair
Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor
DJ Spinna - Theme Music “Crystal Duds”
In association with Signal Co. No1
55m - Jun 9, 2026 - Faith, Love, Listening, and the Transformation of Young Lives in Harlem and Beyond - with Reverend Al Cohen & Janet Cohen
"You want to take me out? You got to take me to church." David & Sheena welcome Rev. Al Cohen and Janet Cohen.
@theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram
@TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube
The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by:
Sheena Wright & David Banks
Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor
Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant
Terry McDonald - Makeup
Oumou Sy - Hair
Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor
DJ Spinna - Theme Music “Crystal Duds”
In association with Signal Co. No1
1h 2m - Jun 2, 2026 - Building Coalitions to Win on Immigration with Stephen Choi
From post 911 to Trump's 2nd term, Sheena & David discuss immigration issues in these times with Stephen Choi
Sheena & David talk to Gary Beidleman & Dr. Taiwo Alonge.
@theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram
@TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube
The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by:
Sheena Wright & David Banks
Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor
Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant
Terry McDonald - Makeup
Oumou Sy - Hair
Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor
DJ Spinna - Theme Music “Crystal Duds”
In association with Signal Co. No1
54m - May 26, 2026 - A Mind Blowing Deficit of Mental Health Care - with Gary Beidleman & Dr. Taiwo Alonge
One in five young people are experiencing a mental disorder. Right now. Today.
Sheena & David talk to Gary Beidleman & Dr. Taiwo Alonge.
@theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram
@TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube
The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by:
Sheena Wright & David Banks
Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor
Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant
Terry McDonald - Makeup
Oumou Sy - Hair
Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor
DJ Spinna - Theme Music “Crystal Duds”
In association with Signal Co. No1
1h 3m - May 19, 2026 - Housing & Home Ownership in the Black Community - with Valerie White & James J. Johnson
Sheena and David talk about the value and necessity of real estate opportunities for Black New York with Valerie White & James J. Johnson.
@theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram
@TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube
The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by:
Sheena Wright & David Banks
Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor
Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant
Terry McDonald - Makeup
Oumou Sy - Hair
Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor
DJ Spinna - Theme Music “Crystal Duds”
In association with Signal Co. No1
1h 7m - May 12, 2026 - Humility, Grace, Strength and Fire - with Adrienne Adams
Believing you can fly, and becoming a black butterfly. Sheena & David walk with Adrienne Adams through her journey to becoming Kathy Hochul's running mate & pick for Lieutenant Governor of New York.
@theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram
@TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube
The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by:
Sheena Wright & David Banks
Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor
Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant
Terry McDonald - Makeup
Oumou Sy - Hair
Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor
DJ Spinna - Theme Music “Crystal Duds”
In association with Signal Co. No1
57m - May 5, 2026 - Talking About It or Being About It - with Melba Wilson
Born, bred and buttered in Harlem. Sheena & David chop it up with Melba Wilson.
@theBeaconAndBlueprint on Instagram
@TheBeaconandBlueprint on YouTube
The Beacon & Blueprint podcast Is brought to you by:
Sheena Wright & David Banks
Brandon Scales - Videographer and editor
Patrice Sanders - Production Assistant
Terry McDonald - Makeup
Oumou Sy - Hair
Malcolm Rashaad Banks - Advisor
DJ Spinna - Theme Music “Crystal Duds”
In association with Signal Co. No1
55m - Apr 28, 2026
