Episode #24
The World Is Being Destroyed by Some Little Boys with Phil Agnew
What does it mean to tell a Black boy “I love you”—period? Not “love, bro.” Not “love you, big dog.” Just: I love you. That question sits at the heart of this conversation between Dr. David J. Johns and Phil Agnew, Dream Defenders co-founder, community organizer, and co-author of P.S. Eye Value You, a children’s book created with Brandon Vega and artist Damon Davis through their imprint Black House Publishing. Phil talks about what it took to write a book he desperately needed as a child—and still needs now. He shares the full story of Roots Bookstore & Market in Liberty City, born from grief, spirit, and a stranger’s unexpected email. He names exactly what’s happening when patriarchy repackages itself for the algorithm and spends billions to recruit brothers away from their own freedom. And he offers what he calls “models for new ways of being”—not because it’s politically correct, but because the old ways never made anyone happy. Phil’s peace right now? Real, hard-fought, and honest. His message to the tired brother? The transition will be clunky, but it’s so great over here. Class is in session. Pull up. SHOW NOTES Resources & References P.S. Eye Value You A children’s book by Phil Agnew, Brandon Vega, and Damon Davis, published through their imprint Black House Publishing. Told through poetry and illustration, it is a love letter to Black boys learning themselves in a world that doesn’t always see them clearly. pseyevalueyou.com Roots Bookstore & Market A Black-owned bookstore at 6610 NW 15th Avenue in Liberty City, Miami, Florida. Seeded in part from the personal library of Barney Agnew—Phil and Danny’s father, known on Chicago’s South Side as “Barney the Bookman” (a former Jeopardy contestant). Open Tuesday–Saturday. rootsbookstore.com Black Men Build A national organization co-founded by Phil Agnew in 2020 that brings Black men into the movement for racial, social, and gender justice through political education, mutual aid, mass meetings, and men’s circles. Publishes WARTIME, a digital and print magazine. Chapters throughout the country. blackmen.build Dream Defenders A Florida-based human rights organization co-founded by Phil Agnew in 2012, dedicated to ending policing and abolishing prisons through multi-racial organizing. Rose to national prominence following the acquittal of George Zimmerman for the murder of Trayvon Martin. dreamdefenders.org Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/teach-the-babies-w-dr-david-j-johns--6173854/support .
