Add this to your calendar

You may know Kevin Powell from his work at Vibe magazine, or from his two campaigns for Congress, or from MTV’s The Real World where he was one of the first seven strangers picked to live in a loft and, subsequently, transform the television landscape.

But in his latest book, The Education of Kevin Powell: A Boy’s Journey into Manhood, Powell invites readers to see a more deeply personal and raw side of himself. In it, he recounts his struggles to overcome poverty, racism, depression and abuse. He relates his own search for justice through the politics, pop culture and music that he grew up with, including the birth of hip hop, the death of Tupac Shakur and the rise of Barack Obama.

Powell joined us live on Oct. 26 for a podcast taping of WNYC Studios’ Death, Sex & Money with host Anna Sale. He spoke openly about the anger, sexism and violent tendencies of his past and detailed his own journey to become a different kid of man and a voice for others.

Powell on how he coped after his father left his family: 

Powell on ending his cycle of anger and violence:

Watch the entire conversation below: