Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club — INTERVIEW: Omar Epps, Yelena Popovic & Reginald Akkeem Berry Sr. on ‘Moses the Black’ (February 2, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this riveting episode of The Breakfast Club, hosts Charlamagne Tha God, Jess Hilarious, and Lauren LaRosa sit down with actor Omar Epps, writer/director Yelena Popovic, and community leader Reginald Akkeem Berry Sr. to discuss the new film "Moses the Black." The conversation dives deep into the film’s authentic storytelling, its inspiration from 4th century saint Moses the Black, the contemporary resonance of its themes in Chicago’s inner city, and the struggles faced in bringing this story to the big screen. The guests share emotional, spiritual, and personal journeys, offering a powerful dialogue on redemption, representation, art, activism, and Black history.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Story and Inspiration Behind 'Moses the Black'

[02:42–06:19]

• The film reimagines the story of 4th century Ethiopian saint Moses the Black (“the real Robin Hood”) as a contemporary figure, Malik, in Chicago.
• Yelena Popovic described her initial writer’s block before envisioning the saint’s journey unfolding on the streets of Chicago:
  • “I saw, literally, Chicago, Grandma. I saw scenes of the movie in front of my eyes, and I...” – [04:48]
• To ensure authenticity, Popovic sought perspective from local community figures and met Akkeem Berry to ground the story in real experiences.

2. Authenticity and Community Collaboration

[06:19–10:40]

• Akkeem Berry shares his real-life parallel journey from gang leadership to community activism and his initial skepticism of the project:
  • “Honestly, I was just gonna have lunch just to be cordial and blow this white lady off.” – Akkeem Barry Sr. [06:47]
• Berry was convinced by Popovic’s desire to honor authentic Chicago street life and specific community members.
• The film’s collaborative process included input from real Chicagoans, even bringing local talent to the cast.

3. Spiritual and Human Themes: Redemption, Repentance, Power

[09:37–12:20]

• Popovic emphasizes the universal potential for redemption:
  • “This is really made for those that suffer the most...those that are in the bondage, they don’t believe they can get out.” – [10:10]
• Omar Epps expands the idea of redemption beyond religion to encompass human experience, touching everyone:
  • “It’s not just from a faith-based angle, it’s just from a human experience angle.” – [11:46]

4. Modernization & Social Media’s Influence

[12:20–13:43]

• The film reflects contemporary communication, especially how social media shapes street life and behavior:
  • “The insanity of how social media can be...people take something that’s virtual and bring it into their real lives.” – Omar Epps [12:32]
• Instant spread of information, loss of reflection time, and real-world consequences are explored.

5. Complexities of Crime, Poverty, Redemption

[13:44–18:34]

• Malik, like Berry, is not painted as a one-dimensional antagonist.
• Berry's personal history shows paths into crime as driven by socioeconomic pressures, not inherent malice.
• Change from within community leadership, even in the face of prison and violence, can transform lives.

6. Systemic Obstacles & Activism Through Film

[18:34–22:27]

• The film’s release faced active suppression—studios and theaters allegedly pulled screenings, especially in urban areas:
  • “They are actively and aggressively trying to keep the film from the community.” – Omar Epps [19:19]
• The hosts and guests discuss how the message of community upliftment through art may threaten entrenched interests in the status quo.

7. Black History, Roots of Christianity, and Hidden Heritage

[50:35–53:12]

• Yelena Popovic highlights African roots in the Christian tradition, revealing how key elements of religious history are often hidden or ignored in the West:
  • “Every time you pick up a Bible, the black men and women from Africa...saved Christianity from destruction, not Rome.” – Yelena Popovic [52:48]

8. The Challenges and Rewards of Truthful Storytelling

[39:03–44:31]

• The guests reflect on the importance of the director’s authentic engagement with the community, building real trust with local talent and residents.
• The cast and crew’s intention is to tell hard truths and inspire hope:
  • “Joy can make you free...That’s why they’re trying to steal our joy.” – Yelena Popovic [28:26]
  • “The truth doesn’t have an agenda. It just is.” – Omar Epps [28:39]

9. Impact of Representation, Art, and Legacy

[24:21–61:54]

• Omar Epps discusses the personal and collective responsibility of using art as a “weapon" for truth and progress.
• The significance of representing Black history, complexity, and hope on screen is at the heart of the film’s mission.
• Epps also reflects on the evolution of his career and the difference between simply taking opportunity vs. creating intention and legacy with his work.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Authentic Storytelling

• “I had to go to Chicago. And by the providence of God, I believe I met this incredible gentleman, Reginald Akim Berry... Without him, this wouldn't have happened.” — Yelena Popovic [05:25]

On Community Impact & Suppression

• “They are actively and aggressively trying to keep the film from the community. At the end of the day, God don’t stop working either.” — Omar Epps [19:19]

On Redemption and Transformation

• “It don’t take no courage to blend into the crowd. It takes courage to stand out from the crowd.” — Akkeem Barry Sr. [17:13]
• “This movie is for those that suffer the most... They don’t believe in that there is a second chance for them.” — Yelena Popovic [10:15]

On Art, Joy, and Black History

• “The truth doesn’t have an agenda. It just is.” — Omar Epps [28:39]
• “Joy can make you free. That’s why they’re always trying to steal it.” — Yelena Popovic [28:26]
• “Every time you pick up a Bible, the black men and women from Africa were the ones... that saved Christianity from destruction, not Rome.” — Yelena Popovic [52:48]

On Systemic Issues and Prison Capitalism

• “When the prison come, the gas station come, the bank come, the restaurant come. Cause Black folks gonna come visit their people... And it built a whole industry around this prison.” — Akkeem Barry Sr. [23:06]

On Legacy, Intention, and Artistry

• “My art is my weapon of choice... when you talk about the power of imagery, the power of storytelling—what art does for us, not only as a community, but just as human beings—just inspires us, motivates us.” — Omar Epps [24:21]

Important Timestamps

• [02:42] — Start of main interview, guests introduced.
• [02:55] — The real-life story of Moses the Black explained.
• [04:48] — Popovic’s epiphany to set the film in Chicago.
• [06:19] — Akkeem Berry’s real-life story and connection to the film.
• [10:10] — Theme of redemption and freedom for those feeling hopeless.
• [12:32] — Modern social media’s influence on street life.
• [18:34] — Suppression and distribution issues faced by the film.
• [23:06] — Prison industry as a “gravy train” for rural towns.
• [24:21] — The weight of portraying Malik and using art for activism.
• [28:39] — Truth’s power and the importance of art in impoverished communities.
• [39:03] — On Yelena Popovic’s experience in Chicago and building trust.
• [50:35–53:12] — African origins of Christianity and their erasure from Western narratives.
• [61:54] — Omar Epps reflects on growth, intention, and the value of art in legacy.

Conclusion

This episode is a profound exploration of Moses the Black—its significance beyond film. The guests reveal how intentional, community-driven storytelling can confront both internal and systemic struggles, catalyze personal and social transformation, and reclaim vital strands of Black history and spiritual heritage. Despite external obstacles and active suppression, the film stands as a testament to the power of truth, redemption, and the enduring need for art that uplifts and unites.

For listeners seeking inspiration, context, and hope, this is an essential conversation.