In the powerful first episode of the Dying to Stay Here podcast, inspired by Chuck Cantrell’s acclaimed mini-documentary, Keanna Ward reclaims the narrative of what it means to be unhoused and Black in Silicon Valley. Through her unfiltered perspective, Ward shares a deeply personal and eye-opening account of surviving on the streets, the systemic barriers she faced, and her journey back to stable housing.

Ward’s story is not just about hardship—it’s a call to action. She courageously identifies the individuals and institutions responsible for perpetuating inequity, exposing the broken systems that fail Black residents in one of the nation’s wealthiest regions. Her testimony is grounded in lived experience and supported by data, highlighting the staggering disparities in housing, employment, and health outcomes for African Americans in Santa Clara County, where Black residents make up 2.35% of the population but account for about 19% of the unhoused.

Listeners are invited to confront uncomfortable truths and reflect on the urgent need for justice and reform. Ward’s compelling narrative will challenge your sense of fairness, deepen your understanding, and inspire meaningful dialogue about equity and belonging in Silicon Valley.