Cheryl McKissack Daniel Featured on iHeart Radio’s Public Library Podcast
Cheryl McKissack Daniel, President & CEO of McKissack & McKissack, was recently a featured guest on iHeart Radio’s acclaimed Public Library Podcast hosted by Helen Little. The conversation focused on her debut book, The Black Family Who Built America: The McKissacks, Two Centuries of Daring Pioneers, and the powerful legacy of her family’s contributions to architecture, engineering, and construction.
👉 Listen to the full episode here: Cheryl McKissack on The Public Library Podcast
A Family Story Spanning Five Generations
During the interview, Cheryl shared how her family’s journey began in the 1790s, when her ancestor Moses McKissack learned the craft of brickmaking while enslaved. Over more than 230 years, the McKissacks grew into a pioneering family of builders, establishing McKissack & McKissack as the oldest minority- and woman-owned design and construction firm in the United States.
Cheryl emphasized that her story is not just about business—it’s about resilience, purpose, and perseverance through slavery, Jim Crow, systemic racism, and economic hardship. Remarkably, her family business has thrived for five generations, a rare accomplishment considering how few companies survive beyond even the second or third generation.
A Conversation About Leadership, Resilience, and Legacy
In her discussion with Helen Little, Cheryl highlighted:
- The resilience of Black-owned businesses navigating centuries of systemic challenges.
- The importance of legacy, proving that entrepreneurship can span generations with the right vision and determination.
- Her personal journey as CEO, balancing the responsibilities of leading billion-dollar infrastructure projects while preserving family heritage.
- Her decision to write the book now, ensuring her family’s contributions are remembered and celebrated.
Why This Feature Matters
Being featured on iHeart Radio—one of the largest podcast platforms in the world—brings Cheryl’s inspiring story to new audiences. Her appearance underscores the significance of her book and the importance of telling the stories of Black families who helped build America, both literally and figuratively.
Keep Exploring
- Visit the <a href=”/news-blog”>News Blog</a> for more media features and coverage.
- Explore Cheryl’s upcoming <a href=”/curated-travel”>Events page</a>.
- Learn more about her debut book, <a href=”/book”>The Black Family Who Built America</a>.
