Chinaka Hodge discusses Marvel’s Ironheart and Jessica Care Moore Honors Black Brilliance With New Children’s Book

On today’s edition of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D speaks with acclaimed poet, playwright, and screenwriter Chinaka Hodge, the creator and head writer of Marvel’s Ironheart, one of the most anticipated projects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Ironheart follows the story of Riri Williams, a teenage Black girl genius from Chicago who builds her own advanced suit of armor—outsmarting even Tony Stark’s Iron Man. As Marvel continues to expand its universe with more diverse and complex characters, Ironheart stands at the forefront, offering powerful representation and fresh storytelling rooted in real-world struggles and triumphs.

Chinaka Hodge, an Oakland native and a longtime cultural force, brings her deep artistic background to the Marvel universe. Known for her bold work in spoken word, theatre, and TV writing (Snowpiercer), Hodge infuses Ironheart with authenticity, Black brilliance, and political consciousness. In this conversation, she and Davey D talk about the creative process behind the series, the importance of representation in superhero narratives, and what it means to shape the next generation of heroes.

Later in the hour, host Davey D sits down with poet, author, and cultural warrior Jessica Care Moore to celebrate the release of her first children’s book, Your Crown Shines: For Ketanji Brown Jackson and You. The book, inspired by the historic rise of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, is an illustrated poem that uplifts Black children—especially girls—encouraging them to dream boldly and unapologetically.

Jessica explains how the book was born from a commissioned poem she performed during a “Win With Black Women” virtual gathering celebrating Jackson’s confirmation. The event, which included Oprah Winfrey, led to Oprah sharing the poem publicly—opening the door for Jessica to land a deal with HarperKids. Illustrator Dare Coulter brought the words to life with powerful, emotionally rich visuals that Jessica says often bring her to tears.

Throughout the conversation, Jessica and Davey D discuss the toxic messaging children of color often receive from authority figures—like guidance counselors and teachers—who discourage ambition. Jessica shares a personal story about someone telling her son to have a “backup plan” instead of pursuing his passion. Her response: “I am my son’s backup plan.”

Jessica critiques the broader systemic assaults on Black and Brown youth—from book bans to defunded education and attacks on diversity programs—calling them part of a wider culture war. She stresses the need for community involvement, showing up for all children and pouring into their dreams with intention.

Moore is currently touring schools and community spaces to share the book with young readers. She will be reading at Oakland Public Conservatory alongside Angela Wellman’s Black Girls Play program, spreading the message that every child’s crown deserves to shine.