Basic Black Podcast
GBHBasic Black Podcast
Produced live at WGBH Studios in Boston, Basic Black *is the longest-running program on public television focusing on the interests of people of color. The show, which was originally called *Say Brother, was created in 1968 during the height of the civil rights movement as a response to the demand for public television programs reflecting the concerns of communities of color. Each episode features a panel discussion across geographic borders and generational lines with the most current stories, interviews and commentaries.
2018 WGBH Educational Foundation.
Produced live at WGBH Studios in Boston, Basic Black *is the longest-running program on public television focusing on the interests of people of color. The show, which was originally called *Say Brother, was created in 1968 during the height of the civil rights movement as a response to the demand for public television programs reflecting the concerns of communities of color. Each episode features a panel discussion across geographic borders and generational lines with the most current stories, interviews and commentaries.
2018 WGBH Educational Foundation.
Black Women and Women of Color Embrace their Natural Hair
A preview of the upcoming Super Tuesday races and the 2024 Presidential Election
What is Owed?, a new podcast examines reparations for nearly 400 years of enslavement and economic denial to Black people.
Black Dolls Offer Cultural Insight, History and Positive Representation of the Black and Brown community.
Survivors and experts discuss diagnosis, treatment options, disparities in healthcare and the need for women of color in clinical trials.
Phillis Wheatley's life in Boston
Hispanic and Latin Culture:
Learn about how Mass Reconnect is helping students over 25 attend community college for FREE
Memorable Episodes
A live discussion at the NAACP National Convention about issues important to the Black community
The Impact of Credit Card debt
Basic Black at the BPL: Skin Cancer
Historic changes. New Ownership and the Remembering a Unifying Event
Food, Fun and Grace by Nia. one of Boston Seaport's businesses
Celebrating Haitian Heritage Month and the resignation of US Massachusetts Attorney General Racheal Rollins
Stories about African American Life on Stage
Tips and Information on the Affordable Housing Lottery
A Night of Music: Castle of Our Skins
Where to find resources for kids of color with ASD.
How debate can strengthen your arguments - student debaters demonstrate their skills
DEI - Changes in the workplace after George Floyd
Civil Rights Leader, State Representative, and Mayoral candidate Mel King passes away at 94.
Black Girl Magic - Black Women Business Owners Pave A Way Forward on their Own Terms
Reparations in the Black Community
Celebrate the Black Experience and the African Diaspora through Food
Massachusetts AG Andrea Joy Campbell
Black Men Discuss Police Brutality, Crime and Advice to BIPOC Kids and Teens.
The Changing Face of Donors and Philanthropists
New Political Power in Massachusetts: Can they Deliver?
Black Twitter's influence and Best Practices for using Social Media Platform under New Leadership
The Unveiling of Embrace Boston on Boston Common
Boston gets a Facelift
Muralists create images reflecting social justice and community culture
The results of Mid-Term Elections Reveals the Power of the Vote
Who can quiet quit and who cannot?
Rap lyrics, artistic expression, and the law
Living with Sickle Cell Disease and the treatment options
50 Migrants arrive in Massachusetts on Martha's Vineyard by Plane
History of food foraging and its current popularity
High school students learn about the music in new immersive program
How to recognize if you or a person you know may be experiencing Burn Out
Roe v. Wade Overturned - How Black and Brown communities will be impacted
The joy of motherhood for Black and other women of color is fraught in continual racial disparities in maternal healthcare. Research suggests having a health practitioner of color or using a doula provides improved outcomes and an easier pregnancy. However many women and people of color face the risk of dying in childbirth. What can be done to help them to receive the medical care necessary?
This week the episode will look at recent mass shooting deaths of African Americans in Buffalo as well as Africans and African Americans caught in Russia's conflict with Ukraine and how the globalization of discrimination, bigotry and hate, intersects in our lives.
Food Justice for Communities of Color
Keeping African American history and the work of authors alive for others to read
William Monroe Trotter - 150th anniversary
A seat at the Table: How Community Wealth Building involves everyone
Our panelists discuss this year's Boston Marathon, and representation for people of color in distance running.
Our panelists discuss affordable housing and how it is affected by the recent boom in construction.
Our panelists discuss the historic nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, her confirmation hearings, and what it means going forward for our nation and highest court.
We discuss the 94th Academy Awards and the issues of diversity around the awards.
A discussion about missing Black girls, and the bias in reporting that occurs during these stories.
We discuss the legacy of Elizabeth "Mum Bet" Freeman, and the legacy of her case.
A follow up discussing the Harvard University admissions case.
Our panelists discuss children's books and the impact of banning certain voices.
In light of recent voter suppression laws, we examine what it truly means for every vote to count- and whose vote matters.
We discuss the legacies of bell hooks and Harvard Law Professor Lani Guinier, who were pioneers in their fields.
Community health centers are a vital part of communities of color, our panelists discuss how these institutions have dealt with the pandemic.
How do BIPOC leaders deal with mentorship-or lack thereof- in their fields? We examine mentorship and capital on this week's episode.
Our panelists discuss the major headlines of late 2021 and what it may mean for people of color in 2022.
The panelists discuss representation within films, as well as films centered around the holidays.
When was the last time you thought about the meaning or origin of your name?
What exactly is cryptocurrency...and is it truly a path to acquiring generational wealth for people of color?
Fears about the pandemic led patients of color to delay or avoid medical care for diseases like cancer.
Tonight, experts discuss the Mayoral race between Michelle Wu and Annissa Essaibi George. As the each of the candidates hope to become the next mayor of Boston, this race is historic. Boston will elect the first women of color as Mayor.
How do we motivate kids of color to pursue STEM/STEAM careers and increase diversity in the field?
Is there a chance that African American history will be watered down or rewritten?
This episode, we examine fear and how it can impact how people view minorities.
What is it like living abroad?
The history and legacy of the holiday.
Is there hope for better conversations on racism or as a society, are we further apart?
Young, Gifted and Stressed
How are race relations and cultural identification changing after the murder of George Floyd?
Domestic and Sexual Violence Month
Chauvin Trial & Police Shootings
How do employees define a workplace, company dynamics and how do societal issues influence companies and its culture?
Essential workers? Employee Protections// Stimulus
Asian American Violence
Issues from how they are seen to housing, work issues, and Transgender deaths.
We wanted to follow up with some of our guests that have been on the program to see what a year of covid has changed their lives and businesses and what tips they can provide to help other small businesses.
New Massachusetts bill would create mobile vaccination program, multilingual campaign to increase access.
PBS series the Black church feb 16, 23.
What does Black love look like today in all of its shapes and forms?
Code-switching is not new. W.E.B. DuBois wrote about the complexities of duality, or double consciousness— and how Black people walked between two worlds. And for many folks it was...and still is, a necessity for their advancement, survival and physical well-being…
Racial-Generational Trauma
The presidential election and the first female Vice President of Asian and African American descent.
The New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund on art and social justice. This show also provides a deeper discussion on Black/brown philanthropy.
This week the show will discuss the Covid vaccines and how to move beyond fear, history and distrust of the medical community amongst people of color.
Year of COVID, Racial Unrest, and an unprecedented Election. What do we take from everything that has happened and how we move on—and expect in 2021?
Art and artist during COVID and racial unrest
How do you move forward in stressful economic times? Which bill do I pay first?
After the election: What now? Where do we go from here?
What does the vote mean to you? vote: because your life depends on it
Sports Consciousness
How do you teach during the time of Covid?
Black anger and how it is misunderstood, dismissed or an emotion that society has said it is not acceptable for BIPOC to express. The show episode will explore in the context of what has happened this summer – deaths, protests, COVID and the upcoming election.
What does activism look like today and what are the differences and commonalities from movements in the past, and how can people involved move from protesting to effecting real visible change?
While many people of color are buoyed by the recent public support, they have also been buffeted by ongoing emotional trauma. Can they find healing and hope? And is there a critical role for religion and faith in this moment?
Against this bloody backdrop, African Americans gather today to commemorate Juneteenth, the day the last enslaved people on these shores were declared free. But, as we look forward, is there real hope for the future?
The disturbing killing of George Floyd sparked outrage, anger and protests. Will the death of George Floyd change how African Americans are treated and open up a serious dialogue about race in this country?
Will some minority companies never reopen? And how will the ones still standing manage a new costly way of doing business?
Cities like Pittsburgh and Milwaukee have offices that regularly evaluate racial inequities– a model Boston is discussing. Could that ensure more equity in accessing aid and resources?
How can small businesses of color get their fair share in the economic recovery?
COVID 19 has revealed hard truths about America’s many divides --- none wider than the huge gap between those with access to technology and those without.
How can communities of color survive during this economic crisis?
Given the reality, should enhanced testing and other health care resources be specifically targeted to communities of color? And looking forward -- will the COVID 19 crisis help overcome a legacy of racial bias in healthcare?
COVID-19 has changed our daily lives. How should we balance our mental health during these uncertain times?
The crisis has highlighted structural inequalities that already existed, and nowhere is that clearer than at the grass roots level in communities of color.
Everybody is hurting, but communities of color have been hit harder — With a disproportionate loss of income, and fewer health care resources. And how can communities of color -- already grappling with day to day racism---deal with race specific misinformation, as well as cope with increased racism and xenophobia?
South Carolina voters will finally have their say tomorrow, Saturday. African Americans are one third of the voters in the palmetto state. Who will win their votes?
DuBois vs. Washington: two men fighting for equality and justice for African Americans
A slur, often directed at African Americans with a complex legacy.
What's in a name? Dudley Square is renamed Nubian Square
New policies toward criminal justice reform and mass incarceration.
How will 2020 impact Communities of Color?
For people of color already grappling with racial and ethnic discrimination, loneliness hits even harder, creating greater anxiety and depression.
How will kids of color in Boston schools succeed with on-going issues of disparities and issues of funding and
Will the impeachment hearings make a difference in the mind of citizens and will it impact the upcoming election?
How important is the Black Women's vote in the Presidential Election?
The 400th anniversary of the first enslaved Africans to arrive to America and the film, "Harriet"
Black Horror film explosion
Who gets a seat at the table in the popular and growing Cannabis Industry?
Diversity in Golf
Who takes up the sport and what are the barriers to entry for both professional and novice players of color?
What happens when individuals identified as the "other" face an onslaught of suspicion and terror?
Reaction and analysis of the first set of Democratic Presidential debates
Filmmaker's challenges and what to expect from their new films
Navigating businesses in the colored community
Culture: Binding people together and exploring unique differences.
Why diversity in the medical field matters
What's in store for the future of reparations in America?
What the current job market looks like for college graduates of color.
What's in store for people of color in the emerging cannabis industry?
The current and lasting affects of student debt
The running candidates and their impact for the future
A discussion of clearance rates among people of color featuring District Attorney Rachael Rollins
Callie and guests discuss the continued use of Blackface, and how it has evolved in 2019
A preview of the 91st Academy awards, a discussion of diversity in Hollywood, plus the latest on R. Kelly and Jussie Smollett
A discussion of hair through the lens of politics, beauty standards, and appropriation
Exploring the issue of Colorism and how it still persists today
The latest on R. Kelly, the question of whether or not society devalues young Black women, and a discussion of new Viral Videos
The latest on R. Kelly, society's perception of young Black women and a new round of viral videos
Understanding Diabetes and a look at Healthier Choices
An in-depth analysis of the current state of diversity in workplaces
Discussion of the challenges men of color face with regards to mental health
Congress is younger and the most diverse, ever. How will they address the needs of black and brown constituents?
Boston chefs, owners and experts discuss historical and cultural food traditions in the holiday season.
The struggles and complexities of mental health among college students of color.
How new members in office will impact and change the tone of local and national politics.
Keeping money in the family for multiple generations
How does a college or university decide who is admitted to their school?
The new movie, “The Hate U Give” tackles several issues including race, class, crime and more.
Can being an athlete and an activist co-exist in society?
The role of influence and power structures in society and what it means for communities of color.
Callie and guests discuss the vast world of dance, and the various challenges facing choreographers of color.
The recent political news surrounding Kanye West, Childish Gambino, and Bill Cosby
Live in front of a studio audience, Basic Black legends dive into the show's rich 50 year history
Callie and guests discuss the stakes of the competitive Suffolk County district attorney race
The latest on the impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria on Puerto Rico
The latest on the impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria on Puerto Rico
A conversation about the state of US Education and teachers of color
Chris Collins hosts as the guests talk about the importance of mentors among young men of color
Callie and the guests talk Feminism
Reactions to Black Panther, and a preview of the upcoming Oscars
Callie and the guests talk cultural traditions and whether or not they are still relevant today.
Callie and company discuss challenges facing LGBT People of Color
Host Tina Martin and guests talk about the importance of focusing on Communities of Color when talking about mental health.
The first year of the Trump presidency for communities of color
Basic Black discusses the Second Amendment, African-American gun ownership, and gun violence in communities of color.
Basic Black covers the Boston Globe Spotlight team's much-discussed series on racism in Boston.
Basic Black discusses legendary playwright Lorraine Hansberry, who wrote 'A Raisin in the Sun.'
#MeToo movement within communities of color.
How to get more people of color involved in the cannabis industry
The politicization of sports in the era of Trump and anthem-kneeling
Is President Trump working to dismantle President Obama’s legacy or just setting his own agenda for the country?
Trump's decision to overturn DACA and what that means for Dreamers
Puerto Rico's state after the hurricane
Local elections featuring candidates of color who had to appeal to majority-white voting blocs
10/14 Natural Hair Glory
October 14, 202226min 46sec
Over the summer, Gov. Charlie Baker passed the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, or CROWN Act, intended to protect against hair discrimination and bias based on hair texture, that’s historically associated with someone's race. Once the bill is passed in the Senate, it would make hair discrimination based on the texture of natural hair illegal in the workplace and in K-12 public and charter schools.
Still, many states do not have these laws protecting against discrimination, resulting in stories of Black men, women, and children being punished for their hair and in some incidents of having their hair cut off. This controversy has sparked a rise in the natural hair movement, first originated during the 1960s in the U.S., and now more people of color are finding each other online and sharing their natural hair journeys, including; awareness about natural hair care products, natural treatments, hair loss and scalp conditions, and finding local salons and natural hair stylists.
On this episode of Basic Black, we discuss the impact of the CROWN Act and rise in the natural hair movement. Host Kristen L. Pope will be joined by: Nike Okediji, owner of The Curated Curl and Deputy General Counsel at GBH; Celeste Viciere, therapist and podcast host; Sharita Payton, owner of The LOFT Hair Studio; Dr. Deborah Scott, Co-Director, Hair Loss Clinic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.