PODCAST · society
Basic Black
by GBH News
Produced live at the GBH 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.
Episodes
-
Why are Black men still the most misunderstood voters in America?
For decades, Black men have been treated as one voting bloc—but the reality is far more complex. This week on Rooted, Tyree Rush sits down with Michael Bland, executive director of Black Men Vote, to unpack new research challenging some of the biggest assumptions about Black male voters.…
more -
Will Black and Brown Voters Turn Out on Super Tuesday as the Presidential Election Cycle Begins?
Basic Black discusses the upcoming Super Tuesday primaries/caucuses and the presidential election. While the 2024 election cycle is underway, it is hard to tell. Will voters turn out, given voter fatigue and low enthusiasm? Questions about Biden’s age (Trump’s too), whether Biden can hold on to...
-
Reparations in Boston and Beyond - What is Owed? A Podcast Produced by GBH News
The new GBH News podcast, What is Owed?, a 7-part podcast examines reparations in Boston, nationally and internationally. The first episode, When a City Tries to Heal Itself was recently released. Panelists: Jerome Campbell, senior producer for the GBH News podcast, "What Is Owed?" Saraya...
-
Black Dolls Inspire and Empower Black and Brown Children's Identity
Black dolls have been around since the 1800’s, created in different shapes, sizes and styles, but Black or multiethnic dolls were hard to come by. Over the years finding a Black or multicultural doll has improved. Children of color seeing and having a doll that looks like them in skin tone and…
more -
Survivor Stories: Breast Cancer Awareness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this week on Basic Black, we bring together survivors and experts to discuss Included in this episode is a piece by host Crystal Haynes getting a follow up mammogram. According to the American Cancer Society, Black women are about 40% more likely to…
more -
A New Play about Writer, Poet and Author Phillis Wheatley
Nov. 17 Basic Black: Phillis in Boston There is a new play in Boston about poet, writer and author Phillis Wheatley. Phillis in Boston centers around Wheatley returning to Boston from London in 1773, after her getting her book published. However, copies of her book are stuck on the Dartmouth--the...
-
Honoring Hispanic and Latin Culture: Learning about their Heritage and Contributions in Massachusetts
Nov. 10 Basic Black: Hispanic and Latin Culture There are more than 800,000 Latinos who call Massachusetts their home. Some reports estimate the number is much higher. But, as we recognize the history and contributions in art, music, food, and entrepreneurship, we cannot overlook on going...
-
Attend Community College for Free - New Massachusetts program
Nov. 3 Basic Black: Free Community College and Black Americans' Trust in the News This week, a recent survey conducted by the PEW Research Center, found that Black Americans said there are a range of issues on how the media reports stories about Black people, and more care is needed. We’ll have a...
-
Basic Black Episodes that Impact the Community
October 20 Memorable Moments This episode will bring together past guests to discuss memorable and pivotal episodes that had an impact on Black, Indigenous and people of color, here in Boston and around the world. It is also long-time moderator, Callie Crossley’s last show permanently hosting the...
-
Basic Black at the NAACP National Convention
Basic Black at the NAACP National Convention The discussion was about affirmative action and student loan debt. This discussion took place on July 28th, 2023 at the NAACP National Convention in Boston. Panelists: Renee Graham, Associate Editor and Columnist at The Boston Globe. Traci Griffith,...
-
Do You Know Where all of Your Money is Going? Understanding Money and Debt
Across the country, communities of color continue to face the pressures of debt and deal with its impact on their mental health and livelihood. For many, debt can feel insurmountable as the costs of living, housing, and food continue to rise, sometimes it doesn't seem clear how to get out of…
more -
Melanoma and Skin Cancer for Communities of Color
Basic Black at the BPL: Skin Cancer Aug 9, 2023 As the summer heats up, it's important to remind everyone about skin safety, especially for people of color. According to research, there has been an increase in melanoma rates for Black and Brown skin complexions, and for those with higher melanin,...
-
Bay State Banner - March on Washington
Basic Black: March on Washington and New Bay state Banner Owners Our show on Friday we will recognize the upcoming 60th anniversary of the March on Washington and the new owners of the Bay State Banner. In many ways the Bay State Banner may have not happened if it wasn’t for the March on...
-
Grace by Nia - One of Boston Seaport's Newest Venues Opens
The Economic Growth of Seaport Boston. We are on location at Grace by Nia, a new Black-owned supper club in Boston’s Seaport District. From what was a thousand acres of scrubby vacant land and parking lots, the seaport district has developed into a sparkling prime location for retail, housing…
more -
Haitian Heritage Month/Racheal Rollins resigns
Basic Black: Rachael Rollins and Haitian Heritage Month At the top of the show, we will discuss the resignation of Mass. US Attorney Rachael Rollins. Then, a conversation about Haitian Heritage month – the significance of the celebration, what it means for the third largest Haitian population in...
-
The Joy of Black Theatre
5/12 BLACK THEATRE Black Theatre is having more than a “moment.” On the stage, more actors and artists of color are presenting outstanding work and stories about African American life. AND more plays. It’s a much different story from the early days of the pandemic when theatre shut down. The...
-
Finding an Affordable Place to Live: Securing a Home Through the Housing Lottery
Finding an affordable home is a challenge in Greater Boston and in many parts of the country. Residents are feeling the pinch of the high cost of housing. In Greater Boston, there are affordable housing lotteries available for people looking to apply. While the number of apartments and homes are...
-
Music from Castle of Our Skins
More artists of color are showcasing their talents and inspiration from the African diaspora via concert music. Castle of Our Skins is a Boston-based collective of musicians of color, performing concert/chamber music. On Basic Black, the quartet played two pieces from their album, Homage. The...
-
Black and Brown Children with Autism or ASD is climbing. How come?
CHILDREN OF COLOR AND AUTISM April is Autism Awareness Month. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention saw an increase in the number of children of color diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or ASD. Experts suggest the rise of children of color with autism stem from...
-
Getting your points across through Public Speaking and Debate
Public Speaking, Discourse and Debate Public speaking is one the last things people want to do—mostly because of stage fright. However, we have seen in the last few weeks people, communities and politicians standing up and speaking out on issues and injustices. There’s power in expressing…
more -
Diversity Equity and inclusion - Where are we?
4/7 Basic Black: D-E-I: This week we’ll discuss D-E-I, and how it has changed three years after George Floyd’s murder. Companies pledged their support to hire DEI officers—and they did, however, there has been a drop off in the positions. DEI specialists have either left or lost their jobs.…
more -
Remembering Mel King
We reflect on the life and legacy of civil rights leader, state representative, and mayoral candidate who passed away at 94. Philip Martin hosts. Panelists: Marita Rivero, Principal, Rivero Partners. She is also the former president of the Museum of African American History AND the former VP and…
more -
Black Women Business Owners Thriving
Black Women Business Owners This week, for Women’s History Month, a discussion with three Black women business owners on running a business before and during Covid – plus, launching a business during Covid. The entrepreneurs will discuss the importance of community and helping other entrepreneurs...
-
Will Reparations Repair the Past?
Boston’s new Reparations Task Force. The 10 members task force was announced in February to examine the history of slavery in Boston, its impact on descendants today, and provide suggestions to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on repairing the harm to Black residents of Boston. Other states around the...
-
The Food We Eat and Our Heritage and Culture
Basic Black: Food, Culture and Black History A conversation about celebrating food, culture and Black history with two local chef/restaurant owners – one who makes traditional African American soul food, and the other who brings elements from their African, Asian and immigrant heritage. We’ll…
more -
Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell of Massachusetts
A one-on-one interview with Massachusetts new Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.
-
Black Men Speak on Crime and the Killings of Tyre Nichols and Tyler Lawrence
Basic Black: Black Men Speak This week on Basic Black, a discussion with Black men on the impact of police involved shootings and street killings after the murders of Tyre Nichols in Tennessee and Tyler Lawrence in Mattapan. Plus, how do they counsel and speak to young Black men about encounters...
-
Philanthropists of Color Use their Dollars and Interests to Propel Causes for Communities of Color.
Basic Black: Black and Brown Philanthropy This week, we are discussing Black and Brown philanthropy in communities of color. Black, Indigenous, donors of color are making bold steps to change the face of philanthropy, funding causes to not only assist non-profit organizations but also empower...
-
New Political Leaders of Color - Ready to Serve their Communities
This week a conversation with some of the new political leaders recently elected to office –that are not Gov. Healey or AG Campbell. We are speaking with three new representatives of color. They are young, smart and possess the desire to help their communities. What will this shift in leadership...
-
Will Black Twitter Survive Under Elon Musk's Control?
1/20 Basic Black: Black Twitter’s Next Move This week our conversation is about Black Twitter, one of the most popular and influential groups on social media platform. Black Twitter started movements, raised issues, and provided a platform for Black and Brown people to connect and create a...
-
Embrace Boston Statue Revealed on Boston Common
The Embrace is coming. The 20x40 foot monument of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., embracing his wife, Coretta Scott King in 1964 soon after winning the Nobel Peace prize capturing their marital bond. The couple met as students in Boston. The Embrace Boston statue links Boston Common’s vibrant...
-
Boston's New Pitch
Basic Black - Boston’s New Pitch This week on the show, we will discuss the tourism campaigns to attract diverse workers, visitors and businesses to Boston as well as highlight establishments owned by people of color in Boston and the surrounding cities. The swearing in of Black, Brown and…
more -
Public Art: Museum without Walls
Public Art: The Muralists The Greater Boston area is becoming something of a mecca for murals. From Roxbury and Worcester to Salem and Boston, streets and buildings have been adorned with massive, colorful creations by local and national Black Indigenous artists. But as artists and members of the...
-
A Number of "Firsts" in the '22 Mid-Term Elections
This week on Basic Black, we discuss how the results from this mid-term election cycle will impact communities of color. During this mid-term election cycle, we have seen a number of new faces—Black and Brown candidates running for state and national office around the country. Andrea Campbell...
-
Can You Afford to Quiet Quit?
This week on Basic Black, we discuss how quiet quitting impacts communities of color. Several surveys confirm millions of American workers are quiet quitters. A hot topic of interest as many people are returning to the office, for some employees that feel undervalued and underpaid are adopting…
more -
Why are courts using rap lyrics to criminalize artists of color?
This week on Basic Black we will discuss rap lyrics used in court cases as evidence, the bias toward hip hop and rap --the biggest music genre, and how do you separate the art/artistic expression from the artist. But rap artists have ended up charged and jailed — singled out by prosecutors who…
more -
Why is so little attention paid to Sick Cell Disease?
This week on Basic Black we will be discussing sickle cell disease. It’s one of the most known inherited blood disorders that largely affects Black and brown people. A debilitating disease for those who have it, along with the strain on their families, sickle cell “warriors” live in constant…
more -
10/14 Natural Hair Glory
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...
-
Migrants in Massachusetts
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...
-
Basic Black Extra: Basic Black at the BPL - Do you Forage for Food?
In recent years, food foraging has piqued the interests of nature enthusiasts seeking out medicinal alternatives and edible resources. Alexis Nikole Nelson aka Blackforager has amassed nearly 4 million followers on TikTok, educating and encouraging people to forage neighboring trails, woods, and...
-
Basic Black Extra: Basic Black at the BPL - Berklee College Music Program for High Schoolers
This week on Basic Black at the Boston Public Library discuss the launch of the Berklee College of Music Gospel Performance Program during the summer aimed at giving high schoolers an immersive learning experience about the history of gospel music, techniques, and insight into the gospel music...
-
Basic Black Extra: Basic Black at the BPL - Stress and Burn Out
July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month or BIPOC Mental Health Month. Since 2008, this was named after journalist, author, educator, and mental health advocate, Bebe Moore Campbell. Her contributions and legacy remind us that BIPOC communities are significantly...
-
Roe v. Wade Overturned
June 24: Roe v Wade has been overturned. In a highly controversial decision, the Supreme Court overturned the landmark decision from 1973 that gave people the right to have an abortion. The panel discusses what happens next regarding the ruling’s impact on birthing individuals of color as well as...
-
Black Maternal Healthcare
The road to motherhood raises a range of emotions and questions from what to expect when expecting to people telling soon-to-be moms, “You glow.” But the joy of motherhood for Black and other women of color is fraught in continual racial disparities in maternal healthcare. Research suggests…
more -
The Rise of Race-Based Violence, Hate and Discrimination
The rise of race-based violence, hate and discrimination 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,...
-
Food Access and Culturally relevant food in communities
May 13 Basic Black: Food Justice in the Community This week, a conversation about the lack of accessible, affordable, and culturally relevant food in communities of color and its intersectionality into health, economic development, and day-to-day living for people. Panelists: Hae In Kim, Deputy...
-
Roe v. Wade / Honoring Black Authors and Literature
African American writers tell stories that celebrate and document the black experience, allowing readers to reflect and learn about the history of African American life. The removal of books by authors of color from libraries and black-owned bookstores closing raise concerns over preserving Black...
-
William Monroe Trotter - His legacy and influence on a new generation
This week the episode will discuss William Monroe Trotter, the co-founder and editor of the Boston Guardian newspaper. Trotter was known for his rigorous, sometimes sharp debate. He wasn’t shy about having challenging conversations with his peers and the President of the United States. Trotter’s...
-
Community Wealth Building helps raise a neighborhood
Building Community Wealth Community wealth building is an economic model that provides neighborhoods and communities a seat at the table, where they can invest –and utilize their time and talent to create an equitable community for all. Can community wealth building help close the racial wealth…
more -
Basic Black: Running for Health, Wellness, Fitness and Community
In advance of the Boston Marathon, we’ll speak with runners and organizers of community events helping to expand running programs, not only for health and wellness in communities of color but also as a powerful vehicle for social justice. Included in the discussion, we’ll also address how...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
Produced live at the GBH 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.
HOSTED BY
GBH News
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Basic Black have?
Basic Black currently has 179 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Basic Black about?
Produced live at the GBH 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...
How often does Basic Black release new episodes?
Basic Black publishes regularly with 179 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Basic Black?
You can listen to Basic Black on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Basic Black?
Basic Black is created and hosted by GBH News.
URL copied to clipboard!