Basic Black Video Podcast

Author and professor Randall Kennedy

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:39:32 -0400

Randall Kennedy discusses his new book Sellout: The Politics of Racial Betrayal. In this conversation, Kennedy outlines his views on who is black, who speaks for the community, and who can be called a "sell out."

Choreographer Bill T. Jones

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:37:08 -0400

Legendary dancer and choreographer Bill T. Jones discusses his life in the arts and the Boston premiere of his work, Chapel/Chapter.

Poet Elizabeth Alexander

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:34:34 -0400

Elizabeth Alexander reads from American Sublime, and her latest collection, Miss Crandall's School for Young Ladies and Little Misses of Color. She discusses the importance of language and other artistic expression in the composition of a poem.

Tracy Sharpley-Whiting

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:31:53 -0400

Author Tracy Sharpley-Whiting discusses the intersection of feminism, race, and hip-hop and the ramifications of marketing images that denigrate women.

Black Heroes and Icons

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:29:29 -0400

Do we sometimes lose the true meaning of our heroes' messages? Basic Black host Kim McLarin is joined by Dale Andrews from Boston University and Davarian Baldwin from Boston College for a discussion about honoring our black heroes and icons.

The Black Vote

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:57:58 -0400

A discussion on the race to the White House. What are the predicted trends in black voting after Barack Obama's victory in Iowa? And is America ready for a black president?

Poet Major Jackson

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:52:31 -0400

Major Jackson reads from his book of poetry Hoops and discusses the inspiration behind his work as well as his thoughts on how American history has influenced the work of generations of African American poets.

Author Brian Coleman

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:49:11 -0400

In his book Check the Technique: Liner Notes for Hip-Hop Junkies, Brian Coleman recounts the stories behind the creation of hits by Public Enemy, Run-DMC, the Roots, the Fugees, and many more.

Author Cora Daniels

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:45:31 -0400

Cora Daniels discusses how the concept of ghetto has permeated popular culture and how this mind-set affects communities of color.

Discriminatory Lending

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:43:28 -0400

A conversation about racial discrimination in mortgage lending. What should you know before buying your first home?

Young Black Justice

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:41:05 -0400

Geoff Ward, an assistant professor at the Institute on Race and Justice at Northeastern University, weighs in on the historical foundation of the juvenile justice system and how, over the last few decades, it was transformed from a method of rehabilitation to a system of punishment, especially of black youth.

Black Theater Roundtable

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:30:18 -0400

What is black theater? Three directors immersed in Boston's dramatic arts scene attempt to answer this question.

Author John McWhorter

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:27:45 -0400

Author and intellectual John McWhorter asserts his thoughts on how black America can understand and solve its cultural dilemmas and what he thinks it means to be "authentically black."

World War II veteran James E. Guilford Jr.

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:20:00 -0400

James E. Guilford Jr. recounts his experience serving in the 29th Quartermaster Regiment, an African American unit of the Army, in the Pacific theater of World War II.

Tools of Engagement

Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:20:00 -0400

From Boston to Boise, public schools in cities across the country are struggling to keep kids from skipping school. This conversation centers on the usefulness of rewards and how educators and parents can best engage black students in the learning process.

Droppin' Knowledge: Science and Students of Color

Thu, 10 May 2007 16:50:22 -0400

African American science professionals discuss ways to engage students of color in science and the impact of increasing diversity in the profession.

A Conversation with Astronaut Stephanie Wilson

Thu, 10 May 2007 15:00:00 -0400

On July 4, 2006, astronaut Stephanie Wilson, embarked on the space shuttle Discovery and braved a 13-day, 5 million-mile journey to space, making history as the second African American woman to travel in space.

Hip-Hop Culture and Social Justice, Part 2

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 16:50:22 -0400

A discussion about harnessing the energy of young hip-hop fans to effect positive change in our communities.

Hip-Hop Culture and Social Justice, Part 1

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 16:40:22 -0400

Part 1. A discussion about harnessing the energy of young hip-hop fans to effect positive change in our communities.

A Conversation with Choreographer Ron K. Brown

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 15:30:00 -0400

Homophobia, racism, misogyny, AIDS, love, and loss are just some of the themes that dancer and choreographer Ronald K. Brown addresses in his work.

A Conversation with Journalist and Author June Cross

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 15:30:00 -0400

Mixed race author June Cross talks about her struggle to be accepted by her white biological mother.

A Conversation with and Performance by Esperanza Spalding

Thu, 22 Mar 2007 15:30:00 -0400

Esperanza Spalding tells how she got hooked on the bass.

Black Class: A Conversation with Lawrence Otis Graham

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 15:30:00 -0400

Author and attorney Lawrence Otis Graham talks about the culture of black wealth.

A Conversation with Charlayne Hunter-Gault

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 15:30:00 -0400

Tailblazing journalist Charlayne Hunter-Gault talks about her fresh perspective of modern Africa.

Youth Violence: A Conversation with Deborah Prothrow-Stith

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 14:30:00 -0500

Violence disproportionately affects youth ages 10-29, especially young people of color. What are the causes and remedies?

A Conversation with Wole Soyinka

Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:30:00 -0500

The Nobel Foundation described Soyinka as a writer "who in a wide cultural perspective and with poetic overtones fashions the drama of existence."

AIDS: 25 Years in the Black Community

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 14:30:00 -0500

Two medical and community leaders discuss how HIV and AIDS have affected the black community, including common myths that have contributed to the spread of the virus.

A Conversation with Imani Winds

Thu, 25 Jan 2007 14:30:00 -0500

Imani means "faith" in Swahili, and for Imani Winds, a woodwind quintet of African American and Latino musicians, investing their faith in their abilities and the power of classical music lead to a 2005 Grammy nomination for Best Crossover Classical Album.

A Conversation with Reverend Jeffrey Brown

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 16:50:22 -0400

Reverend Brown shares his experiences about aiding the New Orleans hurricane evacuees and what it means to minister outside the church walls.

The Basic Black website is http://www.wgbh.org/basicblack. Produced by Basic Black for WGBH Educational Foundation.

Money Matters: A Conversation with Michelle Singletary

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 16:50:22 -0400

Financial author, columnist, and talk show host Michelle Singletary tells African Americans how to achieve a healthy balance between life, love, and the bank account.

The Basic Black website is http://www.wgbh.org/basicblack. Produced by Basic Black for WGBH Educational Foundation.