Episodes
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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 GM for Radio and Television at GBH. James Dilday, Principal Attorney, Dilday Law. Rahsaan Hall, Principal, Rahsaan Hall Consulting AND former Director, Racial Justice Program, ACLU of Massachusetts. Darrin Howell, Political Director, 1199 S-E-I-U United Healthcare Workers East in Mass. -
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 grow. Part of the discussion will address funding and financing of their businesses in light of Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse. SVB backed several startups by women and women of color. Panelists: Joëlle Fontaine CEO, Founder and Designer, Kréyol Maria Vasco, founder and CEO of Uvida, Boston’s first zero-waste store Shironda White, CEO and Co-Founder, Cupcake Therapy Callie Crossley hosts. -
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 country, including California, and Rhode Island are also exploring reparations and ways to address the the issue. Financial compensation is a top issue around reparations. Will local and state measures work or will the federal government step in with a national policy? Panelists: Carrie Mays youth activist, student at U-Mass Boston AND Member of Boston’s Task Force on Reparations Traci Griffith, Director, Racial Justice Program, ACLU Massachusetts George “Chip” Greenidge, Member, Task Force on Reparations AND Founder and Director, Greatest MINDS Callie Crossley hosts. -
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 also talk about how their establishments are surviving due to inflation and their work in the community. PANELISTS Kwasi Kwaa, Chef Partner, Comfort Kitchen in Dorchester Anthony “Tony” Brooks, Chef and Owner, Coast Café in Cambridge; a family-owned business that was started by his father Dr. Paula Austin, Assistant Professor, African American and Black Diaspora Studies, Boston University -
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 with the police, crime and day-to-day living. Panelists: Dr. Charles Daniels, Jr., a licensed therapist and Co-Founder and CEO, Father’s UpLift, a mental health clinic and treatment facility. Steph Lewis, President and CEO, The BASE Shawn Brown, Executive Director, Youth Guidance Boston, with flagship programs, BAM – Becoming a Man and WOW – Working on Womanhood Callie Crossley hosts. -
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 communities of color and build racial equity. It’s a shift that has been happening over the years due to the health disparities highlighted during the pandemic, racial reckoning, and the murder of George Floyd. Even large foundations and community funders recognize the need to reframe how they can support groups on the grass roots level. We’ll discuss the history of donations in communities of color via churches, giving circles, i.e., su-su, geh, tong-time, and local groups. Plus, how to attract more BIPOC and younger donors of color. Panelists: Bithiah Carter, President and CEO, New England Blacks in Philanthropy Aixa Beauchamp, Co-Founder, The Latino Equity Fund, The Boston Foundation Danielle Kim, Director, Asian Community Fund, The Boston Foundation Natanja Craig Oquendo, Executive Director, The Boston Women’s Fund Donna Latson Gittens hosts. -
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 bring and what they hope to accomplish for their constituents? Panelists: Representative Judith Garcia, state representative for Suffolk County’s 11th District comprising Chelsea and parts of Everett. Representative Christopher Worrell, state Representative for Suffolk County’s 5th District which comprises parts of Boston’s Roxbury and Dorchester neighborhoods. Rep. Christopher Worrell succeeds Liz Miranda, who is now State Senator 2nd Suffolk District. He is also the brother of City Councilor Brian Worrell. Representative Sam Montaño, state representative for Suffolk County’s 15th District, which makes up a majority of Jamaica Plain, parts of Roxbury, and the back of the hill section of Mission Hill. Callie Crossley hosts. -
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 community where their voices are heard. However, Twitter’s rise in hate speech and ownership has shifted how people choose to participate, raising questions about the survival of Black Twitter and its discourse. Panelists: Jeneé Osterheldt, Culture Columnist, The Boston Globe. Caroline Kautsire, educator, and author of, “Some Kind of Girl.” Meredith Clark, Ph.D., associate professor and Founding Director of the Center for Communication, Media Innovation and Social Change, Northeastern University. Her research includes studying Black Twitter since 2010. Danielle Johnson, CEO and Founder, SPARK FM Online. Kristen L. Pope hosts. -
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 400-year history as a gathering space for Boston residents. The panelists discuss Embrace Boston, the unveiling and the hope for the future —for Boston and the world. Panelists Imari Paris Jeffries, Executive Director, Embrace Boston Tito Jackson, CEO and founder, Apex Noire L’Merchie Frazier, Executive Director of Creative Strategies, SPOKE Callie Crossley hosts.
