Basic Black

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 Black and young voters are a growing concern.  Plus, many people believe the presidential candidates hav...

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 Wintersmith, politics reporter for GBH News, and host of the new podcast, "What Is Owed?" Kellie Carter Jacks...

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 hair texture is empowering and celebratory, as dolls can aid in a child’s development, their ability to...

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 die of breast cancer than white women.  They are often diagnosed with a more aggressive form of the d...

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 ship that also transported tea from Britain embroiled in the Boston Tea Party conflict.  The play and...

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 socioeconomic issues – from housing to putting food on the table for their families.  Friday’s episode will d...

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 panelist joining us remotely at the top of the episode to discuss some of the findings from the repo...

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 program. People will still be able to see and hear Callie on her radio program, Under the Radar , GBH...

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, Director of the Racial Justice Program for the A-C-L-U of Massachusetts. Dr. Lynn Perry Wooten, President...

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 debt. This week on Basic Black at the Boston Public Library, our discussion is about the significant impact...

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, they are also developing skin cancer at later stages, sometimes with a lower chance of survival rate....

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 Washington.  The March for Freedom, Civil Rights and jobs along with the passage of 1964 Civil Right Act, insp...

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, and entertainment. But businesses of color have struggled to gain a foothold in the area the Boston Globe...

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 U.S. living here in Massachusetts, as well as issues that plague the country---from weather disast...

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 protest movement following the murder of George Floyd convinced theatre owners to adopt equity initiativ...

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 limited, what are the highs and lows of applying to a housing lottery? Linda Warren Cato, a financial a...

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 pieces are written by the late Frederic C. Tillis, a composer, jazz saxophonist, poet, and Professor and U...

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 increased awareness, more screenings, and less stigma around ASD. Historically children of color have...

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 yourself.  It offers opportunities and opens doors. It also invites change. Our panel weighs in on the merits...

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.  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is doing away with diversity and equity advances in education.  Here in Greate...

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, Princ...

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 Silic...

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 th...

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....

A one-on-one interview with Massachusetts new Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell.