Best PushBlack Podcasts (2024)

1
These States Tried To Ban ‘Sesame Street,’ But Parents Fought Back – And Won 3:33

1h ago3:33

3:33

They were harmless. A tall, yellow bird. A blue monster who loved cookies. And all the children who came to play. But it was all too Black for this state. And the day they banned the show shares eerie similarities with today. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlac…

1
The Racist History Of Universities Using Black People As Mascots 3:27

13m ago3:27

3:27

Robert Fraizer was doing his job. He stood on the sidelines and cheered like he was supposed to, but when this football team of racists lost, they took it out on him–their mascot-in the WORST way. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stori…

1
The Sensual Black Social Dance That Shook The Nation 3:30

40m ago3:30

3:30

The juke joint was smokey and dimly lit. The band played a slow bluesy number, inviting couples onto the dance floor. Pressed tightly together, pelvis’s cradling one another and rocking back and forth, couples swayed into the night. This was Slow Drag. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Bl…

1
Black History Unplugged with Kamau Ware 55:55

3h ago55:55

55:55

What’s the real deal with history? Is history as straightforward as we make it out to be? Don’t you ever wonder who decides which stories make the cut? Whose narratives get the spotlight? And who decides what’s deemed worthy of preservation regarding our people and culture? We all know how Black history across the globe has been swiped, twisted, an…

1
The Hidden Black History Of Memorial Day 3:33

1h ago3:33

3:33

Thousands of Black bodies had been tossed in mass graves after fighting for freedom — it was only right that they honored the fallen. Ten thousand people sang hymns and laid flowers. How did the Black history of this holiday get erased? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media compan…

1
How Zora Neale Hurston Finessed Her Way Into Creating A Powerful Legacy 3:11

1h ago3:11

3:11

She is one of the most important storytellers in our history but anti-Blackness tried to make her a sellout. But she was too quick for that. She finessed the hell outta white money. Talk about reparations! _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify …

1
He Was Silent For 8 Years. Today, We All Know His Voice 3:20

1h ago3:20

3:20

His is one of the most iconic voices in history. But as a child he experienced a traumatic incident that made him stop speaking. It took a miracle to take him from silent to superstar. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of Black …

1
Could This Black City Have Been The Greatest Wonder Of The World? 3:51

2h ago3:51

3:51

Benin City was well ahead of its time. With palm oil fueled street lights, a sprawling palace, and a great wall four times that of China’s. So why doesn’t this wonder exist today? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of Black histo…

1
ReBirth of a Nation: Why These Black Traditions Matter with Linda Jones 57:45

8d ago57:45

57:45

How we enter this world matters. But white supremacy has infiltrated even the most sacred aspects of Black culture, including our birthing practices. On today’s episode, we’re uncovering the often-erased historical roots of Black childbirth and the deadly implications of its medicalization. Our guest, Linda Jones, is here to break it all down. Lind…

1
Why Black Midwives Views These Types of Births As Sacred 3:28

22m ago3:28

3:28

The baby slid out of its mothers’ womb. The midwife caught it and immediately a shiver went through her. A translucent veil covered the baby’s face. The energy in the room shifted. A powerful spiritual leader had just been born. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushB…

1
The Racist History Of Soft Drinks 3:06

13m ago3:06

3:06

At one time, Black folks stuck to drinking Pepsi and would almost always choose it over Coca-Cola. Why? Hint: it’s not because of the taste. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of Black history you didn't learn in school. You make…

1
This Magnetic Blues Singer Brought New Life To The Harlem Renaissance 3:18

2d ago3:18

3:18

She took the stage with swagger. Her top hat and tuxedo perfectly complimented her full figure. The music started, she leaned forward on her walking cane, then spewed out the filthiest lyrics ever heard, right into their shocked faces! _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company…

1
The Black History of Wearing Grillz 3:27

3h ago3:27

3:27

Is it really in a Black person’s soul to rock gold? Ancestrally, we’ve been iced out for decades, and the history of grillz teaches us about the glitziest parts of the culture. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of Black history …

1
The Handoff: Meet the New Face of Black History Year! 2:17

1h ago2:17

2:17

In this special episode of Black History Year, we bid a heartfelt farewell to our beloved host Jay and welcome our new host, Darren with open arms! A filmmaker, master storyteller, and PushBlack's own narrative strategist, Darren is set to bring a fresh and dynamic perspective to the show, as we kick off a season dedicated to reclaiming our culture…

1
Why Potlikker Is More Than Just A Soul Food Staple 3:16

2h ago3:16

3:16

Accessing this delicious soul food staple truly requires you to get to the bottom of things, specifically a well-flavored pot of mustard, collard, or turnip greens. And though this delicacy has humble roots, it holds a powerful lesson on our Blackness. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Bl…

1
The History Behind Black Folks' Love Of Cadillacs 3:32

26m ago3:32

3:32

One thing about Black folks – we love us a good Cadillac. Whether it’s your old-school uncle or your favorite play cousin, you can bet at least one member of your family adores this car. Here’s the history of our Cadillac love affair. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company.…

1
Why ‘Play Cousins’ Are An Important Part Of Black Families 3:10

14d ago3:10

3:10

We all have a cousin who isn’t actually our cousin. “Play cousins” are one of the beautifully expansive and beneficial ways our people have defined family for ourselves for generations. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of Black…

1
How This Street Food Chef Turned Pig’s Feet Into A Fortune 3:20

18m ago3:20

3:20

In 1901, Lillian Harris left Mississippi for Harlem, penniless and unable to read or write. But she had a dream and a plan to cook her way to financial success selling Southern delicacies. And she did not only that, but so much more. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. …

1
His Innovation Set The Stage For Future Generations 3:27

16d ago3:27

3:27

The “on air” light lit up the dark studio – he was on! Like all DJs, he wooed his audience. But there was something very different about this DJ. And because of this difference, he’d go down in history. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the…

1
The Hoodoo Magic That Kept Our People Protected On Plantations 3:32

43m ago3:32

3:32

William Wells Brown peeked from around the tree. He'd never seen anything like the ritual before his eyes—a fiery cauldron, folks talking in tongues, and dancing beneath the midnight moonlight. These spiritual ceremonies remind us of the importance of trusting ancestral wisdom. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nati…

1
She Brought The Heat With Her Creative Invention 3:18

26d ago3:18

3:18

The wind howled as it wove through the narrow streets. Winter was in full force. The Parker family huddled close together near the fireplace for warmth. But as sleep beckoned, the warmth of the flames seemed miles away. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exis…

1
Foraging And Herbalism Were Essential For Harriet Tubman's Rescue Missions 3:02

29d ago3:02

3:02

Harriet Tubman stumbled across a swamp that was dark, wet, and smelled like boiled eggs. She was starving. The next safe house wasn’t for miles. Her stomach growled and churned. As a last resort, she picked up an acorn and bit into it. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company…

1
The Hidden Black History Behind these Secret Sanctuaries 3:19

27d ago3:19

3:19

Opening the door, a quiet shiver of excitement passed between them. Making sure the coast was clear, they made their way to the woods. Silently, they traveled through the dark. Revolution was near. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stor…

1
Even After Slavery Separated Them, They Refused To Be Lost 3:31

6d ago3:31

3:31

Dust kicked up behind their bare feet, leaving their former plantations in its wake. Some held baskets, others children and babies. But hundreds of miles of walking would be worth getting to see their loved ones again. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exist…

1
The Hidden Treasures Of Affrilachia And The People Who Reside There 3:42

17d ago3:42

3:42

In the hushed valleys and hidden hollows of the mysterious Appalachian mountains, a secret that has been concealed for centuries lies half-buried in the ground. Unbeknownst to many, Black communities have quietly thrived within these rugged ranges since enslavement. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest…

1
How 'Stepping' Became a Part of Black Culture 3:36

10d ago3:36

3:36

Synchronized movements. Powerful chants. Pure athleticism. For generations, our people have been stepping everywhere from high school step shows to HBCU probates, and with each beat we honor a history that binds us from Africa all the way to America. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Blac…

1
The Delicious Truth Behind Why We Love Collard Greens 3:14

30d ago3:14

3:14

Nothing like a bowl of collard greens seasoned to perfection warms the soul. Considering our ancestral history with the leafy green, it's no wonder it's a favorite on our forks. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of Black history…

1
The Problematic History Of These Five Everyday Words And Phrases 3:51

12d ago3:51

3:51

We’ve probably all said some of these five everyday phrases without knowing just how problematic they truly are. Will you still use these after you learn the history behind them? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of Black histor…

1
Uncovering The Hidden And Racist Meanings Of Everyday Words 4:07

1M ago4:07

4:07

Some of the words and phrases that we use everyday have sinister origins. These terms are linguistic remnants of a deeply racist past. They may seem harmless on the surface, but their continued usage subconsciously reinforces harmful attitudes and discriminatory beliefs. Here are a few examples. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by P…

1
These African Women Had A Special Power That Made Them Invincible 3:21

1M ago3:21

3:21

In the darkness of the night they bathed their naked bodies before drenching the land with their bath water. This was a very specific form of spiritual warfare – one only a chosen few women could perform. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify t…

1
Five Black Superstitions That Have Become Part Of The Zeitgeist 3:31

17d ago3:31

3:31

Don’t split a pole. Throw salt over your shoulder for good luck.. There are countless idioms that Black folks share across the globe. Why are we like this? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of Black history you didn't learn in s…

1
The History of Head Wraps in Black Culture 3:13

18d ago3:13

3:13

When we adorn our heads with headwraps, scarves, and bonnets, we embrace an age-old Black custom worthy of celebration. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of Black history you didn't learn in school. You make PushBlack happen wit…

1
She Ignited Her Community With A Carnival – And Made History 3:18

1M ago3:18

3:18

In the dead of winter, they danced. Jazz played. They dressed up, spoke up, and got down. This is the story of how this exiled Black communist started one of the biggest parties in the world. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of…

1
Prince’s Inspiring Legacy And Activism For Artistic Freedom 3:27

20d ago3:27

3:27

With the word “slave” written on his right cheek, Prince put on a legendary performance. Many people viewed his music as an escape to feel free, but what happens when the artist doesn’t feel free himself? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify t…

1
The Bitter, Bloody History Of Sugar 3:16

1M ago3:16

3:16

After a good meal, we love reaching for something sweet. Sugar is hidden in so many of our foods we don’t even think about it. However, the actual, dark history of the sweetener should definitely be on our minds. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to a…

1
How This School's Punishment Of Black Students Reinforces The Prison System 3:29

2M ago3:29

3:29

Shot. Dead. In jail. That’s what their teachers told them would happen if they did bad on a test. Was it true? The fear this school put in these Black elementary school students wasn’t just unacceptable. It was prison-like. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack …

1
The Black Roots Of Soapmaking 3:07

2M ago3:07

3:07

Laundering on the plantation was no joke. It wasn’t easy work, especially because enslaved people made everything from scratch–including the soap. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of Black history you didn't learn in school. Yo…

1
These Seeds Wouldn’t Ensure Safety, But They Helped With Survival 3:06

2M ago3:06

3:06

Her fingers trembled as she braided the rice seeds into her daughter's hair. The thought of enslavers snatching them was terrifying. While these seeds wouldn’t ensure safety, they might grant survival. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the …

1
This Powerful Folktale Tells An Important Lesson on Black Unity 3:26

1M ago3:26

3:26

The Tate family was larger than most in colonial Cameroon. With sixteen children all with different personalities and identities, there were constant disagreements. It’s what happened when they worked together that still inspires us today. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media com…

1
For Our People, Hospitals Are Part Of A Deadly Legacy 3:50

1M ago3:50

3:50

The Civil Rights movement was supposed to be about equality, but for many sick Black people, it made matters worse. Today, the effects of poor health continue to get worse for our people. How did it all go wrong? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to a…

1
The Complex History Behind Why Black People Love Cognac 3:10

2M ago3:10

3:10

Our people have been "passing the Courvoisier" for generations, but this brown liquor's legacy goes beyond rap lyrics. Cognac found a home in Black culture for one terrible reason. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of Black hist…

1
These Ancestral Messages Have Been Hiding In Plain Sight 3:23

2M ago3:23

3:23

We all know these iron fences when we see them, but little do we know they're holding hidden ancestral messages in plain sight. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of Black history you didn't learn in school. You make PushBlack ha…

1
She Escaped Slavery By Using This Clever Trick 3:04

1M ago3:04

3:04

Heart pounding, she clamped her hand over her mouth and stifled her scream. Someone was banging on the door. What if she’d been spotted entering the safe house? If the enslaver reported her missing? Would her trick work to ensure her freedom? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media …

1
How Henrietta Lacks' Death Changed Medical History 3:43

1M ago3:43

3:43

The scientist couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Every other sample of cells he’d seen died quickly in his lab, but these cells, from a poor Black woman, doubled every 24 hours! He had to get more of them – at any cost. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack ex…

1
Honoring the Legacy of "Black Moses": David Hamilton Jackson 3:07

2M ago3:07

3:07

The young man blocked out the white crowd’s jeers as he walked on stage. He was going to say what he had to say. Period! What was so important for him to say that he’d face a dangerously racist crowd? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the s…

1
They Kept A Dangerous Secret For Black Liberation 3:04

1M ago3:04

3:04

They were the perfect weapon against racism, but it was dangerous. If they got caught, they would lose their jobs – or perhaps their lives. This secret group fought for our rights, and we never even knew they existed! Who were they? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. P…

1
Could This Be One Of The Most Racist Games In History? 3:13

2M ago3:13

3:13

The man’s voice could be heard over almost everything else at the fall carnival. “Three tries for a nickel,” folks heard the promoter yell. “Hit the Negro in the head and win a prize!” What kind of game was this? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to a…

1
Beulah Mae Donald: The Woman Who Took on the KKK and Won 3:10

1M ago3:10

3:10

She didn’t care that she lived in a racist town. Her son had been murdered by the KKK, and she vowed to get justice! Was she delusional? Or could one determined mother really bring down an entire system of hatred? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to …

1
The Dark Truth Behind the "161-Year-Old Nurse" in George Washington's Life 3:49

2M ago3:49

3:49

The old woman sat waiting. Essentially a sack of bones, she barely took up any space in the tiny chair. The curtain began to lift, and the stage lights brightened – but nobody noticed the tears in her eyes. What was this spectacle? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. Pu…

1
How Robert Smalls Moved In Secrecy, And Won 3:07

2M ago3:07

3:07

He was terrified. They all were. But with their freedom on the line, he stood at the wheelhouse of the Confederate ship and signaled their fleet. What happened next would set them free. Or kill them. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the st…

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