Black History Month happens every February. But the Black community’s impact on America goes way beyond a mere 28 days. This podcast delves into Black history all year round, while also providing nuanced conversations about race and inequality in the U.S.
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During an era where proposed "Don't Say Gay" and anti-trans laws are growing across the U.S., It's OK to Say Gay celebrates LGBTQ+ voices while holding conversations that get allies to listen. Hosted by Femi Redwood, this series features engaging interviews, inclusive storytelling, and informative deep dives into issues affecting the queer community.
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If you are a regular listener of this podcast, you have probably realized that we haven't dropped a new episode for a few weeks. That is because the team behind Beyond Black History Month is moving on. The good news: If you haven't listened to every episode - you can binge now! Thank you so much for supporting our work. To hear what's next, connect…
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In the final episode on the birth of hip-hop, we look at the songs and events from the 80's that continue to impact hip-hop today. We also explore how early award shows refused to acknowledge hip-hop music and the protest that followed. Guests: Big Tigger Darryl McDaniels Ed Lover Grand Wizzard Theodore Rahiem Rich Nice The Last Poets Credits: Jill…
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The Sugarhill Gang’s Master Gee on Legacy, Controversy, and Future
56:57
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The Sugarhill Gang was the first hip-hop group to record a song and the first hip-hop group or artist to make it onto the Billboard charts. That's why their 1979 single "Rapper's Delight" remains one of the most influential hip-hop songs today. This week, we bring the full and candid conversation with group member Master Gee. Guests: Master Gee Cre…
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We continue our story on the birth of hip-hop. In this episode we look at the graffiti and b-boy and b-girl culture We also explore the 1979 song “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugar Hill Gang, which was the first recorded hip-hop song. We dig into how the group formed, the song’s lasting impact, and the controversy behind some of its lyrics. Guests: Da…
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2023 is the 50th anniversary of hip hop. All year, we are dropping episodes in a special series that digs into one of the most popular forms of music. We’re kicking off the season with a look at the birth of hip hop. In this episode, we look at the connection between protest poetry and hip-hop, DJ Kool Herc’s iconic 1973 party, and all the external…
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1
Relaxers aren’t the only problematic hair products
25:54
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We are kicking off season two by digging into the recent study that linked hair relaxers to ovarian cancer. Turns out, relaxers aren't the only hair products that could be harmful. In this episode, we speak with beauty influencer and venture capitalist Blake Newby and sociologist and natural hair care expert Dr. Taura Taylor. We explore the reasons…
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A shortage of Black sperm donors especially hurts lesbian and queer families
27:55
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There's a shortage of Black sperm donors and this especially hurts Black lesbian and queer couples. Black sperm makes up between 3% and 5% of what’s available at cryobanks. This comes as the majority of cryobank customers are lesbian or queer. This shortage causes some people to look for sperm elsewhere, including Facebook. This episode we learn wh…
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Beyond Black History Month is returning on January 24th.By Audacy
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Fighting homelessness in the holidays and beyond
20:29
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Many LGBTQ people – especially queer youth – are forced to spend their winter nights in homeless shelters or on the streets because their parents kicked them out for being LGBTQ. their parents kicked them out because of their queerness. The Ali Forney Center shares dozens of these stories each year during their annual Homeless for the Holidays camp…
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We're taking a holiday break - but here's what you may have missed this season!
12:23
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Host Femi Redwood and the Beyond Black History Month team are going on a holiday break! We are working on amazing episodes and will be back in January. Until then - there are lots of past shows you can listen to. In this episode, we recap what you may have missed this season. Go back and take a listen. See you in 2023!…
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How rainbow capitalism exploits Pride and ways to fix it - before Pride 2023!
30:37
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On this episode of It’s Okay To Say Gay, the CEO and president of GLAAD, Sarah-Kate Ellis, explains to us why it’s important to hold brands accountable and how GLAAD evaluates companies. Dr. Gillian Oakenfull, a marketing professor and faculty director of diversity and inclusion at Miami University, leads us through the history of LGBT+ advertising…
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Henry Louis Gates, Black Twitter, and Elon Musk: What happens now to the digital grapevine?
18:59
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Since Elon Musk acquired Twitter, Black social media users have seen an increase of racist and hateful trolling. This has caused some notable Black users to leave the platform. But what happens if there is a mass exodus? In this episode, we dig into why Black Twitter is so important to the culture and connections of Black folks. We speak with schol…
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Run-DMC’s Darryl McDaniels: How hip-hop and comic books are the same game, different hustle
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The comic book and fantasy space may seem very different from hip-hop culture, but according to Run DMC’s Daryl McDaniels, the two are very similar. In this episode, we speak with both Daryl and Hilton George, the founder of Blerdcon. While Daryl explores the similarities between the two mediums, Hilton walks us through the challenges surrounding i…
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Black-owned whiskey brands: tapping into history and creating a new market
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On this episode of Beyond Black History Month, we’re turning our attention towards the whiskey industry. Of the 2,000 distilleries in America only 1% are owned by Black entrepreneurs. Listen as host Femi Redwood explores why Black business owners are still struggling to get their feet in the door despite the drink owing its success to a single ensl…
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1
The long-lasting physical and mental trauma of hurricanes
18:58
18:58
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Trauma from natural disasters impacts Black communities in ways many of us never thought about it. In addition to causing PTSD, a recent study found that hurricanes are linked to a 33% increase of deaths long after the storm has passed. This comes as climate change disproportionately impacts Black communities. In this episode, we speak to residents…
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Ja Rule, NFTs, and the push to help Black artists
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Art and cryptocurrency are two areas that have been historically dominated by white men, but that’s changing. NFTS, a.k.a non-fungible tokens, are helping Black folks sell, buy, and share artwork. In this episode, we hear why Black artists, like Nick Davis, prefer using NFTs as a medium for their artwork. Rapper and entrepreneur Ja Rule breaks down…
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Comedians share their coming out stories: the good, bad, and hilarious
15:20
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Alejandro Morales, Bailey Pope, and Corey Saunders have three things in common. They're all local comedians. They're all members of the LGBTQ+ community. And they all have vastly different - and compelling - coming out stories. October 11th is National Coming Out Day. To commemorate the occasion, in this episode of It’s OK to Say Gay, we hear from …
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1
How a shortage of Black sperm donors hurts lesbian and queer families
26:31
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There's a shortage of Black sperm donors and this especially hurts Black lesbian and queer couples. Black sperm makes up between 3% and 5% of what’s available at cryobanks. This comes as the majority of cryobank customers are lesbian or queer. This shortage causes some people to look for sperm elsewhere, including Facebook. In this episode, we lear…
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1
House Of The Dragon: Steve Toussaint talks career, racism, and wigs
19:38
19:38
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HBO’s House of the Dragon is getting praised for its diverse cast. But it’s also facing criticism for that same reason. Some viewers are upset the Game of Thrones spinoff casted Black actors to play characters who were once described as pale. In this episode, we speak with actor Steve Toussaint. He’s faced racist trolling for his role as Corlys Vel…
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Soledad O'Brien and her push to hold journalists accountable
19:05
19:05
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In this episode, we talk to journalist Soledad O'Brien about how she's pushing journalists to tell inclusive stories. From calling out reporters providing problematic coverage, while simultaneously encouraging news consumers to think about how a story is framed, the Afro-Latina news anchor, CEO, and executive producer is demystifying media. We also…
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Jackson, MS: Another Black city, another water crisis
17:26
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The water emergency in Jackson, Mississippi is reminiscent of Flint, Michigan. The emergencies were caused by different failures - but the core issue is the same: the disinvestment of the majority Black city with similar poverty rates. In this episode we learn about water challenges in Jackson going back years. We talk to families to find out how t…
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Black workers, unions, and the fight for equality
26:39
26:39
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This year, there has been a 56% increase in petitions asking for union representation across the nation. You've seen the news. Employees at companies such as Amazon and Starbucks are making headlines because they demand better working conditions. If successful, Black employees stand to benefit the most. Research shows that Black union members have …
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How Black entrepreneurs are turning side hustles into careers
16:31
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Nearly one third of all Americans have a side hustle. But data shows Black communities are more likely to have a side hustle when compared to other races. Considering the pay gap, side jobs are a way for some families to increase their incomes. But after the pandemic caused many people to reevaluate their lives, many began working towards making th…
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Trans & Nonbinary Kids: The basics for parents
23:48
23:48
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According to The Trevor Project, transgender and nonbinary children who are not supported by their families are more likely to experience depression, substance abuse, and low self-esteem. This is why family counselors say it’s imperative that parents support their children as they come out as transgender or nonbinary. Psychotherapist and author Ben…
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Should Harriet Tubman Day be the next federal holiday?
14:12
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There are currently no federal holidays named after - or even dedicated to women. But one local activist aims to change that. Jeannine Cook is the shopkeeper at both Harriet and Ida’s bookshops, located in Pennsylvania and New Jersey respectively. If the names of those stores don’t make it inherently obvious, she looks up to the female faces of the…
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Are violence interrupters more effective than police?
19:35
19:35
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Gun violence is a massive problem in American communities. And after decades of failed policies, some community members are taking matters in their own hands and working as violence interrupters. In this episode of Beyond Black History Month, we meet members of Save Our Streets, or SOS. We find out how some of the same people who once caused neighb…
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NYC Dyke March: 30 years of permit-less protest
26:57
26:57
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Every year on the eve of New York City’s Pride March, the LGBTQ rights movements goes back to its roots. Tens of thousands of self-identifying dykes march down Fifth Avenue demonstrating their first amendment right to protest. For the 30th Anniversary of the Dyke March, we’re talking about the evolution of the march. Founding organizer Valarie Walk…
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Roe v. Wade: what this means for Black women and marginalized communities
21:16
21:16
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The Supreme Court has officially overturned Roe v. Wade. What does that mean for Black women and marginalized communities? On this episode of Beyond Black History Month, we’re joined by Beulah Osueke, the deputy director at New Voice for Reproductive Justice, who breaks down how reproductive rights and racial justice are connected. We also hear fro…
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The mental health crisis harming AAPI LGBTQ youth
19:36
19:36
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AAPI LGBT+ youth are struggling right now. A new report from the Trevor Project found that 40 percent of AAPI LGBT+ youth have considered suicide in the past year. What’s going on here? We talk to Myeshia Price, a researcher from the Trevor Project, to understand the factors at play. We’re also joined by Crystal Widado, a teenage mental health advo…
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Juneteenth: The fight to find loved ones after emancipation
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29:32
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How do you celebrate emancipation without the people you love? In this episode, host Femi Redwood continues her Juneteenth special. She explores the ways in which families worked to find each other after emancipation. One of the ways they did this was by taking out wanted ads. These ads were forgotten by history until being recently discovered. We …
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Matthew Shepard’s tragic 1998 murder transformed America’s attitudes towards the LGBTQ community. But with anti-LGBTQ laws proliferating across the country, some activists fear these attitudes are reverting back to the 1990s. In this episode, Eric Marcus, the host of “Making Gay History” podcast, explains what life was like for the LGBTQ+ community…
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Mila Jam: Mixing art and activism to celebrate being Black and trans
25:08
25:08
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Mila Jam is a singer, songwriter, and dancer. She is an unapologetic Black trans woman and is a powerful voice within the LGBTQ+ community. In this week’s episode of It’s OK to Say Gay, our conversation with the artivist (artist + activist) goes off track to talk about issues often spoken about in closed circles: dating while trans and what it feel…
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Judy Gold: Comedy, coming out, and cancel culture
25:18
25:18
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Comedian Judy Gold has a rant for everything. But she's not like the annoying family member at Thanksgiving dinner, her rants are actually pretty funny. In this episode of It's OK to Say Gay, the trailblazing comedian spoke to us about everything from cancel culture to wearing neck ties as a child. The New Jersey native also explores the full-circl…
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Juneteenth: The untold story of one man's love
18:44
18:44
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Juneteenth is the celebration of the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. In this episode of Beyond Black History Month, host Femi Redwood meets with some of the descendants of the last to be freed African-Americans and learns how one man's love for his family and community helped continue the annual celebration and build a self-sufficient B…
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Why LGBTQ elders say don't forget about them this Pride
20:27
20:27
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Growing old can be tough but those challenges are often magnified for LGBTQ seniors. According to SAGE, the country’s largest and oldest LGBTQ+ elder advocacy organization, LGBTQ seniors have high rates of loneliness. This is due to a variety of reasons including familial separation due to their gender identity or sexuality, discrimination in retir…
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How gentrification hurts small businesses
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Both the affordable housing crisis and gradual neighborhood gentrification aren’t exactly new topics; however, the impact each has on small business owners and longtime community members is rarely discussed. On this episode of Beyond Black History Month, we speak to "Grandma" Dawn Martine-Harris, a small business owner based in Harlem. Listen as we…
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Pride is back! Will it be a party or protest?
22:23
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This will be the first in-person Pride since the pandemic began. While many LGBTQ+ people are ready to celebrate, some Pride organizations in large cities were heavily criticized for being too cozy with corporations and police. In addition, as anti-LGBTQ legislation continues to grow nationwide, some activists say Pride needs to return to its upris…
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During an era where proposed "Don't Say Gay" and anti-trans laws are growing across the U.S., It's OK to Say Gay celebrates LGBTQ+ voices while holding conversations that get allies to listen. This series features engaging interviews, inclusive storytelling, and informative deep dives into issues affecting the queer community. It's OK to Say Gay is…
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1
Buffalo Shooting: What is White Replacement Theory
10:19
10:19
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Last weekend, an 18-year-old white man walked into a predominantly Black neighborhood and shot 13 people, killing 10. Most of the victims were Black. Investigators say the shooter’s racist manifesto revealed he was inspired by what’s known as the “white replacement theory.” In this episode, we speak to Adolphus Belk Jr., a political science and Afr…
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How Harlem became a center for Black excellence
12:46
12:46
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Harlem has gone through many changes over the years. While activists today are fighting against gentrification and displacement, decades ago there was a different fight in Harlem. In this episode, Femi Redwood, explores the history of one of New York City’s most iconic neighborhoods.By Audacy
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The Untold History of Black and Asian Solidarity
26:03
26:03
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In honor of May being AAPI Heritage Month, we explore the history of solidarity between African-American and Asian-American communities. We begin with a look at the model minority myth and how it has been used against Black communities. We also look at the solidarity between both communities beginning in the 1940s. This episode also digs into the t…
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Rooted in Slavery: The Story of Black Barbershops
21:13
21:13
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While Black barbershops today are often hang out spots for men to talk sports, relationship, and life, the earliest Black owned barbershops were very different. Black barbers did not serve Black customers. But despite this troubled history, barbering has become a reliable path for entrepreneurs. In this episode, we explore the fascinating history o…
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Barbershops are Helping Black Men Improve Mental Health
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13:24
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Black-owned barbershops are often a safe space for men to talk about sports, politics and relationships. That’s why The Confess Project works with barbers across the country to encourage men to talk about mental health. In this episode of Beyond Black History Month, we dig into how barbers breaking the stigma and having open conversations about men…
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Negro Leagues to Jackie Robinson: Why Black Players Disappeared
19:28
19:28
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As America celebrates the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson making his debut in the major leagues, we wanted to understand why there are so few Black baseball players today. In this episode, we speak to a former Negro League player who also played in the major league. He describes the racism Black players experienced and why some left the Major L…
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Black Dolls and the Road to Representation
23:59
23:59
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Black dolls have only recently begun being stocked on most store shelves. But despite the lack of representation, they've played major roles in Black history. They were used to fight against slavery and end school segregation. And today, they empower Black children through positive play. But Black dolls were also been used to reinforce harmful trop…
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Denée Benton and the representation she brings to HBO’s ‘The Gilded Age'
22:36
22:36
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HBO’s “The Gilded Age” is a historical drama set in New York City in the 1800s that details the lives of rich families. It follows Peggy Scott, a Black writer, played by Denée Benton. Peggy’s character belongs to a group of people known as the Black elite. In this episode of Beyond Black History Month, host Femi Redwood speaks with Benton about her…
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When Neighbors fought Neighbors: The Crown Heights Riot
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“Love Thy Neighbor” is a brand new podcast detailing the events of the 1991 Crown Heights Riot. For those unfamiliar with the historical event, it erupted after a Hasidic man hit two young Black boys with his car. After one of the boys succumbed to his injuries, the divide that already existed in the community deepened and neighbors transformed int…
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Power, Policing, and Politics: Can Historic Black Leadership Create Change?
20:01
20:01
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The faces of power in New York City are more diverse than ever. Several key positions including the mayor and police commissioner are held by Black leaders, in some cases the first in history. This episode of Beyond Black History Month digs into power, policing, and politics in New York City and examines if the recent nominations and elections of B…
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How Black LGBTQ People Influenced American Nightlife
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From the early days of the Harlem Renaissance to the dawn of disco, the Black queer community specifically has had a niche for revolutionizing the way people party and not getting an ounce of credit. In this special Black History Month podcast, that changes. Listen as we speak with historians Eric Gonzaba and Michael Roberson, as well as current Bl…
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Black hair: Billion dollar industry, few Black owners
26:46
26:46
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In this very special Black History Month podcast, not only do we explore the history of hair care, but also take a look back at the life and legacy of the woman who helped the entire race realize it’s worth: Madam CJ Walker, as well as the current state of the industry she arguably started. Guests: A'Lelia Bundles Dominique Jean-Louis Sam Ennon NYS…
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