Best PushBlack Podcasts (2024)

1
The Forensics of Black Liberation with Michael Ralph 1:15:26

21m ago1:15:26

1:15:26

Before the digital age, activists like Ida B. Wells and Frederick Douglass used their writing to expose injustice. Today, in the era of social media, smartphones now serve as powerful tools for counter-investigation—capturing evidence, connecting stories, and reaching diverse communities. How are artists, activists, and everyday people using these …

1
How Alice Walker’s Secret Grave Hunting Obsession Changed Black History 3:27

34m ago3:27

3:27

Alice Walker is a renowned author and grave hunter. In the 1970s, she set out to discover the final resting place of a long-lost voice of authentic Blackness. What she found changed history forever. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the sto…

1
The Undying Perseverance Of Alice Dunbar-Nelson 2:56

1h ago2:56

2:56

No matter the excuse, this was the LAST TIME her husband would put his hands on her – no matter how famous and well-respected he was. Her needs mattered as much as his did, and it was time to show the world the truth! _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists…

1
She Taught Enslaved People At This Secret Midnight School 3:01

1h ago3:01

3:01

It was just after midnight. Heart pounding, she looked over her shoulder and slipped into the school. If her enslavers found out, they might kill her! She was risking everything – but her task was so important, it was worth the risk. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. …

1
On Her Road To Massive Wealth, She Never Forgot Her Roots 3:12

32m ago3:12

3:12

She was an orphan, a servant, and a mother. But she also had her ears to the business world, and soon went from a fly on the wall to one of the richest Black women in HISTORY. How did she do it? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories…

1
'Pop and Unlocking’ the Power of Black Dance with C. Kemal Nance 1:15:25

1h ago1:15:25

1:15:25

Whether it's footwork or twerking, there’s something powerful about how Black bodies move in dance. So what is it about Blackness and dancing that transcends mere movement and becomes something metaphysical? Our incredible guest today, C. Kemal Nance, has those answers and more. Kemal is a performer, choreographer, and scholar of African Diasporan …

1
How ‘‘Sucking Teeth’’ Became A Centuries-Old Custom 3:34

1h ago3:34

3:34

Growing up, we all somehow learned how to suck our teeth, many without realizing when we first learned to “mchewwww.” It turns out, Black folks have held onto this custom 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 Bla…

1
Presenting GONE SOUTH Season 4 9:23

27m ago9:23

9:23

Gone South, the Edward R. Murrow award-winning podcast, is back. Unlike previous seasons, writer and host Jed Lipinski brings listeners new episodes every week with no end in sight. Each episode of Gone South Season 4 tells a different story about one of the South's most interesting crimes. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practice…

1
The Most Powerful Black Politician You've Never Heard Of 3:16

4d ago3:16

3:16

He may as well have been a unicorn: an honest, pro-Black politician during the Reconstruction era, where corruption and racism ran rampant! But soon he was dead – and his name would be as hard to find in history as a unicorn! But why? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company.…

1
Bonus Episode: The Fall of Eric Adams 24:02

4d ago24:02

24:02

New York’s Mayor Eric Adams has been indicted and charged by the federal government with corruption, wire fraud, bribery and more. Could we have predicted what kind of mayor Adams would become based on the culture he was a part of in the NYPD? Chenjerai and attorney John Teufel, who has investigated police misconduct, discuss the implications of th…

1
Introducing System Catalysts 38:08

25m ago38:08

38:08

Today, instead of our regular episodes, we are playing an episode from System Catalysts, a podcast about the incredible people who are fixing the broken systems that run the world. One of those incredible people is our CEO, Julian Walker, who was interviewed along with our board chair Yordanos Eyoel for their first season. We thought you'd enjoy li…

1
The Valuable Lesson Martin Luther King Learned About Who To Trust 3:13

1h ago3:13

3:13

Martin Luther King, Jr. couldn’t believe it. After everything, he’d been double-crossed by one of the most liberal and supportive white friends he had – JFK! But there was a silver lining to this rain cloud – and a powerful lesson was learned. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media…

1
Say It Loud! Black and Proud Protest Anthems with Tonya Pendleton 1:32:00

1d ago1:32:00

1:32:00

It can’t be helped. Black music is special, housing songs that can both get you out your seat and mobilize political action. From gospel anthems to hip-hop tracks, how has music become a driving force in Black political protest, amplifying calls for justice and joy? We're breaking all that down with our guest today, Tonya Pendleton. Tonya is a true…

1
What Happened When She Pushed Back Against MLK? 3:28

2d ago3:28

3:28

The Civil Rights Movement was in full swing. While MLK gave public speeches, she did the work on the ground, building community. But now, their one major disagreement threatened to stall the whole movement! Would anything help them cooperate? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media …

1
The Little Known Stevie Wonder - MLK Day Connection 3:18

5d ago3:18

3:18

The audience fell quiet as Stevie Wonder took the stage. Soon, joyous notes reverberated through the air, filling the entire night air with hope, power and inspiration. But this was no ordinary concert – he had a bigger purpose. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushB…

1
The Real Reason Black People Love Butter Pecan Ice Cream 3:03

6d ago3:03

3:03

If this sounds absurd, that’s because it was. Back in the day, we couldn’t be caught eating vanilla ice cream. _____________ 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 with your co…

1
Black History, For Real: NYPD's Secret Story | For Real, For Real | 9 42:21

21d ago42:21

42:21

"Woop! Woop! That’s the sound of da police! Conscious and Frankie welcome Dr. Chenjerai Kumanyika – host of Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD. Dr. Kumanyika’s podcast is a deeply personal tale of his relationship to policing, the history of the NYPD and its long reaching impact in police departments across the nation. Are the police …

1
This Genius Black Herbal Tradition Has Been Around For Centuries 2:48

7d ago2:48

2:48

The roots of medical racism go deep, but the ways our people have always healed themselves are even deeper. We NEVER need whites’ care, and this herbalist tradition proves it. _____________ 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 y…

1
Untold Stories: The Visionaries Behind the Harlem Renaissance with George M. Johnson 1:39:16

8d ago1:39:16

1:39:16

Some of the most transformative art has come from queer Black artists like Langston Hughes, James Baldwin, and Josephine Baker, yet their full stories have often been erased. What can we learn from the Black queer community about creating lasting social change and embracing our identities? Today, we’re uplifting their hidden contributions to the fi…

101
Stay Dangerous | 8 47:53

21d ago47:53

47:53

The NYPD loves to show off its diversity, but it often hides how hard and long it fought that diversity. Chenjerai takes us back in time to the real story of how the NYPD got its first Black cop – and how decades later, Black cops went to war with the NYPD’s union to push for civilian oversight of the police. But how effective is reform if the poli…

1
The Upside-Down History Of Racist Dolls 3:02

9d ago3:02

3:02

What has two heads and is half black, half white, and all racist? The answer could turn your world upside down. _____________ 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 with your c…

1
She Exposed The Biggest Cancer Scam Of The Century 3:20

12d ago3:20

3:20

It was the biggest scam of the century. Cancer patients were being sold a fake cure, and she knew how to stop them. But there was one huge problem: according to the government, she didn’t even exist! _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the st…

1
This Rare Version Of The Bible Reveals An Uncomfortable Truth 3:22

13d ago3:22

3:22

We already know that when it comes to history, the records have been whitewashed and edited with white supremacy in mind. But the trickery didn’t stop with history. White supremacists also messed with the Bible – right in front of our faces! _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media c…

1
Why This ‘Freedom Food’ Is Important To Black Culture 3:17

14d ago3:17

3:17

Long before they were fancy, oysters were considered "dirty" food. But they've always been crucial for us, from being used to build shelters to serving as a spiritual tool. Here's why oysters are essential to Black culture. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack …

1
The Politics of Play–How Black Athletes Challenge Power with Lou Moore 1:19:27

21d ago1:19:27

1:19:27

Sports arenas aren’t just for fun and games. They’re also arenas where athletes can and have pushed back against oppression, asserted autonomy, and influenced social change at scale. But just how much change can Black athletes create in the capitalistic world of professional sports? History has many answers, as does today’s guest, Louis Moore. Lou …

151
The American Problem | 7 38:28

28d ago38:28

38:28

New York’s police start to realize that beating up and arresting immigrants is making them distrustful of cops. In response, a police chief has an idea, borne out of his time colonizing the Philippines: control the population by recruiting local community members to police their own people. From Wondery, Crooked Media and PushBlack. Empire City is …

1
The Black Origins Of Surfing 3:23

18d ago3:23

3:23

We often hear that Black people don’t swim and do water sports. For example, many consider surfing a “white people activity.” But this is a bonafide ‘white’ lie. _____________ 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 lear…

1
Black Families Dreaded This Cruel Day Every Year 3:16

19d ago3:16

3:16

New Year’s Day is a time for celebration, goal-setting, and a fresh start for many people today. But it wasn’t that simple for enslaved Africans. Like doomsday, January 1st loomed over their heads. What was so dreadful about the new year? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media comp…

1
This Black Ballerina Was Told To Paint Her Face White To Perform 3:15

1M ago3:15

3:15

She’d been practicing for years just for this moment. She floated onto the stage with a poise that had their mouths on the floor. As she’d hoped, the company wanted her as their star ballerina – but only on one racist condition. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushB…

1
The First Black Circus Owner's Philosophy On How To Treat Performers 3:00

22d ago3:00

3:00

The circus was in town, and the tent was filled to capacity. Families traveled from miles around to see something they’d never seen. As the Ringmaster stepped from the shadows, the crowd gasped. What on earth was THIS? _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exist…

1
The True Colors of Black Reality TV with Corin Wilson 1:21:35

22d ago1:21:35

1:21:35

From Love & Hip-Hop to Real Housewives, Black reality TV is often seen as all drama and no substance. But behind the fights and rented luxury, could unscripted television be a platform with the power to challenge mainstream narratives and actualize Black liberation? In this episode, we’re unpacking the harms, the possibilities, and the impact of th…

1
Black History Year -- Season 9 Trailer 1:08

23d ago1:08

1:08

Introducing the new season of Black History Year, where Dee highlights the numerous and amazing ways that Black people have affected change through the arts and entertainment. Season 9 of BHY debuts Tuesday, Oct 8th, with new episodes every week. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-po…

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

23d 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
The Rotten Orchard | 6 40:11

1M ago40:11

40:11

It’s like clockwork: every 20 years or so, a corruption scandal forces the NYPD into the hot seat. But how did this cycle begin? To find out, we go back over a century ago to the very first investigation into the police where the NYPD is put on trial like never before. From Wondery, Crooked Media and PushBlack. Empire City is made with a commitment…

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

26d 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
These Seeds Wouldn’t Ensure Safety, But They Helped With Survival 3:06

27d 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
How This School's Punishment Of Black Students Reinforces The Prison System 3:29

28d 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
Escaping the Plantation with Dr. Christena Cleveland (Nov 2021) 48:15

29d ago48:15

48:15

Contrary to what you might think, many of us are living on plantations in the present day. The plantations look vastly different than our forebearers', but white supremacy continues to trap us within these violent systems. We don't have to remain disconnected from our needs, dignity, and freedom. In November 2021, Dr. Christena Cleveland, a social …

1
The Black Roots Of Soapmaking 3:07

1M 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
The Moral Crusade | 5 39:58

1M ago39:58

39:58

Officers in early New York didn’t just police the city’s vice economy; they profited from it. But when America’s first professional vice fighter Anthony Comstock strong-arms the NYPD into enforcing his vision of morality, he also transformed how and what we police. From Wondery, Crooked Media and PushBlack. Empire City is made with a commitment to …

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

1M 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
His Escapes Mirrored The Ancestors From Centuries Ago 3:06

2M ago3:06

3:06

His breathing heavy, he heard guards searching through the forest, shouting his name. He couldn’t get caught. Because just like his fugitive ancestors, who escaped the plantation centuries ago, he too was a runaway - a successful one! _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company.…

1
Slavemasters In Your Neighborhood with Clint Smith (May 2021) 54:31

2M ago54:31

54:31

The debates over U.S. monuments that celebrate Confederate generals, soldiers, and politicians show just how pervasive slavery's legacy is - and how it continues to impact the way Black America moves and exists in the world today. In May 2021, Jay sat down with author/poet Clint Smith to discuss this and more on this episode of the Best of Black Hi…

1
Her Legacy Continues To Inspire Black Culture Decades Later 3:11

2M ago3:11

3:11

She’s responsible for much of our cultural norms and celebrations. Her legacy? Being the iconic leader who took no mess. _____________ 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 wi…

1
They’ve Got Weapons | 4 46:53

2M ago46:53

46:53

Horrific race riots erupt when New York City starts to draft soldiers into the Civil War. A mob of white people, who resent fighting for emancipation, direct their rage at the Black community as well as the police… and all hell breaks loose. The NYPD pushes for more firearms – but will they use them to protect New York’s most vulnerable, or subdue …

1
The Delicious Evolution Of Soul Food 3:38

2M ago3:38

3:38

Culinary historian Micheal Twitty says: “Our food was never just food. It was medicine and a gateway to good fortune, and a mystical lubricant between the living and the dead.” Our cuisine has always been worthy of praise. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack e…

1
He Proved That You Can Fight Injustice At Any Age 3:32

2M ago3:32

3:32

For decades, he watched this country evolve and shift - and in many ways treat Black people the same. But how he went hard for our people even at 91 years old will inspire you to never stop fighting for our rights. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to…

1
The History Behind Sweet vs Savory Grits 3:21

2M ago3:21

3:21

The sweet vs. savory grits debate is a longstanding discussion in our community. But is there a right way to enjoy comfort food? _____________ 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 h…

1
Environmental Racism- A Hidden Threat with Dr. Dorceta Taylor (April 2021) 53:35

2M ago53:35

53:35

The lasting impacts of toxic waste, pollution, climate change, and other harms continue to cause long-term health outcomes and take countless Black lives. In April 2021, with the guidance of environmental sociologist Dr. Dorceta Taylor, Jay digs into the connection between racism, economic inequality, the environment, and the actions we can take to…

1
He Froze Racism In Its Tracks With This Invention 3:16

2M ago3:16

3:16

Our people were fighting for freedom – and this brilliant inventor had an epiphany. To succeed against white terrorism, we would need to be committed to one thing: problem-solving. And he gave us a perfect example. _____________ 2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to…

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