Best Paula Baker Podcasts (2024)

1
Medical Apartheid by Harriet A. Washington 27:16

1h ago27:16

27:16

A review of "Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present" by Harriet A. Washington which charts the history of unethical medical experiments that have been conducted on Black people. Show notes and sources are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/medical-apartheid-book-rev…

1
Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement by Barbara Ransby 22:31

7h ago22:31

22:31

A book review of "Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement" which was written by Barbara Ransby and tells the story of Ella Baker’s life. Visit the Noire Histoir YouTube Channel or website for the full review. Show notes and sources are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/ella-baker-and-the-black-freedom-movement-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE…

1
Forty Million Dollar Slaves by William C. Rhoden 17:17

21h ago17:17

17:17

A review of "Forty Million Dollar Slaves" by William C. Rhoden, a chronicle of Black athletes navigating efforts to limit their participation in sports. Show notes and sources are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/forty-million-dollar-slaves-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www…

1
Ida: A Sword Among Lions by Paula Giddings | Noire Book Reviews 21:22

1d ago21:22

21:22

"Ida: A Sword Among Lions" by Paula Giddings is a biography that details the journalistic activism of Ida B. Wells. Covering the incredibly impactful life of Wells is a huge undertaking but Giddings' delivers the goods. Show notes and sources are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/ida-a-sword-among-lions-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://…

1
King Leopold's Ghost by Adam Hochschild 7:44

3d ago7:44

7:44

"King Leopold's Ghost" by Adam Hochschild is the story of how King Leopold II of Belgium used violence and coercion to gain control of the Congo. In this review, I discuss how on a larger scale the book also provides a perspective on how various European powers carved up Africa for their own gain. Show notes and sources are available at https://med…

1
Before the Mayflower by Lerone Bennett, Jr. 4:44

5d ago4:44

4:44

“Before the Mayflower” by Lerone Bennett, Jr. is the ultimate book to read if you’re interested in Black History, especially American Black History. Originally published in 1962, the book covers the history of Black America from 1619 to 1962. Show notes and sources are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/before-the-mayflower. VISIT MY WEBSITE …

1
At The Hands of Persons Unknown by Phillip Dray 6:27

6d ago6:27

6:27

Phillip Dray details the history of mob violence and lynchings in "At the Hands of Persons Unknown". Dray lays out how lynchings were used as a form of political terrorism aimed at subjugating Black people and enforcing white supremacy. Show notes and sources are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/at-the-hands-of-persons-unknown. VISIT MY WEB…

1
Nora Rizzo on materials and ethics 43:45

8d ago43:45

43:45

Nora Rizzo is Grace Farms Foundation’s Ethical Materials Director. She works to advance the Design for Freedom movement to eliminate forced and child labor from the built environment. For the past two decades, Nora has been dedicated to creating change in the built environment through sustainability, resilience, and social equity work. Nora describ…

1
Black Against Empire by Joshua Bloom and Waldo E. Martin, Jr 7:16

8d ago7:16

7:16

“Black Against Empire” by Joshua Bloom and Waldo E. Martin, Jr is the definitive history of The Black Panthers. The book not only charts the rise and fall of the Black Panther Party but also provides detailed backgrounds of its most prominent members. Learning about Huey P. Newton’s and Bobby Seale’s early family life set the stage for explaining t…

1
Ain't I a Woman by bell hooks 10:57

10d ago10:57

10:57

"Ain't I a Woman" by bell hooks explores the impact of racism and sexism on Black women. Not as separate factors but through the lens of intersectionality. The book charts the history of how “sexism operates both independently of and simultaneously with racism to oppress us” (Black women). Show notes and sources are available at https://medianoire.…

1
The Assassination of Fred Hampton by Jeffrey Haas 4:02

13d ago4:02

4:02

"The Assassination of Fred Hampton" by Jeffrey Haas is an incredible book about a less celebrated but important Black figure. The details may differ but the story of Fred Hampton is unfortunately not uncommon. Yet, his death stands apart from most others as it was proven to have been the result of a concerted effort by the FBI and Chicago police. S…

1
Coming of Age in Mississippi by Anne Moody 6:07

14d ago6:07

6:07

"Coming of Age in Mississippi" by Anne Moody is the story of a young Black woman coming of age in rural Mississippi during the 40's and 50's. Moody's introduction to and involvement in the Civil Rights Movement unfolds in a beautifully written story. It was refreshing to read about the development of an activist juxtaposed against a young woman's j…

1
Watch Me Fly by Myrlie Evers-Williams 10:00

16d ago10:00

10:00

In this episode of the Noire Histoir podcast, I discuss "Watch Me Fly" by Myrlie Evers-Williams. "Watch Me Fly" is more than the story of the widow of a civil rights hero. It’s also the story of a rather sheltered woman who struggles to find herself in her thirties after her world is ripped apart. Show notes and are available at https://medianoire.…

1
The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson 6:25

18d ago6:25

6:25

"The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson, weaves together the stories of three people who fled the South during The Great Migration. It's not a happy book but I found it very inspiring. In this episode, I discuss the book's main characters and touch on The Great Migration, the plight of sharecroppers, and the generational wealth gap. Show not…

1
The Corner by David Simon and Edward Burns [Book & Series Review] 6:08

20d ago6:08

6:08

"The Corner: A Year in the Life of an Inner-City Neighborhood" by David Simon and Edward Burns is one of the most saddening and inspiring books I’ve ever read. The book follows the lives of residents near the corner of West Fayette and Monroe Streets in West Baltimore over a year in the early 90’s. The authors lay bare how a history of poverty, cri…

1
Brainwashed: Challenging the Myth of Black Inferiority by Tom Burrell | Noire Book Reviews 7:38

21d ago7:38

7:38

"Brainwashed: Challenging the Myth of Black Inferiority" written by Tom Burrell, is a book about “the greatest propaganda campaign of all time”: the concept of black inferiority. In this episode, I discuss the book's theories on racial stereotypes and its exploration of the lingering effects of slavery on the Black psyche and community. Show notes …

1
12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup [Book & Movie Review] 6:19

23d ago6:19

6:19

"12 Years a Slave" is a movie/book about the unfortunate life events of Solomon Northup. Solomon was lured away from home under false pretenses, kidnapped, and sold into slavery. He then spent 12 years of his life yearning for his family and suffering under the false identity of "Platt". In this book and movie review, I discuss the themes of desper…

1
Your Money and Your Man by Michelle Singletary 6:44

25d ago6:44

6:44

"Your Money and Your Man" by Michelle Singletary, offers women financial advice for life in general but mostly focuses on dating/courtship, marriage, and raising kids. In this episode, I discuss useful sections of the book along with the points on which I agreed and disagreed with Singletary's views on personal finance. Show notes are available at …

1
At the Dark End of the Street by Danielle L. McGuire 4:34

27d ago4:34

4:34

"At the Dark End of the Street" by Danielle L. McGuire tells the story of Black women's fight to obtain civil rights and equal legal protection against rape and sexual harassment. In this episode, I discuss the book's fresh perspective on Rosa Parks and the Civil Rights Movement.⠀ Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/at-the-dark-…

1
Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs 3:54

30d ago3:54

3:54

"Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" tells the story of Harriet Jacobs, a fugitive slave who escaped North with hopes of reuniting with her children. One of the primary themes is the impact of limited civil rights on slave women and their ability to protect themselves and their children. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/in…

1
The Cutting Season by Attica Locke 21:27

1M ago21:27

21:27

A review of "The Cutting Season" by Attica Locke, a murder mystery that takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana on the fictional Belle Vie plantation. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/cutting-season-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medianoire Pin…

1
Worthy by Jada Pinkett Smith 34:14

1M ago34:14

34:14

A review of “Worthy” by Jada Pinkett Smith, a relatively new release about the actress' early life growing up in Baltimore, her career as an actress in LA, and of course her marriage. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/worthy-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.i…

1
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson [Book Review] 23:19

1M ago23:19

23:19

"Black Cake" by Charmaine Wilkerson is a book about family and identity. Eleanor Bennett was married with two children who despite being several years apart were very close as children but have become estranged as adults. The siblings are forced to deal with each other in the aftermath of their mother's passing. She has left some recordings for the…

1
Will by Will Smith 27:37

1M ago27:37

27:37

A review of “Will” by Will Smith an autobiography about the rapper and actor that charts his life from a childhood in West Philadelphia to being a Hollywood megastar. It's an unexpectedly candid account of the ups and downs in Smith's life that led to me finishing the book with a different perspective of the man and insightful questions for myself.…

1
Alyssa-Amor Gibbons on cultural heritage and resilience 48:14

1M ago48:14

48:14

Alyssa-Amor Gibbons designs environmentally conscious, energy-efficient, and resilient architecture that reflects a deep reverence for nature and human interconnectedness with the world. She has degrees in structural engineering and architecture and specializes in Building Information Modelling. She also works as an advisor for the Spinnaker Group,…

1
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams 22:01

1M ago22:01

22:01

"Queenie" by Candice Carty-Williams is a novel about a young Black woman in her mid-20s who was born and raised in London. The story follows her through the ups and downs of a year of her life, much of it spurred on by her relationship drama and personal issues. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/queenie-book-review. VISIT MY W…

1
Finding Me: A Memoir by Viola Davis 27:28

2M ago27:28

27:28

A review of "Finding Me: A Memoir" by Viola Davis, an account of the actress' personal and professional life. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/finding-me-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medianoire Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/medianoir…

1
When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole 26:43

2M ago26:43

26:43

A review of "When No One Is Watching" by Alyssa Cole, a thriller and romance about gentrification in a fictional neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/when-no-one-is-watching-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medianoire …

1
Janice Barnes on climate adaptation as part of design 49:01

2M ago49:01

49:01

Dr. Janice Barnes is founder of Climate Adaptation Partners, a NYC-based partnership that focuses on climate adaptation. With technical training in architecture and organizational behavior, she helps clients to understand risks and evaluate adaptation pathways and link these to design and financing options. She works at the intersection of climate …

1
Memphis by Tara Stringfellow 28:40

3M ago28:40

28:40

A review of "Memphis" by Tara Stringfellow which is at its core a book about family. The family we're born into but also our community. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/memphis-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medianoire Pinterest: https://www.…

1
Yonder by Jabari Asim 25:39

3M ago25:39

25:39

A review of "Yonder" by Jabari Asim, a fictional slave narrative that tells the story of a group of friends who seek love and share typical relationships that we might take for granted. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/yonder-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www…

1
Paula Melton on green building knowledge and education 48:15

3M ago48:15

48:15

Paula Melton is the Editorial Director at BuildingGreen, which supports the international sustainable building movement with learning resources, community building, and other services. She works with editorial teams to develop and deliver webcasts, long-form analysis, and other guidance on BuildingGreen.com and LEEDuser.com. “We have problems that …

1
Just As I Am by Cicely Tyson 23:15

3M ago23:15

23:15

A review of "Just As I Am" a memoir about the long and storied life of legendary actress Cicely Tyson. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/take-my-hand-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medianoire Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/medianoire/ Ti…

1
Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez 23:46

3M ago23:46

23:46

A review of "Take My Hand" by Dolen Perkins-Valdez which tells the story of a recently graduated nurse who learns about an unethical medical program and becomes a whistleblower. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/take-my-hand-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.i…

1
The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers 20:13

3M ago20:13

20:13

A review of "The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois" by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, an epic saga that tells the story of several generations of a Black family from a small fictional town in Georgia. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/love-songs-of-web-du-bois-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA…

1
Black Love Matters by Jessica P. Pryde 34:01

3M ago34:01

34:01

A review of "Black Love Matters", an anthology of essays about Black readers, writers, characters, and stories as they relate to the romance genre of books. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/black-love-matters-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/me…

1
Song Yet Sung by James McBride 28:12

3M ago28:12

28:12

"Song Yet Sung" by James McBride is a story about the Underground Railroad but also much more. The story takes place in 1850 about a decade before the start of the Civil War and follows a young woman, Liz Spocott, who has escaped from the plantation where she grew up. What follows is a thrilling chase and scavenger hunt of sorts as Liz seeks to und…

1
The Darkest Child by Delores Phillips 30:47

3M ago30:47

30:47

A review of "The Darkest Child" by Delores Phillips, a novel about a preteen coming of age in a dysfunctional home and community with dreams of escaping both by obtaining an education. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/darkest-child-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https…

1
Kindred by Octavia Butler 31:38

3M ago31:38

31:38

A review of "Kindred", a 1979 novel by Octavia Butler that blends science fiction with historical fiction by combining time travel with slave narratives. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/kindred-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medianoire Pinte…

1
The True History of Paradise by Margaret Cezair Thompson 31:54

3M ago31:54

31:54

A review of "The True History of Paradise" by Margaret Cezair-Thompson which in a sense tells the history of Jamaica through the lives and experiences of a fictional character and her family. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/true-history-of-paradise-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDI…

1
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi 36:36

3M ago36:36

36:36

A review of "The Death of Vivek Oji" by Akwaeke Emezi, a novel that examines gender identity and cultural norms. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/death-of-vivek-oji-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medianoire Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co…

1
It's Not All Downhill From Here by Terry McMillan 17:49

3M ago17:49

17:49

"It's Not All Downhill From Here" by Terry McMillan is about a year in the life of Loretha, a woman in her 60s, and her circle of friends. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/its-not-all-downhill-from-here-book-review VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medianoir…

1
Welcome to Lagos by Chibundu Onuzo 28:05

3M ago28:05

28:05

A review of “Welcome to Lagos” by Chibundu Onuzo, the story of five people from different parts of Nigerian society who flee the Niger Delta in hopes of better lives in Lagos. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/welcome-to-lagos-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www…

1
The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man by James Weldon Johnson 23:21

3M ago23:21

23:21

A review of "The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man" by James Weldon Johnson, the fictional account of a biracial man looking back over his life. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/the-autobiography-of-an-ex-colored-man-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagr…

1
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola Shoneyin 25:36

3M ago25:36

25:36

A review of "The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives" by Lola Shoneyin, a novel about a polygamous Nigerian man, Baba Segi his four wives, seven children, and all kinds of drama. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/the-secret-lives-of-baba-segis-wives-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA I…

1
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison 34:11

3M ago34:11

34:11

A discussion of "The Bluest Eye", Toni Morrison’s debut novel which earned her a Nobel Prize. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/the-bluest-eye-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medianoire Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/medianoire/ TikTok: h…

1
Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin 23:46

3M ago23:46

23:46

A discussion of "Go Tell It on the Mountain", a 1953 semi-autobiographical novel by James Baldwin about a 14-year-old boy growing up in Harlem with his family. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/go-tell-it-on-the-mountain-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.insta…

1
I Put a Spell on You by Nina Simone 41:18

3M ago41:18

41:18

A review of "I Put a Spell on You," an autobiography about the life and career of the singer, songwriter, and pianist known professionally as Nina Simone. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/i-put-a-spell-on-you-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/me…

1
Sugar by Bernice McFadden 27:00

3M ago27:00

27:00

A review of "Sugar" by Bernice McFadden, the story of a world-weary prostitute who moves to a small town and forms an unlikely friendship with her neighbor. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/sugar-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medianoire Pint…

1
His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie 28:30

3M ago28:30

28:30

A review of "His Only Wife" by Peace Adzo Medie which takes place in Ghana and tells the story of a young woman who enters an arranged marriage with the son of a wealthy family. Show notes are available at https://medianoire.com/blog/his-only-wife-book-review. VISIT MY WEBSITE https://medianoire.com FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.…

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