From shaping public opinion to making people laugh, and telling stories, the world of podcasts has grown to become one of the most relevant mediums in the world today. For black American listeners, there is an abundance of podcasts that entertain, pierce the mind, and revolve around Black culture and social justice that strengthens the black community. For example, these ten Podcasts for Black People will educate you on everything from personal stories to cultural commentary.
1. CODE SWITCH
Series Description
‘CODE SWITCH’ is America’s most fearless and entertaining podcast on race and identity. Worry no more about having those difficult conversations, CODE SWITCH puts everything on the table. Hosted by journalists of color, CODE SWITCH examines how race interacts with politics, history, pop culture, and life itself. The goal of the podcast is to bring the entire world to engage with the issue of race and make everyone involved in the story.
Episode Recommendation
If you’re looking for a strong starting point, Why Now, White People will do the job. This impactful episode unfolds recent acts of police brutality with a never-before-seen lens to examine why they caused such outrage.
2. The Nod
Series Description
Hosted by Eric Eddings and Brittany Luse, `The Nod’ is a podcast that aims to bring forth fresh narratives bridging the gaps between the historical and cultural events that are often ignored. The podcast does more than just entertain; it informs the listener while also serving as inspiration.
Episode Recommendation
In particular, listen to We’ve Been Here Before, where the hosts analyze their feelings towards police-aware violence and the subsequent loss of life around police violence. This episode evokes reflection and is incredibly emotional at the same time.
3. Jemele Hill’s Unbothered
Series Description
This podcast hosted by eloquent journalist Jemele Hill, features conversations with the most engaging people from the world of politics, pop culture, sports, and much more. In addition, she comments on issues such as race, culture, and identity in depth using her platform which releases episodes every week on Monday.
Episode Recommendation
New listeners should particularly check out Episode 97: REGINA KING – Sister Night where Hill interviews actor Regina King about the cultural ramifications of her show Watchmen on HBO and her personal take on the concept of police reform.
4. 1619
Series Description
This is a series by The New York Times called “1619” and analyzes the impact of slavery in America and its continued relevance today. For the first time Nikole Hannah-Jones, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, tackles American history through the lens of slavery and black people’s experiences and contributions.
Episode Recommendation
To get a full picture of the story, begin with the first episode. While listening to the series, you’ll start forming a picture of how slavery impacts modern America.
5. Somebody
Series Description
“Somebody” follows the life of Shapearl Wells who sets out on a journey to uncover the circumstances surrounding her son Courtney’s death, who was discovered shot outside a police station in Chicago. Moreover, the podcast also highlights other issues like race and policing.
Episode Recommendation
For the best engagement and experience, start with episode one. It prepares and builds the background of the story and allows you to engage more in the grief and will of a mother fighting the system.
6. Truth Be Told
Series Description
“Truth Be Told,” is a podcast guided by Tonya Mosley, who aims to emulate the feeling of unwinding with your best friend after a long day at work. Using candid advice and listener support, this podcast deals with what it means to be a person of color trying to succeed in America. Furthermore, the show provides realistic recommendations for how to remain strong and deal with everyday issues.
Episode Recommendation
It is worth listening to Protesting For The Soul of America: The New Civil Rights Movement. In this amazing episode, Mosley together with Dr. Eddie Glaude, debates Floyd’s death and the nationwide protests that took place afterward while rejoicing in Black culture.
7. What A Day
Series Description
In this podcast, “What A Day,” hosted by comedienne Akilah Hughes and reporter Gideon Resnick, each day is broken down into multiple stories and explained in a staggering 15-minute podcast. Not only is it useful for staying updated, but it provides laughter while tackling the day’s strongest stories like dawn comedy during a panic.
Episode Recommendation
More Police Money and more Police Problems should be on your listening list. This episode covers the American policing system and its suggestive issues, including why redirecting the social services budget would change the state of America deeply.
8. 74 Seconds
Series Description
74 Seconds is a gripping account of racial intersections in policing and justice. It also touches on the tragic footage of Philando Castile’s girlfriend live-streaming the shocking event of him being shot by a police officer during a traffic stop in 2016.
Episode Recommendation
What Happens Now? This episode revolves around police shooting incidents in the US and attempts to establish a sense of justice. Watch it with journalist Wesley Lowery.
9. United States of Anxiety
Series Description
Hosted by Kai Wright, The United States of Anxiety examines America’s long-standing issues of racism and inequality and their impact today. It seeks to make sense of how politics fuses together with society’s past issues.
Episode Recommendation
Rage, Grief, and Joy is guaranteed to hold your attention. Shanika Hart narrates her heartwarming story of what it is like juggling hope and grief while working towards social justice as a mother to a Black child.
10. It’s Been a Minute
Series Description
How culture shapes our reality is the core focus of the Sam Sanders-hosted podcast. It celebrates creativity within the black community while recapping and analyzing news events. ‘It’s Been a Minute’ combines cultural commentary with interviews and news.
Episode Recommendation
Make sure to catch Not Just Another Protest, where Sanders discusses the history of protests and their significance to societal transformation. This episode is invaluable in understanding activism from a broader lens.
Why These Podcasts Matter
There are always two sides to every story, which is why all these podcasts are important. While some tackle issues on a structural level, others seek to appreciate the art, traditions, and strength of the Black community. Taken as a whole, they cover the various facets of life for Black persons in America, both the good and the bad.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, the top 10 podcasts for Black people in the USA discussed above are telling in nature and very inspiring. These podcasts are perfect for those seeking history, culture, or sheer enjoyment. Tuning into these shows and sharing them is one way you can help combat the narrative and broaden the perspective.
