Episodes
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Rittenhouse: Villain or Vigilante?
Kyle Rittenhouse was recently acquitted for two murders and one attempted murder during the Black Lives Matter protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin following the August 2020 shooting of Jacob Black, an unarmed Black man. Rittenhouse’s defense pled not guilty on all counts, saying that the then 17-year-old’s yielding and firing of an AR-15 rifle was actually self defense. For this reason, some are calling him a hero and vigilante. Others are calling him a white supremacist and villian. Hear the Revs’ out on their thoughts on the nationally-criticized trial, and what they predict to happen next. -
Passing: We All Do It
Inspired by the new Netflix film starring Tessa Thompson, “Passing,” The Revs discuss the various ways in life where people potentially “pass” as other things, from race and beyond. Listen, analyze, dissect and ask yourself if you pass as anything. -
The Consumption of Black Manhood in Hip-Hop
As an “out” member of the LGBTQ+ community, Lil Nas X has recently been extremely upfront and personal about his life in his music and in his social media posts, which has upset folks like DaBaby and Boosie Badazz. Could it be that Lil Nas and others are defining the holistic view of Black manhood in the 21st Century? -
Why Did I Get Married?
On July 10, 2020 Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith took to the Red Table to share about her “entanglement” with songwriter, singer and rapper, August Alsina, who is 20 years her junior. The Red Table created dialogue about relationships, healing and in many ways, hope for the future. The Revs break down marriage, gender roles, boundaries, and what marriage really is. -
Dave Chapelle's 'The Closer': Comedy or Hate Speech?
On October 5, 2021 Dave Chapelle’s final Netflix comedy special, “The Closer,” dropped. The comedian cracks on the COVID vaccines, DaBaby and feminism but his regular – and controversial – stand-up topic stirred up more drama. Jokes about the LGBTQ+ community yielded social media debates, discussions and debacles about if Chapelle went too far, this time. The Revs discuss their opinion on the topic, holding space for those impacted by the special. -
In honor of the real MVP: Melvin Van Peebles
On September 22, 2021, Black cinema lost a legend. Melvin Van Peebles was an unrecognized genius and Renaissance Man. MVP’s “Sweetback” was one the first films about black people that unapologetically and unabashedly to turn away from the white gaze. Case in point: When "Sweetback" drew an X rating from the MPAA (The Motion Picture Association (MPA), MVP used to his benefit. In this episdoe, The Revs remember MVP’s legacy and his beginning with “Sweetback.” -
Black Women, The Black Church and R. Kelly
Robert Sylvester Kelly aka "R. Kelly" was found guilty of sex trafficking and racketeering and faces years in prison. Many of his crimes were perpetrated against Black women and many within the Black community knew it long before his conviction but was he given a pass until now? The Revs dive into this controversial man's life and the impact it has had on the Black community. -
Why give thanks during a pandemic?
Much of life in America, and across the globe, grounded to a near halt due to COVID-19. The shutdown in America came as a national resignation that the virus has taken hold and hijacked normalcy, replacing it with fear and uncertainty. The sounds of clapping, cheers, and banging pots and pans from streets, windows and rooftops were public displays of gratitude to thank healthcare workers and first responders. The Rev’s will talk about the importance to pause and give thanks during a pandemic as it’s still with us. -
What Does It Mean to be Black and Free?
In a post-George Floyd era, there is broader recognition of Juneteenth, the holiday celebrated by many African Americans acknowledging the day enslaved Black people were freed. How is the holiday being received today, by a new generation and will it bring Black Americans closer to true liberation and freedom or is this another example of the commodification of Black pain? The Revs, Emmett G. Price III and Irene Monroe break it down in this episode. -
Tulsa Massacre: An American Dream Decimated
As we mark the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Massacre, the Revs reflect on this moment and what it means for people in America today, and the remaining survivors from that horrific day 100 years ago. What lessons can be learned and what about reparations?
