Episodes
-
Building Generational Wealth
The wealth gap for people of color compared to Whites is widening with each passing year. This dilemma leaves future generations of people of color with fewer assets to get ahead. In this episode, we discuss current trends for the wealth gap widening, what it means for future generations of people of color and communities they live, and possible solutions to reverse the alarming trend. Glynn Lloyd, Executive Director of the Business Equity Initiative at Eastern Bank specializing in entrepreneurs and small businesses. Mary Coleman, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Economic Mobility Pathways or EMPATH, a poverty disruption organization. Teri Williams, President and Chief Operating Officer of OneUnited Bank. She’s also the Chair of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, Xiomara Lorenzo, Financial Wellness Advocate -
Harvard University Admissions Discrimination Lawsuit
Harvard’s admissions practices are in the spotlight as its inclusion of race has some prospective Asian-American students crying discrimination. Harvard denies the discrimination claims. Figuring race into the profile of prospective students has been hotly debated for decades. Now that this case could go all the way to the Supreme Court, affirmative action could be on the line. Phillip Martin, Senior Investigative Reporter, WGBH News Dr. Paul Watanabe, Political Science Professor and Director of The Institute for Asian American Studies, UMass Boston Bethany Li, Senior Attorney and Director, Asian Outreach Unit at Greater Boston Legal Services Dr. Natasha Warikoo, Author and Associate Professor, Harvard School of Education. -
The Hate U Give
The new movie, “The Hate U Give” tackles several issues including race, class, crime and more. The main storyline about a young girl who sees her childhood friend killed by a police officer struggles to find her voice and speak up. In this episode of Basic Black, we examine all of the issues the movie brings forth that serves as a reflection on modern society for people of color. -
Is there a right time for athletes to use their fame to speak up and out about issues?
Throughout history, many athletes have taken a stand for social justice issues. Recently, activism by athletes has increased from taking a knee, wearing a t-shirt with a message to appearing in public service announcements, and some brands and companies that employ star athletes are supporting their social justice causes. Is this a smart business strategy? a discussion about what happens when athletes engage in activism. Chris Collins serves as guest host. Panelists: Donna Latson Gittens, Founder and CEO of MORE Advertising; Rahsaan Hall, Director of the Racial Justice Program at the ACLU of MA; Dana Harrell, member of the Syracuse 8; and Saida Grundy, Assistant Professor at Boston University. -
Power, Influence and Persuasion
What does it mean to have power? Having and holding power does not necessarily require money or a particular station in life. The idea of power can take on many forms both positively or negatively, and throughout the summer issues around who holds power, who has it and how it is used raises issues of debate around power structures in society and the cost within communities of color. Panelists: Phillip Martin, Senior Investigative Reporter at WGBH News Renée Graham, Associate Editor and columnist at the Boston Globe Kim McLarin, Associate Professor at Emerson College Michael Jeffries, Associate Professor at Wellesley College. -
Black Dancers Join the Show
Host Callie Crossley speaks with some of Boston’s leading artistic director and choreographers about the challenges of running a company, working in Boston and inspiring the next generation of dancers when resources and opportunities can be limited. -
Politics and Celebrities - Bill Cosby, Kanye West, and Childish Gambino
Kanye West, Childish Gambino, and Bill Cosby. What do they tell us about the intersection of art, celebrity status and politics in the era of Trump and #MeToo? -
Then and Now: Celebrating 50 Years of Basic Black
It’s been 50 years since ‘Say Brother’ first aired, highlighting voices from within the black community during the civil rights movement. Since then, the show has broadened its scope to issues affecting other communities of color, and changed its name to Basic Black. But some things still remain the same. -
What's at Stake in the Suffolk County District Attorney Race
Basic Black takes a look at the Suffolk County district attorney race -- the first competitive one in more than 15 years. Callie Crossley speaks with guest panelists Yawu Miller of the Bay State Banner, Rahsaan Hall of ACLU Massachusetts, attorney Jose Lopez of the Massachusetts Association of Hispanic Attorneys, and WGBH senior investigative reporter Phillip Martin. -
Puerto Rico Seven Months Later
A look at the lasting impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Guests: Dr. Pedro Reina-Pérez, Harvard’s Puerto Rico Winter Institute; Julio Varela, founder of LatinoRebels.com; Phillip Martin, WGBH; and Juan Carlos Morales, Surfside Capital Advisors. Also featured: a pre-taped interview with Dr. David Hall, president of the University of the Virgin Islands.
