GBH News Rooted

Basic Blacks dives into an epidemic affecting communitites of color, diabetes. We are joined by a panel of experts to discuss ways to improve living with the disease. Guest Panel: James Morton of YMCA, Dana Barros of the Celtics, Monet Bland of Joslin Diabetes Center & Tracey Brown of American Diabetes Assoc.

This week, Basic Black explores unique challenges that men of color face when addressing mental health issues. Panelists: Gary Bailey, professor of practice at Simmons School of Social Work; Marty Martinez, chief of Boston's Department of Health and Human Services; Charles Daniels, therapist and CEO of Fathers' Uplift; and Rev. Dr. Emmett Price III, founding pastor of Love Christian Fellowship.

The 116th Congress is sworn in, and with it comes a younger, more democratic and diverse Congress—the most diverse ever in its history. As issues from immigration to healthcare continue to be on the minds of many Americans, how will this new Congress address the needs of constituents of color? Panelists: Sonia Chang-Díaz, MA State Senator for the 2nd Suffolk District Phillip Martin, Senior Reporter for WGBH News Andrew Leong, Associate Professor at UMass Boston Kim McLarin, Associate Professor at Emerson College.

During the holidays family and friends gather—often around the dinner table. This week, we talk to Boston-area chefs, owners and food experts about the historical, cultural and food traditions. Panelists: Tony Barros, Owner of Restaurante Cesaria Irene Li, Chef and co-owner, Mei Mei Restaurant & Street Kitchen Dr. Fred Opie, Professor of history and foodways at Babson College Josue Louis, Chef de Cuisine at Bistro du Midi.

This week, we discuss the spike in mental health challenges in college students, with a distinct focus on the struggles of students of color. Panelists: Dr. Cherita Cloy, Crisis Intervention Counselor at Boston University, Dr. Pam Eddinger, President of Bunker Hill Community College, Charmain Jackman, MD. Psychologist, Christina Douyon, doctoral candidate at Boston College.

This week we discuss the midterm elections and the impact the results have on people of color. We will examine some key local races and national races with women, minorities and other groundbreaking politicians looking to break the glass ceiling. Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer State Representative-Elect, Liz Miranda, (MA-5th, Suffolk district) Suffolk County District Attorney-Elect, Rachael Rollins State Representative-Elect, Nika Elugardo, (MA-15, Suffolk-Norfolk district)

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’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 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.

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.