Beyond Black History Month

2023 is the 50th anniversary of hip hop. All year, we are dropping episodes in a special series that digs into one of the most popular forms of music. We’re kicking off the season with a look at the birth of hip hop. In this episode, we look at the connection between protest poetry and hip-hop, DJ Kool Herc’s iconic 1973 party, and all the external forces that contributed to hip-hop's growth like the fires that consumed parts of the South Bronx in the 70s.

Guests:

Darryl McDaniels

Ed Lover

Grand Wizzard Theodore

Rich Nice

The Last Poets

Credits:

Noa Caines, Researcher

John Davis, Researcher

Jill Webb, Producer

Dempsey Pillot, Producer

Anddy Egan-Thorpe, Audio Engineer

Femi Redwood, Host and Executive Producer

Juneteenth is the celebration of the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. In this episode of Beyond Black History Month, host Femi Redwood meets with some of the descendants of the last to be freed African-Americans and learns how one man's love for his family and community helped continue the annual celebration and build a self-sufficient Black town.

The Supreme Court has officially overturned Roe v. Wade. What does that mean for Black women and marginalized communities? On this episode of Beyond Black History Month, we’re joined by Beulah Osueke, the deputy director at New Voice for Reproductive Justice, who breaks down how reproductive rights and racial justice are connected. We also hear from Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, a Portland-based OB-GYN, who unpacks what this ruling means for the country.

On this episode of Beyond Black History Month, we’re turning our attention towards the whiskey industry. Of the 2,000 distilleries in America only 1% are owned by Black entrepreneurs. Listen as host Femi Redwood explores why Black business owners are still struggling to get their feet in the door despite the drink owing its success to a single enslaved Black man.

Guests include Che Ramos, Nicole Young, Heidi Dillon and Kamuti Kiteme

Producers: Jill Webb and Dempsey Pillot

Audio Engineer: Anddy Egan-Thorpe

Host and Managing Producer of Podcasts: Femi Redwood

If you have a story idea - reach out to Femi on Twitter.

Nearly one third of all Americans have a side hustle. But data shows Black communities are more likely to have a side hustle when compared to other races. Considering the pay gap, side jobs are a way for some families to increase their incomes. But after the pandemic caused many people to reevaluate their lives, many began working towards making their side hustles their careers. In this episode of Beyond Black History Month, we meet some entrepreneurs who are doing just that and learn more about the unique challenges they face.