In 2020, the #BlackLivesMatter demonstrations revealed racial divides on a global scale. Tens of millions of people around the world, thousands of whom took to the streets to demand justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, were inspired by a new social discourse that forced many of us to have uncomfortable discussions with ourselves and with loved ones while spurring on for societal change on a global scale.
Since then, the #BLM message continues in earnest as both an educational platform and as a formidable, unapologetic catalyst to addressing systemic racism around the world. For those indirectly affected by the racially-charged murders behind the #BLM outcry, there remains power in listening and understanding to those close to the pain. Below, we share 7 podcasts that do exactly that, in a powerful, digestible and engaging format to help you further your own understanding.
Have You Heard George’s Podcast?
In Have You Heard George’s Podcast?, George Mpanga — AKA George the Poet — uses poetry, news and music to share lessons in race, crime, politics and music with his listeners.
Code Switch
A weekly podcast from American public radio network NPR, Code Switch houses conversations that are thought-provoking, fearless and eye-opening, each told by a journalist of colour.
Dope Black Dads
Refusing to accept tired stereotypes of Black fathers, Marvyn Harrison set up Dope Black Dads to change the conversation around parenthood and masculinity to help other men like him navigate childcare, covering anything from mental health advice to Netflix recommendations.
Black Gals Livin’
In Black Gals Livin’, hosts Jas Braithwaite and Victoria Sanusi have been running things since 2018, dissecting issues within the black community and combining this with their love of pop culture, in a frank, but friendly format.
Mixed Up
Join hosts Emma Slade Edmondson and Nicole Orcan for Mixed Up, a podcast built to share the experiences of mixed-race people discussing their thoughts of identity and race through inclusive, warm conversation and insight.
Still Processing
From the New York Times, Still Processing hosts Jenna Wortham and Wesley Morris discuss, debate and wax lyrical on TV, music, movies, art and the internet from the perspective of a young Black person.
Black History for White People
With a goal to “educate white people on black history”, Black History for White People releases two podcasts a month focused on exploring the often-untold history of Black communities. Expect topics on Malcolm X, Confederate history and policing in protests.