Angela David once said, “In a racist society it is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.”
Today more people than ever are interested in taking her words to heart.
Practicing anti-racism results from a conscious decision to see and work against the unconscious racial biases in ourselves and others. When we act without intention, we all (un)consciously enforce social norms that maintain white supremacy and inequality in our society. Being racist or being anti-racist is not about who you are. It’s about what you do.
There is no shortcut to change. The best way to see lasting results is to engage with information and stories that can change how we think and feel. Long-form audio provides the perfect medium for engagement.
Here are some of FRQNCY’s podcast picks that explore the Black American experience and will help provide the context and perspective we all need to start seeing how race manifests itself in the world around us.
1619 from The New York Times
1619 The Podcast is the audio companion to The New York Times Magazine’s acclaimed The 1619 Project, a deep examination of the legacy of slavery in America. The 1619 Project launched in August of 2019 in recognition of the 400th anniversary of the first arrival of Africans on American soil. The 5-part audio series is hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones, New York Times reporter, project creator and winner of the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary. Listen here.
Seeing White from Scene on the Radio
Hosted and produced by John Biewen, the podcast explores the origins of the notion of “whiteness.” Where did it come from? Why does is exist? What does it mean? And what is “whiteness” for? Listen here.
Code Switch from NPR
Whether we acknowledge it or not, racism informs our day-to-day lives – from how we learn, to how we work, to how we socialize. By exploring how race impacts every part of society, this podcast uses data and storytelling to ultimately show how ALL of us are impacted. Listen here.
Unlocking Us from Brené Brown and Cadence13
On this show, #1 New York Times best-selling author Brené Brown, in her own words, “unpacks and explores the ideas, stories, experiences, books, films, and music that reflect the universal experiences of being human, from the bravest moments to the most brokenhearted.” The show itself is an experience, but the episode with Ibram X. Kendi on antiracism is particularly powerful.
Intersectionality Matters from African American Policy Forum
As a concept, “intersectionality” refers to the ways that multiple aspects of our identities – such as race, class, and gender – intersect to shape our lives. On this podcast, scholar and Civil Rights advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw lifts up the work of artists, activists, and scholars to show us how intersectionality can help us make sense of our lives. Listen here.
Still Processing from The New York Times
This culture podcast offers a thoughtful and entertaining mix of conversations about TV, film, art, music, and the Internet. The hosts investigate what our media has to say about our culture, and therefore, about race, gender, class, and so on. Listen here.
Higher Learning from The Ringer
Each episode features energetic conversations that weave together a lighthearted catch-up between two friends with the latest in Black culture, politics, and sports. Expect laughs and honest discussion of the lived experience of two Black Americans. Listen here.
Ready to create your own kick-ass podcast, but have no idea where to start? Enroll now in our Podcasting 101 online course.
FRQNCY Media is the audio production company for Jane Goodall, Diane von Furstenburg, Coca-Cola, and small businesses alike. FRQNCY is a one-in-a-million blend of innovation, passion, and joy. We offer tailored audio production support including integrated services that take (super-skilled) care of content strategy, market research, production, editing, and marketing.