Real Black News

Episode 95 of Real Black News is a throwback to a July 2019 conversation with the people of Oakland, CA about senator and vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Those from her hometown who support her and do not, share their thoughts and ideas about Democrats, voting, Kamala’s White House hopes, and her record as Attorney General and the prosecution of Black men in California.

Episode 94 of Real Black News features veteran journalist Shannon Lanier discussing his life being a descendant of President Thomas Jefferson and his slave Sally Hemings. Shannon discusses the family split in viewpoints, how he talks to his kids about race and Thomas Jefferson’s rape, and advocacy around removing the Confederate flag. Entertainment journalist Ronda Racha Penrice recommends what new shows and movies are coming out on TV or VOD to help relieve pandemic boredom. Other topics include the 6th anniversary of Mike Brown’s murder, Ferguson activist Cori Bush, Oprah, Marquita Bradshaw, the West Indian Day Parade, and more than one good news story. 

Episode 93 of Real Black News is a special black business focus featuring entrepreneur Dr. Randal Pinkett, the first and only black winner of The Apprentice, plus Chairman and CEO of the multi-million dollar research, consulting, and data analytics firm BCT Partners. Randal discusses everything from the lack of support he received when publicly denouncing Trump in 2016 when he first ran for president, to sharing tips for entrepreneurs on what they need to do in today’s racial climate. He provides advice from his book Black Faces in White Places on how Black professionals can better maneuver in all White spaces, and the management needed behind failed diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. While former investment banker and CEO of Kids Who Bank, Jatali Bellanton, shares info on Black-owned Venture Capital firms. Other topics include Breonna Taylor, Emancipation Day, Black women in politics, and more than one good news story.

Episode 92 of Real Black News features two activists fighting for change, including Jeanette Padilla Vega in Salt Lake City, Utah, who discusses the police brutality protests against the murder of Bernardo Palacios-Carbajal and her fight against colorism in the Latino community. While Fayemi Shakur, Arts and Cultural Affairs Director for the City of Newark, NJ, discusses her work to support artists affected during Covid-19, Newark’s removal of its Christopher Columbus statue, and the problem with “racial capitalization” by companies attempting to capitalize off of BLM. Other topics include the NFAC in Kentucky, the fight over ethnic studies at California colleges, a new Black Doula website, and activists running for local office from New York to Alabama.

Episode 91 of Real Black News features the Editor-in-Chief of VIBE Magazine, Datwon Thomas, on Nick Cannon’s drama, the dying state of Black media, Covid-19, and the top 5 empowering Black news stories of the week. Topics include reparations, The March on Washington, Zimbabwe business growth, ongoing protests, and the Black med student teaching doctors how to spot symptoms of illness on Black skin.

Episode 90 of Real Black News features multiple correspondents including Baltimore native and host of the podcast “Karima’s Show & Tell,” Karima J. Sphere, on the Covid-19 drama in Baltimore’s Prince George’s county and his experience at three different airports while traveling to Maryland. Former investment banker Jatali Bellanton joins “The Black Wall Street Report” to discuss black business news stories and the future of cryptocurrency. While veteran journalist Ronda Racha Penrice helps bored people by suggesting black-led or directed TV shows and movies to watch. Other topics include the AI Covid-tracking technology created by black women, Marsai Martin’s work to campaign for free school lunch, and the problem with saying, “Black on Black crime,” as pushback against defunding police.

Episode 89 Of Real Black News features actress, writer, director and producer Erika Alexander (Living Single, Get Out, Wu-Tang: An American Saga) discussing producing the documentary John Lewis: Good Trouble, her organizing work for the Poor People’s Campaign and the democratic party, maintaining black integrity in Hollywood, and her role in the cast protest behind the scenes when starring on Living Single. While Morgan State University professor and author of The Myth and Propaganda of Black Buying Power, Jared A. Ball, discusses affirmative action, Biden, and why he thinks black buying power doesn’t exist. Other topics include Kentucky, Oakland’s first black NFL team, and billionaire Robert F. Smith’s new initiative to help HBCU grads.

Episode 88 marks the two-year anniversary of Real Black News since launching on June 24, 2018. This episode features an intimate talk with Eric Garner’s youngest daughter, Emerald Snipe Garner, who discusses taking over the reins of fighting for justice after her sister, Erica Garner’s passing. Emerald discusses passing the No Chokehold Eric Garner Bill in NY, the next steps for taking it nationwide, taking care of her late sister’s children, dealing with the aftermath, and “fame” of being a survivor, and protecting her mental health from the trauma of it all.  CEO of Kids Who Bank, Jatali Bellanton, joins the Black Wall Street Report to give tips on how to teach children about money, while Journalist Ronda Racha Penrice reports on the protests in Atlanta in the wake of Rayshard Brooks’ murder, the white women sought for starting the Wendy’s fire after his death, and the celebrity-led rallies for justice for Kendrick Johnson. Other topics include Rwanda’s use of robots to fights Covid-19, Black Lives Matter Political Party, and more.

Episode 87 of Real Black News features veteran radio personality, journalist, and host of the podcast “Make it Plain,” Rev. Mark Thompson aka Matsimela Mapfumo, discussing divesting from America, defunding the police, the plan for reparations and the beef that led to his departure from Sirius/XM. Other topics include Seattle’s CHAZ & CHOP movement, the murder of Atlanta’s Rayshard Brooks, Nigerian protests, the nooses in California, and more.

Ep. 86 features author, former NYPD police officer, and tactile police instructor, Joe Ested, who left his job as a cop after receiving retaliation for calling out officers on corruption and brutality. He returns to Real Black News to share his thoughts on the George Floyd protests, recent policy changes among police departments in cities nationwide, the mentality of cops, and what he believes needs to be done to stop the violence documented in his book and on his website PoliceBrutalityMatters.com. While former investment banker and the CEO of Kids Who Bank, Jatali Bellanton, joins the “Black Wall Street Report” to give tips on the best black-owned stocks to invest in. Other topics include Breonna Taylor, African Writers for Black Lives, Sesame Street, and more. To support, go to patreon.com/realblacknews and give $5.

Ep. 85 features host Raqiyah Mays discusses the protests nationwide triggered by the murder of George Floyd with snippets from activists on the ground. Topics discussed include white supremacist infiltrators, Gen Z, Breonna Taylor, African diplomat outrage, international solidarity, Los Angeles, and the power of the people. While reporter Ronda Racha Penrice reports from ATL on the drama of the aftermath of the fiery protests in downtown Atlanta along with recommendations on social justice films to watch and learn.

Ep. 84 features a conversation about weed and the health benefits of CBD with Tai Beauchamp, Co-founder & Chief Brand Officer of Brown Girl Jane, the leading CBD brand for women of color. She breaks down the difference between weed and CBD, reasons why the black community should invest in the industry, and how her own health led to the work. Other topics include Africa Day, Madagascar’s bus system for pregnant women, Breonna Taylor, and apps to help connect incarcerated parents to their children.  Listeners receive a 20% discount on Brown Girl Jane Products by using the code RealBlackNewsxBGJ. 

Ep. 83 features internationally renowned poet, author of the new book "We Want Our Bodies Back," performance artist, producer, and single mom Jessica Care Moore discussing her hometown of Detroit. She shares an update on Covid in the city, teaching her son about injustice, racism, and police brutality, and she gives a taste of her award-winning poem “Black Statue of Liberty” which launched her career after being a 5x Apollo winner. Other topics include journalists in Somalia, Ahmaud Arbery, Sean Reed, Andre Harrell, and the new black-owned coffee brand taking over stores.

Episode 82 of Real Black News features two-time Grammy-winning MC, radio personality, and legendary hype man Fatman Scoop discussing life on pause from touring during Covid-19 and the music industry adapting to Instagram as a substitute. He talks beating diabetes, touring Asia and Africa, along with Mariah, Mya, kids, divorce, and the repercussions of starring on reality TV.  Other topics include Nigeria’s multi-billion dollar gain, Puerto Rico’s farmers supporting the Bronx, and Color of Change’s latest petition to help welfare recipients.

Episode 81 of Real Black News is an exclusive global episode featuring black and brown correspondents abroad reporting on their experience outside the US and their country’s response to Covid-19. This week’s guests include marketing expert Autumn Marie in Rwanda, teacher Kamisha Morrison in Thailand and China, & photographer Charlene Winfred in Singapore by way of Iraq. Plus finance expert Jatali Bellanton reports on her UK hometown, Manchester, with a special Black Wall Street Report. Other topics include blacks in China, the national day of car protests, Disney’s first black prince, and Detroit’s fundraiser securing 50,000 tablets for inner-city youth.

Episode 80 of Real Black News features Florida-based Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump discussing his work to free incarcerated non-violent offenders affected by Covid-19, class actions against pharmaceutical companies, his book "Open Season: Legalized Genocide of Colored People," and professional wins. He also breaks down a list of rights people need to know during the quarantine. Other stories include Teddy Riley vs. Babyface, media protests in Puerto Rico, Alvin Ailey online, and Michelle Obama’s virtual reading initiative for kids. To support, go to patreon.com/realblacknews and give $1.

Ep. 79 of Real Black News features good news along with actor, producer, and CEO of Actlikeyouknow.org, Dennis LA White, sharing his story of recovering from COVID-19 after being misdiagnosed by the CDC due to a mishap that put his family and medical workers in danger. He details tips on what to do and expect if you get it and the best way to protect yourself from it. Entertainment journalist Ronda Racha Penrice joins “The Screen Grab” to break down upcoming TV shows and movies to watch for distraction. Other topics include the virtual job recruitment search for diverse teachers, black maternal health week, and the black entrepreneur cashing in during the quarantine with is DIY hair shape-up device.

Ep. 78 of Real Black News features good news stories with special guest Psychotherapist Camille Banks-Lee sharing tips on managing anxieties and preserving mental health during the quarantine. Camille discusses how to find a therapist, how to push through creative blocks, children, and relationship tips from her 20-year marriage to writer/director Malcolm Lee. While Lisa Russell, a filmmaker and curator with the World Health Organization, skypes in from Kenya to discuss Covid-19 in Africa. Other topics include cash giveaways in Stockton, CA, Shea Moisture, and Ava DuVernay’s virtual African movies.

Ep. 77 of Real Black News features Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams discussing how he received 10,000 face masks from China for distribution in Brooklyn. He discusses thoughts on rent suspension in New York during the quarantine, gentrification, police accountability, and outlooks on bridging the gap with local activists. Other show topics include Black men and mental health, the benefits of plant-based diets, dating in the age of Covid-19, Africa, Angela Davis, and cannabis lawsuits.  

Ep. 76 of Real Black News features Color of Change Campaign Director Jade Magnus- Ogunnaike, discussing Color of Changes work to fight newspapers with paywalls, billionaires, governors, and profits over people during the pandemic. French journalist Epee Dingong gives an update on what’s really happening in Paris. While other show topics include DJ D-Nice, When They See Us, Power, and why research shows that black children raised in single-parent households do better than white kids raised with one parent.