Produced live at the GBH Studios in Boston, Basic Black is the longest-running program on public television focusing on the interests of people of color. The show, which was originally called Say Brother, was created in 1968 during the height of the civil rights movement as a response to the demand for public television programs reflecting the concerns of communities of color. Each episode features a panel discussion across geographic borders and generational lines with the most current stories, interviews and commentaries.
Why are Black men still the most misunderstood voters in America?
For decades, Black men have been treated as one voting bloc—but the reality is far more complex. This week on Rooted, Tyree Rush sits down with Michael Bland, executive director of Black Men Vote, to unpack new research challenging some of the biggest assumptions about Black male voters. Together, they explore political independence, economic priorities, representation, voter engagement, and why so many Black men feel misunderstood by both political parties. As the 2026 midterms approach and the road to 2028 begins, this conversation asks a bigger question: Are we finally listening to Black men—or are we still getting the story wrong?
23 Feb 2024
Will Black and Brown Voters Turn Out on Super Tuesday as the Presidential Election Cycle Begins?
Basic Black discusses the upcoming Super Tuesday primaries/caucuses and the presidential election. While the 2024 election cycle is underway, it is hard to tell. Will voters turn out, given voter fatigue and low enthusiasm? Questions about Biden’s age (Trump’s too), whether Biden can hold on to Black and young voters are a growing concern. Plus, many people believe the presidential candidates have already been decided, so why bother to vote. How can the candidates and political parties energize Black and Brown voters and why voting matters?
Panelists:
Renée Graham, Associate Editor, Opinion Columnist, and author of the weekly newsletter, Outtakes, The Boston Globe.
Diana Hwang, founder and executive director of The Asian American Women’s Political Initiative (AAWPI).
Phillip Martin, Sr. Investigative Reporter, GBH News Center for Investigative Reporting.
State Senator Liz Miranda, representing the Massachusetts Senate's 2nd Suffolk district.
Tanisha Sullivan hosts.
16 Feb 2024
Reparations in Boston and Beyond - What is Owed? A Podcast Produced by GBH News
The new GBH News podcast, What is Owed?, a 7-part podcast examines reparations in Boston, nationally and internationally. The first episode, When a City Tries to Heal Itself (https://www.wgbh.org/podcasts/what-is-owed/eps-1-when-a-city-tries-to-heal-itsel) was recently released.
Panelists:
Jerome Campbell, senior producer for the GBH News podcast, "What Is Owed?"
Saraya Wintersmith, politics reporter for GBH News, and host of the new podcast, "What Is Owed?"
Kellie Carter Jackson, Chair of the Africana Studies Department at Wellesley College, and author of, "Force and Freedom: Black Abolitionists and the Politics of Violence."
George “Chip” Greenidge, member of the Boston Task Force on Reparations and the Founder and Director of Greatest MINDS.
Phillip Martin hosts.
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