The Black Is America podcast highlights little-known African American figures who helped write the story of America. Join us as we shed new light on lost chapters in our nation's history. Hear the amazing, inspiring accounts of black American inventors, heroes, scientists, entrepreneurs and so much more.
While racism is a common theme, it is not the central theme. These stories focus instead on what black people have contributed in spite of it, and the impact of those contributions shows clearly that African American History is American History.
Restored Voice | A Black Is America Documentary Film
Restored Voice | A Black Is America Documentary Film
Black Is America has always explored the systems, people, and moments that shape the Black experience in America through history, culture, and storytelling.
But this episode is different.
Restored Voice marks a new direction for the series, an observational short documentary film following a citywide voter registration and voter restoration drive across Memphis, Tennessee. Through ride-alongs, community conversations, and real-time moments on the ground, the film explores what happens when people who have paid their debt to society attempt to reclaim not just their right to vote… but their place in civic life.
Led by community organizer Keedran Franklin, the effort spans multiple districts across Memphis and brings together grassroots leaders focused on education, public safety, economics, and civic engagement. What unfolds over the course of a single day becomes more than an event, it becomes a portrait of restoration, access, and second chances.
17 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT
DEI & The Tuskegee Airmen
n this episode, we confront one of the most common misconceptions about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: the idea that it lowers standards.
Using the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, we examine how systemic barriers, not lack of ability, have historically limited access to opportunity. Despite facing segregation, the Airmen trained under rigorous military standards and went on to become one of the most successful fighter escort groups of World War II.
We also break down modern arguments against DEI and challenge them with data, including research showing that racial discrimination has cost the U.S. economy trillions in lost productivity and growth.
This episode reframes the conversation: DEI is not about giving unearned advantages. It's about ensuring qualified people are not excluded.
Because when access expands, excellence doesn't decline.
It reveals itself.
Sources
NPR / Citigroup Study
"Racial inequality has cost the U.S. economy $16 trillion over the last 20 years."
Source: NPR – Cost of Racism Study (2020)
U.S. Air Force Historical Research Agency
Documentation on Tuskegee Airmen training standards and combat performance
The History Channel
Overview of Tuskegee Airmen and their WWII success as bomber escorts
ABC News
Coverage on the legacy and recognition of the Tuskegee Airmen, including their military performance and historical impact
National WWII Museum
Detailed records of Tuskegee Airmen missions, escort success rates, and contributions during WWII
16 Mar 2026
A Day at Motown
Spent the day at Hitsville USA with my brothers, The Ummah Collective Group. Afterwards I rode around Detroit, listening to my guy Al Peterson share what the experience meant to him. This mini episode of Black is America was created in collaboration with the Ummah Collective Group.
Inside a recent episode
Restored Voice | A Black Is America Documentary Film
Published 6 May 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] What if the real story is that there are millions of people, after paying their debt to society, were never really set up for that second chance we claim to believe in? Because in this country, your access to the ballot box doesn't just depend on your citizenship, it depends on where you live. […]
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