These raw and powerful words came from BBC Radio 1 presenter Clara Amfo the week after the tragic death of George Floyd and for Black people like me, they couldn’t have been felt more deeply. The senseless killing of George Floyd was the straw that broke the camel’s back, kicking off a chain of global protests that are still, a month later, continuing across the world. Statues have been torn down, there is a movement to defund police forces. There’s been further deaths and moments of both hope and frustration. And we will keep going. Because equality matters. Because freedom matters. Because being seen and heard matters. Black Lives Matter.
Black people have faced systemic racism for centuries and, one of the most important things to emerge from the events of the past few weeks, is the mainstream understanding that self-education on the current and historical issues of the Black community is vital. The shocking and powerful events over the last few weeks have shown the world just how much there is still to be done to help educate those who are either not aware, or who are in denial of the tragic history of Black people. As well as reading books and watching documentaries, podcasts and radio are proving to be valuable tools to deliver this knowledge
When Clara spoke about George Floyd, the hurt was real. The pain was real. The frustration is real. Clara wasn’t only speaking for herself; she was speaking for Black people across the world. And to those who need to learn to be better allies.
This is the time to think honestly about what it means to stand as an ally to Black people. It is an ally’s job to learn as much as possible about the deeply rooted seed that is racism so that when the news cycle moves on, the actions you’ve committed to and the education you’ve armed yourself with will continue to grow.
There are, as mentioned, many books and films you can learn from, but with libraries remaining closed and some of us facing financial struggles, podcasts on this subject are also a great source to to garner some important insight.
Ahead, I’ve gathered some of my favourite podcasts and pulled out some of their most educational episodes to help those keen to be allies to continue their work. This is by no means an exhaustive list and self-education is never done. So, if you’ve got any other suggestion to add, stick them in the comments; let’s keep this education train going.
An absolutely and totally warranted five-out-of-five stars on Apple Podcasts, Black Gals Livin’ is a podcast that covers everything from mental health to popular culture. Hosted by the fabulous duo journalist Vic and Jas who, “sort of works in marketing” (her words), the women openly explore the impact of mental health on young Black people and provide resources.
Recently, the podcast has been delving deep into the BLM movement. It’s crucial, Vic and Jas assert, that we don’t turn a blind eye to the events happening across the world. This movement is not just a trend. Vic and Jas use their own experiences with racism (especially during their schooldays) to illustrate this fact. They reinforce just how vital it is that children are taught the damaging and historical events surrounding racism.
Vic’s and Jas have also been challenging companies and influencers to do better in showing their support for the Black community both on and off social media.
As well as trying to support the events happening today, you need to learn about important Black history events that took place years prior. BBC World Service’s Witness Black History is a brilliant podcast for those who want to learn about pivotal events that took place before the BLM protests of today.
Each episode of this podcast focuses on a point in history that is crucial for those who want to understand why we’re in the position we’re in with race today. Trigger warning: the the first-hand accounts of racism and violence can be tough to listen to, especially in the episode about Rodney King and the LA Riots, where King himself details the horrific racially-motivated beatings he suffered from the LA police in 1991. Drawing comparisons between the ensuing LA Riots and now, King also shares his thoughts on why, nearly 30 years on, Black people are still demanding justice and equality.
There’s plenty more notable episodes that cover topics as diverse as the 16th Street church bombing, the Notting Hill Riots and even London’s first black policeman. It’s a powerful tool for self-education, leaving you no excuse if you missed out on Black history at school.
Not to be confused with R29’s Unbothered podcast of the same name, this version of Go Off, Sis hails from Liverpool and is hosted by Rach and Mimi whose impassioned discussions are smart, fiery and compelling, Go Off, Sis is a podcast that tackles everyday goings on with through the Black female lens. Their recent episode on the Black Lives Matter movement and what it means to them as women is particularly poignant.
Another great episode centres on Rach and Mimi’s experiences as university students and discusses what needs to be done to help make a difference for the representation of ethnic minorities in large academic institutions.
Prepare for some often uncomfortable but always important listening as Rach and Mimi analyse the significance of the protests across the world and how our society is preparing to moving forward. There’s still a way to go, but helping to change the way universities treat ethnic minorities is key.
For any managers, team leaders, office workers… or really anyone who’s ever had a job of any kind, this is the podcast for you. The Diversity Gap is all about about journey to equality in the office and contextualising different racial identities at work.
Led by Bethaney Wilkinson, who has worked for a decade in racial justice, this podcast seeks to help those who want to make a difference in the workplace by educating them on how to build an equitable enterprise “from the ground up”.
With the latest episode inspired by recent societal events, Bethaney is joined by different leaders, authors and public speakers to discuss social differences in the office and how they can be overcome. With the intention to help create a more inclusive workplace now and for the future, The Diversity Gap is the perfect educational tool for all employers who stand for fairness and equality in and beyond work.
Episode four of this imaginative podcast from lyrical genius George The Poet looks at police brutality in the UK. The line, “what can I do?” that George asks is one that everyone who wants to help make a change should be asking.
Available on BBC Sounds, the podcast delivers gut-wrenching detail of how of systemic racism operates in this country. Known for using his lyrics to discuss issues around the world, George The Poet is now using them to help educate people about racism and encourage positive change for a better future.
The poetry from George makes this podcast a truly unique form of education and gives listeners hope for a better tomorrow. If you fancy a more contemporary way to learn about Black history and how to do something about racism in the UK, then this truly special podcast is a great place to start.
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