This American Life

758: Talking While Black

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

President Trump is eradicating DEI from the federal government, and private companies are following his example. We return to a show we did two years ago about the turning point that led to this moment. Our Executive Producer Emanuele Berry guest-hosts and shares stories about Black people who found themselves caught in the middle of this cultural fight when the country shifted decisively away from diversity, equity, inclusion, critical race theory, and affirmative action.

Visit thisamericanlife.org/lifepartners to sign up for our premium subscription.

• Prologue: As a new high school principal, Dr. Whitfield felt moved by the national renouncement of racism he saw all around him in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. It prompted him to write a thoughtful email to parents and teachers in his district. He got lots of praise for it. Less than a year later, that same email would threaten his job. (12 minutes)
• Act One: During her sophomore year in high school, Nevaeh was targeted in a secret text message chain by a handful of her peers. She’d come to learn the text chat was a mock slave trade where her photo and photos of other Black classmates were uploaded, talked about as property, and bid on. Emanuele Berry talks to Nevaeh about what these messages mean to her now as well as how she’s navigated her town’s reaction and her close friendships with kids who mostly aren’t Black. (20 minutes)
• Act Two: After the murder of George Floyd, sales of books by Black authors skyrocketed. Now, there are efforts to ban many of the same books. Producer Chana Joffe-Walt talks to author Jerry Craft, who is caught up in this backlash with his graphic novel New Kid. (21 minutes)

Transcripts are available at thisamericanlife.org

This American Life privacy policy.
Learn more about sponsor message choices.

More Great Podcasts:

Coolest Pick - “Resident Alien” Season 3

Alan Tudyk, what you are helping to create is one of the most insanely awesome shows the Coolest Geek Alive has ever seen! At no... Read more

Celebrity Jobber with Jeff Zito - Morris Chestnut

Morris Chestnut is on Celebrity Jobber with Jeff Zito this week. What type of work would Morris Chestnut be doing if he wasn't cast as... Read more

Gino Vannelli - Episode 1,034

Gino is a Canadian rock singer and songwriter who had several hit songs in the 1970s and 1980s. His best-known singles include "People Gotta Move",... Read more

The Flash has the BEST VILLAINS, FIGHT ME! (Why James Gunn & the WB shouldn't SLEEP on DC's Spider-man!)

Jesse Blaze Snider is the Coolest Geek Alive and he LOVES the FLASH! So much so that he's named his eldest son, Cassidy West after... Read more

I WAS TOLD BLACK PEOPLE SHOULD GO BACK TO AFRICA, HERE'S WHY I DIDN'T GET MAD - What Would Happen To America If All 42 Million Black Americans Went Back To Africa? And Why This Might Be The Best Move

In this thought-provoking episode of the Deron Harris Podcast, Deron tackles a controversial statement often directed at Black Americans: "Go back to Africa." Instead of... Read more

Wemby Out for Season, the Good and Bad of All-Star Weekend, and Is Expansion a Risky Idea for the NBA?

Logan, Raja, and Howard start off with the news that Victor Wembanyama will be ruled out for the remainder of the season (01:16). Then, Howard... Read more

The Big Bad Broadcast EP 166 -- Movies

In the realm of laughter, where the stars align,Mike and John take the stage, their humor divine.Episode 166, a gem of delight,No guest this week,... Read more

Let's Talk About Some Good New Music Documentaries And Some Bad New Music Festivals

Steven and Ian kick off with a brief conversation about the recent SNL50 celebration (0:00) and whether Sportscast will ever transition to NBA regular season... Read more

Thank You Letters

Written by Alecia Brown This episode will expire in 24 hours! Missed an episode? Pick it back up anytime! Want the back catalog? Become a... Read more

Older posts