Episode will delve into what the changes mean for Black America (not just presidency but local/state elections)- will Analyze most talked about down ballot recap on the elections and what that means. This package will feature Open Reel commentary with Reecie Colbert (D) and Lenny McAllister (R) and scripted video/archival

In this final episode, our esteemed host Tiffany Cross, speaks with other black ballot voices about the realities of what’s at stake this election. The final stage will be set with a republican (Lenny Mcallister), an independent (samson styles) and two democrats (Reecie Colbert and Davante Jennings). The conversation will expand from voter suppression, the […]

Covid was devestating to the entire world. As Americans tried to navigate such a dramatic new normal we were looking to our leaders for guidance and Trump, who denied science and dismantled Obamas Pandemic response team early in his Presidency wasn’t successful in giving most American’s the confidence that our lives were in the best […]

The Washington Monthly took the time to compare and contrast the Biden and Trump Presidencies. In this final episode of The Black Ballot we take the viewer through the accomplishments and failures of each administration through these facts and through their own words in the 2020 debates. Trump, once again, expressed the possiblity of not […]

Misinformation, Disinformation, and Fake news has been proven to target Black Voters in the 2016 Election. In addition, the electoral college was set up with racist roots which in part is why despite Hillary winning the popular vote she lost. Trump’s victory to the White House energized his radical base who showed up without their […]

Donald Trump was not a traditional Presidential Candidate and many argue that is why his base and rise to the Oval Office was embraced by his supporters. He was an outsider going against Clinton who was viewed as “The Establishment”. The debates between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were something we had never seen (Nor […]

The murder of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman polarized race in a way Rodney King and OJ Simpson cases did in the 90’s times ten. Once again, we were divided by race (and politics) on the issue. With the rise of Twitter, people all over the world were discovering each others voice and opinions and […]

There was good and bad things that came from our First Black President. However, in addition to that, because he was black, there were repercussions that came his way also. Shelby v Holder essentially being unearthed was a big hit to African Americans. Trump began his Birther movement and was happy his rhetoric made him […]

President Obama was elected to clean up a big mess and all eyes were on him as the first Black President. But on top of that, Republicans had met and decided that they would make him a one term President but not playing nice with him at all. However, since the Democrats had control of […]

To put it simply, George W. Bush was not very well liked. By the time he left office he was talked about as one of the worst Presidents in history. From the Iraq war to failed policies, his record wasn’t great but compared to his Republican President predecessors he did make solid attempts to help […]

The OJ Simpson Trial dominated the news cycle and slowly began to create a racial divide among black and white Americans. OJ’s verdict to many African Americans was payback for the acquittal of the officers involved in the Rodney King beating earlier in the decade. President Clinton became embattled in his own personal controversy with […]

After 12 years of Republican Presidents Bill Clinton was embraced by American who wanted something different, especially black voters. His record on what he did specifically for Black Americans is really based on your each persons opinion of measure. Overall he did have a large (record number) of black cabinet members and he was able […]

Civil Rights Legend Rosa Parks was very vocal of her opposition to President George Bush’s nomination for his appointment to the Supreme Court. In her letter, she warned Clarence Thomas would take us “back”. Senator Joe Biden would head the confirmation hearing and later be judged on his treatment of Anita Hill, a black woman, […]

Ronald Reagan started his second day of his second term promoting an anti-abortion film named “The Silent Scream”. Brittney P. Cunningham breaks down how abortion grew the GOP’s Christian base but how it was an internal strategy to implement other policies using religion to gain a following. Reagan proves to allow south Africa’s apartheid to […]

Don Lemon recounts being young and impressionable by the “celebrity” aspect of Ronald Reagan and registering as a Republican and voting for him. He would later regret that mistake once he saw the damage Reagan was doing to the African American, LGBT, and AIDS community. Black Poverty was over 30% and even worse we were […]

Like LBJ, Jimmy Carter evolved on his stance on the issues of Civil Rights. Affirmative action begins to be challenged under Carter’s administration but overall he is seen favorably by most African Americans. Similiar to today, outside factors (then oil, now covid effects) raised inflation and became one of the reasons American voters were willing […]

Although the 1970’s were an exciting time for black politics there was a lot of work to be done. Dr. Ben Chavis explains his role as one of the Wilmington 10 and how he became a political prisoner under Nixon’s “Law and Order”. Richard Nixon and his VP Spiro Agnew were wrapped up in scandals […]

Richard Nixon was not seen favorably by the majority of Black voters. So when Black celebrities supported him it angered many in the community. Clay Cane explains the “Grifter” concept as it pertains to Black support of candidates that don’t always appear to have the African American voters best interest at heart and we explore […]

In the gripping fourth episode of The Black Ballot series, we dive deep into the seismic shift that occurred within the Republican Party during the 1960s. From the rise of Barry Goldwater to the notorious presidential bids of George Wallace and Richard Nixon, this episode uncovers how a party that once embraced Black Americans turned […]

Despite the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, change was slow for African Americans, and frustrations grew as the Vietnam War began to impact Black families and divided Americans more than ever.

In this second episode of The Black Ballot video series, we break down the party "Switch" that began during the 1964 election and explore how the March from Selma to Montgomery led to LBJ signing the Voting Rights Act 1965.

The 60th Anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the most significant civil rights law after the Civil War, which banned discrimination in public places, required schools and other public facilities to be integrated, and made it illegal to discriminate in jobs.

In this episode of Witness to History, Tory Russell sits down with rapper, thought leader, and activist Tef Poe to reflect on the 10th anniversary of the Ferguson uprising. Tef Poe shares his first-hand account of August 9, 2014, the day Mike Brown was killed, and how it sparked a movement that transformed his life […]

In this episode of Witness to History, host Tory Russell sits down with Reverend Dr. Osagyefo Sekou to reflect on the 10-year anniversary of the Ferguson uprising. A powerful voice in both activism and the pulpit, Reverend Sekou shares his insights on the global impact of Ferguson, his personal connection to the movement, and the […]

Description: In this episode of Witness to History, host Tory Russell sits down with Dacia Polk, a revolutionary healer, abolitionist, and culture creator, to reflect on the 10-year anniversary of the Ferguson uprising. Dacia shares her personal journey from homeschooling her children to becoming deeply involved in the movement, discussing the lessons learned, the evolution […]

In this episode of Witness to History, host Tory Russell sits down with Ashley Yates, a prominent activist, organizer, and writer who was on the front lines of the Ferguson protests. Ashley reflects on her journey over the past decade, discussing her ongoing work in Oakland, the importance of self-care in activism, and the lessons […]

In this episode of Witness to History, host Tory Russell engages in a raw and thought-provoking conversation with Alex Templeton, a committed activist and newly minted public defender. Alex reflects on their journey from the front lines of Ferguson to law school, discussing the impact of the protests on St. Louis culture, the role of […]

In this episode of Witness to History, Tory Russell interviews John Collins-Muhammad, the youngest elected official in St. Louis and a former alderman just released from federal prison. John shares his disillusionment upon returning to a city still grappling with deep injustice and inequality. Reflecting on his experiences in prison and the Ferguson protests, he […]

Welcome to the powerful Season 2 premiere of Witness to History! In this episode, we’re commemorating the 10-year anniversary of the Ferguson uprising with none other than esteemed philosopher, activist, and current presidential candidate, Dr. Cornel West. From reflecting on Ferguson to discussing his personal journey, Dr. West doesn’t hold back in this candid conversation […]

In this podcast episode, Tory Russell and Julia Davis reflect on the ten-year anniversary of the Ferguson protests following the killing of Michael Brown. Julia Davis, an activist and mother, shares her deep anger and frustration over the continued injustices faced by the Black community, expressing how the event reminded her of past traumas, including […]

What will America look like when Trump returns to office with a Republican-controlled House and Senate? We're uncovering the potential consequences for Black communities and marginalized groups.

NEWSONE presents special coverage of the Democrat National Convention 2024 in Chicago, IL Day 1. This episode finds our host, Senior Editor Bilal Morris, amidst the excitement around the new shifts in this Presidential race.

NEWSONE presents special coverage of the Democrat National Convention 2024 in Chicago, IL Day 2. In this episode, Senior Editor Bilal Morris heads to the local beauty and barber salon AJ Styles to discuss the importance of voting on the local level.

NEWSONE presents special coverage of the Republican National Convention 2024 in Milwaukee, WI. Day 1. This episode finds our host, Senior Editor Bilal Morris, investigating how Donald Trump’s assassination attempt might have helped him politically as voters at the Republican National Convention seem to be more invested in the former president.

NEWSONE presents special coverage of the Republican National Convention 2024 in Milwaukee, WI. Day 2. During the second day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, the NewsOne team decided to switch it up, leave the convention floor behind and talk with some Black voters about the important issues facing the community at a Barbershop.

NEWSONE presents special coverage of the Republican National Convention 2024 in Milwaukee, WI. Day 4. Out Senior Editor Bilal Morris sat down with Angelique Sharpe, the sister of the recently passed Samuel Sharpe, Jr., to discuss police brutality amidst the RNC.

In this chilling episode of Black Folklore, host Grant Yanney delves into the haunting of Savannah’s infamous Sorrel-Weed House. Uncover the dark history of Molly, a slave girl tragically hung after her owner’s wife’s suicide. Now, Molly’s restless spirit haunts the house, making it one of the most haunted places in America. Watch now to […]

Discover the hidden history behind Oregon’s shocking lack of diversity in this compelling episode of Black Folklore In Video. Host Grant Yanney uncovers how racist laws and the tragic 1948 Vanport flood shaped Portland’s demographics, leaving it the “whitest big city in America” to this day.

In Episode 3 of Black Folklore In Video, Grant Yanney explores the lost history of Seneca Village, a thriving Black and Irish community founded in 1825, now hidden beneath Central Park. Discover how this once-prosperous neighborhood of 50 families, churches, and an all-Black school was erased in the 1850s, revealing a forgotten chapter of New […]

In episode 2 of Black Folklore Grant Yanney uncovers the dark history behind Georgia’s Lake Lanier, built over the submerged town of Oscarville. Once a thriving Black community, Oscarville was violently erased in 1912 following racially charged attacks. Today, the lake’s eerie origins and high death tolls fuel its haunted reputation.

In this chilling episode of Black Folklore, host Grant Yanney delves into the haunting of Savannah’s infamous Sorrel-Weed House. Uncover the dark history of Molly, a slave girl tragically hung after her owner’s wife’s suicide. Now, Molly’s restless spirit haunts the house, making it one of the most haunted places in America. Watch now to […]

Discover the haunting tale of Mary Ellen Pleasant, the “Voodoo Queen of San Francisco,” in this episode of Black Folklore. At the city’s smallest park, Mary Ellen Pleasant Memorial Park, her restless spirit still lingers, chilling visitors to the bone. Once one of the wealthiest and most powerful Black women in America, Pleasant’s legacy is […]

In the Season 2 premiere of Black Folklore, uncover the inspiring story of Princeville, North Carolina—the first Black town in the United States. Founded in 1865 by freed slaves from Edgecombe County, this resilient community thrived despite the challenges of post-Civil War America. Explore Princeville’s rich legacy and its crucial role in Black history. Don’t […]

Step into the legendary tale of O.T. Jackson and the Black ghost town of Dearfield, Colorado. Named after a Haitian general, Jackson was a trailblazer who believed in the power of wealth-building and Black ownership. Explores how he turned his vision into a reality, creating a safe haven for Black Americans in this episode of […]

Discover how a group of fugitive slaves from the Gullah Geechee community escaped bondage in the 1700s, formed alliances with Native Americans in Florida, and created a thriving free Black settlement. Despite relentless attacks from the U.S. military, these resilient warriors fought bravely to defend their freedom, even earning the title of “Seminole Negroes” for […]

In this episode of Black Folklore, host Grant Yanney tells the incredible story of Henry “Box” Brown. His daring escape from slavery and the life that he built as a free man ensured that his legacy would live on forever.

Join host Grant Yanney as he uncovers the mysterious origins of Haint Blue, the protective color used by the Gullah Geechee to ward off evil spirits like haints and boo hags. In this premier episode of Black Folklore, delve into the supernatural traditions and practices behind this iconic pale blue-green hue, still seen on Southern […]

In this must-watch episode of Black Folklore, host Grant Yanney uncovers the remarkable story of ‘Free’ Frank McWorter and the abolitionist town of New Philadelphia. Discover how, in 1819, just 43 years after America’s founding, a Black man bought his freedom and went on to create one of the most inspiring American tales in history. […]

In this episode of Black Folklore, discover the incredible untold story of John Benson, a former slave who escaped Alabama, rescued his sister, and built a thriving Black community on the very land where he was once enslaved. His son carried on his legacy by founding the first Black-owned railroad in the U.S. near what […]