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The Origin Story of Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter

Fans of The Roots are getting an intimate look into the early life of the group's co-founder, Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter, in his memoir "The Upcycled Self." The Philadelphia native joins Writing Black to talk about the love stories he says have shaped him into one of hip-hop's most treasured MCs. Black Thought also shares why now was the time to reveal his most vulnerable side to the world.

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Rhiannon Giddens Explains Folk Music Has Always Been Blackity Black

Grammy Award-Winning artist Rhiannon Giddens has always been vocal about Black people's pivotal role in the origins of country music. The conversation surrounding those contributions has reignited as Beyoncé's new music debuted at the top of the country charts. Giddens plays banjo on Beyoncé's track "Texas Hold 'Em," and during her conversation with Writing Black hosty Maiysha Kai, Giddens shares that the instrument's history is "Blackity Black". The pair also discuss Gidden's projects, including an opera about an enslaved man and her first children's book. This conversation was originally recorded in October of 2022. 

Canada , Jamestown , North-carolina , United-states , Charleston , South-carolina , Senegal , Rhode-island , Italy , Ireland , Appalachian-mountains , Canada-general-

theGrio's Natasha Alford is a Proud American Negra Standing on Truth & Authenticity

The complexity of being multiethnic is explored in this powerful conversation between host Maiysha Kai and theGrio's Natasha Alford. "American Negra" is part memoir, part cultural analysis, and all truth as Alford shares her experience navigating two worlds. Not just culturally but also economically. Alford talks life after Harvard and the unrealistic expectations she felt post-graduation, and she also gets vulnerable about her recent health struggles. This Grio crossover is full of Black girl magic. 

United-states , New-york , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , Florida , Dominican-republic , Alabama , Zion-church , Mount-vernon , Puerto-rico , Haiti , Syracuse

Slutty Vegan Founder Pinky Cole has Mastered the Power of the Pivot

The restaurant chain Slutty Vegan has become an empire because its founder Pinky Cole refused to give up when life continued to tell her "no." Cole is now on a mission to share her struggles, hoping it will inspire people to pivot when they hit a roadblock. Her book, "I Hope You Fail," is an unfiltered how-to-guide that will keep your attention and leave you feeling motivated. Maiysha Kia and Cole talk her writing process, and dig into the dark times that eventually led to success.

United-states , Panama , Alabama , New-york , Chicago , Illinois , Zion-church , American , Suge-knight , Mary-latoya-cantrell , Latoya-cantrell , John-lewis

Hollywood Loves a White Savior and a Magical Negro

Panama Jackson is joined by theGrio Daily host and New York Times best-selling author Micahel Harriot to analyze some of Hollywood's top money-making movies. They explore the relationship between white and Black characters who are meant to save each other. While it may make for a good story, is the concept of the white savior and magical nego hurting the culture?

Hollywood , California , United-states , Mississippi , New-york , Panama , Sweden , Swedish , American , New-yorker , A-sean-connery , Leigh-anne-tuohy

Ice Cube x Dopeman: The Good, The Bad, & The Crazy

NWA's Ice Cube talks about the influence of crack on their hit song “Dopeman” and the contradiction of how drug money destroyed the community and propelled his career. “Dopeman” Is one of the illest songs ever made because it takes you deep into the drug dealer’s perspective on selling drugs. The crack dealer was evil but we should still seek to understand what drove him and when we look into his soul we find that like the fiends he served, he too was an addict, but he was addicted to power and money. Crack dealers and their culture had a deep influence on hiphop culture and the Black community. In this ep we go into "Dopeman” with The D.O.C. from NWA and talk to several former drug dealers about how dealers changed the world around them.

United-states , Oakland , California , Panama , Ohio , Compton , Vietnam , Republic-of , North-carolina , Park-place , White-house , District-of-columbia

The Ultimate Holiday Book Gift Guide

Books make great gifts, and Maiysha Kai is here to help make your holiday shopping easier. She's curated a list of nearly 70 different titles that will work for kids, teens, and people interested in history, cooking, fiction, and more. The Writing Black Holiday Book Gift Guide is just what you need to share the love of reading with someone special. 

Chicago , Illinois , United-states , Hollywood , California , America , American , Robinl-smith , Maiysha-kai , Marcus-samuelsson , Oprah-winfrey , Tariq-trotter

Africa Amplified: From Ghana to Jersey and Beyond

As part of theGrio's month-long series, Africa Amplified, Dear Culture host Panama Jackson invites his Ghanaian wife to chat about her journey to America as a child. Simona Noce Wright also shares some of her experiences, both good and bad, after living in the United States for more than 20 years.

Panama , Kenya , White-house , District-of-columbia , United-states , Italy , California , Florida , Tanzania , South-africa , New-jersey , Miami

NBA Legend Chris Paul Shares his Love for his "Papa" with the World

NBA All-Star and 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist Chris Paul joins Writing Black to discuss the vulnerability it took to write his book "Sixty-One." The book centers on the impact Paul's grandfather had on him. Affectionately known as "Papa," he was tragically murdered at the age of 61, the day after Paul signed his letter of intent to play college basketball at Wake Forest. Paul talks about writing the book during the pandemic as the country was going through racial turmoil following the death of George Floyd. He also touches on his commitment to criminal justice reform and the impact mass incarceration has had on Black Americans. 

United-states , North-carolina , Wake-forest , America , American , Maiysha-kai , Eli-manning , Charles-jr , Clint-smith , Michael-wilbon , Chris-paul , Maiysha-kai-hmm

Jada Pinkett Smith talks 'Worthy' with 'Writing Black'

As her memoir “Worthy” hits shelves, Jada Pinkett Smith tells theGrio she didn’t write it to set the record straight.

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