Black History Month is a time to celebrate black people’s rich heritage, culture, and contributions throughout history and today. It is also an opportunity to learn more about black experiences and perspectives through a wide range of media, including podcasts. Some of my favorite podcasts for learning about black history include hosts that are artists, activists, historians, musicians, and more.
Dive into Black History Month with our carefully curated selection of 12 podcasts that offer something for everyone. While at it, delve deep and discover the incredible contributions of black people with black history facts or discover new black history books for kids.
Black Girl Songbook
Why tune into this podcast?
It’s a great podcast for learning about the history of some artists your mom, sister, and auntie listen to that have shaped black culture in more ways than one.
This audio series does a phenomenal job honoring and celebrating the creative genius of Black women in music! On each episode, Danyel Smith uplifts female songwriters, producers, executives – anyone making a lasting impact. On ‘Black Girl Songbook,’ you’ll get an insider look at stories cited from decades of life experience related to music, love, and more.
Best episode to start: The Black Girl Genuis of Mariah Carey | Chapter 33
Mariah Carey doesn’t get enough credit for her songwriting and musical influence of some of the most prominent artists in pop culture today. There are so many nuggets in this episode. Listen to it in full to understand the depth of why Mariah deserves adulation and more.
[REDACTED] History
Why tune into this podcast?
This weekly podcast explores the untold, extraordinary personal histories of influential people through African American History. Redacted deserves to be part of the conversation when discussing black history podcasts because this is a revolutionary show that engages us in honest discussions about even those topics some would rather keep hidden.
Tune in to sit around your digital campfire each week and listen to stories from unheralded heroes often forgotten by textbooks!
Best episode to start: Elizabeth Freeman: The Enslaved Woman Who Sued For Freedom and Won
If you’re looking for an episode filled with rich personal histories about some of black history’s most powerful figures, check out this recent episode. I couldn’t stop listening to it.
Black History for White People
Why tune into this podcast?
Suppose you consider yourself a white ally or are simply interested in learning more about black history from an intersectional perspective. In that case, Black History for White People is a good podcast to get you started.
BHforWP is a multiethnic collective determined to promote racial justice by inspiring white people to join in the fight for people of color. They believe true humanity must be rooted in love and understanding, not privilege or superiority.
Best episode to start: Juneteenth
On the brink of freedom, this podcast episode dives into the history and culture behind Juneteenth. From a glimpse into the United States before emancipation to stories from Texas in days past, uncover how an event over 150 years ago still resonates today with those who mark its significance annually.
Black History Year
Why tune into this podcast?
New episodes are released nearly every day, and it doesn’t end here.
Get ready to empower yourself and other Black people by discovering the history, thinkers, and activists that often get overlooked in mainstream conversations. With a shared goal of uniting for our collective benefit worldwide, Black History Year gives you access to important experts, information, and ideas through fearless conversations so we can make progress as an entire community.
Best episode to start: Medgar Evers’ activism during the Civil Rights Movement (voting rights for black people) will quickly remind you why building leaders in our community matters. The three words he uttered – “Turn me loose” – should be seared into our souls.
Reclaimed
Why tune into this podcast?
The story of Emmett Till has been a part of society and the black community for decades. But what do we really know about this tragic event, which changed black history? In Reclaimed, the ABC podcast dives deeper into Till’s story, examining the gruesome details and larger social implications of black history.
Best episode to start: Introducing Reclaimed: The Story of Mamie-Till Mobley
Starting where the story is introduced is only fitting. If you’re looking to follow along with the Hulu docuseries “Let The World See,” Reclaimed is a must-listen.
Not So Black and White
Why tune into this podcast?
The Not So Black and White podcast is a new podcast brought to you from WFSU Public Media dives headfirst into the divided history of Tallahassee and Leon County. It’s a fascinating exploration that zooms in on current-day divides, speaking with historians, community members, academics, and activists about what prevents us from coming together in entertainment, education, worship, and more.
A must listen for anyone who wants to better understand the racial disparities between these well-known counties in Florida.
Best episode to start: Who is guarding the Black culture? Seeking Keepers in Tallhassee
A collective voice has emerged from within influential circles of historical knowledge- keepers such as historians, academics, and activists united to ensure that those whom history forgot will not be forgotten by future generations. The African American experience deserves to be told by the people who lived it.
New Books in African American Studies
Why tune into this podcast?
If you’re in search of black history episodes about literature and books, look no further than New Books in African American Studies.
Unlocking the rich history of African American culture! New Books in African American History is an enlightening podcast that shines a light on the groundbreaking work of scholars, featuring captivating interviews about their latest books.
Best episode to start: Autumn Womack, “The Matter of Black Living”
It’s a great episode that opens your ears to the literary work of Autum Womack by taking a closer look at black life. Womack’s groundbreaking work, The Matter of Black Living, reveals the complex network between racial data and African American artistry that helped define late 19th-century social culture.
Intersectionality Matters!
Why tune into this podcast?
Kimberlé Crenshaw, a prominent civil rights advocate and leading scholar of critical race theory, is the force behind Intersectionality Matters!, An inspiring podcast delving into issues intersecting different forms of disadvantage.
Unpacking complex topics through Kimberlé’s thought-provoking insights and conversations with special guests, this show invites us to dig deeper into the dynamics that shape our society today. It’s one of the black podcasts I have in rotation.
Best episode to start: Believing Her: The Clarence Thomas/Anita Hill Hearings at 30
Thirty years ago, this phenomenal black woman named Anita Hill courageously stood before an all-white Senate Judiciary Committee and voiced her truth – that powerful Supreme Court Justice nominee Clarence Thomas had sexually harassed her.
Her brave act of witness helped bring the issue of sexual harassment into public discourse and started a movement to support survivors everywhere in speaking out against gender-based violence.
Item 13: An African Food Podcast
Why tune into this podcast?
If you’re in the mood for something different but exciting, give this podcast a listen. African food has recently emerged in popular culture, and this podcast explores what that means for Afro-Diaspora food cuisine.
Communities of color, specifically black and brown people, will enjoy exploring African food culture. You’ll be transported through interviews with incredible entrepreneurs in the world of unique cuisines and new experiences.
Best episode to start: The Black Gourmet with Malicka Anjorin
Malicka Anjorin is a maverick in digital forensics who dares to bridge cultures through her passion for cooking. As ‘The Black Gourmet,’ she is devoted to teaching home chefs about West African cuisine and its rich cultural heritage – through recipes that tantalize their taste buds!
Explore Black History on the Go
Why tune into this podcast?
Telling black stories for kids to enjoy is worth listening to for your curious little ones who are just beginning to learn about black history.
This bimonthly podcast lets your kids go on a journey of cultural discovery, learning, and appreciating Black history like never before! Discover the incredible strength found within African heritage and stories from around the world – enhancing perspectives to create pride in their identity.
Podcast host, Dr. Shannon Stanton Agbotse, is all about shattering preconceptions and expanding narratives together – helping children everywhere embrace what it really means to be part of this vibrant culture.
Best episode to start: Explore Black History: Benjamin Banneker
A relatively new podcast to the scene, this a great episode to start if you are craving an episode that is in the best interest of black people and young children.
Bring your family members together to step back in time as this episode takes an exploration into the extraordinary life of Benjamin Banneker. A Black man born two centuries ago, Ben was ahead of his time—an innovator who made groundbreaking contributions across multiple disciplines such as farming, mathematics, and astronomy.
