May 3, 2013

Tonight on Basic Black history in the headlines: a report this week concluded that for the first time ever, black voter turnout surpassed that of white voters. We'll look at the national and local implications. And in sports, NBA player Jason Collins revealed he is gay; as the first professional athlete to do so, it's history, but is it news?

The panel:

• Callie Crossley, host of Under the Radar, 89.7 WGBH Radio

• Peniel Joseph, professor of history, Tufts University

• Kim McLarin, author, Divorce Dog: Motherhood, Men and Midlife; asst. prof. of writing, Emerson College

• Phillip Martin, senior reporter, 89.7 WGBH Radio

• Michael Jeffries, assistant professor of American Studies, Wellesley College

(Photo: Jason Collins. Kwaku Alston for Sports Illustrated.)

(Photo: Jason Collins. Kwaku Alston for Sports Illustrated.)