Black History Bites: Recent Episodes
BLAM UK
Black Learning Achievement and Mental Health (BLAM UK) is proud to offer short, bite sized, and accessible global Black history and cultural podcast episodes to aid you in your Black history learning.
In this episode of Black History Bites, we explore the rich history and enduring significance of Notting Hill Carnival. From its origins as a symbol of Black resistance and resilience, led by activist Claudia Jones, to its role as a celebration of cultural pride and Black joy, we delve into why understanding this history is crucial—especially today. We also discuss the importance of teaching Black British history in schools to preserve the true legacy of events like Notting Hill Carnival for future generations. Tune in to discover why this iconic event is much more than just a parade.
Today's episode celebrates the remarkable achievements of contemporary Black British sports stars!
Join us as we explore the backgrounds of household names in boxing like Anthony Joshua, football with Marcus Rashford, track star Dina Asher-Smith, and race car driving with Lewis Hamilton.
We also shine a spotlight on rising stars such as Khadijah Mellah, Karé Adenegan and Alice Dearing in horse racing, athletics and swimming, respectively.
BLAM acknowledges their historic contributions to sports, the culture, and their inspiring journeys.
Did you know that after Africa, the largest Black population resides in South America?
In this episode, we delve into the rich history of Black South Americans—a journey shaped by the dark legacy of slavery and resilience. Discover how communities fought to preserve their culture and heritage across centuries. Explore their profound contributions to global cultural landscapes, influencing beloved cuisines and music worldwide.
In this episode we celebrate the 76th anniversary of the Empire Windrush's 1948 arrival in Britain. We explore the Windrush generation's contributions to post-war Britain, despite facing severe racism and hardships as well as the legacy of the Windrush generation and their impact on Black British Culture.
Join us as we explore the vibrant origins of this unique genre in Addis Ababa, the visionary work of Mulatu Astatke, and the profound themes of innovation, African pride, and cultural preservation that make Ethio-Jazz so captivating. Perfect for anyone looking to discover the rich musical heritage of Ethiopia and the soul-stirring sounds that define Ethio-Jazz.
In this podcast, we explore the profound impact of "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker. This seminal work chronicles Celie's journey from oppression to empowerment, resonating deeply with readers worldwide. Through its rich portrayal of Black female experiences and groundbreaking use of language, the novel has sparked vital discussions on intersectionality and social justice. From its Pulitzer Prize-winning acclaim to its influence on cinema and theatre, "The Color Purple" continues to inspire and empower audiences, leaving an indelible mark on our cultural consciousness. Join us as we delve into the enduring legacy of this timeless masterpiece.
In this episode, we explore the issues surrounding zero tolerance policies and its impact on Black children in the UK educational system. We consider the repercussions, and how these policies disproportionately affect Black students. We then propose alternative, more ethical approaches to addressing behaviour in schools!
Discover the forgotten tales of African empires on this week's episode! Journey through the pages of history to uncover the majestic Mali Empire, the legendary Ghana Empire, and the captivating Adal Sultanate Empire. These stories, often overshadowed, illuminate the rich cultural heritage of present-day Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, and Somaliland. Tune in for a captivating exploration of African greatness on Spotify now!
Discover the story of Lovers Rock, a special music style born in 1970s Britain. This episode explores how it came from reggae roots, grew in South London, and became a voice for Black communities. Lovers Rock songs celebrated love, empowered men and women, and provided a safe space away from racism. Join us to learn how this music genre became a symbol of Black joy and love.
In this episode, We explore the history of Jamaican Sound Systems. From their roots in Kingston to their influence on British music, find out how these systems shaped communities and genres!
Welcome to our podcast episode, we are embarking on a journey to explore the intricate interplay of identities and how they shape the experiences of marginalized communities. Our focus today is on the profound concept of intersectionality and its impact on self-care.
Join us on Black History Bites as we delve into the haunting history of Goree Island. This Senegalese island became a pivotal trading post, transporting goods and enslaved people to the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Explore its colonial histories, the sinister Maison des Esclaves, and the heart-wrenching stories of those who endured the transatlantic slave trade.
Explore the creativity of Black British television across six decades in this episode! From groundbreaking shows to cultural milestones, join us as we celebrate the rich history and impact of Black voices on the UK screen!
BLAM UK is thrilled to unveil its groundbreaking two-volume set of books, "Global Black Narratives for the Classroom: Black Britain & Europe (Vol 1)" and “Africa, The Americas and The Caribbean (Vol 2)." Book launch event: 11th December 2023!🎟️: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/750969900187?aff=ebdsshiosBook release date: 22nd December, 2023! 📚: Available on Amazon & Routedge
In this episode, we explore the beauty and history of black hair, discussing the origins of a variety of hairstyles.
Welcome to our podcast episode, where we delve into the remarkable life of Gladys West, an influential inventor who played a pivotal role in shaping the world of GPS (Global Positioning System). #GladysWest #GPSInventor #Trailblazer #InspiringJourneys
In this episode, we delve into the impact of Y2K aesthetics on the UK Rap scene, showcasing how this trend has gone through a fascinating evolution and adaptation to seamlessly integrate with today's fashion and music landscape. 🎤🖤🔥
We have a chat with author Nii Ayikwei Parkes about his upcoming novel Azúcar, the theme of 'home' and being a Black writer in Britain
We look at how Black music across the world has been used as a form of protest; with a particular look at Samba music in Brazil
We have a chat with author Rosanna Amaka about her new book Rose and the Burma Sky, the Black soldiers of WWII and being a Black author in Britain
We look at Saturday Schools in Britain and how they helped to support Caribbean children
Mami Wata, La Sirène, Mama Dlo. These are some of the names given to mermaids around Africa and the Caribbean. We look at the mythology surrounding these creatures
We look at the impact climate change is having on Black countries around the world, and the practices indigenous communities are using to try and combat it
Take a little look at Black art in Britain. It’s meaning and history, as well as some of the artists in the scene
In this episode we look at dancehall dances and pay tribute to the late, great Mr Wacky
The home of Black communities since the 1959s, Brixton has a long rich history. Join us as we explore this history and the impact Black people have had on the area
Look at the effects of the climate crisis on Black communities around the world, and the Black Brits campaigning for our voices to be heard
We look at the history of Supplementary Schools in the 60s and the impact they had on Black children
We explore the history of Gumbe music and it’s continuation into modern music throughout Western Africa
What is Black British English? Join us as we look at the history, culture and impact of this unique language
African artists are taking the contemporary art world by storm, but in this episode we are going to focus on the beautiful nation of Senegal.
The Mogadishu sultanate was a sultanate in the southern region of Somali territory that was distinguished in its trading network until it was taken over by the Ajuran Empire in the 13th century. The Ajuran Sultanate was another powerful sultanate that established itself from the early to mid-13th century, until its decline in the early 17th century. They controlled many southern-central regions in Somalia along the Shabelle Valley, in the Mudugh region in the East, along the Kenyan frontier and along the Indian Ocean’s coast in the South.
Dapper Dan is both the bright mind behind reworked logos and screen-printed monograms of fashion houses such as Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and MCM for luxury streetwear, as well as the inventor of the process for screen printing onto leather, used in luxury automobile interiors. He currently works with Gucci on their Diversity Council, as well as through an appointment-only atelier in Harlem where he designs independent pieces as well as capsule collections.
At BLAM UK we firmly believe in giving people their flowers while they’re still alive to enjoy them! It is why we are always so happy to talk about a fashion stylist icon such as Misa Hylton.
What’s the point of supporting Black business? A business is a business right, it doesn’t matter who it’s owned by. Wrong! As Black people it’s imperative that we support our own and this episode will tell you why.
The Haitian Revolution was instrumental in triggering the collapse of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and the abolition of slavery around the world. Listen to learn more about the individuals involved and the catalyst for the Revolution.
Imagine knowing a song your whole life, then finding out it’s actually a cover. Welcome to the life of a Jamaican child! Discover covers and remixes you probably didn’t even know existed.
This week on Black History Bites, we are discussing the history of Black women sporting long acrylic nails.
Did you know that acrylic nails were invented in the 1950’s?
1954 was the year in which Fred Slack, a dentist, broke his fingernail at work and decided to use dental products to create a temporary replacement. He later went on to create a company called ‘Patti Nails’ with his brother making his invention public and available to the world.
Unfortunately, the shadows of cultural appropriation have aided in the erasure of this historic Black female cultural contribution.
This week on Black History Bites, we are learning about the cultural and religious importance of the New Yam Festival in Western Africa. The New Yam Festival is celebrated throughout the whole of Africa, but it is celebrated the most in Nigeria and Ghana.
Food is a huge deal to Black American culture in the US! In today's episode, we'll be looking at the idea of culinary retention from Africa as enslaved Africans were taken and brought to the United States. Foods such as gumbo, hot sauce, and Juneteenth specials have strong historical ties to the Motherland, presenting the social collectivity of the diaspora!
Today we're exploring how African food traditions are closely linked to Afro-Latinx and Caribbean cuisine. Looking at foods such as rice and peas and the popular Brazilian food acaraje. Its strongly advised that you don't listen to this episode on an empty stomach!
Today we are looking at Black foods in Africa, with a focus on West Africa. From jollof rice, to stew, to plantain, to pounded yam — many of the foods across the continent are very similar with slight alterations and differing names. We will also learn about how the climate in these places affects local food traditions.
Black cowboys have been a major part of Black global history and yet have been sidelined in history. Recently, there has been a resurgence and realisiation that African-Americans were some of the first, highly skilled, trailblazing, and most famous cowboys who were and are instrumental in developing cowboy culture in the United States. Even more, Black cowboys are not historical relics of the past and still are a major part of contemporary African-American communities who continue to redefine and innovate cowboy culture. In this episode we discuss the five most notable Black cowboys and cowgirls in history. These individuals were Nat Love, Bill Pickett, Bose Ikard, Bass Reeves, and Johanna July. To learn more and support the Compton Cowboys: https://www.comptoncowboys.com/ & a short documentary about the group https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AqFB_LA94s.
Afrofuturism has long used technoculture and science fiction as a lens for understanding the Black experience. Expressed through art, music, philosophy and various forms of media, it explores the Black experience across the African Diaspora. It places the imagination at the core by providing an alternate narrative for understanding Black experiences, often by chronicling stories of alien abductions, time travel, and futuristic societies. Afrofuturism is expressed in the music of artists like Sun Ra and Janelle Monáe and books like Octavia Butler’s Kindred, which uses time travel to explore how the institution of slavery and its intersections of race, gender, and relationships shape both present and future societies. Visit www.blamuk.org to learn more about the organisation and the work we do and follow us on Instagram and Twitter via our handle @blamcharity.
Afrofuturism is a cultural aesthetic that combines science-fiction, history, and fantasy to explore the African experience for both diasporic and continental Africans. Afrofuturism aims to connect those from the African diaspora with reimagined and revitalised African ancestry of the future.
The term Afrofuturism has its origins in Black science fiction. Today it is generally used to refer to literature, music, and visual art that explores the Black experience and the role of slavery and oppression in that experience. Thank you for listening to Black History Bites, this episode was developed and researched by Tofunmi Odugbemi.
Visit www.blamuk.org to learn more about our organisation and the work we do and follow us on Instagram and Twitter via our handle @blamcharity.
The Haitian Revolution is one of many examples of Black resistance and liberation against systems of slavery and colonial rule.
The Luo have a very rich arts culture and often perform dance music and use musical instruments and costumes during ceremonies and funerals.
Have you heard of the Griots? Listen to find more about the history of oral traditions in Africa and how it has influenced modern rap.
Did you know that there are over 3000 cultural groups in Africa? That's potentially 3000 different African artistic expressions. African art forms include sculpting, pottery, painting, drawing, textiles, clothing, and many more
The ancient African continent was made up of a number of diverse hierarchal societies which primarily determined people’s social standing.
Dugu is a healing ceremony in which Garifuna community members come together to call upon ancestral spirits - known as ‘Gubida’ - to help heal or aid the passing of a sick person.
This episode looks at a Caribbean funeral tradition called Nine Nights. You might have even attended one?
Black British English - also known as Black British Vernacular or Black English Vernacular - is a language in its own right, not a dialect!
Winti is one of the purest African religions found in the diaspora. This episode moves away from the Caribbean and takes us to Suriname in South America.
Vodou is one of the most demonised, stigmatised and even criminalised religions in the world. But have you ever really considered why that is?
Santería, seen in Cuba is a direct descendent of the Yoruba methodology of the Orisha and so is Shango, a religion practiced in Trinidad and Tobago. This series about African Religions in the Diaspora seeks to explore different religions across the Caribbean and the Americas to help understand their African roots and how they are practiced today!
Did you grow up seeing women wearing waist beads? Have you worn them yourself? Do you know what their various meanings are and what the different colours symbolise?
Jodi-Ann from BLAM talks about Beauty Standards in Black Communities. Sign up for our free Zuri Therapy (Racial-Wellness) here: https://blamuk.org/zuri-therapy-racial-wellness/
Did you know that drumming was once banned in Trinidad and Tobago? Have you heard of the tamboo bamboo? This week's episode looks at the history of drumming in Trinidad and Tobago.
Jodi-Ann from BLAM talks about how racial trauma can affect black people and suggests ways to reduce it. Sign up for our free Zuri Therapy (Racial-Wellness) here: https://blamuk.org/zuri-therapy-racial-wellness/
Have you heard about the creole foods, dances, games and storytelling that happens during the month of October in St Lucia. If not, here's a brief podcast about the things you'll find during St Lucia Creole Heritage Month.
It is important to highlight the Black presence in Europe and the impact African people have had all around the world.
Today we want to do something a little different and tell you the Nigerian folktale of 'Why The Sky Is Far Away?'
There are many African traditions that prevail across the diaspora. The African Masquerade is just one of them! Today we explore the roots of the Wanaragua, displayed by the Garifuna people and the Jonkunno, performed in Jamaica and the Bahamas.
"Educationally subnormal" - that was the horrible term used to label children who had a "low or below average level of understanding or intelligence". Caribbean children were often labelled this in the 1960s, due to the racist views of the government and education staff at the time. The misidentification of Black children led to a generation of students who were dumped in special schools, without much say so from their parents, until the Black community took a stand.
Episode 3 in the Black Power in the Caribbean series looks at Trinidad and Tobago's 'Black Power Revolution', 1970. There were a number of events that contributed to this revolution, led by the Black community. The government could no longer ignore the voice of the majority!
This is episode 2 in the Black Power in the Caribbean Series. We explore how Black workers on the island Curaçao fought for liberation.
What did the fight for Black Power look like in the Caribbean?
BLAM explores the fight for Black Power on a number of different Caribbean islands, to give you an idea of how a Black majority population took a stand!
Ife from BLAM UK takes on a short journey to explore the lives of two Africans that worked in the King of Scotland courtyard.
Jodi-Ann from BLAM talks us through the significance of Notting Hill Carnival to the British Afro-Caribbean community.
Sophia from BLAM talks to us about the under-represented black population in South America.
British dominance was maintained in African colonies through Indirect Rule. In this episode, Florence from BLAM will explain the basic ideas around Indirect Rule and why it was used.
Jodi-Ann from BLAM introduces us to some Black Mathematicians that have influenced the subject. Do you know any other Black Mathematicians?
A look into a group that created a new form of Black British Radical Art- called the Blk Art Group. Their varying work pieces themed on Black identity and culture both globally and locally.
Florence from BLAM talks you though the main events of the Bristol Bus Boycott and how this brought about a significant change to the lives of Black people in Bristol.
Jodi-Ann talks us through why it important for us to consider intersectionality when fighting for all Black lives.
Jodi-Ann speaks to us about how the Windrush Generation helped with rebuilding Britain after WW2 and the troubles that they faced.
Sophia from BLAM tells us about the Black people in England during the Georgian period.
BLAM UK ( Black Learning Achievement and Mental Health ) presents to you 'Black History Bites' a new educational podcast that will bring to you Black global history, through a range of 10 min long episodes. Check out our website www.blamcharity.com to access free Black history worksheets for children and young people aged 6- 16 years old.