In America, Jackie Robinson is a household name, known for breaking the color barrier in professional baseball. But did you know that the color barrier in basketball was broken by a Utah native?

Wataru Misaka was the first non-white athlete in professional basketball when he was drafted by the New York Knicks. At the time, there were two professional leagues which merged into the NBA in 1949, so this legend of professional basketball has largely gone unrecognized until recently.

Meet two people who are working to bring Wat’s story to Utah audiences through a stage play: Aaron Asano Swenson, playwright of "Kilo-Wat", and actor Bryan Kido.

Two of America’s most dynamic fashion designers call Utah home: Fernanda Böhme Birkland, owner of Böhme Apparel, and Kenneth Boggs, owner of Kenneth Boggs Custom. Learn how they broke into the industry, and how their cultural heritage influences their styles, stores, and more.

Also, discover the strong influence of Africa and Latin America on American fashion today. Watch Roots, Race & Culture to focus on the intersection of passion meeting fashion.

Our diet can make a difference in how we feel and think. What’s best for our bodies? Learn how conscious food choices impact physical and mental health.

Meet Omar Abou Ismail, founder of Rawtopia and food enthusiast. His passion is sustainability and making meals from scratch in his restaurant.

Debbie Dworkin, founder of the tea brand Dr. Mushroom, is dedicated to being part of a ‘wellness renaissance’ and making mushrooms available to everyone.

Tune in to Roots, Race & Culture to see if the old saying is true that ‘you are what you eat’!

Sen. Luz Escamilla (D) and Sen. John Johnson (R) discuss how they navigate ideological differences to find common ground, even from across the aisle.

“I would say it’s about building relationships that keep us in this respectful, civil way of dealing with issues that are difficult and hard,” said Sen. Escamilla.

Sen. Johnson added, “I think at the end of the day, we can see needs, and make sure that we take care of those among us. I think that’s something we share.”

Join Roots, Race & Culture to see how productive discourse is possible despite deep political divides. By prioritizing relationships over politics, can Americans encourage dialogue, not division?

Chantelle Squires and Ebay Hamilton join this discussion to shed light on the experience of what it is like to grow up with parents from two different racial or ethnic backgrounds, and how that shapes their view of the world. Plus, dive into an exploration of the benefits of a multicultural upbringing. Is there such a thing as a “biracial advantage?”

Explore the challenges and successes of being an LGBTQ+ person of color in Utah. How can we make inclusion intentional to accept and celebrate our differences? Special guests Olivia Jaramillo and Harry Hawkins join in on a comprehensive discussion on the realities of being LGBTQ+ in the BIPOC community in Utah.

Uncover the remarkable story of civil rights activist Joan Trumpauer, a legendary Freedom Rider who worked to help de-segregate America. Trumpauer and her son Loki Mullholland join this episode of Roots, Race, & Culture to discuss topics of voter suppression, gerrymandering, and the importance of every vote.

Explore the racist history that discourages Black and Hispanic communities from engaging in outdoor activities in Utah even to this day. Plus, discover the transformative work of organizations challenging stereotypes and making outdoor spaces more inclusive. Special guests Ashley Cleveland and Esteban Benites-Moreno share their perspectives in this inspiring episode of Roots, Race & Culture.

Explore the careers of BIPOC actors in Utah's theatrical market and learn about the challenges faced by these artists, from implicit bias to casting paradoxes, and the limited local projects available. Yolanda Wood and Jerry Rapier join in a comprehensive discussion on the realities BIPOC actors face and the importance of equitable opportunities in Utah’s entertainment industry.

Examine the disturbing trend of book banning and the exclusion of African American history from school curricula. With Utah ranking among the top five states for book bans, join us as we explore what exactly is being banned and who has the authority to decide. Prepare to explore censorship and the ongoing struggle to ensure an accurate and inclusive representation of African American history.