Run It Black Podcast

David and Mike Re-cap the results of the election, discuss Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's role in the democratic party, and an interesting take on the history of run off elections in the south.

Just days away from the 2020 election, David and Mike discuss the most recent electoral polling and dig into what might be underlying the (potential) rightward shift of black male voters. Inevitably this leads to a discussion involving rappers-turned-statesmen Ice Cube, 50 cent and Diddy (but no mention of Kanye). Tune in.

On Wednesday, August 26 the Milwaukee Bucks went on strike to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man who was shot seven times in the back by a police officer in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The wildcat strike ignited another round of conversations on police accountability and the power of labor to force change. David and Mike discuss the significance of the Bucks' actions, what it means for the NBA, the broader labor movement and efforts for racial justice.

In this week's episode, Mike and David grapple with the legacy of former President Barack Obama. Arguably still the most popular Democrat on the planet, President Obama continues to be a significant player within the Democratic party, the broader socio-political consciousness and the Black community. But does the soaring rhetoric and progressive vision that propelled him to the Presidency align with his actions of the past four years? Mike and David discuss. Tune in. 

This week on the show, Mike and David discuss the life and times of the late Rep John Lewis. They also talk about the new wave of incoming black politicians and the need for a new radical black politics. Tune in below.

This week on the show, Mike and David discuss the career of comedian Dave Chappelle. Over the past 20 years Chappelle has evolved from a dynamic tv and stand-up comedian to a full fledged cultural icon. And while few celebrities have a microphone as big Chappelle’s, David and Mike grapple with whether or not that’s actually a good thing anymore. Tune in!

In March, the NBA season ground to a halt amidst the spread of COVID-19. Now, as the NBA gets ready to resume play, some players have voiced their concerns related to reopening and their demands given the realities of the current social unrest and protests. This week on the show, David and Mike discuss the impact of the NBA coming back and the implications for players and the Black Lives Matter Movement. They also explore the complicated dynamics of professional athletes as union workers. Tune in!

This week on the podcast, Mike and David discuss how recent protests have pushed the concepts of anti-racism and whiteness front and center and the risk that emerges when useful terms are separated from their more radical roots. They also discuss the importance of bringing a more nuanced view to how we understand race and class in the United States. 

2020 has been a year unlike any for most of us. From coronavirus to the national movement against police violence, it feels like we're in a moment that could best be described as tectonic. This week on the show, Mike and David explore recent protests over the killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. They also address criticisms of uprisings taking place all over the country and discuss the larger issue of policing. Tune in.

Kanye West is oft considered one of the greatest musical talents of his generation. He also supports Trump and recently gave an interview stating his belief that slavery was a choice. This week on the show, David and Mike dive down the rabbit hole that is Kanye West's mind, explore themes of race and gender throughout his music and discuss his unique rise (and maybe fall) to music stardom. Tune in.