In this first full episode of season 2, hosts Emily Ko and Jacky Celestino discuss One Night in Miami (dir. Regina King) and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (dir. George C. Wolfe). Their analysis looks at how the films’ technical elements underscore the confines of racial disparities that the characters face. They compare Sam Cooke and Malcom X’s relationship with that of Ma Rainey and Levee’s to further explore intersecting themes of liberation, activism, and art.

Hosted by Emily Ko and Jacky Celestino | Edited by Emily Ko | Theme Music by Corey Shaya | Podcast art by Jacky Celestino