Black At It

Philly-based actress/comedian extraordinaire, Katrina Braxton, joins us as we discuss the state of comedy today and dive into the roots of Black hair. From African royalty to perms to the natural hair movement, listen in as we talk about this hair-raising and often contentious topic that just may leave you speechless.

In Episode 2 of Season 1, we discussed camping and why Black folks just don't do it. In this episode Louis decides to take on the challenge and is met with some interesting surprises. Could camping be our thing after all?

Between a black cat crossing your path, or splitting the pole, or an itchy palm, Black folks are the kings and queens of superstitions. On this special birthday episode we dive into the world of Black Superstitions. Is it really real, or are we just doing the most?

As history has it, Black people have a long list of reasons not to trust anything and anyone wholeheartedly.  We have been swindled, bamboozled, and lied to for years. Our new season kicks off with our favorite guest, Hollee Chanel, as we talk about what it means to trust as a Black person. Trust us you won't want to miss this one.

Juneteenth (aka June 19, 1865) will always be marked in history as the TRUE day enslaved Black people in the U.S. were freed. So now that we know more people are "woke" to Juneteenth, let's broaden their minds as to what slavery meant to America. Simply put, it was a business that killed many of our people for the fortune of others. Listen in as we talk about Juneteenth, Netflix's "High on the Hog," and more in celebration of this new national holiday.

Black men have carried the stigma of dehumanization for centuries; bearing the labels of savages, criminals and layabouts.  In this episode, we dig deep into  "The Fear of the Black Man" and try to get to the root of the issue.  My guest cohost Claud Del and I interview retired Federal Agent Anthony Scott.  We discuss why America fears us so much and  share our stories and encounters with that fear.

From classical to country to hip hop, music has played a big part in our lives. For Black folks music has always been a way to reveal a message.  We go to music in happiness and even to get us through the pains of life. Take a listen as we dive into the world of music because we know that All Music is Black Music.

We still have our Black Card...but barely! What is the "Black Card" that Black folks are supposedly born with and who, what, where, when, and how can it be snatched? Enjoy this episode as we expose ourselves further. And remember...keep it close to your chest. It might get pulled after this.

From the minstrelsy of Birth of a Nation to the kingdom of Wakanda in Black Panther, Black representation in the entertainment industry has come a long way. We interview Actor/Director Bernadette Speakes, famous for her roles in the film Love Jones,  TV's All-American, Heroes, Seal Team, and more. We speak to this powerhouse talent about Hollywood's past and the achievements we have made in the industry.

Code-switching is ubiquitous in Black Culture. But why? We use it to make "others" feel more comfortable or to make interactions easier for us. The question is:  when do we get to feel comfortable? We don't code-switch because we want to, we code-switch because we have to.

To vaccinate or not to vaccinate, that is the question. Exploring the distrust that Black folks have for the medical industry and its deeply-rooted racist history.  After being battered and bruised for so long, it's no wonder why Black folks give the side-eye to the medical industry. But in these times of COVID, when the world is at a standstill, how do we move forward and place our trust in a "cure" intended to save lives and get the world back on track.  So how 'bout it, you gon' get that vaccine??

Is saying "Black Love" different than just saying "love" itself? What truly is Black Love, why is calling it out so important to many people in the Black community, and how has history and media tried to destroy it?  Listen to host Louis Jacques and his lovely wife, Denise, as they take a trip down memory lane to define what Black Love means to them. 

We did That! -- exploring Black Excellence and what we were and weren't taught about Black history in school.  Listen in as we learn about these overlooked gems -- the Black inventors who helped shape our society. After all, Black History is American History.  

It's Season 2 and we b(l)ack at it -- kicking off 'Black History Month' with a little something On Blackness. But we all know that the shortest month of the year can't contain all this Black Excellence. We are here standing TALL and PROUD and celebrating blackness all year round! 

Black folks have a lot of sayings. One word alone can have many different meanings. Join us in this episode as we talk with our 'colloquialism' expert Hollee Chanel, as she explains some of the most popular and obscure sayings in our vocabulary. Now when you get in here, don't touch nothing, look at nothing or ask for nothing!  PERIODTTT. 

Recapping  the Black Vote in the 2020 Presidential Election. We talk numbers, if we voted, "45," and more.  This year has been a tough one, but "We" also know what's at stake. This vote was a vote for change, reminding us now, more than ever, that Black Votes Matter. 

This episode dives into the myth (or fact) of Boston being a racist city.  Depending on who you ask, you will surely get a different story. We share our stories of being from Boston and how Boston feels to us. 

Why don't black people like fearful fun? If we are always the first to take off running, then why are we always the first to die in the movies? Why do we yell at the screen knowing they can't hear us? We interview Horror expert Monet Walker and find out why Horror and Black folks don't mix.

This episode dives into the myth behind Black folks' "love" for chicken and watermelon. Where did this stereotype come from? Why was it hurled upon us? Why does it matter? Where do you stand on the topic? Do you feel some kind of way about it? We say grab some chicken, eat some watermelon, and listen!

Let's talk about The Black Vote. Do you think your vote doesn't matter? Its just one vote. What difference does it make?  Right? We interview Dr. Nathan Connolly, Associate Professor of History at Johns Hopkins University, and dive into why we think this way and what the Black vote truly means to us.

For Black folks who grew up in the "Mind Ya Business" era, this episode breaks down the myth of Black people not going to therapy. Therapy is just putting out your "Dirty Laundry" ...or is it? We interview Licensed Clinical Social Worker Natalia Kennedy to find out if therapy is for US and if we can get rid of the excuses not to go.

Why don't black people go camping? Are you afraid of snakes too? Anyone else have raccoon problems? We'll talk about bears, hiking, tents, Glamping and More!

Can you swim to save your life? I've got 4 strokes then I'm going down. Why don't Black people swim?

Black at Debut! Find out what the show is about and tune in. Two great hosts diving into black culture and debunking myths about blackness or atleast try to.