A Word … with Jason Johnson
America doesn’t need another conversation about race. At least, not the kind we’ve been having ... the ones that are sparked by a crisis and move quickly from shock, to empty promises, to forgetting. No. What America needs are REAL conversations about race … ones that shine a light on the facts, the history, and the reality of how race plays out in our politics and society. That’s what Slate offers each week on A Word With Jason Johnson. A veteran political commentator, Johnson will bring his incisive wit to thoughtful discussions with leaders, journalists and other change-makers who will tell the truth about America’s challenges around race, and ideas on the way forward.
176
Running on a Prayer
Pastor, scientist, and political novice Chris Jones says he can rebuild Bill Clinton’s coalition to become Arkansas governor.
20 min
177
Cuba’s Color Revolution
Many Afro-Cubans are leading calls for change. Who’s listening?
22 min
178
The Cruelty Was the Point. Is It Still?
Adam Serwer on how Donald Trump’s weaponized cruelty outlasted his presidency.
22 min
179
No Flag, No Anthem, No Apologies
Gwen Berry is a leading woman in the Kaepernick Era of activist athletes, but she’s not alone.
21 min
180
The Racial Reckoning Soundtrack
The summer of protest ignited an explosive reaction in Black music.
21 min
181
Stacey Abrams is Hot
Power-broker, king-maker, best-selling novelist. Is there anything Stacey Abrams can’t do?
25 min
182
Is Critical Race Theory Getting Canceled?
Ibram Kendi explains critical race theory, so even a racist can understand.
19 min
183
Booked, Busy, and Funny as Hell
Comedian David Alan Grier talks about his long Hollywood career, from ‘In Living Color’ to the Netflix sitcom, ‘Dad Stop Embarrassing Me.’
21 min
184
No Whites Allowed?
Chicago’s mayor sparks fury by giving anniversary interviews only to reporters of color.
20 min
185
A Video Vault of Black Excellence
From Barack Obama, to Whoopi Goldberg, to Quincy Jones, The HistoryMakers collects the untold stories of Black icons and leaders.
21 min
186
White Here, White Now
White Fragility author Robin DiAngelo says the jury is still out on whether self-proclaimed white “allies” will fight racism, or even take it seriously.
21 min
187
A Black Nerd Star Rises in Hollywood
With roles in Amazon Prime’s The Underground Railroad, and the rom-com We Broke Up, actor William Jackson Harper is in a good place.
21 min
188
Get Ready, Playa One
“Storymodebae” on how Black women creatives are taking online video gaming to the next level.
19 min
189
After George Floyd, Abolition or Death?
Can jailing bad cops stop police violence?
17 min
190
When Police Kill ... Again
As the Derek Chauvin trial winds down, weary Minnesota activists demand justice for Daunte Wright.
19 min
191
Farming While Black
Covid relief meant a multi-billion dollar payout to struggling Black farmers. Is it enough?
20 min
192
Battling Georgia’s Backlash Against Black Voters
Black voters matter in Georgia. That’s why Republicans want to stop them.
21 min
193
The Falcon and the Rise of Black Superheroes
Why the Falcon can save the world, but can’t get a loan.
21 min
194
The Fight for Water Justice
With Jackson, Mississippi’s crisis making headlines, water access rises as a racial justice cause.
19 min
195
Remembering Breonna Taylor
Kentucky lawmaker Attica Scott put her career, reputation and safety on the line, fighting for justice for Breonna Taylor.
22 min
196
Calling Out Cancel Culture
The debate over cancel culture is spreading.
22 min
197
White Nationalists in Uniform
The Capitol insurrection laid bare the links between violent white nationalist groups, US law enforcement, and the military.
23 min
198
Introducing: A Word … with Jason Johnson
Tough, smart and surprising conversations about race in American politics and society.
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