Today is Martin Luther King Day in the United States, so in his honor, I’ve compiled a list of the five best podcast episodes from the My American Meltingpot archives to listen to on this day. These are episodes that hopefully will encourage you to work on your anti-racist activism and inspire you to dream of a better tomorrow. Of course you don’t have to listen to them all today, but you can if you want to. No judgement from me.
Considering half the country is shoveling out from under snow and everyone should be hunkering down hiding from Omicron, binge listening to a bunch of inspirational podcast episodes may be the best way to celebrate MLK Day this year. (But if you are looking for some other options to honor Dr. King, check out my post from last year: How to Celebrate MLK Day During a Global Pandemic.)
So, without further ado, here are:
Five Inspirational MAMP Podcast Episodes to Listen to on MLK Day
1. How We Fight White Supremacy:
On this episode of the MAMP podcast, authors Akiba Solomon and Kenrya Rankin join me to deconstruct white supremacy and its pervasive hold on America. Then we discuss the myriad ways people – both Black and white – can fight back. The conversation was inspired by the release of their brilliant book, How We Fight White Supremacy, but even if you haven’t read the book, you’ll still enjoy the heartfelt and moving conversation. *The MLK Connection: Obviously, MLK wanted us all to fight white supremacy, so listen to this episode and take good notes and then get to work.
2. Can Technology Be Racist?
On this early episode of the podcast, I am joined by author and tech expert Meredith Broussard and she shares how technology be racist. From cell phones to self-driving cars, Broussard explains how human bias gets coded into the technology we use everyday. And of course, what we should be doing in response. Fun fact, Broussard has a new book coming out soon about this very topic, so follow her on Twitter so you know when it hits store shelves. * The MLK Connection: Dr. King was aware that racism was systemic and that we had to interrogate every aspect of society to root out this pernicious evil.
3. Unapologetically Bold and Black: Diversity in Kids Lit
On this episode of the podcast, award-winning author, Zetta Elliott shares her experiences in the world of children’s literature that inspired her to take her activism to the page and the publishing world. She shares the backstories to some of her most popular books and why she thinks it’s important for kids of color to see themselves in fantasy and sci-fi stories. *The MLK Connection: Dr. King always talked about his dream to build a better world for his children. Well, this episode is all about the “better world” children need right now via their literature.
4. How to Talk to Your Children about Race
On this fabulous episode, I’m joined by three different mother-educators from three distinct ethnic backgrounds. On the show we share practical advice and real-life stories for talking to young people – from young kids to teens – about race and racism. This episode truly is an amazing resource for parents and educators. * The MLK Connection: Dr. King didn’t excuse children from participating in the struggle for civil rights, and neither should you. If we teach the children well, then we give them the tools for dismantling oppressive structures.
5. Fried Chicken Belongs to Everyone
Who doesn’t love fried chicken? But who gets bragging rights for ownership of the deep-fried bird? Turns out, fried chicken is a culinary delight in multiple cultures and countries. On this episode we talk to experts from South Korea, Guatemala and the American South to explore the history and cultural connections of fried chicken. *The MLK Connection: Sources say that Dr. King loved fried chicken, that it was in fact, one of his favorite foods. So, there’s that, but also, Dr. King believed in coalition building around shared experiences. He knew that the way forward required Americans to see beyond their differences and instead focus on their similarities, like their shared love of crispy, fried chicken.
A Podcast Playlist fit for a King
Okay, there you have it. Even though we’ve recorded 70 episodes of the MAMP podcast, I think these five options perfectly capture the spirit of Dr. King. They’re educational and inspirational and are meant to provide you with the type of information and action plans you can use in your everyday life, not just on MLK Day. I’d like to think Dr. King would enjoy these episodes too.
