Black Feminist Podcast
WGSS-250: Critical Race Feminism
Season 2
Cover art by Olivia Bessler, Kemberly Fuentes, Kaitlyn Ledford, and Kaya West.
1. "Framing the Narrative"
Presented by Skylar Guarini, Clay Willett, and Cheyenne Peters
On this episode of "Framing the Narrative" we discuss three literary works that address the themes of trauma and memory through the intersections of race and gender: Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Recitatif by Toni Morrison, and Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet Jacobs. Within this episode, we recognized the shared counter narrative present in all three works that humans have infinitely nuanced and layered relationships both outside of and within their own race, which is why it’s important to consider everyone as an individual rather than a figurehead. By reading about the lived experience of black women through fictional and nonfiction narratives such as these, we were able to enrich our understanding of stories that directly resist master narratives about black women. In this work, we must always be critical of the systems that have historically silenced and distorted these voices, and in doing so we help create space for the autonomy and agency of Black women, which makes liberation for all women on a global scale possible.
2. “At the Intersections”
Presented by Olivia Bessler, Kemberly Fuentes, Kaitlyn Ledford, Kaya West
This podcast addresses the harsh stereotypes inflicted on Black Women, particularly the "Angry Black Women" stereotype. While highlighting the voices of Patricia Hill Collins and Kimberle Crenshaw, this podcast delves into the real-life experiences of Black Women maneuvering and challenging these master narratives by using examples within media and politics through a critical race feminist lens. There is an illumination on what these intersectional identities endure on a day to day basis by recognizing these women's strengths.
3. “Operation Representation"
Presented by Olivia Regenhardt, Jillian Younger, Faith Sellers, Jillian Gorham
Welcome to "Operation: Representation." In this episode we will analyze how the media that we consume as children affects the way we see those around us. We dive into the representation of black women and various other intersections in our beloved childhood media. Discussing themes across works such as Princess and the Frog, the Proud Family, Stevens Universe and even Black Panther. We also break down these works and propose more progressive and holistic ways of representation to children and anyone else who may indulge in these works. Enjoy!
4. “Shades of Inequality: A Podcast on Colorism”
Presented by Ava Morrow, Sophia Mitchell, Leah Mack, Alyse Murphy-Spiteri
In this episode titled "Shades of Inequality: A Podcast on Colorism", we discuss the origins of colorism (discrimination based on skin tone) and its connection to global critical race feminism. We emphasize that Black women's experiences globally are nuanced and not a monolith; however, Black women share a commonality of being negatively affected by Eurocentric beauty standards that lead to harmful health and self esteem effects. We highlight these experiences through the movie " The Color Purple" which displays themes of colorism and how it is an issue in society. In this podcast it focuses on centering the black woman's experience through sharing counter narratives which can liberate darker skinned women.
5. “Shine Light on the Black Woman Lives”
Presented by Sophia Plemmons, Aimy Aidara, Lyn Southall, Sebastian Tuominen-Pawlik
Throughout history women have struggled to gain fair treatment and autonomy over their own bodies. With Roe v. Wade overturned, that battle has intensified in modern day and no group feels it more acutely than Black women. Drawing on Patricia Hill Collins’ framework of controlling images, this podcast explores how deeply rooted stereotypes and government systems put women of color at a systemic disadvantage. We will analyze through real cases, historical context and honest conversation how the healthcare system has failed Black women and what resistance and reclaiming that power looks like today.
Season 1
1. What’s Brewing in Black Feminism
Presented by Phoebe Fuller, Maya Pagel, Kajsa Murphy and Victoria Campbell
This podcast introduces listeners to firsthand accounts of Black women exposed to domestic violence and intersectional sexual oppression in connection to Global Critical Race Feminism. By interpreting these counter narratives, we can better understand our privileged identities and how our status can be used to support those facing oppression. The stories of women such as Harriet Jacobs, Hillary Potter and bell hooks speak toward a silenced population in hopes of empowering women in a violent setting. Helping marginalized women understand that they are not alone, and educating others on this topic, is the goal of our podcast.
2. Health Disparity in America
Presented by Gavinya Wijesekera, Jules Bendfeldt, Christian Gonzalez and Olive Woodsmall
This podcast delves into the ways in which institutionalized racism and disregard for the environment result in the prominent health disparities faced by BIPOC communities, particularly Black women, within the American health care system. The lack of pre- and postnatal care, in addition to the rise in pollution, disproportionately affect Black women, and we pose the question of how this would manifest in the way they would be treated within a healthcare system that is already based on their exclusion.
3. New Hair Who Dis?
Presented by Jordan Stewart and Samantha Buelvas
The main topic of this podcast is the problem Black women face when they are trying to naturally style their hair in the workforce. Over the many years Black people have lived in the United States, they have been subject to discrimination for many things, including the different ways they can healthily and naturally style their hair. This podcast discusses the texture of Black hair and a few common styles that Black people use. We discuss a legal battle with a Black woman and American Airlines for their refusal to allow her to display her natural hair. This podcast shows how discrimination against Black people goes much deeper than their skin; it goes as deep as their naturally amazing hair.
4. Black Women in Motherhood
Presented by Tay Tellis, Jamiah Riley and Kylee DeVore
This episode of "Black Motherhood and Family" encompasses the struggles that Black women face in the world ruled by the white supremacist patriarchy in terms of their role of motherhood. There is discussion on how Black women have to navigate their roles (maternal or not) in their families with stereotypes and preconceived notions imposed on their beings. There is also an evaluation of the idea of the "Cult of True Womanhood" and how that idea can negate the layers of identities Black women experience throughout their lives. There is also a section in which there is talk of reconciliation of those identities and how they also empower Black women's lived experiences in motherhood and their dynamics within their families.
5. L + J 2.0: Black Women in the Workplace
Presented by Jessica Monroy-Carillo and Lindsey Glass
Black women are constantly oppressed in the workplace. There are stereotypes of Black women in the workplace and an underrepresentation of Black women in the workplace, especially in connection with Black women's hair. But many people are not aware of the laws in place that protect people of color and women. This podcast explains Title VII and the equal pay act that are government implemented and are there to help Black women navigate the workplace.