Black History Unveiled

Today's episode is about an incredibly impactful moment in world history – one that reshaped not only the African continent but also the Western world. It influenced the development of modern Europe and the formation of Black diasporas across the globe. Today's episode is about the Berlin Conference: perhaps one of the most famous events in the West tied to Africa – yet also one of the most misunderstood.

In this episode of the Black History Unveiled podcast, we delve into a pivotal moment in history, not just for Africa but for Europe and beyond – a moment that has helped shape the modern world. Our focus today is on the period following the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade, a time that evolved into the crushing weight of colonialism. We'll explore how these two devastating eras bled into one another and the long-lasting consequences for the people and regions affected.

Today's episode of the Black History Unveiled podcast is about one of pre-colonial Africa's most famous regents. A woman who, for several decades, resisted Portugal's attempt to conquer her country. A woman whose actions throughout history have been both demonized and glorified. Today's episode is about Njinga – the mother of Angola – and the woman who, in the 17th century, was prepared to do everything to avoid losing her country.

In today's episode of the Black History Unveiled podcast, I interview Rwandan-French author Beata Umubyeyi Mairesse about her book "All Your Children, Scattered". It is a novel about the aftereffects of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, told through three generations. Beata's latest book, "The Convoy", is about her own experiences of the genocide. She was only a teenager when it happened, and the book tells the story of how she escaped the killings and how she, as an adult, tries to piece together the accounts of other survivors. 

The last main episode of Black History Unveiled explored the rise and fall of the Kingdom of Kongo—a powerful Central African state that met a devastating blow at the hands of the Portuguese in 1665. In the aftermath, Kongo not only lost its king but also saw much of its nobility captured, enslaved, and forcibly taken across the Atlantic.Most of them vanished into the brutal anonymity of the transatlantic slave trade, their names erased from history. But not all. Some survived the passage of time. One such figure is Ganga Zumba.Leading a daring escape, he and other fugitives from slavery carved out a stronghold deep in the jungles of Brazil.This is the story of how enslaved Africans fought back, built their own nation, and came close to toppling the Portuguese colonial power.

The conversation around Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl performance is in full swing. Every detail is being dissected, from his set list and relentless jabs at Drake to his vision for the future of hip-hop. Fans and critics alike are also trying to unpack the layers of symbolism woven into his set. One phrase, in particular, has sparked a wave of questions: "40 acres and a mule." What's its history, and why does it still resonate today? I break it down in today's episode.

Season 2 of the Black History Unveiled podcast is here! And the first episode is about a Central African kingdom that dominated its region during the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. This kingdom initially enjoyed a close relationship with Portugal, a relationship that eventually devolved into horrific scenes. This kingdom's fate had profound consequences for the entire Western Hemisphere. Today's episode is about the rise and fall of the Kingdom of Kongo.

Today’s minisode of the Black History Unveiled podcast is about the fight to reintroduce female genital mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia. And how it’s a part of a global movement where, primarily, conservative men seek to maintain and/or regain control over women's bodies and sexuality.