Still Paying the Price: Reparations in Real Terms

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EP 5: Farming in the U.S. and the Opportunities for Correcting Past Harms Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

John Boyd Jr. is the civil rights leader you’ve never heard of. For decades, he’s been fighting the U.S. government’s discrimination against Black farmers like himself, securing billions for them to keep their lands–and keep the legacy of Black people in agriculture alive. It’s a legacy that traces back to slavery, when Black Americans built the agricultural wealth of the United States.

Today, farm workers are predominantly Latino, especially in the West, and are witnesses to their own decades-long history of mobilization for the rights to fair wages and working conditions in the fields. In California, that legacy now includes a booming business of legal cannabis cultivation. This episode explores the throughlines of racism and economic exploitation in agriculture, but also where great opportunity for reconstruction of the industry–and reparations for past harm–can exist, if we know where to look. Reported by Paulina Velasco.

Follow John Boyd Jr. on Twitter @JWBoydNBFA.

EP 4: Checks and Royalties: The Unsung Black Roots of American Music Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

This episode explores the historical erasure and appropriation of Black musicians and songwriters. Mark Anthony Neal, Chair of the African & African American Studies Department at Duke University, explains how Black artists were often exploited, denied proper credit, and overshadowed by white artists who covered their songs. It also traces the origins of American music back to the spirituals created by enslaved Africans, the evolution of rhythms in New Orleans, and the influence of genres like jazz, blues, and rock 'n' roll. Despite progress made by labels like Motown, contemporary artists like Kimberly Nichole question whether the industry truly embraces and celebrates Black musicians or simply perpetuates a cycle of erasure and appropriation. Reported by Kojin Tashiro.

Follow Mark Anthony Neal on Twitter @NewBlackMan Follow Kimberly Nichole on Twitter @KimNicky.

EP 3: A Death Ruled “Justifiable”: The Killing of John Wesley Wilder Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

In July 1965, police officer Edward Nugent encountered John Wesley Wilder, a Black man, outside a cafe in Ruston, Louisiana. Nugent shot Wilder five times, resulting in his death. Local authorities deemed it a justifiable homicide, and subsequent investigations in 1965 did not bring justice or closure to Wilder's family. In 2008, legislation introduced by Congressman John Lewis, gave hope to families seeking justice for racially motivated homicides prior to 1970. Nugent, the shooter, is still alive, and new evidence has emerged. Reporter Ben Greenberg investigates whether justice still possible for John Wesley Wilder and his family. Reported by Ben Greenberg.

This episode was produced in partnership with the nonprofit newsroom Type Investigations and with support from the Fund for Investigative Journalism.

EP 2: The Unfinished Story of Alex Manly’s “The Daily Record” Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

Wilmington, North Carolina was once home to a thriving middle class Black population. In 1898, the only successful coup d’état in American history put a stop to it. Alex Manly was part of that elite Black community. An editorial he printed in his newspaper, The Daily Record, was the catalyst for the violence, and Manly was run out of town by a group of white supremacists. In this episode, Manly’s grandson, Dr. Lewin Manly talks about what his family is owed for the loss of The Record and how the Manly family could be made whole again. Reported by Pamela Kirkland.

EP 1: A Family’s Silent Burden: The Killing of Arthur Davis Jul 24, 2023

Show notes

Arthur Davis died on June 30, 1950, but the details surrounding his death raised questions about what really happened to him. His story was buried for years, until his grandson started investigating. Through family oral history, neighbor accounts, and troves of documents, Reginald Crawford was finally able to piece together how his grandfather died. Reported by Pamela Kirkland.

Introducing -- Still Paying the Price: Reparations in Real Terms Jul 22, 2023

Show notes

“Still Paying the Price: Reparations in Real Terms” is a 14-part series exploring how reparations should be paid and to whom. Original score by Kojin Tashiro. Cover art: "Gemini" by Fitgi Saint-Louis.

For more information, all episodes, and transcripts visit StillPayingThePricePod.com.

This series was funded by a grant from The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

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