EP. 151 - Toni Blackman, Author, "Wisdom of the Cypher"
Real Black News
On this final episode of Season 7, world-renowned hip-hop historian, educator, and author Toni Blackman breaks down the spiritual history of hip-hop as told in her book, "Wisdom of the Cypher." Weaving in ancient history, religion, and global studies, Toni shares passionate insights from over two decades of organizing cyphers worldwide, through her travels to over 50 countries, where she describes the cypher as a form of hip hop prayer and transformative meditation - no matter the country where it takes place.
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Ep. 150 Journalist Trymaine Lee - A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America
Real Black News
Ep. 150 of Real Black News features Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Trymaine Lee discussing his book, A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America a work that merges memoir with reporting to examine how systemic racism, historical trauma, and gun violence impact Black life. Inspired by his own 38-year-old heart attack, he explores the emotional, physical, and ancestral weight of violence.
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Author Amy Dubois Barnett "If I Ruled the World"
Real Black News
Ep. 149 of Real Black News, hosted by Raqiyah Mays, features updates on the ICE protests in Minnesota, the shocking arrests of journalists for reporting on these protests, the 100-year anniversary of Black History Month, and an interview with author and former journalist Amy Dubois Barnett, who made history as the first Black woman to helm a mainstream U.S. Magazine. She discusses her debut novel and bestseller, If I Ruled the World, where she pens a juicy story based in the hip hop world of the '90s, focused on a young magazine Editor-in-Chief navigating the glamorous yet dangerous world of...
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Ep. 148 Therapist Dr. Camille Banks-Lee: How to Set Boundaries & Intentions
Real Black News
On this special, first episode of 2026, psychotherapist Dr. Camille Banks-Lee shares tips on setting morning boundaries, intentions, and why she recommends using AI for therapy.
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Ep. 147 Dana Dane, Legendary MC
Real Black News
Episode 147 of Real Black News, hosted by Raqiyah Mays, features legendary hip-hop MC Dana Dane taking a nostalgic trip discussing his career, coming up with Slick Rick, the highs and lows of fame, and eventually pivoting to film and moving to Rwanda. Other topics include good news from Palm Springs, Guinea, Washington, DC, Tulsa, and more of the top 5 Black news stories from around the world. Follow on IG at @RealBlackNews.
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Ep. 146 - Daheli Hall, Black Infertility & SPADURA
Real Black News
Ep. 146 of Real Black News, hosted by Raqiyah Mays, features an intimate discussion with writer and comedian Daheli Hall about her award-winning one-woman show and documentary SPADURA, where she opens up about her struggles with infertility and the courage to publicly share it. News stories this episode highlight Black excellence in NYC, Taiwan, Kenya, and Little Rock, Arkansas.
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Ep. 145 Showrunner Selwyn Seyfu Hinds, Creator of "Washington Black"
Real Black News
The Season 7 premiere of Real Black News features Showrunner Selywn Seyfu Hinds, the creator of the Hulu limited series: Washington Black, an epic adventure co-starring Emmy-Winner Sterling K. Brown about a genius boy who escapes slavery to become a globetrotting scientist. Selwyn discusses the modern-day attempts at erasing black history, survivor’s remorse of Black creatives, his learning lessons as a first-time showrunner, and his next project based on Pulitzer-winning author Percival Everett’s novel “The Trees.” Other episode highlights include 5 empowering Black news stories from...
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Ep. 144 Anti-Violence Ventures: Teaching Black Boys
Real Black News
Episode 144 pops up for Men’s Mental Health Month spotlighting Anti-Violence Ventures, a non-profit dedicated to helping young Black men stop the cycle of violence. Special guests Ajamn Johnson and George Granberry, III break down the group’s work with Black teenagers dealing with violence in their homes, communities, and the world. Other topics discussed include the nationwide protests against ICE raids, No Kings Day, Anti-Blackness in the Latino community, and the Diddy trial. Follow Real Black News on Instagram @realblacknews #RealBlackNews #AntiViolenceVentures...
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Ep. 143 Rebecca Alemayehu, Immigrant Rights Lawyer
Real Black News
Ep. 143 of with features 5 empowering Black news stories from South Central LA, Egypt, Philly, The UK, and South Sudan. In celebration of Women’s History Month, lawyer and immigrant rights activist joins the podcast to share her work as the first Black attorney on the ground at the US-Mexico border helping Black asylum seekers and children in detention centers across the US. As the founder of and Co-founder of the Habesha Asylum Seeker Fund, Rebecca has made it her mission to raise awareness of the immigration crisis affecting the Black community. #RealBlackNews
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Dr. Camille Banks Lee – How to Support LA Wildfire Survivors Beyond Money
Real Black News
In this first episode (and therapy session) of 2025, psychotherapist Dr. Camille Banks Lee provides critical tips for supporting children, adults, and all affected – physically and emotionally - by the trauma of the LA Wildfires. Other topics discussed: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the ceasefire in Gaza. #MLKDay
info_outlineOn Episode 134 host Raqiyah Mays shares the top five empowering Black news stories from around the world including this episode’s picks from Cameroon, Morocco, Washington, DC, Ghana, Newark, NJ, and even Dubai. Plus discussions on Wendy Williams, Black Girls Rock, and more.