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African-American culture

Sun Ra

Space is the place

How musicians like Sun Ra and George Clinton imagined a better world through Afrofuturism.

A selection of gospel records and album covers from the 1960s and '70s. Many gospel artists of this era used the B-sides of their 45s for civil rights anthems.

How the forgotten music of the civil rights movement was hiding in plain sight

Music
The World

Are African immigrants African American?

Culture
An engraving of William Wells Brown in London. This was published in his book, "Three Years in Europe." No photo of Brown has ever been found.

William Wells Brown may be the most famous 19th century African American writer you’ve never heard of

Books
Queens-born rapper Awkwafina has become a hit for her smart, comedic lyrics and offbeat style.

Awkwafina is changing hip-hop one vulgar, hilarious lyric at a time

Music
Security forces charge demonstrators after being hit by water bo

Ferguson shows how America’s racial past haunts the nation’s present

Justice

Was the shooting of Michael Brown an isolated incident or another chapter in America’s history of racial division? The events in Ferguson have brought that question back to the front of national news, and some people think it needs to stay there.

The World

From Adam Clayton Powell Jr. to Charles Rangel: the past and future of Harlem’s political leadership

Conflict & Justice

Joining us to talk about both the history and the future of Harlem’s political leadership is Chris Smith, a reporter for New York magazine Luther Smith, a Harlem resident and political analyst.

The World

Dan Charnas on the history of hip hop as a business

Arts, Culture & Media

It may seem like just yesterday that you first heard The Sugar Hill Gang or Run DMC, but the hip hop business is pushing forty.

Versatile Lebanese Hip-Hop duo Ashekman Build an Empire through Hard Work

Lifestyle & Belief

Ashekman (aa-SHAKE-mon) is a hip-hop duo that embraces all aspects of hip-hop, and, true to the tradition of the musical form, have added their own style, flare and message. The group consists of a pair of twins – Omar and Mohammad Kabbani – who were 18 years old when they started rapping and making graffiti art almost […]

Hijab Wearing Breakdancer Turns Heads in Morocco

Lifestyle & Belief

In Rabat Morocco, there’s a new breakdancer on the scene who goes by the name B-Girl Scarf. While many are taking a note that she dances wearing a hijab, she hopes you’ll pay more attention to her hip hop moves. Producer Jake Warga brings us her story.In Rabat Morocco, there’s a new breakdancer on the scene who goes by the name B-Girl Scarf. While many are taking a note that she dances wearing a hijab, she hopes you’ll pay more attention to her hip hop moves. Producer Jake Warga brings us her story.