Actress and activist Erika Alexander and filmmaker and educator Whitney Dow have teamed up to host a narrative podcast that will take on the controversial topic of reparations. Color Farm Media, the media company behind last year’s critically acclaimed documentary “John Lewis: Good Trouble,” has partnered with Charlamagne Tha God’s and iHeartMedia’s The Black Effect Podcast Network to release Reparations: The Big Payback.
While reparations for Black Americans is a hot button issue for many, Charlamagne Tha God said the podcast is in part a response to what is being said in the Black community “There are so many conversations revolving around reparations and the case for Black Americans to have reparations, and hopefully this project adds to those conversations and makes people realize why reparations isn't just a request, but a necessary step for this country to take in order for it to atone for the sin of slavery and finally get to a real place of healing,” he said.
The series leverages the diversity of its hosts – Alexander is Black and Dow is White – to bring two different perspectives to the conversation as they explore the argument for and against reparations. The podcast also investigates the underlying racist architecture of modern businesses, laws, policies, and institutions that have their roots in slavery.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Charlamagne Tha God and iHeartMedia to launch this important podcast at a critical juncture in the history of America,” said Alexander in a statement. “We sit on the precipice of an opportunity to heal America’s divide through leaning into a greater understanding of the restorative powers of reparations.” Alexander is best known for her roles as Pam Tucker on the TV sitcoms “The Cosby Show” and Maxine Shaw on “Living Single.”
Added Dow, “I believe the need for true racial reconciliation is one the most pressing issues confronting our country today, and that an honest conversation about reparations is a critical component in beginning to heal the wounds of slavery.”
New episodes of Reparations: The Big Payback will be released every Thursday.
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