Committed to elevating and honoring Black voices, Connecticut Public highlights diverse narratives and community stories from across the state. Dive into a rich tapestry of narratives celebrating the Black communities across Connecticut and beyond. Explore podcasts, documentaries, local news and talk shows, all spotlighting diverse perspectives and stories.
Black Voices Spotlight on Local Authors & Artists
At Connecticut Public, we celebrate Black voices year-round—through storytelling, reporting, and the arts. This February, as part of our ongoing Black Voices initiative, we’re highlighting authors and artists to honor Black history, and celebrate the creativity and lived experiences shaping our communities today.
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Krystal Marquis talks about her bestselling book series 'The Davenports.' The Davenports are based on a real family, and the book offers a portrait of Black wealth that is often left out of history. -
Although many efforts have been made to expand books and curriculum used to teach Black history, African American children’s literature can still be limited. -
“An Arcane Inheritance," weaves dark academia with occult secrets at a fictional Ivy League school based in Hartford. -
Muralist and curator Andre Rochester talks about building an art career in Hartford — and why Black History Month is about presence, pride and persistence. -
While some may think Craft’s partly autobiographical books portray stark adversity, he said it’s quite the contrary. -
NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks to Cheryl W. Thompson about her book, "Forgotten Souls: The Search for the Lost Tuskegee Airmen," which chronicles Black World War II pilots who were lost in combat.
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NPR's Scott Simon speaks with Carlotta Walls LaNier about her new children's picture book, "Carlotta's Special Dress," recounting her story as the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine.
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We discuss a new picture book about inventor Jim West and hear from Angeline Boulley, bestselling author of young adult novels like 'Firekeeper's Daughter' and 'Sisters in the Wind'. -
Jim Clyburn's new book, The First Eight, restores the lives of South Carolina's early Black congressmen and shows how their battles during Reconstruction offer lessons, and warnings, for politics today. -
After seven years without a permanent home, the Studio Museum in Harlem – regarded as a symbol of Black Art - is reopening its doors at a new building in New York City.
Talk Shows
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Provided by Dalia KinseyWe talk with registered dietician Dalia Kinsey about the book, Decolonizing Wellness. We also hear from two local women business owners working to make beauty and wellness accessible to all. -
Tyler Russell/Connecticut PublicThis hour, we take a look at strikes, when they work, and when they don’t. We also investigate calls for economic blackouts, and discuss what power consumers have with these economic strikes. -
South agency/E+ / Getty ImagesYoung men helped Donald Trump get back into the White House in 2024. What did the podcasts they listen to have to do with it – and ahead of the midterms – is this voting bloc up for grabs again? -
Mark Mirko/Connecticut PublicThe President and CEO of the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation talks about some big changes at the organization. He also reflects on serving as mayor of Youngstown, Ohio. -
Provided by Karen WalrondKaren Walrond describes how trying new things—even if we're not good at them—can expand our definition of self. Plus, we visit Baila Con Gusto CT, where dabblers dance in community. -
Ayannah Brown/Connecticut PublicDisrupted recently reached a milestone— five years on the air. We celebrated with a live event that included a panel discussion on the theme of “Finding Joy and Purpose in Turbulent Times.”
Host and political scientist Khalilah Brown-Dean unpacks how big and small disruptions are shaping our lives.
Local News
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Hundreds of mourners and well-wishers gathered at the Leo D. Mahoney Arena on the Fairfield University campus Saturday to celebrate the life of Carolyn Vermont, a noted local civil rights leader. -
The “Six Triple Eight” was the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II. -
Dancers of all backgrounds spend Tuesday nights with traditional Colombian music and dance, thanks to a dance instructor that celebrates her Afro-Colombian culture. -
Carolyn Vermont, a popular civil rights and community activist in Bridgeport, has died. -
Samantha Williams said her experiences as president and CEO of 628 Digital Design are reflected in a new report called “The State of Black Businesses in Connecticut.” The report found that access to capital remains the biggest challenge for Black business owners.
Enslaved people helped build the foundation of much of Connecticut. Get to know some of these men, women and children and the lives they lived.
StoryCorps: featuring Black Voices
StoryCorps has been animating select stories since 2010, translating its trove of award-winning audio recordings to screens both big and small. StoryCorps’ animations share the wisdom of humanity through dynamic visuals in a variety of animation styles.
PBS Features
A ground-breaking documentary that explores the ways in which racism is intertwined with American religion.
WATCH HERE
WATCH HERE
NPR features
IBA profiles a diverse selection of current and historically significant figures whose stories help illuminate life in Black America.
Connecticut Public aims to elevate Black voices in our coverage. We want to hear from you!