This week, I’ve dedicated my Listen List to podcasts, music and audiobooks by BIPOC. I try to always have a diverse group of recommendations for you, but I want to do even more. I hope you will take the time to listen to these and work to diversify the things you consume.
‘That’s the test. I mean, can you get up where you fell and at least hold that? Or can you get up where you fell and then take a step forward?’
— The author Alice Walker
Podcasts
Sugar Calling with Alice Walker: “Whatever We Have, We Have To Work With”
I’m a big fan of Alice Walker’s writings. I’m currently reading her book, “We Are The Ones We’ve Been Waiting For,” and it’s been amazing during this really difficult time. She recently was on the author Cheryl Strayed’s podcast “Sugar Calling.” One of the things I love about Alice is her gentle, relaxed wisdom—even when she’s talking about very serious issues. She calms me.
A Call To Serve by Andrea Ranae: “You Will Not Save The World but You Can Make Your Unique Impact”
I recently started following life coach and motivational speaker, Andrea Ranae. I find her content to be very informative and thought-provoking. This podcast episode from last year is a great reminder that we can make our own unique impact and work hard to be an ally and activist. That we shouldn’t avoid trying because we think we can’t make a difference.
Audiobooks
White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
I joined a book club with a few of my friends in an effort to read more books about being an antiracist. We’ve started with this book and it’s already very impactful. I like to also listen to the audiobook in combination with reading to help me make more time for it.
This Is What I Know About Art by Kimberly Drew
A few weeks ago, I came across Kimberly’s work on Instagram and immediately liked her. Her brand-new book is a great reminder that art is for everyone!
We love Gabby’s Spotify recordings of her reading Harry Potter. It was meant for her students but has been circulating around Spotify. I never tire of hearing the Harry Potter stories.
Music
This is an amazing playlist of songs of empowerment and pride. I particularly love: “Black is Beautiful” by Chronixx and “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke.
“I Forgot To Be Your Lover” by William Bell
Such a romantic song that I can’t get out of my head.
“Tryin’ Times” by Roberta Flack
I adore Roberta Flack (I mean, “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” come on!). This song has felt very apt.
If there was more love for your brother
But these are tryin’ times, yeah, yeah
A whole lot of things that’s wrong is going down, yes, it is
I can’t understand it from my point of view
‘Cause I think you should do unto others
As you’d have them do unto you
If there was more love for your brother
But these are tryin’ times, yes, it is”
