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Black History Bites

Black History Bites

By BLAM UK

Black Learning Achievement and Mental Health (BLAM UK) is proud to offer short, bite sized, and accessible global Black history and cultural podcast episodes to aid you in your Black history learning.
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Beauty Standards

Black History BitesMar 27, 2021

00:00
07:41
Lovers Rock

Lovers Rock

Discover the story of Lovers Rock, a special music style born in 1970s Britain. This episode explores how it came from reggae roots, grew in South London, and became a voice for Black communities. Lovers Rock songs celebrated love, empowered men and women, and provided a safe space away from racism. Join us to learn how this music genre became a symbol of Black joy and love.
Mar 25, 202405:23
Jamaican Sound Systems

Jamaican Sound Systems

In this episode, We explore the history of Jamaican Sound Systems. From their roots in Kingston to their influence on British music, find out how these systems shaped communities and genres!
Mar 15, 202405:43
Navigating The CrossRoads: Intersectionality.

Navigating The CrossRoads: Intersectionality.

Welcome to our podcast episode, we are embarking on a journey to explore the intricate interplay of identities and how they shape the experiences of marginalized communities. Our focus today is on the profound concept of intersectionality and its impact on self-care.
Jan 19, 202410:35
Goree Island: A Haunting History of Slavery and Resilience

Goree Island: A Haunting History of Slavery and Resilience

Join us on Black History Bites as we delve into the haunting history of Goree Island. This Senegalese island became a pivotal trading post, transporting goods and enslaved people to the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Explore its colonial histories, the sinister Maison des Esclaves, and the heart-wrenching stories of those who endured the transatlantic slave trade.
Jan 05, 202408:23
A Timeline of Black British TV!

A Timeline of Black British TV!

Explore the creativity of Black British television across six decades in this episode! From groundbreaking shows to cultural milestones, join us as we celebrate the rich history and impact of Black voices on the UK screen!
Dec 15, 202304:28
Unveiling "Global Black Narratives for the Classroom" Books Release and Launch Event

Unveiling "Global Black Narratives for the Classroom" Books Release and Launch Event

BLAM UK is thrilled to unveil its groundbreaking two-volume set of books, "Global Black Narratives for the Classroom: Black Britain & Europe (Vol 1)" and “Africa, The Americas and The Caribbean (Vol 2)." Book launch event: 11th December 2023! 🎟️: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/750969900187?aff=ebdsshios Book release date: 22nd December, 2023! 📚: Available on Amazon & Routedge
Dec 01, 202303:49
Black Hair

Black Hair

In this episode, we explore the beauty and history of black hair, discussing the origins of a variety of hairstyles.
Nov 10, 202307:04
Black Inventors: Dr. Glady West

Black Inventors: Dr. Glady West

Welcome to our podcast episode, where we delve into the remarkable life of Gladys West, an influential inventor who played a pivotal role in shaping the world of GPS (Global Positioning System). #GladysWest #GPSInventor #Trailblazer #InspiringJourneys

Sep 22, 202305:32
The Influence of Y2K on UK Rap!

The Influence of Y2K on UK Rap!

In this episode, we delve into the impact of Y2K aesthetics on the UK Rap scene, showcasing how this trend has gone through a fascinating evolution and adaptation to seamlessly integrate with today's fashion and music landscape. 🎤🖤🔥





Sep 08, 202305:06
Author Interview: Nii Ayikwei Parkes

Author Interview: Nii Ayikwei Parkes

We have a chat with author Nii Ayikwei Parkes about his upcoming novel Azúcar, the theme of 'home' and being a Black writer in Britain


Jun 01, 202321:18
Talawa Theatre Company 🎭

Talawa Theatre Company 🎭

Learn more about UK’s primary Black Theatre company
May 17, 202303:58
Black British Music 15th-19th Century 🎼

Black British Music 15th-19th Century 🎼

We look at Black British musicians in the 15th-19th Centuries
Apr 12, 202305:27
Black music as a form of protest 🎶✊🏾

Black music as a form of protest 🎶✊🏾

We look at how Black music across the world has been used as a form of protest; with a particular look at Samba music in Brazil
Mar 28, 202306:04
The ancient kingdom of Kilwa Kisiwani

The ancient kingdom of Kilwa Kisiwani

We look at the Ancient African kingdom of Kilwa Kisiwani
Mar 15, 202304:12
The life of Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor

The life of Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor

We look at the life and legacy of culinary griot Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor
Feb 27, 202304:38
Rose and the Burma Sky

Rose and the Burma Sky

We have a chat with author Rosanna Amaka about her new book Rose and the Burma Sky, the Black soldiers of WWII and being a Black author in Britain

Feb 20, 202309:05
The Caribbean Artist Movement

The Caribbean Artist Movement

We look at the history, impact and legacy of the Caribbean Artists Movement
Jan 30, 202305:12
The history of Saturday Schools

The history of Saturday Schools

We look at Saturday Schools in Britain and how they helped to support Caribbean children
Jan 02, 202304:58
Mermaids in African and Caribbean mythology

Mermaids in African and Caribbean mythology

Mami Wata, La Sirène, Mama Dlo. These are some of the names given to mermaids around Africa and the Caribbean. We look at the mythology surrounding these creatures
Nov 21, 202206:04
The impact of climate change in Africa and the Caribbean

The impact of climate change in Africa and the Caribbean

We look at the impact climate change is having on Black countries around the world, and the practices indigenous communities are using to try and combat it
Nov 11, 202205:58
Black British Art

Black British Art

Take a little look at Black art in Britain. It’s meaning and history, as well as some of the artists in the scene
Oct 17, 202204:58
Dance cultures of the Caribbean - Dancehall

Dance cultures of the Caribbean - Dancehall

In this episode we look at dancehall dances and pay tribute to the late, great Mr Wacky
Sep 30, 202203:21
The History of Brixton

The History of Brixton

The home of Black communities since the 1959s, Brixton has a long rich history. Join us as we explore this history and the impact Black people have had on the area
Sep 20, 202205:04
Black British Climate Activism

Black British Climate Activism

Look at the effects of the climate crisis on Black communities around the world, and the Black Brits campaigning for our voices to be heard
Sep 08, 202204:46
The History of Saturday Schools

The History of Saturday Schools

We look at the history of Supplementary Schools in the 60s and the impact they had on Black children
Aug 01, 202205:11
Gumbe Music 🪘

Gumbe Music 🪘

We explore the history of Gumbe music and it’s continuation into modern music throughout Western Africa
Jul 14, 202203:20
Black British English

Black British English

What is Black British English? Join us as we look at the history, culture and impact of this unique language
Jul 04, 202205:25
Black British Music 🎶

Black British Music 🎶

Take a look into the unique sounds of Black Britain and their history
Jun 30, 202204:23
African Contemporary Art in Senegal

African Contemporary Art in Senegal

African artists are taking the contemporary art world by storm, but in this episode we are going to focus on the beautiful nation of Senegal.
May 10, 202204:19
Black British Music - Grime

Black British Music - Grime

A brief look at the history of grime music and it’s influence on popular culture
May 03, 202204:35
Sultanates of Somalia 🇸🇴

Sultanates of Somalia 🇸🇴

The Mogadishu sultanate was a sultanate in the southern region of Somali territory that was distinguished in its trading network until it was taken over by the Ajuran Empire in the 13th century. The Ajuran Sultanate was another powerful sultanate that established itself from the early to mid-13th century, until its decline in the early 17th century. They controlled many southern-central regions
in Somalia along the Shabelle Valley, in the Mudugh region in the East, along
the Kenyan frontier and along the Indian Ocean’s coast in the South.
Mar 18, 202208:57
The Life and Times of Dapper Dan 🧥

The Life and Times of Dapper Dan 🧥

Dapper Dan is both the bright mind behind reworked logos and screen-printed monograms of fashion houses such as Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and MCM for luxury streetwear, as well as the inventor of the process for screen printing onto leather, used in luxury automobile interiors. He currently works with Gucci on their Diversity Council, as well as through an appointment-only atelier in Harlem where he designs independent pieces as well as capsule collections.
Mar 17, 202206:45
Exploring the Work of Miss Hylton 💐

Exploring the Work of Miss Hylton 💐

At BLAM UK we firmly believe in giving people their flowers while they’re still alive to enjoy them! It is why we are always so happy to talk about a fashion stylist icon such as Misa Hylton.
Mar 16, 202205:01
Supporting Black Business 💸

Supporting Black Business 💸

What’s the point of supporting Black business? A business is a business right, it doesn’t matter who it’s owned by. Wrong! As Black people it’s imperative that we support our own and this episode will tell you why.
Mar 15, 202205:19
The Haitian Revolution

The Haitian Revolution

The Haitian Revolution was instrumental in triggering the collapse of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and the abolition of slavery around the world. Listen to learn more about the individuals involved and the catalyst for the Revolution.
Mar 02, 202206:53
Jamaica: Home of the Remixes 🇯🇲

Jamaica: Home of the Remixes 🇯🇲

Imagine knowing a song your whole life, then finding out it’s actually a cover. Welcome to the life of a Jamaican child! Discover covers and remixes you probably didn’t even know existed.
Feb 24, 202207:23
Black Women & Their Cultural History of Acrylic Nails

Black Women & Their Cultural History of Acrylic Nails

This week on Black History Bites, we are discussing the history of Black women sporting long acrylic nails.

Did you know that acrylic nails were invented in the 1950’s?

1954 was the year in which Fred Slack, a dentist, broke his fingernail at work and decided to use dental products to create a temporary replacement. He later went on to create a company called ‘Patti Nails’ with his brother making his invention public and available to the world.

Unfortunately, the shadows of cultural appropriation have aided in the erasure of this historic Black female cultural contribution.
Feb 22, 202206:40
The (New) Yam Festival

The (New) Yam Festival

This week on Black History Bites, we are learning about the cultural and religious importance of the New Yam Festival in Western Africa. The New Yam Festival is celebrated throughout the whole of Africa, but it is celebrated the most in Nigeria and Ghana.
Feb 19, 202204:58
Black Foods in the US

Black Foods in the US

Food is a huge deal to Black American culture in the US! In today's episode, we'll be looking at the idea of culinary retention from Africa as enslaved Africans were taken and brought to the United States. Foods such as gumbo, hot sauce, and Juneteenth specials have strong historical ties to the Motherland, presenting the social collectivity of the diaspora!
Feb 07, 202205:35
Black Foods in South America & the Caribbean

Black Foods in South America & the Caribbean

Today we're exploring how African food traditions are closely linked to Afro-Latinx and Caribbean cuisine. Looking at foods such as rice and peas and the popular Brazilian food acaraje. Its strongly advised that you don't listen to this episode on an empty stomach!
Jan 29, 202204:49
Black Foods in Africa

Black Foods in Africa

Today we are looking at Black foods in Africa, with a focus on West Africa. From jollof rice, to stew, to plantain, to pounded yam — many of the foods across the continent are very similar with slight alterations and differing names. We will also learn about how the climate in these places affects local food traditions.
Jan 21, 202205:26
Black Cowboys

Black Cowboys

Black cowboys have been a major part of Black global history and yet have been sidelined in history. Recently, there has been a resurgence and realisiation that African-Americans were some of the first, highly skilled, trailblazing, and most famous cowboys who were and are instrumental in developing cowboy culture in the United States. Even more, Black cowboys are not historical relics of the past and still are a major part of contemporary African-American communities who continue to redefine and innovate cowboy culture. In this episode we discuss the five most notable Black cowboys and cowgirls in history. These individuals were Nat Love, Bill Pickett, Bose Ikard, Bass Reeves, and Johanna July. To learn more and support the Compton Cowboys: https://www.comptoncowboys.com/ & a short documentary about the group https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AqFB_LA94s.
Jan 06, 202207:26
Afrofuturism II
Dec 18, 202112:38
Afrofuturism I
Dec 09, 202109:02
The Haitian Revolution

The Haitian Revolution

The Haitian Revolution is one of many examples of Black resistance and liberation against systems of slavery and colonial rule.
Nov 20, 202108:03
Luo Community & Art

Luo Community & Art

The Luo have a very rich arts culture and often perform dance music and use musical instruments and costumes during ceremonies and funerals.
Sep 20, 202105:49
The Evolution of Rap: From Oral Traditions to NWA

The Evolution of Rap: From Oral Traditions to NWA

Have you heard of the Griots? Listen to find more about the history of oral traditions in Africa and how it has influenced modern rap.
Aug 09, 202104:29
African Contemporary Art

African Contemporary Art

Did you know that there are over 3000 cultural groups in Africa? That's potentially 3000 different African artistic expressions. African art forms include sculpting, pottery, painting, drawing, textiles, clothing, and many more
Jul 23, 202105:23
Social Structures and Caste Systems in Ancient Africa

Social Structures and Caste Systems in Ancient Africa

The ancient African continent was made up of a number of diverse hierarchal societies which primarily determined people’s social standing.
Jul 19, 202107:31
Garifuna Dugu Ceremonies: Funeral Traditions in the Diaspora

Garifuna Dugu Ceremonies: Funeral Traditions in the Diaspora

Dugu is a healing ceremony in which Garifuna community members come together to call upon ancestral spirits - known as ‘Gubida’ - to help heal or aid the passing of a sick person.
Jul 09, 202104:13