Rooted
Society & Culture
About
Paris Alston hosts this weekly series that serves up Black intellect, culture and joy. Rooted covers Black news and culture from down the block to around the diaspora. In a global news cycle that’s always cooking up new headlines, Rooted brings you the recipes you don’t want to lose: the stories, the voices, the dialogue that keep us connected. Tell us what you think and what you’d like to hear on future episodes at Rooted@wgbh.org . Find more content and subscribe to our YouTube channel .
Episodes
- Is Don Lemon redefiining what a Black journalist can be?
Don Lemon joins Paris Alston on Rooted to discuss his career, truth-telling in media, and the challenges faced by Black journalists. He also touches on his collaboration with D.L. Hughley.
- Is anyone actually 100% Black? Henry Louis Gates Jr. on DNA, race, and power
Henry Louis Gates Jr. speaks about race, identity, and how history shapes American life. He discusses genetic ancestry research, the impact of slavery, and the narratives of Black and Indigenous people in early American history.
- Why do we exist? Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi on the universe, Black representation, and access to science
This episode features Dr. Hakeem Oluseyi, who discusses his book "Why Do We Exist?" The conversation covers the universe, the importance of Black representation in science, and increasing access to scientific fields.
- What the capture of Maduro reveals about U.S. fear of Black sovereignty
This episode of Rooted explores the capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro, the relationship between the Bolivarian Movement and Afro-Venezuelan identity, and the U.S. tradition of intervening in Black-led movements across Latin America.
- Why does America celebrate Black music 50 years late?
This episode of Rooted explores the evolution of jazz music. It delves into the genre's roots in Black American history and the reasons behind delayed recognition for Black innovation in America, featuring saxophonist Godwin Louis.
- Why are Black women in reality TV held to a higher standard of accountability?
This episode of Rooted explores the expectations of accountability for Black women in reality television. It uses America's Next Top Model as a case study, re-examining it critically and considering how a new documentary recontextualizes t…
- Is America losing its history? Fired librarian of Congress warns of the risks under a Trump 2.0 presidency
Former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden and Noelle Trent, head of Boston's Museum of African American History, discuss their efforts to preserve Black history. They address concerns about the potential loss of important parts of U.S. his…
- A new era? What the 2026 Oscars mean for Black cinema, representation, and Hollywood’s future
This episode of Rooted discusses the 2026 Oscars, analyzing its impact on Black cinema, representation, and Hollywood, featuring a panel-led breakdown of major wins, nominations, and the introduction of a new casting category. The discussi…
- Bluey to Baddies: Why is there no 'tween' media?
This episode of Rooted examines the absence of "tween" media. It features discussions with animator Chaz Bottoms about the animation industry and with Genie Deez and Thy Than, showrunners of "Phoebe & Jay," on public media's role in compet…
- 88% Women, Majority Women of Color — So of Course Their Degrees Got Devalued
This episode discusses how federal student loan cuts for future nurses, counselors, educators, and social workers are impacting women, Black students, and communities. It also highlights a community-based initiative creating a pathway for…
- Are we drifting away from Black History Month? The conversation no one is having!
This episode of Rooted discusses the meaning and relevance of Black History Month today, a century after Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week. It examines how Black history is perceived by the public and narratives are shaped, fea…
- Ivory Tower, Broken Workers: The Academic Labor Crisis No One Wants to Own
This episode discusses the academic labor crisis within American universities, focusing on graduate student workers who often earn low wages despite their significant contributions. It highlights issues such as retaliation, homelessness, a…
- Bad Bunny shut the whole Super Bowl down — the culture, the unity, the backlash
This episode of Rooted analyzes Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance. The discussion covers cultural impact, Latino representation, and the reception of Super Bowl ads, featuring insights from Trajan Warren, Katiria Colon, and Auzzy Byrdsell.
- Losing Recipes, Keeping Trauma: The Family Secrets Behind Our Favorite Dishes
This episode of Rooted explores the hidden histories and generational impact embedded within family recipes. It features discussions on confronting unspoken traditions and the culinary legacies that have endured through history.
- 3800 New Voters, Same Old Question: Do the Grammys Still Matter?
This episode discusses the 2026 Grammy Awards, examining changes made by the Recording Academy and questioning the relevance of the awards in the current music landscape. It covers the introduction of new voters and diverse nominees, as we…
- We’re Not Afraid of the Water—We’re Afraid of What America Put in It
This episode explores the complex relationship Black communities have with water, touching on historical contexts like West African aquatic cultures and the Middle Passage, as well as contemporary issues such as segregated pools and water…
- Data do it! AI’s Harsh Trade-Off for Black America
This episode discusses the impact of AI and data centers on Black communities, including environmental concerns and job shifts. Guests include Abre' Conner, Willie Blackmore, and Rev. Chris Hope, who will share insights on these challenges.
- What it’s like to be young and biracial in America today?
This episode of Rooted discusses the experiences of young biracial individuals in America today, touching on cultural identity and societal perceptions. The conversation explores the challenges and perspectives of navigating biracial backg…
- Should Black women stop using synthetic hair?
This episode explores new evidence suggesting synthetic hair may contain chemicals such as lead and benzene, linked to cancer. A roundtable of experts discusses the potential risks and the absence of regulation in hair products.
- Why Rep. Ayanna Pressley is pushing for reparations now
In this episode, Rep. Ayanna Pressley discusses the movement for reparations. She explains her reasoning for pushing for a reparations bill now and what it might entail, as well as the Democratic Party's response to the current political c…
- Black Stories, White Comfort: Who’s Still Controlling the Narrative?
This episode of Rooted discusses Black storytelling, examining its evolution and current challenges. It features conversations with playwright Zora Howard about her work “Hang Time” and filmmakers Dan Algrant and Don Wright about their doc…
- Why are Black survivors still invisible in the Digital Age?
This episode discusses how technology impacts Black survivors of abuse, detailing its use in stalking and as a tool for fighting back. It includes personal stories and expert insights on the topic.
- Who Holds the Keys? Conservatorships, Mental Health & Black Men’s Autonomy
This episode of Rooted discusses conservatorships and Black men's autonomy, particularly in the context of mental health conditions. It explores the interplay between legal control, cultural stigma, and mental health implications for famil…
- Beyond the Headlines: Who Gets to Tell America’s Story?
Journalists and media leaders from historically Black-owned outlets and public media discuss telling diverse stories. The episode explores fighting to preserve truth and representation in an era of disinformation, censorship, and cultural…
- Edges of Empowerment: The Politics of Black Hair
This episode explores black haircare as it relates to community care, social activism, and civil liberties in America. The host Paris speaks with a panel of experts on the topic of Black hair.
- How to make inclusive elder care for the BIPOC LGBTQ+ community?
This episode of Rooted explores the inequities faced by BIPOC LGBTQ+ senior citizens in elder care. Guests include Reverend Irene Monroe, Tre Johnson, Dr. Angelique Harris, and Paul Glass.
- Has Hip-Hop lost the plot?
This episode of Rooted discusses the evolution of Hip-Hop from its origins in community voice to its current status as a profitable music genre. It explores whether the genre still aligns with its foundational principles amidst modern cont…
- What does 'sanctuary' mean to Black immigrants?
This episode of Rooted discusses the implications of sanctuary policies for Black immigrants. It features a conversation with Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune concerning federal policies and their impact.
- No shade, but why aren't the kids reading?
In this episode, Rooted discusses the struggles with youth literacy rates in Massachusetts with GrubStreet Black Teaching Fellows, Jonathan Todd and Toni Bee. They share their teaching methodologies and experiences working with underserved…
- First. Fierce. Fearless. NPR’s First Race Correspondent Looks Ahead
NPR's first national race-relations correspondent discussed his retirement and the legacy of a career defined by fearless reporting on race, justice, and inequality. He shared personal reflections on his journey from Detroit to Boston and…
- Joy as Resistance: Embrace Con Salsa & the Power of Celebration
This episode of Rooted explores Hispanic Heritage Month and the Embrace Con Salsa Festival. Paris Alston, Imari P. Jeffries, and José C. Massó III discuss joy, music, and cultural celebration as acts of resistance in communities of color.
- Black Women's Unemployment: The Real Recession Indicator
In this episode of Rooted, Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman joins Paris Alston to discuss Black women's unemployment and pay disparities. They unpack the economic reality, data, and history behind why women of color are overcharged and underpaid.
- Introducing Rooted
This episode introduces Rooted, a podcast hosted by Paris Alston. The podcast explores topics in Black culture by examining news and pop culture.