WGBH’s Basic Black is New England’s longest running weekly television program devoted exclusively to exploring African American experience. For 40 years, Basic Black (formerly Say Brother) has reflected on the concerns and culture of African Americans through short-form documentaries, performances and one-on-one conversations. Basic Black captures the stories and events that illuminate the African American experience in the Boston area and beyond. Beginning in 2004, episodes are available in streaming video at wgbh.org/basicblack and can be downloaded as audio or video podcasts at the same site or via iTunes.
Former guests of Basic Black have included:
- Edwidge Danticat
- Michael Eric Dyson
- Lani Guiner
- Charlayne Hunter-Gault
- Don King
- Spike Lee
- Bill Russell
- Michelle Singletary
- Anna Deavere Smith
- Ngugi wa Thiongo
- Bishop Desmond Tutu
- John Edgar Wideman