Silence is Not an Option

America is in crisis right now. A lot of people want to help, but have no idea where to start. In our new podcast, we’re going to dig deep into the reality of being Black and Brown in America, and explore what you can do to help find a path forward. We’ll have tough conversations with activists, artists, and thinkers about our nation’s deep racial divide. As we look for meaningful and lasting solutions, there is a lot to learn and unlearn. These conversations are going to be challenging—even uncomfortable—but they’re important. Because this time, we get to rebuild America together. Hosted by Don Lemon.

Monumental Conversations
Confederate statues and symbols are being removed all over the country. This is long overdue for some, while others say that it’s a dangerous effort to erase history. Don speaks with the descendants of a Confederate general whose statue was recently toppled as they come to grips with their family's complicated family legacy. He also gets insights from author and political analyst Jared Yates Sexton who sheds light on the history of the Confederacy you didn't learn in grade school.
Jul 9, 2020
26 mins
Schooling the System
It’s been over 60 years since the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. But in 2020, some classrooms are still pretty segregated. Don reflects on his own educational journey and speaks with Michigan State University’s Professor Sheneka Williams about the state of American schools. How far have we really come since Brown v. Board of Education, and how can we all take part in fixing the system?
Jul 2, 2020
24 mins
Beyond Mammy: Misrepresentation in Film
In the midst of protests for racial justice and calls for police reform and defunding, why should we care about the movies? Well, representation matters and the media we consume influences the way we view ourselves and each other. HBO Max recently pulled "Gone with the Wind" from its film library but just added it back online, with a new introduction addressing the controversial racial depictions. Don shares a love of classic film with his mom, so in this episode, they talk about their conflicte...Show mored reactions to historical Black representation on the screen. You'll also hear from Turner Classic Movies host Jacqueline Stewart, who presented that new introduction to "Gone with the Wind.” She explains why context is key when reexamining controversial classics.
Jun 25, 2020
29 mins
Why Not Being Racist is Not Enough
We live in a society where it's no longer enough to simply not be racist—we must proactively choose to be antiracist. And that choice means showing up and doing the work, every single day. In this episode, Don talks with Professor Ibram X. Kendi and Professor Christopher Petrella about how we got to this moment and what it will require of each of us to build a more inclusive future.
Jun 18, 2020
27 mins
There is No Going Back From This Moment
Whether you're protesting in the streets or at the voting booth, we all recognize the need to disrupt generations of racism in our country. Knowing what to do is harder. Each week, Don Lemon will talk with experts, activists, and artists to help us figure out how to move forward, together. Because no matter how you choose to engage, silence is not an option.
Jun 15, 2020
1 min

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