Minority Korner

The stats are in around the effects of the pandemic on Black businesses and the vaccination rates for Black folks and - they’re not good... surprise! We talk the adorable  Sylvie's Love a romantic film set in the 50s starring Tessa Thompson and some other hotties. We talk the trash awards that is the Golden Globes which  had some groundbreaking winners this year and it’s shocking how in 2021 how groundbreaking they were. Plus we chat about Golden Globe winner Minari! Spaking of Golden Glob winners  Andra Day who marvelously played Billie Holiday in The United States vs. Billie Holiday, leads us into an exploration and celebration of our queer Queen Billie Holiday, diving into her story, facts left out of the movie, and highlighting how her story is both the genesis of the Civil Rights Movement and the War on Drugs, the power of Strange Fruit, her legacy, her tenacity, in the face of adversity and trauma at the intersection of Black History Month and Women's History Month. Also, have you ever wondered why Blac

Nnekay is here and James has to confront her and have it out on the pod because she... spoiled.. last weeks... WandaVision in one simple text. We are on a mission to, as Viola Davis says, "exhume the bodies,"  and bare witness as James saw Amistad for the first time, and HBO Max’s It’s a Sin about a group of young gays in the 80s in London during the AIDS pandemic and they discuss the revelations both these pieces brought up.  Welp it's official the Golden Globes are trash as the Emily in Paris controversy has shown. Then rounding out Black History Month we pay tribute to two Hollywood legends Eartha Kitt, and then diving in deep to the amazing Dorthy Dandridge as played by Halle Berry in the HBO biopic. Then you are in for a treat as Nnekay just found out… she’s Afro Latina! She takes us down to Argentina on her journey a she discovers, investigates, and sleuths why there are so few Black people in Argentina today, why here family fled, and Argentina’s historic racist past.  It is WILD! REFERENCES: Golden Gl

He’s back! Fellow Blerd, Cymatic Bruce (he/him), VR Evangelist and entrepreneur, we dig into the film vaults and  talk the power of the Spike Lee biopic Malcolm X. Looks like a lot of white folks are getting got: we talk the Joss Wheedon fallout, Gina Carano's firing from Star Wars as consequence culture continues- and we are here for it. Justin Timberlake is kicking off the white people apology tour to James' queens Britney & Janet, but is it enough? Celebrating Black History month James takes us through his list of 10 Iconic Ground Breaking Female Fictional TV Characters. And to close us out Bruce gives us his Rejuvenation Station Korner with 3 learnings from this past year to take care of YOU and for leading a healthy-life  in this time of chaos, so you will be ready to do the work!GUEST CO-HOST: Bruce Wooden - Known to VR enthusiasts as Cymatic Bruce, dance game enthusiasts as Bruce Leroy, and BJ to his family, Bruce Wooden is an educator, competitive gamer, VR evangelist, speaker, entrepreneur, and a

Is there a life coach in the house? There is today with Jennifer Covington (she/her) and we are feeling our power already. But first a PSA of how not to use Gorilla Glue as learned by Tessica Brown on her hair. While James is a proud member of the Britney Army the New York Times doc Framing Britney Spears featured shocking revelations even he didn't know, and how we all have a part to play, looking back at the awful treatment of this young girl, who was not yet a woman. Especially you Diane Sawyer and Justin Timberlake. Continuing our Black History Month celebration James enlightens on the dynamic duo, two B.A.B.'s May Church Terrell, and Ida B. Wells, in their groundbreaking work for Civil Rights and Women's Suffrage on the heels of emancipation. Hearing stories like these two B.A.B.'s can sometimes leave us feeling like how do I step into my power, and take care of myself? Well Coach Covington walks us through how to uncover your M.A.G.I.C. just in time for Black History Month! An empowering conversation on

Comedian Cole Steffensen (he/him), our resident sports guy, is here to tell us is in the cast of this years season finale of football- because we don't know. But first racism: it's everywhere, even when you’re just trying to read a gay porn blog. Plus it’s Black History Month we go over it’s origins and James has a Black History Month Challenge for our listeners? Will you accept? And In honor of Black History Month and the Super Bowl it is a cross sectional korner that only MK, a show about intersectionality, could do! Inspired by having seen One Night In Miami James takes us through a deep dive into two of the main figures of the movie kicking off with NFL star Jim Brown and then to the main event we all came here for, the half time show with the story of Sam Cooke- his legacy, his life, and his activism which were all cut too short. Then Cole tells us who to vote for, for the Super Bowl, plus James' gripes with the NFL.  Ready. Set. Hike!Cole Steffensen, Guest Co-Host-   a gay writer, comedian, villain, Gre

It's a Mr. Toad's Wild Ride of an episode in this hodgepodge  of all of our korners and segments that have been left on the cutting room floor due to time. So we are rejoined by some of your favorite pasts guests co-hosts. First up Ben Randle and James talk about some of their favorite Movie and TV shows as of late: One Night in Miami, Wanda Vision, Derry Girls, Pretend it's A City, and The Prom. Then Desiree Rogers and James unpack Mo'Nique's latest demand for an apology on the heels of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air Reunion and reconciliation between Will and Janet, the merits of her requests, and the challenges of being a Black woman in the industry. Then Nnekay FitzClarke tops off the show with her cut for so many times segment on the wild and  true story of how Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer came to be. Plus a victory for the Korner Kids regarding the Jungle Cruise ride, and Biden keeps on signing executive orders to make America not suck again. GUEST CO-HOSTS:  Ben Randle (he/him): Follow him on Insta @Ben

We unpack The Insurrection further, as more horrifying details come out and what this means for us moving forward, how do we deal with radicalized white christian evangelical nationalist terrorists? And was that part of BeBest Melania? Well time to BeGone!  We also bring out the shame stick (or accountability stick) for 'Gays Over COVID', and straight folks at swinger conventions. Woof. Ya'll, don't you know there is a PANDEMIC happening? And while we have dodged the bullet of authoritarianism (this time) like the killer in a horror movie, it’ll try to come back so James (he/him) highlights a few points from Timothy D. Snyder’s  On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century a must have book as we march forward and get to work. Plus Ben Randle (he/him) gives us his rejuvenation station tip of the week. And at the end highlights from the inauguration and Biden/Harris’ first day at the office! Can you feel a brand new day?! GUEST CO HOST- BEN RANDLE (he/him): Ben Randle, Theatre director based in New Yor

Which generation is here to snatch the crown of Greatest? Have you been sleeping easier because a certain somebody has been kicked off all social media platforms? We have a battle cry for ally’s on how to really show up. Bridgerton has us all kinds of hot and bothered.  Wonder Woman debuted on our TV screens! We enjoyed it- but we have notes. And questions. In the Main Korner we go back in time, TWICE, in one segment to Chocolate City AKA DC- which was a burgeoning Black Metropolis who’s rich history in Black excellence dates all the way back to the 1800s and an argument for state hood- NOW! Especially in light of the recent coup’d. Then Dr. Nnekay (she/her) is here to tell us all the facts we need to know about the Vaccine. Stick around to the end for our newest segment, Rejuvenation Station, where Nnekay gives us her rejuvenation/replenishing tip of the week.Chocolate City:The Atlantic - https://bit.ly/3nOOpCK Washington's Lost Black Aristocracy - https://bit.ly/3ieSjDIWashington Post -  https://wapo.st/3nH

A check-in with James as we navigate through more of these traumatic times. How are you being? How are you feeling? James reflects on the events that took place with the white supremacist insurgents coup'd that took place, when Trump supporters tried to stop the certification of the election. Plus 10 things you can do right now as part of your circle of influence to create rejuvenation, healing, and empowerment for you, others, and your community. We need you at your best! Take care.  We hope this provides you with some love. CONTACT USTwitter: @minoritykornerEmail: minoritykorner@gmail.comIG: @minoritykornerJames Arthur M: TW: @JamesArthur_M, IG: @JamesArthurM  

It's our Annual Kwanzaa episode! James reflects how the world has changed from when we first did the Kwanzaa special four years ago, and the impact of connecting to this Black ass holiday for him and his family. Join Nnekay and James as the take you through a magical journey as they discover and explore Kwanzaa. How well do you know Kwanzaa? We'll take a quiz from PBS, before diving into it's origins, it's meanings, symbols, and how you can celebrate this beautiful holiday celebrating African American Awesomeness. Plus which R&B singer is not our princess? Also join Nnekay and James as they plan their Kwanzaa Albums, and future Kwanzaa movies and TV projects. Will they beat out Oprah and Gayle for King and Queen of Kwanzaa? But first James gives snaps to Queer women who are having a moment in cinema from The Happiest Season, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, and the Prom!  Prepare to get Kwanzaa'd! Help out What We Believe: A BLM Principles Activity Book, who was recently slammed on Amazon in reviews for having L

Nnnekay (she/her) librarian, co-creator, original OG of the pod is here- and she is in her element, literally, coming at us from the library- it is OPEN! James went down an MTV’s Are you the One Rabbit Hole. We talk about new Netflix movies Jingle Jangle, and The Prom and their cultural impact. And then it is on to our Favorite Things! Like Oprah! But you have to get these gifts yourself. 2020, What a year, but there were some great things that happened in Music, TV, Movies, Books, and more! What made our top lists that defined us, shaped us, and made our year? Plus James' hopes for 2021! Keep doing the work! Get involved in the Georgia Runoff:https://votesaveamerica.com/state/georgia/ National Sexual Assault Hotline: National hotline, operated by RAINN, that serves people affected by sexual violence. It automatically routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search your local center here. Hotline: 800.656.HOPEMinority Korner on YouTube:  https://bit.ly/2JsXEuuCONTACT US

We're joined by actor, artist, poet, and portrayer of amazing Black historical women, Desiree Rogers. Mario Lopez is looking a little too finger looking good in this new Lifetime movie A Recipe for Seduction as a sexy Colonel Sanders. Is Tara Reid an inspiration or just on drugs in her latest casting attempt? Mo’Nique is resurfacing her pain and hurt with Black Hollywood again, and while we’re rooting for her… she makes it hard sometimes. Letitia Wright is our latest celeb to "step in it' with her tweeting of vaccine conspiracies, and her response to the debate it naturally brought up, was.. not great. In the main Korners, we are in need of some healing and inspired by the “ok” movie Best of Enemies we look at how this inspired by a true story's use of Charattes, could be an effective tool for us to use and learn from in bridging massive divides and create community change. Then it’s storytime with Des! She has played and channeled some of the GOATs and will not only give us insight into her process but provi

It's a Maximum Fun crossover event with Renne Colvert of podcast Can I Pet Your Dog!  Does this make the show Can I Pet Your Korner?  Renee is just the person we need to brighten up our worlds and bring in the light as we kick off this holiday season and put 2020 to rest. Both Renee and James have finally checked out a bit of the Saved By the Bell Reboot-  it's better than it needs to be! Melissa McCarthy makes a costly mistake but shows HOW to come correct with an apology. On the heels of Kristen Stewart and Viggo Mortensen's comments about playing queer or straight characters, is it a slippery slope in not allowing straight actors to play queer characters? Does this pigeon hold queer actors in only getting to play queer roles? In the main korners, we continue to bear witness to the atrocious history and acts committed against Indigenous Peoples, as we examine the centuries-long practice of Indian Boarding Schools, and it might be time to rebrand and rethink Thanksgiving. Renee gives us the inspiration we ne

We're having a Friendsgiving! Friends of the pod Michelle Peralta (she/her) and Moury Minhaz (she/her) and everyone has brought some dishes for you! We’re dishing on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Reunion, and all the feels it brought up for us. We dish on Patti LaBelle being caught up in another controversy involving a white guy's burner account and her nephew, and James is going undercover to Parler an alt right social media platform and he might need your help. In the main dishes we give you ways to Celebrate Native American Heritage Day, which is the day after Thanksgiving, and Michelle gives us some much-needed mental health tips/practices, believing in ourselves, redefining our value, and community care as we end out the year. Feel the love- it’s Friendsgiving here on Minority Korner.LINKS:NATIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE DAY: https://bit.ly/37a8Aos 14 Contemporary Books By Native American Writers To Get Excited About: https://bit.ly/2KGAaSF50 Children’s Books Celebrating Native American and Indigenous Mi

In responding to a handful of responses from listeners we address the usage of the term "Donna Trump" to refer to soon to be former President Donald Trump- but what does the data tell us about the handful of complaints? Did we already explain this? Is a joke funny if you to explain it? Can someone name their child a name outside of their own culture and it NOT be appropriation? Can naming white children really complicated names help create equity? Do we understand what equity actually is?  How does racism effect the economy? By how many trillions are we talking? What is the historic relationship between racism and the economy? Does tipping, like most things, have its roots in racism? Why have certain jobs, that historically been done by BIPOC folks, consistently have some of the lowest wages? Are there actions we can take to turn the beat around on the disparaging effects that racism has on BIPOC communities, particularly black people that will pump trillions of dollars into our economy? Does Janet do ASMR? B

Can you feel a brand new day?  Sam Jackson (she/her) is here and bringing out all the cans of wine as we keep the celebration going- yes she can, and she DID! We discuss what this defeat of Trump especially means for Black and other marginalized folks in this historic election and we can't stop saying, "Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris". Katy Perry and Zachary Levi are calling for immediate unification for the country- is it time for that? Is this white celeb privilege? Did we make up in our minds that in 2016 we might have been told to "fuck our feelings"? Just what is the path forward for the country? James went in for his first COVID test and shares why he went in to get what he thought would be his brain being scrambled. Plus our hopes and pleas for the media post-Trump. In the main Korner Sam takes us into a deep dive into the roots of white feminism, how it for over a century  neglected BIPOC women, even at the expense of them, all the way back to the Suffragettes, and how it connects with this year's

Ding dong, the witch is dead- time to pop some bottles and take a much-needed victory lap because we defeated authoritarianism and Joe Biden & Kamala Harris take the White House back for the people in this historic nail bitter. We breathe a sigh of relief, letting out the stress, anxiety, and fear of the last four years while celebrating the folks, and communities that brought this home for us. As a treat for all your hard work, it's a Bonus Korner with Nnekay as we dive into HBO's groundbreaking Lovecraft Country- spoilers beware! On the heels of last week's episode, this show is a perfect example of the work ahead of understanding histories, and stories to create empathy and understanding of the marginalized, particularly the Black experience, and in Lovecraft it's executed through Sci-Fir/Horror to almost perfection. As much as we celebrate this series, like everything, sometimes you gotta side-eye your heroes, as it wasn't as flawless as HBO'S previous Black sci-fi series Watchmen. With a brief pit st

Welp the results are in, not about the election but we know the worst of the Chrises.  Milwaukee is instituting its WAP Initiative and is being received with mixed reviews.  James had a Sexual Harassment Training the day after the election- bad idea. Speaking of the election it's proving to be shocking, and eye-opening showing us the work to be done. While there is still promising hope of a Biden/Harris win, with mass amounts of Americans still aligning with Drumpf we break down the road ahead, what happened, and what to do next! Ultimately: take cues from Black People when it comes to politics! Plus we celebrate the victories that did happen across the nation for laws that were passed and the diverse representation that won!  Nnekay and James share their frustrating disappointments, but we are turning it into action! Let's go! LINKS!There’s Some Whole’s in This HouseWe have our Worst of the ChrisFlorida's Cuban VoteLatino Voters In FloridaHow Elections Happen Around the WorldGood Election Results- Things to

We are going back to high school with James' old high school prom date Leah E. who's in the guest co-host chair,  and who coincidentally help coin the title of this very show back when "Minority Corner" was spelled with a "C". We talk about the HBO NIXIM documentary The Vow, and our personal connection to the cult, and James' near-miss with getting sucked into it, and how the doc has shown how Qanon and Agent Orange's following are they themselves: cults.  HBO is on a roll with its other documentary 537 about the 2000 Election showing the importance of voting and the shenanigans of Republicans. We sit down for the Minority Korner book club as James takes us through a deep dive into Angela Davis’ Are Prisons Obsolete? Hmmm ....  we will probably have an answer to the question the book proposes by episodes end. Then Leah aides us in our never-ending journey of decolonization this time turning our attention to our food!  Nothing is safe ya’ll we’ve been fed lies... literally.Leah E. (she/her) a digital marketer,

Re-Released with the Full Episode Content, the Previous release was missing the back half. Sitting in the guest co-host chair it’s writer, actor, Emmy winner Ashley Nicole Black (she/her) we talk TV that is like a warm blanket like Apple TV's Ted Lasso (which Ashley is working on season 2), and since James and Ashley met in college, they discuss why the drama on Netflix's Deaf U is the reality TV gold you didn't know you were missing. Ashley has some more Tea on the sad cancellation of Glow and as a huge stan of HBO's A Black Lady Sketch Show James asks Ashley all the behind-the-scenes burning questions you've been dying to know about this groundbreaking show. Then, school is in session as we are going to the Ashley Nicole Black Institute for writers, where Professor Black is going to answer the FAQ’s that she’s been getting on writing and to give you all the tips you need to get your butt into gear... James!  James just might be inspired enough to dust off all of his old screenplays. And finally, the two pay