Why Race Matters

Why Race Matters
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • SERIES

WHY RACE MATTERS explores issues of significance and disparities in communities across Wisconsin. Producer and host Angela Fitzgerald engages in meaningful conversations both historically rooted and urgently relevant. The series sheds light on challenges while providing hope, guidance and resources to empower all communities to thrive.

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  1. The history of Black Midwesterners before the Great Migration

    EPISODE 1

    The history of Black Midwesterners before the Great Migration

    Black communities existed in the Midwest long before the Great Migration. In this episode, Dr. Christy Clark-Pujara outlines how early Black residents shaped the region through labor, land ownership and community building — despite legal contradictions and cultural resistance to their presence. For transcripts, video, and more information about this episode please visit our episode page at: https://pbswisconsin.org/podcast_episode/the-history-of-black-midwesterners-before-the-great-migration/?seriesID=69908

    33 min
  2. Black vs. African American identity

    EPISODE 2

    Black vs. African American identity

    In America, identity is complex. Black and African American are often used interchangeably but have distinct meanings. For some, it's about heritage. For others, culture. And for all, it’s personal. Host Angela Fitzgerald sits down with Naman Siad and Harry Kiiru to discuss identity, history and belonging within the Black community. For transcripts, video, and more information about this episode please visit our episode page at: https://pbswisconsin.org/podcast_episode/black-vs-african-american-identity/?seriesID=69908

    53 min
  3. Black spirituality and resilience in the U.S.

    EPISODE 3

    Black spirituality and resilience in the U.S.

    Black spirituality in the United States is deeply rooted in the resilience and creativity of African-descended communities. But where did the Black church originate, and how does it connect to the history of Black enslavement, civil rights and Black joy? This episode explores the church's cultural legacy and evolving relevance. For transcripts, video, and more information about this episode please visit our episode page at: https://pbswisconsin.org/podcast_episode/black-spirituality-and-resilience-in-the-u-s/?seriesID=69908

    27 min
  4. Reentry after incarceration in Wisconsin

    EPISODE 4

    Reentry after incarceration in Wisconsin

    Reentry after incarceration poses major challenges, especially in Wisconsin, where Black residents face the highest incarceration rate in the U.S. Guest Dynae Saba explores what it means to rebuild a life after prison, focusing on systemic barriers to housing and employment—and how race shapes reentry experiences. For transcripts, video, and more information about this episode please visit our episode page at: https://pbswisconsin.org/podcast_episode/reentry-after-incarceration-in-wisconsin/?seriesID=69908

    28 min
  5. Food Deserts and Racial Disparities

    EPISODE 5

    Food Deserts and Racial Disparities

    Food deserts limit access to healthy, affordable food — especially in communities of color. Angela Fitzgerald visits with Marium Nunez of Luna's Groceries in Madison who shares how neighborhoods are tackling food inequity through local action. Together, they explore the racial and systemic barriers to food access — and the grassroots solutions changing that reality. For transcripts, video, and more information about this episode please visit our episode page at: https://pbswisconsin.org/podcast_episode/food-deserts-and-racial-disparities/?seriesID=69908

    22 min
  6. Racial Identity and Belonging

    EPISODE 6

    Racial Identity and Belonging

    Racial identity is simultaneously personal and shaped by society, culture and history. Angela Fitzgerald speaks with Jonathan Delgado about navigating identity in a world where who you are may be questioned or denied. They explore how stereotypes, rejection, and isolation impact mental health, and what it means to find strength in identity despite exclusion. For transcripts, video, and more information about this episode please visit our episode page at: https://pbswisconsin.org/podcast_episode/racial-identity-and-belonging/?seriesID=69908

    36 min
  7. Climate Change and Gentrification in Milwaukee

    EPISODE 7

    Climate Change and Gentrification in Milwaukee

    Climate change is reshaping cities — and deepening racial inequities. Host Angela Fitzgerald talks with Dr. Nicole Robinson about how environmental shifts and rising property values are accelerating gentrification in Milwaukee’s Black neighborhoods. They explore the ties between climate, housing policy and community displacement. For transcripts, video, and more information about this episode please visit our episode page at: https://pbswisconsin.org/podcast_episode/climate-change-and-gentrification-in-milwaukee/?seriesID=69908

    30 min
  8. Black journalism, identity and industry

    EPISODE 8

    Black journalism, identity and industry

    Guests Earl Arms and Enjoyiana Nururdin explore the challenges Black media professionals face navigating identity, authenticity and audience expectations. From representation gaps to workplace dynamics, they discuss humanizing stories, building community trust and creating inclusive spaces in journalism. For transcripts, video, and more information about this episode please visit our episode page at: https://pbswisconsin.org/podcast_episode/black-journalism-identity-and-industry/?seriesID=69908

    46 min
See All Season 4 (8)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

WHY RACE MATTERS explores issues of significance and disparities in communities across Wisconsin. Producer and host Angela Fitzgerald engages in meaningful conversations both historically rooted and urgently relevant. The series sheds light on challenges while providing hope, guidance and resources to empower all communities to thrive.

Information

  • Creator
    Why Race Matters
  • Episodes
    24
  • Seasons
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 PBS Wisconsin.
  • Show Website
    Why Race Matters