The Black Hum
The Black Hum
Podcast Description
What if you were sent to war with a shovel and pickaxe, in lieu of a gun? In 1914, the world was at war. Thousands of Canadian men rushed to their local enlistment centres, eager to join the fight. But, when Black men went to enlist, they were turned away. It was "a white man's war," they were told. Canada didn't want a "checkerboard army." What followed is a story of rejection and resilience, and of service in the face of bigotry.Join us as we explore the remarkable history of No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canada’s only all-Black battalion during the First World War, uncovering their legacy, contributions, and the untold stories of Black Canadian soldiers in our latest podcast on military history, diversity, and heritage.*Download our Discussing Questions for your class*Written & Hosted by Cindy CharlesProduced by Ryan Barnett & Cindy CharlesA Knockabout Media ProductionThis podcast was made possible thanks to funding from Veterans Affairs Canada’s Commemorative Partnership Program. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast primarily focuses on military history, diversity, and heritage, with episodes detailing the struggles and resilience of Black Canadians, such as the early rejection of enlistment, the battle for recognition within the military, and the legacy of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, including insightful discussions on myths surrounding their contributions.
What if you were sent to war with a shovel and pickaxe, in lieu of a gun? In 1914, the world was at war. Thousands of Canadian men rushed to their local enlistment centres, eager to join the fight. But, when Black men went to enlist, they were turned away. It was “a white man’s war,” they were told. Canada didn’t want a “checkerboard army.” What followed is a story of rejection and resilience, and of service in the face of bigotry.
Join us as we explore the remarkable history of No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canada’s only all-Black battalion during the First World War, uncovering their legacy, contributions, and the untold stories of Black Canadian soldiers in our latest podcast on military history, diversity, and heritage.
*Download our Discussing Questions for your class*
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, we chart the path of E. Lionel Cross — soldier, trailblazing Black lawyer, and civil-rights advocate — and his campaign to hold the Ku Klux Klan accountable after the Oakville cross burning and kidnapping. It is a story about the power of the courtroom and the unfinished work of justice in Canada.
*Download our Discussion Questions for your class*
Host Cindy Charles
Writer Nuruddin Qorane
Executive Producer Ryan Barnett
Associate Producer Cindy Charles
Voice Director & Editor Sonia Gemmiti
Researcher Dr. Sarafina Pagnotta
Series Consultants Kathy Grant & Mathias Joost
This series features interviews with Lt. Jerome Downey, Robert Downey, Jr., Michael Marville, Stephen Dame, Mathias Joost, Kathy Grant, Constance Backhouse, Dr. Dorothy Williams
Additional voices by Keith Francis & Matthew Barnett
A Knockabout Media Production
This podcast was made possible thanks to funding from Veterans Affairs Canada’s Commemorative Partnership Program.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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