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*
Written & Hosted by Cindy Charles
Produced by Ryan Barnett & Cindy Charles
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.

John Candy: The Lou Gehrig of Comedy is a series that honours the timeless humour and heartfelt performances of John Candy, star of hits like Splash, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Home Alone.
In this episode, we explore John’s beginnings, growing up in the Toronto area, and his early days working in children’s theatre, which eventually leads to his first big audition: Second City Toronto.
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Written & Hosted by Ryan Barnett
Produced by Ryan Barnett & Sonia Gemmiti
Recorded by Tyler Rauman
Additional voices by Matthew Barnett & Sean Quinlan
A Knockabout Media Production
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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