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A podcast about African American politics, history, and culture.

Episodes & Posts
Episodes
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24 MAR 2025 · Trey’s Table Episode 273
At a time when African Americans are under attack it’s important that we celebrate our allies and those who take a stand against racism. Rachel Cohen is one of those people.
24 MAR 2025 · Trey’s Table Episode 272
We all know how important music was to the Civil Rights Movement. What songs should be on the Civil Rights Movement Playlist?
23 MAR 2025 · Trey’s Table Episode 271
**Courageous Journalism and the Legacy of Jackie Robinson: A Discussion on *Trey’s Table* Episode 271**
Hey everyone,
I’m Trey Smith, host and producer of *Trey’s Table*, a podcast dedicated to exploring African-American history, politics, and culture. In our latest episode, **Episode 271**, we dive into a powerful story of courage, activism, and the enduring legacy of Jackie Robinson.
This episode was inspired by the recent stand taken by **Mina Kimes**, an ESPN journalist who courageously criticized the Trump administration’s removal of information about Jackie Robinson from a Department of Defense website. Kimes’ actions remind us of the importance of speaking truth to power and preserving the stories of those who paved the way for justice and equality.
In this episode, we explore:
- **Mina Kimes’ Bold Journalism**: How her criticism of the administration’s actions serves as a modern example of courageous journalism.
- **Jackie Robinson’s Legacy**: Not just as a baseball legend, but as a civil rights icon whose impact extends far beyond the field.
- **Branch Rickey’s Courage**: The story of how Rickey, the Brooklyn Dodgers executive who signed Jackie Robinson, took a stand against racism in sports.
- **The Power of Collaboration**: How Branch Rickey’s niece, **Elizabeth Rickey**, and African-American journalist **Norman Robinson** worked together to stop the racist David Duke from becoming governor of Louisiana in the 1990s.
These stories remind us that courage comes in many forms—whether it’s a journalist speaking out, an executive breaking barriers, or everyday people joining forces to fight injustice.
**Why This Matters**
The removal of Jackie Robinson’s story from a government website isn’t just about erasing history—it’s about erasing the lessons of courage, resilience, and unity that his life represents. By discussing these issues, we hope to inspire our listeners to reflect on the importance of preserving history and standing up for what’s right.
**Tune In to Episode 271**
If you’re passionate about history, social justice, or the power of storytelling, this episode is for you. Listen now to hear the full discussion and join the conversation about how we can continue to honor the legacy of Jackie Robinson and others who fought for equality.
**Let’s Keep the Conversation Going**
What does courage mean to you? How can we ensure that stories like Jackie Robinson’s are never forgotten? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media using the hashtag **#TreysTablePodcast**.
Thank you for supporting *Trey’s Table* and for being part of a community that values history, justice, and culture. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach even more listeners.
Stay tuned for more thought-provoking episodes, and as always, pull up a seat at *Trey’s Table*.
— Trey Smith
Host and Producer, *Trey’s Table*
21 MAR 2025 · Sampling isn’t a new concept—it’s been around for decades. But its roots in hip-hop and R&B can be traced back to the 1970s and 1980s, when DJs and producers in New York City began experimenting with turntables and drum machines.
One of the earliest examples of sampling comes from the legendary DJ Kool Herc, who’s often credited as one of the founding fathers of hip-hop. Herc would isolate the *breakbeat*—the part of a song where the drums take center stage—and loop it to keep the party going. This technique laid the groundwork for what we now know as sampling.
But it wasn’t just about looping beats. Producers like Marley Marl, J Dilla, and later, Pete Rock and Dr. Dre, began taking snippets of vocals, horns, and basslines from soul, funk, and R&B records, and weaving them into entirely new compositions. Sampling became a way to pay homage to the past while creating something fresh and innovative.
Of course, with innovation came controversy. As sampling grew in popularity, so did legal battles over copyright and ownership. Artists and record labels began suing producers for using their music without permission, leading to stricter laws and higher costs for clearing samples. But despite these challenges, sampling has remained a vital part of music production. Join me for this episode where we will explore the impact of DJ Kool Herc and some popular samples.
18 MAR 2025 · In this podcast episode, I discuss one of the more mysterious stories from the civil rights movement.
16 MAR 2025
15 MAR 2025 · Celebrating the Legacy of the Morehouse Glee Club – Trey’s Table, Episode 267
🎙️ **New Episode Alert!** 🎙️
This week on Trey’s Table, we’re diving into the rich history and timeless legacy of the Morehouse Glee Club. Founded in 1911, this iconic ensemble has been a cornerstone of African American musical excellence for over a century.
From spirituals and hymns to classical and contemporary pieces, the Morehouse Glee Club has not only entertained audiences worldwide but has also served as a powerful symbol of Black artistry, resilience, and unity. Their music has echoed through historic moments, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral, where their rendition of “Balm in Gilead” brought comfort to a grieving nation.
In this episode, we explore:
✨ The origins of the Morehouse Glee Club and its founding director, Dr. Kemper Harreld.
✨ The Glee Club’s role in shaping the cultural identity of Morehouse College.
✨ Their impact on the broader landscape of African American music and culture.
✨ How this legendary group continues to inspire generations today.
🎧 Tune in now to hear their story, their music, and their enduring legacy. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their work, this episode is a celebration of artistry, history, and the power of music to uplift and unite.
14 MAR 2025 · Trey’s Table Episode 266: Diving With A Purpose
**Trey Smith:**
Hey, everyone! Welcome back to *Trey’s Table*, the podcast where we dive deep into African-American history, politics, and culture. I’m your host, Trey Smith, and today we’re talking about something truly extraordinary—an organization that’s using the power of diving to uncover the hidden stories of the transatlantic slave trade.
In this episode, we’re exploring *Diving with a Purpose* (DWP), a remarkable program that trains divers to help locate and document sunken slave ships. These ships are more than just relics of the past—they’re time capsules that hold the truth about one of the darkest chapters in human history.
The Middle Passage (U.S. National Park Service)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/into-the-depths/id160445792
9 MAR 2025 · **🚀✨ New Episode Alert! ✨🚀**
Hello friends, Trey Smith here, and I’m excited to share the latest episode of *Trey’s Table*—Episode 265, where we dive into the classic sci-fi film *The Brother from Another Planet*!
Written and directed by the legendary John Sayles, this 1984 gem isn’t just a quirky sci-fi flick—it’s a powerful allegory about race, identity, and the African-American experience. We’re talking themes of slavery, the Underground Railroad, the immigrant experience, and the importance of community.
And let’s not forget Joe Morton’s *iconic* performance as The Brother—a mute alien navigating the streets of Harlem with quiet dignity and resilience. It’s a masterclass in acting and a reminder of why this film still resonates today.
🎙️ Tune in to hear the full breakdown and why *The Brother from Another Planet* is a must-watch for anyone who loves thought-provoking cinema.
👉 **Listen now** and let me know your thoughts! What’s your favorite scene or theme from the movie? Drop a comment or DM me—I’d love to hear from you.
#TreysTable #TheBrotherFromAnotherPlanet #JoeMorton #JohnSayles #BlackCinema #SciFiClassics #PodcastLife #BlackHistory #FilmAnalysis #MustWatch
8 MAR 2025 · **Trey’s Table Episode 264: Who Is In Your Wallet?**
In the latest episode of *Trey’s Table*, we’re diving into a story that exposes the intersection of corporate greed, systemic racism, and the failures of accountability in America’s financial system.
We’re talking about the Trump administration’s decision to drop a lawsuit against Capital One Bank—a lawsuit that accused the bank of defrauding billions of dollars from its customers, many of whom were Black and brown. This move by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is just the tip of the iceberg.
Capital One has a troubling history of racial discrimination, including allegations of closing branches in Black neighborhoods while maintaining operations in predominantly white areas. These practices are a modern-day form of redlining, a systemic issue that continues to harm communities of color.
In this episode, we explore:
- How Capital One’s actions reflect broader patterns of economic exploitation.
- Why the CFPB’s failure to hold corporations accountable is a betrayal of its mission.
- What we can do to fight for economic justice and hold financial institutions accountable.
This isn’t just about one bank or one lawsuit—it’s about the ongoing struggle for racial equity and economic freedom.
🎧 Tune in to *Trey’s Table* Episode 264 to hear the full story and join the conversation. Let’s demand accountability and fight for a fairer financial system.
#TreysTable #EconomicJustice #RacialEquity #CapitalOne #Redlining #CFPB #Podcast #BlackHistory #StayInformed
A podcast about African American politics, history, and culture.
Information
Author | James Smith |
Organization | James Smith |
Categories | News Commentary |
Website | - |
treyjws@icloud.com |
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