Black History, For Real

The first woman on the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorist List was a Black Panther. The richest person of all time, an African king, gave away so much gold that it caused Cairo's economy to crash. A 109 year old Black woman fights for reparations for her neighborhood that was burned to the ground when she was a child. On Wondery’s history series Black History, For Real, hosts Franchesca Ramsey and Conscious Lee go beyond the stories you already know to drop you right in the mix. It’s a no-nonsense, unwhitewashed account of history’s most overlooked moments, with a mix of narrative storytelling and candid conversation. We’ll even spill the occasional historical tea! It’s all facts, no cap.

Listen to Black History, For Real on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/black-history-for-real/ now.

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

ZelleyZelle

10/10

LOVE THIS PODCAST!!! I hope there is more to come for 2025 even though the current administration is trying to silence the truth tellers!
AndrewMetz

Please make more episodes

I love this podcast. One of the best, well produced podcasts out there! Hoping for more content in 2025!
Terathegreat

About Time!

I am absolutely obsessed with this podcast. Franchesca and Conscious have taught me more than any history class. Thank you for always doing diligent research and making sure we don’t repeat history, only learn it.
EastCoastLin126

Black excellence for real

I’m deeply enthralled with this podcast. It dives deep into the triumphs and tribulations of Black history with a unique blend of authenticity, knowledge, and relatability. What I appreciate most is how the show captures the essence of the Black experience, making the stories feel personal and relevant. I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone! It’s an enlightening and powerful experience that leaves me wanting more!
SweetKatieA

Afeni Shakur

I am shocked / not shocked that this is the first time I’m learning about the women of the Black Panther movement. At 46, the education system clearly white-washed (pun intended) my education. I’ve bought a Afeni’s autobiography and I’m teaching my children about her. Thank you! -Katie
Slithr

Ugh

More race baiting propaganda and delusional lies trying to reinforce the false narratives of white supremacy and white privilege. The show is so shamelessly, un entertaining and boring. I challenge any white person capable of critical thinking to get through an episode without falling asleep or getting the urge to jump off a bridge
Phantasmalmirth

Impressive and Necessary

I’ve only listened to four episodes so far, and I’m impressed by the excellent production value, content and storytelling. I’ve learned so much that I didn’t know about the women of the Black Panther Party. I also enjoy that the hosts pause throughout the episodes to help you contextualize the information. This podcast is especially necessary in 2024 as conservative activists work to censor Black history. Keep up the great work and please keep the episodes coming!
Mohosofat

Very important show

I grew up in OK, so lacked any education on any non-white history. The Tulsa massacre was something I learned about in college and not in a classroom. This podcast is so eye-opening and informative. I greatly appreciate this chance to learn parts of history that were ignored by the educational structures of my state. Thank you to the hosts and all the people who work on it.
Dittyknitty

Can’t this guy articulate

It’s such a turn off to listen to this guy barely say all the syllables in every word and then to throw in a “you feel me”. No! I don’t.
klr_ru

Good Storytelling

A great combination of detail and reenactment to enhance good storytelling.
Danie_2020

Amazing Re-telling

I’m so excited for the next episode I can’t even believe it. The story re-telling is phenomenal and I love how they give opinions and real time relevance to the historical moments and how it all relates. I don’t even know what I’m saying, I’m so excited. My favorite thing is that is not all crammed together in an episode. These mini series really help me feel like I am watching (or hearing about 😉) in real time with all the details. Good Job everyone who work on this podcast.
motherwifesister

I love this podcast

I love how much thought and research goes into each podcast. I learn new things every time I listen. I’ve recommended it often because it’s so interesting and informative. Thank you for this podcast. Keep going I love learning.
Dark_knight_06071980

Love it

I love this podcast. Great information. And I love that the hosts sound like people I talk to. This is a very smart and very informative podcast.
meninoebom

Brilliant!

This podcasting at its best. Uses compelling storytelling strategies to frame thoughtful historical and political insights. It pulls together a huge range of research and connects us to fundamentally important American history.
Ben'son

Great content

We love what we hear. I listen to this every morning when dropping off my boys to school. We love what you do. Keep it up.
Coco Sherane

I was clapping like yall could hear me….

Listening to the “I Get Money” episode and my mind is blown! Such a great conversation…this podcast is so necessary
SCwhatver

Great podcast, love both hosts!

Love this podcast. Just finished truth hurts episode and so maybe good points and moments I needed to pause and think. Really enjoyed the convo.
daniellelynise

The perfect amalgamation

I love the combination of commentary, and scripted, and storytelling. I really this podcast and have now have a deeper understanding of the topics and figures covered. My African American History Professor wasn’t getting through to me like this podcast has 🔥
canoes4

Yes

Yes blacks are the best people that’s why they are doing so good
Nicole Rene

Amazing work!

I share this with everyone that I speak to lately. Amazing work. I learn something new every week!
Tiffj01

A must listen for history lovers!

This Black history buff appreciates that our history is being amplified through this platform. Thanks for coming through with the knowledge. 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
7LadiBugs

Loooooove this Podcast!!

This podcast is awesome! Love being educated! Black History is 365! 🫶🏾
Strangefruit1

Incredible podcast!

My new favorite podcast! Conscious and Francesca do not disappoint. The wealth of knowledge and truth on this here podcast is amazing. I keep rewinding episodes. Thank you for this masterpiece. ✊🏿
Alise✊🏾

In tears at this point

This podcast is so beautiful. It’s so deep and understanding. I truly feel like black history for real.
Jordie5032

Amazing!

This podcast is great! I love the storytelling + commentary from the hosts. I think they provided eye opening perspectives and have a great deal of knowledge on the subject matters.
AsiaJ93

I love it!

I’m obsessed with this podcast. So informational and entertaining and for US. Keep em coming please!
markpa

Hope you cover Henry O Flipper

Please cover Henry O Flipper - the first Black West Point graduate. He is a personal hero of mine.
Jackie’s Mom

Learning every day

I love Consciouslee on TikTok so when I found out he had a podcast, had to listen. I love the dynamic between the two hosts and the volume of knowledge. I grew up learning so differently than what I’ve found out in my later years. I’m so happy you continue to grow and learn in my knowledge of black history.. for real. 5 stars!
MsEmerald41

Couldn’t stop listening

I picked up on the Star is Born and had to go back to the first episode. I listened to all episodes in one day. I love the historical accounts along with insightful viewpoints such as abandoned issues, healing the inner child, and being aware of the many red flags. I appreciate the understanding of the interwoven biases and separation of our culture. Not only the black culture but a look into all cultures struggles - those that are different or similar. The movie, Origin, points this out as well.
Jaws blake

2024 starts powerfully

I have been hoping to find a podcast about Black stories and these two have been some of my favorite story tellers. It’s well crafted and wonderful as a black person to get educated by fellow young black people. Thank you.
Geekgrrl33

Stories that need to be told

I’ve been following you both on TikTok for quite awhile so when I learned you had started a podcast that was centered around telling the stories of black men and women I knew I had to give it a go. Great job. I look forward to many more.
RiLove in Detroit

Love it! You gon LEARN today!

Love it! You gon LEARN today!
J to tha Bro

Please turn this into a longer series!

So fascinating, accessible, great storytelling, informative, and engaging. Would love to see this turned into a longer recurring series! Kudos and congrats!
15Letters

Great dynamic between the hosts.

I didn’t have any expectations when I started this show. I’m a fan of Francesca Ramsey, but otherwise had no awareness of the podcast. Delighted I found it, however. Excellent storytelling combined with an interesting, informal, and heartfelt dynamic between the hosts makes this a worthwhile. And it’s filling in details on stories I’ve heard about, but never through this lens.
Linz029

Great story telling of important stories

This podcast is absolutely AMAZING! They way the story is told is completely captivating. And these stories are so important I’m so glad they are being recorded. I know you just started but I don’t want this podcast to ever end, and I’m sure there are a LOT of stories for us to uncover and hear. Great work!!
1978to19

Great story telling!

Inspiring and interesting
AnnaDeShawn

We need this 💯

This is the type of history pod we need in the world. I love it & can’t wait to hear more stories!
Lemonitus

Important history

Never enough histories from the people’s perspective. Happy to get one more, particularly when it’s this well produced.
charpatt82

Phenomenal

I did not expect to go through so many emotions listening to the story of Assata Shakur! I love the storytelling format of the podcast, along with the commentary from Franchesca and Conscious Lee along the way. Excited for the next episode!!