As Black As We Wish To Be

Visit a tiny town in the Appalachian foothills of Ohio where, for a century, residents have shared the common bond of identifying as African-American despite the fact that they look white. As a result, everyone’s asking: Am I black? Am I mixed race? Or, am I white?

In a tiny town in the Appalachian foothills of Ohio, for a century, residents have shared the common bond of identifying as African-American despite the fact that they look white. Racial lines have been blurred to invisibility, and people inside the same family can vehemently disagree about whether they are black or white. It can be tense and confusing. As a result, everyone’s choosing: Am I black? Am I mixed race? Or, am I white? Adding to the confusion, there’s a movement afoot to recognize their Native-American heritage.

*Language Advisory* Due to the specific nature of this episode, some segments feature the "N-word".

Airs Friday, February 22 at 8pm on WNYC 93.9 FM and AM 820 

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