We’re chatting about Black wealth, Black joy, and happy Black endings in today’s episode. Tune in to hear Ashley discuss why she loves the soap opera Beyond the Gates, then stick around for Jordy and Mhairie’s discussion of Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron, a Black, queer retelling of Cinderella.
Beyond the Gates: Wealth and Escapism (0:22)
Ashley talks about “Beyond the Gates”, a soap opera about a wealthy Black family in Maryland. She talks about how escapism has a bigger purpose. She also talks about wealth onscreen despite the mostly disdain for it in real life. .
Cinderella Is Dead: Book Bans and Bold Stories (05:34)
Join FBC contributors Jordy and Mhairie as they dive into the banning of Cinderella Is Dead by Kalynn Bayron and what it reveals about the power of diverse storytelling. They discuss why books with LGBTQ+ representation and feminist themes are frequently challenged and how this connects to the broader attacks on libraries, education, and free expression. If you’re passionate about fighting book bans and protecting inclusive stories, this conversation is for you!
Books and Resources Mentioned:
The Davenports by Krystal Marquis
The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap by Mehrsa Baradaran
A Silver Lining for HBCUs in Affirmative Actions’ Demise from Insider Higher Ed
Black wealth is increasing, but so is the racial wealth gap from Brookings
Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
ALA statement on White House assault on the Institute of Museum and Library Services from the American Library Association (ALA)
Tracking the Trump Administration’s Attacks on Libraries from American Libraries Magazine
Trump’s Attack on the Department of Education Explained from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
How Dismantling the Department of Education Would Harm Students from National Education Association (NEA)
Learn more about book bans and take action from PEN America
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Follow Mhairie: Instagram // Bluesky
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This episode was edited and produced by Renee Powers on the ancestral land of the Dakota people.
Original music by Amarissa
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