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In 1901, Australia wanted to ban Black and Asian immigration, but London said explicit racial laws looked bad diplomatically. So they invented the "50-Word Dictation Test. In this episode of the podcast, we explore Australia’s history of anti-Black racism.

In 1935, Sinclair Lewis wrote It Can’t Happen Here—a chilling novel about a populist demagogue who promises every citizen cash payouts, rallies anti-immigrant fervor, and steadily dismantles democracy from within. Lewis wasn’t just writing fiction; he was issuing a warning. On the latest episode of Trey’s Table, we examine the life and work of Sinclair Lewis, the first American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. From his sharp critique of American fascism to his groundbreaking 1947 novel Kingsblood Royal—inspired by his close friendship with NAACP leader Walter White—we break down why Lewis’s words are more urgent today than ever. 🎧 Click the link in bio to listen now to Trey’s Table. #TreysTable #SinclairLewis #BlackHistory #AmericanHistory #HistoryPodcast

Next time you sit down for a meal at an upscale restaurant, take a look around. Who greets you at the door? Who takes your order? And who is working behind closed doors in the kitchen? In fine dining, servers in major metro areas can earn upwards of $100k to $150k annually in tips. Yet front-of-house positions remain overwhelmingly white. In the latest episode of Trey’s Table (Episode 461), we dig into the history, the high-profile class-action lawsuits, and the unspoken racial dynamics of the dining room. Every dollar spent is a vote for the kind of spaces we want to support. 🎧 Episode 461 is streaming now. Link in bio. 💬 Question for you: Think of your top 2 or 3 favorite local spots. How diverse is their front-of-house staff? Let’s talk in the comments. Hashtags: ⁠ #SocialJustice #PodcastClips #Restaurant-life #TreyTablePodcast⁠

NEW EPISODE: The Debate Over Hip-Hop's Most Controversial Word Can you separate hip-hop culture from the language embedded in its history? In this episode of Trey’s Table, host Trey Smith dives deep into the heated, ongoing debate surrounding the N-word in hip-hop—sparked by the recurring conversations around South Bronx legend Fat Joe on The Joe Budden Podcast. From the origins of the genre with The Sugarhill Gang and Public Enemy to modern hits by Terror Squad, JAY-Z, and Kanye West, we examine: The Cultural Divide: Should anyone be using the word in music today, or is it time for hip-hop to move past it entirely? Identity & Proximity: When a non-Black Hispanic artist is born and raised at the epicenter of hip-hop culture, does context grant a pass? Anti-Blackness & Colorism: A hard look at identity within the Latin and Hispanic communities, featuring insights from Rosie Perez and cultural commentators. The Power of Words: Trey shares a candid story from his courtroom career that underscores the real-world impact of the language we normalize. Join the table for an honest, thoughtful discussion on art, race, influence, and responsibility.

The Korean War is often called America’s "Forgotten War"—and even more forgotten are the struggles of the African American soldiers who served in it. Two years after Executive Order 9981 ordered the desegregation of the armed forces, Black troops—like those in the 24th Infantry Regiment—were still serving in segregated units and facing glaring racial bias in the military justice system. When Black soldiers were unjustly convicted for refusing suicidal orders without artillery or air support, NAACP Special Counsel Thurgood Marshall flew straight to Korea to uncover the truth. Step back in time to 1951 with the latest episode of Trey’s Table as we break down the investigation, the court-martials, and the fight for justice on the front lines. 🎙️ Tune in today: [Link in bio] #TreysTable #AfricanAmericanHistory #HistoryPodcast #CivilRightsHistory #KoreanConflict

There are certain figures whose respect in the culture is simply understood. On the latest episode of Trey’s Table, we’re diving into "The List of People That Black People Don't Play About." From Dolly Parton’s genuine love, decades of philanthropy, and unforgettable moments of allyship, to Hayley Williams’ unapologetic stand for justice and Kyle Chandler’s iconic, authentic portrayals on screen—we look at what truly earns a permanent place at the table. It’s about more than fame or success; it’s about respect, connection, and treating people right. 🎙️ Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform! Drop a comment below: Who else belongs on your list? #TreysTable #Podcast #BlackCulture #DollyParton #HayleyWilliams #KyleChandler #CultureAndHistory #PodcastsOfInstagram

When you hear a song, what kind of picture does your mind build of the person singing it? In the latest episode of Trey’s Table, we look at the incredible story of Sarah La Morena—a dark-skinned, Afro-Mexican singer captivating audiences worldwide with regional Mexican music. Born in California and adopted by a loving Mexican family in Zacatecas, Sarah’s life challenges the shallow boundaries of race, expectations, and musical genres. Her journey opens the door to deeper, necessary conversations: What truly shapes our identity—our skin or the environment that loves and raises us? The nuances and debates surrounding transracial and transcultural adoption. Why we must dismantle the boxes that tell people what they are “allowed” to create, sing, or enjoy. From 80s pop to Living Colour to Frank Sinatra, music has always had the power to cross boundaries and unite souls. 🎧 Tune in now to join the conversation. What’s an artist or genre you love that might surprise people based on who you are? Let’s talk in the comments.

New Episode of Trey’s Table: Self-Defense, Domestic Violence, and the Trial of Keisha Golden While national media attention often zeroes in on high-profile cases like the Lindsay Clancy trial, countless stories at the critical intersection of race, gender, and the legal system slip under the radar. In this episode of Trey’s Table, host Trey Smith breaks down the complex and heartbreaking case of Keisha Golden—an eight-month-pregnant woman in Chicago who faced first-degree murder charges after fatally stabbing her abusive partner in self-defense, only to resolve her case this week through a plea deal for involuntary manslaughter. In this episode, we explore: The Legal Realities of Self-Defense: Why traditional doctrines of self-defense and "proportionality of force" routinely fail victims of domestic abuse. The Coercion of Plea Deals: An insider look from a defense attorney's perspective on how high bonds, pre-trial detention, and mandatory minimums pressure even innocent defendants into pleading guilty. Historical Precedents: The legacy of Battered Woman Syndrome, from the landmark 1977 Francine Hughes ("The Burning Bed") case to modern reforms like New York’s Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act. Overlooked Voices: Examining the contrast in public empathy and media coverage between cases, remembering Marguerite Whitley, and demanding accountability in local judicial and prosecutorial elections. How can our criminal legal system better protect victims of domestic violence before tragedy strikes? 🎧 Listen now to the full episode on your favorite podcast platform. Link in bio/show notes! #TreysTable #KeishaGolden #CriminalJustice #LegalSystem #DomesticViolenceAwareness #PublicDefense #Podcast #LegalAnalysis

Why has there never been a Black majority owner in NFL history? With the kickoff of the NFL regular season just around the corner, we’re digging into what many describe as the most exclusive fraternity in the United States: NFL team owners. In this episode of Trey’s Table, we break down: * The stark racial demographics behind the league’s controlling ownership. * The staggering financial barriers and family dynastic structures keeping the gates closed. * The legal bombshells emerging in Brian Flores’ discrimination lawsuit. * How unified player power—highlighted by DeMaurice Smith’s inside account in Turf Wars—stopped Rush Limbaugh from buying into the league back in 2009. * A special listener letter from Iceland that sparks a conversation about passion, storytelling, and where the show goes next. Black players make up over half the league on the field, but when will that translate to controlling the boardroom? 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

🎙️ New Episode Alert: Politics, Stereotypes, and Making History | Trey’s Table In this episode, we dive into the complex intersections of American political culture, media narratives, and the persistent stereotypes weaponized against Black women in leadership. From the defining moments of national campaigns to the rhetoric surrounding powerful figures like Vice President Kamala Harris, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, and media leaders—why do tropes like the "Sapphire," the "Mammy," and the "Welfare Queen" keep resurfacing in our public discourse? More importantly, we turn our eyes to Florida politics, where State Representative Angie Nixon has secured a historic Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate. Beyond the political battles, we look at her inspiring work in community health, youth empowerment, and her children's book, The Adventures of Moxxy McGruff. Plus, a personal reflection on finding the courage to share our own stories in creative spaces. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform! 👇 Let us know your thoughts: Have you been following the Florida Senate race, and how do you see media portrayals shaping modern elections? #TreysTable #Podcast #BlackHistory #PoliticsAndCulture #AngieNixon #FloridaPolitics #KamalaHarris #PoliticalCommentary

From an enslaved master craftsman in 1790 to the nation’s oldest Black-owned architecture and construction management firm—this is the story you weren’t taught in history class. 🏛️✨ On this latest episode of Trey’s Table, we explore the groundbreaking legacy of the McKissack family. Their work spans over two centuries, from building the Tuskegee Army Airfield during WWII to landmark projects at Howard University, the MLK Jr. Memorial, and the Obama Presidential Center. We also dive into the harsh reality facing Black-owned and women-led enterprises today as DEI initiatives and federal contracting opportunities come under fire. 🎙️ Episode available now. Tap the link in bio to listen, and let’s talk about it in the comments. #TreysTable #BlackHistory #AfricanAmericanHistory #McKissackAndMcKissack #BlackArchitects #DEI #PodcastCommunity #BlackExcellence #HistoryMatters

When the next Congress is sworn in, the House of Representatives is projected to have zero Black Republican members—a shift driven by retirements, state race pivots, and primary losses like that of Michigan candidate Amir Hassan. In our latest episode of Trey’s Table, we break down what happened in Michigan’s 8th District, how primary voters reacted to Hassan’s background, and why a political monopoly on any community’s vote leaves voters overlooked or taken for granted. We also look back at Gen. Colin Powell’s iconic 2008 commentary on why religious bigotry has no place in American democracy. 🎧 Listen to the full episode now on all podcast platforms! Link in bio. Hashtags: #TreysTable #AmericanPolitics #MichiganPolitics #Congress #Elections #ColinPowell #PoliticalAnalysis

For centuries, a secret society composed of wealthy, influential white people in St. Louis put on an annual holiday ball and parade. The organization was founded by former members of the Confederacy and other white supremacist organizations. In this episode of the podcast, we discuss a book that exposes the history of this organization and other secret societies that were founded on white supremacy.

Behind the glitz, the glamour, and the platinum records of the music industry lies a hidden history of exploitation. 🎶 In our latest episode, we dive deep into the legendary soul duo Sam & Dave—their meteoric rise, their unforgettable hits like "Soul Man," and the predatory contracts that left them fighting for the wealth their art created. But this isn't just a story about the past. We trace the line from the predatory "recoupable expenses" of the 1960s to how modern icons like Beyoncé, and director Ryan Coogler have completely rewritten the script to take control of their own intellectual property and ownership. True freedom means owning your masters and your narrative. 👉 Click the link in the bio to listen to the new episode now! #TreysTable #SamAndDave #BlackHistory #MusicHistory #Beyonce #RyanCoogler #SinnersMovie #PodcastsOfInstagram #BlackCreatives

Chris Rufo takes the L as his Stop Woke Act is declared unconstitutional.