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Intelligently Ratchet: A Look Back At 2018

'Intelligently Ratchet' livestreaming news representing perspectives of everyday black people.
'Intelligently Ratchet' livestreaming news representing perspectives of everyday black people.

After noticing that most of the black voices featured in the news come from the educated and affluent, Kevin “Kaze” Thomas and Karim “Bishop Omega” Jarrett made it their mission to represent the perspectives of everyday black people. They do this through their weekly web series “Intelligently Ratchet,” which streams live on Facebook every Wednesday at 9 p.m. 

Host Frank Stasio talks with Kevin “Kaze” Thomas and Karim “Bishop Omega” Jarrett, host of the weekly web series 'Intelligently Ratchet.'

They join host Frank Stasio to look back at some of the biggest stories they covered this year, including when a black security guard was shot dead by police after apprehending a shooting suspect; the many instances in which black people were confronted for performing everyday tasks; and the toppling of the confederate Silent Sam statue on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They also share the meaning of their word of the year: “drip.” Jarrett will also be performing in the True School Carolina Comedy Tour which will be at the Parmount Theatre in Goldsboro on Saturday, Jan. 12 and  the Durham Armory on Friday, Jan. 25.

Copyright 2018 North Carolina Public Radio

Longtime NPR correspondent Frank Stasio was named permanent host of The State of Things in June 2006. A native of Buffalo, Frank has been in radio since the age of 19. He began his public radio career at WOI in Ames, Iowa, where he was a magazine show anchor and the station's News Director.
Dana is an award-winning producer who began as a personality at Rock 92. Once she started creating content for morning shows, she developed a love for producing. Dana has written and produced for local and syndicated commercial radio for over a decade. WUNC is her debut into public radio and she’s excited to tell deeper, richer stories.