50 Best Civil Rights Podcasts to Listen to (2026)

Intersectionality Matters! is a podcast hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw, an American civil rights advocate and a leading scholar of critical race theory. more

Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast features movement voices, stories, and strategies for racial justice. Hear the Race Forward team give their unique takes on race and pop culture, and uplift narratives of hope, struggle, and joy, as we continue to build the momentum needed to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture. Deepen your racial justice lens and get inspired to drive action. Subscribe today! more

Digging into The LGTBQ History Project's vast interview archive, we portray the individuals who led from the frontlines, worked behind the scenes, and demonstrated resilience in their fight for civil rights. We seek to empower activists to vocalize their experiences in unfiltered narratives—a mission that remains singular. We are all about global recognition, preservation, and homage to often marginalized legacies. The QueerCore Podcast underscores the pressing need to uphold historical preservation and acknowledge narratives that might otherwise fade into oblivion. more

What's CODE SWITCH? It's the fearless conversations about race that you've been waiting for. Hosted by journalists of color, our podcast tackles the subject of race with empathy and humor. We explore how race affects every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, food and everything in between. This podcast makes all of us part of the conversation — because we're all part of the story. Code Switch was named Apple Podcasts' first-ever Show of the Year in 2020. Support public media by joining NPR+ at plus.npr.org . You'll get perks for over 25 NPR podcasts, including bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening for Code Switch. more

Let The Record Show is a U.S. history podcast that looks back on legal precedent to make sense of our ever-evolving future. On every episode we explore the people, places and stories behind major court cases that shape how we live our lives today. more

The Justice Briefing is your weekly guide to understanding current events through a historically grounded, theologically rooted, justice-centered lens. Instead of framing the world through fear or culture-war panic, we draw from the spirit of justice—from the biblical prophets to the Civil Rights Movement. This isn't just commentary; it's discipleship for truth and justice. more

Reconstruction begins where, for most Americans, the story of the Civil War ends: The North is victorious and slavery is abolished. But what happened next was one of the most important decades in American history, a moment when our country grappled with its original sin and imagined — and briefly enacted — a more perfect union.  Drawing from archives, letters, diaries, court records, eyewitness testimonies and some of America's most accomplished scholars and storytellers, Reconstruction: The Unfinished Promise explores this unprecedented historical moment in rich, kaleidoscopic detail. The series unpacks a time when a determined band of reformers attempted to radically reimagine American society — from the Constitution to the roots of its economy to the very nature of citizenship itself. Reconstruction was a time when Americans struggled over fundamental questions about our country. Who gets to be a citizen? Who has the right to vote? Who can own property? In short, who belongs? Reconstruction: The Unfinished Promise explores what America might have looked like if Reconstruction had truly succeeded, and how the ultimate backlash to Reconstruction prevented our country from becoming a truly multiracial democracy. Guiding us through this extraordinary moment in American history is best-selling author and host of Revisionist History Malcolm Gladwell. He'll have help from luminaries, historians, and storytellers such as President Barack Obama, Jelani Cobb, Wyatt Cenac, David Blight, Kai Wright, Kellie Carter Jackson, Ashley C. Ford, Manisha Sinha, Kidada Williams, and Eric Foner. This is a series about why America has yet to make good on the promise of Reconstruction, and how it still might.An Audible Original in partnership with History Channel. Produced by Higher Ground and Pushkin Industries. more

TMI is the dynamic, new video-taped podcast featuring activists Tamika D. Mallory and Mysonne, the General. Their show takes an uninhibited look at the social and civil rights issues, pop-culture and politics. Together, they underscore the importance of social activism, awareness, knowing your rights and having a voice. They want you to know that being in service to one's community isn't old school; it's real, it's happening and its needed now more than ever. Their aim is to push our culture forward so that together, we can make the world a better place right now…and for generations to come. more

The Rev. Mark A. Thompson has spent most of his life as a political, civil rights & human rights activist and organizer. He not only has been a part of every major social justice movement & event over the past 40 years, he has also been a radio broadcaster for three decades, and he has spent over 10 years as a television commentator, as well. Rev. Mark hosts Make It Plain ( MIP ), a political, human rights and breaking news podcast. Rev. Mark's lifelong social justice activism intersects with his years of experience broadcasting the news and issues of the day. Newsmakers, politicos, policy-makers, entertainers and athletes alike make MIP a frequent sojourn.In 2021, MIP was named among Best Civil Rights Podcasts , Best Human Rights Podcasts , Best Podcasts About Social Justice and Best Broadcast Television Podcasts . Rev. Mark was honored at the 104th Annual NAACP Convention in Orlando in July 2013 'for 25 years of crusading journalism and outstanding leadership in furthering the work of civil and human rights. Rev. Mark, is a Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers 2023 Inductee. For full bio, click here . more

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights launched 'Pod for the Cause' podcast to expand the conversation on critical civil and human rights challenges of our day: census, justice reform, policing, education, fighting hate & bias, judicial nominations, fair courts, voting rights, media & tech, economic security, immigration, and human rights. Through this expanded dialogue, we want to spur activism that drives change in our communities and country. Be sure to SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and leave a 5-star review. more

A social justice podcast combining hard-hitting journalism and interviews with hip-hop music and original lyrics from independent artists. Each episode delves into an important issue with an alternative take to widely accepted narratives, arming listeners with knowledge and insight they won't hear from mainstream media outlets. more

Disability rights is the next frontier in civil rights. We believe education is the key to building an inclusive society and ensuring that all students are given an equal opportunity. The Inclusive Education Project Podcast, hosted by Special Education and Civil Rights attorneys, Amanda Selogie and Vickie Brett, offers a fresh, smart perspective on what it takes to truly make our educational systems and communities inclusive. Tune in each week as Amanda and Vickie share insight on topics ranging from education reform to advocating for equal rights for all students, and participating in modern activism. This show will also offer user-friendly resources to help you and your family navigate the educational playing field. more

An award winning front-line investigative news magazine focusing on human, civil and workers rights, issues of war and peace, Global Warming, racism and poverty, and other issues. Hosted by Dennis J. Bernstein. more

Every week, Brennan Center President Michael Waldman interviews the leaders, thinkers, and activists who are changing American democracy. more

Civic Cipher is a weekly radio show created to foster allyship for social justice. Hosted by Ramses Ja and Q. Ward, this show is dedicated to empowering Black and Brown voices, allowing them to engage directly with diverse populations across the country. Self-determination is critical to securing a future free of oppressive systems, and Civic Cipher exists to facilitate discussions toward this end. Furthermore, Civic Cipher seeks to inform non-POC allies who may not be privy to these types of discussions and optics. Finally, Civic Cipher seeks to provide long-form conversations in spaces where there is often a lack of significant resources, potent dialogue, or the necessary engagement for facilitating a healthy and productive civil discourse.  FB/Instagram/Fanbase: @civiccipher more

Why are Black Americans and other people of color disproportionately victims of overly aggressive police enforcement and brutality while walking, running, riding bicycles, taking public transit, or while driving? This podcast explores the ways in which people of color have had their mobility arrested. Hosted by Charles T. Brown, the founder and CEO of Equitable Cities LLC—an urban planning, policy, and research firm working at the intersection of transportation, health, and equity. Charles will take you to the streets of Philly, the sidewalks of Seattle, the neighborhoods of Kansas City, and elsewhere around the U.S. In each place, he'll ask: What can we do to change the outcomes when people of color step out their door to exist in the world? more

Prison Radio records and broadcasts the voices of prisoners, centering their analyses and experiences in the movements against mass incarceration and state repression. more

It's easy to say you believe in social justice, but engaging in honest conversations about race can be deeply uncomfortable, vulnerable, messy, and complex. Join co-hosts Courthney Russell (social entrepreneur, activist and doctor) and Emily Braucher (keynote speaker and mom) as they take on the kind of interracial dialogue needed to disrupt the current social order and create equity. more

America has never faced up to the atrocities its massive wealth was built on — or the racism that still plagues us today. It's high time for reparations to Black Americans. In each episode, Harvard lawyers (and longtime friends) Tony and Adam expose a story of racial injustice — then explore creative ways to make it right. The show features special guests who are on the front lines fighting for justice. We're making the case for full national reparations, one story at a time. more

Welcome to Law & Order Me Some Tacos with your host, Sandra Muñoz.Yes, Sandra is a lawyer, and yes, she loves tacos… and on this podcast, she talks about both.Sometimes you'll sit down with just Sandra, and you hear about what it's truly like to be a Latina Lawyer, and other times she'll have some special guests join the conversation.Sandra has over 20 years of experience working on countless cases involving employment discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, and on the show, she'll take you behind the scenes on some of her most interesting cases. The hope is that you'll walk away from each episode with a better understanding of the law and feel empowered to take action if your civil rights as a worker are ever violated.And hey, it's not all legal talk here. Sandra is a real person. She grew up in East LA and loves her neighborhood and community. On this podcast, you'll also get a flavor for her life, her culture, and, best of all, her taco recommendations.Be sure to subscribe or follow Law & Order Me Some Tacos anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts, so you don't miss a thing. more

The Race and Rights podcast explores the myriad issues that adversely impact the civil and human rights of America's diverse Muslim, Arab, and South Asian communities here as well as abroad. Host Sahar Aziz (www.saharazizlaw.com) engages with academics and experts that provide critical analysis of law, policy, and politics that center the experiences of under-represented communities in the United States and the Global South. You can learn more about the Rutgers Center for Security, Race and Rights (CSRR) by visiting our website at csrr.rutgers.edu and by following CSRR on Instagram @RutgersCSRR and Twitter @RUCSRR Subscribe to CSRR's YouTube channel here . more

Colors is the 2025 winner of the Belva Davis Award, presented by the SAG-AFTRA American Scene Awards. Colors is a frank discussion about race. Join JJ Green, who is black and guests of different racial backgrounds as they discuss the challenges the nation faces as it struggles to heal and make meaningful changes for racial equality. It's a safe, non-judgmental, apolitical space to discuss race. Join us. more

Everyday Conversations Race brings people together for cross-race conversations on race. If you have ever wanted to have a conversation about race, then this podcast is for you.Our mission is to disrupt the way race is talked about, break racial silos and have a global impact on how people see each other. We have from different backgrounds who share stories, thoughts on race, perspective on current social issues and pop culture happenings. We show that conversations about race are possible, urgent and essential for survival. Guests are all ages from very young to very old, immigrants, students, formerly incarcerated, executives, hourly employees, social activists, hip-hop artists, athletes and media. It's serious, funny and insightful. We have a global mission for these conversations, to eliminate fear of differences, bring people together in the same space, and find surprising connections. more

The U.S. Civil Rights Trail podcast is a narrative podcast series where historians and experts explore some of the most significant events of the Civil Rights movement. It features the real stories of real people who were there and who made a difference. And it explains why what took place then is still so relevant to all of us today. more

The Thurgood Marshall Institute at the Legal Defense Fund brings you Justice Above All, a quarterly series about the evolution of, and continued need for, racial justice advocacy. We've entered a time where many of the building blocks underpinning our work for racial justice are being questioned or actively undermined. Justice Above All provides an accessible way to help inform the national debate, revive our history, and remember how far we still must go in our quest to realize the ideals for which Thurgood Marshall and the advocates he led fought. more

Dan Schorr and Alyssa-Rae McGinn explore a wide variety of topics related to Title IX and Civil Rights investigations, policies and procedures, regulatory compliance, and other aspects of this important, challenging, and evolving field. Dan and Alyssa-Rae are joined by other subject matter experts to discuss the latest developments and real-world issues for Title IX practitioners. more

Exposing injustice. Holding the powerful accountable. Turning awareness into action.This podcast goes beyond the headlines to break down the biggest issues shaping our communities—systemic racism, police accountability, economic injustice, and more. With unfiltered insights, bold analysis, and real conversations with changemakers, Pamela Price tackles the truth behind the systems impacting real people, real families, and real lives.If you're ready to challenge the status quo and push for real change, this is the podcast for you. more

Rights This Way is a podcast from the New York Civil Liberties Union (the ACLU of New York State) focused on the civil rights and liberties issues that impact New Yorkers most. Through interviews and lively conversations with experts inside and outside the NYCLU, we discuss the legal and policy implications of some of the most important issues facing our state.‎ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

Class is in session. Interdependent Study is about the learning and unlearning work for social justice and collective liberation. Interdependent Study is hosted by Damien Franze, an angry Black man from Baltimore who wears his heart on his sleeve, and Aaron Hood, an angry white man from Florida who is always thinking. We're two friends who work in education and share a commitment to social justice. We believe that we are always learning; always arriving. People constantly learn and unlearn by reflecting on their experiences. Interdependent Study is designed to be a community for this work. more

This is a podcast dedicated to diving into the intersection of education, faith, and racial injustice. With careers in both ministry and academia, along with his unique racial and ethnic identity, David Phipps uses this space to both share and facilitate language that builds up communities of color. You can expect to hear solo episodes from David as well as guest interviews and co-hosts regularly dropping in to discuss the important issues. more

Jesse Garcia has worked for LGBT and Hispanic civil rights causes. The Jesse Garcia Show will spotlight people in the community working for social justice, plus discuss politics, culture and art. more

BlackJacked: How The Civil Rights Movement Went Left examines the American civil rights movement critically, pointing out missed opportunities and strategic flaws. BlackJacked looks at what could have been and asks us to determine what will be. more

Social justice means applying the law equally to all people. But in practice, that doesn't always happen. We're business and trial lawyers with over 60 years experience of practice.Together, we practice law, we seek social justice, and we reveal the conflict between the two. And in this podcast, we bring together guests from a variety of backgrounds to discuss the current issues surrounding social justice and the inequity between these issues and their relation to the legal system.Join with us, so that it's not Just Us. more

Black Arm of the Law is a powerful and thought-provoking podcast that explores the complexities of being Black in law enforcement. Hosted by Dr. RaShall Brackney, former Chief of Police in Charlottesville, Virginia, the show dives deep into the personal and professional experiences of those navigating the often unseen and misunderstood intersection of race, justice, and public safety. Through honest conversations and critical insights, the podcast sheds light on how race and identity shape the lives and careers of Black officers behind the badge. Each episode tackles timely and urgent topics—from systemic bias and the politicization of civil service to the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. The show also confronts the cultural and emotional tolls of working within institutions not built with marginalized communities in mind, while highlighting the need for reform, accountability, and human-centered policing. At its core, *Black Arm of the Law* is about truth-telling, empowerment, and transformation. With voices from across the spectrum of law enforcement, the podcast uplifts stories of resilience, leadership, and advocacy. Whether discussing civil rights, community safety, or mental health, this series invites listeners into a critical dialogue on justice, equity, and the future of public service. more

Hear about the changing landscape of criminal justice reform from those most directly impacted. Our discussions range from analysis of the political landscape (local, state and federal), engaging in the promise of abolitionist praxis and of course, elevating the voices of formerly incarcerated people. more

Rattling the Bars puts the voices of the people most harmed by our system of mass incarceration at the center of our reporting on the fight to end it. The show was founded by the late Black Panther and political prisoner Marshall 'Eddie' Conway, and is now hosted by Charles Hopkins, better known as Mansa Musa, who himself spent 48 years behind bars.Rattling the Bars offers an honest look at the lives of prisoners, returning citizens, their families, and their communities. With Rattling the Bars, by presenting hard data and real-life stories, we examine and seek to shift public opinion around the misconception that incarceration, punishment, and increased policing make cities safer—the truth of which has been disproven by countless studies. The series examines the history and root causes of the current so-called justice system. It showcases individuals and communities nationwide who are grappling with real solutions to problems created by the prison-industrial complex.Help us continue producing Rattling the Bars by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer.Sign up for our newsletter more

The Know Your Rights Camp Podcast hopes to inform, inspire and provide tools for the next generation of Black and Brown youth in a collective fight against systemic oppression.  more

This is more than a podcast. It's a call to action to uncover the truth, give voice to the unheard, and spark a movement for social change. Join this journey of transformation as we track the history and move forward toward solutions around key social issues. Our voices are strong, and together we can find viable sustainable solutions. As part of our work to educate and serve as a catalyst for positive social change, the National Civil Rights Museum is committed to centering the past lessons of the civil rights movement to issues of today as we seek solutions that rid society of injustices. more

People's stories recorded from the Oral History Collection of the Civil Rights Heritage Center at the Indiana University South Bend Archives. Telling the history of the civil rights movement and the experiences of Black, Latinx, LGBTQ, and other marginalized peoples in South Bend, Indiana. For more, visit crhc.iusb.edu. more

An insightful podcast by the National Disability Rights Network offering advocacy tools, heartfelt storytelling, and real-world policy insights—accessible whether you're an advocate in the field or just someone who cares deeply about disability rights. more

'While I Breathe I Hope.' It's the state motto of South Carolina. It's about surviving and fighting and overcoming despair.While I Breathe is a wide-ranging program from the ACLU of South Carolina about the most important civil rights and civil liberties issues of our time. We feature interviews with people living and working on the front lines. We'll learn a few things and get to work building the state we deserve. more

The Alabama African American Civil Rights Heritage Sites Consortium 'Stayed On Freedom' podcast engages foot soldiers, leaders, scholars and 'extraordinary ordinary' people who are 'stayed on freedom.' We remember to remember how the history and continuing legacy of the Black freedom movement and our Civil Rights Heritage Sites have transformed communities and changed the world! more

For years, America's largest Muslim civil rights organization has fought for justice in the courts of law and the halls of power. But the fight doesn't stop there. The court of public opinion matters just much.CAIR on Air is a brand-new weekly podcast that gives the American public an inside look at the pursuits and struggles of the American Muslim community, behind the headlines and beyond the courtroom.Hosted by civil rights attorney and CAIR Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell and a rotating line-up of co-hosts, CAIR on Air is a space for direct, unfiltered conversation with supporters, partners, and anyone in the broader American public curious about key issues impacting the Muslim community and the nation.From free speech and religious liberty to anti-Muslim hate and U.S. foreign policy, no topic is off the table. Guests include attorneys, anti-war activists, elected officials, journalists, and everyday Americans of all faiths committed to justice.Join us every week to go beyond the courtroom and behind the headlines. more

Join hosts Keva White and John Kepner as they and their guests explore the myriad social and racial challenges facing the modern world. Thank you for being part of the courageous conversation, because when it comes to combatting social injustices in America, it is not about being confrontational, it is about being conversational. more

For All of Us is a podcast from Equal Rights Advocates dedicated to sharing authentic conversations between everyday people impacted by gender, racial, and economic injustice under the Trump Administration. Explore conversations with: Trans and queer people living in Red states; Immigrant working women protecting their families from ICE; Gender justice advocates facing funding cuts in their communities; Workers' rights attorneys fighting to preserve civil rights in our workplaces; Working family caregivers struggling with disappearing resources; Construction/skilled tradeswomen experiencing increased harassment and discrimination on job sites; and more. Learn more at equalrights.org/podcast This project is powered by support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation . more

You And The Law Podcast: Exploring the complexities of the American justice system and the criminal justice system with Chief Virgil Green and Chief Keith Humphrey, two experienced law enforcement executives. This weekly podcast tackles pressing issues in law enforcement and policing in minority communities, offering proactive insights to inform and engage listeners interested in criminal justice reform. more

Derechos y Esperanza Rights and Hope is a podcast of the ASU Law Civil Rights, Migration and Workplace Law Initiative that advances public education and dialogue by exploring historical and contemporary stories of civil rights, migration and workplace law, examining how law shapes access to opportunity while uplifting pathways for change, inspiration and hope.This podcast is for educational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not reflect the views of Arizona State University or the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law. Nothing discussed should be considered legal advice or a substitute for professional counsel. All errors are the responsibility of the speaker. more

The Let's Talk Civilly podcast, brought to you by the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, fosters open and inclusive conversations on important topics surrounding civil rights, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Each episode delves into pressing issues, shares stories of resilience, and highlights initiatives that promote fairness and justice for all Marylanders. Join us as we explore ways to build stronger, more equitable communities through dialogue and understanding. more

Right now, decisions are being made in Washington and in every statehouse that will determine whether people with disabilities live in their own communities or get pushed into institutions. Most Americans have no idea it's happening. Disability and Power is here to change that.Each episode, host Matt Shedd sits down with Theo Braddy, Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living and a veteran of five decades in the disability rights movement, to take on one legislative fight or real-world obstacle facing people with disabilities: Medicaid cuts, the attendant care crisis, a more

IBA profiles a diverse selection of current and historically significant figures whose stories help illuminate life in Black America. more