Notes from America with Kai Wright

All Episodes

Not Just Forgotten, but Erased From History: A Final Note from Notes from America

Our final episode is dedicated to the people who are too often left out when we celebrate the past.

WNYC |

The Real Heartbeat of D.C. Isn’t Politics. It’s Go-Go Music.

Washington, D.C.’s newest museum is an homage to go-go, a music genre born and bred in the District, exploring how the music became a rich culture reflecting the city's heritage.

WNYC |

Dear Listener: A Celebration of Our Best Moments with You

From holiday sing-alongs to your personal stories, the best part of this show is hearing from our listeners. Before we wrap up, we revisit some special moments — led by you.

WNYC |

A Year After Being Shot in Vermont, Palestinian Student Hisham Awartani Sets His Sights on Home

Shot and severely injured while visiting family in Vermont in 2023, college student Hisham Awartani grapples with his recovery in the U.S., and an unfolding war at home in Palestine.

WNYC |

We Could End AIDS. So Why Are People Still Dying?

Decades later, AIDS is still with us and its status as an epidemic remains accurate. In this episode, we learn why that is from two women and a young man born with HIV.

WNYC |

Writer Ekow Eshun on James Baldwin’s History

British writer Ekow Eshun is also a broadcaster and curator whose work, like James Baldwin's, tackles identity, race and Black masculinity.

WNYC |

An America Without Police is Safer Than You Think

If we actually abolish the police, would we be safe? Safer? We ask three experts to break down what a world beyond policing looks like.

WNYC |

Writer Hisham Matar on James Baldwin’s Patience

Hisham Matar is an award-winning writer of fiction and non-fiction. Born in New York to Libyan parents, he trained to be an architect before trading buildings for books.

WNYC |

Presenting This is Uncomfortable: Writer Hanif Abdurraqib on what it Means to “Make it”

Abdurraqib's work spans sports, pop culture and politics, often focusing on issues of race and class, while also delving into themes of grief, beauty and love.

WNYC |

It’s Trump’s Policy, But Both Parties Set the Stage for Mass Deportations

President-elect Trump has promised to use everything from the law to local police to the military to enforce his immigration policies and make good on his promise of mass deportations.

WNYC |