theGrio Daily's Michael Harriot hosts a discussion on "Red Flags," the companion podcast for theGrio Black Podcast Network's, "Harlem and Moscow." "Harlem and Moscow" is an audio drama based on the true story of the Harlem Renaissance in the Soviet Union. In this episode of Harlem and Moscow: Red Flags, host Michael Harriot is talking to experts about the conditions in America circa the 1930s that made the Soviet Union and Communism very appealing to Black folks in the states. We learn more about the African Blood Brotherhood, the CPUSA, and other communist movements led by Black Americans. The experts dispel myths about Black Americans’ relationship to communism and dive into the history of Black workers' movements in the South. Plus we learn about the real origins of the phrase “Stay Woke,” and much more! Michael is joined by historian and author of the book “Hammer and Hoe,” Dr. Robin D.G. Kelley as well as the playwrigh
Dorothy West and the Harlem Renaissance artists and activists get settled into the Grand Hotel, and enjoy the lavish luxuries the Soviets have to offer. Caviar anyone? While exploring Moscow, Mildred Jones and Langston Hughes push the prim and proper Dorothy out of her comfort zone. While partying, the group finally meets the director of the film, Carl Jungans but the all-Black cast sees red flags as the filmmaker reveals himself to be quite ignorant when it comes to race.
The production of the film “Black And White” gets underway IN Moscow with a less than stellar first rehearsal that is only saved by the star of the Harlem Renaissance performers, Sylvia Garner. Langston Hughes reveals his doubts on the script. Dorothy West receives devastating news from home and then struggles to understand the comfort she finds in Mildred Jones. As the group becomes more comfortable in Moscow, they are surprised with a trip to Odessa, only to learn that the film is in even bigger trouble than they thought.