Over the years, Basic Black – neé Say Brother – has covered the vital stories of the black community in Boston. Their hard work and commitment to reportage has paid off with awards from key institutions across the media landscape. Here you will find a listing of the awards they have won over the years, from a First Place in Sports from the National Association for Black Journalists (NABJ) to over 25 New England Emmys.
Say Brother, at its debut, sought to to engage and discuss all facets of Black life in the Boston community, from political to educational to cultural. The show had multiple hosts in its early years, including: Stewart Thomas, a 16 year old host who interview Muhammad Ali; James Spruill, founder of the New African Company theatre company; Sarah-Ann Shaw, who went on to work for WBZ; and Henry Hampton, who would go on to produce and direct "Eyes on the Prize."
Through the '70s, the news magazine style of the show continues with segment producers and hosts: John Slade; Topper Carew, who would later write and produce DC Cab; Barbara Barrow-Murray, now of the Boston News Network; Steve Curwood, journalist and public radio personality; and Beth Deare who went on to produce documentaries.
Say Brother wins their first New England Emmy for their program "The Black Dyad."
Say Brother wins two more New England Emmys for the programs "Blues and Gone" and "In the Matter of Levi Hart," produced by Beth Deare.
Elliot Francis served as host off "Say Brother" from the late '80s to the early '90s. During this time, Chuck Harris hosted a weekly segment titled "Say Now."
Another New England Emmy is achieved for the episode "Bobby McFerrin... without Peer."
Three more Emmys joined the shelf in 1989 for "The Whitest State Union", "Mickey Leland: The Man and the Mission", and "What Happened to Donald Johnson?"
Say Brother/Basic Black wins their first Massachusetts Broadcasters Award for "Back in the World."
Another Emmy is won for the program "Remembering Brother Malcolm."
In 1993, the New England Emmys awards Say Brother with a recognition for 25 distinguished years of programming, as well as an Emmy for their program "Reflections with James Earl Jones."
