Trey's Table

In 1901, Australia wanted to ban Black and Asian immigration, but London said explicit racial laws looked bad diplomatically. So they invented the "50-Word Dictation Test. In this episode of the podcast, we explore Australia’s history of anti-Black racism.

In 1935, Sinclair Lewis wrote It Can’t Happen Here—a chilling novel about a populist demagogue who promises every citizen cash payouts, rallies anti-immigrant fervor, and steadily dismantles democracy from within. Lewis wasn’t just writing fiction; he was issuing a warning. On the latest episode of Trey’s Table, we examine the life and work of Sinclair Lewis, the first American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. From his sharp critique of American fascism to his groundbreaking 1947 novel Kingsblood Royal—inspired by his close friendship with NAACP leader Walter White—we break down why Lewis’s words are more urgent today than ever. 🎧 Click the link in bio to listen now to Trey’s Table. #TreysTable #SinclairLewis #BlackHistory #AmericanHistory #HistoryPodcast

Next time you sit down for a meal at an upscale restaurant, take a look around. Who greets you at the door? Who takes your order? And who is working behind closed doors in the kitchen? In fine dining, servers in major metro areas can earn upwards of $100k to $150k annually in tips. Yet front-of-house positions remain overwhelmingly white. In the latest episode of Trey’s Table (Episode 461), we dig into the history, the high-profile class-action lawsuits, and the unspoken racial dynamics of the dining room. Every dollar spent is a vote for the kind of spaces we want to support. 🎧 Episode 461 is streaming now. Link in bio. 💬 Question for you: Think of your top 2 or 3 favorite local spots. How diverse is their front-of-house staff? Let’s talk in the comments. Hashtags: ⁠ #SocialJustice #PodcastClips #Restaurant-life #TreyTablePodcast⁠

NEW EPISODE: The Debate Over Hip-Hop's Most Controversial Word Can you separate hip-hop culture from the language embedded in its history? In this episode of Trey’s Table, host Trey Smith dives deep into the heated, ongoing debate surrounding the N-word in hip-hop—sparked by the recurring conversations around South Bronx legend Fat Joe on The Joe Budden Podcast. From the origins of the genre with The Sugarhill Gang and Public Enemy to modern hits by Terror Squad, JAY-Z, and Kanye West, we examine: The Cultural Divide: Should anyone be using the word in music today, or is it time for hip-hop to move past it entirely? Identity & Proximity: When a non-Black Hispanic artist is born and raised at the epicenter of hip-hop culture, does context grant a pass? Anti-Blackness & Colorism: A hard look at identity within the Latin and Hispanic communities, featuring insights from Rosie Perez and cultural commentators. The Power of Words: Trey shares a candid story from his courtroom career that underscores the real-world impact of the language we normalize. Join the table for an honest, thoughtful discussion on art, race, influence, and responsibility.

The Korean War is often called America’s "Forgotten War"—and even more forgotten are the struggles of the African American soldiers who served in it. Two years after Executive Order 9981 ordered the desegregation of the armed forces, Black troops—like those in the 24th Infantry Regiment—were still serving in segregated units and facing glaring racial bias in the military justice system. When Black soldiers were unjustly convicted for refusing suicidal orders without artillery or air support, NAACP Special Counsel Thurgood Marshall flew straight to Korea to uncover the truth. Step back in time to 1951 with the latest episode of Trey’s Table as we break down the investigation, the court-martials, and the fight for justice on the front lines. 🎙️ Tune in today: [Link in bio] #TreysTable #AfricanAmericanHistory #HistoryPodcast #CivilRightsHistory #KoreanConflict