Without question, “Judas and the Black Messiah” is one of this year’s most highly anticipated films. The project, co-written and directed by Shaka King, is a star-studded story of betrayal ― here, the killing of Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton as told by Bill O’Neal, the police informant who did him in.

Hampton’s killing by Chicago police is a story familiar to many, but in “Judas,” depictions of Hampton’s surroundings during that period ― aswirl with friends, family and foes ― add color to an iconic figure we often experience through black-and-white photos and video. That’s why we were so hyped to welcome this week’s guest, Dominique Fishback. In “Judas,” Dominique stars as Deborah Johnson (who now goes by the name Akua Njeri), Fred Hampton’s fiancee, political partner and the mother of Fred Hampton Jr. In her scenes, Fishback makes clear that Johnson was not a role-player in anyone’s story ― she was an activist in her own right whose teachings guided Hampton and the Black Panther Party spiritually.

Also on this episode, we talk about what Black love means to us, then give our take on Netflix's new film Malcolm and Marie, and offer some suggestions for how to love on yourself and others this Valentine's Day.

Shaquille: Haus of Hoodoo

Taryn: Lit Brooklyn | Addie Rawr | McBride Sisters Wine | FORIA Wellness

Ja'han: Chicago South Side Film Festival

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