Mark Anthony Neal's Blog, page 173

From Puff to Prison to Politics: Former Rapper Shyne Tells his Story

'Former Bad Boy artist Moses "Shyne" Barrow opens up about how he is using his voice to empower the people of Belize with Selena Hill of Black Enterprise.'

Jaleel White Breaks Down Why Steve Urkel Worked & How The Phenomenon Started

'In this clip from People's Party with Talib Kweli, Kweli and co-host Jasmin Leigh talk with actor Jaleel White about the lasting legacy of his character Steve Urkel from the TV show Family Matters.'

Millennials Are Killing Capitalism: “We Remember The Attempts To Be Free” -- Joy James on Black August and the Captive Maternal

'Joy James is the author of Shadowboxing: Representations of Black Feminist Politics, Transcending the Talented Tenth: Black Leaders and American Intellectuals, and Resisting State Violence: Radicalism, Gender and Race in US Culture. Her edited books include: Warfare in the American Homeland, The New Abolitionists: (Neo) Slave Narratives and Contemporary Prison Writings, Imprisoned Intellectuals, States of Confinement, The Black Feminist Reader (co-edited with TD Sharpley-Whiting), and the Angela Y. Davis Reader. Dr. James also serves as a Professor of Humanities at Williams College. 2021 marks the 50th Anniversary of the murder of George Jackson and the subsequent Attica Rebellion. In our discussion with Dr. James we talk about both of those events, as well as about key Black August figures Jonathan Jackson and George Jackson. We also discuss James’ piece Airbrushing Revolution for the Sake of Abolition and ask her questions about Davis’s trial, and contradictions from within mass international campaigns like the campaign to free Davis.'

Guthrie Ramsey: 'Bodies of Music, Songs of Magic: Black Music's American Story'

'In this multimedia presentation, created by Dr. Guthrie Ramsey, Composer, Scholar, Author and Professor Emeritus of Music, University of Pennsylvania, narration, photographs, visual art, and dynamic performances illustrate the central role Black music has played in American history. Covering the antebellum period to the present, the program demonstrates the power and importance of this musical tradition in shaping American identities and culture.' -- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Carrie Mae Weems: 'In Love, In Trouble, Out of Time'

A deep meditation on family – sisters – from Carrie Mae Weems.

"Sanford Biggers: Codeswitch" at the California African American Museum

'Artist Sanford Biggers discusses the genesis for the body of antique quilt-based works now on view at California African American Museum (CAAM). “Sanford Biggers: Codeswitch” is on view July 28, 2021 - January 23, 2022.'

Black & Highly Flavored: Ice Cream's Black History with Lokelani Alabanza

'In this episode of Black & Highly Flavored host Tamara Celeste and Derek Kirk speak with Saturated Ice Cream's Lokelani Alabanza—pastry chef and ice cream wizard devising need-to-have-now flavors all inspired by historic African-American cookbooks. She calls it, "like collecting antiques, but with food".'

At Liberty (ep. 172): How To End the Preschool to Prison Pipeline

'Every fall kids head back to school – over a million of them to preschool. And while many of these preschoolers will learn about colors, shapes, and the ABC’s, thousands will learn what it’s like to be suspended for the first time. On average 250 preschoolers are suspended each day of the school year. Compared with K through 12 students, preschoolers are suspended at nearly 3 times the frequency of older students.  At Liberty's guest  has spent decades raising awareness about this trend and its effect on a child’s long-term outcomes. Dr. Rosemarie Allen is  an associate professor at the School of Education at Metropolitan State University of Denver where she teaches students about power, privilege, and the education system.  She discusses the preschool to prison pipeline, the punitive culture in educational spaces, the mental health care of students, and alternative approaches that teach rather than punish.'

Addie Elabor Built African-Inspired Fashion Line into a Multimillion-Dollar Brand

'Addie Elabor built African-inspired fashion line D’IYANU into a multimillion-dollar brand by exemplifying the company’s core value of being customer centered. She talks with Black Enterprise's Alisa Gumbs.'

MASTERS OF DRAG | Joan Jett Blakk: The Drag Queen Who Ran for President

'On her 35th birthday, Joan Jett Blakk, the drag persona of actor Terence Smith, ran for president in lipstick, heels and eyeshadow, continuing a long tradition of drag as political activism. Blakk had also run for mayors of Chicago and San Francisco. During these “campaigns,” Blakk advocated for policies that many politicians are still talking about today, including universal healthcare, eliminating student debt and civil rights.' -- American Masters PBS