Mark Anthony Neal's Blog, page 192

Stay Human with Michael Franti: Ani DiFranco

'Widely considered a feminist icon, Grammy winner Ani Di Franco has been called the mother of the DIY movement, being one of the first artists to create her own record label in 1990. While she has been known as the “Little Folksinger,” her music has embraced punk, funk, hip hop, jazz, soul, electronica, and more. Her most recent release titled Revolutionary Love received wide critical acclaim and was named one of 2021’s Most Anticipated Albums by both Pitchfork and Rolling Stone.'

'A Movement, Not A Moment': Black Lives Matter Marks an Anniversary

'In July of 2013, a hashtag on social media led to a global movement against systemic racism and police brutality. #BlackLivesMatter was created by three Black women — Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors and Opal Tometi — following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Florida. 2020 proved to be a watershed moment for the BLM movement when protests erupted across the country and the world after the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota by former police officer Derek Chauvin. The moment sparked a racial reckoning in the United States. Melina Abdullah, a Black scholar, activist and co-founder of Los Angeles' Black Lives Matter chapter, says there’s been steady progress in growing BLM worldwide.“When we first convened to form Black Lives Matter,” she says, “our pledge was to build a movement, not a moment”.'

'The Black Hair Experience' Is About The Joy Of Black Hair — Including My Own

'The Black Hair Experience is a pop-up visual exhibit dedicated to the beauty, history and nostalgia of Black hair. Guest host Ayesha Rascoe takes a trip there and chats with its co-founder, Alisha Brooks. Then, Ayesha is joined by NPR's Susan Davis and Asma Khalid about the two huge economic priorities for the Biden administration.' -- It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders

The Blues Chase the Blues Away: Who Buddy Guy Admires Most

'On a trip to Germany, Buddy Guy met some of his musical heroes, including John Lee Hooker and Big Mama Thornton. Meeting them was a huge achievement for Guy; he said, “I don’t care if I ever get a chance to make a record or nothin’. I done met the people who I admired the most as a musician".' -- American Masters PBS

G'Ra Asim with Jabari Asim: Boyz n the Void

'Left Bank Books welcomes writer, musician, and St. Louis native G'Ra Asim, author of  Boyz n the Void: a mixtape to my brother, in conversation with his father author and professor Jabari Asim.'

Funkadelic's 'Maggot Brain' At 50: R&B, Psychedelic Rock And A Black Guitarist's Cry

'Aiming to make a record that fans would still listen to decades later, George Clinton and Funkadelic mixed R&B, psychedelic rock and a Black guitar hero's cry for the now classic Maggot Brain. "It's [an] indelible statement for the ages," says Vernon Reid, lead guitarist for Grammy-winning rockers Living Colour. "It's a piece of music to evoke the ghosts of the past. It evokes the suffering. It evokes the joy. It's a masterwork".' -- Morning Edition

Yoga of Self-Acceptance with Jessamyn Stanley

'A new book explores the complications and frustrations of navigating the American yoga world as a Black, queer, self-described fat woman. Author, wellness advocate, and yoga instructor, Jessamyn Stanley, joins All Of It to discuss her second book, Yoke: My Yoga of Self-Acceptance.'

Otherppl with Brad Listi: Reginald Dwayne Betts

'Reginald Dwayne Betts is the author of the poetry collection Felon, available from W.W. Norton & Co. Betts is a poet, essayist, and national spokesperson for the Campaign for Youth Justice. He writes and lectures about the impact of mass incarceration on American society. His previous books include the poetry collections Bastards of the Reagan Era and Shahid Reads His Own Palm, and a memoir entitled A Question of Freedom. A graduate of Yale Law School, he lives in New Haven, Connecticut.'

Glued To Your Phone? Here's How To Rethink Your Relationship With Social Media

'Social media is designed to be addicting, but it doesn't have to be. Whether you're looking for a full detox or just trying to find balance, here are four tips to help you create a healthier relationship with social media.' -- Life Kit

Ya Dig? The Aftershow w/ Pierce Freelon

'In this interview with Pierce Freelon we explore his career as a cultural architect and dig deep into his recent albums "D.A.D." and "Black To The Future". Pierce took the time away from his many important duties to give insight into how the political system functions and how citizens can be more active in it.' -- RnD Vlog