Mark Anthony Neal's Blog, page 195

Century of Story & Song: Dick Gregory: Kent State, Black Power and Comedy

'On April 22, 1971 Dick Gregory spoke at TownHallNYC as part of a speakers series that included Ralph Nader. Gregory took the stage to speak about the direction of the civil rights movement in the 70s, of which he would play a significant role as demonstrated in the 1972 National Black Political Convention the following year. Duke University Professor and author Dr. Mark Anthony Neal will join The Town Hall to speak about Gregory’s legacy and 1971 as a pivotal year in history and in Gregory’s own life. Discussion to include Gregory’s fasts, his political speeches and his recordings, including his record Dick Gregory at Kent State (1971).'

REEL SOUTH: The Passing On

'Renowned African American embalmer, James Bryant, puts his faith in a new generation to continue the legacy of Black funeral homes in San Antonio, Texas. But his young intern, Clarence Pierre, is conflicted about his commitment due to the judgment he receives as a queer, Christian man. Directed by Nathan Clarke. Produced by Lana Garland & Tyler Trumbo.'

Unscripted: Conversations w/ Christian John Wikane: Van Hunt on Sly & the Family Stone

In this clip from Unscripted: Conversations w/ Christian John Wikane, Grammy Award winning artist Van Hunt describes the influence of Sly & the Family Stone.

Belabored: Critical Race Panic in Schools, with Jesse Hagopian

'A new right-wing campaign to ban “critical race theory” aims to crack down on teachers who teach honestly about racism. How can teachers protect themselves and their students? Belabored is joined by Jesse Hagopian, a Seattle teacher, writer, and editor of books including Black Lives Matter at School.'

PBS Short Film Festival | Mothers for Justice

'After her son, Dontre Hamilton, is shot 14 times and killed by a Milwaukee police officer in a popular downtown park, Maria Hamilton rallies grieving mothers from across the country to join her in a cross-country trip to demand justice on behalf of their sons. Directed by Erik Ljung.'

Brief But Spectacular: Alonzo King

'Alonzo King is a visionary choreographer who is altering the way we look at dance. Born in Georgia to civil rights activist parents, King found his own form of expression through the language of movement, and ultimately went on to found Alonzo King LINES Ballet, a San Francisco based dance company. He gives  PBS NewsHour his Brief But Spectacular take on life and movement.'

New Edition of William Gardner Smith's 'The Stone Face'

'Tyler Stovall, dean of Fordham University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and Adam Shatz, the US editor for London Review of Books, join All Of It to discuss New York Review Books' new edition of William Gardner Smith's 1963 novel, The Stone Face, for which Shatz wrote the introduction. The novel, which has been out of print for decades, will now be available.'

Founding Member Emilio Castillo On Tower Of Power's 50th Anniversary

'Tower of Power, a horn band from Oakland, Calif., is famously known for having a large and rotating cast of musicians. There have been at least 50 members over the last 50 years of the band's existence. Since its beginning, founding member Emilio Castillo has seen through all of its iterations. In this episode of World Cafe Words and Music from WXPN, Emilio Castillo talks about the early days of Tower of Power, the band's 50th anniversary and how they're celebrating it — with a recording of a live show in Oakland. Listen to the complete session via the audio player above.'

'Women Of Brewster Place' Reissue Brims With Inventiveness — And Relevance

'Now newly reissued, Gloria Naylor's 1982 novel-in-stories, The Women of Brewster Place, painted a group portrait of seven Black women living on a dingy street in an unnamed city, and the systematic racism they faced. Naylor's debut novel, The Women of Brewster Place, won the National Book Award for first fiction.' -- Fresh Air

The Revolutionary Act of Teaching Black Kids With Excellence: Real Talk With Internationally Renowned Educator-Extraordinaire, Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings, Ph.D

'On the final episode of Season 5 of Black Like Me, host Dr. Alex Gee has an invigorating conversation with Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings that starts with demystifying Critical Race Theory (CRT) and continues through explaining systemic racism. Dr. Ladson-Billings brings caree-long expertise to the topic of considering how to teach history equitably and how to look at our current cultural landscape as well.'