Mark Anthony Neal's Blog, page 223

The Making of Adrian Younge's "The American Negro"

Behind the scenes of the making of Adrian Younge's latest project, The American Negro, which is described as "an unapologetic critique, detailing the systemic and malevolent psychology that afflicts people of color.  This project dissects the chemistry behind blind racism, using music as the medium to restore dignity and self-worth."

"The 4% Problem": Breaking Down the Lack of Black Representation in Corporate and University Leadership Ranks

'CBS News political contributor Jamal Simmons joins CBS This Morning to discuss his new article called "The 4 Percent Problem," regarding race within the leadership ranks of corporations and universities.'

Joshie Jo Armstead on Ashford & Simpson

On this episode of Unscripted: Conversations w/ Christian John Wikane, songwriter Joshie Jo Armstead discusses her partnership with Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, which produced hits like Aretha Franklin's "Cry Like a Baby" and Ray Charles' "Let's Go Get Stoned".
 

Art As Activism: Groundbreaking FX Show 'Pose' Serves As 'Antithesis' To Anti-Trans Rhetoric

'Steven Canals, Janet Mock and Ryan Murphy join Here & Now to discuss the final season of Pose. The award-winning series has gained critical acclaim by taking viewers back to the golden age of NYC's underground ballroom subculture.'

Brené Brown and Tarana Burke on their Anthology 'You Are Your Best Thing'

'Author, speaker and life coach Brené Brown and #MeToo co-founder Tarana Burke join us to share their experiences working together as editors of You Are Your Best Thing: An Anthology of Vulnerability, Shame, Resilience and the Black Experience.'

W. Kamau Bell Is A 'Wall-Tearer-Downer' In 'United Shades Of America'

'Since 2016, comedian W. Kamau Bell has been traveling the country for his TV show United Shades of America. He asks serious questions, but always with a bit of humor thrown in. "United Shades of America is just Sesame Street for grown-ups," he tells All Things Considered's Michel Martin. The goal of the show is to explore the unique challenges of communities around the United States.'

With 'Trojan Horse' Animation, 'Yasuke' Creators Honor True Story Of Black Samurai

'A new anime series on Netflix brings a little-known figure from Japanese feudal history to the small screen: Yasuke. A Black samurai portrayed as an aging, stoic loner reflecting on his past.' -- All Things Considered

John Legend: "Bring your own unique gifts to the table to engage in the real, tangible bettering of your community."

 “We see [zero-sum thinking] in efforts to hoard economic opportunity, too. Today, the 26 wealthiest people on the planet own as much as the 3.5 billion poorest. And powerful people are spending lots of money lobbying to keep it that way," said  Singer-Songwriter John Legend who addressed Duke University's Class of 2021 on Sunday, May 2, 2021. “And, of course, we see it in our policing and carceral systems: In the simple fact that so many people heard “Black Lives Matter” and assumed it meant that other lives couldn’t matter, too. That’s zero-sum thinking if I’ve ever seen it.”

DJ Khaled - WHERE YOU COME FROM (Official Video) ft. Buju Banton, Capleton, Bounty Killer and Barrington Levy

'Official music video for DJ Khaled feat. Buju Banton, Capleton & Bounty Killer “Where You Come From”from Khaled Khaled (2021). Production by DJ Khaled, 9th Wonder, StreetRunner and Tarik Azzouz.'

Phylicia Rashad On Alpha Kappa Alpha and Howard University History

'Phylicia Rashad on the the history of her cherished sorority and alma mater with ESSENCE Social Media Director, Charisma Deberry.'