Mark Anthony Neal's Blog, page 246

Border and Rule: Harsha Walia and Robin D.G. Kelley on Global Migration, Capitalism, and Racist Nationalism

'Harsha Walia, author of Border and Rule: Global Migration, Capitalism, and the Rise of Racist Nationalism (Haymarket Books), and Robin D.G. Kelley discuss the global migration crisis, racial capitalism, and the ascendant far-right.'

Regina King on Directing Her First film and Her Love of Acting

'Regina King talks about directing her first feature film, One Night in Miami, during a Los Angeles Times Oscar Roundtable photoshoot.'

Daniel Kaluuya On His Role As Fred Hampton In 'Judas And The Black Messiah'

"You know, he's just a brilliant mind and a brilliant heart, you know, and really taking him in," actor Daniel Kaluuya says of Black Panther leader Fred Hampton. Kaluuya talks with NPR's Michel Martin about his role as Hampton in the film Judas and the Black Messiah.

Time Decorated: The Musical Influences of Jean-Michel Basquiat | Part 3 with Todd Boyd

'The third and final segment of The Broad series Time Decorated: The Musical Influences of Jean-Michel Basquiat is delivered by Dr. Todd Boyd, a.k.a. "Notorious PhD", who examines the rich cultural era in which Jean-Michel Basquiat emerged and draws a line from bebop to hip hop. Boyd’s keen observations on Basquiat’s subject matter and style reveal how popular American culture, Black culture, sports, cinema, and music intertwine in the artist’s iconic works. Featuring music by Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, KRS-One, N.W.A., Public Enemy, and Rammellzee Vs. K-Rob.'

Embracing 'The Diversity Of God': Harlem Church Engages, Affirms Queer Members

'Michael Walrond, Jr., senior pastor at First Corinthian Baptist Church, tells Weekend Edition Saturday's Scott Simon that his church hopes to repair the trauma institutionalized religion inflicted on LGBTQ communities.'

Andra Day Talks the Power of Billie Holiday

'Andra Day talks about her feelings and excitement to play the legendary singer, Billie Holiday, during a Los Angeles Times Oscar Roundtable photoshoot.'

The Tight Rope: The Lucas Bros. & Lil Rel on 'Judas and the Black Messiah'

'This special edition of The Tight Rope features the Lucas Brothers -- co-writers for the new film JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH -- and actor Lil Rel Howery who had a powerful cameo in the film. JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH -- directed by Shaka King and produced by Ryan Coogler and Charles King -- tells the story of Fred Hampton, Chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, and his betrayal by FBI informant William O'Neal. The film stars Daniel Kaluuya as Fred Hampton, Lakeith Stanfield as William O’Neal, and Martin Sheen as J. Edgar Hoover.' 

Henry Louis Gates, Jr.: Black Women have been the Backbone of the Black Church ‘from the very beginning'

'While the “backbone of the church has been Black women almost from the very beginning,” historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. said, their roles have both been suppressed within the church and forgotten when recounting its history. In his latest documentary series and book, The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song, Gates examines the cultural institution within Black communities. He explains how the Black Church has played such a vital role in Black liberation, since its beginnings. And along with viewing the Black church through a critical eye and exploring its origin,  the new PBS series also pays tribute to the often overlooked work of Black women for the Black church.' -- PBS NewsHour

Making Belafonte: An Appreciation with Terrance McKnight

'Harry Belafonte is known as one of history’s most successful and iconic pop stars. The “King of Calypso” brought us the Banana Boat Song (Day-O), Matilda, and his album Calypso was the first million-selling LP by a single artist. While his ongoing career in film, television and personal appearances continue to bring him universal acclaim, his passion for civil rights is still at the core of everything he does. In Making Belafonte, host Terrance McKnight takes us through his recently discovered personal connection to the iconic artist, and Belafonte introduces us to the people and experiences that helped shape his character and artistic aspirations.' -- WQXR

'Just The Two Of Us' Songwriter William Salter Found His Sound In Solitude

'William Salter, who co-wrote the popular love song, told his granddaughter that the radio kept him company during a lonely childhood. When he later found the bass, he said, "I found myself".' -- Morning Edition