Mark Anthony Neal's Blog, page 297

'The story of the economy is also a story of place. Marsh...

'The story of the economy is also a story of place. Marsha Music is the author of The Detroitist: An Anthology About Detroit . Music has lived her entire life in Detroit and Highland Park, which she describes as a “city within the city of Detroit.” Music spoke about her city and the overlaps of the city’s history with that of her family.' -- Marketplace

#BackChannel: A Historic VP Candidate, Linking Yusuf Hawkins' 1989 Murder To BLM, the Finale of 'Greenleaf' & 'Black Is King'

In this episode of WUNC's #BackChannel, contributors Natalie Bullock Brown and Mark Anthony Neal join State of Things host Frank Stasio to discuss Sen. Kamala Harris's historic candidacy for Vice-President, collegiate sports in the moment of COVID-19, the finale of OWN's Greenleaf, the HBO documentary Yusef Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn, and Beyonce's Black is King.

Coffee and Books with Marc Lamont Hill: Mikki Kendall Discusses Her New Book 'Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot'

'Coffee and Books host Marc Lamont Hill  is in conversation with New York Times Best Selling author, activist, and cultural critic, Mikki Kendall. The two break down her latest book Hood Feminism, and why she believes the feminist movement isn’t one size fits all.' 

Lumumba and Monifa Bandele: Black August Honors the Legacy of Militant Rebellion

'Lumumba and Monifa Bandele talk about the history of Black August, continuing the legacy of freedom fighters and the Black August Hip Hop project.' -- The Real News Network
 

'Lovecraft Country' Cast and Creator On Taking Back Horror and Sci-Fi Genres

'Lovecraft Country stars Jurnee Smollett, Jonathan Majors, Courtney B. Vance, Aunjanue Ellis, Michael Kenneth Williams, Wunmi Mosaku and creator Misha Green sit down with Variety anchor/reporter Audrey Yap and explain why the sci-fi/horror genre is perfect for telling stories about racial injustice and why releasing the HBO show now feels particularly relevant.'

George Lipsitz: The Eminem of African-American Studies

'In this episode of The Tight Rope, Dr. Cornel West and Professor Tricia Rose nail down issues of white allyship, undoing invisible racist ideologies, and the hallmarks of possessive investment in whiteness with their beloved guest Professor George Lipsitz. They provide commentary on the leadership of the Black freedom movement of the past and present as well as the “slow violence” of racism rooted in power, interest, and property. Dr. Cornel West and Professor Tricia Rose hold office hours to offer their takes on the removal of racist monuments and its role in the larger work of dismantling systemic racism.'

The Quarantine Tapes: Claudia Rankine

'On episode 94 of the Quarantine Tapes, Paul Holdengräber is joined by poet and writer Claudia Rankine. Rankine talks with Holdengräber about her upcoming book, Just Us: An American Conversation, and how it addresses what it means to talk about race in this country. They discuss how she approached writing the book and why she felt it was important to focus on one-on-one conversations to parse systemic issues. In their discussion, Rankine describes the writing methodology for her upcoming book, reads from one of her poems, and talks with Holdengräber about what she has seen that felt unprecedented in the ongoing protests.'

When the LAPD Came Looking for a BLM Activist: Melina Abdullah

'A Black Lives Matter leader in LA confronts the LAPD—outside her house. Melina Abdullah is a co-founder of Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles; she’s also professor of Pan-African studies at Cal State Los Angeles—and last week she was on the front page of the paper in LA. We asked her what happened.' 

Graffiti ArtistGraffiti Artist Lady Pink and the Hard Work that Lead to Her Success Lady Pink and the Hard Work that Lead to Her Success

'Called the "First Lady of Graffiti," Lady Pink is a veteran when it comes to rising above: at 15 years old, she started writing graffiti alongside a posse of inner-city boys who introduced her to the enigmatic world of coaxing art from the metallic surfaces of New York City subway trains. “I know I was a token female,” she admits. “But I got my foot in the door, and although I was a novelty, I have kept the door open by always putting out brilliant work.” Along the way, she has cultivated an international sisterhood of other female Graffiti artists, as well as serving as a role model to aspiring young women in art. She declares, “I want people to realize that with determination, hard work, and perseverance, you too can become a success, you can become an artist, and live life to the fullest”.' -- B&H Photo Video

Shawn Stewart Ruff on Exploring Racism Through Fiction

'In Shawn Stewart Ruff’s debut novel Finlater , a Cincinnati housing project takes center stage, acting as a springboard for every aspect of protagonist Cliffy Douglass’s young life. The book is fiction but draws closely from Ruff’s own childhood growing up Black in the 1970s. Moving and memorable, Finlater explores the overt racism that still plagues America. With a probing eye and tender touch Amanda explores Ruff’s world in this secret coming-of-age classic about changing demographics, interracial friendship, sexual orientation, and first love.'