Mark Anthony Neal's Blog, page 328

Black Like Who?

'It's one of the thorniest questions in any theoretical plan for reparations for Black people: Who should get them? On this episode,  Code Switch digs into some ideas about which Black people should and shouldn't receive a payout — which Christina Greer,  author of the book Black Ethnics: Race, Immigration, And The Pursuit Of The American Dream, estimates would cost at least $10 trillion.' 

Artist Billie Zangewa – the Ultimate Act of Resistance is Self-Love

'Artist Billie Zangewa welcomes us at her home in Johannesburg, South Africa. As we tour the city, we learn about what inspires and influences her work. From the love for her son, to her experience of silk as a 'transformative material' – her focus is largely rooted in the home and plays into what she describes as ‘daily feminism’.'

Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor: Why it's so hard to talk about the N-word

'Historian Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor leads a thoughtful and history-backed examination of one of the most divisive words in the English language: the N-word. Drawing from personal experience, she explains how reflecting on our points of encounter with the word can help promote productive discussions and, ultimately, create a framework that reshapes education around the complicated history of racism in the US.'

Riché D. Richardson: The Hidden Life of Rosa Parks

'Throughout her life, Rosa Parks repeatedly challenged racial violence and the prejudiced systems protecting its perpetrators. Her refusal to move to the back of a segregated bus ignited a boycott that lasted 381 days and helped transform civil rights activism into a national movement. But this work came at an enormous risk— and a personal price. Riché D. Richardson details the life of Rosa Parks.'

Audra McDonald - "Somewhere" | 2019 Kennedy Center Honors

'Broadway star Audra McDonald performs "Somewhere" from West Side Story to honor Michael Tilson Thomas during the 2019 Kennedy Center Honors. 

People's Party: Talib Kweli & Gina Yashere Talk Bob Hearts Abishola, UK vs. US Racism

'In this episode of People’s Party, Talib Kweli and Jasmin Leigh sit down with British-born comedian and actor Gina Yashere. The interview spans from Gina's upbringing in London, being raised by Nigerian parents to her path emerging as a globally recognized comedian.' 

Sonics & Visuals: Kandace Springs Covers Sade's "Pearls"

Vocalist Kandace Springs offers a thoughtful of Sade's "Pearls". The song is featured on Springs's The Women Who Raised Me (2020).

Heather C. McGhee: Racism Has a Cost for Everyone

'Racism makes our economy worse -- and not just in ways that harm people of color, says public policy expert Heather C. McGhee. From her research and travels across the US, McGhee shares startling insights into how racism fuels bad policymaking and drains our economic potential -- and offers a crucial rethink on what we can do to create a more prosperous nation for all. "Our fates are linked," she says. "It costs us so much to remain divided".' -- TED

Prisoners Reveal Inhumane Conditions Inside Mississippi Prisons

'Inmates inside Parchman State Penitentiary, Mississippi’s most infamous prison, describe the inhumane conditions that have them fearing for their lives. They’ve shared videos from inside the prison, exposing the hellish surroundings. Overflowing sewage, rats, mold, and threats of violence are all part of their day-to-day reality. It’s a situation that’s been years in the making. Now, it’s reached breaking point. This film was made before the outbreak of Covid-19 in the US. Warning contains graphic images.' -- AJ+

Black Thought Of The Roots: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

'While our culture adjusts to the New Normal, artists are revealing the threads of our common humanity as they find new ways to bring their work to virtual communities. In this installment of Tiny Desk (home) concerts, hip-hop wordsmith Tariq Trotter, aka Black Thought of The Roots crew, took the occasion to premiere three new songs.'