Mark Anthony Neal's Blog, page 360

Kennedy Farm House: From John Brown To James Brown

'The radical abolitionist John Brown led a raid on the army arsenal at Harpers Ferry hoping to arm slaves who would rise in rebellion. On the Record asks historian Martha Jones what drove Brown, and how history views him. Then, author Ed Maliskas tells how the farm in Washington County Maryland, where Brown and his men planned their raid, was bought by the Black Elks fraternal organization as a landmark of freedom, and then drew crowds of young people for concerts by R&B giants.' -- WYPR
                          
                          

Nick Cave: My Favorite Artwork

Artist Nick Cave discusses his favorite Artwork: "Steve" by the late Barkley L. Hendricks. 

The Revolution Televised: Episode Three: Black Lives Matter

'Episode 3 of the documentary series The Revolution Televised follows Black Lives Matter and their impact on the events in Philadelphia during the 2016 Democratic convention. With fresh wounds from a police killing of Charles Kinsey without provocation in North Miami, Black Lives Matter activists make their way to Philadelphia.' -- Write Brain Studios

BBC Africa Book Club: 'Kintu' by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi

#BBCAfricaBookClub reviews Kintu by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, with Princess Irede Abumere and guest Sope Martins.

Saeed Jones' Eloquent Coming-Of-Age Is Hard To Read — And Harder To Put Down

'Saeed Jones grew up black, gay and isolated in Texas. He chronicles his wobbly path to self-affirmation in the raw and eloquent new memoir, How We Fight for Our Lives.' -- Fresh Air

Short Stories from Zadie Smith

Author Zadie Smith joins All Of It to discuss her new collection of short stories, Grand Union.
         
       

The Enigma of Clarence Thomas

'Political scientist Corey Robin on his book The Enigma of Clarence Thomas from Metropolitan Books.' -- This is Hell!

Art Blakey's Legacy: A Rallying Cry And A Gathering Place

'Art Blakey was born 100 years ago, on Oct. 11, 1919, and America's homegrown music — jazz — might not sound quite like it does today if it weren't for the influence of the late drummer. His group, the Jazz Messengers, founded in 1954 with pianist Horace Silver, became a gathering place. From the beginning, he sought out talented young musicians and encouraged them to compose for the group. It came to be called "Blakey's University." Wayne Shorter, who went on to become one of the most respected composers and saxophonists in jazz, was 26 years old when he joined The Jazz Messengers in 1959. Blakey's advice to Shorter and all the "students" of Blakey's University — future stars such as Lee Morgan, Donald Byrd, Clifford Brown and Terence Blanchard — was to "never overplay and don't short [change] your audience," Shorter says.' -- All Things Considered

'Simba' Voice Jason Weaver on Passing Up $2 Million for Original 'Lion King' to Play The "Long Game"

In this interview with VladTV, singer and actor Jason Weaver explains how his mother had the insight to encourage him to turn down $2 Million upfront for his vocals as Simba in the original Lion King, and instead negotiate for future royalties.
 

Zazie Beetz Gets Ready for the Joker Premiere and Talks Image Politics

'As actress Zazie Beetz gets ready for the premiere of her new film, Joker, she sits with Vogue and talks about her look for evening. Donning a gothic black lace Christopher Kane dress, watch as Zazie hits the red carpet for one of the year's most anticipated movies.'