Mark Anthony Neal's Blog, page 39

Simone White and Lorna Simpson: Artists On Writers | Writers on Artists

'For the season premier episode of Artists On Writers | Writers on Artists, artist Lorna Simpson joins poet Simone White to talk about being in the practice of a practice, whether or not there is in fact a language to describe both Black experimental art and Black life, how to protect one’s own interiority so that a person can live most fully, and much more. Simpson’s work is currently on view as part of the exhibition The Double: Identity and Difference in Art since 1900 at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. White’s most recent book, or, on being the other woman, was published by Duke University Press. This episode of “Artists On Writers | Writers on Artists” is sponsored by the New-York Historical Society.'

Left of Black S13 · E3 | "Small Talk at Rofhiwa" with Maurice O. Wallace on 'King's Vibrato'

What is the sound of history in the cadence of Dr. King's speeches? Rutgers University Professor Maurice O. Wallace (Duke Ph.D, 1995) returned to Durham, NC at Rofhiwa Book Café to discuss his new book King′s Vibrato; Modernism, Blackness, and the Sonic Life of Martin Luther King Jr., published by Duke University Press. Of King's Vibrato, Pulitzer Prize winning essayist Salimishah Tillet writes, "Off these pages leaps a version of King that kept on honing his craft to become both a trumpet of America's conscience and a sonic tributary for black America."

This discussion between host Mark Anthony Neal and Professor Wallace is the launch of a new series called "Small Talk at Rofhiwa," a collaboration between Rofhiwa Books Café and Left of Black, the longest running video webcast produced at Duke University by the John Hope Franklin Humanities Institute. The "Small Talk at Rofhiwa" series takes its inspiration from Gil Scott-Heron's debut recording Small Talk at 125th and Lenox.

The Dark Side of the TikTok Boom

'TikTok is taking over the social media space, but what do we really know about the app? Its recommendations algorithm is one of the most highly personalized in the social realm, and that comes with a series of potentially harmful consequences.  Shalini Kantayya, director of the documentary TikTok, Boom joins us to discuss.'

Youngbloods: Saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins

'Immanuel Wilkins is taking cues from the Holy Spirit: The alto saxophonist and composer's foundations in Pentecostal and Baptist churches were an introduction to the concept of becoming a vessel, of creating in service of God. His earliest praise and worship services had a lot in common with jam sessions at The Clef Club, a Philadelphia-based music education program founded by Lovett Hines. That multi-generational exchange instilled the value of humility and craft.  In this final edition of Jazz Night's  Youngblood series, highlights from Wilkins' album release show for The 7th Hand, presented by Ars Nova Workshop at PhilaMOCA in Philadelphia.'

Wendell Pierce and Sharon D. Clarke in 'Death of a Salesman'

'For the first time ever on a Broadway stage, the Loman family of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" are being played by Black actors. Wendell Pierce, who stars as Willy Loman, and Sharon D. Clarke, who stars as Linda Loman, join All Of It to discuss this interpretation of the classic play.'

The Limits with Jay Williams: Magic Johnson on Basketball, Business, and Being the Face of HIV

'On this week's episode of The Limits, host Jay Williams speaks with the legendary Earvin "Magic" Johnson. Often called the greatest point guard in NBA history, Magic earned five titles over the course of 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers – and changed the nature of the game, too. Magic spoke with Jay about everything from his past rivalry with Larry Bird, how he turned his devastating HIV diagnosis into an opportunity to educate the public, and the importance of his investments in Black and brown communities. Ultimately, behind all his success is a man who loves to spend time with his family.'

Samara Joy, A Jazz Phenomenon

'22-year-old jazz phenom Samara Joy is out with her debut album, Linger Awhile. With comparisons to the likes of Sarah Vaughan and other great jazz artists, Samara is taking the music world by storm. She talks to The Takeaway about her career, when she knew music was her “thing,” and keeping it all together at such a young age.'

Left of Black S13 · E2 | Filmmaker Byron Hurt on HAZING

The senseless violence that happens on America's college campuses all in the name of joining a fraternity, sorority or sports team has left an indelible, traumatic mark on the victims of hazing. Hazing rituals, more often than is discussed, has also lead to deadly outcomes for initiants, snuffing out the bright future these young people may have had. In this episode of Left of Black, host Mark Anthony Neal is joined by long-time friend and colleague, filmmaker and anti-sexist activist, Byron Hurt. His new film, HAZING, tackles the culture behind the oft-mysterious practice and goes beyond college campuses to look at hazing in other formations, such as the military and even marching bands.

Why Black Americans are More Likely to be Saddled with Medical Debt

'Black communities in the U.S. suffer disproportionately from health care debt. The reasons go back to segregation and a history of racist policies that have limited Black wealth.'

The Pulitzer Prize-Winning Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks on “Topdog/Underdog”

 

'Suzan-Lori Parks, the first African American woman to receive the Pulitzer Prize for drama, sits down with the staff writer Vinson Cunningham for a live conversation at this year’s New Yorker Festival. “The marketplace is telling us that Black joy is what sells,” she says. “I’m very suspicious about what the marketplace wants me to create because I know in my experience where real Black joy resides—and sometimes that’s in the place where there might be some traumatic thing that also happened.” A revival of Parks’s groundbreaking two-person play, Topdog/Underdog, just opened on Broadway, starring Corey Hawkins and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. The play features two brothers struggling with poverty, the weight of American history, and their own bitter rivalry.'