Mark Anthony Neal's Blog, page 462

Incarcerated Women: Pregnant Behind Bars

'Being pregnant is a vulnerable time for a woman. But Imagine the thought of going into labor while incarcerated and the thought of handing your newborn over to the foster care system? Abigail Blue is the former executive director of The Birth Attendants: Prison Doula Project, which closed over 5 years ago, saw the plight of incarcerated pregnant women on a daily basis.' -- 91.3KBCS 

Tiny Desk Concert: GZA & The Soul Rebels

'GZA's performance at the Tiny Desk was a rare appearance for the legendary Wu-Tang Clan emcee, in part because he's notoriously introverted, and because he brought along The Soul Rebels, an eight-piece New Orleans brass ensemble. Once they stepped behind the desk they got right down to business, opening with the sparkling "Living In The World Today," from GZA's 1995 solo album Liquid Swords. These 23-year old lyrics and metaphors felt timeless.'

Sonics and Visuals -- Jasiri X: "The Whitest House"

"Welcome to the Whitest House  /  Slave souls haunt the halls when the light is out / They suck the blood of the poor and don't wipe they mouth / The Last gasp of a world that is dying out" -- Jasiri X from "The Whitest House"

Tiny Desk Concert: Dee Dee Bridgewater

'"This is me coming back full circle in my life," Dee Dee Bridgewater told NPR right before this Tiny Desk performance. Ever since her teenage years, she's wanted to make her latest album, Memphis... Yes, I'm Ready. Now, a gorgeous 67 years young, Bridgewater is connecting openly with her roots, her birthplace and the town she's loved all her life.'

‘Communicating Injustice’: Claudia Rankine on Artist William Kentridge

'Watch poet and author, Claudia Rankine discuss William Kentridge and his artwork that encompasses both beauty and politics. William Kentridge is a South African artist best known for his prints, drawings, and animated films. In this interview, Claudia Rankine comments on some of his etchings and talks about the enjoyment and inspiration she takes from Kentridge's artwork.' -- Tate

'Anna' -- A "Slave" Who Sued for Freedom

'In November 1815, a woman known only as Anna jumped from the third-floor window of a tavern in Washington, D.C. The 24-year-old had just been sold for $5 by Georgia slave traders and separated from her husband and four children. Though she broke her back, Anna survived. The story was reported widely at the time; in many instances, it was used as fodder for the abolitionist movement. But following the incident, history lost track of Anna. Thirteen years later, a slave named Ann Williams filed a petition for her freedom—and won. It turned out to be Anna. But for 200 years, no one knew that she had sued for her freedom. Anna was directed and animated by Michael Burton. It is part of The Atlantic Selects, an online showcase of short documentaries from independent creators, curated by The Atlantic.' 

Questlove Aims To Save Your Brain: 'Creativity Might Be In Jeopardy'

'The Roots bandleader and Renaissance man Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson has a new book called Creative Quest, in which he advises readers on how to consider creativity, how to pursue it and how to channel it.' -- All Things Considered

Poetry on the Many Shades of Brown: Kevin Young on Race, History and Being a Black Kid in Kansas

'Kevin Young, poet, director of the NYPL Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New Yorker poetry editor and the author of Bunk and  Brown: Poems  (Knopf, 2018), talks about his new collection of poetry, a reflection on race and history, including growing up as an African American in Kansas, also where the Brown v Board of Education and John Brown originated.' -- The Brian Lehrer Show
         
        

Classical Up Close: Tenor Lawrence Brownlee

'One of the great bel canto singers of our time, tenor Lawrence Brownlee is usually heard on the grand stages of the world, performing at the Metropolitan Opera, Teatro alla Scala, the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and many more. Now, hear him up close at The Greene Space at WQXR , with a special program that will demonstrate the full range of his gifts. Brownlee and accompanist Myra Huang will present a night devoted to all the music that is near and dear to his heart.' -- The Greene Space at WNYC & WQXR

The MusiQology Podcast – Episode 3: Greg Tate

'Recorded live at Philadelphia’s Institute of Contemporary Art, host Guthrie Ramsey interviews preeminent culture and music critic Greg Tate. The two discuss influences, writing, and his recent collection, Flyboy 2, with Tate taking Ramsey through interview techniques, active listening as a musician and a writer, and honing the craft of journalism.' -- MusiQology