Mark Anthony Neal's Blog, page 590

Simone Biles and a Legacy of Success in U.S. Gymnastics

'20 years after their record-breaking gold medal win, the members of the 1996 gymnastics team dubbed "The Magnificent Seven" offer advice to the sport's new star, Simone Biles, and look at how U.S. gymnastics has changed over the years.' -- Time
 

Farming + Colonialism + Cuisine: A Conversation with Chef Pierre Thiam

'Chef Pierre Thiam explains to the audience how traditional agricultural in Africa was altered by French colonial trade with Vietnam. Indigenous grains were replaced by sub-standard imported rice, but through decades of Africans embracing all foods and spices, "broken rice" later became the national dish of Senegal.' -- The New School
   

"Olympic Pride, American Prejudice": How 18 Black Olympians Defied Jim Crow & Hitler in 1936

' Democracy Now looks at a new documentary that looks at the 17 African-American athletes who, along with noted track and fielder Jesse Owens, defied Jim Crow and Adolf Hitler to participate in the 1936 Olympics held in Nazi Germany. Since then, the story of Owens’s four gold medals has dominated the narrative of African-American achievement in the ‘36 Games. We speak with Deborah Riley Draper, writer and director of Olympic Pride, American Prejudice.'

Another Brooklyn -- Jacqueline Woodson's New Novel For Adults Has Roots In 'amazing and urgent" Teen Years

'The National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson's  new novel Another Brooklyn is based in part on her memories of growing up in Brooklyn in the 1970s. Woodson describes the teen years as an "amazing and urgent moment" in life.' -- NPR 

 

Anita Hill on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace -- 25 Years Later

'Nearly 25 years after Hill accused her former boss, Clarence Thomas, of making lewd advances, America is again dealing with high-profile cases of sexual harassment. Hill tells NPR what's changed and what hasn't.' -- NPR

Anita Hill on Sexaul Harassment in the Workplace -- 25 Years Later

'Nearly 25 years after Hill accused her former boss, Clarence Thomas, of making lewd advances, America is again dealing with high-profile cases of sexual harassment. Hill tells NPR what's changed and what hasn't.' -- NPR

Carrie Mae Weems -- "Grace Notes: Reflections for Now"

'A look at artist Carrie Mae Weems staging Grace Notes: Reflections for Now, a performance that examines the escalating racial tensions across the United States, and the role of grace in the pursuit of democracy. Although known for her work as a photographer, in Grace Notes Weems blends spoken word, music, projected video, and dance to commemorate the tragic deaths of young black men like Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin. "The thing to me that is remarkable about our history, about who we are, about how we have conducted ourselves in the onslaught of history, is to maintain the core of our dignity," says Weems to the show's cast during a rehearsal. "That is really the ultimate call of grace."' -- +ART21

The Combat Jack Show: The Return of Marc Lamont HIll

'On this episode of The Combat Jack Show we welcome back Dr. Marc Lamont Hill to talk about his new book Nobody: Casualties of America's War on the Vulnerable, BLM, the forthcoming elections, his preference in women and lots more. Nobody is available via all print and digital book retailers.'
 

Colson Whitehead's 'Underground Railroad' Is A Literal Train To Freedom

'As a child, Colson Whitehead was surprised to learn that escaped slaves did not ride an actual subway. His new novel Underground Railroad follows Cora, a young slave who has escaped a Georgia plantation and is heading north on an actual network of underground railroads.' -- +NPR  

Sonics + Visuals: Lady Wray -- "Do It Again"

"Do It Again" is the lead single from Lady Wray's forthcoming Queen Alone.