Mark Anthony Neal's Blog, page 612

You Had Me at Black: A Raisin In The City

'Dissuaded by a college advisor, Keyaira drops her dream of becoming a professional writer for a marketing career in NY that can bring in the big bucks. But after a series of failed jobs don't deliver the satisfaction or financial security she’d hoped, Keyaira quickly learns what happens to a dream deferred.' -- You Had Me at Black 

Bright Years of Resurgence: The Revolutionary Potential of #BlackLivesMatter

'Princeton University African American studies scholar Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor examines the persistent inequalities facing Black Americans generations after the contradictory political gains of the Civil Rights Movement, and explains how the Black Lives Matter movement has the potential to challenge not just police brutality, but America's political leadership and the pervasive roots of inequality itself. Keeanga is author of "From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation" from Haymarket Books.' -- This is Hell 

The Washington Slurs: Clap Back on WaPo Poll with Jacqueline Keeler

' The Washington Post caused a furor when they released a new poll, claiming that 90% of Native Americans are not offended by the home football team’s controversial name. We read this article with great interest and came away with more questions than answers. Today, Edge of Sports offers the Post , and our listeners, a moral reality check with Jacqueline Keeler, Navajo/Yankton Dakota Sioux writer and co-founder of the group ’Eradicating Offensive Native Mascotry.'  

Did Muhammad Ali Throw His Gold Medal Into the Ohio River?

'Is it true that boxing legend Muhammad Ali threw his Olympic gold medal into the Ohio River out of frustration after a racist encounter? A childhood friend weighs in on a story that has become part of the champion's lore.' -- +Smithsonian Channel 

#TheMovement: How Poor Internet Access is Holding Rural America Back

'In rural America, broadband internet infrastructure can be overpriced and difficult to access. It's not just an inconvenience — it's an issue of equality. Poor rural communities in America's South are falling behind in the digital age. But one man is trying to change that. Darnell Moore host of #TheMovement reports.' -- Mic

Before 5: The Life + Love + Legacy of Audre Lorde

Sonia Sanchez and Gloria Joseph discuss the life and legacy of Audre Lorde at +Schomburg Center's Before Five program. 

Black Lawmakers & Activists Fight North Carolina's Plan To Gut HBCUs

'In a controversial move, the North Carolina State Senate introduced a bill  that could eventually bankrupt five of the state’s universities. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, Western Carolina University, Elizabeth City State University, Winston-Salem State University, and Fayetteville State University will all be adversely impacted by Senate Bill 873. Out of these five institutions of higher learning, the last three mentioned are HBCUs. The “Access to Affordable College Education Act” proposes to change the names of those schools and drastically slash tuition down to $500 per semester. If the bill is passed, the controversial legislation will cause the state to lose millions in revenue and will result in massive program cuts at those universities.'Your browser does not support iframes. 

The Note Episode 2: Eddie Palmieri--A Revolution On Harlem River Drive

'Inspired by the early 1970s activism of the Black Panthers and the Young Lords, Latin music pioneer Eddie Palmieri produced one of the most daring albums of his already storied career: Harlem River Drive, a politically-charged Latin-funk masterpiece so ahead of its time its influence continues to resonate decades later.' -- +Red Bull Music Academy   

"Free Wildin": Teen Picked Up by ICE on His Way to High School Faces Deportation to Honduras

'Students at Riverside High School in Durham, North Carolina, are gathering on Capitol Hill  to demand the release of their undocumented classmate, 19-year-old Wildin Acosta. Acosta was detained by immigration agents in January while he was on his way to class. He had no criminal record and was in his final semester of high school. Acosta’s family is from Olancho, Honduras, one of the most violent regions in a country with one of the highest murder rates in the world. Wildin was scheduled to be deported in March, but his teachers and peers gathered together, held vigils, lobbied their local representatives and took to social media. He is one of several teens in North Carolina—sometimes referred to as the "NC6"—who have been targeted by Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agents as part of the Obama administration’s Operation Border Guardian.'-- Democracy Now

Nas on His 12th Album & 'Ghostbusters' Collaboration

'Nas was recently featured on remixes with The Weeknd, Future, French Montana, and Kanye West, and this week he caught up with +Complex News in Los Angeles to discuss his new collaboration for the Ghostbusters movie. The fashion and accessories collaboration includes pieces from Nas' own clothing line, HSTRY, plus additional brands. In a wide-ranging conversation, Esco discussed his work on upcoming television and film projects and dismissed rumors of Rick Ross executive producing his next album.'