'Left of Black' S2:E4 w/ Julie Dash & Lizz Wright

Left of Black S2:E4w/Julie Dash & Lizz WrightOctober3, 2011
Filmmaker Julie Dash joinshost and Duke University Professor Mark Anthony Neal on Leftof Black .  This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the releaseof Dash's ground-breaking film Daughtersof the Dust which was the first feature by anAfrican-American woman to gain national theatrical release.   The filmdraws on Dash's South Carolina heritage and focuses on three generations ofwomen with roots in the Sea Islands and Gullah culture. Dash discusses how shebecame a filmmaker and the challenges she faced along the way.  Dash alsoreveals her surprising view of filmmaker Tyler Perry. 
In the second segment, musical artist andvocalist Lizz Wright joins Neal. The Georgia born singer discusses how her family's tradition in storytellinginspired her career as a vocalist.  Wright, whose music is difficult toplace in one genre, talks about incorporating religion into her music as well. Wright also identifies the musicians who influenced her and the inspiration heralbum artwork.  Finally Wright explains how she's maintained control ofher music.  Wright has released four full-length recordings,including the recent Fellowship.  She performs at Duke University's ReynoldsIndustries Theater on October 7th.
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Left of Black is a weekly Webcasthosted by Mark Anthony Neal and produced in collaboration with the John Hope Franklin Center at Duke University.
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Episodesof Left of Black are also available for download @ iTunes U