Wanda's Picks

Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise About the Co-Director/Co-Producers Rita Coburn Whack & Bob Hercules Rita Coburn Whack is an independent filmmaker with Emmy Award winning documentaries for Curators of Culture, Remembering 47th Street and African Roots American Soil. Other documentaries have aired on C-Span and the History Channel. Under her direction Maya Angelou’s Radio Show for Oprah Radio was awarded the Women in Radio and Television Gracie Awards, “Best Radio Program” 2008, “Best Radio Host” 2009 and the “Silver World Medal” in radio New York festival 2009. Author of the novel Meant to Be (Random House Strivers Row 2002) her company RCW Media Productions, Inc. produced Maya Angelou’s Black History Month Specials distributed by Public Radio International 2011, 2012 and 2013. Bob Hercules is an independent filmmaker whose recent films include Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance and Bill T. Jones: A Good Man. The Joffrey film, narrated by Mandy Patinkin, tells the full story of the groundbreaking balle

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!  1. Rhonda Benin, Just Like a Music at Freight & Salvage tonight, March 31. 2. Cheryl Patrice Derricotte: re Ghost Ships at MoAD (archived interview); exhibit now at the Berkeley Main Library through March 31, 2018. There is also a workshop. 3. Rebroadcast archived show: Professor Bill Bell (7/12/1936-3/18/2017) on African American Spirituals March 17, 2013

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. Erika Cohn, dir., THE JUDGE & Denali Tiller, dir.,TRE MAISON DASAN @https://www.sffilm.org/ 2. America ReFramed on The World Channel http://worldchannel.org/programs/america-reframed/:Guests: Christopher Hastings, Executive Producer and directors:Keith McQuirter MILWAUKEE 53206: 04.03, Jenny Phillips, BEYOND THE WALL:04/10 & Annelise Wunderlich, THE CORRIDOR:04/17 3. The Black Panther Film Dialogues Vol. 3: with Juliana “Jewels” Smi

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!

1. LWOP Town Hall, March 24, 5-8 PM at Red Bay Coffee & Roastery in Oakland: Terah was incarcerated at the age of 18 and was facing life without the possibility of parole for aiding and abetting in a murder her cousin committed. By waving her appellate rights, she was able to receive a reduced sentence. Throughout the 15 years she served, she stayed very proactive facilitating groups and pursuing a higher education. Since her release in November of 2017, she has continued to work with several organizations who advocate on prison issues, mass incarceration, restorative justice, and youth diversion. 2. Omitola Toluwalase Akinwunmi, African medicine woman, educator and therapist, joins us to talk about the Indigenous Healing Arts Institute; International Affliation Lutha (Lubowa Traditional Healers Association). Call: 510.417.9336. 3. Ubuntu Theatre Project: “Dance of the Holy Ghosts” lead actors: Berwick Haynes, Grandfather Oscar, and Michael Curry, who plays his grandson Marcus G.— join us to talk about

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1.Saturday, March 24, 2018 International artist/sculptor, Nijel Binns presents his Tupac Shakur maquette sculpture at the opening of the Oakland Museum of California exhibit, RESPECT: Hip-Hop Style & Wisdom. March 24 - August 12, 2018 2. Eric Murphy, artist, joins us to continue our conversation about Black Panther, the film 3. Santoya Fields, actress ("Stella" in African American Shakespeare Company's production of T. Williams's "A Stre

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. Rev. Edward Pinkney, former Poliical Prisoner speaks about the New Poor People's Movement.  Rev. Pinkney is President and CEO of the Black Autonomy Network Community Organization (BANCO). He is a Pastor, community activist, who really acts and one of the most influential people in the political area and social voice.  Rev. Pinkney joins his friend Mrs. Ethel Long Scott, founding director, Women's Economic Agenda Project (WEAP.org).  Feb. 14,

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1.Saturday, March 24, 2018 International artist/sculptor, Nijel Binns presents his Tupac Shakur maquette sculpture at the opening of the Oakland Museum of California exhibit, RESPECT: Hip-Hop Style & Wisdom. March 24 - August 12, 2018 2. Eric Murphy, artist, joins us to continue our conversation about Black Panther, the film 3. Santoya Fields, actress ("Stella" in African American Shakespeare Company's production of T. Williams's "A Stre

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. Rebroadcast of March 7, 2018 show featuring: Tomye Neal-Madison, visual artist, presenting in "22nd Annual: The Art of Living Black" at the Richmond Art Center & Joshua Whitaker's (guest) Spirithaus Gallery's "Bold As Love 2018" at the West Oakland gallery through the end of the month; S. Pearl Sharp, poet, writer, filmmaker joins Tomye to talk about Black Panther, the film. We close with a conversation with Naomi Gede Diouf, teacher, s

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. Tomye, artist and Joshua Whitaker, curator, owner, Spirithous Gallery 2. S.Pearl Sharpe joins Tomye Neal-Madison 3. Naomi Gede Diouf, Diamano Coura  

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. WAX Poets 2. NYAFF 2018 at BAMPFA with Mamadou Dia, director, Samedi Cinema (2016) 3. Program A: Between Us at TheatreFirst JUST ONE DAY: A Story of Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy Written by Cleavon Smith Directed by Elizabeth Carter LAVEAU: A Conjuring of Marie Laveau By Brit Frazier Directed by Margo Hall with Dezi Soley                                                                 

1. We open with an interview with Wax Poet(s): Artistic Director Heather Stockton and Wax Poet(s)Executive Director Garth Grimball. The two artists join us to talk about Swivel:Hinge:Return, a New Work in Two parts exploring What does your resistance dance look like? How is a radical body in a state of change? March 1-3 at CounterPulse, 80 Turk Street, in San Francisco. 2.Laura Elaine Ellis is Executive Director of the African & African American Performing Arts Coalition (AAAPAC) and co-founder with Kendra Barnes of the Black Choreographers Festival: Here and Now. She joins us to talk about the 14th Annual Black Choreographers Festival Here 2018: Feb. 17-March 4.  Visit bcfhereandnow.com Cherie Hill (week 2 @ SAFEhouse Arts) is a creative artist, dancer, performer, teacher and scholar, whose art explores human expression and how it is conveyed through the body in collaboration with nature, music and visual imagery. 3. Central Works 2018 Season opens Feb. 17--March 18, with "Bamboozled: A New comedy abo

1. Ben Vereen (from Archives June 2012) 2. Charles Peoples III (Ruby) is thrilled to perform with Theatre Rhino once again! Charles is a performance artist who explores visual storytelling to raise awareness, demand social justice, and cultivate self-love. He received his BA in Musical Theater from Sarah Lawrence College ('12) and is pursuing a Masters in Vocal Performance at SF State. In addition to school, he is working on his debut album and regularly performing new works. Additional theater credits include: Pink in The Legend of Pink and Adam in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, both with Theatre Rhinoceros, Collins in Rent, and Neil in The Story.  www.CharlesPeoplesIII.com 3. Life of the Law Live with executive producer: Nancy Nullane (archived interview 2/21) 4. Jeanne Theoharis on The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks  

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. NANCY MULLANE, CO-FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER AND HOST OF LIFE OF THE LAW joins us to talk about a special live program this Friday, Feb. 23, in San Francisco. The locally produced public radio show & podcast Life of the Law will host Initial Public Offering: a night of storytelling about law, tech and life. Guests include: Fantastic Negrito: Grammy-winning artist bringing us blues with a punk attitude from Oakland Sirron Norris; Riddhi

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. Asale Haquekyah Chandler and Yolanda Banks join us to talk about the First Cultural Arts Black History Month Parade, Monday, Feb. 19, 2018, beginning at 10:30 a.m. with an ancestral blessing followed by a crowning ceremony a 11:15 a.m.  The march is from Bayview's MLK Park, 5701 Third Street (near Carol) to the AAACC, 762 Fulton Street in Fillmore. For more information call: 415-287-7481 or feminitywears@hotmail.com Visit: Inhumanemovie.com

1. We open with an interview with Wax Poet(s): Artistic Director Heather Stockton and Wax Poet(s)Executive Director Garth Grimball. The two artists join us to talk about Swivel:Hinge:Return, a New Work in Two parts exploring What does your resistance dance look like? How is a radical body in a state of change? March 1-3 at CounterPulse, 80 Turk Street, in San Francisco. 2.Laura Elaine Ellis is Executive Director of the African & African American Performing Arts Coalition (AAAPAC) and co-founder with Kendra Barnes of the Black Choreographers Festival: Here and Now. She joins us to talk about the 14th Annual Black Choreographers Festival Here 2018: Feb. 17-March 4.  Visit bcfhereandnow.com Cherie Hill (week 2 @ SAFEhouse Arts) is a creative artist, dancer, performer, teacher and scholar, whose art explores human expression and how it is conveyed through the body in collaboration with nature, music and visual imagery. 3. Central Works 2018 Season opens Feb. 17--March 18, with "Bamboozled: A New comedy abou

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. Compton, California native and CEO, Dr. Theresa Price founded the National College Resources Foundation (NCRF) a 501c3 non-profit organization in 1999 in a direct response to the passing of California’s proposition 209 that banned affirmative action programs in California colleges. Since its inception, the organization has secured and distributed more than $300 million in scholarships & grants to over 400,000 students (over 200,000 first

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!  1. Kiara Boone, Deputy Program Manager, earned a degree in Political Science from Davidson College in 2011 and a nonprofit management executive certificate from Georgetown University in 2012. Prior to joining EJI, she worked with the National Coalition for the Homeless in Washington, DC, and managed support for community development in Florida for the Jessie Ball duPont Fund. The National Memorial for Peace and Justice and The Legacy Museum: F

1. Halifu Osumare, Ph.D., author of the new work, Dancing in Black, A Memoir (2018, University of Florida Press). Dr. Osumare is professor emerita of African American and African Studies at the University of California, Davis, is the author of "The Hiplife in Ghana: West African Indigenization of Hip-Hop" and "The Africanist Aesthetic in Global Hip-Hop: Power Moves." New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2007.  2. WO2WO members: Karla Brundage, Tyrice Brown, Sanda "Makeda" Hooper-Mayfield, and Zakiyyah Capehart-Bollings, join us to talk about African Diaspora conversations through the Japanese poetic form, Renshi. 3. Archived interview 2/24 (Geoffrey Grier and Jeffery Smith) 4. SF Indie 2018 directors: Cathy Lee Crane, director, The Manhattan Front (2/10:4:30 PM); 2/14: 7 PM); Rocky Capella, dir., Guitar Man (2/11:7 PM; 2/15: 9:15). Cathy Lee CRANE, 2000 MFA graduate from SF State's Cinema Program has been charting a speculative history on film since 1994. She joins us to talk about The Manhattan Front:

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. Diane Amos is a San Francisco-based actress, improv artist, and comedian joins us to talk about her gig with other Afircan American comedic artists at Ashkenaz Music and Dance Center, 1317 San Pablo Ave., in Berkeley, Thursday, Feb. 8, at 8 p.m. 2. Lisa Tealer, Interim Executive Director of the African American Community Health Advisory Committee (AACHAC) www.aachac.org  (Soul Stroll folks) Joins us to talk about "An Evening with HeLa" on F