Wanda's Picks

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. African American Shakespeare Company presents Romeo & Juliet 2. Kim Nalley on her latest work: Blues People (Amiri Baraka) 3. From the Archives Special -- Angelique Kidjo    

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. Jeff Liberman, dir. The Amazing Nina Simone opens in Bay Area theatres this weekend. Visit theamazingnina.com We open with a tribute song by Sam Waymon, Ms. Simone's younger brother, friend and band member. 2. Billy X Jennings, Black Panther Party Archivist speaks about a new exhibition at the Oakland Public Library. He is speaking 10/24, 2 p.m. at the Bradley C. Walters Community Room, 125 14th Street, Oakland. Visit itsabouttimebpp.com 3

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. Dr. Gail Myers, The Freedom Farmers Market; Farms to Grow speaks about the 6th Annual Black Urban Farmers Conference at Laney College, 900 Fallon in Oakland, CA today through Sunday. 2. Friends of the Negro Spirituals 12th Annual Heritage Keepers Awards Ceremony, Oct. 17, 1:30-3:30 p.m., at the SF Main Library, Koret Auditorium. We are joined by: Ms. Lyvonne Crisman, co-founder of the FNS, and awardees: Ivy Duncan representing Eugene F. J

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. Pam Africa, International Friends and Families of Mumia Abu Jamal; Ramona Africa, MOVE Organization re: Bay Area Tour in San Jose at Evergreen Valley College, Montgomery Hall (Friday, 10/16, 12-4), Freedom Archives Hall, 518 Valencia St., SF (10/16, 7 PM); Niebyl Proctor Library, Oakland (Sat., 10/17, 7 PM); Sun., 10/18, 2-5 pm, 2251 Florin Rd, Sacramento, CA 95822 - Suite 126 2. From the archives: Long Distance Revolutionary, dir. Stephen

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!

Keith Wallace is a third year M.F.A. actor at UC San Diego. He joins us to talk about The Bitter Game, a new work debuting this weekend at LaJolla Playhouse in San Diego. The director was recently seen in the East Bay directing Ubuntu Theatre's Brothers Size.  Mr. Wallace holds a B.A. in Drama from Morehouse College and is an alumnus of The British American Drama Academy. Maurice Poplar, Los Angeles based writer & filmmaker, speaks about his essay, Frankenstein Was a Black Dude. He is also directing the film: Donovan Quixote which traces the story of a young man through adulthood as he deals with the realities of the difficulties of growing up as a black man in America. Azadeh Zohrabi is the National Campaigner at the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights where she works with communities and policy makers on ending mass criminalization and incarceration. Azadeh previously worked as a Soros Justice Fellow at Legal Services for Prisoners with Children where she served on the litigation team representing Pe

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. Stanley Nelson joins us to speak about his film: Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution opening today in San Francisco Bay Area theatres. theblackpanthers.com 2. From the archives: Emory Douglas re: Harvey Milk Photo Center exhibit March 9, 2013; Ericka Huggins re: Black Panther Mixed Tape 3. Kim Epifano, Epiphany Dance company's 12th Annual Trolley Dances, Oct. 17018. We are joined by Kim along with other choreographers and dancers:

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. We will be joined by Sister Olatokumboh Obasi, an African Queen, Master of Herbal Medicine and Nutrition. Her parents are from Kenya and Nigeria. She operates Three Rivers Free Clinic, an online store and Ola's Herb Shop in Pittsburg, PA. She will be in town Sat., Oct. 10 at Wo'se House of Amen Ra. Her topic is African Spirituality and Mental Health. Visit olasherbshop.com 2. Kwame Shruggs, Ph.D., founder, Alchemy, Inc. http://alchemyinc.n

1. Marlene "Mo" Morris, director, A New Color, the Art of Edythe Boone with the star of the film, Ms. Edy. The film screens at the Mill Valley Film Festival October 10 and 16. Visit a newcolordocumentary.com 2. Dr. William Conwill Many African American teens find themselves wondering what they should or should not be doing and how they should behave toward each other. As they struggle to build their characters, they receive a wide range of feedback from multiple sources, bringing about confusion. Spirit Training offers a guide through that confusion by providing a personal training aid for Black teens in the arena of ethics. Spirit Training holds that our spirits, which protect and sustain us, should direct and unify our thoughts, efforts, and actions. Author William L. Conwill seeks to help Black teens who want to prepare for adulthood in the family, the community, and the world by developing their characters. Based on traditional African values, the principles presented in this guide serve as directives

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! Guest:G. Kwame Scruggs, founder and executive director of Alchemy, Inc., has over 20 years experience working with urban male youth. He holds a Ph.D. and MA in Mythological Studies with an emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute, in Santa Barbara, California. His published works include “There’s a Secret in the Village: Using Myth to Engage Urban Adolescent Males.” Kwame also holds a MS degree in Technical Education with a

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! Rebroadcast of Public Testimony Legislative hearing re: Secured Housing Unit (SHU) August 23, 2011.

1. Thomas Simpson, founder, director, AfroSolo Arts Festival 21, to talk about My Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper/SF and San Francisco’s Unified School District’s BLACK FAMILY: Cradle to College and Career Day Resource Fair (Saturday, 9/19/15) at Mission High School 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 3750 18th Street in San Francisco. 2. Deborah Vaughn, co-founder, director, Dimensions Dance Theatre and Micia Mosely, comedian, join usto talk aboutThe Town on Notice, Oct. 17, at the Malonga Casquelourd Theatre in Oakland. Combining dance, live music, spoken word and stand-up comedy, The Town takes on the subject of Oakland's gentrification as an invitation for meaningful dialogue. For tickets visit brownpapertickets.com or call 800-838-3006. 3. Aviva Kempner's films investigate non-stereotypical images of Jews in history and celebrate the untold stories of Jewish heroes.  Here current film, ROSENWALD is the incredible story of Julius Rosenwald, who never finished high school but rose to become co-owner of Sears, Roebuck &am

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!

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!   Guests: Wanda Ravenell, founder, Omnira Institute, formerly known as NouvO’risha Institute, began in 2003 as a school for sacred knowledge for children of practitioners of spiritual traditions derived from West Africa by way of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Haiti. The organization’s choir, Awon Ohun Omnira (Voices of Freedom) participates in annual Juneteenth and Black History Month celebrations. Omnira Institute is located in Oakland, California

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 forbearers. 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! We continue with our Katrina Update, this time we look at Mississippi in the second hour. We open with a conversation with Harriette Davis, RN, Organizer, All of Us or None, a Program of Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, prisonerswithchildren.org Secondly, we speak to Antoine Hunter, choreographer, director, Urban Jazz Dance Company, about the 3rd Annual Bay Area Deaf Dance Festival, August 28-30, 2015 at ODC Theatre, 3153 17th

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 forbearers. 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! This show will feature survivors of the Great Flood of 2005 and subsequent disasters in the Gulf, manmade and natural. We will discuss recovery and what is left undone: Malik Rahim, co-founder, Common Ground Collective; Sakura Kone, volunteer at that time, Robert King, survivor, Angola 3; Luther Gray, survivor, Bamboula 2000, Ashé Community Cultural Center.          

Two members of Odinwa Performance Ensemble, Sister Marysa Kenyatta and Sister Bisola Marignay, Ph.D., join us to talk about their concert this afternoon in Oakland, CA, at Coffee with a Beat on Perkins Street across from Lake Merritt Park. The Performance Ritual is from 3-5 p.m. It is free, but donations are appreciated. The segment is rebroadcast from August 18, 2015. Bisola Marignay, Ph.D., Singer/Performer, Activist/Writer, Facilitator/Educator, draws from her experience in transformative studies, anthropology, linguistics, social activism, performance studies, and spiritual practice to organize thematic formats for Odinma’s music performances, and to write the stories, spoken word, poems, and songs that center in the group’s performance rituals. Marysa Kenyatta, Julliard trained jazz pianist, has played a clubs all over the San Francisco Bay Area, including the Keystone Korner and other in San Francisco, Mr. Majors, Dillards, La Pena Cultural Center, 57th Street Gallery and many others in Oakland. She i

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 forbearers. 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. Odinma Performance Ensemble: Sister Marysa Kenyatta and Bisola Marignay, Ph.D. 2. Black Choreoraphers Summer Showcase 11-11:05: Laura Elaine Ellis and Kendra Kimbrough-Barnes talk about Black Choreograper Festival 11:05-11:20 -- Raissa Simpson speaks about her work at BCF and PUSH Festival 11:20 to 11:45 Gregory Dawson, Dawson Dance joins Raissa and talks about his work which premiered 11:45 to 12:00 Antoine Hunter and Paunika join us to

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 forbearers. 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! Archival Interview with Colia Lafayette Clark & Robin Fryday, director, Barber of Birmingham 1. Colia L. Liddell Lafayette Clark is an African-American activist and politician. Clark was the Green Party's candidate for the United States Senate in New York in 2010 and 2012 (2014 broadcast) 2. Interview with Barber of Birmingham, director, Robin Fryday (from archival broadcast Feb. 22, 2012).  

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. Dorsey Nunn, Executive Director, Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, updates us on current issues like the voting rights act for former prisoners and a conference Sept. 20-21 in Oakland.  prisonerswithchildren.org 2. The Brothers Size Cast, Terrance White, Deleon Dallas, William H.P., Umbuntu Theatre through Aug. 22 @ Dana Meyer Auto Care, Albany, CA ubuntutheaterproject.com 3. Michelle Jacques (Street Sounds, Linda Tillery and t