Wanda's Picks

1.Darren Walker, BEAN founder Having been a business man from a very early age, Darren Walker became frustrated with the challenges of limited access to people and resources that could advance his business and personal endeavors. Thus, Walker created Black Economic Advancement Network (BEAN) to provide a way for African Americans to connect with business owners and capital to make it easier to identify and support each other’s businesses. At age 25, Walker—together with his friend and partner Dustin Young established GOES (Green Opportunities Energy Solutions). GOES was the first among the companies then incubating at Moore Norman Technology Center whose sales exceeded $1 million in its first year of operation at the Business Development Center where it started. Darren Walker is the youngest of six children born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been happily married to Lucy Walker for eight years, with whom he has two precious daughters, a toddler and an infant. 5th Annual San Francisco Gr

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: 1. Joe Driscoll, musician, composer, is making his San Francisco Bay Area debut with Sekou Koyate Sunday, May 24, 2015 at the Freight and Savage in Berkeley. http://www.thefreight.org/joe-driscoll-sekou-kouyate 2. Cheryl Lyn Bruce, portrays, "Shelah" in Tarell Alvin McCraney's "Head of Passes" at Berkeley Rep through May 24.  

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: 1.As a youth living in Los Angeles, CA, Akubundu Amazu-Lott experienced first hand being profiled by the police. On at least a half dozen occasions he was pulled over at gun-point by the LAPD. This experience contributed to his understanding that African people in America were treated as second-class citizens. He made his way out of Los Angeles to SJSU. There he participated in sports (football) and received his B.S. in Business Admini

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. Jabari Alii, musician, composer, joins us to talk about his classical piano music album and the concert tonight in Alameda. Support his campaign: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/my-debut-classical-piano-album 2. Cheryl Lyn Bruce, portrays, "Shelah" in Tarell Alvin McCraney's "Head of Passes" at Berkeley Rep through May 24. http://www.berkeleyrep.org/season/1415/8247.asp 3. Brother Ishmael Tetteh, the Mystic of West Africa visits Calif

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! Today is the anniversary of the bombing of the MOVE home in Philadephia. The topic of film, Let the Fire Burn, this 30th Anniversary is a commemoration and a call to action attended by many dignitaries and warriors for justice. Mumia Abu Jamal and the MOVE 9 are present with us this Memorial Day.

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: 1. Dr. Frank Staggers, Jr. works as an Addiction and HIV medical doctor in Berkeley, CA. He is the Medical Director of the Berkeley Addiction Treatment Services Center. Presently he is also the President of the Alameda/Contra Costa County Medical Association, with a membership of 4000 physicians. 2. Darinxoso Oyamasela joins us to speak about the Umoja Community Choir's 10th Anniversary Scholarship Awards Dinner, May 16, 5 p.m. (dinn

Guests: 1. Echo Brown is a dynamic writer, performer, and community activist who uses story to inspire and transform, joins us to talk about her solo performance up at the Marsh SF, Black Virgins Are Not for Hipsters (through June 6). For tickets ($15-$100), the public may visit www.themarsh.org or call 415-282-3055 2. Amikaeyla joins us to speak about her music and peace work (July 26, 2014 archive). 3. Intima artist collaboarators: choreographer, Gregory Dawson and Ilyas Iliya, composer, join us to talk about the multidimensional work which looks at the epic story of King Gilgamesh. Intima is a fusion of visual art by Ali Kaaf, choreography by Gregory Dawson and dawsondancesf, and music directed by Ashraf Kateb, that investigates themes of self-discovery, conflict, loss, and resolution. Tayeb Al-Hafez of Al'Myra Communications was inspired by his roots to bring these artists together to highlight the universality inherent in Syria's current struggles for political freedom.http://zspace.org/guest-shows

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. Ramona Africa, Minister of Communications, MOVE organization, joins us to speak about the 30th Anniversary Commemoration, May 13, of the bombing of her home where she is the only surviving adult, along with one child, Birdie Africa. See http://kasamaproject.org/history/2263-95ramona-africa-survivor-of-may-13-1985-move-massacre and http://www.davidsheen.com/sharing/interviews/ramona.htm 2. Munyiga Lumumba, director of Upward Bound at Mills

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! Guests: 1. Michael Warr & Mark Sabb speak about Black + Brown Lives Matter at the Red Poppy Art House Collective, 2698 Folsom @ 23rd Street, in San Francisco, a yearlong project which continues Thursday, April 30, 7 p.m. Can Art Save a Community? We also speak about another project, Tracing Poetic Memory. 2. Rob Melrose (director, co-founder, Cuttingball), Giovanni Adams (Frederick Douglass) and Andrew Saito (playwright) join us to talk ab

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! Today is a rebroadcast of an interview with Arlene Turner Crawford and Charles Blackwell, regarding a conference two weeks ago at the Chicago Art Institute on the Wall of Respect. 

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 rebroadcast our James Baldwin feature from Friday, April 17, 2015 featuring: Lynn Brown, the editor for the Footsteps of Baldwin Anthology project; James Baldwin's "The Artists Struggle for Integrity", Blackademics playwright, Idris Goodwin, and directors: Mina Morita & Lisa Marie Rollins join us. Visit crowdedfire.org 4. AlterTheater Company joins us to talk about James Baldwin's Amen Corner. Jeanette Harrison, director; Cathleen Riddl

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. 1. Lynn Brown, the editor for the Footsteps of Baldwin Anthology project, is a freelance writer, blogger, and nonprofit communications consultant, who specializes in writing about culture, travel and social justice. She's been published in Conde Nast Traveler, the Colorado Daily News and the Atlanta Black Star. In addition to the anthology she's currently working on a speculative fiction novel centered around the mythology of New Orleans and an MFA in Creative Writing at San Francisco State University with a concentration in Multicultural Literature. Visit https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/footsteps-of-baldwin-anthology-project 2.James Baldwin's "The Artists Struggle for Integrity." 3. Blackademics playwright, Idris Goodwin, and direc

An Arlene Turner Crawford Journey with Charles Curtis Blackwell . . . The two artists join us, one in Oaktown, the other in Chitown to talk about The Wall of Respect and People’s Art Since 1967 - A Symposium April 17-18, 2015 at Chicago Art Institute (https://www.facebook.com/events/1556242241312832/). Both are panelists. Arlene Turner Crawford defines herself as a Visual Artist, Curator, Educator, Muralist and Cultural Activist.  She has shown up as: Classroom teacher, University Administrator, Faculty member & Student Affairs, Unit Head; a Grants Developer & Institution builder of Cultural organizations; a Collaborator and Mentor.  Her work is to integrate her creativity into service and the beautification of black community.  Her mission is inspired and ignited by the intellectual thrust and purpose of the Black Arts Movement. and this commitment, as an artist, is to examine, elevate, and speak to what is beautiful, whole and authentic within my community.  Her art is ritual, an attempt to expr

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. Tarell Alvin McCraney, playwright, actor, MacArthur Genius re: Head of Passes April-May at Berkeley Rep & Choir Boy at Marin Theatre Company in June 2. Stephen Vittoria, dir., Long Distance Revolutionary: A Journey with Mumia Abu Jamal rebroadcast interview with director 3. Chris Johnson, co-curator and Jose Garcia, participating artist re: New Innovative Exhibition at Oakland Museum of CA: Who Is Oakland? featuring 10 Oakland-based 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 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. Noelle Hanrahan speaks about Mumia Abu Jamal medical urgency. See http://www.prisonradio.org/news call 717-728-4109. 2. Emmitt Thrower is a disabled retired NYC Police Officer and a Stroke Survivor. He is also the Founder and President of Wabi Sabi Productions Inc., a small community based Non Profit Company (Tax Exempt 501 c3) founded in 2005 in New York City. Its mission is to use the arts to address social issues and develop our communit

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. Gloria Kamil, Transformationalist for total health of spirit, mind & body joins us to talk about her new book, Gloria's One Dish Recipes. http://www.gloriakamilthetransformationist.com/#!books/cfvg 2. Andre Wilson, shares his family's one hundred and fifty year old slave narrative, "The Story of the Black Cat." His twenty minute solo performance resulted in an invitation to perform his story again this March 9 and 23 for Monday Night

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. State of Black Oakland Organizers Noni Sessions and Turha Ak, join us to talk about the event, Saturday, March 28, 2015, 10-4 at Geoffrey's Inner Circle in Downtown Oakland. 2. We close with an interview (part 1 of a series) with Mrs. Colia LaFayette Clark, Civil Rights Leader, Veteran Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) Organizer in Selma, Jackson and Montgomery in the early 1960s; Recipient of the Bridge-Crossing Jubilee Free

1. Julia Steele Allen joins us to talk about Mariposa & the Saint: From solitary confinement, a play through letters.In 2012, Mariposa (Sara Fonseca) was sentenced to 15 months in solitary confinement. In 2015 she is still in a special confinement unit. Through letters with longtime friend Julia Steele Allen who met her through a CCWP prison visiting team, Mariposa brings her experience to the stage. The play will be performed May 7 & 10 in San Francisco & Berkeley, as a benefit for California Coalition for Women Prisoners. https://www.facebook.com/events/647744338704318/ A Benefit for the California Coalition for Women Prisoners, www.womenprisoners.org For more information contact CCWP info@womenprisoners.org, 415-255-7036 x 4 2. Paige Rogers joins us to talk about Antigone, which she directs at Cuttingball. It has performances Thursday-Sunday in San Francisco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAZQ8EctwdQ 3. Rhodessa Jones speaks about Medea Project, Theatre for Incarcerated Women's latest wor

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 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!