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! Randall Kline, SFJAZZ Founder and Executive Artistic Director joins us to talk about NEA Jazz Masters concert honoring the work of Bobby McFerrin, Roscoe Mitchell, Reggie Workman, Dorthaan Kirk, is the first time the NEA has partnered with a West Coast organization, Thursday, August 20, 5:00pm PDT Tune in at SFJAZZ.org It's free The Hon. Marcus Garvey's Birthday is Monday, August 17, 2020. Although the Pan African Flag day was 8/13, you can

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! We will speak to 3-4 dynamic Oromo women artists, activists, politicians about the current movement for justice now in Ethiopia led by the youth: Hawi Itana,   Merertu Kitila; Seenaa Jimjimo                                                        

1. Continuing our conversation about Oromo activists in Ethiopia, we speak to 4 women scholars and artists about growing up Oromo and what is happening in Ethiopia following the killing of the beloved artist: Hachalu Hundessa. Guests are: Alby Ungashe; Marii Beshir; Eden Daniel. 2. Political Organizer and Revolutionary Mother, Moya Mzuri Nana Yaa Offeibea Pambeli  is a member of the All-African People’s Revolutionary Party (A-APRP) and is currently serving on the Central Committee of the A-APRP as the Coordinator of the All-African Women’s Revolutionary Union (A-AWRU) for the U.S. Region of the A-APRP. Sister Mzuri is a long time activist and coalition builder. Some of her coalition work has included the Black August Los Angeles coalition (Political Prison Campaign), the Pan-African Diaspora Union (PADU) – Sixth Regional representing the African Diaspora, preparing to join the African Union.  3. We close out with libations for Jonathan Jackson (17) who tried to set his elder brother free at the Marin Courth

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 we honor one of the Bay Area's local heroes: Ms. Denise Adele Gums. Friends and Family join us to talk about her life and work.

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 we speak to the male co-chair of N'COBRA, Nana Kwesi Jomoke Ifetayo about the 31st N'COBRA Virtual Conference, July 30-Aug. 1, 2020. Contact: reparationsj@gmail.com (678) 437-7882 2. Delfeayo Marsalis has launched a new non-profit – Keep NOLA Music Alive  – designed to help keep New Orleans music culture thriving during these uncertain times. Delfeayo kicks off the fundraising effort with a “Double-Nickel Birthday Bash” virtual performan

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 we speak to the male co-chair of N'COBRA, Nana Kwesi Jomoke Ifetayo about the 31st N'COBRA Virtual Conference, July 30-Aug. 1, 2020. Contact: reparationsj@gmail.com (678) 437-7882 2. Delfeayo Marsalis has launched a new non-profit – Keep NOLA Music Alive  – designed to help keep New Orleans music culture thriving during these uncertain times.   Delfeayo kicks off the fundraising effort with a “Double-Nickel Birthday Bash” virtual 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!  Bay Area Playwrights Festival concludes this weekend and we have Deneen Reynolds-Knott, playwright, and Jessica Bird Beza, Executive Artistic Director, and Director, joining us to talk about this season. http://playwrightsfoundation.org/2020-bay-area-playwrights-festival/

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!  Middle Passage Walk, Theodore Rush, Fetch Clay, William Rhodes, broadcast August 29, 2014.   

Today we rebroadcast Monday, July 13, 2020 show. The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival kicked off its 40th season with a wonderful film about our very own Congresswoman Barbara Lee, "Truth to Power," directed by Abby Ginzberg. It was at the Concord Drive-In. The feature was proceeded by a Q&A with festival directors Lexi Leban, the Congresswoman and the director.  The theatre was packed and afterward, if  the horns (read applause) were any indicator, everyone enjoyed the preview screening of a great film about a woman who has dedicated her life to the "people." There are many films screening online without cost which also have an interactive component, that is, Q&A. Visit  jfi.org/summerdays for all the information and for tickets to other drive-in films through Sunday, July 19.  We feature co-directors, Marlon Johnson and Anne Flatté with Albert Shumake protégé and new director, River City Drum Corps. "River City Drumbeat" captures the story of Edward “Nardie” White’s thirty year run as leader of t

This morning we talk about the SF Jewish Film Festival.  1. Lexi Leban joined the Jewish Film Institute as Executive Director in 2011. A longtime member of the Bay Area film community, Leban has over 20 years experience in all aspects of film, from production to distribution to exhibition. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Academic Director of the Digital Filmmaking & Video Production at the Art Institute of California and creator of their Bachelor's degree program. As a documentary filmmaker, Leban has directed award-winning films that focus on women's rights, criminal justice and LGBT issues. Her films have screened widely at festivals in the U.S. and abroad. Her most recent film, Girl Trouble aired nationally on the acclaimed PBS series Independent Lens and an interactive game based on the film debuted at Sundance. She served for 8 years in the marketing and web operation department at New Day Films, a 40 year old filmmaker-run educational distribution company with over 230 award-winning ti

Guests today are: 10-Time Emmy-Winning Filmmaker Marlon Johnson and Award-Winning San Francisco Filmmaker Anne Flatté and Albert Shumake protégé and new director, River City Drum Corps. The film, River City Drumbeat, captures the story of Edward “Nardie” White’s thirty year run as leader of the dynamic Louisville, Kentucky River City Drum Corps and chronicles his passing of the baton to former student Albert Shumake. The film shows the love Mr. White has for his drum corps members and their families, his belief in African values and Black children. Seldom are success stories shown to a large national audience only the tragedies. This story is one that will make audiences move with delight and hope-- Roses do grow in the most difficult enviornments if they get enough sunlight and water and love. The film OPENS AUGUST 7-21, 2020 for a Two Week Virtual Engagement at Roxie Virtual Cinema:bit.ly/rcdatroxie We close with an interview with Tamar Manasseh, African American resident in Chicago's south side and foun

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 morning we speak to Oromo activists, scholars, and clergy about what is happening currently in Ethiopia in the youth movement since the assasination of one of its beloved leaders: Haacaaluu Hundessa. Guests: Pastor Temesgen Mengesha, Grace Lutheran Church in El Cerrito, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Berkeley, and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Afaan Oromo in Hayward. http://grace-lutheran.church/our-people Ms. Najat Hamza, Minnesota bas

This morning we talk about the SF Jewish Film Festival.  1. Lexi Leban joined the Jewish Film Institute as Executive Director in 2011. A longtime member of the Bay Area film community, Leban has over 20 years experience in all aspects of film, from production to distribution to exhibition. Prior to her appointment, she served as the Academic Director of the Digital Filmmaking & Video Production at the Art Institute of California and creator of their Bachelor's degree program. As a documentary filmmaker, Leban has directed award-winning films that focus on women's rights, criminal justice and LGBT issues. Her films have screened widely at festivals in the U.S. and abroad. Her most recent film, Girl Trouble aired nationally on the acclaimed PBS series Independent Lens and an interactive game based on the film debuted at Sundance. She served for 8 years in the marketing and web operation department at New Day Films, a 40 year old filmmaker-run educational distribution company with over 230 award-winning ti

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!    1.  Regina Louise’s memoir, “Someone Has Led This Child to Believe” is a testament to how all of the aforementioned points contributed to a childhood of having no adult support or a loving family to guide her through the harrowing experiences of feeling unwanted by her family and being denied a loving home and adoption by the ONE person who showed her love because of race, and having to navigate the isolating and dehumanizing effects of that

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. Dawn Porter, director, John Lewis, "Good Trouble" (2020), which opens July 3, 2020.  2. Eugene B. Redmond, Ph.D., East St. Louis University Emeritus, scholar, publisher, Drum Voices Review in conversation with Kathryn Waddell Takara, Ph.D., poet, scholar, publisher.  We close with Billy Harper's "Knowledge of Self" featuring Amiri Baraka.  

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!                                        We speak about "Race" this morning, "Race" as in David Mamet's play, "Race" produced by SF Recovery Theatre.  1. Susan Heywood, ACT-SF's joins us to talk about Race @ ACT-SF, Nov. 4, 2011.  2. Geoffrey Grier, Director, Executive Director, SF Recovery Theatre, which produced Mamet's "Race," June 19-21 with PianoFight.   3. The cast of SFRT's Race joins us to talk about the work and their roles:

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. William C. Rhodes, III, Art in a time of Covid-19.  Rhodes is a sculptural furniture designer who studied at the Baltimore School for the Arts. He then earned a BA in Furniture Building and Design from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and a Master's of Fine Arts from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.  http://williamrhodesart.com His work Threaded Souls of San Francisco features quilts and stories from residents at Dr.

Juneteenth 2020 http://wandaspicks.com/wandas-picks-june-2020/ Poor People's Virtual Weekend, 6/20-21, 2020 1. Nell Myhand is an Oakland based organizer, author and speaker whose work brings people together across age, race, class and other differences forming alliances to create powerful, effective solutions to common problems that leave no one out and no one behind. She is a member of the Bay Area Poor People’s Campaign Steering Committee working locally and nationally to amplify the voices of low/no wealth people and our demands for resources to meet our basic needs for housing, education, healthcare, and a livable climate. She also organizes with Women of Color in the Global Women’s Strike, an international organization calling on all governments for a Care Income Now that would recognize unwaged caregiving as work deserving of a wage. https://www.june2020.org/ 2. Vincent Terrell Durham, joins us to talk about theatre, writing, walking while Black and his Polar Bears. Black Boys & Prairie Fri

1. Aldo Billingslea, Ph.D., director, Juneteenth Theatre Justice Project, joins us to talk about Vincent Terrell Durham’s thrilling and timely play, Polar Bears, Black Boys & Prairie Fringed Orchids, Friday, June 19, 7 p.m.  It is a free event. Tickets are required: https://tickets.playground-sf.org/TheatreManager/1/online?performance=931 From the Arrchives: --Interview with Susan Heyward, a principle in ACT production of David Mamet's Race (2011) --Rebroadcast of interview with two members of the cast in Berkeley Rep's production of Lynn Nottage's "Ruined" (2013).  4. Geoffrey Grier, director, joins us to talk about SF Recovery Theatre's production of David Mamet's "Race," Friday June 19, Juneteenth weekend, in collaboration with PianoFight, 7:30 pm PT in Zoom. Subsequent shows will be re-broadcast Saturday and Sunday, June 20-21:  https://www.pianofight.com/virtual-venue/ Suggested $20 Donation PayPal.me/sfrecoverytheatre