Black Arts
This collection has diverse contents related to progressive artistic creations by African Americans and those in solidarity with African American struggles. The contents primarily include poetry and speeches and/or interviews with Black artists, musicians and authors.
Documents
Sweet Honey in the Rock 20th Anniversary concert
Concert at Howard University campus, 1993.
Sweet Honey in the Rock is a Grammy Award winning African-American female a cappella ensemble, founded by Bernice Johnson Reagon. The group’s music is rooted in the tradition of spirituals, hymns, and gospel, as well as jazz and blues. Their repertoire includes many songs promoting political and social justice. The concert is preceded by a ritual drumming ceremony tribute accompanied by a performance by members of a martial arts academy, followed by a brief reading of an excerpt from the anthology _We Who Believe in Freedom_, the first book put out by the group. Commentators review the group’s history and philosophy. Tape covers only first half of concert (ten songs, including “Spiritual”, “Ballad of the Broken Word”, “No Mirrors”, “In This Land”, “Patchwork Quilt” etc),
then cuts out abruptly.
Maya Angelou-- Collage of music and poetry
Date: 2/16/1982Call Number: KP 100Format: CassetteProgram: Freedom is a Constant StruggleCollection: Black Arts
Four Maya Angelou poems from a benefit reading in 1972 for Angela Davis, interspersed with jazz and blues music for a radio program called “Freedom is a Constant Struggle”. Poems: Harlem Hopscotch, Time-Square Shoe-Shine Composition, Harriet Tubman (?) (by Margaret Walker), For My People (by Margaret Walker).
Interview with Bernice Reagon
Founding member of political and spiritual a cappella vocal ensembles, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Bernice Reagon discusses the role of culture, the church, and music in the black community; focusing on how these elements contribute to the "self-definition and self-concept" of the community and their role in developing and maintaining resistance to oppression. She also discusses her experiences as a musician and her artistic approaches to singing and song writing.
Most of interview is fine. Terrible hum comes in at 15 32.
Making Magic In The World:
Maya Angelou with Michael Toms
In this moving and heartfelt discussion between best-selling author Maya Angelou and New Dimensions’ radio host Michael Toms, you will "travel" with Ms. Angelou as she weaves a rich tapestry of her life's journey from the Deep South to the heart of Africa and back again.
This gifted storyteller poignantly shares the memories of the mentors and teachers who have profoundly influenced her life – those who have shown her how to make magic in the world.
James Baldwin interview
James Baldwin interviewed by Elsa Knight Thompson and John Leonard. - Discussion about his views and writings about the Civil Rights Movement.
Spike Lee
This is a conference involving Spike Lee and Black activists debating about his portrayal of Malcolm X in his upcoming film in preproduction and concerns about Lee’s ability to make the movie. Lee explains his work in taking on a film about such a difficult subject and the process of finding the perfect script and vision. Lee speaks passionately against black politicians who highly criticize Malcolm X’s politics without knowing his true history. Lee discusses the impossibility of making black films that are politically correct due to many conflicting opinions and ideologies throughout the Black community.
Out of the Mouth of Babes #2
Date: 1/1/1994Call Number: KP 201Format: DATProducers: Kiilu NyashaProgram: Out of the Mouth of BabesCollection: Black Arts
Holiday Season children's programming with performances by children ranging from age 2 -17 years old. Holiday songs from the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts led by Martie Vandry. Some poems, essays, and stories on racism and sexism. Includes interviews with some of the children. Also has performances from "Vocal Motion" of the Oakland Youth Chorus, Gail Sandoval, Angela Castilla, Lonnie Houston, and Owen Davis.
Out of the Mouth of Babes #2
Date: 1/1/1994Call Number: KP 202Format: DATProducers: Kiilu NyashaProgram: Out of the Mouth of BabesCollection: Black Arts
Raw material and some rehearsals of holiday song performances by children from the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts led by Martie Vandry. Also has performances from Gail Sandoval, Angela Castilla, Lonnie Houston, and Owen Davis.
My Life as Myself- Alice Walker
In this intimate meeting, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Alice Walker takes you into her private world and summons the powerful spirits and events that have shaped her life. Topics include: fighting oppression through creativity; reconnection to the natural world; the secret of joy; work as prayer; much more. With eight original poems
Amiri Baraka speech at College of the Alameda
Speech by Amiri Baraka at College of the Alameda, addressed to students.
