Podcasts about African diaspora

In remembrance of Dr. Rashidi, we air a 2010 interview with the Afro-centrist, essayist, author and public lecturer.   A weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner. The post Africa Today – Dr. Runoko Rashidi appeared first on KPFA.

Professor Gimena Sanchez Garzoli from the Washington Office on Latin America discusses the impact of the global war and US policies on South America, the Caribbean, and Afro-Descendant populations.   A weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner. A weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner. The post Africa Today – Professor Gimena Sanchez Garzoli (Encore) appeared first on KPFA.

Faith, Family, and Flag: Branson Entertainment and the Idea of America (University of Chicago Press, 2025) examines the history of Branson, Missouri's entertainment industry within the context of America's culture wars. The book explores how Branson became a major center for live performance rooted in patriotism, Christianity, and family centered values, attracting millions of visitors each year. Professor Joanna Dee Das shows how Branson represents more than lighthearted entertainment. Through its music, shows, humor, and tourism industry, the city offers audiences a vision of the American Dream centered on the “three Fs” — faith, family, and flag. While supporters view these values as universal and deeply American, critics often associate them with modern political conservatism. The book explores how Branson became a powerful cultural and political symbol in debates about national identity, religion, class, entertainment, and American values. Key Ideas: The book explores how faith, patriotism, and family centered entertainment shaped Branson's popularity of more than just an entertainment town. Reflects how entertainment can reflect deeper cultural and political beliefs within society. Examines tensions between urban and rural America and how different groups viewed Branson. Critics sometimes viewed Branson as politically conservative, while supporters viewed it as authentic, nostalgic, patriotic, and values driven. The book highlights how entertainment, comedy, and audience experiences create emotional connection and community, much like social media culture today. One of the most interesting ideas from the discussion was that entertainment is never just entertainment. The music, performances, humor, patriotism, and storytelling found in places like Branson can reveal what people value, fear, believe, and hope for as a country. The conversation also highlighted how audiences often seek spaces where they feel emotionally connected, culturally understood, and spiritually grounded. Branson became one of those places for many Americans.  Joanna Dee Das is associate professor of performing arts at Washington University in St. Louis. She is the author of the award-winning book Katherine Dunham: Dance and the African Diaspora. Angela Marie Hutchinson is the author of “Create Your Yes! When You Keep Hearing No,” named a Forbes No. 4 book to advance your career. She is a podcast host for New Books Network, where she leads conversations for the neuroscience and Christianity channels. Hutchinson is also a talent and intellectual property executive, former social media professor and BBC commentator. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband and three children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Faith, Family, and Flag: Branson Entertainment and the Idea of America (University of Chicago Press, 2025) examines the history of Branson, Missouri's entertainment industry within the context of America's culture wars. The book explores how Branson became a major center for live performance rooted in patriotism, Christianity, and family centered values, attracting millions of visitors each year. Professor Joanna Dee Das shows how Branson represents more than lighthearted entertainment. Through its music, shows, humor, and tourism industry, the city offers audiences a vision of the American Dream centered on the “three Fs” — faith, family, and flag. While supporters view these values as universal and deeply American, critics often associate them with modern political conservatism. The book explores how Branson became a powerful cultural and political symbol in debates about national identity, religion, class, entertainment, and American values. Key Ideas: The book explores how faith, patriotism, and family centered entertainment shaped Branson's popularity of more than just an entertainment town. Reflects how entertainment can reflect deeper cultural and political beliefs within society. Examines tensions between urban and rural America and how different groups viewed Branson. Critics sometimes viewed Branson as politically conservative, while supporters viewed it as authentic, nostalgic, patriotic, and values driven. The book highlights how entertainment, comedy, and audience experiences create emotional connection and community, much like social media culture today. One of the most interesting ideas from the discussion was that entertainment is never just entertainment. The music, performances, humor, patriotism, and storytelling found in places like Branson can reveal what people value, fear, believe, and hope for as a country. The conversation also highlighted how audiences often seek spaces where they feel emotionally connected, culturally understood, and spiritually grounded. Branson became one of those places for many Americans.  Joanna Dee Das is associate professor of performing arts at Washington University in St. Louis. She is the author of the award-winning book Katherine Dunham: Dance and the African Diaspora. Angela Marie Hutchinson is the author of “Create Your Yes! When You Keep Hearing No,” named a Forbes No. 4 book to advance your career. She is a podcast host for New Books Network, where she leads conversations for the neuroscience and Christianity channels. Hutchinson is also a talent and intellectual property executive, former social media professor and BBC commentator. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband and three children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/performing-arts

Faith, Family, and Flag: Branson Entertainment and the Idea of America (University of Chicago Press, 2025) examines the history of Branson, Missouri's entertainment industry within the context of America's culture wars. The book explores how Branson became a major center for live performance rooted in patriotism, Christianity, and family centered values, attracting millions of visitors each year. Professor Joanna Dee Das shows how Branson represents more than lighthearted entertainment. Through its music, shows, humor, and tourism industry, the city offers audiences a vision of the American Dream centered on the “three Fs” — faith, family, and flag. While supporters view these values as universal and deeply American, critics often associate them with modern political conservatism. The book explores how Branson became a powerful cultural and political symbol in debates about national identity, religion, class, entertainment, and American values. Key Ideas: The book explores how faith, patriotism, and family centered entertainment shaped Branson's popularity of more than just an entertainment town. Reflects how entertainment can reflect deeper cultural and political beliefs within society. Examines tensions between urban and rural America and how different groups viewed Branson. Critics sometimes viewed Branson as politically conservative, while supporters viewed it as authentic, nostalgic, patriotic, and values driven. The book highlights how entertainment, comedy, and audience experiences create emotional connection and community, much like social media culture today. One of the most interesting ideas from the discussion was that entertainment is never just entertainment. The music, performances, humor, patriotism, and storytelling found in places like Branson can reveal what people value, fear, believe, and hope for as a country. The conversation also highlighted how audiences often seek spaces where they feel emotionally connected, culturally understood, and spiritually grounded. Branson became one of those places for many Americans.  Joanna Dee Das is associate professor of performing arts at Washington University in St. Louis. She is the author of the award-winning book Katherine Dunham: Dance and the African Diaspora. Angela Marie Hutchinson is the author of “Create Your Yes! When You Keep Hearing No,” named a Forbes No. 4 book to advance your career. She is a podcast host for New Books Network, where she leads conversations for the neuroscience and Christianity channels. Hutchinson is also a talent and intellectual property executive, former social media professor and BBC commentator. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband and three children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

Beverages made from parts of the roselle hibiscus have a beautiful color, a tart tang, and a place in the history of other red drinks. Anney and Lauren dip into the science and cultures behind hibiscus teas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Gee tells the story of how The Center for Black Excellence and Culture was actually built with Jim Yehle, the President and CEO of Findorff Construction. Denzel Bibbs, Findorff Construction Project Manager, fills in the details of the building process. He discusses his role in maintaining the vision of the Black aesthetic laid out by the team. Hear how the design and physical building exemplify the multi-dimensionality of the African Diaspora and the African American communities. The relationship of this team demonstrates the cross cultural innovation that strengthens the accomplishments of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. Jim Yehle contributed to the process by making strategic community introductions and creating enthusiasm around fundraising to create a debt free construction. Denzel Bibbs talks about the atmosphere of the construction project that speaks to the positive energy and environment that will be taken onto other projects.   alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme Join the Black Like Me Listener Community Facebook Group

Professor Gimena Sanchez Garzoli from the Washington Office on Latin America discusses the impact of the global war and US policies on South America, the Caribbean, and Afro-Descendant populations.   A weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner. The post Africa Today – Professor Gimena Sanchez Garzoli appeared first on KPFA.

African Diaspora and Loneliness / Struggle Relationships

ow do you share a vision that has never been seen before? Mark Schmitz shares how ZebraDog acted as a conduit for the vision of The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. Zebradog knew how to tell stories through a space and The Center team knew the stories of the Black community, and they came together to bring these stories to life. Dr. Gee and Mark discuss the importance of storytelling, especially right now, where history and storytelling are in danger. Mark works on projects all over the world but he has been changed by the this hometown project that is a part of his shared community. They explore together how we are the embodiment of our history and how you become the buildings that you inhabit. The space of The Center is a hopeful vision of what we want to see for the Madison community.  Mark has been in the visual design and storytelling world since 1985. About 35 years ago, he started shaping what would become ZEBRADOG with a simple but bold idea: combine traditional visual communication design thinking with emerging technologies to create environments that engage all the senses. He wanted to build places that tell stories, connect people to brands in authentic ways, and invite them to linger a little longer—to learn, to touch, to feel. Today, that idea has grown into a world-class experiential design consortium that brings visual brands to life within built environments around the globe. The ZEBRADOG team is made up of exhibit architects, interior and graphic designers, producers, programmers, and software developers, all sharing one thing in common: they're passionate thinkers who love what they do. Mark travels across the country speaking about "Dynamic Environments" and "The Human Experience of a Brand." He's a frequent keynote speaker for groups like the American Institute of Architects, the International Interior Design Association, and the American Marketing Association. As a Certified Experience Economy Expert (CEEE), he helps clients understand how to design experiences that feel personal and memorable. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for Taliesin Preservation, Inc., where he's helping shape design programs that elevate the industry and celebrate creative heritage. And when he's not deep in a ZEBRADOG project, you might find him rating golf courses for Golfweek Magazine, lending a hand at Taliesin, or tearing up the mogul fields in Summit County—still smiling on his 62 year-old knees. alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme Join the Black Like Me Listener Community Facebook Group      

Coming highly recommended, I'm joined by multi-hyphenate DaVaun Sanders as we explore the depths of his work as an author, along with taking a peek behind the scenes, as we delve into his work as an Editor. DaVaun and I start off by talking about how he got started in wordsmithing. From his early work in poetry to his first book idea which came to him, we explore that early time. Then, we talk about his middle grade series, Keynan Masters. I read the first book, so we tend to focus primarily on that one. DaVaun talks about how he got the idea for Keynan Masters, the magic system in the book series, and much more. Then we talk about two big names, Minecraft and Marvel. DaVaun talks about how he ended up writing for both properties, who his favorite characters were to write for the Marvel "What If... The Multiverse Was Doomed", and more. Then we take a look behind the words with DaVaun's work as an editor of FIYAH, a quarterly speculative fiction magazine that features stories by and about Black people of the African Diaspora. From starting out as a slush reader to his current role as Executive Editor, DaVaun talks about what goes on behind the scenes. We talk about how different ideas come to fruition, the submission process, and reflects on the history of the magazine. You can find DaVaun at: https://davaunsanders.com/ https://www.instagram.com/davaunsanders/ https://www.threads.com/@davaunsanders https://linktr.ee/davaunsanders You can buy DaVaun's work here: Keynan Masters and the Peerless Magic Crew - https://amzn.to/4uXTax2 The Seedbearing Prince: Part 1 - https://amzn.to/4uiG7q0 Minecraft: The Tournament - https://amzn.to/4tERBCO Marvel: What If...The Multiverse Was Doomed? - https://amzn.to/4ugheuO You can find FIYAH at: https://fiyahlitmag.com/ https://www.threads.com/@fiyahlitmag https://campsite.bio/fiyahlitmag Forged in FIYAH: Celebrating Ten Years of Black Speculative Fiction - https://amzn.to/4wzYJTH

Episode 678. Emily Zobel Marshall comes on the podcast to discuss her research on trickster characters, particularly the ones in her book, American Trickster: Trauma Tradition and Brer Rabbit. Trickster characters. Emily Marshall's concept of the American Trickster explores a unique archetype that evolved from the fusion of diverse cultural folklore—primarily African, Indigenous, and European—into a distinctly American figure. Unlike traditional European tricksters who often serve as moral foils or agents of chaos, Marshall's American trickster is defined by survival and subversion. This figure often operates within systems of extreme oppression, using wit, "masking," and linguistic dexterity to outsmart more powerful adversaries. Emily is a Professor of Postcolonial Literature at Leeds Beckett University. She is of French-Caribbean and British heritage and grew up in the mountains of Snowdonia in North Wales. An expert on the trickster figure in the folklore, oral cultures and literature of the African Diaspora, she has published widely in these fields, including her books Anansi's Journey: A Story of Jamaican Cultural Resistance (2012, UWI press) and American Trickster: Trauma Tradition and Brer Rabbit (2019, Rowman and Littlefield). She develops her creative work alongside her academic writing and her collection Bath of Herbs was published by Peepal Tree Press in 2023. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 222 years. Order your copy today! This week in the Louisiana Anthology. Louis Charles Roudanez. 'Is the Black Code Still in Force?'     'Sec. 9. If any slave shall strike a white person, for the first and second offense he shall receive such punishment as the jury shall think proper, but for the third offence the said slave shall suffer death; and whenever any slave shall have grievously and willfully wounded any white person, although it prove to be the first offense, such slave shall suffer death; provided the blow, wound, mutilation or bruises are not made or committed in defense of the person or property of his master.'     Does any sane person living in New Orleans today believe that such a law would, could or should be enforced by any civil power in this city under existing circumstances? Yet there it stands, printed in the 'Revised Statutes of Louisiana,' under the head of the 'Black Code,' and if we are to be guided by 'high authority' in legal matters, a judge in one of our anomalous courts would be derelict in his duty not to pronounce the sentence of death on a colored person, convicted under this statute, who had heretofore been held as a slave, and had never been manumitted according to the laws of Louisiana. This week in Louisiana history. May 15, 1915. Huey Long admitted to the Louisiana Bar as "a full fledged lawyer."  This week in New Orleans history. May 15, 1921: The first scheduled commercial flight arrived in New Orleans, marking the beginning of the city's modern aviation era. This week in Louisiana. Gonzales Jambalaya Festival May 15, 2026 Lamar‑Dixon Expo Center, 9039 S. St. Landry Avenue Gonzales, LA 70737 Held annually on Memorial Day Weekend; the 2026 festival is coming up later this month Website: jambalayafestival.net Email: info@jambalayafestival.net Phone: (225) 647‑9569 The Gonzales Jambalaya Festival is a South Louisiana tradition featuring world‑champion jambalaya, live music, carnival rides, and cooking competitions throughout the long Memorial Day weekend: World Champion Jambalaya: Daily servings from top cooks competing for the festival title. Live Music & Entertainment: Multiple stages with regional bands and family‑friendly performances. Carnival Rides & Activities: A full midway, games, vendors, and community events across the festival grounds. Postcards from Louisiana. Molly Ringwalds. My Sharona. Kenner Italian Festival.  Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

In this episode of MFM Speaks Out, host Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi (aka SoSaLa) speaks with internationally acclaimed trumpeter, composer, filmmaker, and educator Volker Goetze about his lifelong journey through jazz, West African griot traditions, flamenco, and socially conscious artmaking. Volker reflects on discovering jazz in Cologne through artists like Miles Davis, Sun Ra, and Don Cherry, and how music became a spiritual and emotional refuge after the loss of his father at a young age. The conversation explores his deep connection to Senegalese and Mandé music, the cultural significance of the griot tradition, and his long-running collaborations with kora masters Ablaye Cissoko and Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko. The episode also dives into the creation of Volker's current project, Flamencora — a boundary-pushing trio blending flamenco guitar, kora, and trumpet jazz improvisation. Volker discusses the rhythmic and cultural complexities of flamenco, the influence of maqam and African polyrhythms on his trumpet playing, and the challenge of building authentic cross-cultural collaborations. Upcoming Performances May 28, 2026: FlamenKora at The Drome, NYC (same venue as duo's NYC premiere with Ablaye Cissokho) 4 May 30, 2026: FlamenKora at Tempo Arts Performance Base, Kingston (renovated church with adjustable reverb for electronic music/sound installations) 4 May 2026: 20-minute performance at Emily Harvey Foundation with Johanna Roa's poem for Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (17th-century Mexican nun-intellectual); features flamenco singer Christian performing traditional siguiriya melody with Roa's text Beyond music, Volker shares insights into his documentary filmmaking, including his acclaimed film Griot and socially engaged projects focused on homelessness and displacement. The conversation closes with a candid discussion about the realities of surviving as an independent musician in New York, the changing economics of the music industry, streaming, grants, cultural funding, AI, copyright concerns, and the importance of artistic community through organizations like Musicians for Musicians. Topics Discussed Volker Goetze's early introduction to jazz in Cologne The emotional and spiritual power of improvisation Discovering West African music and the griot tradition Opening for Youssou N'Dour in Senegal The role of the griot as historian, storyteller, and cultural guardian The deep musical connections between jazz and West African traditions Falling in love with flamenco and learning its rhythmic language The creation and evolution of Flamenkora Collaborating with kora masters Ablaye Cissoko and Ali Boulo Santo Cissoko Working with legendary percussionist Mino Cinelu The influence of maqam, Indian rhythmic systems, and polyrhythms Volker's documentary films Griot and Displaced Lessons from mentors, including Markus Stockhausen and Enrique Vargas The realities of sustaining an international music career Music grants, touring economics, and the collapse of CD revenue AI, copyright, and the future of musicians' rights The importance of artistic community and Musicians for Musicians Upcoming performances in New York Artists & Influences Mentioned Miles Davis Billie Holiday Don Cherry Sun Ra Paco de Lucía Toumani Diabaté Ali Farka Touré Salif Keita Randy Weston Arturo O'Farrill Joe Lovano Subjects Covered Jazz improvisation Flamenco rhythm and harmony Kora traditions African diaspora and musical lineage Cultural exchange in music Documentary filmmaking Music activism Artist sustainability Grants and independent funding AI and copyright concerns Community building among musicians Featured Music Bétiyata Sadier Toumaranke CreditsProducer and host: Sohrab Saadat Ladjevardi aka SoSaLaPublisher: Musicians For Musicians (MFM), Inc.Technical support: Adam Reifsteck (MFM Board)https://musiciansformusicians.org

Send us Fan MailWhat if the places we judge the most… are actually where some of the deepest human connections are being formed?What if nightlife was never just about music, parties, or escape— but about healing, belonging, culture, survival, and community?In this deeply reflective and soul-stirring episode of the Self Reflection Podcast, host Lira Ndifon sits down with Bay Area DJ, entrepreneur, visionary, and cultural bridge-builder DJ Slim for one of the most layered conversations yet. This is not just a conversation about music.This is a conversation about identity. About immigration. About fatherhood. About healing while carrying responsibility. About what it means to create spaces where people feel alive, safe, and seen.From his upbringing in Kenya to becoming a respected figure in Oakland's nightlife and creative scene, DJ Slim shares the untold emotional realities behind ambition, leadership, and building community across cultures. INSIDE THIS EPISODETogether, Lira and DJ Slim unpack: The emotional weight of navigating life as an African immigrant in America  Why success in African households is often tied to status—not peace  How nightlife can become a place of connection, opportunity, and healing  The mental health challenges that come with constantly being “on”  Burnout, exhaustion, and learning how to disconnect from the noise  Why forgiveness is necessary for healing generational pain  Raising African children in Western society while preserving culture  The power of music to unite people beyond race, language, and borders  Why community may be the one thing modern society is slowly losing DJ Slim also opens up about the transition from DJ to business owner and CEO, revealing the emotional discipline required to lead while remaining grounded and human. Through stories filled with honesty, humor, and wisdom, he reflects on what it truly means to pour into others while still protecting your own mental well-being. At the center of this conversation is a powerful truth:People are searching for connection.And sometimes the very spaces society overlooks— nightlife, music, dance, shared culture— become the places where people feel most free to be themselves.This episode challenges the way we think about healing, masculinity, success, and even community itself.Because healing doesn't always happen in silence.Sometimes healing sounds like music. Sometimes healing looks like laughter. Sometimes healing looks like dancing with strangers who somehow feel familiar.Support the showCall to Action: Engage with the Self-Reflection Podcast community! Like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube (Self-Reflection Podcast by Lira Ndifon), and all major podcast platforms. Share your insights and feedback—we value your contributions! Suggest topics you'd like us to explore. Your support amplifies our reach, sharing these vital messages of self-love and empowerment. Until our next conversation, prioritize self-care and embrace your journey.Grab your copy of "Awaken Your True Self" on Amazon. Until next time, be kind to yourself and keep reflecting.

African science fiction and fantasy is having a moment.And honestly?

A weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner. The post Africa Today – May 4, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

For the first time in his life a politician canvassed Kehinde for a vote, for the upcoming local elections on May 7th. This is lead to reflection on the the Supreme Court gutting the Voting Rights Act and allowing the Louisiana Republicans to draw racist maps for the US midterms. As with most things America is Europe on steroids, where you can see the racism more clearly, but it is no better the UK where the maps are drawn by a commission but the impact is the same. He also uses the story of the US ruling and the Black ultra-conservative judge as a way to tease the news that will drop next week, that has him tired angry this episode. Tune in next week for the reveal. As part of the West African Road Residency, trip the Convention of African People, the group stopped in Monrovia, Liberia to speak to two longstanding Pan-Africanists in the country Conmany and Madina Wesseh. We share the interview with them and the group. It is a fascinating discussion about the history of Pan-Africanism, Liberia and where do we go from here. Black Studies at Birmingham City University will be hosting US legal scholar activist Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw on May 24th from 3-6pm to launch her new book Backtalker Get your free ticket at: https://Kimberlecrenshaw.eventbrite.co.uk Conmany Wisseh's Wikipedia page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conmany_Wesseh Find out more about the Convention of Afrikan People https://make-it-plain.org/convention-of-afrikan-people/ Support the Library of Africa and the African Diaspora: https://loatad.org/ Join Harambee OBU: www.blackunity.org.uk Written and hosted by: Kehinde Andrews Edited by: Kadiri Andrews Artwork by: Assata Andrews

A weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner. The post Africa Today – April 27, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

Kehinde returns to vividly recounts his 2-week journey through West Africa's complex landscape from the Library of Africa and the African Diaspora in Accra, Ghana to the Convention for Afrikan People in Banjul, Gambia. Friend of the pod, newly minted Dr Erika Brown, joins to discuss the 3,000km trip. From harrowing slave castles in Ghana to border crossings that can take hours Kehinde's personal reflections offer a raw, unfiltered view on what it truly means to witness disparities of wealth, infrastructure, and opportunity firsthand—and how these scars shape the collective psyche of the continent. Before they get into the conversation Erika catches Kehinde up on what has happened since he has been away, discussing the recent media stories of femicide in the US and the pitfalls of financial literacy. Find out more about the Convention of Afrikan People https://make-it-plain.org/convention-of-afrikan-people/ Follow Erika at the Broke-ish podcast https://brokeish.com/  Support the Library of Africa and the African Diaspora: https://loatad.org/  Join Harambee OBU: www.blackunity.org.uk  Written and hosted by: Kehinde Andrews Edited by: Kadiri Andrews Artwork by: Assata Andrews

Send us Fan MailWhat if one festival could shift how a culture is seen, heard, and experienced?Welcome to a powerful, culture-defining episode of Self Reflection Podcast, where host Lira Ndifon takes you beyond the surface of music and into the heartbeat of something much bigger—AfroFEST Bay Area.This isn't just a conversation.It's an invitation into a movement.A movement where African culture is not filtered or diluted—but celebrated, amplified, and owned.AfroFEST: More Than a Festival — A Cultural AwakeningAfroFEST is quickly becoming one of the Bay Area's most exciting cultural platforms—where music, fashion, identity, and community collide.It's where: African artists take up space unapologetically  Creatives across disciplines find connection and collaboration  Culture is not just performed—it is lived And in a world where narratives are often shaped externally, AfroFEST is reclaiming the story. YODĖLĖ: The Sound of a New GenerationIn this episode, Afrobeat artist YODĖLĖ—one of AfroFEST's standout performers—shares his journey as a Nigerian artist building his voice in the diaspora.But what makes YODĖLĖ different is not just his sound.It's his perspective.A self-proclaimed “nerd” and creative innovator, he represents a new kind of artist—one who blends music, technology, storytelling, and identity into a multidimensional experience.From developing DigiComics to reimagining storytelling through tech, to commanding the AfroFEST stage with undeniable energy—YODĖLĖ embodies what it means to create without limits.Inside This Episode, We Explore: How AfroFEST is shaping the future of African culture in the diaspora  Why representation and cultural ownership matter now more than ever  The real creative process behind Afrobeat music  Using music as a tool for manifestation, identity, and connection  Breaking stereotypes: embracing the “nerdy” side of creativity  The business of music: sync deals, ownership, and long-term strategy  Mental resilience and navigating uncertainty as an artist  Building community over chasing clout If you were given a platform to represent your culture…would you shrink—or would you rise?AfroFEST is more than a moment.It's a reminder that when we create spaces for ourselves, we don't just celebrate culture—we redefine it.And artists like YODĖLĖ remind us that the future of creativity belongs to those bold enough to be fully seen.AfroFEST is calling.Step into the space. Share your voice. Be part of the culture.Support the showCall to Action: Engage with the Self-Reflection Podcast community! Like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube (Self-Reflection Podcast by Lira Ndifon), and all major podcast platforms. Share your insights and feedback—we value your contributions! Suggest topics you'd like us to explore. Your support amplifies our reach, sharing these vital messages of self-love and empowerment. Until our next conversation, prioritize self-care and embrace your journey.Grab your copy of "Awaken Your True Self" on Amazon. Until next time, be kind to yourself and keep reflecting.

A weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner. The post Africa Today – April 20, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

Send us Fan MailWhat if one stage could change an artist's life… and shift an entire culture?In this powerful and culture-rich episode of Self Reflection Podcast, host Lira Ndifon takes you inside the heartbeat of something bigger than music—AfroFEST Bay Area.This is more than an interview.This is a story about platform, purpose, and possibility.Joined by rising R&B artist Kai Azana, one of AfroFEST's featured voices, this conversation explores what it means to step onto a stage that represents more than performance—it represents identity, community, and belonging. AfroFEST isn't just an event.It's a movement redefining how African and diasporic creativity is seen, experienced, and celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond.It's where: Independent artists find their voice and their audience  Culture is not diluted—but amplified  Community becomes the foundation for growth And for artists like Kai, it's a moment where everything begins to align.Through raw honesty and reflection, Kai opens up about her journey as an artist navigating: The vulnerability behind songwriting  The emotional weight of creating from real-life experiences  The discipline of staying grounded in a fast-paced industry  The importance of boundaries, especially as a woman in music Her creative process—whether through freestyle sessions or voice memos in quiet moments—is rooted in something deeper:Music as self-healing. Music as identity. Music as truth.

Dr. Nada Ali on gender, peace building, and militarization in Sudan and South Sudan   A weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner. The post Africa Today – Dr. Nada Ali appeared first on KPFA.

In this episode, Geoff and Katrina dive back into Little Red Riding Hood variants in other parts of the world. ATU 123 and ATU 333 can be found in China, Korea, Japan, and the African Diaspora. But while Bruno Bettelheim and others want to talk a big game about the wolf being a representation of the dangers of sexuality, what can we glean from a shapeshifting tiger/old woman, a yokai, and ...a rabbit? Find out as we have a fun time retelling these tales to explain how some "universals" might not be so universal.   Stories Told: Grandaunt Tiger found in Little Red Riding Hood: A Casebook pg 23 Essay by Wolfram Eberhard The Golden Chain from Heaven found in Folktales of Japan by Keigo Seki Cutta Cord-la found in Afro-American Folktales: Stories from Black Tradition in the New World by Roger D Abrahams Books and Essays Cited: Little Red Riding Hood: A Casebook Edited by Alan Dundes The Story of Grandaunt Tiger essay by Wolfram Eberhard  The Uses of Enchantment by Bruno Bettelheim   

Send us Fan MailWhat if one event could shift culture… amplify voices… and reconnect a community to its roots?This isn't just a conversation.This is a cultural moment.In this powerful episode of Self Reflection Podcast, host Lira Ndifon sits down with Ghanaian musician, educator, and AfroFEST contributor Pope Flyne to explore the deeper meaning behind AfroFEST Bay Area—an experience that is quickly becoming the heartbeat of culture, creativity, and connection in the community.Because AfroFEST isn't just about music.It's about identity. Legacy. Belonging.From the rhythms of Ghana to the stages of Oakland, Pope shares a journey rooted in purpose—one that reveals how music can unite strangers, heal divides, and remind us of where we come from.But this episode goes deeper than performance.It asks a bigger question:What does it truly mean to build something that brings people together?Inside This Episode, We Explore: The vision behind AfroFEST and why it matters now more than ever  How music becomes a universal language that transcends borders  The difference between performing… and living your purpose  Why community will always outweigh competition  The discipline required to sustain creativity over decades  The role of African culture in shaping global conversations today  What it means to represent your roots—authentically and unapologetically Pope speaks with wisdom earned over decades—sharing lessons from stages across the world, moments of conflict and growth in the music industry, and the mindset required to stay grounded in a space that constantly demands more.And at the center of it all is AfroFEST—a growing cultural platform that is doing more than showcasing talent.It's building something bigger.A space where: Artists are seen  Culture is celebrated  Community is strengthened  And identity is reclaimed Why This Episode MattersIn a world where culture is often consumed but rarely understood,AfroFEST reminds us that culture is not a trend.It's a living, breathing experience.And when we gather—through music, dance, fashion, and storytelling—we don't just celebrate culture… we become it.A Reflection to Sit WithIf you were building something for your community…would it just be an event?Or would it be a movement?If this conversation moved you:

On today's program, Dr. Horace Campbell of Syracuse University analyzes the impact of the war in the Middle East on Africa and the recent United Nations resolution on the Trafficking of enslaved Africans as the Gravest Crime against humanity in history.   A weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner.   The post Africa Today – Dr. Horace Campbell appeared first on KPFA.

Send us Fan MailWhat if one event could shift culture, elevate artists, and bring a community back together?In this powerful and culture-rich episode of Self Reflection Podcast, host Lira Ndifon takes you inside the heartbeat of something truly special—AfroFEST Bay Area.This is not just a recap.This is a reflection on what it means to build something meaningful from nothing—to gather artists, creatives, and community under one roof,and to create a space where culture is not only celebrated… but felt.AfroFEST is more than a festival.It's an experience.It's energy.It's identity in motion.Joined by the artists who helped bring the first AfroFEST to life, Lira revisits the magic of that moment—the performances, the connection, the raw talent, and the intimacy that made it unforgettable.But beyond the music and the celebration, this conversation goes deeper.Together, they unpack:What it truly takes to survive and grow as an independent artistThe reality of chasing passion in an industry driven by money and visibilityTrust, authenticity, and protecting your creative identityThe emotional toll of navigating competition and building relationshipsAnd why spaces like AfroFEST are essential for cultural expression and community healingFrom Afrobeat to R&B to traditional African rhythms, each voice in this episode represents a different journey—but a shared purpose: to create, to connect, and to be seen.What makes AfroFEST different is not just the music—it's the intention behind it.It's the courage to build something for the culture.It's the decision to create space when none exists.It's the belief that community still matters.And as AfroFEST prepares to return—bigger, bolder, and more intentional—this episode becomes more than a conversation.It becomes an invitation.To show up.To support.To experience.Because AfroFEST is not just something you attend—it's something you become part of.And as always, Self Reflection Podcast brings it back to you:Are you supporting the culture you say you love?Are you showing up for the people building something real?AfroFEST is coming back.And this time… you don't want to miss it.Support the showCall to Action: Engage with the Self-Reflection Podcast community! Like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube (Self-Reflection Podcast by Lira Ndifon), and all major podcast platforms. Share your insights and feedback—we value your contributions! Suggest topics you'd like us to explore. Your support amplifies our reach, sharing these vital messages of self-love and empowerment. Until our next conversation, prioritize self-care and embrace your journey.Grab your copy of "Awaken Your True Self" on Amazon. Until next time, be kind to yourself and keep reflecting.

A weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner. The post Africa Today – March 30, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

Send us Fan MailWhat if one event could reconnect you to culture, community, and yourself?In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Self Reflection Podcast, host Lira Ndifon returns to the mic with an announcement that is more than exciting—it's transformational:AfroFEST Bay Area is back.But this is not just about an event.This is about vision.This is about purpose.This is about what happens when you dare to build something that brings people together.AfroFEST is a vibrant cultural celebration—a space where music, art, food, and community collide to create something unforgettable. But behind the performances, the energy, and the beauty of the experience lies a deeper story: the courage to start, the faith to continue, and the gratitude for every person who helped make it possible.In this episode, Lira reflects on the journey of AfroFEST—what it took to bring it to life, the people who poured into it, and the emotional impact of watching a vision turn into a living, breathing experience.From artists and DJs to family members and collaborators, this episode honors the village behind the vision.More importantly, it invites you into that vision.Because AfroFEST isn't just something you attend—it's something you feel.It's a reminder of identity.A celebration of culture.A return to connection.And at its core, it aligns with the mission of Self Reflection Podcast:to nurture mental well-being, encourage intentional living, and create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.In a fast-moving world where we rarely pause, this episode brings you back to yourself.It asks you to reflect:What am I building?Who am I building it for?Am I creating something that brings people together?AfroFEST Bay Area 2026 is coming—and this time, it's more intentional, more expansive, and more powerful than ever.Whether you're an artist, a creative, a small business owner, or someone seeking community—this is your invitation.To show up.To connect.To celebrate.To be part of something bigger.And as always, Lira leaves you with a gentle reminder:Pause. Reflect. Check in with yourself.Because everything you're building starts from within.AfroFEST is not just an event.It's a movement.And you are part of it.Support the showCall to Action: Engage with the Self-Reflection Podcast community! Like, follow, and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube (Self-Reflection Podcast by Lira Ndifon), and all major podcast platforms. Share your insights and feedback—we value your contributions! Suggest topics you'd like us to explore. Your support amplifies our reach, sharing these vital messages of self-love and empowerment. Until our next conversation, prioritize self-care and embrace your journey.Grab your copy of "Awaken Your True Self" on Amazon. Until next time, be kind to yourself and keep reflecting.

A weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner. The post Africa Today – March 23, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

Sounds of Justice, the fourth series in the Global Campus “To the Righthouse” podcast programme,  explores the deep and often surprising connections between music and human rights. Taking inspiration from The Routledge Companion to Music and Human Rights, it travels across genres, geographies and histories to look at the role of music in advancing empathy, solidarity, identity and resistance to injustice.Aimed at music-makers, change-makers and anyone with an interest in music, social justice and the connections between them, Sounds of Justice is an invitation to listen afresh, to imagine anew and to be moved to action.  The series is hosted by Ignacio Saiz who designed it in collaboration with advisors Angela Impey and Julian Fifer. It brings together leading voices from across the music, social justice and human rights fields, including Manfred Nowak, George Ulrich, Shana Redmond, Rasika Ajotikar, Christina Hazboun, Rachel Harris, Mansoor Adayfi, César Rodríguez-Garavito and Rebecca Dirksen.Music has been central to how people of African descent – in the United States and across the diaspora – have imagined and demanded justice . From Paul Robeson and Nina Simone to the present, this episode listens in on iconic anthems that have carried, shaped and mobilized movements for Black lives.* Shana L. Redmondis a multimodal writer-creator and scholar. She is the author of Anthem: Social Movements and the Sound of Solidarity in the African Diaspora (NYU Press, 2014) and the award-winning Everything Man: The Form and Function of Paul Robeson (Duke UP, 2020). A Guggenheim Fellow and Grammy nominee, she is professor of English and Comparative Literature and Director of the Center for the Study of Ethnicity & Race at Columbia University in the City of New York.

Historian Dr. Gerald Horne joins Africa Today for a far-reaching conversation on war, empire, Africa's geopolitical role, race, Black internationalism, and the global shifts reshaping power.   Dr. Gerald Horne—B.A. Princeton University; J.D. University of California-Berkeley; Ph.D. Columbia University—has published dozens of books, including most recently, The Capital of Slavery: Washington, D.C., 1800-1865. His past books have included works on, inter alia, Hollywood; Jazz; Boxing; African liberation movements; the Haitian Revolution (translated into French); the Cuban Revolution (translated into Spanish); the Mexican Revolution; Caribbean independence struggles; Brazilian slavery (translated into Portuguese); the Pacific War (translated into Japanese); biographies of Paul Robeson and W.E.B. Du Bois and Shirley Graham Du Bois.   A weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner. The post Africa Today- Gerald Horne appeared first on KPFA.

Almaz Negash, founder and CEO of the African Diaspora Network (ADN). She is not just a   a prominent trailblazer in Silicon Valley, She has leveraged 25+ years of experience in international trade, business management and social innovation to build successful partnerships with a variety ofstakeholders around the world.Today, she joins us to highlight the African Diaspora Network, the opportunities to look out for and so much more. 

A weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner. The post Africa Today – March 9, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

On the final installment of World Cafe's Black History Month series, John Morrison talks about what's happening today in Black music.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The influences of Africans and Black Americans on food and agriculture is rooted in ancestral African knowledge and traditions of shared labor, worker co-ops and botanical polycultures.  In this episode, we hear from Karen Washington and Bryant Terry on how Black Food culture is weaving the threads of a rich African agricultural heritage with the liberation of economics from an extractive corporate food oligarchy. The results can be health, conviviality, community wealth, and the power of self-determination. Featuring ⁠Karen Washington⁠, co-owner/farmer of ⁠Rise & Root Farm⁠, has been a legendary activist in the community gardening movement since 1985. Renowned for turning empty Bronx lots into verdant spaces, Karen is: a former President of the NYC Community Garden Coalition; a board member of: the NY Botanical Gardens, Why Hunger, and NYC Farm School; a co-founder of Black Urban Growers (BUGS); and a pioneering force in establishing urban farmers' markets. ⁠Bryant Terry⁠ is the Chef-in-Residence of MOAD, the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco, and an award-winning author of a number of books that reimagine soul food and African cuisine within a vegan context. His latest book is ⁠Black Food: Stories, Art and Recipes from Across the African Diaspora⁠.  Credits Executive Producer: Kenny Ausubel Written by: Kenny Ausubel and Arty Mangan Senior Producer and Station Relations: Stephanie Welch Program Engineer and Music Supervisor: Emily Harris Producer: Teo Grossman Host and Consulting Producer: Neil Harvey Production Assistance: Monica Lopez Additional music: ⁠Ketsa⁠ Resources ⁠The Farmer and the Chef: A Conversation Between Two Black Food Justice Activists⁠ ⁠Karen Washington – 911 Our Food System Is Not Working⁠ ⁠Working Against Racism in the Food System⁠ ⁠Black Food: An Interview with Chef Bryant Terry⁠ ⁠The Food Web Newsletter⁠ This is an episode of the Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature series. Visit the ⁠radio and podcast homepage⁠ to learn more.

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts.A woman signs up 3,000 new members, walks into a meeting she was invited to lead, and is assassinated at the podium. That single moment opens a window into the hidden architecture of a global movement and the women who kept it alive when headlines and historians looked away. We continue our conversation with Dr. Natanya Duncan to explore the life and legacy of Princess Laura Adorkor Kofey and the broader force she represents: efficient womanhood inside the Universal Negro Improvement Association. We unpack how Kofey leveraged overlapping memberships across Black political organizations to grow the UNIA at scale, and why her ability to mobilize made her both indispensable and threatening. Dr. Duncan traces archival breadcrumbs to show how debates about Kofey's origins obscured the central question: who shot her, and what does that reveal about power, loyalty, and gender in mass movements?We broaden the lens to spotlight women like Henrietta Vinton Davis who signed stock certificates and underwrote the Black Star Line, illustrating how everyday decisions about money, mutual aid, and accountability built real infrastructure. This isn't just civil rights history; it's a blueprint for Black autonomy and human rights that shaped the tactics of later movements and still resonates now. Tune in, rethink the narrative, and help surface the names and questions that deserve daylight. City University of New York Associate Professor of History, Dr. Natanya Duncan's research and teaching focuses on global freedom movements of the 20th and 21st Century. Duncan's research interest includes constructions of identity and nation building amongst women of color; migrations; color and class in Diasporic communities; and the engagements of intellectuals throughout the African Diaspora. Her book, An Efficient Womanhood: Women and the Making of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, (University of North Carolina Press 2025) focuses on the distinct activist strategies in-acted by women in the UNIA, which Duncan calls an efficient womanhood. Following the ways women in the UNIA scripted their own understanding of Pan Africanism, Black Nationalism and constructions of Diasporic Blackness, the work traces the blending of nationalist and gendered concerns amongst known and lesser known Garveyite women. Support the showConnect with Strictly Facts - Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube | Website Looking to read more about the topics covered in this episode? Subscribe to the newsletter at www.strictlyfactspod.com to get the Strictly Facts Syllabus to your email!Want to Support Strictly Facts? Rate & Leave a Review on your favorite platform Share this episode with someone or online and tag us Send us a DM or voice note to have your thoughts featured on an upcoming episode Donate to help us continue empowering listeners with Caribbean history and education Produced by Breadfruit Media

On this month's episode, Jessica speaks with Dr. Norma Gregory (founder and director of Nottingham News Centre) about her efforts to document and educate the public on the industrial heritage history of the African diaspora. Dr. Gregory's work to develop her book on Jamaicans in Nottingham led her to shift her life work to making sure that Black coal mining history got the attention that it deserved. We talk about some of her different efforts to promote this history as well as how all of us can do better public education in our own work. We also talk about her work for the Windrush museum, on Nottingham Carnival heritage, as well as her future dream vision for continuing this work.LinksDr Norma Gregory & Black Miners' HeritageBlack Miners Museum ArchiveNorma Gregory – WebsiteNorma Gregory – ProfileNorma Gregory BBC article ‘History Project on Black Miners comes to South Wales'Norma Gregory BBC Article ‘Nottinghamshire Black Miners' History Project Launched'Norma Gregory BBC Article Wales Black Miners programme (archived)Nottingham News CentreJamaicans in Nottingham : Narratives and Reflections (Book by Dr. Norma Gregory) (to purchase signed copies email: info@blackcoalminers.com)Industrial Heritage & ArchaeologyThe Association for Industrial Archaeology UKThe International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial HeritageNational Coal Mining Museum, Yorkshire UKInternational Council of Museums (ICOM)The Association for Heritage InterpretationWindrush Scandal UKWindrush Scandal – Timeline of events, The Guardian NewspaperOffice of the Windrush CommissionerNorma Gregory Windrush article, The Nottingham PostThe National Windrush Museum UKFurther LinksThe Nottingham CarnivalNational Lottery Heritage FundGlobal Action Planhttps://www.greenpeace.org.uk/TranscriptFor a rough transcript of this episode head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/heritagevoices/104ContactJessicaJessica@livingheritageanthropology.org@livingheritageAArchPodNetAPN Website: https://www.archpodnet.comAPN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnetAPN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnetAPN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnetTee Public StoreAffiliatesMotion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this month's episode, Jessica speaks with Dr. Norma Gregory (founder and director of Nottingham News Centre) about her efforts to document and educate the public on the industrial heritage history of the African diaspora. Dr. Gregory's work to develop her book on Jamaicans in Nottingham led her to shift her life work to making sure that Black coal mining history got the attention that it deserved. We talk about some of her different efforts to promote this history as well as how all of us can do better public education in our own work. We also talk about her work for the Windrush museum, on Nottingham Carnival heritage, as well as her future dream vision for continuing this work.LinksDr Norma Gregory & Black Miners' HeritageBlack Miners Museum ArchiveNorma Gregory – WebsiteNorma Gregory – ProfileNorma Gregory BBC article ‘History Project on Black Miners comes to South Wales'Norma Gregory BBC Article ‘Nottinghamshire Black Miners' History Project Launched'Norma Gregory BBC Article Wales Black Miners programme (archived)Nottingham News CentreJamaicans in Nottingham : Narratives and Reflections (Book by Dr. Norma Gregory) (to purchase signed copies email: info@blackcoalminers.com)Industrial Heritage & ArchaeologyThe Association for Industrial Archaeology UKThe International Committee for the Conservation of the Industrial HeritageNational Coal Mining Museum, Yorkshire UKInternational Council of Museums (ICOM)The Association for Heritage InterpretationWindrush Scandal UKWindrush Scandal – Timeline of events, The Guardian NewspaperOffice of the Windrush CommissionerNorma Gregory Windrush article, The Nottingham PostThe National Windrush Museum UKFurther LinksThe Nottingham CarnivalNational Lottery Heritage FundGlobal Action Planhttps://www.greenpeace.org.uk/TranscriptFor a rough transcript of this episode head over to: https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/heritagevoices/104ContactJessicaJessica@livingheritageanthropology.org@livingheritageAArchPodNetAPN Website: https://www.archpodnet.comAPN on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/archpodnetAPN on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/archpodnetAPN on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archpodnetTee Public StoreAffiliatesMotion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner. The post Africa Today – February 16, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

A weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner. The post Africa Today – February 9, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

Episode No. 744 features artist Blas Isasi and curators Larissa Grollemond and Elizabeth Morrison, and artist Harmonia Rosales. Tomorrow, February 6, the Saint Louis Art Museum opens "Currents 125: Blas Isasi." The exhibition presents sculptures informed by ancient Andean cosmology and the Peruvian desert landscape, as well as the violent collision between Indigenous Andeans and colonizing Europeans. The exhibition was curated by Simon Kelly, and is on view through August 9. SLAM's exhibition brochure is available here. Isasi is a Peruvian sculptor who lives in the United States. He has previously shown in Prospect 6 in New Orleans (parts of that exhibition traveled to the MCA Denver), at SHED Projects, Cleveland, and at The Front, New Orleans. Grollemond and Morrison are the curators of "Beginnings: The Story of Creation in the Middle Ages" at the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles. The exhibition, which is on view through April 19, looks at how creation stories have been advanced in manuscript painting. The exhibition also includes works by Harmonia Rosales, whose work often engages Christian creation stories, how they were presented in the middle ages, and how they might be offered today. Rosales, whose work centers Black women in reconsiderations of Western art, has been included in group shows at Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford, Art + Practice, Los Angeles, the Museum of the African Diaspora, San Francisco, and the Brooklyn Museum. Instagram: Blas Isasi, Larissa Grollemond, Harmonia Rosales, Tyler Green. Air date: February 5, 2026.

Send us a text message and tell us your thoughts.What happens when the archive starts talking back? We sat down with Dr. Natanya Duncan to illuminate the women who built the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) from the ground up and gave the movement its global muscle. From a Kingston porch to Harlem kitchens and London cafés, their labor carried Garveyism across continents while reshaping what Black leadership looked like in the early twentieth century. Along the way, we meet names that deserve the spotlight: Henrietta Vinton Davis, Laura Kofey, and especially the Two Amys. Amy Ashwood Garvey co-founded the UNIA and helped the Negro World reach readers far beyond Harlem. Amy Jacques Garvey transformed the paper's women's page into a political and strategic forum, setting the tone for a movement that saw home life and nation building as the same fight.Threaded through the conversation is “efficient womanhood,” a term recovered in the archive that captures how UNIA women blended gender demands with nationalist goals as one practical program. We explore how public stance and private negotiation worked in tandem, why women printed their addresses and left a paper trail of property, and how their coalitions nurtured anticolonial leadership. This is a story of logistics, courage, and care: parades organized, ledgers balanced, alliances brokered, and a movement sustained in the face of surveillance and erasure.Editor's Note: At 03:14, Dr. Duncan meant to refer to Dr. Patrick E. Bryan instead of "Patrick Henry."City University of New York Associate Professor of History, Dr. Natanya Duncan's research and teaching focuses on global freedom movements of the 20th and 21st Century. Duncan's research interest includes constructions of identity and nation building amongst women of color; migrations; color and class in Diasporic communities; and the engagements of intellectuals throughout the African Diaspora. Her book, An Efficient Womanhood: Women and the Making of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, (University of North Carolina Press 2025) focuses on the distinct activist strategies in-acted by women in the UNIA, which Duncan calls an efficient womanhood. Following the ways women in the UNIA scripted their own understanding of Pan Africanism, Black Nationalism and constructions of Diasporic Blackness, the work traces the blendiSupport the showConnect with Strictly Facts - Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube | Website Looking to read more about the topics covered in this episode? Subscribe to the newsletter at www.strictlyfactspod.com to get the Strictly Facts Syllabus to your email!Want to Support Strictly Facts? Rate & Leave a Review on your favorite platform Share this episode with someone or online and tag us Send us a DM or voice note to have your thoughts featured on an upcoming episode Donate to help us continue empowering listeners with Caribbean history and education Produced by Breadfruit Media

A weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner. The post Africa Today – February 2, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

Alaina Morgan's Atlantic Crescent: Building Geographies of Black and Muslim Liberation in the African Diaspora (UNC Press, 2025) introduces the conceptual framework of the “Atlantic Crescent” to capture the overlapping encounters between Black, Afro-Caribbean, and South Asian Muslims in the United States and the Caribbean. Using rich archival material, such as the Nation of Islam's Muhammad Speaks, we learn about 20th century Black Muslim movements such as the Moorish Science Temple and the Nation of Islam as they encounter and engage with South Asian Muslim communities, like the Ahmadiyya movement in the US, as their discourses of global anti-imperial and decolonial struggles shaped or overlapped with each other. The second half of the book takes us to Bermuda to trace the translation of these Black Muslim liberation movements into the Caribbean. By focusing on the flow and encounters of these overlapping diasporas, we learn how anti-imperial and ant-colonial discourses were inhabited by varied South Asian, Black, and Afro-Caribbean diasporic communities, and how organizing, be it around labour and education, framed Islam through Black and Afro-diasporic liberatory registers. Morgan's sharp analysis of these rich diasporic flows charts new imagined geographies of freedom struggles and resistance. This study will be of interest to scholars who think and write on Islam in the global west and the Caribbean, diaspora studies, anti-colonial and anti-imperial Muslim organizing and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies

Alaina Morgan's Atlantic Crescent: Building Geographies of Black and Muslim Liberation in the African Diaspora (UNC Press, 2025) introduces the conceptual framework of the “Atlantic Crescent” to capture the overlapping encounters between Black, Afro-Caribbean, and South Asian Muslims in the United States and the Caribbean. Using rich archival material, such as the Nation of Islam's Muhammad Speaks, we learn about 20th century Black Muslim movements such as the Moorish Science Temple and the Nation of Islam as they encounter and engage with South Asian Muslim communities, like the Ahmadiyya movement in the US, as their discourses of global anti-imperial and decolonial struggles shaped or overlapped with each other. The second half of the book takes us to Bermuda to trace the translation of these Black Muslim liberation movements into the Caribbean. By focusing on the flow and encounters of these overlapping diasporas, we learn how anti-imperial and ant-colonial discourses were inhabited by varied South Asian, Black, and Afro-Caribbean diasporic communities, and how organizing, be it around labour and education, framed Islam through Black and Afro-diasporic liberatory registers. Morgan's sharp analysis of these rich diasporic flows charts new imagined geographies of freedom struggles and resistance. This study will be of interest to scholars who think and write on Islam in the global west and the Caribbean, diaspora studies, anti-colonial and anti-imperial Muslim organizing and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Alaina Morgan's Atlantic Crescent: Building Geographies of Black and Muslim Liberation in the African Diaspora (UNC Press, 2025) introduces the conceptual framework of the “Atlantic Crescent” to capture the overlapping encounters between Black, Afro-Caribbean, and South Asian Muslims in the United States and the Caribbean. Using rich archival material, such as the Nation of Islam's Muhammad Speaks, we learn about 20th century Black Muslim movements such as the Moorish Science Temple and the Nation of Islam as they encounter and engage with South Asian Muslim communities, like the Ahmadiyya movement in the US, as their discourses of global anti-imperial and decolonial struggles shaped or overlapped with each other. The second half of the book takes us to Bermuda to trace the translation of these Black Muslim liberation movements into the Caribbean. By focusing on the flow and encounters of these overlapping diasporas, we learn how anti-imperial and ant-colonial discourses were inhabited by varied South Asian, Black, and Afro-Caribbean diasporic communities, and how organizing, be it around labour and education, framed Islam through Black and Afro-diasporic liberatory registers. Morgan's sharp analysis of these rich diasporic flows charts new imagined geographies of freedom struggles and resistance. This study will be of interest to scholars who think and write on Islam in the global west and the Caribbean, diaspora studies, anti-colonial and anti-imperial Muslim organizing and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/islamic-studies

Alaina Morgan's Atlantic Crescent: Building Geographies of Black and Muslim Liberation in the African Diaspora (UNC Press, 2025) introduces the conceptual framework of the “Atlantic Crescent” to capture the overlapping encounters between Black, Afro-Caribbean, and South Asian Muslims in the United States and the Caribbean. Using rich archival material, such as the Nation of Islam's Muhammad Speaks, we learn about 20th century Black Muslim movements such as the Moorish Science Temple and the Nation of Islam as they encounter and engage with South Asian Muslim communities, like the Ahmadiyya movement in the US, as their discourses of global anti-imperial and decolonial struggles shaped or overlapped with each other. The second half of the book takes us to Bermuda to trace the translation of these Black Muslim liberation movements into the Caribbean. By focusing on the flow and encounters of these overlapping diasporas, we learn how anti-imperial and ant-colonial discourses were inhabited by varied South Asian, Black, and Afro-Caribbean diasporic communities, and how organizing, be it around labour and education, framed Islam through Black and Afro-diasporic liberatory registers. Morgan's sharp analysis of these rich diasporic flows charts new imagined geographies of freedom struggles and resistance. This study will be of interest to scholars who think and write on Islam in the global west and the Caribbean, diaspora studies, anti-colonial and anti-imperial Muslim organizing and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/caribbean-studies

Alaina Morgan's Atlantic Crescent: Building Geographies of Black and Muslim Liberation in the African Diaspora (UNC Press, 2025) introduces the conceptual framework of the “Atlantic Crescent” to capture the overlapping encounters between Black, Afro-Caribbean, and South Asian Muslims in the United States and the Caribbean. Using rich archival material, such as the Nation of Islam's Muhammad Speaks, we learn about 20th century Black Muslim movements such as the Moorish Science Temple and the Nation of Islam as they encounter and engage with South Asian Muslim communities, like the Ahmadiyya movement in the US, as their discourses of global anti-imperial and decolonial struggles shaped or overlapped with each other. The second half of the book takes us to Bermuda to trace the translation of these Black Muslim liberation movements into the Caribbean. By focusing on the flow and encounters of these overlapping diasporas, we learn how anti-imperial and ant-colonial discourses were inhabited by varied South Asian, Black, and Afro-Caribbean diasporic communities, and how organizing, be it around labour and education, framed Islam through Black and Afro-diasporic liberatory registers. Morgan's sharp analysis of these rich diasporic flows charts new imagined geographies of freedom struggles and resistance. This study will be of interest to scholars who think and write on Islam in the global west and the Caribbean, diaspora studies, anti-colonial and anti-imperial Muslim organizing and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-studies

A weekly news program providing information and analysis about Africa and the African Diaspora, hosted by Walter Turner. The post Africa Today – January 26, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.