E-mail a friendFebruary 17, 2005
Talented actor-director LeVar Burton assesses the climate for funding children's literacy programs. Media scholar Donald Bogle discusses his new book, Bright Boulevards, Bold Dreams.
LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton was an acting student at the University of Southern California when he won the role of Kunta Kinte in the history-making TV miniseries, Roots. He went on to star in and direct numerous episodes of the Star Trek: The Next Generation series. Burton is the author of the futuristic novel, Aftermath, and used his directorial skills in the miniseries, Miracle's Boys, on cable's The N network. A strong supporter of literacy in children, he hosts the PBS children's series, Reading Rainbow.
Donald Bogle
Donald Bogle
Media scholar Donald Bogle is one of the leading historians of African American artists on television and in film. He's written several prize-winning books, including the critically acclaimed biography, Dorothy Dandridge - the source material for the TV movie that starred Halle Berry. His latest book, Bright Boulevards, Bold Dreams, recounts what happened before the cameras rolled and after performers left the studio. Bogle lectures at universities and museums around the country.