E-mail a friendJune 9, 2009
History professor Mary Frances Berry explains the work of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, which she formerly chaired, and how the bipartisan body became so political. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith talks about courting controversy in her songwriting and also performs the title track from her new CD, "The Loving Kind."
Dr. Mary Frances Berry
Dr. Mary Frances Berry
History professor talks about the origin of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and the gutting of it under President Reagan. (2:34)
Full interview. (11:28)
Dr. Mary Frances Berry has a distinguished career in public service, including serving as chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. She grew up in segregated Nashville and earned her J.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. She's also held several faculty appointments, including at the University of Pennsylvania, where she's a professor of history. In her book, My Face Is Black Is True, Berry tells how a fellow Tennessean, Callie House, sought reparations—70 years before the civil rights movement.
Nanci Griffith
Nanci Griffith
Self-styled folkabilly singer-songwriter performs. (2:36)
Full interview. (12:07)
The daughter of musical parents, self-styled "folkabilly" singer-songwriter Nanci Griffith got her own start early. At age 6, she was writing songs and, at 14, began playing clubs around Austin, TX. She performed during her University of Texas college years and while teaching kindergarten. Since deciding to pursue music full-time, she's toured with and contributed background vocals for various artists, recorded more than 18 albums, won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Recording and performed concerts worldwide.