Nation Dec 09 ‘Woke Racism’ tackles anti-racism, performative action and its effect on Black Americans Jeffrey Brown visits Columbia University to talk to professor and author John McWhorter, whose new book, "Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America," pushes back on ideas that have gained popularity in recent years amid the ongoing…
Arts Dec 01 Collective voice of disability community captured by new song, ‘Spaces’ James Ian’s new song called "Spaces" is made by, and for, the disabled community. While the song highlights a disease known as spinal muscular atrophy, or SMA, it also celebrates the talent of the much broader disability community. This report…
Nation Nov 29 How ‘The 1619 Project’ underscores connection between slavery and modern America Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones' 1619 Project has become a topic of much debate in recent years. Amna Nawaz spoke with her about expanding upon that original work, the importance of looking back at how our nation's history unfolded, and its relevance…
Nation Nov 11 ‘Unknown’ : A diverse musical commemoration of unidentified slain soldiers On this Veterans Day, in celebration of its centennial, Jeffrey Brown reports on a new look at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier through music. This report is part of our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
Arts Nov 03 David Driskell’s art spotlighted Black life. It’s ‘about time’ America saw his work Artist David Driskell died last year of COVID-19 at age 88, but he's finally getting his due. For the first time, his paintings are the center of attention in a major way. Driskell was best known for his work as…
Arts Oct 27 Philadelphia’s ‘Liberty’ exhibit spotlights role of people of color in American Revolution A new Philadelphia exhibit, “Liberty,” seeks to tell a more inclusive story of the American revolution by introducing visitors to people critical to building the nation — yet whose names they’ve likely never heard. John Yang visited as part of…
Arts Oct 15 Lost to history, Questlove documentary brings iconic 1969 concert back to life In the summer of 1969 cameras captured a series of concerts in Harlem featuring artists who would go on to become musical legends, like Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone and Gladys Knight. But for decades no one was interested in the…
Arts Oct 14 Industrial sites often create toxic waste. Julie Bargmann uses it to transform landscapes Landscape architect Julie Bargmann, a woman who has made a career of turning toxic and industrial sites into usable, community spaces, has won the first prize of its kind in landscape architecture. Jeffrey Brown has more for our arts and…
Arts Sep 27 Black experience, culture finds its way to the Met stage as opera vows more diversity History is being made Monday night at the Metropolitan Opera — one of the country’s most important cultural organizations — and for several of the artists involved. Jeffrey Brown has a preview for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
Arts Sep 16 Actor Riz Ahmed on increasing Muslim representation in Hollywood Riz Ahmed's acting and music careers have always gone hand-in-hand. And in his new film "Mogul Mowgli," which he co-wrote, the two art forms collide, with a story that hits close to home. Amna Nawaz speaks to Ahmed about his…