Wanda's Picks Radio Show

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!

1. Tammy Hall, composer, musician, joins us to talk about Mahalia Jackson: Just As I AM at the Cinnabar Theater, Thursday, Jan. 21-Sunday, Jan. 24. Visit http://www.cinnabartheater.org/mahaliajackson/

2. Dee Hibbert-Jones, co-director, joins us to talk about her Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Short, Last Day of Freedom. The story is that of two brothers, Bill and Manny Babbitt. When Bill realizes his brother Manny has committed a crime, he agonizes over his decision - should he call the police? LAST DAY OF FREEDOM (32 min.) tells the story of Bill’s decision. This film is a portrait of a man at the nexus of the most pressing social issues of our day–veterans’ care, mental health access and criminal justice.

3. Woody Carter, Ph.D., author, theologian, associate professor and theater arts instructor joins us to talk about Narada's Children: A Visionary Tale of Two Cities (2015). He is having a book signing at Marcus Books, 3900 MLK Jr. Way, in Oakland, Sat., Jan. 23, 5-7 p.m.

Music: Tammy Hall live performs "There is Power in the Blood" from Mahalia Jackson: Just As I Am; Staple Singers' "Precious Lord"; Kim Nalley's "Trouble the World."