This episode is hosted by Frann Michel and includes these segments:
The Afro-Atlantic Origins of the Banjo
Joe Clement presents a collection of traditional banjo music and documentaries shining light on the Afro-Atlantic origins of the banjo, and some of its enduring significance for American history; with Rhiannon Giddens performing Julie and Better Get Yer Lernin'; Marc Dewitt's art history lesson on The Banjo Lesson; and Rhiannon Giddens on David Holt's State of Music, the lost history of the banjo, and The Great American Tapestry.
John D'Emilio on Bayard Rustin
Laurie Mercier speaks with John D'Emilio, professor emeritus of History and of Gender & Women's Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago and author of the award-winning book, Lost Prophet: The Life and Times of Bayard Rustin. They review George Wolfe’s film Rustin, starring Colman Domingo as the charismatic Rustin, now streaming on Netflix; what the film gets right; and the significance of Rustin’s work before and after the 1963 March on Washington. According to D’Emilio, what would happen if we inserted Rustin fully into the popular narrative of the civil rights movement?
- KBOO