• Malcolm-Jamal Warner on his provocative podcast 'Not All Hood'
    Jul 21 2024
    On “Here and Now,” Sandra Bookman sits down with Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Candace Kelley co-hosts of “Not All Hood.” The podcast takes a provocative look at the vastly different lived experiences and identities of Blacks in America. It serves as an extension of the Black pride themes explored on Warner's 2022 Grammy-nominated album "Hiding In Plain View." The nuances are explored through conversations and guests who share their journeys and versions of Black confirmation about topics including Black masculinity, love and media representation, infused with pop culture, music, and headline news. Warner is best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” but has also been featured in a recurring role on ABC’s “9-1-1” series, as a guest star in the final season of “Grown-ish,” starred on six seasons of FOX’s hit show “The Resident,” the UPN sitcom “Malcolm & Eddie,” BET’s “Reed Between the Lines,” the recent anthology series “Accused,” and the reboot of “The Wonder Years.” Kelley is known for her work and guest commenting on the Black News Channel, Court TV, PBS, and Comcast. She’s also a host and commentator for "Roland Martin Unfiltered." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 mins
  • New exhibit explores life and legacy of Shirley Chisholm on her centennial
    Jul 7 2024
    We begin by looking at the very first major exhibit on the life and legacy of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, “Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100.” The exhibit opened on June 21 at the Museum of the City of New York. *** Then, Sandra Bookman sits down with Sean Decatur, the first Black president of the American Museum of Natural History to discuss the recent removal of human remains largely belonging to Indigenous Americans and African Americans. *** After that, Nathaniel Fields, CEO of the Urban Resource Institute and administrator of New York City’s Department of Homeless Services, Joslyn Carter, shares details about an innovative pilot program in the Bronx, the first ever pet-inclusive homeless shelter. *** Theresa Merritt-Watson discussed her book “Black Tech: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” The book’s purpose is to help African-Americans learn about and appreciate Black participation in the development of the United States. *** Interim chair of the Children’s Art Carnival’s board of trustees, Michael Unthank and advisor to the organization, Olivia Smashum discusses a new portrait project titled "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" aiming to elevate the lives of ordinary Black girls initiated in collaboration with the Colored Girls Museum. *** To wrap things up, 2024 NAACP Image Award winner and 2021 GRAMMY nominee Brandee Younger discusses her latest album “Brand New Life.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • FDNY launches campaign to increase diversity among New York's Bravest
    Jun 23 2024
    On this episode of Here and Now, we discuss efforts to boost diversity among New York's Bravest. The FDNY has long struggled to increase diversity among its ranks. Right now, less than 25 percent of New York City firefighters are Black, Latino or Asian, according to the New York City Council. Only about 1 percent of firefighters are women. The department's new recruitment campaign, "All Heroes Welcome" is aimed at addressing this issue. FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh joins the program to discuss the departments new campaign. Plus, learn about the new film chronicling the life of FDNY's first Black commissioner, Robert O. Lowery. His daughter joins the show to discusses her father's legacy. We also look at "The Fresh Air Fund," which introduces city kids to summer beyond the five boroughs. The non-profit has impacted the lives of almost two million children from underserved communities--making good on the promise in its motto "a summer can last a lifetime." Also ahead: backpacks with a back story in promoting social justice. We speak with the designer and founder of the B. Brave Company. And from the streets of New York City to center stage in Paris, break dancing will make its official debut at the Summer 2024 Olympics. Here and Now introduces you to original members of New York City Breakers, Tony "Mr. Wave" Wesley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • Celebrating Black Music Month
    Jun 9 2024
    Black Music Month is celebrated every June in the United States to recognize the historical and cultural significance of Black musicianship. First up, Sandra Bookman sits down with Grammy and NAACP Image award-winning gospel artist CeCe Winans to discuss her hit single “Believe For It.” CeCe Winans has been awarded more Grammy awards than any other female gospel singer, with 15. Next up, author, Laura Flam joins Bookman on set alongside Beverley Lee, co-founding member of The Shirelles to discuss “But, Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” an oral history of the girl groups that redefined the early 1960s. The book features over 300 hours of interviews with over 100 subjects. Later, Donald Bogle, leading authority on Black cinema history, joins Bookman to promote his latest book release “Lena Horne: Goddess Reclaimed.” The new book tells the story of her remarkable career that spanned seven decades. Also, Tony award-winning and Hollywood walk-of-famer Melba Moore joins Sandra Bookman followed by Tekitha and Prana Supreme Diggs. Together, Tekitha and Prana Supreme Diggs make up O.N.E. The Duo. They are the first ever Black mother-daughter country singing duo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Museum of Natural History's first Black president tackles legacy of scientific racism
    Jun 2 2024
    On this episode of "Here and Now," Sean Decatur, the first Black president of the American Museum of Natural History, reveals how the museum is addressing its history of scientific racism as it relates to the collection of human remains largely belonging to Indigenous Americans and African-Americans. *** Nona Hendryx, legendary artist, singer and songwriter, joins Sandra Bookman to discuss Hendryx’s upcoming performance at “The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout," a musical tribute showcasing the power of art and its' influence on social justice. *** Sandra Bookman sits down with fashion designer, Wilbur Pack Jr. to discuss B.Brave by SK WiLBUR, a stylish line of brightly colored backpacks featuring powerful images of original artwork. B.Brave’s mission is to edify and empower pre-teens and teens by teaching them about important historical figures that provide culturally identifiable representation, while supporting crucial education initiatives by donating a portion of backpack sales revenue. *** Brandee Younger, harpist and 2022 Grammy-nominee, closes the episode as she promotes her upcoming performance at the Blue Note jazz club, taking place on June 10. Over her career, Younger has performed and recorded across countless genres with artists including John Legend, The Roots, Lauryn Hill, Common, Pharoah Sanders, Ravi Coltrane, Ron Carter, and Charlie Haden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • Profile: Nona Hendryx, legendary artist, singer and songwriter
    May 26 2024
    We sit down with legendary artist, singer and songwriter, Nona Hendryx. Hendryx's legendary career spans six decades of sound and style evolution. Fans know her as a founding member of the girl group, Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles with Sarah Dash, Cindy Birdsong and Patti LaBelle. They were inducted into the R&B Hall of Fame in 1999. Hendryx is one of the featured performers at "The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout." A musical tribute showcasing the power of art and its' influence on social justice. After a sold-out show in Harlem's world famous Apollo, described as "Uniting Art & Social justice" by Playbill Magazine, the experience kicks off Black Music Month, PRIDE, and Juneteenth with its performance Saturday, June 1st in Washington D.C at The Kennedy Center. The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout showcases the convergence of orchestral, choral, gospel, and soul music. The historic ring shout is inspired by African ritual movement and is one of the oldest African American musical traditions. Invoked at birth, marriage, and even death, the ring shout survives today in the American south as both a solemn and celebratory cultural practice. "The Gathering: A Collective Sonic Ring Shout" seeks to move its audience on multiple levels, offering an immersive and emotionally resonant experience that celebrates the power of possibility and artistic expression as a catalyst for change, healing, and unity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    14 mins
  • Focusing on peace, efforts against gun violence across 5 borough
    May 19 2024
    This episode of Here and Now features the grassroots effort against gun violence. The founder of "Life Camp" reflects on her two-decades-long mission to make peace a lifestyle in Queens. And, the ER doctor behind Brooklyn's "Kings Against Violence Initiative." We'll hear why he says this should be treated as a public health issue. Also, the Fresh Air Fund, introduces city kids to summer beyond the 5 boroughs. That's all ahead on here and now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    52 mins
  • These heroes saved Martin Luther King, Jr.'s home from arson
    May 5 2024
    On this episode of Here and Now, we sit with the two retired NYPD officers who saved one of the most historical sites in African American history: the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Kenneth Dodson and younger brother Axel visited the iconic civil rights leader's home in Atlanta earlier this month, when a woman attempted to burn it down. The two brothers, who are retired, jumped into action and apprehended her. Both Axel and Kenneth stop by to share their remarkable - and unexpected - call to duty. Also joining the show is President and CEO of the Bronx Community Foundation Dr. Meisha Porter, who shares how the organization is lending a helping hand across the borough. Carolyn Johnson, the creator of "Harlem-opoly," discusses the rich history behind her spin-off of the famous board game, while Bronx entrepreneur Ligel Lambert details the connection between his Swiss-made luxury timepieces, Tal Watches, and the American Diabetes Association. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 mins