Ep. 111-Interrogating Black History—my Conversation With Dr. Kamau Rashid A Long Way From The Block podcast

2:27:43

In this episode, I talk with Ankh West, a science advocate who focuses on scientific literacy within the African-American community. Science, he explains, can be a tool for promoting rigorous academic standards within institutions. He talks about the importance of peer-reviewed scholarship, archaeological data, and linguistic research. Among his primary focuses of research are ancient Egypt, Nubia, and Nile Valley civilizations. He discusses in some depth the work of Charles Darwin and other major figures in the field, as well as Africa’s early influence on what we now recognize as modern science. Lastly, Ankh shares some of the books that shaped his thought and why he considers those books to be still valid and important today.…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 113-Never miss your house—my conversation with Wren T. Brown 1:33:53

24 days ago1:33:53

1:33:53

I had the pleasure of recording this episode inside the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center, in L.A., hometown of the talented Wren T. Brown. Wren is an actor, film producer, and theater director, who cofounded the Ebony Repertory Theatre (ERT). We talk in-depth about what that company has meant to him and how it has affected an entire community in a positive way. Influenced by the likes of his great uncle Lester Young, black excellence shaped his life and is the subject of his new book, The Family Business: Four Generations of One Black Family's Artistic Odyssey . (Friend and jazz giant Wynton Marsalis wrote the foreword.) https://thefamilybusinessbook.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 112-The Young Lion-my conversation with Kahlil Childs 1:52:01

6 weeks ago1:52:01

1:52:01

For this episode, I sat down with the young lion Kahlil Childs, an alto saxophonist and multi-reedist who leads his own quartet here in San Diego. At 15, he has already made a name for himself on the local jazz scene. We met to discuss why jazz was the path he discerned for himself, and how learning about jazz legends has inspired him to continue his journey. We talk about what it's like to study under jazz master and alto saxophonist Charles McPherson and Grammy Award-winning producer and U.C. San Diego professor Kamau Kenyatta. He shares his experience of growing up with two present, educated, socially conscious parents and how that has influenced him. He names his current favorite jazz artists and describes the experience of playing with some of his heroes. Lastly we discuss his quartet and where he sees himself in the future, most likely attending a jazz conservatory on the East Coast. https://kahlilchilds.com…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 111-Interrogating black history—my conversation with Dr. Kamau Rashid 1:38:59

10 weeks ago1:38:59

1:38:59

A long way from the block

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Ep. 110-African Time—my conversation with Elder Herbie Tsoaeli 1:27:36

13 weeks ago1:27:36

1:27:36

South African bassist, composer, and arranger Herbie Tsoaeli is affectionately known, in certain circles, as Malume, a term of respect for older men who serve as elders. In this episode, we discuss his origins and inspiration. He was raised in Cape Town during the 1976 Soweto Uprising and describes the effects of Apartheid on his development. His parents, wanting him to be a doctor, were initially disappointed by his musical path, but he found himself called by legends like Coltrane and Abdullah Ibrahim. He talks in-depth about playing with some of the greatest South African musicians: Bucs Gongco, Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Hugh Masekela, Bheki Mseleku, and many others. Before parting, we discuss his concept of the term "African Time" and its many meanings.. https://herbietsoaeli.com…

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Ep. 109-Poetry is my foundation—my conversation with Liza Jessie Peterson 1:30:50

18 weeks ago1:30:50

1:30:50

Liza Jessie Peterson’s parents provided her with a grounding that allowed her, she says, to teeter at the edge of the cliff but never jump. The artist, activist, poet, playwright, and actor had early success as a model but discovered it wasn’t her true path. In this episode, she shares how her writing career began with journaling and poetry, eventually leading to her performing and honing her skills at the famous Nuyorican Poets Cafe. We discuss in detail her memoir, All Day: A Year of Love and Survival Teaching Incarcerated Kids at Rikers Island . We also dive into her one-woman play, The Peculiar Patriot , performed at more than 35 prisons across the country and resulting in her documentary Angola Do You Hear Us? Voices From a Plantation Prison . Lastly, we talk about her passion for ancient Egyptian history and culture, which inspired her to take a life-changing trip to visit the temples and pyramids. https://www.lizajessiep.com…

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Ep. 108-Activate my blessings—my conversation with Professor Zahalea Anderson 35:01

20 weeks ago35:01

35:01

Professor Zahalea Anderson is a second-generation student of Sanuces Ryu JuJitsu System and founder of RA Life Defense. We recently met at her makeshift outdoor studio, at Bluff Park in Long Beach, to discuss her upbringing and martial arts journey. Anderson learned from her father, Grand Master Urban Muhammad, who was a first-generation student of the legendary Dr. Moses Powell. She talks about the importance she places on incorporating African history and culture in her teaching. She discusses losing her dojo during the George Floyd uprising, and the loss of her husband. Her life experiences are central to her work; we discuss that, and how she fosters mutual respect with her students.…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 107-Honoring Ethiopian roots—my conversation with Romeo Regalli 17:59

22 weeks ago17:59

17:59

For this too-short conversation, I sat down with Romeo Regalli, chef and co-owner of Ras Plant Based, located in Brooklyn and New York's West Village. We discussed his upbringing in Ethiopia, embedded in family and community. He described his sense of purpose to make the world healthier and happier one meal at a time, the core of his work, and we dished about his restaurant's original Brooklyn location and its new location in the West Village. From menu to decor, his approach to plant-based Ethiopian cuisine is unique and creative. Romeo's partner in Ras is his wife, Milka Regalli. https://www.rasplantbased.com…

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Ep. 106-Daughter of the soil—my conversation with Thandiswa Mazwai 1:04:54

28 weeks ago1:04:54

1:04:54

In this inspiring episode, I talk with South African rebel singer Thandiswa Mazwai, discussing her upbringing in Soweto, South Africa, during the Apartheid era. Her memories of the violence that took place are vivid. She recalls experiencing a great sense of freedom upon Nelson Mandela's release from prison and describes meeting South African legends Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela, who would become her close friends and mentors. Mazwai's musical influences include Fela Kuti, Grace Jones, and UK punk band Skunk Anansie. Her parents, who were activists, had made her read books like Frantz Fanon's Wretched of the Earth. Her latest album is Sankofa , co-produced by Meshell Ndegeocello and fellow South African musician Nduduzo Makhathini; we talk about the experience of working with them. Our conversation wraps with the recollection of her 2005 performance at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem. https://thandiswa.com https://www.patreon.com/c/ALONGWAYFROMTHEBLOCKPODCAST…

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Ep. 105-Cultivators of conscious culture—my conversation with Derrick Banks 1:22:14

31 weeks ago1:22:14

1:22:14

Derrick Banks is the owner and operator of Freshly Faded Barber + Shop in North Park, San Diego. Coming up, he was mentored by local barbers such as those at Gentry’s, part of the San Diego scene for over sixty years. In this conversation we start by discussing his upbringing and the standards his parents set for him. Black history and culture were always important. Banks studied with the Earth Center, an organization focused on reconnecting people with their ancient African traditions. Dedicated to creating something more than a mere barbershop, he hosts after-hours poetry readings and discussions as well as monthly men’s meetings. Our conversation wraps with a discussion of his role as artist and how he reflects that in his attire. https://www.freshlyfaded.com…

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Ep. 104-Claiming your own DNA—my conversation with Carl Hancock Rux 2:04:59

34 weeks ago2:04:59

2:04:59

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Rux Revue , the groundbreaking debut album by Carl Hancock Rux. Not long ago, we sat down for an in-depth discussion about his hands-on involvement in its making, from bringing in his own background singers to recording the powerful song "I Recall" in a bathroom, for the acoustics. We talked through the album track by track, enriching their meaning with context. Rux’s adoptive parents were “amateur musicologists,” and his friendships and connections include Nona Hendryx, Sonia Sanchez, Amiri Baraka and Abbey Lincoln. Rux also has an abiding love for Billie Holiday, which he touched on. Lastly we discussed his emotional trip to Ghana years ago and the love and support he got from the community there. http://carlhancockrux.com…

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Ep. 103-My culture informs my voice—my conversation with Linda Sikhakhane 1:00:33

36 weeks ago1:00:33

1:00:33

In this latest episode, I talk with South African saxophonist and composer Linda Sikhakhane, who honors and pays homage to the great elders and master musicians, including Brian Thusi. Sikhakhane, who was raised in Umlazi township, talks about the cultural aspects of being Zulu and the importance of preserving his culture. He shares about his time attending The New School, learning from the likes of Billy Harper and Reggie Workman; he touches on his relationship with mentor and fellow South African Nduduzo Makhathini, a jazz pianist. African cosmology is discussed. Finally we land on his latest album, iLadi , available now on Blue Note Records. https://lindasikhakhane.com…

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Ep. 102- The process of discovery—my conversation with Kris Davis 1:01:23

40 weeks ago1:01:23

1:01:23

After seeing Grammy-winning pianist and composer Kris Davis, live at the Village Vanguard, I knew I wanted to sit down with her and dive into jazz. Here we discuss her philosophy of improvisation and her energy and passion for performing live. The Canadian-born artist fell in love with jazz at an early age, studied jazz piano at the University of Toronto, and cites the legendary Don Pullen as a major influence. Along the way, as she shares, she’s played with innovative performers such as J.D. Allen, Dave Holland, Terri Lyne Carrington, Tyshawn Sorey, and John Zorn. Before our conversation winds down, we talk albums and which speak to her the most.…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 101- The seat of my soul Pt. 3—my conversation with Lynel “Dukeysticc” Allen III 1:15:28

43 weeks ago1:15:28

1:15:28

In my first-ever interview with an audience, I sat down with Lynel Allen III for the third installment of “The seat of my soul.” We revisited topics from our prior conversations (Episodes 79 and 81) while discussing his childhood in greater depth. He touched on personal issues such as his heavy drug use, the loneliness of incarceration, and when he decided to turn his life around. Finally, we discussed his current “Bounce Back” recovery program, which helps formerly incarcerated persons adjust to life after prison.…

A long way from the block

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Ep. 100- Great Highland Park Stories Vol. 1 2:22:30

45 weeks ago2:22:30