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‘World of Flavor with Big Moe Cason’ Series Premieres on Nat Geo

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Chef Big Moe Cason's show, "World of Flavor with Chef Moe Cason" debuts on National Geographic. (Photo: National Geographic)

The National Geographic Channel has done it again. The channel known for bringing high-quality non-fiction programming to viewers brings the larger-than-life grillmaster Big Moe Cason to the small screen. The Iowa-born, Minnesotan learned the art of grilling from his Virginia grandparents. Retired from the Navy, Cason leaned into the cooking techniques used by his grandmother Margaret and mother Mary Cason, eventually turning a hobby into a profession. He began traveling to food festivals and fell in love with grilling techniques used by grillmasters from Texas and Kansas City. “I married what I knew with what I learned from the grillmasters from Texas and Kansas City,” says Cason. “I love the simplicity of Texas Bar-B-Q. It’s the seasoning and the smoke which can be a double-edged sword,” he adds.

It’s no wonder the television series is called, “World of Flavor with Big Moe Cason.” Cason talks enthusiastically about the flavor profile of his grilled meats. The series follows the U.S. Navy veteran and champion BBQ pitmaster as he travels around the world to create mouth-watering meals for the locals. Chef Cason also explores the history of the local culture and culinary influences, incorporating all of the above and some techniques into his meals. For example, in an episode featuring foods of South Carolina, Cason explored the rich history of Gullah and Geechee culture and their foods. He learns from a historian, fisherman and fellow grillmaster who teaches him to use dry milk in his seasoning for sausage — a technique Cason incorporates in his sausage. Cason’s final dish pulls in all of the history, culture and culinary delights learned on this trip.

One of the things that is most endearing about Big Moe’s big presence on screen, is his humility and willingness to learn from others. Big Moe seems just as happy learning to use cheesecloth to make delicious beef tenderloin as he is when sharing his tips for fantastic food. Cason also engages in different experiences, like scaling a wall at a military base which he hadn’t done since enlisting, and fishing for oysters, which he had never done before. Both activities were worthwhile because he proved to himself he could do it and learned something new that he could incorporate into his meal for the locals. Cason gets a little misty-eyed when discussing his family influences and connecting with local culture, which is reminiscent of his upbringing. ‘World of Flavor’ shows the connection between local and global culture and all of the information and influences it takes to make a meal that is as delicious as it is meaningful.

The four-part series, “World of Flavor with Big Moe Cason,” debuts July 25, 2022 at 10 p.m. EST on the National Geographic Channel. Livestream of the series is also available on FUBOtv. 

This article was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow Nsenga on Instagram or Twitter @Ntellectual or @TheBurtonWire. 

Somalia: Russian-Ukraine War Impacts East African Food Supply

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Al-Jazeera is reporting Russia’s war on Ukraine is drawing millions of dollars away from other crises including the food shortage crisis in Somalia. Funding that typically goes to the vulnerable nation are being diverted to the war on Ukraine, devastating Somalia.

To give some perspective, the U.N. reports Ukraine’s appeal for $2.2B has been 80 percent met, while Somalia’s much smaller appeal has been 30 percent funded. Somalia’s aid funding is at less than half of last year’s level even though Western donors have sent more than $1.7B to respond to the war in Europe. Yemen, Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Palestinian territories are also being affected by this diversion. The Horn of Africa region where Somalia is located, is experiencing its worst drought in decades.

In April, the World Food Program raised an alarm that 20 million people are at risk of starvation this year as delayed rains worsen an already brutal drought in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia.

Experts and aid workers also say the war in Ukraine has contributed to rising costs of fuel and food in many countries across Africa. Wheat imports make up 90 percent of Africa’s $4B trade with Russia and almost half of the continent’s $4.5B trade with Ukraine, according to the Africa Development Bank.

“If we don’t manage this [food crisis] very quickly, it will actually destabilize the continent,” Africa Development Bank president Akinwumi Adesina warned.

Al-Jazeera also reports, “In a single hospital in Somalia, more than two dozen children have died of hunger in the past two months alone.”

This article was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow Nsenga on Twitter @Ntellectual. 

Follow The Burton Wire on Twitter or Instagram @TheBurtonWire.

Brittney Griner: Russian Trial for Cannabis Charges Starts Tomorrow

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WNBA legend Brittney Griner is led into a Russian courtroom to learn of her trial date. (Photo: Google Images)

WNBA Superstar Brittney Griner will stand trial in a Moscow court on cannabis possession charges, nearly 5 months after her arrest at a Russian airport tomorrow (July 1). Griner has been held in jail since being detained without an opportunity to speak to the public or for herself.  Russian airport officials claim they found cannabis oil vape cartridges in Griner’s luggage February 17.  Some pundits argue that Briner is a political prisoner as she was taken into custody shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Griner, who plays on Russia’s national team, has lived there part-time for seven years. If Griner knows the laws and hasn’t broken any before, then why would one of basketball’s greatest players do it now, especially in wartime?

In response to a public outcry about Brittney’s case, the U.S. State Department classified the Texas native as “wrongfully detained” by the Russian government in May.”The welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad is among the highest priorities of the U.S government,” the State Department said.

Social media influencers and international media called out Russia because no one had seen or heard from Griner for weeks after her arrest. Those claims were buoyed by reports from Griner’s wife Cherelle who said it was difficult to contact the two-time Olympic Gold medalist. Cherelle also said Griner is alone and without help or assistance in the Russian jail. Griner’s oldest sister Shekera made a video plea June 10 to bring Griner home, “safely and quickly.”

WNBA legend Brittney Griner is led into a Russian courtroom to learn of her trial date.
(Photo: Google Images)

On July 27, Russian authorities paraded Griner into court wearing handcuffs and shackles to announce the upcoming trial date.

Jonathan Abrams and Tania Gunguli of The New York Times are reporting that the trial is an exercise to convict Griner because there is no presumption of innocence in the Russian judicial system. When charged, you are convicted and sent to trial so prosecutors can present evidence and the defendant can be sentenced. Griner faces 10 years in prison if convicted. ESPN’s T.J. Quinn has reported similar concerns about Griner’s bleak options with this trial and that Griner is being held so Russia can trade her for Russian prisoners being held in prison in the U.S.

There have been calls for President Biden to step in to try and extricate Griner from the Russian prison. Ben Proudfoot, director of the Academy award-winning shor film, The Queen of Basketball, asked for President Biden to intervene and “Bring Brittney Home,” during his acceptance speech. Griner’s sister Shekera and wife have also asked President Biden to bring Brittney home.

The Burton Wire will be closely following Griner’s trial which starts tomorrow.

This article was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow Nsenga on Instagram or Twitter @Ntellectual or @TheBurtonWire. 

#KBJ: Call Her Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

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Judge Ketanji Brown is sworn in as the 116th Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. (Screenshot)
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. (Photo: Google Images)

The honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson made history today by becoming the first Black woman to be sworn in as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Justice Brown Jackson will join a court in turmoil following unprecedented rulings repealing voter rights protections, a controversial ruling on gun rights and overturning Roe vs. Wade, which ends a woman’s right to an abortion and the right to make decisions about her reproductive health. In addition, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas is mired in controversy over his presumed role in the insurrection amid the role of his wife Ginny, who is an alleged organizer of the attempted coup to overthrow Congress and overturn the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.

Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett are under fire for lying about their intentions on abortion during their Congressional hearings after making decisions contrary to their stated positions on those topics in the hearings. Chief Justice John Roberts is being lambasted for having lost control of the court by allowing justices to make decisions based on religious doctrine instead of the U.S. Constitution.

Jackson joins a 6-3 conservative court, replacing Justice Stephen Beyer for whom she clerked. We wish Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson good luck.

This article was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow Nsenga on Instagram or Twitter @Ntellectual or @TheBurtonWire. 

Juneteenth: World Channel Offers Diverse Programming

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Promo image. (PBS/American Masters)

WORLD CHANNEL, the channel which brings diversity of all sorts to public television is marking Juneteenth with a robust slate of films and episodes about the Black experience. From delving into history and the lives of key Black figures like Fannie Lou Hamer, Nina Simone, Muhammad Ali and Madam C.J. Walker and more to current day heroes fighting racism, police brutality and voter suppression, these films will broaden your understanding of Black history and present-day America.

The films take viewers into communities all across the country, including Chicago, Minneapolis, Asheville (NC), New Orleans and Ferguson, Missouri. Filmmakers include Stanley Nelson, Sam Pollard, Ken Burns, Yoruba Richen and Michèle Stephenson and Joe Brewster as well as newer voices.

Offerings include select films and episodes from WORLD Channel original series America ReFramed (with American Documentary (AmDoc); Local, USA; AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange (with Black Public Media) and Stories from the Stage, as well as the classic public television series American Experience, American Masters, Independent Lens, POV and Reel South.

The nation’s newest federal holiday, Juneteenth (short for June Nineteenth) celebrates the end of slavery in America. Also known as “Freedom Day,” Juneteenth marks the day, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, when Union soldiers reached Galveston, Texas, with the news that those enslaved were freed.

“Juneteenth commemorates the watershed moment in American history, the freeing of the enslaved, while highlighting the fraught struggles to maintain and increase the freedoms that continue today,” said Chris Hastings, executive producer/managing editor of WORLD Channel at GBH in Boston. “Our curated offerings help viewers remember the past while envisioning the promise of the future.”

Viewers can explore Black history with six episodes of the renowned civil rights documentary series Eyes on the Prize and powerful documentaries on towering figures in Black history, including Fannie Lou Hamer (Fannie Lou Hamer’s America by Joy Davenport), Muhammad Ali (Muhammad Ali by Ken Burns, Sarah Burns and David McMahon) and Madam C.J. Walker (Two Dollars and a Dream by Nelson).

Those who tune in will be transported to communities across America where descendants of slaves are both enjoying and continuing to fight for their freedom. The Falconer follows an African American man building a bird sanctuary in Maryland; Muni captures Black golfers in Asheville, North Carolina, and Professional Black Girl celebrates #blackgirlmagic and #blackexcellence in New Orleans. How It Feels to be Free, directed by Yoruba Richen and executive produced by Alicia Keys, explores trailblazing Black woman entertainers Lena Horne, Abbey Lincoln, Nina Simone, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson and Pam Grier as they take on the entertainment industry and the racist tropes it perpetuates through their art and activism.

The films take viewers into battles for voting rights (Metcalfe Park: Black Vote Rising) and efforts to combat police brutality in Chicago (Unapologetic), Kinloch and Ferguson, Missouri (Where the Pavement Ends) and Birmingham (Missing Magic). Stephenson and Brewster’s The Conversation Remix and Joua Lee Grande’s On All Fronts delves into the aftermath of the racial reckoning of 2020. Always in Season, about the hanging death of Lennon Lacy, explores America’s legacy of lynching. Pollard’s Goin’ Back to T-Town depicts the destruction of the once thriving community of Greenwood in Tulsa, known as, “Black Wall Street,” as the result of a race massacre. An esteemed elder works to preserve the last remaining Georgia enclave of Geechee culture and their land in Sapelo. The Growing Up Black episode of Stories from the Stage looks at storytellers sharing the challenges of stereotypes, experiencing racism and being young and Black in America.

In addition to the documentaries, viewers will have a chance to explore The History of White People in America, musical animated short films about how skin color has come to define race — and race power in America.

For all available JUNETEENTH films, please visit the 19 Films to Watch to Celebrate Juneteenth streaming guide. Additional Race In America content is available to stream on the WORLD Channel website, YouTube channel, PBS Passport and the PBS App.

For more information, visit worldchannel.org. Audiences can also follow WORLD Channel at @worldchannel on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn more about their programming.

This article was curated by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow Nsenga on Instagram or Twitter @Ntellectual or @TheBurtonWire. 

Martin TV Show: Iconic Show Returns with BET+ Reunion Special

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Martin Reunion Promo Photo. (BET+)

The media landscape is buzzing with news of the Martin Reunion show, available today (6/16/22) on BET+. Martin Lawrence’s storied film career began with supporting roles in Do The Right Thing (1989), House Party (1991) and Boomerang (1992). However, it was television that actually made the comedian turned actor a superstar.

As host of the legendary comedy series, Def Comedy Jam (HBO) and star of the hit sitcom Martin, Lawrence was catapulted to fame as the around-the-way shock jock with a corporate girlfriend and homies navigating life in 1990s Detroit. Martin featured Lawrence as Martin Payne, Tisha Campbell as Gina, Tichina Arnold as Pam, Carl Anthony Payne II as Cole, the late Thomas “Mikal” Ford as Tommy and Garrett Morris as Stan. In the vein of legendary comic Flip Wilson, Lawrence played many roles on the show including his rude neighbor Sheneneh Jenkins, Blaxploitation star King Beef, bungling Samurai Dragonfly Jones, annoying kid Roscoe, overzealous security guard Otis, 1960s styled crooner Elroy, overbearing mother Mama Payne and played-out-pimp Jerome.

Martin was part of Fox Television’s Black television line-up that included Living Single, Roc, In Living Color and New York Undercover. This historic lineup helped turn the then-fledgling network into a bonafide network television competitor. A major example of narrowcasting, Fox used the Black shows to build an audience to attract ad revenue, eventually moving on to more traditional fare to satisfy a more desirable demographic i.e. white audiences.

Martin ran for five seasons (1992-1997), becoming an iconic show known for its humor, catchphrases like “You Go Girl,” “Damn Gina,” and run-on jokes like the fact that no one knew where Tommy worked. The show’s popularity can be attributed to Lawrence and Campbell’s comedic timing, sizzling on-screen chemistry and masterful physical comedy. The two had worked together previously on House Party and Boomerang. The supporting cast often stole the show with energetic performances and by literally “playing the dozens” on-screen.

The hilarious episodes featured a who’s who of stars like the Notiorious B.I.G., Brian McKnight, Snoop Doggy Dog, David Alan Grier, Chris Rock, Tommy Hearns, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Marla Gibbs, Sherman Hemsley, Gary Coleman, Kim Fields, Lynn Whitfield, Pam Grier, Antonio Fargas and John Witherspoon. The show ended abruptly after a sexual harassment lawsuit file by Campbell against Lawrence, who was struggling with mental illness.

Lawrence went on to become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars starring in the Bad Boys franchise alongside Will Smith and the Big Momma’s House franchise opposite Nia Long and Paul Giamatti. Arnold and Campbell carved out successful television careers. Arnold starred as Rochelle in Everybody Hates Chris (UPN/CW), Cassie Calloway in Survivor’s Remorse (STARZ) and Tina in The Neighborhood (CBS). Campbell starred as Jay on My Wife and Kids (ABC) and Brooke on Empire (Fox). Payne has worked primarily as a producer and director following Martin, and is currently starring as Myles on Young Dylan (Nickelodeon). Ford worked steadily as an actor with numerous guest appearances on television, supporting roles in film and as co-host of the television comedy competition show, “Who’s Got Jokes?” (TV ONE) A fixture on the film festival circuit, Ford (and Payne) worked closely with the BronzeLens Film Festival, American Black Film Festival and Clark Atlanta University’s Mass Media Arts Department at the time of his death in 2016. The reunion show is dedicated to the memory of Thomas Mikal Ford.

Following the passing of Ford, who died following knee-surgery, the original cast came together in the spirit of healing and forgiveness, with Lawrence and Campbell, who legally could not be on the same set at the same time towards the end of the show, repairing their fractured relationship. In an interview on CBS Mornings, Campbell said she and Lawrence “worked really hard to reconnect, to forgive.”

The Martin Reunion Show is now available on BET+. The show will feature favorite scenes, discussions about the making of the show and a tribute to Ford. Let us know what you think about the reunion show on Twitter @TheBurtonWire.

This article was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow Nsenga on Instagram or Twitter @Ntellectual.

Bernard Wright: Funk and Jazz Legend Dies in Dallas at 58

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TheBurtonWire
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Music legend Bernard "Nard" Wright performs with Ghost-Note in Dallas in 2021. (Photo: YouTube screenshot)

The music world is mourning the loss of legendary funk and jazz musician Bernard “Nard” Wright who died May 19 after being hit by a car while crossing the street in Dallas where he lived. The Queens, NY native was the music director and Godson of music legend Roberta Flack and son of Jazz bassist Steve Novosel. A music prodigy, Wright was touring with major musicians like Tom Browne and by the age of 13 and Lenny White at age 17. Wright also worked as a studio musician, eventually stepping out on his own.

Wright is best known for his popular 1985 hit song, “Who Do You Love,” from his third album Mr. Wright released that same year. “Who Do You Love” peaked at No. 6 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart and was heavily sampled by Hip-Hop and R&B artists L.L. Cool J, Dr. Dre, Big Pun, The Luniz, Tichina Arnold and Ty Dolla Sign. Hip-Hop artists Skee-lo and Snoop Dog sampled “Spinnin,” another song by Wright.

Wright had many musical influences including Miles Davis, Dave Grusin, Marcus Miller and Lenny Wright and was known for blending funk, jazz and hip-hop to create a distinct sound. Wright often collaborated with his influencers. In 1991 Grusin signed Wright and produced his debut album Nard. R&B Legend Luther Vandross and Patti Austin sang backup vocals on the song, “Music is Key” on the album. Wright also worked with Bobby Brown, Doug E. Fresh, Miles Davis, and Cameo.

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Wright’s collaborations resulted in the formation of jazz fusion super group The RH Factor. In 2003, Wright formed the group with the late legendary jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove. The group included Wright, The Roots/Soulquarians James Poyser, bassist Dino Palladino and Hargrove, who passed away in 2018. They released three albums between 2003 and 2006, working with iconic artists D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Common among others. Wright also released three gospel albums following the success of the RH Factor. Check out  Wright’s thoughts on music in 1983 and his song “Won’t You Let Me Love You,” below:

Wright was a fixture and mentor in the Dallas Music scene. He played in the “Bad Ass Jazz Series” at the now shuttered Amsterdam Bar in Dallas’ Exposition Park neighborhood.

Wright most recently served as a guest performer for young hip-hop and jazz fusion bands like RC & The Gritz, CoLab, and Ghost-Note at venues Deep Ellum Art Company, Prophet Bar and Three Links. Wright’s longtime collaborator William S. Patterson released a statement about Wright’s passing.

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Wright is survived by his daughters Zoe and Tallulah Wright. He was 58. Rest in power.

This article was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow Nsenga on Twitter @Ntellectual.

Follow The Burton Wire on Twitter or Instagram @TheBurtonWire.

Camille Brown: Tony Nominee to Host ‘100 Women of Hip-Hop Sisterhood’ Sunday

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Ntozake Shange’s groundbreaking for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf revival cast. (Photo: Booth Theater)

NEW YORK, NY — The critically acclaimed and reimagined revival of Ntozake Shange’s groundbreaking for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf will host “100 Women of Hip Hop Sisterhood Sunday,” a spirited gathering of Black women May 22 at 3 p.m. Double Tony nominee Camille A. Brown, the first person to receive a Tony nod for Best Direction of a Play and Best Choreography for this production, will be interviewed by New York City’s 94.7 The Block Afternoon Host Shelley Wade in a talkback immediately following the matinee. The event will come on the heels of “Brothers for colored girls…,” a convening of Black men in support of the show on Saturday at 2 p.m. for colored girls… runs through Sunday, June 5, at Broadway’s Booth Theatre.

 Brothers for colored girls… will feature a talkback directly following the show moderated by celebrated playwright Keenan Scott III and featuring for colored girls… lead producer and four-time Tony Award winner Ron Simons, activist Rev. Jacques Andre DeGraff and special guest and Tidal senior vice president Jason Kpana.

The celebrated production has received seven Tony nominations, including Best Revival, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play for Kenita R. Miller, Best Costume Design of a Play for Sarafina Bush, Best Lighting Design of a Play for Jiyoun Chang and Best Sound Design of a Play for Justin Ellington.

The Universal Hip Hop Museum is a community partner for “100 Women of Hip Hop Sisterhood Sunday.”

for colored girls… is Camille A. Brown’s directorial debut on Broadway. She is the first Black woman to serve as both director and choreographer on Broadway in more than 65 years, bringing a reinvented, joyful and celebratory production of Shange’s seminal work back to its original home at the Booth Theatre, where the play premiered in 1976.

The production has received three Drama League Award nominations including Outstanding Revival of a Play, Outstanding Direction of a Play (Camille A. Brown) and Distinguished Performance Award (Kenita R. Miller). for colored girls… has also received three Outer Critics Circle Award nominations including Outstanding Revival of a Play, Outstanding Director of a Play (Camille A. Brown) and Outstanding Choreography (Camille A. Brown).

The show has also been nominated for two Drama Desk Awards, including Best Revival of a Play and Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play (Kenita Miller); and three Chita Rivera Awards nominations, including Outstanding Female Dancer in a Broadway Show (Tendayi Kuumba), Outstanding Ensemble in a Broadway Show and Outstanding Choreography in a Broadway Show (Camille A. Brown).

The cast stars Amara Granderson as Lady in Orange, Tendayi Kuumba as Lady in Brown, Kenita R. Miller as Lady in Red, Okwui Okpokwasili as Lady in Green, Stacey Sargeant as Lady in Blue, Alexandria Wailes as Lady in Purple, and D. Woods as Lady in Yellow. Rachel Christopher, Treshelle Edmond, McKenzie Frye, Kala Ross and Alexis Sims join the company as standbys and understudies.

The revival has received rave reviews by theater critics. Ntozake Shange’s for colored girls who have considered suicide/ when the rainbow is enuf is the “landmark of American theater” (The New York Times) that blazed a trail for generations to come. Now, this celebration of the power of Black womanhood returns to Broadway for the first time, reinvented, directed, and choreographed by “a true superstar of theater and dance” (NPR), Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown.

For more information, visit www.forcoloredgirlsbway.com.

Tickets are on sale for the show’s final weeks at www.telecharge.com. To attend “Sisterhood Sunday,” use the code FCGSISGRL. To attend “Brothers for colored girls…,” use the code FCGBROS. Both events are open to the public. Discounted tickets are now available to students who present a valid Student ID at $25 per ticket.

Follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates.

This article was curated by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow Nsenga on Twitter @Ntellectual.

Follow The Burton Wire on Twitter or Instagram @TheBurtonWire.

Black Alumni Collective Holds National Conference at Duke University

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Durham, NC | Duke UniversityApril 28-May 1, 2022.Photo Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

A group of Black college graduates from various institutions, ranging from Howard University to Oxford University to Duke University, believe there is power in connection and the collective voice of Black alumni to make change. Thus in 2018, a group of Black alumni representing schools from around the country including HBCUs and PWIs formed the Black Alumni Collective, a national network of Black alumni committed to unifying and empowering Black alumni, individuals and groups, through civic engagement, economics, and advocacy.

To continue this vision, the Black Alumni Collective hosted a national conference at Duke University April 28-May 1, 2022. The four-day in-person event was preceded by a virtual conference in March that featured a conversation among several university presidents and panel discussions exploring the role of Black leaders in media and technology and how Black athletes are collectively lifting their voices for social change.

The Black Alumni Collective was created in Atlanta in 2018 by alumni leaders from more than 10 schools with the vision that Black alumni from universities across the country should know each other and work together to achieve a common purpose. They wanted to not only improve campus life but life after graduation in their communities.

“We want to go forward, go higher; there’s power in a collective voice,” said Sanders Adu, the conference co-chair and a 1994 Duke University graduate. “We are targeting 500 Black alumni from more than 50 schools. We have reached out to HBCUs, large state schools, and private schools,” said the former president of the Duke Black Alumni Association.

Black Alumni Collective co-founder and conference co-chair Sanders Adu.Photo: AJ Shorter.

Highlights of the in-person conference included discussions on navigating Black health disparities, Black voting and political power, Black economic power, and Black women’s leadership roles throughout society, said Tadena Simpson, conference co-chair and a 2005 graduate of Duke University.

Black Alumni Collective Panel, “Lessons in Leadership” featuring Dr. Mark Anthony Neal, Derrick Heggans, Natalie Lamarque and Nicole Venable. Photo: AJ Shorter

Speakers included Dr. Eugene Washington, chancellor for health affairs at Duke and president and CEO of the Duke Health System; Blayne Alexander ’08, NBC News and MSNBC correspondent; Satana Deberry J.D.’94, M.B.A.’06, district attorney for Durham County, N.C.; renowned scholar Dr. Mark Anthony Neal; Natalie Lamarque, general counsel of New York Life and dozens of Black leaders in the fields of medicine, technology, business, law, nonprofit organizations, and more.

“There was something for everyone,” Simpson added.

In addition to the conference, attendees also had the opportunity to tour Duke’s campus and take note of Black contributions to Duke’s history, like Duke Chapel, designed by the Black architect Julian Abele, and the recently christened Wilhelmina Reuben-Cooke Building, named for one of Duke’s first Black undergraduate students.

Black alumni in attendance were graduates of Howard University, Purdue University, University of South Carolina, American University, Florida State University, North Carolina Central, Auburn University, Emory University, Duke University, Charleston College, Florida Atlantic University, LSU, Harvard College, University of Colorado, Pitt, Wake Forest, Princeton, North Carolina A&T, FAMU, Babson College, Queens University and many more.

Local Black nonprofits and prominent Black business owners were also highlighted in order  to support the Durham Black business and nonprofit communities.

For more information about the conference, visit the Black Alumni Collective website.

To view more photos of the conference and attendees, click here.

This article was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow Nsenga on Twitter @Ntellectual.

Follow The Burton Wire on Twitter or Instagram @TheBurtonWire.

ALL ARTS FIRST TWENTY: ‘Social’ Doc on Social Media and Black Identity Debuts

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Screenshot from "Social" documentary directed by Dehanza Rogers for ALL ARTS (WNET).

In an increasingly digital world, social media platforms become sites of joy, pain and transformation for users. Award-winning Panamanian American filmmaker Dehanza Rogers’ documentary, “Social,” explores how these sites affect the real lives of creators and activists. The documentary debuted on WNET as part of ALL ARTS First Twenty series, which explores events that have caused a shift in the collective American consciousness with artists as guides. ALL ARTS invites viewers to witness the artists’ responses to incidents or moments in the first 20 years of the 21st century.

ALL ARTS artistic director James King says the series examines, “What has occurred in the first two decades of the 21st century that has caused a shift in the collective American consciousness, and how has that changed American culture and art?”

On the ALL ARTS website, King writes:

Our guides are artists working across all disciplines in the fine, visual, performance and literary arts. With them, we explore events that have caused a shift in the collective consciousness of our time. Each artist has employed their creative expression to create a stop along our journey that is a reflection of their personal insights, discoveries and hopes in response to a particular incident or moment in these first 20 years of the 21st century. Check out a clip below:

Watch Dehanza Rogers’ entire film,”Social” here.

The first film in the series was “Michael Mwenso Honors George Floyd,” a powerful concert homage featuring some of today’s greatest Black artists, which debuted May 25, 2021, on the one-year anniversary of George Floyd’s killing. The 2022 series continues with work from artists Pregones Puerto Rican Traveling Theater (Pregones/PRTT) and Rogers.

See the schedule of the films here.

Watch the films in the FIRST TWENTY series at ALL ARTS on WNET.

Follow ALL ARTS on Twitter or Instagram @ALLARTSTV.

This article was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow Nsenga on Twitter @Ntellectual.

Follow The Burton Wire on Twitter or Instagram @TheBurtonWire to learn more about independent Black creators and art.

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