Video - ROUTES

The Ntu Sound Chamber: A Spiritual Jazz Journey with WDR Big Band and Nduduzo Makhathini

Ronald Bunn — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 14:09:42 +0000

The collaboration between the WDR Big Band and South African pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini in “The Ntu Sound Chamber Experience” is a remarkable fusion

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Tap dancing twins Sean and John Scott

Ronald Bunn — Sun, 11 Oct 2020 19:10:50 +0000

Sean and John Black tap dance routines are delightful and awe inspiring.

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Ernestine Johnson Performs Her Poetic “The Average Black Girl”

Ronald Bunn — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 09:56:51 +0000

Just have a look at, and listen to, Ernestine Johnson’s poetical description of “The Average Black Girl” while appearing on the Arsenio Hall Show —

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Pastor Dewey Smith’s critical discussion on Homosexuality

Ronald Bunn — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 06:12:09 +0000

“And God said to me ‘here is the problem, you guys in the church can be so hypocritical, ” he continued, “the African-American church you

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WPA Virtual Dance Commissions

Ronald Bunn — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 09:04:07 +0000

Premiered Sunday, June 14, 2020 — Works & Process, the performing arts series at the Guggenheim. …it’s okay too. Feel by Hope Boykin, Dancers: Savannah Green and

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Abolitionist teaching and the future of our schools

Ronald Bunn — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 08:19:01 +0000

Tuesday, June 23 | 5 PM (EDT) — Brian Jones, associate director of Education at Schomburg Center, and Professor Bettina Love, author of We Want to Do More Than Survive, join Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, associate professor of Language and Literacy at Georgia State University, and Dr. Dena Simmons, assistant director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.

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JUNETEENTH is creating legacy in contested places

Ronald Bunn — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 07:52:13 +0000

Friday, June 19 | 2 PM — Join the Schomburg Center online for an afternoon of music, conversation, and reflection. Chef and historian Therese Nelson, Dr. Andrea Roberts, founder of Texas Freedom Colonies Project, and chef and TV personality Carla Hall, author of Carla’s Comfort Food: Favorite Dishes from Around the World,

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The Fannie Lou Hamer Story

Ronald Bunn — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 15:40:57 +0000

June 19, 2020, 8pm (DST) — Facebook Live and Instagram Live. Meet Fannie Lou Hamer, the mother of Voter Registration. A one woman show starring Mzuri Moyo Aimbaye. In this Post also view "Fannie Lou Hamer: Stand Up".

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Juneteenth March on NYC City Hall

Ronald Bunn — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 10:33:09 +0000

On June 19, 2020 at 12:00 PM, Rea-Fisher will be one of the hosts of the Juneteenth March, taking place at City Hall. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

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Ambrose Akinmusire Quintet

Ronald Bunn — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 10:11:15 +0000

Composer and trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire cut his jazz teeth playing professionally while still in high school. Inspired by legendary saxophonists Joe Henderson and Steve Coleman, he won the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition and released his first album in 2007.

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I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free

Ronald Bunn — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 09:41:58 +0000

Nina Simone, Nee Eunice Kathleen Waymon, February 21, 1933 in Tryon (North Carolina), USA; Died – April, 21, 2003 in Carry-le-Rouet, France) Nina Simone in

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African Americans in the Spanish Civil War

Ronald Bunn — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 10:56:11 +0000

David Hanna discusses African Americans who in 1936 joined the International Brigades in support of the Spanish Republic.

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Aruan Ortiz

Ronald Bunn — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 08:56:29 +0000

Aruán Ortiz, whom DownBeat Magazine has called “one of the most versatile and exciting pianists of his generation,” hails from Santiago de Cuba. His compositions incorporate influences from classical music, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and improvisation. Garnering Latin Jazz Corner’s 2011 “Arranger of the Year”.

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The Transatlantic Slave Trade

Ronald Bunn — Sun, 07 Jun 2020 04:36:02 +0000

Hopefully our children will watch this video--The Transatlantic Slave Trade : History Documentary on the Middle Passage

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James Baldwins Black Lives Matter Speech 1965

Ronald Bunn — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 12:13:43 +0000

This video contains a speech by James Baldwin in 1965 on "Black Lives Matter". Baldwin is riveting. He speaks not as a man who maybe searching for identity, but as a man who know who he is.

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Ronn Bunn and Sarah Dash at Sarah’s CD Release Party 1978

Ronald Bunn — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 10:00:43 +0000

Met Sarah at one of her concerts in Manhattan about 10 years ago and I teased her about us being intimate in 1978–I was, of

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Dianne Reeves

Ronald Bunn — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 10:53:03 +0000

One of the most recognized voices in jazz, Dianne Reeves coalesces her signature sound, broad-spectrum repertoire, and fondness for love songs.

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Dance Theater of Harlem

Ronald Bunn — Thu, 04 Jun 2020 00:52:26 +0000

Stay Fit is a fun, high energy fitness class that includes warm up, cool down, cardio, core strengthening, upper and lower body exercises. The intent is to get the entire body engaged, while using dynamic movement to increase the range of motion and prevent injuries.

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Nick Cannon I Can’t Breathe

Ronald Bunn — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 17:48:43 +0000

I CAN’T BREATHE AGAIN is the title of a poem written and performed by Nick Cannon. I was very surprised when my niece told me about the poem. I never connected Nick Cannon with any thing political. This poem is one of the most impacting poems I’ve heard. I am personally giving Nick Cannon the honorary Last Poets award.

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The New Black Fest

Ronald Bunn — Wed, 03 Jun 2020 14:33:01 +0000

As a contribution to the current nation-wide conversation and activism to combat police and societal targeting of the black and brown male body, The New Black Fest commissioned six black male playwrights to write monologues and performance essays reflecting on these issues.

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The Dark Past Has Taught Us

Barbara B. Lewis — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 09:24:05 +0000

"Lift every voice and sing, 'Til earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmony of Liberty ... ."

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The Whitney Museum Black Male Exhibition

Charles E. Wilson — Sun, 31 May 2020 22:20:13 +0000

In 1994, I was very disappointed with this exhibit and its portrayal of African-American men. Do you, the reader, think this exhibit's portrayal has contributed to the ever present mistreatment of the African-American male? Watch the video. What do you think of the justifications for the exhibition offered by this panel of esteemed African-Americans? —RonnBunn

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National Black Theatre at Home Series

Ronald Bunn — Wed, 20 May 2020 21:12:49 +0000

This conversation focuses on the work of author Adrienne Maree Brown and the idea of pleasure activism: how embracing one’s own joy is a method of creating liberation in a system of oppression. Featuring artist-essayist-playwright Daniel Alexander Jones

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Lorraine Hansberry and Malcolm X Birthday Celebrations

Ronald Bunn — Wed, 20 May 2020 08:47:15 +0000

On May 19th, the Schomburg Center celebrated birthdays of Playwright Lorraine Hansberry (90th) and human rights activist Malcolm X (95th). Lorraine Hansberry was born in 1930

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ROUTES January 1978 Highlights Page

Ronald Bunn — Tue, 19 May 2020 07:40:56 +0000

Here you’ll see a wonderful array of music videos of performers, the likes of Helen Humes – Alberta Hunter – Sonny Rollins – Rose Murphy

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National Black Theatre Novelist Pauline Hopkins

Ronald Bunn — Mon, 11 May 2020 17:02:32 +0000

Discussion about Pauline Hopkins, a 19th century novelist and editor and one of the early creators of Afrofuturistic ideas. Featuring author Kendriana Washington and playwright and screenwriter Keith Josef Adkins, moderated by NBT Co-Curator, ⁣⁣⁣⁣. Originally streamed May 6, 2020.

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National Black Theatre Afrofuturism Conversation

Ronald Bunn — Mon, 11 May 2020 16:43:38 +0000

A discussion about Afrofuturism and the music, fashion, and metaphysical philosophy of Sun Ra.
Featuring multi-hyphenate artists Carl Hancock Rux and Justin Hicks - Musician, and Chelsea Dee (Co-Curator). About the series:

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The Last Poets’ Understand What Black Is

Ronald Bunn — Wed, 06 May 2020 10:30:07 +0000

Earlier today, I was on the phone discussing a future article with Abiodun, one of The Last Poets. I mentioned to him I had, earlier in the day, read on Facebook that Jericho Brown had won a Pulitzer Prize for poetry for his collection "The Tradition". As the conversation continued Abiodun mentioned in passing that The Last Poets and Poet Rita Dove, last year, had been invited to The 50th Rotterdam Poetry Festival 2019.

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Happy Feelings

Ronald Bunn — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 12:32:15 +0000

It’s been a long time since I posted on the website. However, over the past days I’ve discovered the lyrics of Frankie Beverly and Maze.

The PostHappy Feelings first appeared on ROUTES.

Here’s to Life

Ronald Bunn — Sun, 31 Dec 2017 05:06:21 +0000

I‘ve received so many warm wishes for the coming year, I’ve been tirelessly trying to come up with my way of responding. Shirley Horn’s rendition of Here’s to Life seems to summarize my response to all of my well wishers. I hope you'll enjoy my response, and, if you like Shirley Horn’s sensual delivery, you’ll love her album Here’s to Life.

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Jessye Norman

Ronald Bunn — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 13:23:10 +0000

Opera and Classical music singers hardly receive coverage or recognition in our contemporary environment. As I exercised today at the gym while listening to my iTunes playlist, suddenly "The Holy City", sung by living legend Jessye Norman began to play— I was mesmerized by the rendition from the beginning until it ended. Hopefully you'll enjoy this beautiful voice as much as I do.

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For Valerie Simpson Love Never Dies

Sandhi Smalls Santini — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 13:31:50 +0000

Valerie Simpson-songwriter-producer-singer-musician-performer. And, with her husband, lifetime partner, and soulmate—the late Nickolas Ashford--she is also one half of the dynamic duo known as Ashford & Simpson—perhaps the music world’s most applauded husband-and-wife team ever. With an unrivaled track record, this iconic couple has earned the respect of their peers in the music industry, as well as immeasurable adoration from generation after generation of loyal fans.

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FREIGHT The Five Incarnations of Abel Green

Sabura Rashid — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 17:50:24 +0000

I have seen many wonderful plays in the past several weeks, but none have been staged as imaginatively as FREIGHT! Kudos to Woodie King, Jr.'s New Federal Theatre in association with Castillo Theatre!

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Up South The Great Migration

Ronald Bunn — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 18:58:14 +0000

Dred-Scott Keyes must be congratulated for his photo documentation of Slavery and post Slavery conditions of African-Americans and their mass migration out of the southern United States. Dred-Scott Keyes produces a radio program "The Cutting Edge" where Journalism, Politics, Culture and Activism Converge".

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Sweat Is Kick Ass Theater

Sabura Rashid — Fri, 20 Oct 2017 12:48:11 +0000

Introduction I have had the pleasure of attending many performances either created by, including and/ or otherwise related to people of the African Diaspora. These creative cultural expressions all point to the diversity of the “Black Experience” in America and beyond. It is essential that this diversity be acknowledged.

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Reel Sisters Diaspora Film Festival Lecture Series

Ronald Bunn — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 11:32:06 +0000

Reel Sisters is marking its 20th Anniversary milestone with screenings and events at venues in Brooklyn and Harlem. Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival & Lecture Series — the first Brooklyn-based festival to showcase films produced, directed and written by women of color — turns 20 year this October. October 21-22, 2017 1:

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Frank Bowling: Mappa Mundi Exhibition

Ronald Bunn — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 10:58:33 +0000

Frank Bowling: Mappa Mundi is a comprehensive overview of rare and never-before exhibited large-scale paintings along with other works by the Guyanese-born British painter. June

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The Sea is History Art and Black Atlantic Cultures

Ronald Bunn — Sat, 14 Oct 2017 10:44:15 +0000

Sonia Boyce, J. Michael Dash, Ellen Gallagher, Isaac Julien, Courtney J. Martin, Steve McQueen, Mark Nash, David Scott, Allison Thompson - nine extraordinary artists reflect on the distinguished Guyanese-born, British painter Frank Bowling's work.

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Panel Discussion of The Street

Ronald Bunn — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 17:19:46 +0000

New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray, the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, NYPL President Dr. Anthony Marx, and other distinguished panelists for a discussion of Ann Petry’s masterful novel "The Street", the newest Gracie Book Club selection. Moderated by Schomburg Director Kevin Young, the conversation will explore the 1945 book that traces the life of a young black woman and her spirited struggle to raise her son amid the violence, poverty, and racial dissonance of Harlem in the late 1940s.

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Black Power Exhibition

Ronald Bunn — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 16:12:05 +0000

The concept of Black Power was introduced by Stokely Carmichael and fellow Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) worker Willie Ricks in June 1966. Like no other ideology before, the multiform and ideologically diverse movement shaped black consciousness and identity and left an immense legacy that continues to inform the contemporary American landscape. Curated by Dr.

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Whistle In Mississippi

Ronald Bunn — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 14:56:51 +0000

The lynching of Emett Till A dramatic play by Michael Green & Daniel Carlton October 21, 2017, 3 & 8pm The Black Lady Theatre 750 Nostrand Ave. [embedyt]

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Kliptown Gumboot Dance Radiates Performance Power

Ronald Bunn — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 17:36:48 +0000

I just couldn't pass up this opportunity to share a video of Ankh Ma'at Ra. A few seconds after the video begins, you'll understand why I could not stop playing it over and over again. It’s mesmerizing.

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The Negro Ensemble presents A Soldier’s Play

Sabura Rashid — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 06:17:45 +0000

The Negro Ensemble Company is BACK! — Like other American-African theater organizations, this iconic company has been struggling for well over a decade to provide and maintain a professional venue for Black playwrights to tell stories about people from the African diaspora in quality staged productions. Founded in 1967 by Robert Hooks, Douglass Turner Ward and Gerald S.

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Unsung Revolutionary L.B. Williams

Perri Gaffney — Fri, 29 Sep 2017 19:18:20 +0000

We are all here on this Earth, in this world, for a heartbeat and then we are gone. We leave behind a thumbprint, an impression, on the lives we’ve touched through our words, our actions, or inactions. Nikki Giovanni wrote:

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6th Pan Africanism Congress in Munich Germany

Modupe Laja — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 06:56:26 +0000

On September 9 and 10 the Cultural Center Gasteig in the city of Munich will host the sixth Pan-Africanism Congress in Germany. The event will take place in the context of the International Decade for People of African descent. Topics of global interest will be discussed by the groups concerned and a resolution will be issued.

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The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro by Frederick Douglass

Ronald Bunn — Tue, 04 Jul 2017 23:33:42 +0000

"What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim.

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Happy Birthday Ella Fitzgerald

Ronald Bunn — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 13:28:07 +0000

100 Years ago, on April 25, 1917, (read about her here) Ella Fitzgerald was born in Newport News, Virginia. After Ella's death, The New York Times columnist Frank Rich wrote that Ella had performed a cultural transaction as extraordinary as Elvis' contemporaneous integration of white and African American soul. Here was a black woman popularizing urban songs often written by immigrant Jews to a national audience of predominantly white Christians.

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Rachel Dolezal describes her unapologetic African Identity

Ronald Bunn — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 15:20:57 +0000

In my post on February 27, 2017, In Defense of Rachel Dolezal—white woman who identifies as black, now jobless, may soon be homeless, I described my uneasiness with which both black and white communities have spoken ill about Rachel Dolezal. Up until reading the article about Rachel's plight, I knew only peripheral bits and pieces about her from news reports and the vitriolic responses I've read a number of black and white individuals. After reading the article, I called a couple of my friends to ask them what they thought about Rachel Dolezal.

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Tupac Talks Donald Trump Greed in America in 1992

Ronald Bunn — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 18:45:06 +0000

In 1992, I was very busy working on a career and Hip Hop was not on my radar, and consequently, I didn't listen to a Tupac Shakur. I had no idea who Tupac was. It's only within the past two years that I've followed the "Listen to it!

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President Barack Obamas Farewell Letter

Ronald Bunn — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 09:24:39 +0000

President Obama Farewell Letter To The American People — My fellow Americans, It’s a long-standing tradition for the sitting president of the United States to leave a parting letter in the Oval Office for the American elected to take his or her place. It’s a letter meant to share what we know, what we’ve learned, and what small wisdom may help our successor bear the great responsibility that comes with the highest office in our land, and the leadership of the free world. But before I leave my note for our 45th president, I wanted to say one final thank you for the honor of serving as your 44th.

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Steve Harvey reacts to criticisms from his fans

Ronald Bunn — Mon, 16 Jan 2017 02:10:06 +0000

Click below to see Reuters' story Trump speaks with entertainer Steve Harvey about[embedyt] U.S. cities

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President Barrack Obama’s Parody I’m So Happy

Ronald Bunn — Thu, 12 Jan 2017 17:11:36 +0000

[embedyt]

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Richard Bona and his Quartet

Ronald Bunn — Sat, 07 Jan 2017 19:03:09 +0000

Richard Bona — a West African singer of praise and storyteller – and percussionist. A Quartet of extraordinary Cuban Street Musicians. [embedyt]

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