For more than four decades, the Philadelphia Dance Company, PHILADANCO, has opened its doors to dancers of all races. Ballerina Joan Myers Brown founded the dance studio, in spite of decades of personal struggle against deeply ingrained and often unquestioned racial barriers in the ballet world.
Brown, who is African-American, tried to take classes in the 1950s at white ballet studios in Philadelphia. But "the doors were closed to her," says Brenda Dixon Gottschild, author of Joan Myers Brown and the Audacious Hope of the Black Ballerina.
Writer Sandra Tsing Loh spoke last week on the NPR national call-in show Talk of the Nation about a provocative piece she had written for The Atlantic Magazine. It wasabout the heavy financial and emotional cost of caring for her elderly father and stepmother.
The ladies weigh in on talk show host Rush Limbaugh's comments about a young law student. They also discuss a survey about black women, weight and confidence. Host Michel Martin checks in with columnist Mary Kate Cary, bloggers Viviana Hurtado and Danielle Belton, and reporter Lonnae O'Neal Parker.
Joan Myers Brown is a black ballerina who grew up in a time of rigid segregation, both in life and dance. Host Michel Martin speaks with Brenda Dixon Gottschild, the author of "Joan Myers Brown and the Audacious Hope of the Black Ballerina."
Many Americans start retirement planning too late. But in her book, Joy Compass: How to Make Your Retirement the Treasure of Your Life, author Julia Valentine says that's only one of many pitfalls. Host Michel Martin talks to Valentine about securing your retirement.
In his new book, Inspired Vegan, chef Bryant Terry writes about how healthy eating can start in your backyard. He also offers up soulful vegan recipes paired with the music that inspires his cooking. Host Michel Martin talks with Bryant Terry about delicious vegan cuisine.
Teenager T.J. Lane was charged for killing three students at Chardon High School in Ohio. The incident left many parents wondering what motivated the attack, and what can be done to protect their kids. Host Michel Martin speaks with three experts about why young people become violent and how to prevent it.
New Jersey's first black Congressman, Donald Payne, died today at the age of 77. He was known as a strong advocate for education and civil rights during his 23 years in office. He also championed international causes like HIV prevention, malaria treatment and famine aid. Host Michel Martin remembers Congressman Payne's legacy.
The National Hockey League wants to broaden its reach, particularly to African American students. So the NHL is joining forces with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to offer scholarships to students in hockey programs to attend public historic black colleges and universities. Host Michel Martin talks with Johnny C. Taylor Jr., head of the fund.
Nearly 10 years ago Ruben Studdard won American Idol. Since then he has released gold and platinum albums, but he's also had some personal ups and downs. Now he's putting the finishing touches on a new album, Letters from Birmingham. Host Michel Martin talks with Studdard.
