Happy New Year!

Wade in the Water is a 26-part series, originally released in 1994, that celebrates African American sacred music and traditions. Listen to the episodes on NPR.org and NPR One. Twenty-five year ago, when Wade in the Water: African American Sacred Music Traditions first aired on NPR member stations, the world was different. Many of the voices…

Once again, it’s time to dance, sing-a-long and savor black music. And you’ll have a whole month to do it. Dating back to the late 1970s, music industry insiders Kenny Gamble, Ed Wright and Dyana Williams came up with the idea to set aside one month to honor the cultural importance and influence of black…

Every calendar month, regardless of the year, decade or century, shepherds in its own joyous and heart-wrenching moments. September is no exception. This month regularly calls to children and adults of all ages to start or settle into a new school year. Its Labor Day marks the unofficial end to relaxed summer living and the…

September is Richard Durham’s birth month. He would have been 98 years old on September 6th. To honor Durham’s birth and to celebrate the publication of Word Warrior: Richard Durham, Radio, and Freedom this month, I wanted to feature the following excerpts from two early chapters from in book. Enjoy! Rural Wandering  “Izzy!” Silence. “Izzy, where are you!?” Only the…