Brooklyn Diasporist Newsletter | September 16, 2020
Item 1: This 2016 episode of the Death, Sex, and Money podcast is a conversation between two Sonias: Justice Sonia Sotomayor and author/actor Sonia Manzano, the latter of whom is best known for her role as Maria on Sesame Street, and the former of whom is best known as an accomplished voice of considered intelligence, compassion, and rightmindedness in her service to our Supreme Court. What more can I tell you? These women are extraordinary and inspiring.
Item 2: A characteristically thorough and engaging piece at The Atlantic comparing the current era to that of Reconstruction following our Civil War. The similarities make an impression, of course, and the historical material makes for an informative read. But the accounting of how and why such moments fail to realize true equality and equity for Black Americans is critical and spot on.
Item 3: Former D.C. musician Sohrab Habibion interviewed D.C. musician Mark Cisneros over at Punk Rock Theory. Two of my favorite punk rockers!
Item 4: Pianist/composer Kris Davis was interviewed at the wonderful Twenty Questions site. All of the interviews are worth a look, not least Terri Lyne Carrington's emphasis on gender justice, and of course, any conversation with Wadada Leo Smith delights. Also in need of your attention: Mr. Smith performing his Awakening Emmett Till back in 2017.
Item 5: Last week marked Sonny Rollins's 90th birthday, and to celebrate, Nate Chinen (I loved his book!) put together a terrific piece over at the WBGO website. For those of you who don't know, WBGO is a premier jazz radio station of longstanding. You might dig around elsewise at their site -- you'll no doubt find something you'll enjoy.
Item 6: Did you know that John Cage wrote a piece of music whose performance is intended to last until 2640? The 14th chord change occurred on September 5th, the first such change since 2013.
Item 7: "The heart is more than a pump." -- Milford Graves
Item 2: A characteristically thorough and engaging piece at The Atlantic comparing the current era to that of Reconstruction following our Civil War. The similarities make an impression, of course, and the historical material makes for an informative read. But the accounting of how and why such moments fail to realize true equality and equity for Black Americans is critical and spot on.
Item 3: Former D.C. musician Sohrab Habibion interviewed D.C. musician Mark Cisneros over at Punk Rock Theory. Two of my favorite punk rockers!
Item 4: Pianist/composer Kris Davis was interviewed at the wonderful Twenty Questions site. All of the interviews are worth a look, not least Terri Lyne Carrington's emphasis on gender justice, and of course, any conversation with Wadada Leo Smith delights. Also in need of your attention: Mr. Smith performing his Awakening Emmett Till back in 2017.
Item 5: Last week marked Sonny Rollins's 90th birthday, and to celebrate, Nate Chinen (I loved his book!) put together a terrific piece over at the WBGO website. For those of you who don't know, WBGO is a premier jazz radio station of longstanding. You might dig around elsewise at their site -- you'll no doubt find something you'll enjoy.
Item 6: Did you know that John Cage wrote a piece of music whose performance is intended to last until 2640? The 14th chord change occurred on September 5th, the first such change since 2013.
Item 7: "The heart is more than a pump." -- Milford Graves
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