Programs vary according to audience, but here are four examples:
1. Suite Rihanna: Greatest Hits & More
On tour starting in the Fall, 2009, this presentation is more performance than lecture, using recent news events about singers Rihanna and Chris Brown as a starting point to tackle the issue of domestic violence through an interlocking suite of ‘true confessions, life lessons and advice to the lovelorn.’ I make it personal because I take it personal!
2. A Writer’s Role in Wartime
What is the role of a conscious American writer at this time in the history of the country? What is the responsibility of a creative artist in a time of war and conflict? How does the writer inform and inspire other citizens at a time of great confusion and cynicism? A passionate, thought provoking piece that gives listeners a way to rethink not only the writer’s role, but their own.
3. A Citizen’s Journey
An exploration of the journey to a new understanding of citizenship from a life long African American artist/activist who has only recently embraced the full meaning of the role she must play in a participatory democracy. A joyful declaratin of what it means to be a conscious American citizen in the 21st century.
4. We Speak Your Names: A Celebration
The story of the creation of a “praise poem” for Oprah Winfrey’s 2005 celebration of legendary African American women. The author’s experience driving across America to get to the celebration as well as the meaning of these women’s lives. Includes a performance of the poem, which has been on the ESSENCE magazine bestseller list for most of the two years since it was written. [This piece lends istself to African American history month and Women’s history month.