Katherine Dunham was an African-American dancer, choreographer, and social activist. Dunham had one of the most successful dance careers in African-American and European theater of the 20th century, and directed her own dance company for many years. She has been called the “matriarch and queen mother of black dance.” – Wikipedia Michelle Smith was inspired… Read More »
Spoken word A broad designation for poetry intended for performance. Though some spoken word poetry may also be published on the page, the genre has its roots in oral traditions and performance. Spoken word can encompass or contain elements of rap, hip-hop, storytelling, theater, and jazz, rock, blues, and folk music. Characterized by rhyme, repetition,… Read More »
Samuel Cook, known professionally as Sam Cooke, was a songwriter and entrepreneur. He was also influential as a composer and producer, and is commonly known as the King of Soul for his distinctive vocals and significance in popular music. The song was inspired by various personal events in Cooke’s life, most prominently an event in… Read More »
Deborah Kaye Allen is an American actress, dancer, choreographer, singer-songwriter, director, producer, and a former member of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. In 2001, Allen opened the Debbie Allen Dance Academy in Los Angeles, where she currently teaches young dancers. – Wikipedia Matthew Smith was inspired by Debbie’s kind heart and work… Read More »
Bessie Smith was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, her parents died when Smith was young, and she and her siblings survived by performing on street corners. She began touring and performed in a group that included Ma Rainey, and then went out on her own.… Read More »
