Veteran political humorist Kate Clinton examines the uses of humor in social movements from her particular point of view and practice as a lesbian feminist humorist performing for twenty years. Her “standup” lecture also reviews theories of contemporary comedy, debunks the premature report of the death of irony, and reveals the secret human longing for the wild ride of smart, challenging humor. Her most recent book, What the L?, looks at life under W in the USA.
http://kateclinton.com
View a Video of this speaker.
More on this speaker. (PDF 159)

With his work both praised and attacked for the forceful vision and social critiques they bring to audiences, the provocative director and producer has become an American film icon, and continues to lead the way in defining the African American experience for millions of people. Lee talks about movies, money, race and the need for greater diversity in film, media and life.

Author of Black Film/White Money, filmmaker Jesse Rhines discusses the portrayal of African Americans on and behind the silver screen as well as the historic and present-day contributions of African American men and women to the motion picture industry from 1915 to the present.

Martin Luther King spoke of "passive resistance" and non-violent protest; Malcolm X demanded equality "by any means necessary". In this play, an imaginary Martin and Malcolm face off in a Memphis hotel room. Alternately funny, dramatic, and always insightful, Pinpoints Theater's production offers a look at the places where these two great men come together . and the places they part company.

http://www.nmgdm.com/pinpoints.html

This play takes you on an eye-opening journey through history, describing the vast intellectual contributions of Africans & African Americans. A typical American family is sent into a “Twilight Zone” where they must attempt to survive in a world without inventions created by African Americans. A unique and entertaining way of realizing that black ingenuity is an integral part of our everyday lives.

http://www.nmgdm.com/pinpoints.html

The only group in America that attempts to be funnier than the Congress, Capitol Steps is a troupe of current and former Congressional staffers who provide musical political satire on current issues. Capitol Steps has been featured on National Public Radio as well as on “Good Morning America,” “The Late Show,” “20/20,” and NBC’s “Nightly News,” and has recorded twenty-four albums.

- "Dynamic", "heartwarming" and "soulful" are words often used to describe Lucas' portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His uncanny resemblance to King is breathtaking, and his performance consistently brings standing ovations and a deeper appreciation of King's life, work and vision.
More on this speaker. (PDF 428K)

Called “the most accomplished documentary filmmaker of his generation” by The New York Times, Ken Burns is the creator of such acclaimed PBS series as “Baseball”, “The Civil War” – the highest rated series in the history of American Public Television – and most recently “Unforgiveable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson.”

This monumental gospel, R & B a cappella group has inspired audiences and performers alike for over thirty years. Vocal ensembles including Boys II Men and Take 6 have tried to emulate the smooth style and tight harmonies of this seminal group to no avail. The Persuasions prove time and again that the most precious instrument of all, the human voice, creates the ultimate in musical experience.

From Islamic fundamentalists to white liberals to good old-fashioned racists, no one is safe from stand-up comic Tissa Hami's sharp wit. One of the world's few female Muslim stand-up comics, she hopes that her comedy will help break down stereotypes about Muslim women and foster understanding between Iranians and Americans, though she warns that people who disapprove of her act will be taken hostage.
http://www.tissahami.com
View a video clip of this speaker.
More on this speaker. (PDF 688K)

Cult movie icon in the Evil Dead series, and star in television and films, Bruce Campbell's multimedia talk offers a hilarious and insightful look at his career and Hollywood pretension. He is also the author of two books: If Chins Could Kill and Make Love the Bruce Campbell Way.
http://www.bruce-campbell.com
More on this speaker. (PDF 1 MB)

From the coal mines of Kentucky to the war-ravaged Bosnian countryside, Barbara Kopple documents people struggling to achieve their rights and respect in the world. Renowned documentary film maker and winner of two Academy Awards. Ms. Kopple shares the film process and the politics behind each with her audiences.

Imagine your friend gets you a bit part on a film he's directing, then he asks you to polish up the script. That's how Carl Gottlieb got his big break as co-writer of the screenplay for Jaws. But if you think that's his only Hollywood story, think again! Carl's been in the business for four decades as a writer, actor, director and producer - and with plenty of tales to tell.

A self-identified "culturally hyphenated pomosexual poet," Lenelle performs slam poetry about the spirits in sexuality, masculinities, being bicultural, and the intersection of race, class, gender & resistance. She recites from scrolls, from memory and with movement. Her workshops are intimate, interactive, down-to-earth and full of energy.
View a Video of this speaker.

Christina Chan stars in the one-woman play “Unbinding Our Lives” which shatters the exotic, subservient, “China doll” image. In this powerful show Ms. Chan portrays three real women from China in the 1800’s and tells their personal stories of being sold into child slavery, prostitution, and abandonment. An unforgettable look at forgotten history.

In 1859, Frederick Douglass, a relentless anti-slavery orator, was being sought by the state of Virginia with a warrant of arrest for his alleged activity in the armed assault on the Federal Arsenal at Harpers Ferry. This historical moment beset with national and personal drama is the setting for “Frederick Douglass, 1859.” Guy Peartree renders Frederick Douglass with sensitivity to the historical and folkloric features of this period in American history.

Abolitionist and suffragist Sojourner Truth's life is told in her own words using her speeches and songs in this dramatic presentation by Kathryn Woods. Born a slave, Isabella Baumfree walked away from slavery to become an evangelist, when she wasn't being a maid or laundress. In her travels she met preachers and advocates of all sorts, and evolved into Sojourner Truth.

Author, radio essayist and performer, her work generates a fresh dialogue on race and diversity. Her satirical book How to Rent a Negro has been acclaimed as "one of the most trenchant and amusing commentaries on contemporary race relations." Ayo brings stories, humor, and a unique insight to help audiences find their own solutions to pressing challenges of diversity in their communities.
http://www.damaliayo.com

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damali_ayo
View a Video of this speaker
More on this speaker. (PDF 1.9 MB)

Are you ready to fix racism? (PDF)

Called "America's multi-mediatrix" by and a "modern renaissance artist and agent provocateur," Laurie Anderson is one of the most important artists of our time. She was one of the first to recognize the profound effect emerging technologies like the Internet are having on our global culture.

Get ready to rejoice! For over two decades, the Choir has brought audiences around the world to their feet, sharing its joy of faith through its music and dynamic performance. Their songs of inspiration touch the depths of the soul and raise spirits to angelic heights.