Another View's Selected Short Stories: Recent Episodes
WHRO Public Media
Another View’s Selected Short Stories are an up-close look at the people, performances and programs featured each week on the Another View radio broadcast. Over the years, Another View’s Producer/Reporter, Lisa Godley has brought us interviews with educators and entertainers, mentors and musicians, doctors and dancers, just to name a few of the hundreds of interesting stories featured on Another View and on 89.5 WHRV-FM. Several of Lisa’s stories have netted both national and regional awards for “Outstanding Feature Reporting.” If you have an idea for a feature story, Lisa can be reached at lisa.godley@whro.org or on twitter @godley_lisa.
Portsmouth native Bismark Myrick was the former U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho and Liberiaa and a decorated Vietnam War hero. He passed away September 29, 2024 at the age of 83. Our Lisa Godley shares a bit about his life and the lessons he wanted to leave behind.
Jerry Carter was a former WFOS announcer here at WHRO Public Media and before he joined our family, he spent more than 50 years in the radio business. He had a way with words and a profound knowledge of the music he played. His dedication won him the "Best Radio Personality" award by the Virginia Association of Broadcasters in 2022. He passed away August 15, 2024 - he was 77. Our Lisa Godley looks at Jerry's life and the career he loved.
We catch up with an officer of the Omens 7 Cities motorcycle club while they were on their way to Cleveland, Ohio for their national roundup. Jason Price, known as "Hustle Man," is the Sergeant at Arms. He shares insight into one of the country's oldest predominantly Black motorcycle clubs.
Golden Hill was the wife of Charlie Hill, a shining gem within the helthcare space, and a friend of Another View who frequently joined us to talk about prostate cancer and its impact on African American men. We honor her with this tribute following her passing.
This year's Virginia International Tattoo theme is: "A Salute to Military Families." As part of the celebration, American Gold Star Mothers will be honored. These women - and their families - gave the ultimate sacrifice when their children died while serving their country. Our Lisa Godley spoke with Mona Gunn, the only African American in Gold Star's 107-year history to hold the office of national president. This is her story.
He's Norfolk Public Schools Teacher of the Year! He’s also an incredibly talented artist, author, and poet. His name is Clayton Singleton and it’s been four years since Another View Producer, Lisa Godley sat down with the Lake Taylor High School art teacher who never shies away from telling powerful stories that capture the heart of our community with vibrant colors and bold strokes. Last summer, Clayton was an artist in residence at Saint Croix. The result was five new pieces of art. One of which will be on display at the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts – starting in April 2023! Meanwhile, back here at home, he’s started an artist café for his students which showcases guest artists who share their knowledge by hosting workshops.
Who doesn't love a drum line? Well, our Lisa Godley introduces us to an amazing group of talented musicians who make the up the Shark City Drum Corps. The founder and leader of the group, Frederick Dixon, not only teaches students of all ages how to play the drums, but prepares them to play in public. The group has won multiple awards and some have used their skills to obtain full ride scholarships to college.
Father Joseph Green's legacy of service to the city of Norfolk and the Hampton Roads community is lengthy. He lived his life by giving back... from serving at a hospital corpsman in World War II to 20-years of service on the Norfolk City Council. Our Lisa Godley looks at his impactful life as a humanitarian and servant of the people.
Necessity is the mother of invention. So, when you find out that your multi-racial child is experiencing bias at just three years of age, what do you do? One Hampton Roads mom decided to write a children's book about diversity - to not only help her children navigate through hurtful and misguided comments, but as a way to teach all children how our differences help make the world a better place. Our Lisa Godley spoke with author Toiya Sosa about her book "Strangetop Hill," which is available online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Ever heard of "Cuffeytown"? It's an historic community created by free Blacks in the 1700's in Chesapeake. Lisa Godley shares the history of this vibrant community and what the ancestors of the founding families and others are doing to keep the history alive.
“There’s no right way to do something wrong!” is not just a quote, but a way of life for the man you’re about to meet. You might think you know Elisha “Cadillac” Harris, a Hampton Roads native who spent four decades serving as the head coach of three local football teams! But, Cadillac’s journey from talented athlete to admired coach was not an easy one. He reflected on his life and his chosen path with our Lisa Godley.
A Virginia Couple wants to ensure children and teens have good financial literacy. That’s why Jesse and Mi Mi James wrote, ‘Bobo Slim'z NuggetZ $ Gemz!’ Our Lisa Godley gives us an up-close look at the creators of this new children’s book and the lessons they’re hopeful that children of all age.
Boo Williams has been making a difference in the lives of young athletes here in the Hampton Roads area for Decades. Such basketball legends as Alonzo Mourning and Allen Iverson were coached by Boo! Summer basketball league has netted him countless awards and accolades. There is currently a documentary about his life in the works and a huge celebration of Boo’s 40-year commitment to young people and basketball taking place on the Peninsula next weekend! Our Lisa Godley got a chance to chat with this Hampton native and gives us an up close look at the legend of Boo Williams.
Founded by free and enslaved blacks in 1776, The First Baptist Church of Williamsburg has a rich history. And now, this historic church is unearthing a new chapter. In addition to finding the remnants of not one, but two earlier church buildings, archaeologists have uncovered 40 graves, believed to be the remains of some of the church’s earliest members. Our Lisa Godley was there when congregants gathered to reflect on the past, pay tribute to the ancestors, and prepare for what this extensive archaeological dig could uncover next.
Imagine experiencing flooding so severe that it destroys your home, your community, and your livelihood. Now imagine starting over with no money, no family support, and only self-determination and the kindness of strangers to keep you alive. Well, for a group of young men in the country of South Sudan, this is a way of life. Our Lisa Godley recently spoke with one of the young men, who for years has called the Kakuma Refugee Camp his home. And hear from the Norfolk woman who is trying to help. For more information, contact Outreach Africa’s Executive Director, Julie Hill at: julhill@cox.net.
Tony award winning actress, singer and songwriter, Renee Elise Goldsberry is coming to Hampton Roads! Best known for her portrayal of OF Angelica Schuyler in the Broadway sensation “Hamilton,” she will perform with her band locally next month. Our Lisa Godley spoke with the talented performer about being Angelica, her current projects, and what we can expect when her band performs in Norfolk, Friday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Norfolk’s Chrysler Hall.
THEY ARE ONE THOUSAND MEMBERS STRONG AND HAVE BEEN WORKING DILIGENTLY FOR THE PAST FIVE YEARS TO CLOSE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP IN WILLIAMSBURG-JAMES CITY COUNTY SCHOOLS. IN OUR EFFORTS TO SHOWCASE BLACK NON-PROFITS, TODAY WE’D LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO: “THE VILLAGE INITIATIVE.” OUR LISA GODLEY GIVES US AN INSIDE LOOK AT HOW THEY’RE UTILIZING MENTORS, TUTORS AND PASSIONATE ADVOCATES TO MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITY.
If you’ve ever seen the word “Ham” scribbled at the bottom of a huge mural gracing the side of a building, you are about to meet the artist. His name is Hamilton Glass. While his work has been featured in Norfolk’s Neon District, the bulk of his colorful creations adorn building after building in downtown Richmond. Our Lisa Godley recently spoke to the Hampton University grad about his talent for bringing community stories to life through art, and what it takes to do things… BIG!
This little fact should make you think. Close to 90 million Americans are at risk for preventative health problems due to low health literacy. What you don’t know could kill you! Fortunately, there is a free program available to help folks here in Hampton Roads increase awareness when it comes to health. It’s called “Healthier 757.” Our Lisa Godley gives us an inside look at the interactive program where the more you learn, the more you could earn!
Hospitals were having a difficult time filling vacant nursing positions before the pandemic. Now, with so many healthcare workers burning out and retiring early, the nursing shortage has reached critical proportions. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be roughly 176,000 RN openings each year for the next decade. But one local non-profit is working diligently to introduce more students of Color to the nursing profession. Our Lisa Godley gives us an inside look at the Nursing CAP Program.
If you’ve ever been bullied or had a child who’s been bullied, you know the pain it can bring. But much too often, the victim doesn’t know where to turn or in whom they can confide. Since this is National Bullying Prevention Month, we reached out to someone who can help. Shant’a Miller is the founder of Parents Against Bullying, Virginia. She shared with our Lisa Godley her family’s own horrific encounter with a bully. Now, through her nonprofit, she offers tools parents can use to help their children.
In recent weeks we lost two legends: football great, turned local restauranteur Roger Brown, and actor, director and filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles. Our Lisa Godley looks back at their lives and the impact they made on America and the world. We start our tribute with Roger Brown.
The year was 1917, and Booker T. Washington, along with philanthropist Julius Rosenwald, came up with an initiative to help Black children in the segregated South get the education they deserved. They established the Rosenwald school. In less than 20 years, there would be five thousand of these state-of-the-art schools, spread across 15 states. Today, only a few remain, but one of them is still standing on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. As part of Another View’s look at Black Nonprofits, producer Lisa Godley shares a little history about the Rosenwald School in Cape Charles and the valiant effort that’s now underway to restore the historic schoolhouse.
Optometrists across Hampton Roads are very concerned about the toll remote learning and mask wearing is taking on our children’s eyes. Our Lisa Godley spoke with optometrist Dr. Kristina Ramsey about the problems she’s seeing in her younger clients and what we can do to ward off long term damage.
Another View has been following Keyshawn Davis’ boxing career for years! In 2016, we told you how the then 17-year-old had captured the U.S. Junior Olympic Boxing Championship, and again in 2019 when his skills netted him a spot on the 2020 Olympic Boxing Team. For Keyshawn, it was a dream come true… until the pandemic postponed the games for a year. Well, last week, Keyshawn finally got his shot. Now that he’s back in Hampton Roads, he spoke to our Lisa Godley about his Silver Medal win and his plans for the future.
Malique Hawkins has been smiling for the camera – professionally, since he was about 18 months old. We first introduced you to Malique about a decade ago when he was ten and starring in the movie ‘Troop 491.’ Well, Malique is a rising junior in college now and isn’t slowing down! As our Lisa Godley found out, in addition to his studies, he’s busy acting, recording commercial voiceovers, and performing his music - live, with his first rap album out later this month! You can find Malique’s work on this IMDb page, his YouTube Page and social media pages under his name Malique (M-A-L-I-Q-U-E) Hawkins. His music can be found on all music platforms under “Liq from the Peake.”
If you’ve ever heard of ACT-SO, boy are you in for a treat! This NAACP youth achievement program allows high school students of African descent to develop their areas of interest and then showcase their talents through projects and performances. This year’s Region Two Virtual Competition produced several local winners who went on to ‘blow the competition away’ on the national level! Our Lisa Godley caught up with several of those talented teens who are the epitome of artistic excellence! Lisa’s piece was co-produced by our intern Brianna Walton, who is a rising senior at North Carolina A&T.
Thomas Wilkins will soon return to his roots. The Norfolk native is coming home to serve as the primary guest conductor of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. Wilkins calls his return poetic, in that he’ll be leading the orchestra that first introduced him to his life’s work…. and he shared with our Lisa Godley how the opportunities he experienced right here in Hampton Roads shaped his life. His first appearance with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra in his new role will be February 18th through the 20th of 2022.
Hampton Roads has numerous locations and landmarks that detail the significant role that African Americans have played in the history of this community and our nation. But, since so many of these historic spots have been bulldozed, replaced or renamed, their significance is unknown or forgotten. The Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS) is hoping to change that. This year they’re calling on communities all across America to identify black landscapes. And, as our Lisa Godley found out, there are cash prizes for doing so.
It’s been 90 years since Oliver Moore, a 29-year-old North Carolina man was abducted at midnight from the Edgecomb County Jail. Moore had been accused of sexual improprieties with two young white girls. He didn’t fight as he was hosted up a tree by dozens of angry white men, tortured, and some accounts say, shot as many as 200 times. No one was ever convicted of his murder. Now, almost a century later, that very tree has been cut down, and the wood sold. Artist and guitar maker, Freeman Vines, purchased some of the wood, and talks to our Lisa Godley about the haunting images that surfaced as he carved the ‘Hanging Tree Guitars.’ The exhibit is on display now through September 12th at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. And they will be on display at the Portsmouth Art and Cultural Center, starting in the spring of 2022.
It's been almost 50 years since Father's Day became a nationwide holiday in the United States. But the practice of recognizing our dads for their love and influence doesn't always get the same celebration as that which is showered on moms in May. Well, Shayla Egelston wants to change that. Our Lisa Godley spoke with this up and coming author about her new children's book "My Daddy Says."
Whether he’s playing, composing, or teaching, Dr. Harvey Stokes is all about the music! The Hampton University professor has had his pieces performed all over the world. And he sat down with our Lisa Godley to share how music has impacted his life and subsequently, the lives of his students.
It would start on May 31st 1921 and last for 18 hours. During that time, the people who called Tulsa’s Greenwood Community home would witness the murders of friends and loved ones… and their thriving, prosperous neighborhood reduced to ruins. It’s been 100 years since the area known as “Black Wall Street” became the backdrop for the single worst incident of racial violence in American history. Our Lisa Godley spoke with Dr. Eric Claville about this very real and long-overlooked piece of our country’s past.
Synnika Lofton is an award-winning poet, educator, producer and radio show host. And in each of these areas he shares insightful words that make us think. Our Lisa Godley spoke with Lofton, who not only shared his skill and talent as a master of written and spoken word, but gave us an inside look at his latest venture… a podcast.
It’s been almost 60 years since Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his iconic "I Have A Dream" speech spoke these words: "We can never be satisfied as long as the negro is the victim of the unspeakable horrors of police brutality." These Horrors date back to the beginning of America. Our Lisa Godley gives us an abbreviated but candid look at the history of policing.
Voting for the Tony Awards started March 1ST. Among those nominated? Hampton Roads own Adrienne Warren for her performance as “Tina” in The Tina Turner Musical. Our Lisa Godley spoke with this talented actress about her role, her influences and her goals as a performer.
Remember the excitement that accompanied bringing a newborn into the world? What does the future hold for this precious life? Will my child be a musician? A professional athlete? Or president of the United States? Now imagine your dreams of this great future being turned upside down when you learn your child has special needs. Well, this happened to Mark and Dawn Lawrence, not once but twice. And they’ve written a book in hopes of helping other parents with special needs children maneuver through the challenges. The Lawrence’s recently spoke with our Lisa Godley about “Raising Them Special.”
COVID-19 has changed the way we do just about everything: from how we work to how our children learn. Another area that has been transformed is how we are entertained. And the wild world of sports is definitely no exception. So far this year we have witnessed everything from quarantined players to empty arenas to rescheduled games. Our Lisa Godley recently sat down with a sports reporter for the Boston Globe who graciously shared a little of what he witnesses each and every day. Gary Washburn gives us an inside look at the impact the pandemic is having on sports, the athletes and the fans who cheer them on.
There are very few Virginia schools named after an African American, and the number of those buildings dedicated to black women is even smaller. But right here in Hampton Roads… on Burns Drive in Newport News… sits Watkins Early Childhood Center, named after educator and activist Dorothy Watkins. Our Lisa Godley takes a look at her life and legacy.
In an effort to address the global pandemic and period of social unrest, the Chrysler Museum is hosting a new exhibit called "Come Together." It explores four themes: Celebration, Purpose, Justice and Love. The Justice theme opens doors for you to share your experiences. Our Lisa Godley takes a closer look at this community-based exhibition.
THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION MAY SEEM OBVIOUS. BUT, I’M GOING TO ASK IT ANYWAY. WHO WOULD BE THE BEST PERSON TO HELP DEVELOP SOLUTIONS IF A COMMUNITY IS A CRISIS? SOMEONE WHO DOESN’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE AREA OR THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE OR SOMEONE WHO IS EMOTIONALLY VESTED IN THE COMMUNITY, THE PEOPLE WHO CALL IT HOME AND THE CHALLENGES THEY ENCOUNTER ON A DAILY BASIS? WELL, YOU’RE ABOUT TO MEET TWO PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE THAT THE LATTER IS THE KEY WHEN IT COMES TO BETTER PREPARATION AND RECOVERY FROM NATIONAL DISASTERS. AND AS OUR LISA GODLEY FOUND OUT, THEY’RE PUTTING THEIR MONEY WHERE THEIR MOUTH IS TO MAKE SURE THAT HAPPENS!
IT SLOWED HER DOWN BUT DIDN’T STOP HER! THAT’S HOW SHERRIKKA MYERS DESCRIBES THE CHILDHOOD STUTTER THAT WAS THE CATALYST FOR A CHILDREN’S BOOK SERIES. MYERS RECENTLY SPOKE TO OUR LISA GODLEY ABOUT THE CHALLENGES OF HER YOUTH, HER WORK AS AN AUTHOR AND ENCOUNTERS THAT HAVE ALLOWED HER TO GROW HER MESSAGE.
Congressman John Lewis was born the son of sharecroppers. Lewis’ journey to stomp out racial injustice began as a young man who organized voter registration drives and mobilized protestors. His chosen path would also lead him to decades of public service as a United States congressman. Our Lisa Godley takes a look at John Lewis’ legendary life.
If you don’t know much about Sickle Cell or how it impacts lives, you’re about to learn. Our Lisa Godley shares the story of an amazing 13 year old who, when she’s not dancing or winning pageants, is living with this debilitating disease.
Words like powerful, thought-provoking and even disturbing have been used to describe the numerous paintings and sculptures created by Titus Kaphar. His work can be seen in museums all over the country, including a sculpture created for the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown's “Forgotten Soldier” exhibit. That's where our Lisa Godley sat down with the nationally acclaimed artist who shares why he wants to change the way we see traditional art.
This weekend, the city of Virginia Beach will remember the victims of last year’s mass shooting at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. It was May 31ST when an engineer shot 16 people, killing twelve and devastating the city, our region and our nation. Our Lisa Godley pays tribute to the 12 victims who are gone but not forgotten.
A Harrisonburg woman is using Hip Hop to change mindsets and improve the health of some of our most vulnerable youth. Dr. P. Thandi Hicks-Harper created “Hip Hop to Prevent” 12 years ago. Find out how this pop-culture curriculum is engaging middle and high school students with stories and lyrics from popular artists, including two from right here in Hampton Roads.
FROM THE MID 70’S UNTIL 2000, YOU COULDN’T FLIP THRU THE PAGES OF ESSENCE MAGAZINE WITHOUT CATCHING A GLIMPSE OF EDITOR AND CHIEF SUSAN TAYLOR. HER VIBRANT SMILE, FLAWLESS SKIN AND BEAUTIFUL BRAIDS WERE AN ESSENCE STAPLE. AND TAYLOR WAS THE DRIVING FORCE. BUT SHE LEFT THE MAGAZINE TO DEVOTE MORE TIME TO HER OTHER PASSION, HER FOUNDATION FOR AT RISK CHILDREN. OUR LISA GODLEY RECENTLY SPOKE TO TAYLOR ABOUT LIFE AFTER ESSENCE AND MESSAGE OF EMPOWERMENT SHE’LL DELIVER WHEN SHE VISITS HAMPTON ROADS FOR A WOMEN’S CONFERENCE ON MARCH 14TH.
THEY ENTERTAIN AND EDUCATE USING MUSIC, DANCE AND DRUMS TO HELP TELL THE STORY. FOR MORE THAN TWO DECADES, ATUMPAN ENTERTAINMENT HAS PERFORMED AT SCHOOLS, UNIVERSITIES, LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS…. TRANSFORMING THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE INTO A LOT OF FUN. OUR LISA GODLEY RECENTLY SAT DOWN WITH GROUP MEMBERS COREY AND LAQUITA STATEN AS THEY PREPARE FOR A SPECIAL ONE DAY EVENT TITLED: AFTER ANGELO.
We hear a lot about what life was like for the enslaved living in the 16, 17 and 18 hundreds. But rarely do we hear what it was like to be a free person of color during that same time frame. Well, if you’ve ever been curious, you’re about to meet one such person. His name is John (Rawl-i-son) and thanks to actor James Cameron, we’re now able to take a closer look at the life of this 18th century free man of color.
SHE STOOD HER GROUND…BY SITTING DOWN…. ELEVEN YEARS BEFORE ROSA PARKS AND THE MONTGOMERY BUS BOYCOTT. NOW, FOLKS IN GLOUCESTER COUNTY, WHERE IRENE MORGAN SPENT HER LAST DAYS ARE MAKING SURE SHE ISN’T FORGOTTEN. OUR LISA GODLEY HAS MORE ON THE WOMAN BEHIND THE FIRST CASE TO CHALLENGE JIM CROW!
The Black National Anthem, also known as “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as been arranged numerous times by dozens of composers. But when James Cockerham took it on, this multi-faceted musician decided he wanted to take listeners on a journey from the Old world to the new. He recently shared his thoughts with our Lisa Godley as well as his excitement that the Virginia Symphony Orchestra will be playing his version in the upcoming “Songs for a Dreamer” celebration.
There’s been a lot of talk about climate change, but I’ll bet you probably haven’t heard is expressed quite like you’re about to hear. A group of talented performers and community activists recently came together in Norfolk to address the issue of climate change and as our Lisa Godley found out, the event was part of a movie production that uses comedy and culture to shed light on the climate crisis.
WHEN WE FIRST MEET KEYSHAWN DAVIS HE WAS 17 YEARS OLD AND A JUNIOR OLYMPICS BOXING CHAMPION. NOW THE NATIVE FROM NORFOLK HAS HIS SIGHTS SET ON TOKYO. HE RECENTLY SAT DOWN WITH OUR LISA GODLEY AND DETAILED THE PATH THAT HAS TAKEN HIM AROUND THE WORLD AND HOPEFULLY TO OLYMPIC GOLD!
FUN FACT: KEYSHAWN AND KELVIN DAVIS ARE THE FIRST SIBLINGS TO QUALIFY FOR THE OLYMPIC BOXING TRIALS SINCE 1976.
KEISHA YEARBY LOVES TEACHING HER STUDENTS TO BECOME BETTER READERS. SHE KNOWS, THAT THE MORE TIME THEY SPEND READING OUTSIDE OF CLASS THE BETTER THEY’LL BECOME. SO THIS 2ND GRADE TEACHER FROM CHESAPEAKE HAS TAKEN TO FACEBOOK IN AN EFFORT TO GIVE CHILDREN ALL OVER THE WORLD A READING EXPERIENCE THEY WON’T SOON FORGET!
FOR SUFFOLK NATIVE AND METROPOLITAN OPERA SINGER RYAN SPEEDO GREEN LIFE HASN’T ALWAYS BEEN A CRYSTAL STAIR. AS A CHILD “SPEEDO” GREW UP IN A ROUGH NEIGHBORHOOD. HE ALSO HAD ANGER ISSUES, WHICH ULTIMATELY LANDED HIM IN JUVENILE DETENTION. HIS STORY COULD HAVE ENDED TRAGICALLY HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR KIND PEOPLE WHO HELPED HIM SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY. HE RECENTLY SHARED HIS STORY WITH OUR LISA GODLEY…. A JOURNEY THAT HAS TAKEN HIM FROM A TRAILER PARK TO SINGING ALL OVER THE WORLD.
HISTORY IS CONSTANTLY EVOLVING. PAST EVENTS WERE RECORDED BASED ON HOW THE PERSON OBERSERVING THE EVENT PERCEIVED IT AND HOW THEY WANTED IT TO BE REMEMBERED. FOR EXAMPLE, WE NOW KNOW THAT CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS COULD NOT HAVE DISCOVERED A COUNTRY THAT WAS ALREADY INHABITED! AS OUR ONCE LIMITED PERSPECTIVE EXPANDS, SO DOES THE LIST OF CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY PEOPLE OF ALL RACES, GENDERS AND CREEDS. LISA GODLEY GIVES US AN INSIDE LOOK AT HOW SEVERAL ARTISTS HAVE EMBRACED THIS SHIFT. IT’S ALL PART OF “THE REST OF HISTORY” EXHIBIT CURRENTLY ON DISPLAY AT THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART IN VIRGINIA BEACH. THE REST OF HISTORY EXHIBIT IS ON DISPLAY AT THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART OR MOCA… NOW THRU AUGUST 18TH.
“ONCE CONSIDERED THE BEST “POUND FOR POUND” BOXER IN THE WORLD. PERNELL “SWEETPEA” WHITAKER CAPTURED TITLES IN FOUR DIFFERENT WEIGHT CLASSES. THE FORMER OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST DIED SUNDAY WHEN HE WAS HIT BY A CAR IN VIRGINIA BEACH. OUR LISA GODLEY TAKES A LOOK BACK AT THE TUMULTUOUS LIFE OF A HOMETOWN LEGEND.
IT’S BEEN 156 YEARS SINCE PRESIDENT LINCOLN ISSUED THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION, GIVING THE ENSLAVED LIVING IN CONFEDERATE STATES THEIR FREEDOM. BUT, IT TOOK ALMOST TWO AND A HALF YEARS BEFORE THE NEWS REACHED TEXAS. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WHEN IT DID THERE WAS IMMEDIATE JUBILATION AMONG THE ENSLAVED. THE EXCITEMENT AND OPTIMISM THAT CAME WITH FINALLY BEING FREE IS REMEMBERED ON JUNE 19TH OR JUNETEENTH - AND CELEBRATED IN COMMUNITIES ALL OVER THE COUNTRY! OUR LISA GODLEY WAS ON HAND WHEN SOME SUFFOLK RESIDENTS TOOK TIME THIS WEEK TO REMEMBER THEIR ANCESTORS AND THE STRUGGLES AND SACRIFICES THEY MADE TO MAKE OUR DREAMS POSSIBLE.
DOZENS OF PARKWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS RECENTLY GOT A CHANCE TO LET THEIR CREATIVE JUICES FLOW BY HELPING THEIR ARTIST IN RESIDENCE, MARKIS BOWERS, DESIGN A MURAL FOR THEIR SCHOOL. OUR LISA GODLEY WAS THERE WHEN BOWERS AND HIS YOUNG PROTÉGÉ’S UNVEILED THEIR CREATION, WHICH COLORFULLY CELEBRATES THEIR DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE.
A MILITARY FRATERNITY IS WORKING TO HELP RESTORE THE OLDEST PUBLIC AFRICAN AMERICAN CEMETERY ON THE VIRGINIA PENINSULA. PLEASANT SHADE CEMETERY DATES BACK TO THE 1800’S AND IS THE FINAL RESTING PLACE FOR MANY PROMINENT BLACK LEADERS. BUT YEARS AGO, PLEASANT SHADE WAS ABANDONED BY IT’S OWNERS AND QUICKLY DISAPPEARED UNDER TALL GRASS, WEEDS AND TRASH. AS LISA GODLEY FOUND OUT THE MEMBERS OF KAPPA LAMBDA CHI (kie) FRATERNITY, INCORPORATED WON’T REST UNTIL THEY TURN THINGS AROUND.
IT’S CALLED THE BLACK MALE MEDIA PROJECT, AND THE GOAL IS TO HELP CHANGE THE NARRATIVE OF HOW BLACK MEN ARE PORTRAYED IN THE NEWS AND IN SOCIETY. IT STARTED TWO YEARS AGO AS THE BRAINCHILD OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS AND SINCE THEN, HAS BEEN TACKLED THRU A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS HELD BY LOCAL CHAPTERS NATIONWIDE. OUR LISA GODLEY LOOKS AT HOW HAMPTON ROADS BLACK MEDIA PROFESSIONALS ARE WORKING TO CREATE A FRESH VIEW OF BLACK MEN HERE IN THIS REGION.
ONE OF THE RISING STARS OF THIS YEARS’ SOMETHING IN THE WATER FESTIVAL IS A HAMPTON ROADS NATIVE WHO GOES BY THE NAME LEIKELI (LAY-KAY-LEE) 47. AS A FEMALE RAPPER, SHE’S RELEASED SEVERAL POPULAR TUNES AND EVEN BEEN FEATURED ON A MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK. IMMEDIATELY AFTER HER PERFORMANCE IN VIRGINIA BEACH SHE SPOKE TO OUR LISA GODLEY ABOUT BEING BACK HOME, THE PEOPLE WHO’VE INFLUENCED HER MUSIC AND HER UNIQUE LOOK!
AS PART OF THE 2019 COMMEMORATION – AMERICAN EVOLUTION, THE VIRGINIA ARTS FESTIVAL HAS COMMISSIONED A NEW BALLET. AND PERFORMING THIS “WORLD PREMIERE” IS NONE OTHER THAN THE TALENTED MEN AND WOMEN WHO MAKE UP THE “DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM!” THE BALLET WAS CREATED BY AWARD WINNING CHOREOGRAPHER, CLAUDIA WHO STOPPED BY EARLIER IN THE WEEK TO SHARE WITH US A LITTLE ABOUT HERSELF AND THIS NEW WORK…. TITLED… “PASSAGE!”
WHILE GRAMMY AWARD WINNING ARTISTS DELIVER THE MUSIC THAT THOUSANDS HAVE COME TO HEAR… ONE LOCAL ARTIST WILL BE PAINTING TO THE VIBES DURING THIS WEEKEND’S SOMETHING IN THE WATER MUSIC FESTIVAL. OUR LISA GODLEY SPOKE WITH CLAYTON SINGLETON ABOUT WHAT HE PLANS TO CREATE AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A PART OF AN EVENT OF THIS MAGNITUDE.
CAPTAIN LAURAN GLOVER IS THE FIRST WOMAN TO EVER COMMAND THE UNITED STATES ARMY DRILL TEAM. AND SHE WILL BE RECOGNIZED AT THIS YEAR’S VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO AS THEY SALUTE WOMEN IN THE MILITARY. CAPT. GLOVER RECENTLY TOOK TIME OUT OF HER VERY BUSY SCHEDULE TO SHARE WITH OUR LISA GODLEY SOME OF THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF LEADING SUCH A PRESTIGIOUS GROUP!
IN THEIR QUEST TO HONOR SIX CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS, SOME HAMPTON 5TH GRADERS GOT HELP FROM A PROFESSIONAL ARTIST. THE STUDENTS CAPTURED THE NOTEABLE IMAGES USING PAINT, WOOD AND GLASS. THESE MOSAIC MURALS WILL HANG IN BREEZEWAY AT BARRON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. OUR LISA GODLEY SPOKE WITH THE ARTIST HELPING THEM BRING ALL THIS TO FRUITION… VIRGINIA COMMISSIONER OF THE ARTS… ASA JACKSON.
Author Tony Morrison’s first novel “The Bluest Eye” takes a candid look at racism in the United States. Adapted for the stage, the play’s main character is Pecola, a young African American girl, has been called ugly her entire life because of her dark skin. Pecola believes that if she only had blue eyes she’d be looked at differently, so she prays for them. This look at race in America in the 1940’s is currently being played out at Norfolk’s Well’s Theatre. And our Lisa Godley takes us behind the scenes.
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS CALLS HIM ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING BEL CANTO TENORS. LAWRENCE BROWNLEE, DEFINITELY HAS A GIFT. AND THIS TALENTED SINGER WILL TAKE CENTER STAGE THIS WEEKEND AT NORFOLK’S HISTORIC ATTUCKS THEATRE, WITH A CONCERT THAT’S SURE TO WOW THE AUDIENCE… AS HE BELTS OUT SONGS RANGING FROM OPERATIC CLASSICS TO NEGRO SPIRITUALS. BROWNLEE RECENTLY SPOKE TO OUR LISA GODLEY ABOUT THE PATH THAT TOOK HIM FROM SINGING SOLOS AT CHURCH TO THE METROPOLITAN OPERA. BROWNLEE WILL SHARE THE STAGE WITH BASS-BARITONE ERIC OWENS ON SUNDAY MARCH 3RD AT 7P.
PEOPLE RETURNING TO EVERYDAY LIFE AFTER SPENDING YEARS BEHIND BARS FACE THEIR OWN STRUGGLES AND CHALLENGES. AND ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT IS MAKING SURE THEY DON’T REVERT TO THE INITIAL BEHAVIOR THAT LED TO THEIR INCARCERATION. ODU’S LATEST THEATRICAL PRODUCTION “GETTING OUT” TAKES AN UP CLOSE LOOK AT ONE WOMAN’S FIRST DAY OUT OF PRISON AFTER SPENDING ALMOST A DECADE INSIDE PRISON WALLS. AND AS OUR LISA GODLEY DISCOVERED, THIS HEARTFELT DRAMA IS PLAYED OUT WITH AN UNUSUAL TWIST.
AGGRESSIONS, INVISIBILITY, AND DISRESPECT, JUST A FEW OF THE THINGS THAT BLACKS IN AMERICA ENDURE ON A REGULAR BASIS. ASPECTS OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN STRUGGLE IS LAID OUT IN A BOOK OF POETRY THAT ODU STUDENTS ARE CURRENTLY READING. THE BOOK IS CLAUDIA RANKINE’S “CITIZEN.” AND THIS ‘BIG READ’ IS IN ANTICIPATION OF HER UPCOMING VISIT AS PART OF ODU’S PRESIDENTIAL LECTURE SERIES. OUR LISA GODLEY GIVES US AN INSIDE LOOK AT “CITIZEN” AND THE LESSONS IT INSPIRES. CLAUDIA RANKINE WILL BE ON CAMPUS, NEXT THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST AT 7PM IN THE BIG BLUE ROOM AT THE TED CONSTANT CONVOCATION CENTER. THE LECTURE IS FREE AND OPEN THE PUBLIC, BUT SEATING IS LIMITED AND TICKETS ARE REQUIRED. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT ODUARTSTIX.COM.
America said goodbye to yet another music icon this week. Singer, Songwriter James Ingram – lost his battle with brain cancer on Tuesday. During his nearly five decades in music, Ingram netted two grammies and two oscar nominations for soulful ballads that captivated audiences. Our Lisa Godley looks back at the man and the music that helped shape a generation.
If You’ve never heard Billy Mercury perform, you’re in for a treat. In Fact, if you close your eyes, you might think you're listening to a popular recording artist from the sixties or seventies. Our Lisa Godley gives us a closer looka at this talented young singer and his uniques musical style. Billy Mercury was recently featured in a WHRO Curate episode on the “Do Drop Inn.” His new album “The SOULution” can be found on SoundCloud.
Jaylen Wilson is no ordinary 13 year old. Not only does he find old furniture and refurbish it for profit, but he’s the president and CEO of his own company, which he calls “SALVAGE BOYZ!” Our Lisa Godley recently sat down with this young entrepreneur who is making a name for himself, one project at a time. SALVAGE BOYZ is located on Queens Way in Hampton, Virginia and is open the second weekend of every month or by appointment.
Born without arms, Immanuel “Manny” Mitchell doesn’t let circumstances hold him back. This talented rapper and inspirational speaker is motivating the masses by sharing his story and his music…. all the while keeping his message positive. Our Lisa Godley recently sat down with this impressive music artist… known by his fans as “Gifted Hands.”
Virginia Association of Broadcasters (VAB) 2018 Award Winner - In a matter of weeks...he went from trying not to be noticed to taking center stage on a nationally syndicated television show! His name is William Williams and the Granby High School senior shared with our Lisa Godley how he’s used life’s hard knocks to bang out a bright future!
I’d like you to think back to when you were a child. What scared you? And who made you feel safe? These are the types of questions you can find in the interactive children’s book series, the holiday boys. Lisa Godley, spoke to Onicka Daniel, mother of three and a domestic violence survivor, about creating teachable lessons and how she incorporated it all into an engaging series of books.
The black Pullman porter was the face of railroad advertising for years! But the link between African Americans and the growth of the country’s railroads goes much deeper. Those contributions were highlighted in some of the paintings, prints and photographs displayed at ODU’s Baron and Ellin Gordan art galleries. Another View producer, Lisa Godley looks at some of the featured works showcasing the African American influence on America’s railroads in “the art of trains” exhibition.
Curate Episode, National Association of Black Journalists, 2018 Salute to Excellence Award Winner - As a child, Michael Twitty would tell anyone who asked, that he wanted to be a writer, teacher, preacher and a chef! As an adult, he manages to do all four! Our Lisa Godley caught up with this very busy young man as he shared food’s incredible narrative...about people and survival with audiences visiting Colonial Williamsburg.
This series of five audio pieces, looks at one of the oldest African American owned businesses on Virginia’s eastern shore. Fifty years ago, it was one of the few safe places blacks could go for good food and entertainment. It was also a hot spot for talented musicians to perform.
Each year Hampton Roads pride brings popular performers to the main stage, and this year was no exception! Headlining Pridefest 2018 was empire star Jussie Smollett, aka Jamal Lyon. The talented actor and singer spoke with Lisa Godley about the music he loves, his busy life, and his love of performing before a live audience!