Another View's Selected Short Stories

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!

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.