The Tight Rope

This week, former Mayor of New Orleans and self-proclaimed “white southerner,” Mitch Landrieu,  sits down with the professors to discuss how his upbringing in the south was centered around building community with his Black neighbors, as opposed to building a sense of superiority. Landrieu describes his belief that we must truly fix America, not just ‘change the carpet,’ and talks about how America has been “divided by design.” Finally, hear Dr. West reflect on his times growing up returning to the south during summers and the impact these experiences had on his personal development.

Mitch Landrieu is an American Politician, Lawyer, author, speaker, nonprofit leader and CNN political commentator. He served as the 61st Mayor of New Orleans (2010-2018) When he took office, the city was still recovering from Hurricane Katrina and in the midst of the BP Oil Spill.

Under Landrieu's leadership, New Orleans is widely recognized as one of the nation’s great comeback stories. Landrieu gained national prominence for his powerful decision to take down four Confederate monuments in New Orleans, which also earned him the prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. In his best-selling book, In the Shadow of Statues: A White Southerner Confronts History, Landrieu recounts his personal journey confronting the issue of race and institutional racism that still plagues America.

In 2018, he launched E Pluribus Unum (“Out of Many, One”), an initiative in the South created to fulfill America’s promise of justice and opportunity for all by breaking down the barriers that divide us by race and class. Prior to serving as Mayor, Landrieu served two terms as lieutenant governor and 16 years in the state legislature. He and his wife Cheryl live in New Orleans, where they raised their five children.

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Creator/EP: Jeremy Berry

EP/Host: Cornel West

EP/Host: Tricia Rose

Producers: Allie Hembrough, Ceyanna Dent

Beats x Butter (IG: @Butter_Records)

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In part 2 of their conversation, @HakiMadhubuti and the Professors continue their conversation answering the question “How can we best pass on the legacy of institution building?” Tune in for Professor Madhubuti’s answer as well as his reading of his poem “Liberation Narratives.”

A leading poet and one of the architects of the Black Arts Movement, Haki R. Madhubuti (pronounced Mad-hu-boo-tee) —publisher, editor and educator—has been a pivotal figure in the development of a strong Black literary tradition. He has published more than 31 books (some under his former name, Don L. Lee) and is one of the world’s best-selling authors of poetry and non-fiction. His book, Black Men: Obsolete, Single, Dangerous? The African American Family in Transition, has sold more than one million copies.

Follow Professor Madhubuti and Third World Press!

~Third World Press~ Twitter | Website

~Professor Haki Madhubuti~ Twitter | Facebook

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Credits:

Creator/EP: Jeremy Berry

EP/Host: Cornel West

EP/Host: Tricia Rose

Producers: Allie Hembrough, Ceyanna Dent

Beats x Butter (IG: @Butter_Records)

#TheTightRope

#CornelWest

#TriciaRose

#SpkerBoxMedia

Become a member of our Patreon family for full episodes, behind-the-scenes access and more exclusive content! You can sign up here at https://www.patreon.com/thetightropepod

OR, Donate to the show here! 

Follow The Tight Rope on Social Media!

Patreon | Twitter | Instagram |  Facebook

Become a member of our Patreon family for BTS access and more exclusive content!

You can join us on our Patreon!

Previous video episodes on our Youtube!

Credits:

Creator/EP: Jeremy Berry

EP/Host: Cornel West

EP/Host: Tricia Rose

Producers: Allie Hembrough, Ceyanna Dent

Beats x Butter (IG: @Butter_Records)

#TheTightRope

#CornelWest

#TriciaRose

#SpkerBoxMedia

This week, @HakiMadhubuti joins the Professors for a conversation about his body of work and how he was, as one of his books is entitled, Taught By Women. Describing Gwendolyn Brooks as his “cultural mother,” Professor Madhubuti talks about the importance of the mentorship he received through his relationship with her and how he came to believe that literature is essential to self-discovery. Finally, synergizing his love for the written word with his belief in the necessity of building Black-led institutions, Professor Madhubuti discusses the institution he created--- Third World Press.

A leading poet and one of the architects of the Black Arts Movement, Haki R. Madhubuti (pronounced Mad-hu-boo-tee) —publisher, editor and educator—has been a pivotal figure in the development of a strong Black literary tradition. He has published more than 31 books (some under his former name, Don L. Lee) and is one of the world’s best-selling authors of poetry and non-fiction. His book, Black Men: Obsolete, Single, Dangerous? The African American Family in Transition, has sold more than one million copies.

Follow Professor Madhubuti and Third World Press! 

~Third World Press~ Twitter | Website 

~Professor Haki Madhubuti~ Twitter | Facebook

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Become a member of our Patreon family for BTS access and more exclusive content!

You can join us on our Patreon!

Full video version of this episode and others here!

Previous video episodes on our Youtube!

Credits:

Creator/EP: Jeremy Berry

EP/Host: Cornel West

EP/Host: Tricia Rose

Producers: Allie Hembrough, Ceyanna Dent

Beats x Butter (IG: @Butter_Records)

#TheTightRope

#CornelWest

#TriciaRose

#SpkerBoxMedia

This week, Bob the Drag Queen joins the professors for a conversation about love-- love of self, love of community, and love of one’s fellow humans-- and all of the obstacles that arise in the process of giving or receiving this love when a person doesn’t fit within certain “norms.” Together, they explore the power of being celebrated for who you are, the reluctance to acknowledge homosexuality and gender non-conformity in the Black community, and why systemic racism is like a pair of ill-fitting pants.

“Bob The Drag Queen” describes herself as “hilarious, beautiful, talented and...humble.” Bob’s unabashed confidence won her the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar” on season 8 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” multiple acting roles for HBO, Netflix, Sony Tristar, MTV, and VH1. Bob has recently released her second comedy special, “Bob The Drag Queen: Live at Caroline’s” available on iTunes, as well as season 3 of “ Sibling Rivalry," the podcast she co-hosts with her drag sister Monét X Change.

Follow Bob on Social Media! 

Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Facebook

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Become a member of our Patreon family for BTS access and more exclusive content!

You can join us on our Patreon!

Full video version of this episode and others here!

Previous video episodes on our Youtube!

Credits:

Creator/EP: Jeremy Berry

EP/Host: Cornel West

EP/Host: Tricia Rose

Producers: Allie Hembrough, Ceyanna Dent

Beats x Butter (IG: @Butter_Records)

#TheTightRope

#CornelWest

#TriciaRose

#SpkerBoxMedia

As Women’s History Month comes to a close and Black Women’s History Month begins, we revisit some of our favorite moments with the powerful women we’ve had on The Tight Rope. With this compilation, we hope to celebrate the strength and wisdom of women across generations and identities, join us in our tribute to our honored guests and women everywhere.

“When we focus on the oft ignored generosity, genius and greatness of women, it enriches us all.”-- Professor Tricia Rose

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Become a member of our Patreon family for BTS access and more exclusive content!

You can join us on our Patreon!

Full video version of this episode and others here!

Previous video episodes on our Youtube!

Credits:

Creator/EP: Jeremy Berry

EP/Host: Cornel West

EP/Host: Tricia Rose

Producers: Allie Hembrough, Ceyanna Dent

Beats x Butter (IG: @Butter_Records)

#TheTightRope

#CornelWest

#TriciaRose

#SpkerBoxMedia

In a special edition of The Tight Rope, Dr. Cornel West provides closing thoughts on his “ridiculous situation at Harvard” with respect to his being denied tenure at the institution. Join Dr. West and Professor Tricia Rose as they discuss the finality of Dr. West’s decision to leave Harvard and return “home” to Union Theological Seminary.

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Become a member of our Patreon family for BTS access and more exclusive content!

You can join us on our Patreon!

Full video version of this episode and others here!

Previous video episodes on our Youtube!

Credits:

Creator/EP: Jeremy Berry

EP/Host: Cornel West

EP/Host: Tricia Rose

Producers: Allie Hembrough, Ceyanna Dent

Beats x Butter (IG: @Butter_Records)

#TheTightRope

#CornelWest

#TriciaRose

#SpkerBoxMedia

The professors invite Rapsody to discuss the legacy of the Black music tradition and how it continually reiterates itself within “new genres” creating a cultural archive. Additionally, Rapsody discusses her journey ‘making it’ in the business without compromising her vision for her artistry and the stories she wants to tell. As they discuss both the legacy and future of hip-hop, the Professors and Rapsody discuss the popular tropes in hip hop music and interrogate how gender stereotypes manifest both ‘the business’ and music itself. Finally, they speak to the political nature and origins of hip hop and exchange views on how it continues to fortify generations of freedom fighters.

Rapsody is a Jamla/Roc Nation artist who has spent the better part of the present decade lapping peers and counterparts while mesmerizing fans who still prefer their rhymes detailed and nutritious. The Snow Hill, North Carolina native has more than held her own alongside greats like Kendrick Lamar, Black Thought and the late Mac Miller. She has been broadcasted and hailed by media giants––from NPR to USA Today to TIME  Magazine to BET (2013’s Hip Hop Cypher) to NBC (The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, 2015). In 2014, XXL named her one of the 20 Greatest Female Rappers of All Time. The following year, Dr. Dre crowned her his “favorite female emcee.” 

Follow Rapsody on Social Media! 

Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Website 

Follow The Tight Rope on Social Media!

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Become a member of our Patreon family for BTS access and more exclusive content!

You can join us on our Patreon!

Full video version of this episode and others here!

Previous video episodes on our Youtube!

Credits:

Creator/EP: Jeremy Berry

EP/Host: Cornel West

EP/Host: Tricia Rose

Producers: Allie Hembrough, Ceyanna Dent

Beats x Butter (IG: @Butter_Records)

#TheTightRope

#CornelWest

#TriciaRose

#SpkerBoxMedia

On the 62nd anniversary of the Broadway premiere (March 11, 1959) of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun, Dr. West and Professor Rose reflect on the Black literary tradition as they focus on the legacy of both Lorraine Hansberry and Gwendolyn Brooks as revolutionaries and exemplars who are often misunderstood as the “Darlings of the White Liberal Establishment.” The professors discuss the tension between the relation of love and freedom (interpersonal justice) on the one hand and the struggle for political and economic justice on the other while expertly explaining why and how some of the authors’ most popular works are still misinterpreted in the modern world as less revolutionary than they reveal themselves to be beneath the surface.

Lorraine Hansberry was the first African-American female author to have a play performed on Broadway and is best known for her play A Raisin in the Sun. At the age of 29, she won the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award — making her the first African-American dramatist, the fifth woman, and the youngest playwright to do so. Hansberry worked at the Pan-Africanist newspaper Freedom, with other intellectuals such as Paul Robeson and W. E. B. Du Bois. Much of her work during this time concerned the African struggle for liberation and their impact on the world. Hansberry's writings also discussed her lesbianism and the oppression of homosexuality. She died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 34 and was the inspiration behind Nina Simone’s famous song entitled "To Be Young, Gifted and Black", which was also the title of Hansberry's autobiographical play.

Gwendolyn Brooks is one of the most highly regarded, influential, and widely read poets of 20th-century American poetry. She was a much-honored poet, even in her lifetime, with the distinction of being the first Black author to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1950. She also was poetry consultant to the Library of Congress—the first Black woman to hold that position—and poet laureate of the State of Illinois until her death 32 years later. In 1976, she became the first African-American woman inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Authoring more than 20 books of poetry as well as a novel, Brooks was dedicated to celebrating the humanity of Black people and using her work as a vehicle for civil rights activism.

*Read Tricia's article (2014) on 'A Raisin in the Sun' here!* 

Follow The Tight Rope on Social Media!

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Become a member of our Patreon family for BTS access and more exclusive content!

You can join us on our Patreon!

Full video version of this episode and others here!

Previous video episodes on our Youtube!

Credits:

Creator/EP: Jeremy Berry

EP/Host: Cornel West

EP/Host: Tricia Rose

Producers: Allie Hembrough, Ceyanna Dent

Beats x Butter (IG: @Butter_Records)

#TheTightRope #CornelWest #TriciaRose #SpkerBoxMedia

Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum joins Dr. West and Professor Rose on The Tight Rope to talk about the critical importance of having curriculums, educators, and school communities that are dedicated to affirming and embracing students of color in general and Black students in particular. She explains the fundamental tenets of this practice in terms of what she calls “ABC’s:” Affirming Identity, Building Community, and Cultivating Leadership. Additionally, the Professors reflect on the resurgence of Dr. Tatum’s 25 year-old best-selling book, “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” and Other Conversations About Race, as they discuss the movement of young people fighting for social equity and guidance.

Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, president emerita of Spelman College, is a clinical psychologist widely known for both her expertise on race relations and as a thought leader in higher education.  In addition to authoring best-selling books and acting as a civic leader, her thirteen years as the president of Spelman College (2002-2015) were marked by innovation and growth; her visionary leadership was recognized in 2013 with the Carnegie Academic Leadership Award.

Find Dr. Tatum on social media:

LinkedIn | Twitter| Website: TedX talk: “Is My Skin Brown Because I Drank Chocolate Milk?” 

Follow The Tight Rope on Social Media! 

Patreon | Twitter | Instagram |  Facebook 

Become a member of our Patreon family for BTS access and more exclusive content! 

You can join us on our Patreon! 

Full video version of this episode and others here! 

Previous video episodes on our Youtube! 

Credits:

Creator/EP: Jeremy Berry

EP/Host: Cornel West

EP/Host: Tricia Rose

Producers: Allie Hembrough, Ceyanna Dent

Beats x Butter (IG: @Butter_Records)

#TheTightRope