What's Your Legacy?

What's Your Legacy?

By Yvette E. Taylor, EsquireSociety & CultureEducation
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What's Your Legacy? episodes

  • Paul Farwell Keene Jr: An Artist's Legacy on Exhibition - Pompidou Museum in Paris - March-June 2025
    Yvette's interview with Paul Jacques Keene and Lydia Williams, son and daughter of Philadelphia born artist, Paul Farwell Keene Jr. encourages investment in African American artist. Paul Farwell Keene, Jr. (1920-2009) was an artist and an American icon in the tradition of the African American community. His art pulsates with vibrancy and with color explosion to depict his view of urban life, and his art functions as an outward expression of the genius of his inner world. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he began his art study and later studied at the Académie Julien in Paris, France. In Paris, he was nourished by the jazz music scene as well as the camaraderie of American expatriates. His work began to reflect this new urban setting, and his many paintings of street and jazz musicians have been shown around the world. Most recently, Paul Keene's work is on exhibition at the Pompidou Museum in Paris from March to June, 2025. The exhibition, "Paris Noir," traces 50 years of artistic expression in Paris of the work of African American, African, and Carribbean artists and explores the history of the civil rights movement in the United States, African independence and the fight for equality in France at the end of the 20th century.
    36 min
  • Saint-Germain-des-Prés in Paris, France – Pont Royal Hotel – History of Literature, Jazz and Art
    Yvette's stay at the Pont Royal Hotel, a former "writer's residence" turned hotel and later expanded to its impressive destination status, was enhanced by her opportunity to interview the general manager, Frederic Legallois. The hotel is located on the Left Bank of the Seine River, where artists and intellectuals of the early and mid-20th century held court on café terraces in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This neighborhood is a postcard-perfect vision of Paris: a grand, boutique-filled boulevard; café terraces practically made for people-watching; former residences turned into hotels; antique shops and bookstores spilling out on cobblestoned squares. Yvette enjoyed the hotel staff's attentiveness to quality service, the art on display and the jazz performance in the hotel's well-appointed bar and lounge. The hotel's proximity to museums and gardens allowed Yvette to enjoy the beautifully manicured Jardin du Luxembourg, which dates back 400 years, and the Musee d'Orsay. The Musee d'Orsay, which was originally established with loans from the Louvre, now claims the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art in the world. Taking over a former Beaux-Arts railway station along the Seine River, this Museum holds masterpieces, which Yvette had an opportunity to enjoy, like Vincent van Gogh's "The Starry Night" and Edouard Manet's "The Luncheon on the Grass" and a very special find for Yvette, the American artist's James McNeill Whistler's "Whistler Mother."
    29 min
  • Vaughn Hebron: Two-Time Super Bowl Champion and Proud Father of Five

    Yvette's conversation with fitness coach and prior professional football player Vaughn Hebron is full of life's lessons. Vaughn is the proud father of five children who have excelled in many ways as a result of his commitment to them as his priority. In his business, VMS Movement Specialist, LLC, he not only motivates but instills discipline that allows his clients to meet their fitness goals.

    29 min
  • Kelly Elaine Navies: A Legacy of an Oral Historian Sharing Her Story

    Yvette talks with Kelly Elaine Navies who is a Museum Specialist Oral Historian at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. Kelly talks about how oral history became her passion. It began with a college assignment that resulted in her finding the legacy of her great-great-grandmother born into slavery in Asheville, North Carolina.

    21 min
  • Daphne Rubin-Vega: The Legacy of a Broadway Actress

    Yvette sits down for an interview with Daphne Rubin-Vega: an amazing, talented actress, singer, songwriter and dancer. Daphne has two Tony Award nominations to her credit: one for her role in Rent as Best Actress in a Musical, and the other for her performance as Conchita in Anna in the Tropics. In 2021, Daphne played the role of Daniela in In the Heights, earning praise for her performance from critics.

    26 min
  • Angela Brown: A Soprano's Legacy

    Angela Brown's passion for her gifts is evident in her conversation with Yvette. Angela personifies the ideal soprano: sheer vocal power; luxurious finesse; and shimmering, high pianissimos. With captivating star power, she unites opera, pops, and gospel in one sensational voice. She has graced the leading opera and symphonic stages on six continents.

    Performances in 2024 included two world premieres: the soprano solo for award-winning composer Nkeiru Okoye's new work, "When the Caged Bird Sings," inspired by the life of Dr. Maya Angelou. She also reprised the role of Addie Parker in Charlie Parker's Yardbird with the Indianapolis Opera.

    32 min
  • A'Lelia Bundles: The Legacy of Madam C.J. Walker
    Yvette has a lively conversation with A'Lelia Bundles, the great-great-granddaughter of trailblazing entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker. Madam C.J. Walker is often referred to as one of the first self-made African American millionaires. But what is most important is the legacy that Madam C.J. Walker left, the generational wealth she created, the women she empowered and the causes she was involved in. A'Lelia Bundles, an award-winning journalist and author, has been at the forefront of documenting the legacy of Madam C.J. Walker. Her book On Her Own Ground served as the inspiration of the Netflix series Self Made about Madam C.J. Walker's life.
    32 min
  • Dr. Ivette Ruiz: The Legacy of Healing Gardens
    Yvette talks with Dr. Ivette Ruiz who returned to What's Your Legacy to talk about her third Disability & Agriculture Conference, scheduled for April 16, 2025. Dr. Ivette Ruiz's journey exemplifies the human spirit's ability to heal through faith, nature and community. Her dedication to healing in nature and inspiring others to repurpose themselves leaves a lasting impact, one thriving garden at a time.
    25 min
  • Karen Loucks Rinedollar: The Legacy of Project Linus

    Yvette's conversation with Karen Loucks Rinedollar is inspiring. Karen is an accomplished author, speaker, athlete, knitter, entrepreneur and volunteer who has dedicated her life to making a positive impact on the world. She has managed the career of legendary jazz drummer Ginger Baker and as sole owner and executive director of the Denver Speakers Bureau, she serves as an agent for almost 100 professional speakers who enlighten, educate and inspire audiences.

    Karen is best known for her work as founder & Denver coordinator of Project Linus, a non-profit that provides handcrafted security blankets to children in need of extra comfort. 2025 marks three decades of doing this impactful work. Project Linus has provided over 10 million blankets to children around the globe. She has appeared on the Oprah Show, in People Magazine and in hundreds of other media outlets.

    34 min
  • Lynne Kelleher: Legacy of a Realtor Extraordinaire

    Yvette has an exciting discussion with Realtor extraordinaire, Lynne Kelleher. As a self-described part marketing guru, negotiator, psychologist, stager, comedian, cajoler, advocate and general hand holder, Lynne brings her full quintessential self to everything she does with gust and enthusiasm.

    Her further passion for making a difference led her to serve as the founder of 100+ Women Who Care – Bucks County.

    31 min

About What's Your Legacy?

From the publisher's feed

Pennsylvania estate planning attorney Yvette E. Taylor, Esq. explores the extraordinary legacies of ordinary people.