WORLD FOOTPRINTS

Step into the words and paintings of award-winning writers and artists as we celebrate black history in literary color. Award-winning artist Michele Wood’s work reflects a deep sense of history and place. As a painter, illustrator, designer and writer, she has gained wide recognition and has earned multiple awards including the prestigious American Book Award for her first book, Going Back Home.  Michelle is also a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award recipient from the American Library Association.  Michele’s artistry continues to explode in her other works, I See the Rhythm and I See the Rhythm of Gospel.

Fond memories of swimming with “Uncle Martin” is how a small Paula Young-Shelton recalls many days with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  As the daughter of former United Nations Ambassador and former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, Paula offers a human side to the icons of the civil rights movement through her young eyes.  Paula’s accounts are colorfully shared in her children’s book “Child of the Civil Rights Movement.”

Pulitzer-Prize winning author Isabel Wilkerson chronicles America’s Great Migration of African-Americans in her epic novel, The Warmth of Other Suns.  Isabel shares many accounts of African-Americans who left the south between 1915 to 1970 in search of freedom and opportunity and, in doing so, changed a nation and the world.  The Migration of over 6 million black folks from the south not only transformed society, politics, economics and culture, these events also changed the course of history

World Footprints seeks to connect you to the great places in this world.  Today, we travel to a destination that is near and dear ot our hearts--Bermuda.  We will celebrate the national holiday of Bermuda Day, the music, history and traditions with our island brothers and sisters. 

Then, we'll travel to Paget parish on Bermuda and introduce you to a fantastic new property--Newstead Belmont Hills, a golf and spa resort.  This property blends a boutique hotel with the leisure of a luxury resort.

Finally, we'll hop back across the pond to Birmingham, Alabama where we'll visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum--home to one of the world's largest motorcyle collections.  We'll hear what inspired the museum's founder, George Barber, to preserve America's motorcycle heritage.

World Footprints will travel along The Road To Freedom with author and former civil rights activist Charlie Cobb as he introduces us to the places of the movement and the personalities who made those places historically relevant. Then meet fellow travelers Scott Hartblay and Christine Bischoff as they recount their independent journeys along the civil rights trail through Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.

Birmingham, Alabama is known as "The Magic City" and the "Pittsburgh of the South" because of its steelmaking prowess and civil rights legacy.  Walking through the city offers a powerful history lesson and inspiring life stories of those who sacraficed for freedom.

World Footprints will revisit two attractions that takes us back to a dark chapter in America's history:  the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and The Sixteenth Street Baptist Church where a tragic bombing changed the course of history.  Our tour guide is Barry McNealy, a teacher and master tour guide who has been seen on C-SPAN. 

Join World Footprints as we walk through Birmingham's and American history.

Birmingham, Alabama - the Magic City - saw events and courageous people who played a central role in the Civil Rights struggle.  World Footprints goes on a walking tour through history along the Civil Rights Heritage Trail as we step onto the grounds where African Americans confronted Jim Crow era voilence with non-voilent civil disobedience.  We will also explore Kelly Ingram Park and Birmingham's 4th Avenue Business District and discuss the time when segregation made this the city's "Little Harlem".

Brimingham is also known for it's rich musicial traditions and we'll pay homage to two iconic musical figures:  Henry "Gip" Gipson whose 'juke joint' is the last standing music venue of it's kind in Alabama.  Gip's Place has welcomed musicians from all over the world and every Saturday music lovers travel miles for an all-night music tailgate party on a "Sanford and Son" style lot.  We will also introduce Dr. Frank Adams, Sr., a charter member of the Alabama Hall of Fame, who regaled us with stories of his life, a musical set and his time playing with greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.  Sadly, Doc Adams passed away only one month after our meeting with him.  We are honored to showcase  his music throughout today's show.

World Footprints is excited to take you on a journey through Colombia, South America where “The Only Risk is Wanting to Stay”.  Miss Colombia is home to the 2015 Miss Universe and the country was the featured country in the 2011 Smithsonian Folklife Festival and also had a presence in subsequent Smithsonian Folklife Festivals.  World Footprints visited the country and met with some of the artisans and other participants who have been traveling to Washington, DC to share the country's treasures.  When some think of Colombia they reflect on Colombia's dark history with drug cartels and corruption.  However, we saw a very colorful face of this country--one that reflected it's rich cultural heritage and warmth of the communities we visited.  We traveled to historic cities, through the Gold Museum and to Monkey's Island in the Amazon. The memories we left with included the wonderful food, gracious hospitality, architectural and natural beauty.  We fell in love with Colombia and we hope that you will also be inspired to visit the country with an open mind and open heart.

Today World Footprints will talk travel; specifically international travel and study abroad programs with Yahoo! Travel's Paula Froelich.  Our conversation follows an invitation to the White House to participate in a travel summit focused on encouraging more travel, voluntourism and study-abroad opportunities for Americans.  Of course, as Yahoo! Travels editori-in-chief, Paula will share some of her recent travels, top destination picks and travel philosophy.

Then, take a stroll through history as we explore San Antonio, Texas.  The city of San Antonio is one of the oldest European settlements in Texas and, for decades, its largest city.  Thousands of years before the Spanish settlements began the city was populated by various cultures of indigenous people.  Today, San Antonio is investing energy in preserving its cultural heritage and ecosystem for future generations to come.  We will discover the development initiatives taking place in San Antonio and get an update on the city's possible inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Finally, everyone knows Orlando, Florida as the theme park capital of the world.  However, we will discover another side of Orlando as we explore the Maitland Arts Center--the city's first National Historic Landmark.

Today we travel to Namibia and beyond with animal conservationist and television personality Jack Hanna; we will discover Cuba through its people with Insight Cuba’s Tom Popper and Rebecca Rothney will share how people around the world are leaving positive footprints through Pack for a Purpose.  Jack Hanna, nicknamed “Jungle Jack” is one of the most notable animal experts in the U.S.  Jack took some time away from his many filming schedule, David Letterman and other show appearances to talk to us about the successes and challenges in the world of animal conservation.  We are going to discover Cuba through its people with Tom Popper, President of Insight Cuba.  Tom has traveled many times to Cuba and his company is one of a few that are licenses by the U.S. Treasury Department to provide tours to the beautiful island. Our friend Rebecca Rothney will give us an update on how many travelers are leaving positive footprints when they Pack for a Purpose.  Rebecca will also share how her foundation has grown since the O Magazine feature.

Fans of the daytime drama "Days of Our Lives" (DOOL) will enjoy another one of our conversations with actress, singer and author Gloria Loring who played Liz Chandler for seven years on the soap opera.  Gloria spends some time today talking about her spiritual autobiography "Coincidence is God's Way of Remaining Anonymous", and her life since DOOL including working with her son R&B singer Robin Thicke.

Then, join us on an amazing cruise along the Amazon River with Delfin Amazon Cruises.  Generally a 5-star experience and authentic travel sit on opposite sides of the spectrum.  However, Delfin Amazon Cruises takes great pride in connecting the dots between those experiences and provides a unique and memorable travel opportunity in the world's most mystical ecosystem.

As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday we revisit our coverage of the dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr.  Memorial.  Over a decade in the making, October 16, 2011 marked the official dedication of the this historic Memorial in Washington, DC.  The original dedication date of August 28, 2011 was canceled due to Hurricane Irene’s untimely visit.  However, World Footprints attended all of the events leading up to the postponed dedication and we were also present during the October 16th celebration on the National Mall.

Take a step back in time with us and enjoy interviews and sound bytes fromh Martin Luther King III, Lalah Hathaway, multiple event guests and many sound bytes from President Obama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Stevie Wonder, India Arie, Maya Angelou and others.  You’ll feel as though you were there with us so enjoy reliving history and celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.