Destination Freedom Black Radio Days
A live radio show picks up where the first nationwide African-American radio drama, produced in Chicago by Richard Durham more than sixty years ago, left off. The show walked a daring line between reform and revolution, and was shut down by its network in 1950, as McCarthyism and anti-communism tightened its grip on American broadcasting.
All Episodes
S3 Ep21 The Eclectic - Conversation with the Charles Wright
Join us for our conversation with Charles Wright. Mr. Express Yourself himself. Charles Williams Wright (born April 6, 1940) is an American singer, instrumentalist and songwriter. He has been a member of various doo wop groups in the late 1950s and early 1960s as well as a solo artist in his own right.
S3 Ep20 The Eclectic - Conversation with Attorney General of Minnesota Keith Ellison
Join me for my conversation with AG Keith Ellison. We hear his thoughts on what can be done the break the wheel of use of force by police against our communities.
S3 Ep19 The Eclectic - Conversation with author Patti Hartigan of A Life August Wilson
Our guest is author and award-winning journalist Patti Hartigan. Her recent book August Wilson A Life is receiving praise from literary circles, theatre circles, and academic circles alike. I am joined in conversation with Patti next on Destination Freedom Black Radio Days - The Eclectic.
S3 EP18 Destination Freedom Black Radio Days Year in Review 2023
Destination Freedom Black Radio Days Year in Review 2023. Interviews with David Byrne, Lynn Nottage, and others, plus audio dramas. Enjoy.
S3 Ep17 The Eclectic - Conversation with artist Allison Semmes - singer, actor, writer
Our guest is artist Allison Semmes. One of Allison's latest achievements is that she is part of the Barry Manilow/Bruce Sussman musical Harmony. She portrays the artist and activist icon Josephine Baker. Allison Semmes is a multi-genre singer/songwriter and Broadway actress.
S3 EP16 The Eclectic - Conversation with artist Sheryl McCallum - singer, actor, writer
Join us for our conversation with artist Sheryl McCallum. McCallum is a graduate of Denver South High School who found lasting success on Broadway playing several roles in Disney’s The Lion King.
S3 EP 15 The Eclectic - Rutha Mae Harris, activist and a member of the original Freedom Singers
In the summer of 1961, Rutha Mae Harris was home visiting her family after her first year at Florida A&M University. Protests had been erupting in Albany, her hometown, and Harris had to face a question that many young people involved in the struggle asked themselves – would she go back to school or stay and organize?
S3 EP14 The Eclectic - Report from the trial of Elijah McClain by donnie l. betts
Producer/Director donnie l. betts first hand report on the trial of Elijah McClain. The officers now on trial — Randy Roedema and Jason Rosenblatt — are charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent reckless homicide and assault, all felonies.
S3 EP13 - The Difference
Live from the studios of KGNU in Boulder, Colorado, Destination Freedom Black Radio Days comes to you with The Difference by Peter Trinh. The Difference is a candid dive into racial dynamics and the chasm that grows between the perceived and global majority.
S3 EP12 The Eclectic - Lynn Nottage, two time Pulitzer Prize Winner for Drama, interviewed by donnie l. betts
Our guest is Lynn Nottage. Ms. Nottage has received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice: in 2009 for her play Ruined, and in 2017 for her play Sweat. She is the first and the only woman to have won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama two times.
S3 EP11 The Eclectic - Conversation about Juneteenth with retired Judge Vallera Johnson, marketing rep Danielle Brooks, plus host donnie l. betts, all born on June 19th
June 19th is host donnie l. betts birthday. Born and raised in east Texas he reached out to others that were born on this day and are not from Texas and asked their thoughts on this day - retired Judge Vallera Johnson and marketing rep Danielle Brooks.
S3 EP10 The Eclectic - Conversation with multi-hyphenated artist Sharon Washington
Join me producer donnie l. betts for my conversation with SHARON WASHINGTON (Co-Book Writer) "New York New York" Tony nominee. A proud Native New Yorker with her family living in Manhattan since 1835, Sharon is celebrating over 30 years as an actor.
S3 EP9 Grave Diggers Handicap, The Story of Isaac Murphy
Folks may be familiar with the fine clothes, big hats, and of course the fast horses. But did you know the first 10 winners of the Derby were Black? The first 3 time winner was Issac Murphy. Many consider Murphy the greatest American jockey of all time.
S3 EP8 The Eclectic - Conversation with Marla and Angela Gibbs
Marla Gibbs (born Margaret Theresa Bradley; June 14, 1931) is an American actress, singer, comedian, activist, writer, and television producer whose career spans seven decades.
S3 EP7 I AM, an audio drama written by Kenya Fashaw, produced and directed by donnie l. betts, co-produced, edited, and mixed by Maurice Smith
“I Am” was written by Kenya Fashaw and directed by donnie l. betts. Mimi and Jabari are in love however will Mimi's insane jealousy spoil the young lovers' quest for a beautiful life together? Mimi might need a little help from an unexpected source.
S3 EP6 Cages, an audio drama written by Kenya Fashaw, directed by donnie l. betts, co-produced, edited and mixed by Maurice Smith
After a global race war the year is 2071. We find a world full of life chips, skin sealers and the beige nation. The world has tried to eliminate all the dark people. There are no traces of dark skinned people, or are there?
S3 EP5 The Eclectic - Interview with Co-Creator of Theatre of The Mind and musical great, David Byrne
I’m donnie l. betts. "Now I've been very lucky in my life to meet some of my artistic and scholarly heroes. People like August Wilson, Sonia Sanchez, Grace Lee Boggs, and Oscar Brown Junior. Next on the Eclectic, I sit in conversation with another one of my creative idols.
S3 EP4 The Eclectic - Interview with Director of Theatre of The Mind, Andrew J. Scoville
We are joined by Andrew J. Scoville, a NYC-based, Chicago-born theater director and creator of original work. He specializes in immersive layouts, technological landscapes, and hybrid-genre theater-making with an emphasis on integrating science ideas into theatrical experiences.
S3 Ep3 The Eclectic- Conversation with Producer of Theatre of The Mind, Charlie Miller
On this episode of The Eclectic, I'm joined by Charlie Miller, the Executive Director & Curator of Off-Center and part of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Executive Team.
S3 Ep 2 The Tale of Stackalee: The Live Concert
As a follow up to S3 Ep1, this episode features a concert by Lionel Young, Roy Hightower, and Otis Taylor recorded live directly following the audio drama The Tale of Stackalee. Lionel Young. Mr.
S3 Ep 1 The Tale of Stackalee
As a man, the lowlife pimp and murderer Lee Shelton has all but sunk into obscurity. However, as raised up by more than a century of popular culture, the righteous killer Stagger Lee has become an icon to generations, who see in the folk character defiance of authority, pride of self, and strength in the face of adversity.
S2 Ep 22 The Ballad of Satchel Paige
This is donnie betts producer-director of Destination Freedom Black Radio Days. From time to time we like to share one of our shows from our archives. Here is a special one. This episode features Lionel Young, winner of the 2008 and 2011 International Blues Challenge, plus numerous classical and blues awards.
S2 Ep21 Stono: An Audio Ritual
This is donnie l. betts, producer-director of Destination Freedom Black Radio Days. Three years ago I reached out to writer composer T. Carlis Roberts to create a piece for the series Destination Freedom Black Radio Days.
S2 EP20 Of Blood and The Boogie: The Story of Albert Ammons featuring Oscar Brown Jr.
Albert Ammons was born in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were pianists, and he had learned to play by the age of ten. His interest in boogie-woogie is attributed to his close friendship with Meade Lux Lewis and also his father's interest in the style.
S2 EP19 A Conversation with the writers of Give Me Liberty: A Freeman's Story, John and Sydney Futrell
This episode features a conversation with the writers of the three part series Give Me Liberty: A Freeman Story, John and Sydney Futrell. The piece was inspired by real events, as described in genealogy documents preserved by John's mother.
S2 EP18 The Eclectic - Interview with Colorado 2021 Teacher of The Year Gerardo Munzo
Gerardo Muñoz, 2021 Colorado Teacher of the Year. Gerardo A. Muñoz of Denver, Colorado, is a high school and middle school social studies teacher at the Denver Center for International Studies (DCIS) at Baker in the Denver Public Schools (DPS) district.
S2 EP 17 The Gravediggers Handicap: The Story of Issac Murphy
The Kentucky Derby is held on the first Saturday of May every year. Folks may be familiar with the fine clothes, big hats, and of course the fast horses. But did you know the first 10 winners of the Derby were Black? The first 3 time winner was Issac Murphy.
S2 EP16 The Eclectic - Interview with Entrepreneur Jice Johnson
Jice Johnson is the Founder and CVO of the Black Business Initiative and Principle in the New Community Transformation Fund - Denver. Jice is a U.S Army Veteran, a mother of three, and an astute businesswoman based in Denver, Colorado.
S2 EP15 Give Me Liberty: A Freeman's Story part 3
Give Me Liberty: A Free Man's Story, part 3 of 3, is the second chapter of the audio drama of historical fiction written by John and Sydney Futrell. The piece was inspired by real events, as described in genealogy documents preserved by John's mother.
S2 EP14 Give Me Liberty: A Freeman's Story part 2
Give Me Liberty: A Free Man's Story, part 2 of 3, is the second chapter of the audio drama of historical fiction written by John and Sydney Futrell. The piece was inspired by real events, as described in genealogy documents preserved by John's mother.
S2 Ep13 Give Me Liberty: A Freeman's Story part 1
Give Me Liberty: A Free Man's Story part 1 of 3 is the first chapter of the audio drama of historical fiction written by John and Sydney Futrell. The piece was inspired by real events, as described in genealogy documents preserved by John's mother.
S2 Ep12 The Eclectic - Interview with Idris Goodwin, a playwright, director, break beat poet and educator
Next on The Eclectic from Destination Freedom Black Radio Days is Idris Goodwin, a playwright, director, break beat poet and educator. He is the Director of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College and a 2021 United States Artist Fellow.
S2 Ep11 The Eclectic - Interview with The Honorable Judge Gary Jackson
Next on The Eclectic from Destination Freedom Black Radio Days is the Honorable Judge Gary Jackson. He is a Senior Judge in the Denver County Court. We discuss his 50-year legal career and as he describes it, being the only Black person in the room.
S2 Ep10 The Eclectic - Interview with Harold Fields
We asked Harold Field to join The Eclectic to speak about the Tulsa Race Riot and Black Wall Street. For years Harold has led conversations on Race with the Tuesday Race Group. He works for reparations for former enslaved Africans, and he advises on DEI issues for organizations.
S2 Ep9 The Eclectic - Interview with Aisha Ahmad-Post
As a companion podcast to Destination Freedom Black Radio Days comes The Eclectic. Fresh for your ears: Aisha Ahmad-Post is the Executive Director of the Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Denver.
S1 Ep17 Interview with Mayor Johnny B. Thomas of Glendora, Mississippi
This interview is a rebroadcast from 2020. The Department of Justice recently closed the case of Emmett Till who was brutally murdered 66 years ago in August 1955. This episode features a conversation with Mayor Johnny Thomas of Glendora, Mississippi about Emmett Till.
S2 Ep8 The Eclectic - Interview with Deborah Watts
As a companion podcast to Destination Freedom Black Radio Days comes The Eclectic. First Up: Emmett Till was murdered 65 years ago on August 28 1955 in Money, Mississippi.
S2 Ep7 A Letter From Heaven To America from Emmett Till
Recently the US Justice Department closed its investigation into the murder of Emmett Till and said that no new charges would be filed. This episode was produced in Season 1 as Episode 15. Due to this recent decision we are releasing the audio drama again.
S2 Ep6 James Step Back Williams, A Covid Tale
Destination Freedom Black Radio Days examines issues facing communities of color with James “Step Back” Williams. In the early days of Covid 19, some people suffered because of human error and or biases. This is the story of one patient journey who suffered from both.
S2 Ep5 The Lesson and The Conk
The Lesson, written by Kenya Fashaw. Racial biases spark a fuse when a 17 year old Black student starts his first day at a new High School named after a Ku Klux Klan grand wizard. The student finds himself in unsolicited trouble and is confronted by a Black male Principal.
S2 Ep4 The Cleaning Ladies and Bound by Blood
The 2021 season of Destination Freedom Black Radio Days will examine the issues facing communities of color beginning with “The Cleaning Ladies” and “Bound by Blood” by Clinnesha Sibley.
Season 2 Launch Promo
This is a promo for the launch of Season 2 of Destination Freedom Black Radio Days. Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts.
S2 Ep3 Interview with Sonja D Williams, professor in the Howard University Department of Media, Journalism and Film
Sonja D. Williams is a professor in the Howard University Department of Media, Journalism and Film in Washington, DC. She has written and produced numerous documentaries for NPR, PRI, Smithsonian Productions, and local radio stations nationwide.
S2 Ep2 Ruth Blue Turnquest, “The Angel of Federal Street"
“The Angel of Federal Street” tells the story of the great humanitarian of Chicago, Ruth Blue Turnquest. What happens when the Angel Gabriel is calling role of new names of Heavenly angels and the Pearly Gates get stuck?
S2 Ep1 Mary McLeod Bethune, One out of Seventeen
Mary Jane McLeod Bethune was one out of 17 children. She was an American educator, stateswoman, philanthropist, humanitarian, womanist, and civil rights activist.
Season 2 Trailer
Audio Drama at its best. The 2021 season of Destination Freedom Black Radio Days will examine the issues facing communities of color - exploring police shooting, immigration, health disparities, and gender bias.
S1 Ep24 Carter G. Woodson, Recorder of History
Carter Godwin Woodson was an American historian, author, journalist, and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. He was one of the first scholars to study the history of the African diaspora, including African-American history.
S1 Ep23 The Little Rock Nine
On Sept. 25, 1957, the common goal for the nine students entering Central High School was to receive the same educational opportunities afforded white people. The majority of the country only knows the name Little Rock Nine, not Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford, Jefferson Thomas, Dr.
S1 Ep 22 Interview/Conversation with Anthony P. Young PhD
This episode features Dr. Anthony Young, who has been practicing mental health in Colorado for over forty years. He has a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver. He has taught Psychology courses for twenty-six years at the University of Colorado.
S1 Ep21 Freedom Riders
From May until November 1961, more than 400 black and white Americans laid their lives—many endured savage beatings and imprisonment—for simply traveling together on buses and trains as they journeyed through the Deep South.
S1 Ep20 Interview with Internal Medicine doctor Dr. Terri Richardson
On this episode, we hear an interview with Dr. Terri Richardson, MD. Dr. Richardson received her medical degree from the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. She worked as an internist for 17 years at the Eastside Health Center in Denver, a clinic serving the community, before joining Kaiser Permanente.
S1 Ep19 Interview with business owner Rise Jones of Tealee
On this episode, we hear my interview with Black micro-business owner Rise Jones. After a two-year life-threatening battle with a rare form of leukemia blood cancer (CMML) which required chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and two years for recovery, there is a story to be told.
S1 Ep18 The Story of A Year 1875
2020 is a contentious election year in America filled with lies, violence, voter suppression, and intimation. That’s nothing new in the history of our country. Let’s look at the year 1875. In this episode, we hear The Story of Charles Caldwell, the senator who had been a slave.
S1 Ep16 Give Me Liberty: A Free Man Story
This episode features Give Me Liberty: A Free Man's Story, a play of historical fiction written by John and Sydney Futrell. The piece was inspired by real events, as described in genealogy documents preserved by John's mother.
S1 Ep15 A Letter From Heaven To America from Emmett Till
Emmett Till was murdered 65 years ago on August 28, 1955 in Money, Mississippi. At only 14 years old, he was kidnapped, brutally tortured, lynched and killed during a racially motivated hate crime that ultimately helped launch the modern-day civil rights movement.
S1 Ep14 Interview with Candice Bailey, Social Justice Warrior
Black Radio Days is proud to share with you a series of interviews with health care providers, Covid-19 survivors, and social justice warriors. This episode features social justice and heath care rights warrior, Candice Bailey.
S1 Ep13 Interview with John Futrell aka Panama Soweto
Black Radio Days is proud to share with you a series of interviews with health care providers, Covid-19 survivors, and social justice warriors. This episode features John Futrell aka Panama Soweto speaking about efforts to rename the Stapleton Community.
S1 Ep12 Interview with activist Terrance Roberts
Black Radio Days is proud to share with you a series of interviews with health care providers, Covid-19 survivors, and social justice warriors. This episode features longtime activist Terrance Roberts as he discusses what he is seeing in the community as the Black Lives Matter protests continue.
S1 Ep11 Interview with Rev. Terrance Hughes on his battle with Covid 19
Black Radio Days is proud to share with you a series of interviews with health care providers, Covid-19 survivors, and social justice warriors. This episode features Rev. Terrance Hughes, a pastor who's been a force in his community for years.
S1 Ep10 Interview with Dr. Shanta Zimmer on Covid 19
Black Radio Days is proud to share a series of interviews with health care providers, Covid-19 survivors, and social justice warriors. First up is an interview with Dr. Shanta Zimmer. Dr.
S1 Ep9 The Knock Kneed Man: “The Story of Crispus Attucks Freedom Fighter"
Black Radio Days brings you a broadcast of The Knock Kneed Man “The Story of Crispus Attucks Freedom Fighter" with an introduction by the late great artist-activist Oscar Brown Jr.
S1 Ep8 Interview with Sonia Nazario in support of Enrique's Journey
Black Radio Days brings you a special podcast, an interview with the author of Enrique’s Journey, Sonia Narazio. Enrique’s Journey is a beautiful, sad, and inspiring testimony to the power of love and loneliness.
S1 Ep7 Enrique's Journey part 4 of 4
“Enrique’s Journey”, is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Sonia Nazario as adapted by Anthony J. Garcia. Mr. Garcia describes Enrique’s Journey as… “…a beautiful, sad and inspiring testimony to the power of love and loneliness.
S1 Ep6 Enrique's Journey part 3 of 4
Enrique’s Journey part 3 of 4 is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Sonia Nazario adapted by Anthony J. Garcia. Mr. Garcia describes Enrique’s Journey as… “…a beautiful, sad and inspiring testimony to the power of love and loneliness.
S1 Ep5 Enrique's Journey part 2 of 4
“Enrique’s Journey”, is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Sonia Nazario as adapted by Anthony J. Garcia. Mr. Garcia describes Enrique’s Journey as… “…a beautiful, sad and inspiring testimony to the power of love and loneliness.
S1 Ep4 Enrique's Journey part 1 of 4
“Enrique’s Journey”, is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Sonia Nazario as adapted by Anthony J. Garcia. Mr. Garcia describes Enrique’s Journey as… “…a beautiful, sad and inspiring testimony to the power of love and loneliness.
S1 Ep3 The Tale of The Bullet
“The Tale of The Bullet” tells the story of America’s obsession with guns from the bullet’s perspective. According to the bullet, “We do all the work and the gun gets all the love”. This podcast features Prince Po of the hip hop duo Organized Konfusion, whose song "Stray Bullet" addressed some of that violence.
S1 Ep2 The Dark Legend of Detroit Blue
“The Dark Legend of Detroit Blue” written by Hugo Sayles with musical guest Lionel Young. It was nineteen hundred, and thirty-three in Detroit, Michigan. Legends can be born, even in lowly places. Evil needs, create evil intentions This here is the story of a dark soul.
S1 Ep1 Black With A Capital B
Destination Freedom Presents BLACK with a Capital B. by Lamaria Aminah. After one more young black man dies at the hands of police, a community is shaken. A conversation evolves between two mothers at the vigil – one white and one black.
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