The Conversation: Beyond Black History Month 1st Centenary

Little Roy: The REAL Origins of Reggae Music

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2453426/open_sms] Little Roy is a Jamaican Reggae Artist who began his musical career at just 12-years-old. As the first person to record a song with the word "reggae" in it, he is considered the true originator of the term, and absolutely instrumental in the shaping of the reggae genre. Little Roy claimed his first number one song at the age of just 16-years-old, with "Bongo Nyah", and he has enjoyed an influential, prolific career in music ever since. In this episode, Little Roy and Anthony McPherson discuss: Little Roy's origins as a musician, his early success, the importance of his song "Prophecy," the exploitation of reggae artists, the origin of the term "reggae", Little Roy's latest music, and working with his son. Welcome to The Conversation with Anthony McPherson. To get in touch, please visit: talkupproductions@gmail.com www.talkupproductions.com https://www.youtube.com/@AnthonyMcPhersonConversation

Stephen Akinsanya: Croydon, Criminal Law and Rooting for the Underdog

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2453426/open_sms] Stephen Akinsanya has been a practicing barrister for three decades, and is most known for representing clients with serious offences under complex circumstances. He is also the founder of LifeofFocus, a charity dedicated to mentoring and educating disenfranchised young people. As a Black child growing up in Croydon, Akinsanya felt underrepresented in criminal law. And so dedicated his life to reversing that trend, improving the lives of many children and “underdogs” alike. In this episode, Akinsanya and McPherson discuss: Being a criminal barrister and Stephen’s inspiration behind it, mentoring young people, the history of Black people within law, thoughts on Black History Month, and how to change the culture on Black education. Welcome to The Conversation with Anthony McPherson. To get in touch, please visit: talkupproductions@gmail.com www.talkupproductions.com https://www.youtube.com/@AnthonyMcPhersonConversation

Dr. Denise Miller: Why Black History Month Isn't Good Enough

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2453426/open_sms] Dr. Denise Miller is a highly respected academic, author, and activist whose work focuses on the intersections of race, gender, and education. Dr. Miller's insightful analysis sheds light on the challenges students face, while also highlighting their resilience and agency.  Dr. Miller's dedication to social justice and her commitment to empowering marginalized voices make her a powerful force in the fight for educational reform. In this episode Dr. Miller and McPherson discuss: Denise’s background as a primary school teacher, her transition into becoming an Educational Psychologist; whether Black History month is relevant (or merely tokenistic), why inclusive curriculums are important, and how government decisions impact children’s education. Welcome to The Conversation with Anthony McPherson. To get in touch, please visit: talkupproductions@gmail.com www.talkupproductions.com https://www.youtube.com/@AnthonyMcPhersonConversation

Suzann McLean: The Importance of Black Theatre, Culture and Performing Arts

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2453426/open_sms] Suzann McLean is an esteemed, award-winning actress, and the CEO and artistic director of Theatre Peckham. Her acting career spans both stage and screen, with credits including popular productions like “Good Omens,” “The Honourable Woman,” “Dr. Who,” Eastenders,” and “Little Miss Jocelyn.” Perhaps most notably, however, is McLean’s portrayal of “Isabella”: a young Rwandan woman from the National Theatre’s production of “Measure For Measure.” Outside of acting herself, Suzann is also known for fostering talent and championing young, diverse voices; which she has done an especially excellent job of at Theatre Peckham, after stepping into her role in 2018. In this episode, McLean and McPherson discuss: Suzann’s role as CEO and artistic director of Theatre Peckham, the importance of community and collaboration, developing theatre classics, Theatre Peckham alumni like John Boyega, and the self described “controversial” Young Gifted and Black season; an alternative to Black History Month. Welcome to The Conversation with Anthony McPherson. To get in touch, please visit: talkupproductions@gmail.com www.talkupproductions.com https://www.youtube.com/@AnthonyMcPhersonConversation

Alex Wheatle: Prostate Cancer, Crompton Knights and Growing Up in London

Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2453426/open_sms] Alex Wheatle, the "Brixton Bard," is a British novelist whose powerful stories explore themes of identity, race, and social justice, resonating deeply with young adult readers. Wheatle's Crongton Knights series, a vibrant and energetic portrayal of a group of friends in a fictional London estate, has become a modern classic, celebrated for its relatable characters, fast-paced plots, and insightful commentary on contemporary issues. In 2021, Alex was awarded an MBE in 2021 for his services to literature. In this episode, Alex Wheatle and McPherson discuss: Alex’s traumatic childhood, using literature as a form of escapism, Alex’s battle with prostate cancer, the Crompton Knights adaptation, and his upcoming book. Welcome to The Conversation with Anthony McPherson. To get in touch, please visit: talkupproductions@gmail.com www.talkupproductions.com https://www.youtube.com/@AnthonyMcPhersonConversation