[Chapter 19]: West Oakland Cultural Action Network Storytelling Session: In Conversation with Dorothy Lazard

[Chapter 21]: "Black California & The Great Migration" in Conversation with David Peters, Rashida Chase and Dr. Mari Gray

The Great Migration took place starting in the 1910’s and lasted until the 1970’s. Approximately 6 million Black folks moved from the American South to the Northern, Midwest and Western states, shaping the modern-day cities we know and love today, namely Oakland. Join this live conversation as I discuss these experiences through the lens of Black California, specifically with first, second and third generation Bay Areans. This conversation took place on September 30, 2023 at the West Oakland Cultural Action Network’s Land is Liberation Festival in the Storytelling Pavilion. – Support the Following Work: Dr. Mariama Smith Gray - The Great Migration Study - https://www.csueastbay.edu/news-center/experts/gray-mariama.html [https://www.csueastbay.edu/news-center/experts/gray-mariama.html] Rashida Chase: Artist Resistance in Residence (link [https://kpfa.org/area941/episode/rashida-chase/?fbclid=IwAR03Prt7yX4y1JsjsriOO3ZvpoB58eUrjk5wYQAyGcxxAYQeFx_gUDq_bWM]) West Oakland Cultural Action Network: https://www.thewocan.org/ [https://www.thewocan.org/] – Does something resonate with you from the episode? Please leave a review. Say hello: Instagram: @StoryNoir | Website: Storynoir.com

[Chapter 20]: Sounds Underground: "In Conversation with Sonny SOUF"

Welcome to Chapter 20 of the StoryNoir podcast. This is a part of a series of conversations with the artists from UC Berkeley’s Sounds Underground Talent Showcase. Take a listen as we explore mental health, understanding the boundlessness of our own creativity and taking a bit of inspiration from our environment and lived experiences. Sonny represents Hip Hop with his rhyme schemes, content, delivery and punchlines. He strives to become the artists that inspired him. Support Sonny’s Work: @Sonny.Souf [https://www.instagram.com/sonny.souf/] -- Does something resonate with you from the episode? Please leave a review. Say hello: Instagram: @StoryNoir | Website: Storynoir.com

[Chapter 19]: West Oakland Cultural Action Network Storytelling Session: In Conversation with Dorothy Lazard

Join this conversation as Dorothy Lazard discusses her debut novel, What You Don’t Know Will Make a Whole New World (2023). Miss Dorothy is a retired Oakland Librarian with a story that spans in the early days of The Great Migration in the 1960’s. The ever changing landscape of Oakland calls for the preservation of personal narratives to show the rich history that remains rooted in the fabric of the culture. – Support Dorothy Lazard’s Work: https://dorothylazard.com/ [https://dorothylazard.com/] This Librarian Holds the Keys to Oakland's History (link [https://www.kqed.org/arts/13875177/dorothy-lazard-rightnowish]) - KQED article by Rightnow-ish’s Pen Hardshaw - Does something resonate with you from the episode? Please leave a review. Say hello: Instagram: @StoryNoir Website: Storynoir.com

[Chapter 18]: "Sounds Underground: In Conversation with Farbod"

Welcome to Chapter 18 of the StoryNoir podcast. This is part of conversations with the artists from UC Berkeley’s Sounds Underground Talent Showcase. Today I’ll be in conversation with Farbod (@MyNameisFarbod). What does sunshine embodied look like? Look no further than Farbod Mirodani, a force to be reckoned with as a corporate lawyer turned musician. From attending Berkeley Law to then performing at Zellerbach Hall 20 years later, Farbod tells his story of resilience and transformation as he’s come out in so many aspects. From juggling the Big 3, “Doctor, Engineer or Lawyer,” he chose the law route, but didn’t feel quite fulfilled as he lived the dreams of others. Today, he’s found a blend between the two worlds of passion and career, as he trailblazes his own path along the way. Support Farbod’s Work: https://www.instagram.com/mynameisfarbod/ [https://www.instagram.com/mynameisfarbod/] Reflection (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/track/40C226gL2NkCNjgPiHj6da?si=5ef00f2913ee4dc2 – Does something resonate with you from the episode? Please leave a review. Say hello: Instagram: @StoryNoir | Website: Storynoir.com

[Chapter 17]: Reading: "Sisters of the Yam - Tongues of Fire: Learning Critical Affirmation" Written by bell hooks

Welcome to Chapter 17 of the StoryNoir podcast. I’ll be reading “Tongues of Fire: Learning Critical Affirmation” from Sister of the Yam by bell hooks. Description of the text: This chapter distinguishes between the harsh critiques people give one another, which may contain 'truth', and liberating truth-telling, they are not the same. It examines whether people are really dedicated to truth-telling when they are exposing something about someone else. Harsh criticism, with a truth-telling component, is often a major characteristic of black mother-and-daughter relationships. Since many black women were and still are raised in households where most of the love and affection people receive comes from black women elders, mothers, aunts, and grandmothers who may also use criticism in a verbally abusive way, the may come to see such a practice as a caring gesture. Most black women know what it is like to bear the brunt of brutal tongue-lashings. Most of people have been told the 'truth' about themselves in ways that have been hurtful and humiliating.” Source: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/mono/10.4324/9781315743165-3/tongues-fire-bell-hooks?context=ubx&refId=ce58d474-0699-4be5-a137-c26448de797e – Does something resonate with you from the episode? Please leave a review. Say hello: Instagram: @StoryNoir | Website: Storynoir.com – Disclaimer: No copyright infringement was intended. This reading was done under the assumption of fair use for entertainment and educational purposes. Thank you.