Left of Black S2:E4 
w/ Julie Dash & Lizz Wright 
October 3, 2011 

Filmmaker Julie Dash joins host and Duke University Professor Mark Anthony Neal on Left of Black.  This year marks the 20^th Anniversary of the release of Dash’s ground-breaking film Daughters of the Dust which was the first feature by an African-American woman to gain national theatrical release.   The film draws on Dash’s South Carolina heritage and focuses on three generations of women with roots in the Sea Islands and Gullah culture. Dash discusses how she became a filmmaker and the challenges she faced along the way.  Dash also reveals her surprising view of filmmaker Tyler Perry. 

In the second segment, musical artist and vocalist Lizz Wright joins Neal.  The Georgia born singer discusses how her family’s tradition in storytelling inspired her career as a vocalist.  Wright, whose music is difficult to place in one genre, talks about incorporating religion into her music as well.  Wright also identifies the musicians who influenced her and the inspiration her album artwork.  Finally Wright explains how she’s maintained control of her music.  Wright has released four full-length recordings, including the recent Fellowship.  She performs at Duke University’s Reynolds Industries Theater on October 7^th. 

***

Left of Black is a weekly Webcast hosted by Mark Anthony Neal and produced in collaboration with the John Hope Franklin Center at Duke University.

***

Episodes of Left of Black are also available for download @ iTunes U