Episodes
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50 years after busing, two sisters confront their trauma in new GBH documentary
In September, 1974 – two days after her 14th birthday – Leola Hampton boarded a school bus that would launch her into the heart of one of the most divisive and defining moments in Boston history: court-ordered school desegregation. She and her older sister, Linda Stark, were bused from their home in the predominantly Black neighborhood of Roxbury into the white, working-class neighborhood of South Boston. They navigated a violent and virulently racist high school experience so scarring that a half-century later, they are only now beginning to discuss it with each other. In a new documentary called “‘Never Cried’: Boston’s Busing Legacy,” produced by GBH News’ Emily Judem and Stephanie Leydon, Leola and Linda, along with their family and experts in local history and trauma, share their story. -
Arrowfest kicks off grand opening of new Arrow Street Arts center in former Oberon space
For 10 years, Oberon – the American Repertory Theater’s second performance space in Cambridge – was known to locals and visitors alike for “The Donkey Show,” a disco rendition of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The show closed in 2019, and in 2021, Oberon shuttered, too. Now, a new venue called Arrow Street Arts is taking over the existing space, and it’s kicking off its grand opening in a big way with Arrowfest, a 10-day arts festival showcasing local actors, musicians, dancers, circus performers, puppeteers and more. We speak with Arrowfest’s lead curator and two performers debuting a new work at the festival. -
23 years after 9/11, what is the state of our national security?
Wednesday, September 11, 2024, marks the 23rd anniversary of the deadliest terrorist attack in history – 9/11. In the wake of the four coordinated attacks carried out by the Islamist extremist group, al-Qaeda, America went after the attackers and moved to reshape its strategy for national security. More than two decades after 9/11, do Americans feel terrorism is still the greatest threat? And what is the state of national security in the United States today? Three experts tell us how national security is much more than border walls, cyber safety … or taking off our shoes at the airport. -
ENCORE: Harvard cellular and molecular biologist Jason Buenrostro breaks down gene expression
Cellular and molecular biologist Jason Buenrostro is one of 2023’s MacArthur Foundation fellows. Buenrostro, who is also a Harvard University associate professor, studies the mechanisms that “turn on” genes, and is the pioneer of a popular method to assess chromatin accessibility across the genome. We spoke with Professor Buenrostro for Under the Radar's series, “The Genius Next Door.” -
ENCORE: From kelp burgers to biofuel, some see a bright future for seaweed
Oceans, rivers and lakes are chock-full of thousands of underwater plants and algae collectively described as seaweed. Demand for seaweed — kelp, specifically — has exploded as scientists have confirmed its dietary benefits and its potential as a tool in the fight against climate change. From food to biofuel and everything in between, some experts believe this billion-year-old algae is the wave of the future. -
Black Excellence is on Display in Screen Adaptation of the Best-Selling Novel, “The Emperor of Ocean Park”
More than 20 years ago, Stephen L. Carter’s debut novel, “The Emperor of Ocean Park” spent 11 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, raking up accolades and award nominations. Interest in the novel has continued, and now, “The Emperor of Ocean Park” has been adapted into a streaming series starring Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker. We speak with author Carter about the inspiration and underlying themes of the novel, and with show creator Sherman Payne about adapting the thrilling whodunit from page to screen. -
New Book Uncovers the History of Black Homeownership on Martha’s Vineyard
They came as housekeepers, whalers and indentured servants in the 19th century: Black families who settled permanently on Martha’s Vineyard. Their hidden history is uncovered in a new book, “Black Homeownership on Martha’s Vineyard: A History,” by authors Thomas Dresser and Richard Taylor. We speak with Dresser and Taylor about tracing the existence of Black people on the Vineyard to before the Revolutionary War, unearthing centuries-old stories and why Martha’s Vineyard has been a haven for Black families for generations. -
The Enduring Legacy of Miles Davis’ Iconic Album, “Kind of Blue”
Seven musicians, two recordings, five songs: musical magic. This week marks the 65th anniversary of “Kind of Blue,” the iconic album recorded and performed by a young group of talented rising stars – John Coltrane, Julian “Cannonball” Adderly, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers, Jimmy Cobb and Wynton Kelly – before they were jazz legends, all under the leadership of the visionary trumpeter Miles Davis. “Kind of Blue” remains a treasured classic recording and is still selling copies, still taught in music classrooms, still covered by jazz musicians and still deconstructed by cultural critics. So why has Kind of Blue endured as the top classic jazz album for 65 years? We speak with three jazz experts to learn more about the revolutionary album. -
Not Just Kamala Harris: How Indian and South Asian American Women Are Shaping Local, State and National Politics
Two high-profile Indian American women – Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Usha Vance, wife of Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance, are shining a spotlight on South Asian women in politics. They’re just two of the 4.4 million Indian Americans in this country – the largest Asian demographic identifying solely from one country, and an increasingly powerful voting bloc. As Vice President Kamala Harris officially accepts the Democratic nomination this week, will South Asian women mobilize for her campaign? And how are they shaping the 2024 elections in their communities and states, both as active voters and as candidates? -
Local Musicians and DJs Shine on City of Boston’s “Dear Summer: Volume 2” Mixtape
Boston released “Dear Summer: Volume 1” last year – its first official summer mixtape and the country's only city-sponsored one. From hip-hop to rock to jazz, the new platform showcased the talents of local musicians and Boston’s rich musical heritage and legacy. Now “Dear Summer: Volume 2” is live featuring a new set of artists: six DJs and 17 artists (6-1-7, get it?) from the Greater Boston area for a 2-hour-long soundscape. This second annual collaboration has two aims: to “connect residents across neighborhoods through music, and to celebrate summer.” We speak with the mixtape’s co-producers to learn about this year’s edition.
