African-American history — Arts, Culture, Health, Travel Writer

A Visit To Black Wall Street

One of the highlights of 2018 for me has been attending Breakout in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’ve never been to Oklahoma but was really intrigued by the idea of visiting Black Wall Street and learning about this illustrious history. I also wanted to see what the area is like currently, and how our legacy is being preserved and transformed for the present day. I had the opportunity to connect with brilliant artists, activists and historians such as Dr. Ricco Wright, the Artistic Director of the Black Wall Street Gallery. Check out this video of him explaining what set off the Black Wall Street Massacre, as well as the connection between Black and Indigenous communities in Tulsa.

Janna ZinziNovember 13, 2018African-American history, black history, art, culture, Black art, Black history, American history

On Remembering Prince, ‘Baby Dolls’ Breaking Sexual Barriers and a New Orleans Second Line

I shared my experience attending Prince’s second line celebration in New Orleans a few days after his death in 2016. It was a convergence of Black music and culture history dancing with the Legendary Baby Doll Ladies through Treme. Read more at The Root and check the video of the festivities!

arts and cultureJanna ZinziNovember 5, 2018prince, music, African-American history, culture, New Orleans, travel

The Modern Dance Community Thrives on Crenshaw

Lula Washington Dance Theatre is a family affair. The company and school was founded by Lula Washington and her husband Erwin, and is co-managed by their daughter Tamica; all of whom grew up in South Los Angeles. Their mission is twofold: to build a world-class contemporary modern dance company that travels worldwide with work that reflects African-American history and culture, and to create a school in the inner city where young people can learn the art of dance. The Washingtons use dance to “motivate, educate, inspire, challenge and enrich young people so they can become successful and productive citizens” because they know firsthand the transformative power of this art form.