Jackson State University’s WJSU-FM kicks off a 15-part modular series to celebrate Women’s History Month, spotlighting filmmakers, opera singers and others.
Written and narrated by WJSU general manager Gina Carter-Simmers, the venture is distributed by the African-American Public Radio Consortium (AAPRC).
The series is comprised of three-minute audio vignettes that showcase achievements in the arts and literature, as well as educate listeners about accomplishments during the 20th century.
For example, they highlight talented individuals from the early 1900s who endured and overcame the double jeopardy of being black and female. Being in just one of those categories relegated women to second-class citizenship in early America. Despite the challenges, the brilliance of these women inspired generations. Their strength, endurance and commitment to mastering their craft stir creative energies that have enabled HBCUs to thrive.
Loretta Rucker, executive director of AAPRC, commended Carter-Simmers for bringing the project to fruition.
“Gina feels passionately that these stories should be told. She decided to roll up her sleeves and do it herself. … Our listeners are the beneficiaries, and we all become a little more human by hearing these noble stories.”
“Profiles in Women’s History” also includes stories of actresses, prima ballerinas, authors, bandleaders, sculptors and symphonic composers.
The entertaining vignettes were produced by Peabody Award winner Jim Luce of New York City.
Luce describes storytelling via public radio as one of the most powerful aspects of “the theater of the mind” and said the content of these women profiles are worthy to be archived in a museum.
“When humanity is preserved through digital storytelling, public radio offers its producers the opportunity to become cultural anthropologists,” said Luce, whose career spans from radio to assisting jazz and classical musicians to concerts. He acknowledged there are many stories to go around, given the “chaotic conditions that make up today’s America.”
Throughout March, tune in to WJSU to hear profiles of the women listed below three times daily at 11:50 a.m., 3:50 p.m. and 7:50 p.m.
The audio clips include narratives and music.
Featured women
- Lil Hardin Armstrong – singer, pianist, composer, bandleader
- Louise Beavers – actress
- Margaret Bonds – composer, pianist
- Marita Bonner – writer, essayist, playwright
- Carol Brice – contralto singer
- Janet Collins – prima ballerina, choreographer
- Carmen De Lavallade – dancer, choreographer, actress
- Kristin Hunter – novelist
- Dr. Lois Mailou Jones – painter
- Valerie Maynard – sculptor, printmaker, designer
- Audra McDonald – actress, singer
- Euzhan Palcy – film, director
- Leontyne Price – soprano, opera singer
- Florence Smith – symphonic composer
- Iyanla Vanzant – author, inspirational speaker, TV personality