Black History Month

New specials on 91FM examine the past and celebrate the future
By Jennifer Fletcher

WHYY 91FM is airing the following programs in recognition of Black History Month:

Back to the Future of Civilization: 30 Years of African-American Studies In this locally-produced program, scholars including Tricia Rose, Michael Eric Dyson, Barbara Smith, Molefi Asante, Cornel West and T. Denean Sharpley-Whiting discuss the past and future of the study of African-American life, community, thought and philosophy, in celebration of 30 years of African-American studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Friday, February 28 at 9 p.m.

Destination Freedom/Black Radio Days Acclaimed musician, actor and composer Oscar Brown Jr. hosts this program featuring three stories about the remarkable lives and accomplishments of African-Americans.

On Monday, February 24 at 9 p.m., "Housing" exposes the restrictions that kept millions of blacks trapped in dangerous housing conditions in the 1940s through the story of Jack Warren, a black World War II veteran. At 9:30 p.m., "Diary of a Nurse" tells the story of Jane Edna Hunter, founder of the National Phillis Wheatley Association, who defied social and economic odds to build a housing sanctuary for women.

On Tuesday, February 25 at 9 p.m., "Father to Son" examines how Adam Clayton Powell Sr. escaped poverty in West Virginia to lead one of the largest and oldest churches in America.

American as Apple Pie: How Segregation and Terror Lost, 1940-1954 Through recordings and recollections by such renowned people as A. Philip Randolph and Thurgood Marshall, this program recounts the battle black Americans fought during this period to gain constitutional rights. Wednesday, February 26 at 9 p.m.

Uncommon Courage: The Viola Liuzzo Story The program profiles civil rights icon Viola Liuzzo, a Detroit housewife who was murdered by members of the Ku Klux Klan on March 25, 1965 and who historians believe was the only white woman martyred in the cause of voting rights. Thursday, February 27 at 9 p.m.