Select library locations are open for curbside service and computer reservations only. All holds that would normally have expired the week of Feb 14 will be held through March 1 to allow pickup following winter storm-related service suspension.
UPDATE: Richland Park Branch Library closes for maintenance for approximately one week beginning March 1. Please pick up your held items or call the branch at (615) 862-5870 before 6 PM on Feb 26 to have them rerouted.
Truth B Told: Conversations About Culture and Power
Andrea Blackman and Tasneem Grace discuss contemporary social justice, identity, race, gender, motherhood, womanhood and humanity. Andrea and Tasneem believe good talks, good questions and curiosity are the foundation for social change. They also believe that recognizing the many shades of truth is the root of cultural awareness and connection.
Andrea
Andrea is the division director for the Special Collections Center at the Main Library. She is also a mother, professor, lover and scholar of hip hop, and a Zora enthusiast. She enjoys deep conversations and pushing the envelope, all the features of Truth B Told.
Tasneem
Tasneem is the program and engagement designer in the Special Collections Center at the Main Library. She is also a writer, editor, performance artist, mother, and culinary queen of collard greens. She loves a good conversation, introspective questions, and soul-searching, all the features of Truth B Told.
Some say women are too fickle for good friendships. We’re catty. Petty. Back-biting. Evil. Watch your back. Yet we know the sanctuary of sisterhood. We have found it in one another and we extend it. Sister is a high title. Who are your sister-friends? And what defines your bond?
This episode explores the ways of the culture vulture, the idea imposter, the heritage hijacker. Tasneem and Andrea explore cultural appropriation. Who gets to rock African mud cloth? And who doesn't? Who gets to sing the blues? And who shouldn't?
Music is the call for revolution. While some songs move our bodies, others shift our thoughts. Listen in as Andrea and Tasneem share the work of two artists whose talent and lyricism activate personal peace and social consciousness.
Sages declared 2020, "The Year of Perfect Vision." Ohhhhhh, what change we witnessed! Tasneem and Andrea tell personal truths about the lessons of 2020 and their new vision for 2021. What experiences will be released? What do they hope to attract?
We are numb, fam. Frozen in feelings that range from fatigue to frustration. So many tragedies. So much footage. Andrea and Tasneem examine the emptiness that follows yet another shooting, yet another disgrace, yet more heartache.
Tasneem and Andrea discuss the makings of the hit song that reveres female sexuality, elevates genital lubrication and celebrates feeling good. *Parental discretion
Andrea and Tasneem examine lyrics from the Megan thee Stallion and Beyonce remix to explore the makings of "good girls" and ones who are, well, "wild and undomesticated."
Andrea and Tasneem talk about their favorite podcast series and how they have their minds spinning about monsters, Black people, public schools and white power.
Andrea and Tasneem insist that Blackness is not about burden but excellence, victory and celebration. But you tell us: What do you love about black culture, black identity and black lives?
Learn more about the cultural lessons from Andrea and Tasneem's childhoods. When did they begin to notice social injustice? Who guided them toward careers that prioritize conversations about race and identity as more than than just talk? When have you noticed?
