Destination Freedom Black Radio Days

Conversation two with author Richard Huntley a survivor of Dozier School for Boys

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0000

This episode is part two of my conversation with author Richard Huntley, the author of Dark Days of Horror at Dozier Rapes, Murders, Beatings, and Slavery. I survived Dozer, the Deadliest Reform School in America. You may have heard of Nickel Boys, the book and film. Well, this story is about one of those real nickel boys from this notorious reform school in Florida. Listen as this brave man retells his story of being in prison. In this reform school. A modern-day slave. Listeners, be warned. Some of the details are very graphic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A conversation with author Richard Huntly

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 23:41:00 -0000

This episode is part one of my conversation with author Richard Huntley, the author of Dark Days of Horror at Dozier Rapes, Murders, Beatings, and Slavery. I survived Dozer, the Deadliest Reform School in America. You may have heard of Nickel Boys, the book and film. Well, this story is about one of those real nickel boys from this notorious reform school in Florida. Listen as this brave man retells his story of being in prison. In this reform school. A modern-day slave. Listeners, be warned. Some of the details are very graphic.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Interview with Devon Goffman star Some Like Hot Tour

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

On this episode of Destination Freedom: Black Radio Days – The Eclectic, we go behind the curtain with Devon Goffman — a seasoned Broadway stage veteran whose résumé reads like a greatest hits of musical theater. His voice and presence have lit up theaters from Jersey Boys to Motown the Musical, and now as Spats Colombo in Some Like It Hot…the Tony Award–winning musical comedy that’s been lighting up stages coast to coast.

Devon gets real about life on the road…the ups, the downs, and what keeps him going from city to city. He talks about finding inspiration and community in places like Denver, working side by side with his wife, and what it’s like playing the villain that everyone secretly loves. And through it all, he reminds us how laughter, music, and a good show can help lighten even the heaviest days.

It’s a conversation about art, resilience, and the healing power of performance — and one you don’t want to miss it.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 EP24 Seven Coffins

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Seven Coffins is a drama of abuse, trafficking, and also awareness. Told via poetry and dialogue. Listen in.

Written by Confidence Zora Simone Omenai. Produced and directed by donnie l. betts for No Credits Productions, LLC..

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 Ep23 Round Solstice

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Playwright Nadiya Jackson of Round Solstice says, "The play was inspired by a compilation of poems I wrote referencing the relationship humans have with nature. Over time it became an experimental play adaptation of those poems where I explored the potential consequences of climate change in a more abstract way."

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 Ep22 The Voice of The Spirit is Clear

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0000

Trigger warning: This powerful drama has scenes of sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

Living on the streets Lashawn Hughes a young girl dim of sight and hard of hearing, she is homeless, and hopeless. Then that quiet voice her soul became stronger, louder, leading her spirit true and powerful. Now, all can see her, her strength, her mind, and her heart. The voice of the spirit is clear.

Written by Hugo Jon Sayles and produced and directed by donnie l. betts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 Ep21 The Eclectic - Conversation with the Charles Wright

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 07:00:00 -0000

Join us for our conversation with Charles Wright. Mr. Express Yourself himself. Charles Williams Wright (born April 6, 1940) is an American singer, instrumentalist and songwriter. He has been a member of various doo wop groups in the late 1950s and early 1960s as well as a solo artist in his own right. He is also the former leader and writer of hits for the group, Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band.

Wright was born on April 6, 1940, in Clarksdale, Mississippi, United States. The seventh of twelve children, he was raised on a cotton plantation. Years later, he would refer the sharecropping era as "The next shade after slavery". According to the book Up from Where We've Come, the sharecropper that owned that plantation was a cruel man by the name of Edward Miles. When Wright was 12, the family moved to Los Angeles. Contrary to his father's rule of not allowing his children to listen to secular music, he began listening to popular music and became mesmerized by it. Jesse Belvin was a singer that he heard on the radio was to have a significant influence on the young Wright and who became his mentor. After hearing Belvin on the radio, he looked up his number in the phone book and contacted him. He was told by Belvin to stop copying his sound and find his own. Later, Belvin took Wright under his wing and helped him get started. This association lasted until 1960, but stopped because Belvin died in a car crash at the age of 27. The following year, Wright had his first hit record.

Wright is best known for his role as band leader of the group Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, which had the classic 1971 hit "Express Yourself". He has been associated with Johnny Guitar Watson, touring with him and playing on early recordings by him. He also added his vocals to an album by The Watsonian Institute. For a very brief period, Wright managed singer Bill Withers

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 Ep20 The Eclectic - Conversation with Attorney General of Minnesota Keith Ellison

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 23:48:00 -0000

Join me for my conversation with AG Keith Ellison. We hear his thoughts on what can be done the break the wheel of use of force by police against our communities. With this powerful and intimate trial diary, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison asks the key question: How do we break the wheel of police violence and finally make it stop?

The murder of George Floyd sparked global outrage. At the center of the conflict and the controversy, Keith Ellison grappled with the means of bringing justice for Floyd and his family. Now, in this riveting account of the Derek Chauvin trial, Ellison takes the reader down the path his prosecutors took, offering different breakthroughs and revelations for a defining, generational moment of racial reckoning and social justice understanding.

Each chapter of BREAK THE WHEEL goes spoke to spoke along the wheel of the system as Ellison examines the roles of prosecutors, defendants, heads of police unions, judges, activists, legislators, politicians, and media figures, each in his attempt to end this chain of violence and replace it with empathy and shared insight.

Ellison’s analysis of George Floyd’s life and the rich trial context he provides demonstrates that, while it may seem like an unattainable goal, lasting change and justice can be achieved.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 Ep19 The Eclectic - Conversation with author Patti Hartigan of A Life August Wilson

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Our guest is author and award-winning journalist Patti Hartigan. Her recent book August Wilson A Life is receiving praise from literary circles, theatre circles, and academic circles alike. I am joined in conversation with Patti next on Destination Freedom Black Radio Days - The Eclectic.

August Wilson (né Frederick August Kittel Jr.; April 27, 1945 – October 2, 2005) was an American playwright. He has been referred to as the "theater's poet of Black America". He is best known for a series of 10 plays, collectively called The Pittsburgh Cycle (or The Century Cycle), which chronicle the experiences and heritage of the African-American community in the 20th century. Plays in the series include Fences (1987) and The Piano Lesson (1990), both of which won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, as well as Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (1984) and Joe Turner's Come and Gone (1988). In 2006, Wilson was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame.

His works delve into the African-American experience as well as examine the human condition. Other themes range from the systemic and historical exploitation of African Americans, race relations, identity, migration, and racial discrimination. Viola Davis said that Wilson's writing "captures our humor, our vulnerabilities, our tragedies, our trauma. And he humanizes us. And he allows us to talk." Since Wilson's death, two of his plays have been adapted into films: Fences (2016) and Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (2020). Denzel Washington has shepherded the films and has vowed to continue Wilson's legacy by adapting the rest of his plays into films for a wider audience. Washington said, "The greatest part of what's left of my career is making sure that August is taken care of"

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 EP18 Year in Review 2023

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:04:00 -0000

Destination Freedom Black Radio Days Year in Review 2023. Interviews with David Byrne, Lynn Nottage, and others, plus audio dramas. Enjoy.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 Ep17 The Eclectic - Conversation with artist Allison Semmes - singer, actor, writer

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Our guest is artist Allison Semmes. One of Allison's latest achievements is that she is part of the Barry Manilow/Bruce Sussman musical Harmony. She portrays the artist and activist icon Josephine Baker.

Allison Semmes is a multi-genre singer/songwriter and Broadway actress. She studied vocal performance as a coloratura soprano at the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana, then musical theater at New York University where she received her Master's in Music.

Broadway & National Tour credits include Motown the Musical (Diana Ross U/S), Book of Mormon (Swing, Nabulungi U/S) & Motown the Musical (Diana Ross), and The Color Purple (Squeak).

Other Theatre credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Kennedy Center), A Wonderful World (Miami New Drama), Shout Sister Shout (Seattle Rep), OoBlaDee: Bebop Musical.

She has recorded and written with Stevie Wonder (2020), performed with Erykah Badu & BK Philharmonic in Ted Hearne's "You're Causing Quite the Disturbance" at BAM, and Kurt Elling's "The Big Blind", a noir jazz musical with Dee Dee Bridgewater at Jazz at the Lincoln Center

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 EP16 The Eclectic - Conversation with artist Sheryl McCallum - singer, actor, writer

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 08:00:00 -0000

Join us for our conversation with artist Sheryl McCallum. McCallum is a graduate of Denver South High School who found lasting success on Broadway playing several roles in Disney’s The Lion King.

Connection is also a recurring theme in how McCallum and David Nehls came to make “Miss Rhythm,” which is based on the 1996 book “Miss Rhythm: The Autobiography of Ruth Brown, Rhythm and Blues Legend” by Brown and Andrew Yule. McCallum and Nehls first met in New York in the 1990s, reconnected in Denver a few years ago doing musical theater, and seized the opportunity that the COVID pandemic afforded them (in that “lemons, meet lemonade” way) to create the show.

Since returning from New York City to take care of her mother, Denver native McCallum has been making inroads in the area’s theater scene. In New York, she was in the Broadway cast of “The Lion King” as well as a performer in City Center’s Encores! concert series. In her first Denver show, McCallum played a town elder in the Curious Theatre Company’s production of “Marcus; Or the Secret of Sweet,” part of MacArthur Fellow Terrell Alvin McCraney’s trilogy, The Brother/Sister Plays.

Since then, McCallum’s appeared in shows at Curious, Cherry Creek Theatre, the Aurora Fox, the Arvada Center, and Miners Alley. It was at that Golden theater — during artistic director Len Matheo’s much-needed Quarantine Cabaret — that McCallum and Nehls test-drove a tribute about the woman who became known as the Queen of R&B.

Ruth Brown, After a string of hit songs — “(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean” and “5-10-15 Hours” among them — the Atlantic record label where she switched from ballads to R&B was referred to winkingly as “The House That Ruth Built.”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 EP 15 The Eclectic - Rutha Mae Harris, activist and a member of the original Freedom Singers

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

In the summer of 1961, Rutha Mae Harris was home visiting her family after her first year at Florida A&M University. Protests had been erupting in Albany, her hometown, and Harris had to face a question that many young people involved in the struggle asked themselves – would she go back to school or stay and organize?

She knew the need. Harris grew up with strong roots in the community. Her father, Rev. Isaiah Harris, was the founding minister of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and had been providing literacy classes and encouraging members of his congregation to register to vote since the 1940s. He taught his children to always think that they were as good as anyone else and to never fear any man. Her mother was a schoolteacher and was supportive of the Movement, “She told me that as long as I came back to finish my schooling, it was alright with her.” And so Harris stayed, fueled by the opportunity to fight for her freedom.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 EP14 The Eclectic - Report from the trial of Elijah McClain by donnie l. betts

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Producer/Director donnie l. betts first hand report on the trial of Elijah McClain. The officers now on trial — Randy Roedema and Jason Rosenblatt — are charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent reckless homicide and assault, all felonies. They pleaded not guilty.

Roedema, a former Marine who is currently suspended without pay, had been with the department for five years before McClain's death. Rosenblatt worked for the agency for two years and was fired in 2020 for making light of other officers' reenactment of the neck hold.

The two officers have not talked publicly about McClain's death and it's unknown if they'll take the stand to testify. Their lawyers told jurors that the officers' actions followed police policies and weren't responsible for McClain's death. They've sought to shift any blame to the paramedics who injected the ketamine.

Body cameras worn by the officers captured the confrontation and the footage is being used by both sides to bolster their arguments.

That's what jurors will have to decide.

Rosenblatt initially tried to put McClain in a neck hold but couldn't because of his position, so Woodyard did, authorities said. The maneuver, called a carotid control hold, restricts the flow of blood to a person's brain, rendering them temporarily unconscious. Neck restraints have been banned in many states following the nationwide Black Lives Matter protests.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 EP13 - The Difference

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Live from the studios of KGNU in Boulder, Colorado, Destination Freedom Black Radio Days comes to you with The Difference by Peter Trinh. The Difference is a candid dive into racial dynamics and the chasm that grows between the perceived and global majority. Peering into the veiled, uncomfortable, underbelly of neo-supremacist ideology. Produced and directed by donnie l. betts.

Stay tuned after the audio dramas for a conversation with playwright Peter Trinh. Featured in The Difference are Latifa Johnson, Peter Trinh, Brian Landis Folkins, Josh Levy and donnie l. betts. Plus a Q and A with college and high school students. Many had questions about culture and identity.

Produced by No Credits Productions LLC and donnie l. betts. Listen again at wherever you get your podcasts #BroadwayPodcastNetwork #itunes, #radiopublic, #spotify #amazon, #stitcher or www.nocredits.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 EP12 The Eclectic - Lynn Nottage, two time Pulitzer Prize Winner for Drama, interviewed by donnie l. betts

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 14:06:00 -0000

Our guest is Lynn Nottage. Ms. Nottage has received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice: in 2009 for her play Ruined, and in 2017 for her play Sweat. She is the first and the only woman to have won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama two times. Nottage is the recipient of a MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship and was included in Time magazine's 2019 list of the 100 Most Influential People. On January 13, 2022 Lynn tweeted that she would have a comedy Clyde’s, and a musical MJ for which she wrote the book on Broadway at the same time. She also has an opera for the play Intimate Apparel. Her work is being produced by 24 different major theatres this season according to American Theatre Magazine. Her play "Clyde's" is the most produced play in 2023/24.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 EP11 The Eclectic - Conversation about Juneteenth with retired Judge Vallera Johnson, marketing rep Danielle Brooks, plus host donnie l. betts, all born on June 19th

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0000

June 19th is host donnie l. betts birthday. Born and raised in east Texas he reached out to others that were born on this day and are not from Texas and asked their thoughts on this day - retired Judge Vallera Johnson and marketing rep Danielle Brooks.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Deriving its name from combining "June" and "nineteenth", it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order, issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas. It is much more than just these two sentences. It means Freedom Day to many Black Americans. No more auction blocks. Working for free. However, Freedom is not free, there is a lot more work to be done in America and the world.

Listen in to our conversation.

donnie l. betts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 EP10 The Eclectic - Conversation with multi-hyphenated artist Sharon Washington

Wed, 31 May 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Join me producer donnie l. betts for my conversation with SHARON WASHINGTON (Co-Book Writer) "New York New York" Tony nominee. A proud Native New Yorker with her family living in Manhattan since 1835, Sharon is celebrating over 30 years as an actor. She is thrilled to continue her collaboration with this incredible creative team who she worked with on The Scottsboro Boys musical—this time as a writer. Sharon made her debut as a playwright with her solo play Feeding the Dragon. Off-Broadway it was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award, Lucille Lortel Award, and won an Audelco. Published by Oberon Books it was also recorded as an Audible Theater Original. She is currently writing a children’s picture book version for Scholastic Books. Sharon is a co-writer/executive producer on a project in development for Disney+. She is a proud member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA, and The Dramatists Guild.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 EP9 Grave Diggers Handicap, The Story of Isaac Murphy

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0000

Folks may be familiar with the fine clothes, big hats, and of course the fast horses. But did you know the first 10 winners of the Derby were Black? The first 3 time winner was Issac Murphy. Many consider Murphy the greatest American jockey of all time. By his own account, Murphy won 44% of his races. Racing historians can only verify 34.5% from the era, but it's likely that some of Murphy's races were not documented. Either way, Murphy set a standard that no other jockey has come close to matching. Consider that Eddie Arcaro, recognized as the greatest U.S. jockey of the 20th Century, had a winning percentage of only 22%. Murphy was the first jockey inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1956. Next up on Destination Freedom one of my favorite audio dramas from our series - THE GRAVE DIGGERS HANDICAP, The Story of Isaac Murphy.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 EP8 The Eclectic - Conversation with Marla and Angela Gibbs

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 14:33:00 -0000

Marla Gibbs (born Margaret Theresa Bradley; June 14, 1931) is an American actress, singer, comedian, activist, writer, and television producer whose career spans seven decades. Gibbs is known for her role as George Jefferson's maid, Florence Johnston, in the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons (1975–1985), for which she received five nominations for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. She is a legend, an icon, and a lovely human being.

Angela Gibbs: Writer/ Director/Acting Coach. Currently featured in Not Dead Yet on ABC and Hulu. And she used to rock the screen in Hacks. Her most famous roles include Doris Jackson in Straight Outta Compton and Barbara Cochran in The People v. OJ Simpson. She has also appeared in hit American shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, S.W.A.T, Suits, and NCIS: Los Angeles. He portrayed Randall Pierce mother of the last season of This Is Us.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 EP7 I AM, an audio drama written by Kenya Fashaw, produced and directed by donnie l. betts, co-produced, edited, and mixed by Maurice Smith

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 08:00:00 -0000

“I Am” was written by Kenya Fashaw and directed by donnie l. betts.

Mimi and Jabari are in love however will Mimi's insane jealousy spoil the young lovers' quest for a beautiful life together? Mimi might need a little help from an unexpected source. Let’s find out in this episode of Destination Freedom Black Radio Days.

"I Am" features as MIMI: Nadiya Jackson, JABARI/DADDY/MALIK: James Brunt, I AM: Latifa Johnson and MAMA: Larea Edwards. This episode is co-produced, edited, and mixed by Maurice Smith for DiatonicLabs.com.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 EP6 Cages, an audio drama written by Kenya Fashaw, directed by donnie l. betts, co-produced, edited and mixed by Maurice Smith

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0000

After a global race war the year is 2071. We find a world full of life chips, skin sealers and the beige nation. The world has tried to eliminate all the dark people. There are no traces of dark skinned people, or are there?

Cages is an audio drama written by Kenya Fashaw and directed by donnie l. betts. This episode is co-produced, edited and mixed by Maurice Smith.

The cast included Nadiya Jackson as Ebony, Larea Edwards as Black Woman, Kurt Soderstrom as Billy and Latifa Johnson as Life Chip and Amani. The theme song is performed by Larea Edwards and produced by Maurice Smith.

Filled with an amazing soundscape. Come journey with us to the world of Cages.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 EP5 The Eclectic - Interview with Co-Creator of Theatre of The Mind and musical great, David Byrne

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0000

I’m donnie l. betts. "Now I've been very lucky in my life to meet some of my artistic and scholarly heroes. People like August Wilson, Sonia Sanchez, Grace Lee Boggs, and Oscar Brown Junior. Next on the Eclectic, I sit in conversation with another one of my creative idols. He is the co-creator of the Immersive Theater experience Theater of the Mind as well as Here Lies Love and American Utopia. And he is the founding member and the principal songwriter, lead singer, and guitarist of the Talking Heads.... I welcome the amazing David Byrne!"

theateroftheminddenver.com/about

David Byrne is the founder and in-house headline writer of Reasons to be Cheerful, and the founder of the Arbutus Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to re-imagining the world through projects that inspire and educate. Reasons to be Cheerful is the Arbutus Foundation’s first project.

In conjunction with the premiere of the immersive production Theater of the Mind, co-created by creator of the Broadway hit American Utopia, David Byrne, and writer Mala Gaonkar, Byrne has created a series of seven lenticular artwork images in five editions and a short piece of new music to coincide with the production.

The Eclectic is a companion podcast to Destination Freedom Black Radio Days that features interviews with difference makers, artists, authors, bold thinkers, and people we love who get stuff done. Produced and hosted by donnie l. betts of No Credits Productions, LLC.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 EP4 The Eclectic - Interview with Director of Theatre of The Mind, Andrew J. Scoville

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0000

We are joined by Andrew J. Scoville, a NYC-based, Chicago-born theater director and creator of original work. He specializes in immersive layouts, technological landscapes, and hybrid-genre theater-making with an emphasis on integrating science ideas into theatrical experiences. Current projects: Money Heist: The Experience (at One Hanson Place in Brooklyn- association with Netflix, Fever and JJLA), Theater of the Mind by David Byrne and Mala Gaonkar currently at Off Center, which is a part of Denver Center for The Performing Arts. The production can be experienced at 3887 Steele Street in Denver, Colorado.

This is the second of my interviews with the creative team of Theatre of The Mind. Theater of the Mind is the newest, and arguably most ambitious, production of DCPA Off-Center. It doesn’t just explore the human brain; it allows YOU to explore YOUR brain through story and science. I am honored to share with audience members 6 days a week as a member of the cast.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 Ep3 The Eclectic- Conversation with Producer of Theatre of The Mind, Charlie Miller

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 15:00:00 -0000

On this episode of The Eclectic, I'm joined by Charlie Miller, the Executive Director & Curator of Off-Center and part of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Executive Team.

Off-Center was originally conceived by Miller and former DCPA Theatre Company Artistic Producer Emily Tarquin, who is now artistic producer at Actor’s Theatre of Louisville. Off Center produces artistic work that is surprising, fun, challenging, and at times visually stunning. we discuss multi-media artist, David Byrne (American Utopia, Talking Heads, Reasons to Be Cheerful, A History of the World in Dingbats) and co-writer Mala Gaonkar, and their creation, Theater of the Mind.

Theater of the Mind is the newest, and arguably most ambitious, production of DCPA's Off-Center. It doesn’t just explore the human brain; it allows YOU to explore YOUR brain through story and science. As a member of the cast, I experience this creation every day.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 Ep 2 The Tale of Stackalee: The Live Concert

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 17:30:00 -0000

As a follow up to S3 Ep1, this episode features a concert by Lionel Young, Roy Hightower, and Otis Taylor recorded live directly following the audio drama The Tale of Stackalee.

Lionel Young

Mr. Young has won numerous awards including The Young Artist Award (Pittsburgh Symphony); The Concerto Contest (Carnegie-Mellon); The Passamenic Award (Branchwood String Quartet); and the award for the Best Blues Band in Westword’s Best of Denver. He’s also won a position with The Denver Chamber Orchestra and premiered a solo piece by William Hill. Lionel has had the honor of working with such show biz luminaries as: Count Basie, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Paige/Robert Plant, Doc Severenson, Linda Ronstadt, Living Color, Billy Taylor. Otis Taylor, Since 2009’s award-winning Pentatonic Wars and Love Songs, Taylor has released five more celebrated albums and his music has been included in Hollywood and foreign movie soundtracks and television shows including Shooter and Public Enemies. Personal highlights of Taylor’s career were when he was an answer in the New York Times crossword puzzle in 2009, and in 2016 Taylor was proud to be included in the inaugural exhibition of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Roy Hightower

Well-regarded as a blues guitarist and soulful singer around Chicago, Roy Hightower has carved out an equally impressive niche as an actor in various Windy City musical productions. Among his starring roles: portraying Muddy Waters and Otis Redding.

Even in death, the larger-than-life figure of Stagger Lee triumphs. It is unfathomable why the obscure murder of a levee hand in a red-light bar would attain such far-reaching notoriety, while songs about equally sordid killings—fact-based murder ballads such as “Ella Speed” and “Duncan and Brady”—are doomed to relative obscurity. Nonetheless, “Stagger Lee” spread with extraordinary speed, beginning shortly after the actual killing. It was soon being sung in various forms by workers on the levee, convicts on chain gangs throughout the South, saloon and street singers, and even school children. Soon, the musical, mythical iteration of “Stack Lee” supplanted the man himself, as black America cultivated and nurtured a heroic outlaw to admire.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S3 Ep 1 The Tale of Stackalee

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:01:00 -0000

As a man, the lowlife pimp and murderer Lee Shelton has all but sunk into obscurity. However, as raised up by more than a century of popular culture, the righteous killer Stagger Lee has become an icon to generations, who see in the folk character defiance of authority, pride of self, and strength in the face of adversity.

In this episode we hear Richard Dunham take on this larger-than-life figure. Stackalee or Stagger Lee is filled with the amazing blues soundscape from Lionel Young, Roy Hightower, and Otis Taylor.

Be sure to check out EP 2 - a concert by Lionel Young, Roy Hightower, and Otis Taylor recorded live directly following the audio drama Stackalee.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 Ep 22 The Ballad of Satchel Paige

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 07:00:00 -0000

This is donnie betts producer-director of Destination Freedom Black Radio Days. From time to time we like to share one of our shows from our archives. Here is a special one. This episode features Lionel Young, winner of the 2008 and 2011 International Blues Challenge, plus numerous classical and blues awards. The EP also features Blues great Otis Taylor and his daughter Cassie.

Leroy Robert "Satchel" Paige (July 7, 1906 – June 8, 1982) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played in Negro league baseball and Major League Baseball (MLB). His career spanned five decades and culminated with his induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

A right-handed pitcher, Paige first played for the semi-professional Mobile Tigers from 1924 to 1926. He began his professional baseball career in 1926 with the Chattanooga Black Lookouts of the Negro Southern League and became one of the most famous and successful players from the Negro leagues. On town tours across the United States, Paige would sometimes have his infielders sit down behind him and then routinely strike out the side.

At age 42 in 1948, Paige made his debut for the Cleveland Indians; to this day, this makes him the oldest debutant in the National League or American League history.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 Ep21 Stono: An Audio Ritual

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 20:34:37 -0000

This is donnie l. betts, producer-director of Destination Freedom Black Radio Days. Three years ago I reached out to writer composer T. Carlis Roberts to create a piece for the series Destination Freedom Black Radio Days. T said they had a piece that had been living with them for some time. STONO.

STONO is an audio-ritual exploring the eponymous 1739 slave rebellion. While typically depicted as a suppressed insurrection, this piece asks: Is there another story? To find answers, STONO calls on the voices of the beyond-human participants, including ancestors, rivers, mushrooms, guns, and the Black Virgin Mary. Combining music, text, and field recordings from the historic rebellion site, STONO offers a space to imagine a more expansive and surprising story about that fateful event. Next on Destination Freedom Black Radio Days by T. Carlis Roberts, oh make sure wherever you listen that the volume is turned up.

STONO was presented online as part of the 2022 National Queer Arts Festival.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 EP20 Of Blood and The Boogie: The Story of Albert Ammons featuring Oscar Brown Jr.

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Albert Ammons was born in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were pianists, and he had learned to play by the age of ten. His interest in boogie-woogie is attributed to his close friendship with Meade Lux Lewis and also his father's interest in the style. Both Albert and Meade would practice together on the piano in the Ammons household. From the age of ten, Ammons learned about chords by marking the depressed keys on the family pianola (player piano) with a pencil and repeated the process until he had mastered it. This episodic features the late great Oscar Brown Jr. as Ammons, as well as 17 year piano wiz A J Salas. They both join host donnie l. betts for an after-show conversation and performance that is not to be missed.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 EP19 A Conversation with the writers of Give Me Liberty: A Freeman's Story, John and Sydney Futrell

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0000

This episode features a conversation with the writers of the three part series Give Me Liberty: A Freeman Story, John and Sydney Futrell. The piece was inspired by real events, as described in genealogy documents preserved by John's mother. As the story goes, John's great, great, great, great grandfather was Patrick Henry. Patrick Henry who’s famous quote Give Liberty or Give Me Death inspired some before the American Revolution War. The story is decorated with prose, creativity, humor, and lived experience by the husband and wife writing team of John and Sydney Futrell. Stay tuned for a musical performance by Monique and Aaron Brooks Roberts.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 EP18 The Eclectic - Interview with Colorado 2021 Teacher of The Year Gerardo Munzo

Wed, 18 May 2022 15:40:00 -0000

Gerardo Muñoz, 2021 Colorado Teacher of the Year. Gerardo A. Muñoz of Denver, Colorado, is a high school and middle school social studies teacher at the Denver Center for International Studies (DCIS) at Baker in the Denver Public Schools (DPS) district. He has taught every grade from 6-12 and currently teaches grades 7 and 10-to 12. His classes include concurrent enrollment in ethnic studies, Advanced Placement world history, and 5280 Challenge/Student Board of Education through DPS’s Student Voice and Leadership program. Mr. Muñoz has been involved in numerous programs, initiatives, campaigns, and organizations to promote equity and antiracism, including EduColor, Choose, the National Education Association’s Racial and Social Justice Conference, and the University of Colorado’s Teachers of Color and Allies Summit. Muñoz holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and Latin American studies from the University of Colorado (1999), as well as a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from the University of Denver (2009).

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 EP 17 The Gravediggers Handicap: The Story of Issac Murphy

Wed, 04 May 2022 07:00:00 -0000

The Kentucky Derby is held on the first Saturday of May every year.

Folks may be familiar with the fine clothes, big hats, and of course the fast horses. But did you know the first 10 winners of the Derby were Black? The first 3 time winner was Issac Murphy. Many consider Murphy the greatest American jockey of all time. By his own account, Murphy won 44% of his races. Racing historians can only verify 34.5% from the era, but it's likely that some of Murphy's races were not documented. Either way, Murphy set a standard that no other jockey has come close to matching. Consider that Eddie Arcaro, recognized as the greatest U.S. jockey of the 20th Century, had a winning percentage of only 22%. Murphy was the first jockey inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1956. Destination Freedom Black Radio Days opens up it achieves to share with you the story of Issac Murphy. Next up on Destination Freedom is one of my favorite audio dramas from our series. The Gravediggers Handicap The Story of Issac Murphy.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 EP16 The Eclectic - Interview with Entrepreneur Jice Johnson

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Jice Johnson is the Founder and CVO of the Black Business Initiative and Principle in the New Community Transformation Fund - Denver. Jice is a U.S Army Veteran, a mother of three, and an astute businesswoman based in Denver, Colorado. We discuss Black Financial Power and investment. Jice has dedicated her life to building a strong economic base in the Black Community. Playing a vital role as an advocate, she empowers Black entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals with the information and tools needed to have an intergenerational stake in economic equity and liberation. How do we build generational wealth?

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 EP15 Give Me Liberty: A Freeman's Story part 3

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Give Me Liberty: A Free Man's Story, part 3 of 3, is the second chapter of the audio drama of historical fiction written by John and Sydney Futrell. The piece was inspired by real events, as described in genealogy documents preserved by John's mother. As the story goes, John's great, great, great, great grandfather was Patrick Henry. Patrick Henry who’s famous quote Give Liberty or Give Me Death inspire some before the American Revolution War. The story is decorated with prose, creativity, humor, and lived experience by the husband and wife writing team.

Listen to all episodes of this trilogy.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 EP14 Give Me Liberty: A Freeman's Story part 2

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Give Me Liberty: A Free Man's Story, part 2 of 3, is the second chapter of the audio drama of historical fiction written by John and Sydney Futrell. The piece was inspired by real events, as described in genealogy documents preserved by John's mother. As the story goes, John's great, great, great, great grandfather was Patrick Henry. Patrick Henry who’s famous quote Give Liberty or Give Me Death inspire some before the American Revolution War. The story is decorated with prose, creativity, humor, and lived experience by the husband and wife writing team.

Listen for the upcoming episodes of this trilogy.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 Ep13 Give Me Liberty: A Freeman's Story part 1

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0000

Give Me Liberty: A Free Man's Story part 1 of 3 is the first chapter of the audio drama of historical fiction written by John and Sydney Futrell. The piece was inspired by real events, as described in genealogy documents preserved by John's mother. As the story goes, John's great, great, great, great grandfather was Patrick Henry. Patrick Henry who’s famous quote Give Liberty or Give Me Death inspire some before the American Revolution War. The story is decorated with prose, creativity, humor, and lived experience by the husband and wife writing team.

Listen for the upcoming episodes of this trilogy.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 Ep12 The Eclectic - Interview with Idris Goodwin, a playwright, director, break beat poet and educator

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Next on The Eclectic from Destination Freedom Black Radio Days is Idris Goodwin, a playwright, director, break beat poet and educator. He is the Director of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College and a 2021 United States Artist Fellow. Idris is a highly sought-after writer for multi-generational audiences, produced and commissioned by Regional, Community and Academic Theater institutions across the country. Idris's play The Way The Mountain Moved was commissioned and produced as part of Oregon Shakespeare’s groundbreaking American Revolutions series. His work has been produced Off-Broadway and at The Humana Festival at Actor’s Theater of Louisville, Steppenwolf Theater, The Kennedy Center, The Denver Center for The Performing Arts, Cleveland Playhouse, and Company One. He’s received awards and development support from the NEA, The Ford, Mellon, and Edgerton Foundation, Berkeley Rep's Ground Floor Program, The Eugene O’Neill Center, The Lark Playwriting Center, and New Harmony Project.

Across two decades Idris Goodwin has forged an impactful career as a multiple award-winning playwright, breakbeat poet, director, educator, and organizer.

Idris is the Director of The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College, and the first Black man to hold the position in its 100 year history.

Prior to this, Goodwin served two seasons as Producing Artistic Director at StageOne Family Theatre in Louisville, Kentucky

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 Ep11 The Eclectic - Interview with The Honorable Judge Gary Jackson

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Next on The Eclectic from Destination Freedom Black Radio Days is the Honorable Judge Gary Jackson. He is a Senior Judge in the Denver County Court. We discuss his 50-year legal career and as he describes it, being the only Black person in the room.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 Ep10 The Eclectic - Interview with Harold Fields

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 08:00:00 -0000

We asked Harold Field to join The Eclectic to speak about the Tulsa Race Riot and Black Wall Street. For years Harold has led conversations on Race with the Tuesday Race Group. He works for reparations for former enslaved Africans, and he advises on DEI issues for organizations. His list of involvement in the Colorado community and national community is far too long to list.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 Ep9 The Eclectic - Interview with Aisha Ahmad-Post

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0000

As a companion podcast to Destination Freedom Black Radio Days comes The Eclectic.

Fresh for your ears: Aisha Ahmad-Post is the Executive Director of the Robert and Judi Newman Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Denver. Previously, she was the inaugural Director of the Ent Center for the Arts at the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, and Producer of Public Programs for The New York Public Library.

The Eclectic features interviews with difference makers, artists, authors, bold thinkers, and people we love who get stuff done. Produced and hosted by donnie l. betts of No Credits Productions, LLC.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep17 Interview with Mayor Johnny B. Thomas of Glendora, Mississippi

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0000

This interview is a rebroadcast from 2020. The Department of Justice recently closed the case of Emmett Till who was brutally murdered 66 years ago in August 1955. This episode features a conversation with Mayor Johnny Thomas of Glendora, Mississippi about Emmett Till. The Black Bayou Bridge is the infamous bridge where Emmett Till's body was disposed of and it is located in Glendora, MS. This bridge once connected the town of Glendora to every plantation north, south, east, and west of Glendora, MS and was considered the Las Vegas for the plantations surrounding the town, because its purpose at that time was to connect sharecroppers to Glendora, MS, so that they could go and relieve themselves of their harsh living conditions by venting their frustrations. The bridge has been designated as a historic structure, but lacks the designation civilly due to being the bridge where Emmett's body was dumped from into the Black Bayou. Mayor Thomas discusses the idea that his own father may have been forced to dispose of the body along with two other Black men also forced to help. Still no justice for Emmett Till and his remaining family member. Please listen to A Letter from Heaven to America From Emmett Till podcast and the interview with Deborah Watts.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 Ep8 The Eclectic - Interview with Deborah Watts

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0000

As a companion podcast to Destination Freedom Black Radio Days comes The Eclectic.

First Up: Emmett Till was murdered 65 years ago on August 28 1955 in Money, Mississippi. At only 14 years old, he was kidnapped, brutally tortured, lynched, and killed during a racially motivated hate crime that ultimately helped launch the modern-day civil rights movement. On August 30, 2019, Eli McClain was killed in Aurora, Colorado. We bring you our interview with Deborah Watts founder of the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation and Emmett Till's cousin. This interview was conducted in July of 2020.

The past is not past. The specter of Till’s devastating crime remains ever-present through modern-day racially motivated murders. The burdens borne by families such as Emmett's (Thelma Wright Edwards and Deborah Watts), Eli McClain, (Sheneen McClain), George Floyd’s (Philonise and LaTonya Floyd) Ahmaud Arbery’s (Wanda Cooper Jones and Marcus Arbery Sr.), Trayvon Martin’s (Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin), Jordan Davis’ (Lucy McBath and Ron Davis), Eric Garner’s (Gwen Carr), Breonna Taylor’s (Tamika Palmer) De Von Bailey (Delisha Searcy) and many others force them to speak up loudly, demand justice and take action when others won’t.

The Eclectic features interviews with difference makers, artists, authors, bold thinkers, and people we love who get stuff done. Produced and hosted by donnie l. betts of No Credits Productions.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 Ep7 A Letter From Heaven To America from Emmett Till

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 08:00:00 -0000

Recently the US Justice Department closed its investigation into the murder of Emmett Till and said that no new charges would be filed. This episode was produced in Season 1 as Episode 15. Due to this recent decision we are releasing the audio drama again.

Two white men, Roy Bryant and his half-brother J.W. Milam were tried on murder charges about a month after Till was killed, but an all-white Mississippi jury acquitted them. Months later, they confessed in a paid interview with Look magazine. Carolyn Bryant accused Emmett Till of whistling at her. Emmett Till was murdered 66 years ago on August 28, 1955, in Money, Mississippi. At only 14 years old, he was kidnapped, brutally tortured, lynched, and killed during a racially motivated hate crime that ultimately helped launch the modern-day civil rights movement. On August 30, 2019, Eli McClain was killed in Aurora, Colorado. The past is not past. The specter of Till’s devastating crime remains ever-present through modern-day racially motivated murders.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 Ep6 James Step Back Williams, A Covid Tale

Wed, 29 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000

Destination Freedom Black Radio Days examines issues facing communities of color with James “Step Back” Williams.

In the early days of Covid 19, some people suffered because of human error and or biases.

This is the story of one patient journey who suffered from both.

This original story, based on real facts, comes from producer/director donnie l. betts and features Ghandia Johnson, Don Randle and Teej Morgan.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 Ep5 The Lesson and The Conk

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000

The Lesson, written by Kenya Fashaw

Racial biases spark a fuse when a 17 year old Black student starts his first day at a new High School named after a Ku Klux Klan grand wizard. The student finds himself in unsolicited trouble and is confronted by a Black male Principal. The Principal begins to lecture the student and believes he is teaching the student a lesson but instead, receives a lesson from the student.

The Conk, written by Kenya Fashaw

Black hair history is provided with this short excerpt about "The Conk '' hairstyle worn by Black men in the 1940s. A young Black musician walks into a barber shop inquiring about the conk hairstyle. A barber and his friend greet him with regular barbershop banter, knowledge, and education about the craze of the conk hairstyle for Black man, and the mindset that came along with it.

Kenya Mahogany Fashaw is Co-Founder and the Chief Creative Officer of 5280 Artist Co-Op. She is a Spoken Word artist, actress and playwright. Kenya was recently selected to be part of the 2020-21 Denver Center of Performing Art Playwrights Group.

This episode is followed by a bonus interview with Dr. Brenda Allen about Critical Race Theory. Dr. Brenda Allen is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Colorado.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 Ep4 The Cleaning Ladies and Bound by Blood

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 08:00:00 -0000

The 2021 season of Destination Freedom Black Radio Days will examine the issues facing communities of color beginning with “The Cleaning Ladies” and “Bound by Blood” by Clinnesha Sibley. “The Cleaning Ladies” takes place in Manhattan on February 21, 1965 in the Audubon Ballroom, the day of Malcolm X’s assassination. “Bound by Blood” takes us to the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN, the night of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination. These audio dramas will feature Ghandia Johnson, Michaela “Mikki” Murray and Latifah Johnson. They are produced and directed by donnie l. betts.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 2 Launch Promo

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 05:00:00 -0000

This is a promo for the launch of Season 2 of Destination Freedom Black Radio Days.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 Ep3 Interview with Sonja D Williams, professor in the Howard University Department of Media, Journalism and Film

Mon, 17 May 2021 21:43:00 -0000

Sonja D. Williams is a professor in the Howard University Department of Media, Journalism and Film in Washington, DC. She has written and produced numerous documentaries for NPR, PRI, Smithsonian Productions, and local radio stations nationwide. These include the prestigious George Foster Peabody Awards for Significant and Meritorious Achievement for Smithsonian Productions, Public Radio International’s Black Radio: Telling It Like It Was, NPR’s Making the Music, NPR and Radio Smithsonian’s Wade in the Water: African American Sacred Music Traditions. We discuss her book Word Warrior The Life of Richard Dunham, creator of the original Destination Freedom.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 Ep2 Ruth Blue Turnquest, “The Angel of Federal Street"

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 18:18:00 -0000

“The Angel of Federal Street” tells the story of the great humanitarian of Chicago, Ruth Blue Turnquest. What happens when the Angel Gabriel is calling role of new names of Heavenly angels and the Pearly Gates get stuck? The name of a person still on earth is called and Saint Peter and the rest of the Angels have to get to the bottom of the problem. One section of Chicago’s South Federal Street is backed up against the railroad tracks - a treeless avenue with rows of run-down houses and one ancient grade school. But one factor lifts this district above the others - it is the living legend of the “Angel of Federal Street” - of that ancient grade school’s assistant principal, Ruth Blue Turnquest.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2 Ep1 Mary McLeod Bethune, One out of Seventeen

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 17:17:00 -0000

Mary Jane McLeod Bethune was one out of 17 children. She was an American educator, stateswoman, philanthropist, humanitarian, womanist, and civil rights activist. Bethune founded the National Council for Negro Women in 1935, established the organization's flagship journal Aframerican Women's Journal, and resided as president or leader for a myriad African American women's organizations including the National Association for Colored Women and the National Youth Administration's Negro Division. Founded: Bethune-Cookman University, UNCF, National Council of Negro Women, Southern Conference for Human Welfare.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #Blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 2 Trailer

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 15:36:00 -0000

Audio Drama at its best. The 2021 season of Destination Freedom Black Radio Days will examine the issues facing communities of color - exploring police shooting, immigration, health disparities, and gender bias.

The podcast continues where the first nationwide Black radio drama, produced in Chicago by Richard Durham more than sixty years ago, left off.

The show walked a daring line between reform and revolution and was shut down by its network in 1950, as McCarthyism and anti-communism tightened its grip on American broadcasting. Using new scripts as well as drawing on archives, Destination Freedom Black Radio Days illuminates a largely unknown, but important chapter in the history of human rights and tells how radio played its part from the very beginning.

That boundary-breaking program, Destination Freedom Black Radio Days, dramatized the lives of great figures in African-American and other people of color past and present.

Follow @nocreditsproductions on Facebook and Instagram, and @donniebetts on Twitter. #blackradiodays #socialjustice #destinationfreedomblackradiodays #donniebetts

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep24 Carter G. Woodson, Recorder of History

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 16:26:00 -0000

Carter Godwin Woodson was an American historian, author, journalist, and the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. He was one of the first scholars to study the history of the African diaspora, including African-American history. A founder of The Journal of Negro History in 1916, Woodson was called the "father of black history". In February 1926 he launched the celebration of "Negro History Week," the precursor of Black History Month.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep23 The Little Rock Nine

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 22:37:00 -0000

On Sept. 25, 1957, the common goal for the nine students entering Central High School was to receive the same educational opportunities afforded white people

The majority of the country only knows the name Little Rock Nine, not Ernest Green, Elizabeth Eckford, Jefferson Thomas, Dr. Terrence Roberts, Carlotta Walls Lanier, Minnijean Brown Trickey, Gloria Ray Karlmark, Thelma Mothershed-Wair, and Melba Pattillo Beals.

However, these brave Nine and their families endured the unrelenting rage of the majority of white people in Little Rock, Arkansas to break down the segregated wall of Central High School. We begin with thoughts from Carlotta Walls LaNier.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep 22 Interview/Conversation with Anthony P. Young PhD

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 18:01:00 -0000

This episode features Dr. Anthony Young, who has been practicing mental health in Colorado for over forty years. He has a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver. He has taught Psychology courses for twenty-six years at the University of Colorado.

In the past, Dr. Young has partnered with the Department of Corrections and the Mental Health Institute in Pueblo. Currently, he is the president of the Denver Rocky Mountain Association of Black Psychologists.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep21 Freedom Riders

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 01:32:00 -0000

From May until November 1961, more than 400 black and white Americans laid their lives—many endured savage beatings and imprisonment—for simply traveling together on buses and trains as they journeyed through the Deep South. Deliberately violating Jim Crow laws, the Freedom Riders’ belief in non-violent activism was tested as mob violence and bitter racism greeted them along the way. “Freedom Riders” examines the 1961 and earlier Freedom Rides from many perspectives -especially from the many women who were on the front lines, that of the Riders themselves, the Kennedy administration, and the international community.

Featuring Carlton Bacon, Leonard Barrett, Jada Dixon, Kurt Soderson, Candy Brown, Kris Angela Washington, Itha Gabriel on Foley. Special guest James Lawson, Terry Sutherland, riders from the summer of 1961, plus Dr. Vincent Harding. They will join the audience for a community dialogue on race and other issues that face our nation, plus share the firsthand account of the rides. Featuring singers from ‘Southern Journey’ performing songs from the Southern Freedom Movement.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep20 Interview with Internal Medicine doctor Dr. Terri Richardson

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 16:34:00 -0000

On this episode, we hear an interview with Dr. Terri Richardson, MD. Dr. Richardson received her medical degree from the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. She worked as an internist for 17 years at the Eastside Health Center in Denver, a clinic serving the community, before joining Kaiser Permanente. We discuss Covid-19 issues the so-called long haulers of the virus.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep19 Interview with business owner Rise Jones of Tealee

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 15:59:00 -0000

On this episode, we hear my interview with Black micro-business owner Rise Jones. After a two-year life-threatening battle with a rare form of leukemia blood cancer (CMML) which required chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and two years for recovery, there is a story to be told. Leukemia is a big part Rise Jones story, but not the whole story. At the end of her recovery period, her husband asked the question: “What do you really want to do with your life?” Indirectly, Rise answered, “I want a teahouse.” TeaLee’s TeaHouse and Bookstore is located at the gateway of Denver’s Historic Five Points. In an afro-centric atmosphere, they provide high-quality loose-leaf teas, food, and specialty drinks, including beer and wine. We hear Rise's story in the time of Covid 19.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep18 The Story of A Year 1875

Mon, 26 Oct 2020 18:46:00 -0000

2020 is a contentious election year in America filled with lies, violence, voter suppression, and intimation. That’s nothing new in the history of our country. Let’s look at the year 1875. In this episode, we hear The Story of Charles Caldwell, the senator who had been a slave. No issue concerned black Representatives more than the civil rights bill of 1875, but attacks and intimidation continued. Caldwell himself was assassinated later that year. This episode features the haunting vocal of Otis Taylor

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep16 Give Me Liberty: A Free Man Story

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 18:24:00 -0000

This episode features Give Me Liberty: A Free Man's Story, a play of historical fiction written by John and Sydney Futrell. The piece was inspired by real events, as described in genealogy documents preserved by John's mother. As the story goes, John's great, great, great, great grandfather was Patrick Henry. The Patrick Henry whose famous quote "Give Liberty or Give Me Death" inspired some before the America Revolution War.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep15 A Letter From Heaven To America from Emmett Till

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 18:05:00 -0000

Emmett Till was murdered 65 years ago on August 28, 1955 in Money, Mississippi. At only 14 years old, he was kidnapped, brutally tortured, lynched and killed during a racially motivated hate crime that ultimately helped launch the modern-day civil rights movement. On August 30, 2019, Eli McClain was killed in Aurora, Colorado. The past is not past. The specter of Till’s devastating crime remains ever-present through modern-day racially motivated murders.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep14 Interview with Candice Bailey, Social Justice Warrior

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 17:40:00 -0000

Black Radio Days is proud to share with you a series of interviews with health care providers, Covid-19 survivors, and social justice warriors.

This episode features social justice and heath care rights warrior, Candice Bailey. We discuss COVID 19, police reform and justice for Elijah McClain

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep13 Interview with John Futrell aka Panama Soweto

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 21:08:00 -0000

Black Radio Days is proud to share with you a series of interviews with health care providers, Covid-19 survivors, and social justice warriors.

This episode features John Futrell aka Panama Soweto speaking about efforts to rename the Stapleton Community. The Original Stapleton came from Ben Stapleton, a former mayor of Denver and a member of the KKK. One name could be Mosley Park named after his grandparents, John and Edna Mosley. He comments on the death of Elijah McClain, the 23-year-old man killed by Aurora Police in August 2019., who was murdered while walking Black.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep12 Interview with activist Terrance Roberts

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 18:38:00 -0000

Black Radio Days is proud to share with you a series of interviews with health care providers, Covid-19 survivors, and social justice warriors.

This episode features longtime activist Terrance Roberts as he discusses what he is seeing in the community as the Black Lives Matter protests continue.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep11 Interview with Rev. Terrance Hughes on his battle with Covid 19

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 18:30:00 -0000

Black Radio Days is proud to share with you a series of interviews with health care providers, Covid-19 survivors, and social justice warriors.

This episode features Rev. Terrance Hughes, a pastor who's been a force in his community for years. He is finally home after a long batter with COVID-19. Hughes was released from the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center after spending nearly seven weeks on a ventilator. He then spent two weeks continuing his recovery in rehab. Join us for a conversation with a long time activist.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep10 Interview with Dr. Shanta Zimmer on Covid 19

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 16:40:00 -0000

Black Radio Days is proud to share a series of interviews with health care providers, Covid-19 survivors, and social justice warriors.

First up is an interview with Dr. Shanta Zimmer. Dr. Zimmer is an infectious disease specialist in Aurora, Colorado and Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion at CU Medical School on the Anschutz Campus.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep9 The Knock Kneed Man: “The Story of Crispus Attucks Freedom Fighter"

Thu, 18 Jun 2020 22:25:00 -0000

Black Radio Days brings you a broadcast of The Knock Kneed Man “The Story of Crispus Attucks Freedom Fighter" with an introduction by the late great artist-activist Oscar Brown Jr.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep8 Interview with Sonia Nazario in support of Enrique's Journey

Wed, 20 May 2020 17:48:00 -0000

Black Radio Days brings you a special podcast, an interview with the author of Enrique’s Journey, Sonia Narazio

Enrique’s Journey is a beautiful, sad, and inspiring testimony to the power of love and loneliness.

This story is about how Enrique, an immigrant from Honduras, faces unimaginable peril and navigates a hostile world filled with thugs, bandits, and corrupt cops. His dangerous journey forces him to cross rapid rivers and cling to the tops of freight trains as he travels to the United States in search of a better life for him and his family.

Support for Destination Freedom is provided by Bonfils Stanton Foundation, The Eulipions Fund of The Denver Foundation, and Arts in Society.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep7 Enrique's Journey part 4 of 4

Tue, 05 May 2020 15:30:00 -0000

“Enrique’s Journey”, is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Sonia Nazario as adapted by Anthony J. Garcia.

Mr. Garcia describes Enrique’s Journey as…

“…a beautiful, sad and inspiring testimony to the power of love and loneliness. Although love does not solve everything for Enrique, without it, he cannot survive.”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep6 Enrique's Journey part 3 of 4

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 18:02:00 -0000

Enrique’s Journey part 3 of 4 is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Sonia Nazario adapted by Anthony J. Garcia.

Mr. Garcia describes Enrique’s Journey as…

“…a beautiful, sad and inspiring testimony to the power of love and loneliness. Although love does not solve everything for Enrique, without it, he cannot survive.”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep5 Enrique's Journey part 2 of 4

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 15:10:00 -0000

“Enrique’s Journey”, is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Sonia Nazario as adapted by Anthony J. Garcia.

Mr. Garcia describes Enrique’s Journey as…

“…a beautiful, sad and inspiring testimony to the power of love and loneliness. Although love does not solve everything for Enrique, without it, he cannot survive.”

Musical guest Los Mocohetes.

In Spanish and English.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep4 Enrique's Journey part 1 of 4

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 18:44:00 -0000

“Enrique’s Journey”, is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Sonia Nazario as adapted by Anthony J. Garcia.

Mr. Garcia describes Enrique’s Journey as…

“…a beautiful, sad and inspiring testimony to the power of love and loneliness. Although love does not solve everything for Enrique, without it, he cannot survive.”

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep3 The Tale of The Bullet

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 16:12:00 -0000

“The Tale of The Bullet” tells the story of America’s obsession with guns from the bullet’s perspective. According to the bullet, “We do all the work and the gun gets all the love”. This podcast features Prince Po of the hip hop duo Organized Konfusion, whose song "Stray Bullet" addressed some of that violence. Plus, vocal artist Such, whose song, "Wakeup Call," is dedicated to high school shooting victim Claire Davis. Our conversation, which includes activists and families who have been impacted by gun violence, immediately follows "The Tale of The Bullet." It will feature, among others, Rep Tom Sullivan, whose son Alex was killed in the Aurora Colorado Theatre shooting.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep2 The Dark Legend of Detroit Blue

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 21:18:00 -0000

“The Dark Legend of Detroit Blue” written by Hugo Sayles with musical guest Lionel Young.

It was nineteen hundred, and thirty-three in Detroit, Michigan. Legends can be born, even in lowly places. Evil needs, create evil intentions This here is the story of a dark soul.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S1 Ep1 Black With A Capital B

Sun, 16 Feb 2020 16:49:00 -0000

Destination Freedom Presents BLACK with a Capital B. by Lamaria Aminah. After one more young black man dies at the hands of police, a community is shaken. A conversation evolves between two mothers at the vigil – one white and one black. The cast includes Such as Black, Devra Keyes as white, Kerrie KJ Joy, and Andrew J. Betts. Listen to a community discussion led by donnie l. betts and musical guest Monique Brooks Roberts.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices