Interviewing lawyer and alderman, Leon Despres. Depres discusses Richard Daley’s time as mayor of Chicago and political events during his terms. Content Warning: This conversation includes racially and/or culturally derogatory language and/or negative depictions of Black and Indigenous people of color, women, and LGBTQI+ individuals. Rather than remove this content, we present it in the context of twentieth-century social history to acknowledge and learn from its impact and to inspire awareness and discussion.

Discussion of Division Street: America

Discussion of Division Street: America

When the announcement was made, to let the audience know the opera singer they came to see would not be performing but that Martina Arroyo would be singing the part of Aida, Arroyo recalls that you could hear the crowd groan all the way in Chicago. Arroyo talks about singing in the operas. She also talks about even though she may have a starring role in the opera, the show is not hers, but rather everyone in the company works hard to put out a good production.

Trinidadian historian Dr. C.L.R. James discusses his book "The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution." The book was originally published in 1938. At the end of the interview, the song "Voodoo American: Bya Bulako" by Michel LaRue is played (00:46:26-00:51:

The distinguished lawyer and former Chicago alderman reflects on his long career, before being honored at an NAACP Legal Defense Fund event at the Continental Plaza Hotel. Studs includes a clip of W.E.B. DuBois speaking.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Georgia Sea Island Singers Bessie Burke and Bessie Jones join Studs and music teacher Avon Gillespie to talk about gospel music, before an upcoming concert at the National College of Education in Evanston.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Folk singer Odetta joins Studs to talk about her life and music, including her songs "Riding in My Car (Car Song)," "Gallows Pole," and "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child," among others.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Content Warning: This conversation includes racially and/or culturally derogatory language and/or negative depictions of Black and Indigenous people of color, women, and LGBTQI+ individuals. Rather than remove this content, we present it in the context of twentieth-century social history to acknowledge and learn from its impact and to inspire awareness and discussion. Will D. Campbell, minister, activist, and author of “Providence," discusses religion, civil rights, and American history.