::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

LISTEN TO BREATE  M averick City Music  celebrates Black History Month 2022 with the release of the  Breathe EP.  The celebratory EP features the signature vocals of beloved Maverick City Music artist  Joe L Barnes, Maryanne J. George, Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore  and  Dante Bowe  backed by the  Mav City Gospel Choir . The Breathe EP features live and studio versions of standout songs lifted from 2021’s Jubilee: Juneteenth album, including “Breathe,” “Joy of the Lord,” and “Make it Right,” plus three all-new original recordings. Israel Houghton, Jonathan McReynolds, Ahjah Walls, DOE and Todd Dulaney. The Breathe EP serves as a reminder to all who listen to take a moment to breathe and celebrate life and the legacy of black gospel music.

National African American History Month, 2019   - - - - - - -   By the President of the United States of America   A Proclamation     In the year 1619, a Dutch trading ship sailed into the Chesapeake Bay and dropped anchor at Point Comfort, Virginia.  The vessel's arrival marked the beginning of the unscrupulous slave trade in the American colonies.  It was from this immoral origin -- and through inhuman conditions, discrimination, and prolonged hardship -- that emerged the vibrant culture, singular accomplishments, and groundbreaking triumphs that we honor and celebrate during National African American History Month.   National African American History Month is an occasion to rediscover the enduring stories of African Americans and the gifts of freedom, purpose, and opportunity they have bestowed on future generations.  It is also a time to commemorate the countless contributions of African Americans, many of whom lived...

  First Lady Michelle Obama celebrates dance at the White House Black History Month program  Long before Misty Copeland became a principal dancer in the American Ballet, others paved the way. Women like J udith Jamison (Alvin Ailey Dance Company), Debbie Allen (dance legend, actress, producer), Virginia Johnson ( Dance Theater of Harlem)  and Fatima Robinson (Hip hop dance pioneer, activist)  were breaking down barriers of discrimination against minorities in dance with one kick ball change, twirl, or hip thrust at a time.  The collective power and gifts of these dance pioneers is immeasurable and they paid it forward on Feb. 8 at the White House by mentoring and teaching 51 young Black dance enthusiasts from D.C. about life and dance.   For an hour and a half the East Room was transformed into a dance studio and the rest is history. Never before have dancers of various ages and skill levels learned and performed choreogr...

buzzz worthy. . . Oulaudah Equiano (AKA Gustavus Vassa), a Nigerian born slave, was an assistant world trader whose owner depended heavily upon his knowledge as they traveled the world by ship.  Equiana was eventually sold to a Quaker in America and later purchased his freedom.  He told the story of his adventurous life in the two-volume autobiography, "Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African." Learn more.