In the season finale of The Melanated Archives Podcast, we explore the remarkable life and career of legendary stage and screen actress Diana Sands. Though her life was tragically cut short at 39, her influence continues to resonate across generations of performers. Best known for her iconic role as Beneatha Younger in both the original Broadway production and the film adaptation of A Raisin in the Sun, Sands left an indelible mark with her powerful performances. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering dedication to the craft of acting.
Join us as we delve into the legacy of a star who burned brightly, for far too short a time—Miss Diana Sands.
Episode Guests: Russell Hornsby, Daphne Maxwell Reid, Glynn Turman
Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com
Follow Our Show & Our Hosts:
TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_
TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives
TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/
Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay
Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support
With a dynamic acting career spanning over 60 years, the legendary Glynn Turman is busier now than ever! This stage and screen titan joins us for an uplifting and inspiring conversation about his rise to Broadway fame at just 12 years old, playing Travis Younger in the original production of A Raisin in the Sun. We explored his iconic work throughout the 1970s, including his role as Preach in Cooley High, and the cultural and educational impact of Colonel Bradford Taylor in A Different World. Glynn Turman is both a masterclass in talent and a class act in life.
Join us as we dive into the importance of legacy with Glynn Turman on episode 210 of The Melanated Archives Podcast.
Episode Guest: Glynn Turman: Instagram - @glynnturman1
Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com
Follow Our Show & Our Hosts:
TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_
TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives
TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/
Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay
Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support
We are talking all things art, activism, and the written word with acting pioneer, activist, and author Ms. Denise Nicholas! Known for her groundbreaking roles in the hit TV series In The Heat of The Night, Room 222, Let’s Do It Again, & Baby…I’m Back, Nicholas chats with us about her early career as a member of the Free Southern Theater at the height of the Black Arts Movement and her forthcoming memoir scheduled for release in 2025!
Join us for an in-depth conversation about the power of storytelling and artistic evolution with the one and only Denise Nicholas.
Let’s dig in the crates.
Episode Guest: Denise Nicholas: Facebook - @DeniseNicholas
Available This October: The Longwood Writers Workshop Anthology, A GATHERING OF VOICES
Available Now: Freshwater Road by Denise Nicholas: https://www.amazon.com/Freshwater-Road-Denise-Nicholas/dp/1572841958
Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com Follow Our Show & Our Hosts:
TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_
TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives
TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/
Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay
Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support
It’s been a hot summer minute, but we are back! Check in with us as we give you all the tea on where we’ve been, what we are currently up to, & who we got stopping by next on The Melanated Archives Podcast!
Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com
Follow Our Show & Our Hosts: TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_ TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/ Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support
In episode 207 of the TMA Podcast, Brandon chats with famed actress, educator, and producer Carolyn Michelle Smith. Known for her portrayal of DEJA in Lena Waithe’s “The Chi” and AGNES in the hit Netflix series “Russian Doll”, Carolyn’s love for the craft stretches beyond the screen to her artistic mentorship efforts and ability to recognize and cultivate safe spaces for melanated communities. A founding member of the Juilliard Black Alumni Association (JBAA) Carolyn is also one of the founding co-directors of the Acting Track for Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab.
Join us for another deep dive into the crates as we chat about the importance and responsibility of leaving the door to success open behind you so that others may walk through it as well.
You don't want to miss this necessary episode of The Melanated Archives Podcast! This Episode's Guests Include: Carolyn Michelle Smith: Instagram - @that_carolynmichelle
Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com
Follow Our Show & Our Hosts: TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_ TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/ Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support
This episode is all that & then some! Join us as we sit down with comedian, actress, and original cast member of the famed 90’s kids comedy show, Nickelodeon’s ALL THAT, the legendary Ms. Angelique Bates. In episode 205 of The Melanated Archives Podcast Angelique pulls back the curtain and takes us on a journey from her humble beginnings as a commercial child star to her breakout role on one of the greatest children’s shows of our time. Discover how she overcame the challenges of a young Hollywood career and became victorious. You don’t want to miss this transformative conversation about the healing power of art and self-love.
Roll up your sleeves and get ready to dig in the crates for another powerful episode of TMA Podcast.
This Episode's Guests Include: Angelique Bates: Instagram - @angeliquebates Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com Follow Our Show & Our Hosts: TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_ TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/ Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support
Introducing Bobby Huntley II! Director, producer, writer, and film editor who has a knack for recreating and re-envisioning classic black films, television shows, and characters. His rising star has been evident in recent years with the success of his short films like Pam & Tommy: A Detroit Love Story, a romantic thriller spin on the characters made famous by the classic 90s sitcom Martin.
Dig in the crates with us for episode 2 of season 2 of TMA Podcast as we learn how this creative works to honor the art and storytelling of trailblazing filmmakers while carving out and exploring his own artistic style through a unique lens that stretches far beyond the Hollywood lights and into a world that centers melanated culture & art.
This Episode's Guests Include:
Bobby Huntley II: Instagram - @bhuntleyfilms
Theme Music:
Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com
Follow Our Show & Our Hosts:
TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives
TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/
Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay
Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support
And we're back with part II of our Artistic Mentors Series! In this week's episode, Brandon sits down with his mentor and teacher, Byron Nora, to discuss everything from the impact of performing arts programs in school systems to the importance of learning professionalism early in one's acting career and how to stay grounded in an industry that often promotes competition over collaboration.
A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Byron Nora is a humble NAACP award winner and a recipient of numerous prestigious nominations from the NAACP Theatre Awards nominating committee; garnering nominations in the coveted categories of Best Director, Best Director of a Musical, and Set Design for his numerous productions. He is the Artistic Director of Versatility Dance Company and former Artistic Director of ICEF (Inner City Education Foundation) and Colors United.
Byron is Managing Director of both BAMN Ensemble and BAMN-BAMN Youth Ensemble, as well as E.T.I. (Educational Theatre Institute). He is the Program Manager of the youth arts and educational program, PEACE 2000 (Promoting Educational, Artistic, and Career Excellence). He is an accomplished actor having appeared in many stage productions, film, and television roles, as well as numerous commercial spots.
Byron is a highly respected and sought after director and set designer. He is the director of the riveting dramatic stage play, “Grandpa’s Truth” at the Inglewood Playhouse, which had a solid 3 month sold out run. He has also directed the dramatic NAACP Award Winning “Civil Rites” at Southwest College, the heavily acclaimed version of the musical stage play “Shades”, the innovative multi-award nominated production of “The Wiz” at the Washington Prep Theatre, Barry Manilow’s world-acclaimed “Copacabana” at the historic Ricardo Montalban Theatre in Hollywood, and the NAACP-nominated “A Shrine To Junior“ at the Stella Adler Theatre, just to name a small part of his lengthy body of work.
Byron is highly in demand and is often requested to work his magic as an acting/dialog coach on many projects. He has traveled the world as a singer and a successful model having had the honor of being chosen to be a “Calvin Man” for Calvin Klein Cologne. Byron also appeared in the national tour of the hit musical “U Don’t Know Me!” where he played the role of Mr. Webb and was the Assistant Director and the acting dialogue coach.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dig into the crates. Join us for episode 6 of The Melanated Archives Podcast.
The Melanated Archives Podcast is back!!!!!! Kendra & Brandon return this week with part one of a two-part series highlighting the impact and importance of artistic mentors. In this episode, Kendra sits down to chat with award-winning actress, singer, activist, & Broadway giant Valisia LeKae, who wowed audiences and garnered a Tony & Grammy nomination for her portrayal of Diana Ross in the original Broadway company of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL. A cancer survivor, In 2014 she was named the spokesperson for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, an organization she worked closely with after being diagnosed with the disease in 2013. You do not want to miss this inspiring conversation about triumph, agency, and leading with a spirit of kindness and gratitude. Join us as we dig in the crates for episode 105 of The Melanated Archives Podcast.
This Episode's Guests Include:
Valisia LeKae: Instagram/Twitter - @valisialekae
Website: https://www.valisialekae.com/
Theme Music:
Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com
Follow Our Show & Our Hosts:
TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives
TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/
Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay
Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_
Black theater institutions have been instrumental in birthing the careers of some of the world's most talented artists. From Amiri Baraka to Glynn Turman to Esther Rolle to Ntozake Shange, the roaster of playwrights, actors, and theater makers who have benefited from the guidance of these prominent havens are never-ending. And in this episode of the TMA podcast, we are digging in the crates and chatting with three of the most regarded black theater organizations in the world! Find out how the Negro Ensemble Company, National Black Theatre, and the New Federal Theatre came to be, found their unique voices, and are working to preserve their legacies.
In episode 4 of The Melanated Archives Podcast, we chat with theater makers: Robert Hooks, Sade Lythcott, Jonathan McCrory, Elizabeth Van Dyke, and Woodie King Jr.
This Episode's Guests Include:
Negro Ensemble Company:
Robert Hooks (Co-Founder): Instagram/Facebook - @RobertHooks; www.necinc.org
National Black Theatre:
Sade Lythcott (CEO) & Jonathan McCrory (Executive Artistic Director): Instagram - @natblacktheatre; www.nationalblacktheatre.org
New Federal Theatre:
Woodie King Jr. (Founding Director) & Elizabeth Van Dyke (Producing Artistic Director): Instagram - @newfederaltheatre; newfederaltheatre.com
***Please consider donating to these beloved institutions or any black theater company in your area.***
Theme Music:
Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com
Follow Our Show & Our Hosts:
TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives
TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/
Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay
Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_
Support & Show Your Love For The Podcast:
Make a small donation to help further our efforts: https://anchor.fm/themelanatedarchives/support
From blackface to children's television to music videos to protests, the evolution of black puppetry tells the story of artistic resilience. This sacred art form, while youthful at times, is far from juvenile. Black puppeteers are using their creations to heal the masses. And in this episode, we dig into the crates and talk with some of the influential puppet masters whose work captivates audiences of all backgrounds and serves as a bridge between what is real and what is make-believe. Join us as we uncover how this magical slice of entertainment has impacted lives and the level of wonder needed to excel in the craft.
In episode 3 of The Melanated Archives Podcast, we chat with puppeteers: Jerrell L. Henderson, Nehprii Amenii, Jeghetto Pipkins, and the legendary Brad Brewer.
This Episode's Guests Include:
Jerrell L. Henderson: Instagram - @directnu15; @black_theatre_vinyl_archive
Nehprii Amenii: Instagram - @nephrii
Jeghetto Pipkins: Instagram - @jeghettos_puppets
Brad Brewer: Facebook - Brad Brewer
Theme Music:
Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com
Follow Our Show & Our Hosts:
TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives
TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/
Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay
Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_
Support & Show Your Love:
Make a small donation to help further our archival efforts: https://anchor.fm/themelanatedarchives/support
In this episode, we talk with the iconic actor and director, Mr. Hawthorne James. Famously known for his role as Big Red in the classic film, The Five Heartbeats, this acting legend takes us on a journey of his 40+ year career. Listen as this fearless artist speaks and touches on the importance of creative freedom, versatility, his love for the stage, and how Shakespeare's Richard III inspired the character of Big Red. Let's roll up our sleeves & dig in the crates for episode 102 of The Melanated Archives Podcast.
This Episode's Guests Include:
Hawthorne James: Instagram - @Hawthorne2995
Theme Music:
Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com
Follow Our Show & Our Hosts:
TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives
TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/
Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay
Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_
In our first episode, we do a deep dive into the career and impact of film, television, and stage pioneer Rosalind Cash (1938-1995). A rich and powerful actress who wowed audiences as an original member of the Negro Ensemble Company and a standout performer on screen in projects like The Omega Man, Sister, Sister, A Different World, & General Hospital. But why was this leading actress not given more opportunities to lead? Find out as we dig into crate #101 of The Melanated Archives Podcast.
This Episode's Guests Include:
Sharon Washington: https://instagram.com/thisissharonwashington?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
Ken Sagoes: http://www.thesagoescompany.com/
Allie Woods
Theme Music:
Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com
Follow Our Show & Our Hosts:
TMA Instagram: https://instagram.com/themelanatedarchives?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/
Kendra Holloway: https://instagram.com/kendra2shay?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=
Brandon Rachal: https://instagram.com/brandonrachal_?igshid=Zjc2ZTc4Nzk=