In 1972, actress, playwright, & theatre director Vinnette Carroll (1922 - 2002) not only opened doors, but she bulldozed them down when she became the first African-American woman to direct a show on Broadway. Along with the late great Micki Grant, Carroll helped usher in a new wave of black artists on the Great White Way with the debut of the groundbreaking musical DON'T BOTHER ME, I CAN'T COPE. Until 2016, she was the only African-American woman to have received a Tony Award nomination for direction. So with so much history and cultural impact, why don't we hear more about Vinnette Carroll? How has this renaissance woman of endless talent stayed hidden from view as we continue celebrating the accomplishments of those who came after and benefited directly from her brilliance?  Join us for episode 7 of The Melanated Archives Podcast as we chat with Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter & Marie Thomas, two accomplished artistic pioneers who studied under the tutelage of Vinnette Carroll and witnessed her process up close and personal. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to dig in the crates as we unearth the art and times of the great visionary Miss Vinnette Carroll.  This Episode's Guests Include: Marie Thomas: Facebook - Marie Thomas-Foster Jeffrey Anderson-Gunter: Instagram - @jeffreyandersongunter 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_