The Barbershop guys look back at some of the most memorable news and pop culture stories of 2011. They also share predictions and resolutions for 2012. Host Michel Martin speaks with author Jimi Izrael, civil rights attorney Arsalan Ifthikar, Republican strategist Ron Christie and sports reporter Pablo Torre.
Host Michel Martin continues her recap of this year's political highlights and flops with journalism professor Cynthia Tucker U.S. News and World Report columnist Mary Kate Cary. They look at some of the more comedic moments, including those from Jon Huntsman and Herman Cain.
Tell Me More editor Ammad Omar and host Michel Martin review stories that got the most shares and comments on Facebook, Twitter and the program's email account and website. Those stories range from poetry to immigration to Amy Chua's Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother book.
Republican presidential hopefuls are in the final days of campaigning ahead of the Iowa caucuses. Host Michel Martin explores the latest developments in the contest with Kevin Williamson, deputy managing editor of The National Review, and Michael Fauntroy, associate professor of public policy at George Mason University.
The jazz saxophonist, flutist and composer passed away on Wednesday from pneumonia. He worked with Miles Davis, Billie Holiday and T. Bone Walker, and played an essential role in the abstract and avant-garde jazz movement. Host Michel Martin pays him a tribute.
Thursday marks the fourth day of Kwanzaa, the weeklong celebration of African-American family, culture and life. The holiday also includes feasts that reflect the diversity of the African diaspora. Host Michel Martin speaks with Sanura Weathers, of the blog Kwanzaa Culinarians, about how various food bloggers are making their favorite recipes part of the Kwanzaa tradition.
The multi Grammy-winning group Sounds of Blackness is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a new, self-titled album. The CD focuses on reconciliation and healing in hard times. Worldwide, the group performs gospel, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and other genres related to the African-American experience. They join host Michel Martin for a performance chat.
As Europe suffered economic crises in 2011, Turkey's economy boomed. And as neighboring Arab countries faced political turmoil, Turkey became a bigger regional player. Martin discusses the country's good year with John Peet, Europe editor at The Economist, and Rami Khouri, international affairs expert from American University of Beirut.
All week, NPR is looking at people, events and ideas that fared well in 2011. Host Michel Martin explores how it was a good year for grassroots protests, both as part of the Arab Spring and the 'Occupy' movements. She speaks with NPR Cairo Correspondent Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson and Arun Venugopal, a reporter for member station WNYC.
High-end fashion designers have been getting rave reviews for the African prints, textiles and shapes that they sent down the runways. Host Michel Martin explores how it was a good year for African prints and where the trend is going in 2012. She talks with online boutique owner Dolapo Shobanjo and style correspondent Robin Givhan.
Opening in select U.S. theaters Wednesday, Pariah follows the story of Alike, a 17-year-old lesbian who tries coming to terms with her conflicting identities. Along her journey, Alike's bonds with friends and families are thrown into jeopardy. Host Michel Martin speaks with leading actress Adepero Oduye and director Dee Rees.
In her new book, Beauty Shop Politics, Professor Tiffany Gill looks at African-American women who owned beauty shops during decades before the civil rights movement. She speaks with host Michel Martin about how salons — then and now — have become centers for economic opportunity and political awareness.
After making a documentary about women in the heyday of hip-hop, My Mic Sounds Nice, Ava DuVernay is scheduled to feature her new film, Middle of Nowhere, at the Sundance Film Festival. As part of Tell Me More's series, 'In Your Ear,' she shares music that influences her films, including tracks from West Side Story.
Congress' approval ratings hit an all-time low in December, according to the polling firm Gallup. Host Michel Martin looks at why many Americans seemed to be frustrated with Congress. She hears from NPR Senior Washington Editor Ron Elving and Mark Eaton of the Capitol Steps, a musical political satire group.
Many business owners were outraged when Amazon.com released an app offering discounts on items that customers scanned in stores but later bought on Amazon. Jasmine Johnson started an online petition against Amazon's promotion techniques. She and technology culture reporter Omar Gallaga speak with host Michel Martin.