Art and culture have always been at the heart of Black community resilience and resistance. In this episode of Dark Work, host Jaribu Hill speaks with Jackson State University Professor Mark Henderson, founder and artistic director of the performance troupe MADDRAMA. Professor Henderson also serves as the interim chair of the Department of Speech Communication and Theatre.
The two talk about how Professor Henderson developed MADDRAMA and how it serves as an entry point for young people into community organizing and understanding our shared history. He narrates his own journey and exploration from student to cultural steward.
This episode opening features a creative presentation by Elijah Johnson, a student fellow with the Mississippi Workers Center. Inspired by Assata Shakur, Elijah's passionate delivery shows the importance of creative avenues for communicating political ideals and expression.