‘Miscellany’ Archives
Barbara LeShoure: Blues, Chicago style
Born on Chicago”'s south side, weaned on the blues, a daughter of a singer, guitarist, and harmonica player, Jack Stepter, Barbara spent her youth sucking up the souls of legends that included Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker and Howlin”' Wolf. Her Blues upbringing provided the foundation for which she was to later be acclaimed as Chicago”'s “Leading Lady of the Blues.” Diversely gifted in both Gospel and Jazz, her father insisted early on that singing the Blues was Barbara”'s destiny for life in order to carry on the tradition and to educate others of the tragic struggles resulting in this country”'s musical roots. Since residing in Minnesota, Ms. LeShoure performs locally and has contributed regularly to the community through an inner city program entitled “Music Mentoring”. She has provided educational instruction about the Blues in several Minneapolis and St. Paul schools to promote awareness and appreciation of the [...]
Leola Althea Johnson: “Honey Boo Boo As a Political Figure: A Convergence of News and Entertainment
“I am a single parent of two adult boys, which is my favorite identity. My sons, who are both in their twenties, are wonderful, ethical young men. I”'m also an academic and a writer. Most recently, I have been writing about photographic representations of black bodies in popular culture. Her scholarship focuses on the media representations of African Americans in news and entertainment, especially sports and music, as well as on women and African Americans who work in media industries.  She is an associate professor of Media and Popular Culture at Macalester College. Alley Communications is delighted that she will join us in what promises to be a provocative and dynamic evening including her presentation and many talented local performers.
Christopher Toliver: Spoken Word
Christopher Toliver”'s dabbling in creative writing ultimately grew into a passion. Drawing on his extensive experience with street life, Chris has now published his first novel, Hallway Man, as well as a wealth of poems and short stories. In 2010, while doing freelance work with Insight Newspaper, Toliver was awarded a Micro Grant through Project in Pride and Living to further his ambition in obtaining a black-owned publishing company. Toliver says the grant was a seed that not only assisted him financially, but an unseen intervention that confirmed that he belonged. A native of Milwaukee, he is an inspiring author and speaker residing in Minneapolis.
