Ep 91. Sonia Sanchez, John H. Bracey Jr., James Smethurst

In season 9 episode 91 of Tavis Smiley, the focus is on three distinguished guests: Sonia Sanchez, John H. Bracey Jr., and James Smethurst. Each guest is a highly respected academic and scholar in their respective fields of poetry, African American studies, and jazz and blues music.

Sonia Sanchez is a renowned poet, activist, and professor who has written over a dozen collections of poetry and has been a prominent voice in the Black Arts Movement. She discusses her latest book, "Morning Haiku," which explores the beauty and complexity of everyday life through the lens of the haiku form.

John H. Bracey Jr. is a professor of Afro-American Studies at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and the author of numerous books and articles on African American history and culture. He shares his insights on the importance of understanding the historical context of current social and political issues, examining how the legacies of slavery and racism continue to impact black communities today.

James Smethurst is a professor of African American studies at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and the author of several books on jazz, blues, and protest literature. He explores the connections between music and social justice movements, highlighting the ways in which jazz and blues have been used as vehicles for protest and resistance.

Throughout the episode, Tavis Smiley engages each guest in thoughtful discussions about their work and how it relates to the current political and social climate in America. Their insights and perspectives provide a nuanced understanding of the complexities of race, culture, and identity in America, and the importance of art and scholarship in shaping the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

Overall, season 9 episode 91 of Tavis Smiley provides a stimulating and insightful look into the work of three exceptional scholars and thinkers, and their contributions to the ongoing dialogue about race and culture in America.