Ep 181. Author Gayle Tzemach Lemmon; singer Shemekia Copeland

In season 9 episode 181 of Tavis Smiley, the renowned talk show host interviews two inspiring women – author Gayle Tzemach Lemmon and singer Shemekia Copeland.

First up is Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, an award-winning journalist and author. Smiley delves into her latest book, "The Dressmaker of Khair Khana," which tells the incredible story of Kamila Sidiqi, a young Afghan woman who started a dressmaking business under Taliban rule. The book captures Kamila's perseverance and courage as she faces unique challenges, such as ensuring her female employees' safety and finding a way to sell her products amidst strict regulations. Lemmon also discusses her past works, including "Ashley's War," which tells the story of the first all-female special ops team deployed to Afghanistan. Through her books, Lemmon hopes to show the strength and resilience of women in the face of adversity.

Later in the episode, Smiley welcomes the talented blues singer Shemekia Copeland to the stage. Copeland talks about her influences growing up in a musical family and how her father, blues guitarist Johnny Copeland, inspired her to pursue a career in music. She also performs two songs from her album "Outskirts of Love," including the title track and "The Battle is Over (But the War Goes On)." Copeland's powerhouse vocals and commanding stage presence leave the audience in awe and showcase why she is one of the leading voices in the blues genre today.

Throughout the episode, Smiley seamlessly weaves together Lemmon and Copeland's stories to highlight the power and resilience of women. From Kamila's entrepreneurial spirit to Copeland's ability to captivate an audience with her music, the episode celebrates the strength and talent of women in different fields. Smiley's thoughtful and engaging interview style allows the guests to shine, making for an inspiring and uplifting episode.