Month: August 2012

Photo: RIA Novosti, Vladimir Astapkovich.

‘Black Sun’ Documentary Explores Minorities in STEM Fields

August 17, 2012 Carmen Russell Culture 00:24:09 0 Comments

When examining those working in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) field, those with an observant eye may notice an obvious absence: the presence of minority youth.

But one assistant research scientist at the University of Arizona and expert in astronomers of the African disaspora is hoping to show a pair of minority scientists who are taking on a celestial project for the greater good.

Host Jamila Bey spoke with Dr. Jarita Holbrook, who launched a Kickstarter.com campaign to fund the project, to talk about the two scientists behind the upcoming documentary “Black Sun.”

Billboards, like this one, had been installed in Tampa, Fla., in time for the Republican National Convention, but the company installing them removed the billboards after receiving death threats. Photo: American Atheists, Inc., David Silverman.

New Atheist Billboard Campaign Targets Religious Beliefs of Presidential Candidates

August 14, 2012 Carmen Russell Culture, Religion 00:15:13 0 Comments

WASHINGTON — The American Atheists organization has launched a new billboard campaign going after the religious beliefs of the presidential candidates and hopes to create some revealing interfaith dialogue.

Host Jamila Bey spoke with David Silverman, president of the American Atheists, Inc., to discuss the billboard campaign and what kind of reaction Silverman hopes to get from the Republican and Democratic national conventions.

Black Folks Don’t

August 2, 2012 Carmen Russell Culture 00:17:47 0 Comments

 

Angela Tucker’s web series, “Black Folks Don’t” takes on the topic of atheism.

She joins me, along with blogger Ian Cromwell to discuss the many myths that still exist around the flawed definition of African-American as being synonymous with “god-fearing.”

 

A lab assistant conducting a rapid HIV test at a mobile station. Photo: ©RIA Novosti, Pavel Lysizin.

‘deepsouth’ Doc Explores the Fight Against HIV/AIDS in the US South

August 2, 2012 Carmen Russell Culture 00:15:00 0 Comments

A new documentary released in July chronicles the struggles of those fighting against the AIDS/HIV epidemic in the U.S. South, a region known for its conservative and traditional values.

Filmmaker Lisa Biagiotti turned her camera onto the hidden faces of the part of the country most deeply affected by the AIDS/HIV epidemic in “deepsouth.”

Amid budget cuts and a crumbling economy, those living with the disease and those who seek to help them are fighting for their survival and fighting for their dignity as well.

Host Jamila Bey spoke with Biagiotti to learn about the film and the stories uncovered.

 

Secular Student Alliance gathers for a photo at its conference. Photo: Voice of Russia, Jamila Bey.

Secular Student Alliance Discusses Future of Atheism At Annual Conference

August 2, 2012 Carmen Russell Culture 00:17:33 0 Comments

The Secular Student Alliance held its annual conference at the Ohio State University in Columbus this past week, discussing everything from freedom from religion to promoting science, unity and free reason.

Host Jamila Bey spoke with SSA events specialist Sarah Moglia about the convention and about a malicious attack the group received soon after.

Living A Modified Olympic Lifestyle

August 2, 2012 Carmen Russell Culture 00:18:02 0 Comments

Derek Caffe is a fitness trainer and author living in Atlanta.

He joins me to talk about why small steps are the way to go when it comes to deciding to become inspired and to go for fitness gold in one’s own life. His book is called “4 Secrets to a Healthy Life!”