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Strange Fruit: Dr. Yaba Blay's (1)ne Drop Project; Director Kenny Leon

{description}Who is black? That's the question the (1)ne Drop Projectseeks to answer. The project, created by Dr. Yaba Blay, features photographs of people who identify as black, African-American, biracial, and other identities—but whose physical appearances may provoke curiosity, or even disbelief, in strangers. Dr. Blay will appear on CNN's Black in America 5 to talk about what it means to be black. But this week she made some time to talk to us about her work.Kenny Leon is a Broadway director, filmmaker, and the artistic director of True Colors Theater Company. Leon directed "A Raisin in the Sun" for both Broadway and television, and his recent work includes the all-black-cast version of the film "Steel Magnolias" for Lifetime. Leon will give a presentation at UofL's Playhouse on Monday at 5p.m. (It's free and open to the public—call 502-852-8443 for information). We spoke with him this week about his work, his life and his dedication to preserving classic theatrical works by African-American writers.  Bravo TV aired a segment this week featuring Derek J and Miss Lawrence, supporting cast members of "Real Housewives of Atlanta." Our hosts say it's an example of what Marlon Riggs called "negro faggotry"—over-the-top, flamboyant portrayals of black gay men that serve to emasculate them, thereby making them more more palatable to the American media consumer (while at the same time, robbing them of their individuality and humanity). We tackle this TV spot and this concept on this week's Juicy Fruit segment.

Laura is LPM's Director of Podcasts & Special Projects. Email Laura at lellis@lpm.org.

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