Q&A

Asian woman with black hair in pink sweater at grey desk in black room
Sameer Rao  Jun 8, 2018 12:22PM EDT

3 Questions With 'Crazy Rich Asians' Star Tan Kheng Hua

Colorlines talks to the Singaporean actress about her relationship with Asian America and why representation matters.
Black-and-white image of Black woman with black afro and septum and lip piercings in scarf and shirt with tattoos on right shoulder in front of grey wall and boxes
Sameer Rao  Apr 13, 2018 4:56PM EDT

3 Questions With Tamar-kali, Film Composer Extraordinaire

The genre-incinerating musician talked to Colorlines about her musical heritage and scoring films like “Mudbound” and the just-released “Come Sunday.”
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Sameer Rao  Apr 4, 2018 10:36AM EDT

4 Questions with 'King in the Wilderness' Producer Trey Ellis

The writer and educator speaks about his new HBO documentary, which focuses on the turbulent last years of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life.
Black man in brown suit with white shirt in front of brown wall
Sameer Rao  Jan 23, 2018 12:55PM EST

Tai Allen Offers 'No Jewels,' But Significant Healing Power

The artist discusses his latest poetry collection and accompanying album, an exploration of his survival from sexual abuse.
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Sameer Rao  Jan 16, 2018 11:09AM EST

Upon the Release of Her New Memoir, Patrisse Khan-Cullors Reflects on the Power of Storytelling

The Black Lives Matter co-founder talks, state repression, “survivors’ guilt” and why she gets so personal in her new book, “When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir.” 
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Sameer Rao  Nov 1, 2017 6:27PM EDT

5 Questions with Garland McLaurin About His New Docuseries on Black 'Pops'

We spoke with the Peabody Award-winning filmmaker about the web series, which explores the ups and downs faced by four very different fathers.
Black man in navy blazer and grey patterned shirt holds black microphone attached to black cable while sitting in black chair in front of grey and black screen
Sameer Rao  Sep 19, 2017 11:28AM EDT

In 'Strong Island,' Filmmaker Yance Ford Explores How the Racist Killing of His Brother Went Unpunished

The Sundance award-winning documentary about his brother’s 1992 killing during a dispute with a White mechanic is now available on Netflix. Ford talks about the film’s most difficult scenes, giving his loved ones closure and more. 
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Sameer Rao  Jan 9, 2017 4:23PM EST

'This is Us' Star Sterling K. Brown is Excited About the Future of Black Stories on Film and TV

“To be African-American and alive—it’s a good thing,” said the Emmy award-winning actor to The Undefeated. 
Man with white hair in navy suit and light blue shirt with black microphone against purple background
Sameer Rao  Oct 25, 2016 10:19AM EDT

Jorge Ramos Condemns 'Trump Effect' On Immigrants' Children in New Interview

The Univision and Fusion anchor spoke to ReMezcla about Trump’s rhetoric and Fusion’s new documentary, “Hate Rising,” which will air tonight. 
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Sameer Rao  Oct 11, 2016 12:53PM EDT

How 'Fresh Off The Boat' Executive Producer Melvin Mar Helped Change Hollywood Behind the Scenes

The third season of the family comedy premiered this week. Here, Melvin Mar talks about making history with the first Asian-American show in 20 years and the long game he played to get it on the small screen. 
Jamila Woods in purple- and blue-hued light
Sameer Rao  Jul 5, 2016 1:24PM EDT

Singer, Poet and 'Blk Girl Soldier' Jamila Woods Talks New Album, Chicago Youth Movements and Self-Care

The Chance the Rapper collaborator’s debut solo album, “Heavn,” drops July 11 on Closed Sessions. 
Sameer Rao  May 19, 2016 12:49PM EDT

Junot Díaz Talks Gentrification, Trump and the Power of Theater in New Q&A

The celebrated Dominican-American author and scholar spoke his truth in a conversation with The Uptown Collective.
Sameer Rao  May 5, 2016 6:40PM EDT

Former Das Racist Member Kool A.D. Talks Police Violence, Writing and Kanye West

The ever irreverent MC, writer and artist just dropped a new EP, ”Real Talk.”
Ta-Nehisi Coates in black jacket with blue collared shirt and dark blue jeans, in front of black background
Sameer Rao  Apr 6, 2016 10:50AM EDT

Ta-Nehisi Coates: 'Politics Are in the Background' for 'Black Panther' Reboot

Coates’ and illustrator Brian Stelfreeze’s ’Black Panther’ debuts today. 
Sameer Rao  Mar 29, 2016 3:12PM EDT

#BernieMadeMeWhite Creator Calls Erasure of Sanders' POC Supporters 'Terrible Strategy'

“They’re going to need us very soon,” Leslie Lee III said in a new interview with Raw Story.
Sameer Rao  Mar 18, 2016 2:26PM EDT

5 Questions with Natasha Rothwell, an 'SNL' Alum Making Her Mark

The former “Saturday Night Live” writer shows off her character acting chops on Netflix’s hilarious new “The Characters.”
Sameer Rao  Mar 14, 2016 12:25PM EDT

W. Kamau Bell on Attending a KKK Cross-Burning: 'You Guys Might Need Some Therapy'

Bell’s new show, “United Shades of America,” premieres on CNN on April 24. 
Sameer Rao  Mar 9, 2016 6:17PM EST

Comedian Wyatt Cenac Talks New Projects, Painful Jokes and Being the Only Black Guy in the Room

The former “Daily Show” correspondent and writer’s got a new stand-up album, two new TV shows, and plenty to say about showbiz racism and power. 
Sameer Rao  Feb 4, 2016 3:50PM EST

We Talked to the Super Funny Hannibal Buress About Some Serious S**t

On the eve of his Netflix stand-up special, “Comedy Camisado,” the Chicago native talks race, police violence and why he’s excited about the Oscars.
Sameer Rao  Dec 1, 2015 4:36PM EST

Introducing 'P is for Pussy,' a Subversive Kids' Book That Will Tickle Adults

With her first book, “P is for Pussy,” veteran producer and curator Elissa Blount-Moorhead hopes to capture kids who are learning the alphabet and their parents who need to laugh.