R2A Interview Series
The Rhode to Africa Interview Series was a 4-part program produced by RezaRitesRi.com, Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, and Beatbox Studio. It was created to be a podcast series, but it aired in October and November on WRIU (90.3 FM in RI or www.wriu.org). Click here to access the Interview Series on iTunes or here to download them one episode at a time.
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Rhode to Africa Earns Metcalf Diversity in the Media Award
Honored for demonstrating ‘African ties to RI soil’
April 27, 2009
Entries are judged by a local, independent panel convened by Rhode Island for Community and Justice. The annual competition offers the only award in Rhode Island to recognize journalists and the media for their stories promoting diversity. Winners will be recognized at the 21ST Annual Metcalf Awards Breakfast
Providence, RI, April 21, 2009 – Recruiting urban youth for nursing school, touting the accomplishments of RI women, a sailing team competing against the odds, African neighbors putting down Rhode Island roots and food from the around the globe in our backyard, are the focus for winners of the 21st Annual Metcalf Diversity in Media Awards to be presented Thursday, May 14, 8:15 a.m. at the Temple-Downtown restaurant in Providence.
Rhode Island for Community and Justice is proud to announce the following winning individuals and media outlets.
–>Broadcast: Dana Neugent for the “Be A Nurse” video.
–>Print, Daily: Gail Ciampa and the Providence Journal for the “Taste of the Neighborhood” Food Series
–>Print, Weekly/Bi-Weekly: Jewish Voice and Herald – Community News Series
–>Print, Monthly/Quarterly: Northern Rhode Island YWCA – She Shines Magazine
–>Internet: RezaRitesRI.com for “Rhode to Africa” Podcast
–>Radio: Megan Hall and WRNI radio for “ Clagett Regatta”
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Established in 1988 to honor the late Michael Metcalf, publisher of the Providence Journal, awards are given for Print, Broadcast (Radio and Television) and Web/Internet media. A final category was added recognizes unusually outstanding effort in any media. Entries are judged by a local, independent panel convened by RICJ. The annual competition is the only award in Rhode Island to recognize journalists and the media for their stories promoting diversity.
WJAR TV 10 General Manager, Lisa Churchville will emcee the breakfast festivities and RI PBS President, Bob Fish is honorary chair. Established in 1988 to honor the late Michael Metcalf, publisher of the Providence Journal, previous awardees have included: Stephanie McKenna, Providence Journal; Joseph Fitzgerald, the Woonsocket Call; Jaime Remillard, the Observer; Valerie Tutson, Cultural Tapestry, Cox Communications; and WELH Brown Student Radio.
RICJ is a social justice organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism and promoting understanding and respect among all races, religions and cultures through advocacy, conflict resolution and education.
Tickets to the awards breakfast are $40 per person. For additional information contact Ann Clanton at Rhode Island for Community and Justice at 401 467-1717 Ext. 101.
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The Rhode 2 Africa Video
Celebrate it One More Time
March 4, 2009
PROVIDENCE, RI - Did you experience Rhode to Africa (R2A)? The music, the conversations, the community? From the Interview Series to the Cape Verdean Jazz Reception, celebrate it all one more time: The Rhode 2 Africa Video by Executive Producers Reza Clifton and Corey Taylor.
Want to download it as a video podcast via iTunes? Click here
R2A was a Concert Series and Interview Series about Africans in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. It was produced by RezaRitesRi.com and Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc. with support from The Rhode Island Foundation, Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, The Van Leesten Group, The Nellie Mae Education Foundation, Firehouse no. 13, WRIU, Beatbox Studio, The Providence Black Repertory Company and many other organizations, businesses, and individuals. For more info, email rezaclif@gmail.com.
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Was Rhode to Africa a worthwhile project?
Then Shout it Out…and Fill Out a Survey
December 16, 2008
Have you listened to any of the Rhode to Africa interviews? Click on the photo above or here to share your thoughts.
PROVIDENCE, RI - RezaRitesRi.com and Mount Hope Neighborhood Association need your help. Rhode to Africa was a project we produced that combined an Interview Series with a Concert Series. The idea was focusing on underrepresented cultures, topics, and people, and drawing in an audience that was diverse in age, gender, ethnicity and birth country.
Did we accomplish this? Did you listen to an interview and did you find it interesting? Did you attend a concert and did you enjoy the music? Did you receive updates and did you find them helpful? Did you skip the project all together, and is there a reason why? Should we plan to create a second Rhode to Africa project?
Did you attend the Rhode to Africa Concert Series? Click on the photo above or here to share your thoughts.
Click here to link to an online survey about the Rhode to Africa Interview Series. Click here to take the survey about the Rhode to Africa Concert Series. Or skip the survey all together and email your thoughts to rezaclif@gmail.com; include the subject - “Rhode to Africa Feedback.” Thanks.
-Reza Rites
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Rhode to Africa at Black Rep:
Hear the Interviews Live
December 7, 2008
Rhode 2 Africa at Black Rep consists of a Cape Verdean Jazz Reception at 6:00 followed by a Panel Discussion about Africans in RI and America. The original Rhode to Africa Interviews and Conversations aired on WRIU, 90.3 FM in October and early November. For more information, contact Reza at 401-497-5246.
PROVIDENCE, RI - Rhode to Africa wraps up this week, on Wednesday, December 10 with Rhode 2 Africa at Black Rep: 6 - 8 PM, 276 Westminster St. in downcity Providence. Join me, Reza Rites, and the musicians, organizations, and individuals who supported this groundbreaking Concert Series and Interview Series.
Rhode 2 Africa at Black Rep is the perfect after-work event. It’s from 6-8 PM - ideal for those who work hard and stay late AND for those who get in and out early who want time to change before going back out; it includes complimentary entrance and refreshments; it is at a great venue known for its community commitment, atmosphere and cash bar; and it features the smooth yet eclectic sounds of “KabuJazz” with highly acclaimed Cape Verdean vocalist, Candida Rose, and the KabuJazzz Ensemble. Plus, the evening closes with a provocative and thoughtfully timed panel discussion about race, culture, and immigration in America and RI.
If you attended the Rhode to Africa Concert Series in October, then you know the music will be exceptional. If you’ve heard an episode of the Rhode to Africa Interview Series, then you know the dialogue will be rich and informative. With both experiences in one night, enjoy it all one more time or catch it before you miss it. Rhode to Africa at Black Rep: Wednesday, December 10, 6-8 PM at 276 Westminster St., Providence; free and open to the public. For more information, contact me, Reza Rites, at 401-497-5246.
The event features music by Cape Verdean vocalist Candida Rose and the KabuJazz Ensemble. The panel discussion will include Rose; representatives from the International Institute of RI and African Alliance of RI, and other special guests.
For more information about the original R2A Concert Series and other R2A performers, click here. To hear episodes of the R2A Interview Series, keep reading; click here to access the “R2A Interviews - LINKS ONLY” page; or click here to access and subscribe to all the podcasts via iTunes.
Peace,
Reza Rites
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R2A Episodes - Now on Links Only Page
Hearing Rhode to Africa is Easier than Ever
November 11, 2008
Pictured here, from left to right, are Sata Jallah, Jonathan Mahone, Emmanuel Paulus and me, Reza Rites; it was taken during the recording session for episode 1. Click here to play and download episode two, and here for episode 3. For the fourth and final episode, click here. To hear them or subscribe via iTunes, click here.
Check out the new “R2A Podcasts - LINKS ONLY” page for even easier access to the Rhode to Africa Interview Series. Below you’ll find that I blogged step by step about the airing of the episodes on radio and when the podcasts were posted. With the new page, you can skip all the updates and access the audio by simply clicking on the episode number. Enjoy. And thanks for checking in.
- Reza Rites
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Fourth and Final Episode Airs on Radio
Participants discuss Obama, Bob Marley, Wu-Tang and More
November 3, 2008
Hear it at 12:30 PM on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday on 90.3 FM, WRIU or at www.wriu.org.
KINGSTON, RI - Check out the fourth and final episode - with the Mayor of East Providence, RI Dr. Isadore Ramos; Donald King of The Providence Black Repertory Company and Brown University; and several members of the band Afrika Rainbow – a band specializing in African and West Indian Rhythms. From Santiago to East Providence, and Wu-Tang to Bob Marley, let’s take a trip down the Rhode to Africa. It airs today, Wednesday and Thursday - November 3rd, 5th, and 6th - on 90.3 FM, WRIU or www.wriu.org - at 12:30 PM.
The broadcast on radio of the Rhode to Africa Interview Series is made possible thanks to the generosity and support of WRIU, RI Foundation, RI Council for the Humanities, The Van Leesten Group, Nellie Mae Education Foundation, Firehouse no. 13, The Providence American Newspaper, RIFuture.org, Mamie Ellen’s Southern Vittles, Elea’s Restaurant, and numerous other RI businesses and organizations.
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Enjoy While Sitting, Standing, or Running:
Episodes 2 & 3 Available as Podcasts
November 1, 2008
PROVIDENCE, RI - Listen from home or work; take it with you anywhere: Episodes 2 & 3 of the Rhode to Africa Interview Series are up. In episode two, we hear from Mary Smith and Harold Omisore of Oasis International; Jean Phillipe Barros, a City Council Candidate in Pawtucket; and Olivier Varela – aka Mr. Loverman from WRIU 90.3 FM’s Cape Verdean Afro-beat show. The third episode features singer songwriter, Michelle Cruz; musician and DJ Aarin Clemons, aka Abstract Soul; and Brown University alumnus and Founding President of Heritage Revival Projects, M. Lamin Sarr.
Click here to play and download episode 2, and here for episode 3. To hear them or subscribe via iTunes, click here. The fourth and final episode of Rhode to Africa airs November 3rd, 5th and 6th at 12:30 PM on WRIU - 90.3 FM or www.wriu.org.
The Rhode to Africa Interview Series is a 4-part program produced by RezaRitesRi.com, Beatbox Studio, and Mount Hope Neighborhood Association. It’s made possible thanks to the generosity and support of RI Foundation, RI Council for the Humanities, The Van Leesten Group, The Nellie Mae Education Foundation, Firehouse no. 13, WRIU, and numerous other RI businesses and organizations.
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I’ve Got To Be Unstoppable:
Technical Difficulties Won’t Stop R2A Voyage
October 31, 2008
PROVIDENCE, RI - “I’ve got to Be unstoppable. I’ve got to be unstoppable.” These words introduce the chorus on one of the selections of the recently-released, self-titled cd by musician, Santogold. I also said it all week long - and nearly every day since I heard the track. It is my personal theme song. And it’s what got me through this week when my primary computer commenced the game of crash and go and my back up computer revealed NOT having the back up audio editing program I had learned.
But I’ve got to be unstoppable. My primary computer is being fixed by a dependable go-to person; I taught myself a third editing program for this and future projects; and I’m back on track to air on radio the fourth and final episode of Rhode to Africa. Beginning Monday, November 3, tune in to 90.3 FM or www.wriu.org at 12:30 PM to hear East Providence Mayor Isadore Ramos, Black Rep Artisitic Director Donald King and members of the band, Afrika Rainbow, as they take a trip down the Rhode to Africa. Replays will air on Wednesday and Thursday at the same time, then the podcast comes soon to the site.
And be on the lookout all weekend long to be the first to catch the podcast of episode 3. The interview will be up soon, because I’ve… got to be unstoppable.
Peace,
Reza Rites
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Hear the Third Episode on Radio: Today and Monday on WRIU
Right on time for the Oct 26 Final R2A Concert
October 23, 2008
KINGSTON, RI - If you didn’t catch it yesterday, tune in at 12:30 PM today - Thursday October 23 - or Monday, October 27 to here the third episode of the Rhode to Africa Interview Series. It features Michelle Cruz, a Cape Verdean-American singer songwriter and Pawtucket, RI native; Providence resident, musician and DJ Aarin Clemons, aka Abstract Soul; and Brown University alum and Founding President of Heritage Revival Projects, M. Lamin Sarr.
The Rhode to Africa Interview Series is a 4-part program produced by RezaRitesRi.com, Beatbox Studio, and Mount Hope Neighborhood Association. Its airing on 90.3 FM, WRIU is made possible thanks to the generosity of the University of Rhode Island, RI Foundation, RI Council for the Humanities, The Van Leesten Group, Nellie Mae Foundation, Firehouse no. 13 and numerous other RI businesses and organizations. The interviews air through October on WRIU; the last episode begins next week.
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R2A Interview Update:
First Podcast Posted, Second Episode on Radio
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The first official Rhode to Africa podcast is up!! If you didn’t hear the first episode on WRIU 90.3 FM - or if you did but want to hear it again - download the podcast here or get it on iTunes by clicking here! The first episode features Sata Jallah, aka Lady DUBB, Jonathan Mahone, aka J-Bro, and Emmanuel Paulus of the Liberian Community Association of RI.
Plus, the second episode of Rhode to Africa starts today on WRIU. Hear it at 12:30 PM on 90.3 FM or in real time at www.wriu.org. The second episode highlights Mary Smith and Harold Omisore of Oasis International; Jean Phillipe Barros a City Council Candidate in Pawtucket; and WRIU’s own Olivier Varela – aka Mr. Loverman from WRIU’s Cape Verdean Afro-beat show.
Rhode to Africa episodes and replays are airing in October every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 12:30 PM on WRIU - 90.3 FM or wriu.org. Tune in or stay tuned for news about the podcasts.
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R2A Interview Update
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
PROVIDENCE, RI - If you haven’t heard the first official episode yet, tune in tomorrow, October 9 at 12:30 PM to hear: A Conversation with Sata Jallah (Lady DUBB of the band Rooted Sound), Jonathan Mahone (J-Bro of the band Riders Against the Storm and of the comedy group, In House Freestyle), and Emmanuel Paulus (of the Liberian Community Association of RI).
The Interview episodes will air on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 12:30 PM on WRIU, 90.3 FM or www.wriu.org. They will be available soon as podcasts on RezaRitesRi.com and on iTunes (search RezaRitesRi in the iTunes Store). Keep checking back in for more updates.
See you this Sunday on October 12; it’s Rooted Sound, Riders Against The Storm, and DJ Blade Mon. There is sure to be “more fiyah” on the eve of the day commemorating the hero-villain, Christopher (Cristobal) Columbus (Colon).
Miss this and miss the best. I’ll see you from 8 PM - 1 AM this Sunday. Peace.
Reza Rites
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Rhode to Africa Interview Series:
Special bonus episode - A Conversation with the Producers
**Click here to download the link or here to access it on iTunes if you did not hear it on WRIU on Thursday, October 2.**
PROVIDENCE, RI - The thirty-minute mix of poetry, music, and commentary were co-produced by me, Reza Rites, and by Vertygo - a co-owner of Beatbox (Recording) Studio in Pawtucket, RI. Music was used with permission from three RI-based artists: Spoken Word Poet and Hip Hop Emcee Kalyana Champlain; Spoken Word Poet Yunus Quddus; and Hip Hop Emcee Chachi Carvalho.
The recording features Risa Gilpin of Rhode Island Council for the Humanities (RICH); hip hop recording artist, promoter and Pawtucket community advocate Charles “Chachi” Carvalho; Michael Van Leesten, chair of Mount Hope Neighborhood Association (MHNA) and chair of Providence Black Repertory Company; Raymond Watson, MHNA Executive Director and Rhode Island Young Professionals President; and me as interviewer.
Participants in the conversation are also some of the producers, supporters and partners of Rhode to Africa.
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You Heard it First: R2A Radio Promo on WRIU
KINGSTON, RI - Thought you heard Reza Rites on the radio this weekend? Were you listening to what may be described as world, reggae, or Afro beat music when you suddenly heard what sounded like a commercial for Rhode to Africa?
Well that’s because Saturday morning through Sunday evening, September 27 through the 28th, WRIU 90.3 FM played two promo/psa’s throughout various station programming: Blade Connex Radio, The Cape Verdean Afro Beat Show, Top Rank Radio, Shades of Blue and Reggae Showcase. WRIU is a broadcast service of the University of Rhode Island run by students, alumni, and various community members.
Reza Corinne Clifton, Rhode to Africa Director and Producer, also co-produces and hosts a show on WRIU called Voices of Women. She shares the duty with two other dj’s - Toni and Beth. The show airs every Saturday morning from 9 AM - 11 AM. For more information about WRIU, visit www.wriu.org.
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Sneak Peek: Rhode to Africa Audio Promo
September 24, 2008
I just finished posting a 3-minute audio promo for the Rhode to Africa Interview Series. Three minutes long, also available on iTunes, how can you resist a listen? Click here to listen, visit my myspace RezaRitesRi music page at www.myspace.com/RezaRitesRi, or download it on iTunes.
The R2A Interview Series starts this Thursday, October 2. You can hear the first episode at 12:30 PM on WRIU 90.3 FM or during real (station) time at www.wriu.org. You can also hear it as a podcast on iTunes and right here on RezaRitesRi.com.
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The Rhode to Africa (R2A) Interview Series
Presented by
RezaRitesRi.com
Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Beatbox Studio
WRIU, 90.3 FM
The R2A Interview Series: will be made of four 30-minute audio recordings that will document conversations with African musicians and community leaders living locally or regionally in RI or elsewhere in New England. Beginning in October, they will air on WRIU 90.3 FM and be available as podcasts on RezaRitesRi.com and iTunes. A bonus conversation featuring R2A’s producers and major supporters is currently available for download and broadcast. Click here to download it or here to access it on iTunes.
About RezaRitesRi.com: RezaRitesRi.com is a website/blog maintained by Reza Corinne Clifton, an award winning online publisher, freelance journalist and grassroots community leader who created the site in 2005.
About Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc. (MHNA): Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc. is a non-profit, community development agency located in the historic Mt. Hope section of the East Side of Providence, RI. MHNA was incorporated in 1981 to address issues affecting the Mt. Hope neighborhood.
About WRIU: WRIU is Rhode Island’s leading non-commercial radio station, available at 90.3 FM or online at www.wriu.org. The station is a broadcast service of the University of Rhode Island made possible through funds from the college, underwriting partners and listener support. It is operated by students and community members.
Other R2A Supporters: Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, Beatbox Studio, Bashment Sounds, The Liberian Community Association of RI, www.RIFuture.org, The Rhode Island Young Professionals (RIYP), The Providence Black Repertory Company, Oasis International, RI State Representative Joseph Almeida & more.
Click here to download a PDF of the Info Sheet
Confirmed performers to date:
- Rooted Sound ft. Lady Dubb (Liberia/Reggae Band)
- Michelle Cruz (Cape Verde / Acoustic / Jazz)
- Africa Rainbow (Cape Verde/Reggae Band)
- Vivi, aka Mr. Loverman (Senegal / Afrobeat DJ)
- Iyeoka (Nigeria / Poet and Funk Band)
- Reza Rites (USA / Pan-African Women’s DJ)
- Abstract Soul (USA / World Soul, Afro-funk)
- DJ Blade Mon (USA /Reggae & Caribbean DJ)
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Rhode to Africa is supported by organizations and partners like RI Council for the Humanities, Beatbox Studio, Bashment Sounds, The Liberian Community Association of RI, www.RIFuture.org, Oasis International, The Providence Black Repertory Company, The Rhode Island Young Professionals (an auxiliary of The Urban League of Rhode Island), & RI State Representative Joseph Almeida.
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How can you support the project? Click here to Contact Rhode to Africa (R2A) Director, Reza Clifton, by emailing rezaclif@gmail.com. Be sure to put “Rhode to Africa” in the subject line!
If you run a business or are an individual who wants to donate merchandise or money toward the project; if you want more information about co-hosting one of the performance nights; or if you are interested in hosting an event to listen and discuss one of the interviews, click here. click here.
If you are interested in interviewing the Project directors or any of the artists; if you are interested in broadcasting the interviews; or are if you are interested in publishing print excerpts from the interviews, click here.