Shows
Turning A Moment Into A Movement“Water is a Right: The Fight for Environmental Justice” pt.2 w/ Rosanita RatcliffWater is a Right: The Fight for Environmental Justice” pt.2 w/ Rosanita RatcliffIn Part 2 of our powerful conversation, this time with activist Rosanita Ratcliff... We will dive deeper into the ongoing struggle for environmental justice and the basic human right to clean water. Rosanita shares her personal journey, the impact of water insecurity on marginalized communities, and how grassroots movements are challenging environmental racism head-on.This episode explores the intersection of race, policy, and public health—highlighting how systemic neglect continues to threaten communities across the country. Rosanita's voice is one of resilience, advocacy, and deep-rooted commitment to change.Rosa...2025-04-262h 08
Behind The CurtainRachel Pastiva from the Ann Arbor Book Society on Supporting Local Booksellers and Self-CareBehind the Curtain: Rachel Pastiva on Supporting Local Booksellers and Self-CareIn this episode of Behind the Curtain, host Rosanita Ratcliff continues her conversation with Rachel Pastiva. They discuss the legacy of the Binc Foundation, the critical support for local booksellers, and Rachel's involvement with the Ann Arbor Book Society and the Friends of the Library. Rachel shares insights on balancing her work, the importance of self-care, and the vibrant book community in Ann Arbor. Tune in to learn more about how you can support local bookstores and get involved in the Ann Arbor book community.2024-08-2120 minBehind The CurtainCelebrating Ann Arbor's Literary Legacy with Rachel PastivaBehind the Curtain: Celebrating Ann Arbor's Literary Legacy with Rachel PastivaIn this episode of Behind the Curtain, host Rosanita Ratcliff converses with Rachel Pastiva from the Ann Arbor Book Society. They delve into Rachel's lifelong passion for reading, her journey through various book-related roles, and her mission to highlight the vast network of independent bookstores in Ann Arbor. Discover how Rachel's efforts are fostering a vibrant literary community, supporting local booksellers, and nurturing a love for reading among residents and visitors alike. Join us for an inspiring discussion on the importance of independent bookstores and the...2024-08-1431 minBehind The CurtainExploring the Future of Willis C. Patterson's Our Own Thing ChoraleExploring the Future of Willis C. Patterson's Our Own Thing Chorale Join host Rosanita Ratcliff on this episode of Behind the Curtain as she delves into the inspiring stories and future plans of Willis C. Patterson's Our Own Thing Chorale with guests Sharon Vaughters and Janet V. Haynes. Discover the Chorale's visionary plans for the next decade, the impact of their new music director, Alice Tillman, and the legacy they aim to build. Listen in to learn about their mission, programs, and the work they are doing to ensure the continuation of their unique services and perspectives f...2024-08-0721 minBehind The CurtainHarmonies of Heritage: Sharon Vaughters and Janet V. Haynes of Willis Patterson's Our Own Thing ChoraleHarmonies of Heritage: The Legacy of Willis Patterson's Our Own Thing Chorale - Part 1In this episode of Behind the Curtain with Rosanita Ratcliff, we dive into the rich history of Willis Patterson's Our Own Thing Chorale with guests Sharon Vaughters and Janet V. Haynes. Discover how the chorale and its instructional program began, their mission to celebrate African American heritage through music, and the inspiring journey of fostering a space for diversity and unity. Learn about Dr. Patterson's groundbreaking contributions and the transformative impact of the chorale on the Ann Arbor community. Join us in this...2024-07-3131 minBehind The CurtainA Chapter of Their Own Pt 2: A Conversation with Shaun and Truly Manning of BooksweetIn this continuation of the conversation with Shaun and Truly, the owners of Booksweet, Rosanita delves deeper into the couple's experiences of managing their bookstore. They discuss balancing business ownership with family life, scheduling to ensure precious family time, and addressing the challenge of providing health insurance for their staff. Shaun and Truly share the personal growth they've experienced, the impact of the pandemic on their operations, and their reflections on the importance of mental health and fair wages. The community's learning and support are focal points, exemplified in BookSweet's diverse reading lists and partnerships. As the discussion progresses...2024-07-2434 minBehind The CurtainA Chapter of Their Own Pt 1: A Conversation with Shaun and Truly Manning of BooksweetIn this episode of 'Behind The Curtain,' Rosanita welcomes Truly and Shaun Manning, the owners of Booksweet in Ann Arbor. They delve into the couple's journey of acquiring and managing the independent bookstore, exploring their passion for literature, community engagement, and diversity. The Mannings discuss the challenges of running a bookstore during a pandemic, the importance of curating a diverse selection of books, and their efforts to support local authors and organizations. They also highlight the pivotal role of their shop manager Zoe, and their strategies for maintaining business sustainability through initiatives like their custom website and partnering...2024-07-1725 minBehind The CurtainBehind the Curtain with Emilio Rodriguez: Funding, Challenges, and FutureIn part two of our conversation with Emilio Rodriguez, founder of Detroit's Black and Brown Theatre, we dive into the world of BIPOC theatre. Emilio offers an insightful look at the financial realities and operational complexities of running a theatre that champions diverse voices.Listen in as Emilio explores:The juggling act of securing funding through grants, community support, and individual donations, while navigating the high costs of theatre productions.The unique challenges and considerations of working with both non-union and union actors within BIPOC theatre.How classic stories can be adapted...2024-07-1043 minBehind The CurtainStaging Diversity: A Conversation with Emilio RodriguezIn this episode, Emilio Rodriguez, the co-founder and artistic director of Black and Brown Theater, discusses the origins of the theater company and its mission to promote inclusivity and diversity in the theatrical landscape. Emilio shares his experiences of facing segregation and typecasting in the theater industry and how it inspired him to create a platform for artists of color. He also talks about the Our Voices program, which allows students to write and direct their own plays, and the impact it has on their growth and development. Emilio emphasizes the importance of variety in programming and the need...2024-07-0345 min
Behind The CurtainUnveil the Magic: Untold Stories of Art, Theater & PerformanceBehind the Curtain is your backstage pass to the captivating world of artistic creation. We peel back the layers, revealing the untold stories of passionate individuals and the secret processes that bring performances to life. Explore the intricacies of the creative journey with us, where inspiration ignites dedication, and every success unfolds with a unique backstory.Are you a theater lover, a creative mind seeking muses, or simply captivated by the unseen efforts behind the scenes? Behind the Curtain is your podcast. Join host Rosanita Ratcliff as we delve into the world of art, theater, and performance...2024-06-0500 min