Podcast: In Our Mother's Gardens
Image credit: Lyndsay Dunn, NOISE
By Ashley Salem
Our latest podcast episode is an homage to Black motherhood. While the United States recognizes February as Black History Month, at NOISE every day of every month is a moment to recognize Black history and culture. The conversations in this episode are a tribute to Black mothering -- which is not always rooted in biology, blood or even gender. Mothering is the act of loving unconditionally, protecting, and preparing our little ones to take on this world, and grow into Black history in the making.
Our guests on this episode, Pastor LaShea Pogee and foster parent Mercedez Langford Brown, chat with NOISE's Ashley Salem about the many dimensions of mothering.
Using a garden as a metaphor, in this episode their conversations wind up and down the beanpoles of resiliency, self- sufficiency and self respect. Both raised by strong single mothers, our guests share what seeds were planted in them and how they plan to pass that onto the next generation.
In June, the Anastasis Theatre Company collaborated with the Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP) on a special project with the prison’s 7th Step Club. NSP residents wrote and performed an original play called “More Than a Number.” The production will come to churches in Lincoln and Omaha this fall performed by men who are not currently incarcerated but whose lives have been impacted by the correctional system.
In a sport dominated by men, and a state consumed by football, there resides a semi-professional women’s football team— the Nebraska Valkyries— part of the longest running professional women’s football league, the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) which just wrapped up its inaugural season. NOISE features both the Valkyries and provides a brief history of women’s football by freelance contributor Jonathan Short.
Under the leadership of new Artistic Director Tyrone Beasley, Shakespeare on the Green returns to Elmwood Park tonight. “The Tempest,” directed by Scott Glasser, will feature period and modern trappings. Performance dates: June 23-26; July 8, 10, 13, 14, 16. Under Beasley’s direction, “Othello” will take a contemporary turn. Performance dates: June 30-July 3 and July 6, 7, 9, 15, 17.
In “Omaha’s Forgotten Century,” New York City-based dancer-choreographer Ray Mercer draws on his experiences of his hometown of Omaha. The show celebrates the rich and nuanced histories of the Black and Latino communities of Omaha. This dance-theater piece will play at the Orpheum Theater at 7:30 p.m. on June 25. The event is free and open to the public.
Bianca Swift’s performance of her poem about Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday— and what it means specifically (and only) for Black people— received a standing ovation at Verbal Gumbo on June 16, 2022 at the Benson Theatre. NOISE is republishing it courtesy of the author.
Juneteenth has been a federal holiday for a year now but it has been celebrated in Black communities since 1865. What's going on in Omaha for Juneteenth 2022? We’ve compiled a list for you.
The Criss Library at UNO is exhibiting "On the Inside" a group show of LGBTQ+ artists who are currently incarcerated. The art is made from basic materials the prisoners have access to behind bars: mostly letter sized paper, dull pencils, ball-point pen ink tubes (the hard shell is deemed too dangerous), and unlikely innovations such as using an asthma inhaler with Kool-Aid to create an airbrushed painting. The exhibit is the culmination of a multi-year project conceived of by Tatiana von Furstenberg in collaboration with Black & Pink. "On the Inside" is on display through July 31.
In our latest podcast, NOISEmakers Kietryn Zychal and Emily Chen-Newton spend an afternoon with Aaron French, manager of urban farm initiatives at City Sprouts, to learn about the things this ever-growing community garden has to offer including free food from the fridge on the porch at 4002 Seward St. There are also some tips on gardening for those who want to give it a try.
Omaha playwright Beaufield Berry returns to her roots at the Great Plains Theatre Commons Conference this week. Her family drama, “In the Upper Room” will be playing at the Lied Center on Creighton’s campus from June 1 - 3. Tickets are free and available on eventbrite. Leo Adam Biga caught up with Berry for NOISE to talk about her impressive writing career in the theater which looks to be expanding into television and film. Berry shares insights about how handling success can be just as hard as coping with failure.
SHARE Omaha, the online giving platform for over 650 area nonprofits, will be held on May 17-19, 2022. Do Good Days will offer three ways to give back to the community: giving money, buying needed items or volunteering your time. NOISE is featuring the 34 Black-led and Black-benefitting organizations in Omaha that that are participating in the annual fundraising event this year.
“Nelson Mandela: The Official Exhibition” is the major new global touring exhibition that takes visitors on a personal journey through the life of the world’s most iconic freedom fighter and political leader. The exhibition will be at the Durham Museum from March 5 - July 3, 2022. Presented in association with Round Room Live, the exhibition is an immersive and interactive experience that features previously unseen film, photos and the display of over 150 historical artifacts and personal effects on loan from the Mandela family, museums and archives worldwide.
Are you a small Omaha-based group of activists with an idea that would foster collective growth? One Omaha’s mini-grant supports emerging organizers by providing direct funding to those who seek to make a positive impact in their community. One Omaha has given grants to support SkateFest, NOISE, Healing Roots, the Village Co-op, Feed the People Omaha and many more small projects. Applications are open from May 9 - 27.
Have you noticed the mammoth greenhouse that has been sitting vacant since 2018 at the Highlander on N. 30th St? That’s about to change because of a new partnership to activate the space. On May 2, two Black women-led North Omaha organizations, Seventy Five North Revitalization Corp. and No More Empty Pots will announce a partnership to put the greenhouse to use.
Believe it or not, there's a kid-friendly exhibition at KANEKO through Apr. 30 with art that you are supposed to touch! Autism Action Partnership and KANEKO collaborated during Autism Awareness Month to present the "Common Senses Festival" exploring the human senses through interactive installations, live performances, and more, with many events and programs across Omaha happening throughout the summer.
When Omaha natives Felicia Casher (formerly Webster) and Michelle Troxclair join forces again for the Verbal Gumbo Reunion, they will reclaim, at least for one-night, a scene they birthed and presided over. The performance will take place one night only, June 16 from 8 to 11 p.m. at the Benson Theatre located at 6054 Maple St. Tickets can be bought in advance on the Benson Theatre website. Doors open at 7 p.m.