Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams is joined by poet, author, and professor Shayla Lawson to revisit Diana Ross' iconic 1983 Central Park concert.

As captured in Lawson's book, This Is Major: Notes on Diana Ross, Dark Girls, and Being Dope, this rain-soaked performance is explored through the lens of cultural significance, representation, and the resilience of women of color. Together, Cynthia and Shayla discuss how Ross' leadership and authenticity during the storm transformed the concert into a historic moment for music and feminism.

Tune in for a reflective conversation on what this event meant to Black families, the entertainment industry, and the evolving narrative of women in media. The concert's impact underscores the importance of visibility for women of color in media and music.

Episode Resources Related Episodes: Diana Ross' 1983 Central Park Concert (1.18)

https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/917c300f-4750-4fd6-a61c-39a5bfbf2c11.mp3

Revisiting Diana Ross' Central Park Concert with Shayla Lawson (Part 2) (7.4)

https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/5573db2d-8866-4b8f-899c-7598f4910d1d.mp3

Guest's Book: Shayla Lawson (2020) This Is Major: Notes on Diana Ross, Dark Girls, and Being Dope https://www.lifeofafemalebibliophile.com/book-review-this-is-major-notes-on-diana-ross-dark-girls-and-being-dope-by-shayla-lawson/

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Music by Jahzzar - https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/