Episode 22: The Freedom to Read | Why Books Have Always Meant Freedom Episode Summary Summer is the season for reading, but for African Americans, books have always meant far more than a way to pass time. In this episode of Our Truth. Our History. Our Story, Rita Coburn explores the powerful history of Black literacy in America, from anti-literacy laws during slavery to the determination of formerly enslaved people to build schools after emancipation. Rita reflects on the books that shaped her life, celebrates Black authors and independent bookstores, and reminds us that every book we open honors those who risked everything for the right to read. Reading is more than education. It is resistance. It is memory. It is freedom. In This Episode Why reading was once illegal for many Black Americans. Anti-literacy laws after the Denmark Vesey and Nat Turner rebellions. Frederick Douglass and his pursuit of literacy. How formerly enslaved people built schools after emancipation. The legacy of Black teachers during Reconstruction and Jim Crow. Brown v. Board of Education and the fight for educational equity. Why summer reading matters in the Black community. Rita's memories of growing up in a family that valued books. Authors and books that shaped Rita's understanding of identity and history. Why supporting Black bookstores and authors matters today. Black book clubs and reading communities continuing this tradition. Featured People Rita Coburn Frederick Douglass Sophia Auld Denmark Vesey Nat Turner W.E.B. Du Bois David Levering Lewis Toni Morrison Maya Angelou Viola Davis James Patterson Nikole Hannah-Jones Karida L. Brown Eddie S. Glaude Jr. Amy Tan Terry McMillan Sister Souljah Sidney Poitier Diahann Carroll Lela St. Mosley Cecelé S. Berry Vivian G. Harsh Tania Davis Featured Locations Homewood, Illinois Beyond the Book Bookstore, Homewood, Illinois The American South Reconstruction-era Freedmen's Bureau schools Woodson Regional Library, Chicago, Illinois Books Mentioned The Bluest Eye — Toni Morrison Jazz — Toni Morrison Finding Me — Viola Davis Judge Stone — Viola Davis & James Patterson Corduroy Takes a Bow — Viola Davis W.E.B. Du Bois: Biography of a Race, 1868–1919 — David Levering Lewis W.E.B. Du Bois: The Fight for Equality and the American Century, 1919–1963 — David Levering Lewis The Souls of Black Folk — W.E.B. Du Bois And Still I Rise — Maya Angelou The 1619 Project — Nikole Hannah-Jones The Battle for the Black Mind — Karida L. Brown Begin Again — Eddie Glaude Jr. Democracy in Black — Eddie Glaude Jr. The Joy Luck Club — Amy Tan Mama — Terry McMillan The Coldest Winter Ever — Sister Souljah The Measure of a Man — Sidney Poitier Diahann! — Diahann Carroll Meant to Be — Rita Coburn Black-Eyed Peas for the Soul — Anthology featuring Rita Coburn; edited by Lela St. Mosley Rise Up Singing — Anthology featuring Rita Coburn; edited by Cecelé S. Berry Links & Resources 🎥 Watch this episode https://youtu.be/8U59un8Caiw 📺 Watch Our Truth. Our History. Our Story on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ritacoburn9240 🎧 Listen on the ALIVE Podcast Network https://alivepodcastnetwork.com/our-_ths/ 🎙️ Follow in your favorite podcast app https://rss.alivepodcastnetwork.com/our-truth-our-history-our-story-our-ths 🌐 Visit the Our THS website https://www.ritacoburn.com/ths-podcast 🔗 Stay connected with Rita Coburn https://linktr.ee/ritacoburnmedia 📚 Learn more about the NCTE African American Read-In https://ncte.org/get-involved/african-american-read-in/ 📖 Support a Black-owned bookstore or your local library. Every book you read helps preserve our stories and history. Subscribe New episodes of Our Truth. Our History. Our Story premiere every Monday at 7:30 PM Central on YouTube and are available on the ALIVE Podcast Network and wherever you listen. Subscribe, follow, turn on notifications, and share this episode with someone who believes history deserves to be told truthfully. Join the Conversation What book has changed your life? Share one book that expanded your understanding of yourself, your history, or the world around you. How are you celebrating the freedom to read this summer? Leave your recommendations in the comments—we’d love to hear from you. About the Series Our Truth. Our History. Our Story. is hosted by Peabody and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Rita Coburn. Each episode explores the people, events, and ideas that have shaped African American history and continue to influence our lives today, uncovering stories often omitted from traditional history books while celebrating the resilience and contributions of Black communities. Production Credits Host: Rita Coburn Written by: Rita Coburn Executive Producer: Andrew T. Carr Communications Director & Producer: Christine Coburn Whack Producer: H. Lee Whack Produced by: RCW Media Productions, Inc. © 2026 RCW Media Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

🎙️ Episode 21 Nelson Mandela International Day | Freedom Begins in the Mind What does it mean to be truly free? As we observe Nelson Mandela International Day, Rita Coburn reflects on one of history's greatest examples of resilience, courage, and leadership. Through personal memories of Mandela's release from prison, a life-changing journey to South Africa, and the enduring philosophy of Pan-Africanism, this episode explores how freedom begins in the mind long before it is realized in the world. From Robben Island to Detroit, from Maya Angelou to W.E.B. Du Bois, this is a story about hope, humanity, and the power of choosing reconciliation over division. Nelson Mandela's legacy reminds us that freedom is not only something we inherit—it's something we protect, practice, and pass on. In This Episode * The significance of Nelson Mandela International Day * Why people around the world dedicate 67 minutes to service * Mandela's 27 years in prison and the freedom of the mind * Rita's journey to South Africa with Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise * Visiting Robben Island and reflecting on Mandela's imprisonment * Standing at the intersection of the "cradle of civilization" and the "cradle of incivility" * Mandela's visit to Detroit and the celebration of his release * A personal journey toward Pan-Africanism * The influence of Maya Angelou and W.E.B. Du Bois * Why Mandela's legacy still matters today Featured People * Nelson Mandela * Maya Angelou * W.E.B. Du Bois * Reverend Jesse Jackson * Congressman John Lewis * Toni Morrison * Nikki Giovanni Featured Locations * Cape Town, South Africa * Table Mountain * Robben Island * Detroit, Michigan Suggested Reading * The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois * Black Reconstruction in America by W.E.B. Du Bois * My House by Nikki Giovanni Links & Resources 📺 Watch This Episode https://www.youtube.com/@ritacoburn9240/featured 🎧 Listen Here on Alive Podcast Network https://share.alivepodcastnetwork.com/nelson-mandela-freedom-begins-in-the-mind 🎙 Our Truth. Our History. Our Story Podcasthttps://www.ritacoburn.com/ths-podcast 🎬 W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Causehttps://www.ritacoburn.com/web-du-bois ▶️ Watch the Official Trailerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kMsik6rDQM&rco=1 🎬 Maya Angelou: And Still I Risehttps://www.ritacoburn.com 🌍 Learn More About Nelson Mandela International Dayhttps://www.un.org/en/events/mandeladay/ Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode: Subscribe to Our Truth. Our History. Our Story. Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review. It helps others discover the show. Share this episode with someone who believes history can change the future. Join the conversation in the comments. Join the Conversation How will you use your 67 minutes? What does freedom mean to you, and how can you use your time, talents, or voice to make a difference in your community? History belongs to all of us. And what we do with that history will shape the generations that follow. I'm Rita Coburn. Thanks for listening to Our Truth. Our History. Our Story. 🎬 About the Series Our Truth. Our History. Our Story. (Our THS) explores the people, ideas, and cultural forces shaping Black history and storytelling. Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Rita Coburn, the series features conversations and reflections that connect our past to the present while inspiring a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. 👥 Production Credits Host: Rita Coburn Executive Producer: Andrew T. Carr Producers: Christine Coburn Whack, H. Lee Whack Produced by RCW Media Productions, Inc. © 2026 RCW Media Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

🎙️ Episode 20 The History They Didn't Teach Us | The Birth of the NAACP What really happened in Springfield, Illinois, in 1908? How did one of the darkest moments in American history lead to the birth of the NAACP? And why does that history still matter today? In this episode of Our Truth. Our History. Our Story., Rita Coburn travels to Springfield, Illinois, to explore the events surrounding the 1908 Springfield Race Riot, the birth of the NAACP, and the enduring legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois. Along the way, she reflects on hearing Nikole Hannah-Jones speak at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and examines why journalists, historians, and truth tellers remain essential to our democracy. History isn't simply about the past. It's about the choices we make today, the stories we choose to tell, and the future we're building together. In This Episode The 1908 Springfield Race Riot and why it changed America How the violence in Springfield led to the birth of the NAACP W.E.B. Du Bois and the creation of The Crisis magazine Why Springfield remains one of the most important civil rights landmarks in American history Rita's visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Reflections after hearing Nikole Hannah-Jones speak about Juneteenth and American history Why supporting journalists, historians, and independent voices matters How history helps us understand our present and shape our future Featured People W.E.B. Du Bois Ida B. Wells Nikole Hannah-Jones Abraham Lincoln Featured Locations Springfield, Illinois Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Historic sites of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot Books Mentioned The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois Black Reconstruction in America by W.E.B. Du Bois The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones Links & Resources 🎙 Our Truth. Our History. Our Story Podcast https://www.ritacoburn.com/ths-podcast 🎬 W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause https://www.ritacoburn.com/web-du-bois ▶️ Watch the Official Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kMsik6rDQM&rco=1 📚 Nikole Hannah-Jones https://www.nikolehannahjones.com/ Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode: Subscribe to Our Truth. Our History. Our Story. Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review. It helps others discover the show. Share this episode with someone who wants to better understand American history. Join the conversation in the comments. Join the Conversation What part of American history do you think we weren't taught, and why does it matter today? History belongs to all of us. And what we do with that history will shape the generations that follow. I'm Rita Coburn. Thanks for listening to Our Truth. Our History. Our Story. 🎬 About the Series Our Truth, Our History, Our Story (Our THS) explores the people, ideas, and cultural forces shaping Black history and storytelling. Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Rita Coburn, the series features conversations and reflections that connect our past to the present while inspiring a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. 👥 Production Credits Host: Rita Coburn Executive Producer: Andrew T. Carr Producers: Christine Coburn Whack, H. Lee Whack Produced by RCW Media Productions, Inc. © 2026 RCW Media Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

🎙️ Episode 19 America 250: Juneteenth & the Obama Presidential Center | Reframing Independence As America begins commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, it's worth asking a deeper question: What does independence mean—and who was included in it? In this episode of Our Truth, Our History, Our Story, Rita Coburn reflects on America's founding through the lens of African American history. From the symbolism of Juneteenth and the delayed freedom of June 19, 1865, to the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, Rita explores how our understanding of freedom continues to evolve. Drawing on history, current events, and her own experiences attending the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, Rita challenges listeners to think beyond celebration and toward responsibility. She reminds us that history belongs to all of us—and that preserving it requires action. 🔍 What You'll Hear in This Episode Why America's 250th anniversary deserves a broader historical perspective The relationship between July 4, 1776, and Juneteenth Why the Declaration of Independence was adopted before the Revolutionary War was won The significance of June 19, 1865, and General Order No. 3 Reflections from the opening of the Obama Presidential Center Michelle Obama's message of dignity, hope, and leadership Why history must continually be reframed as new voices are included The role of Black historians, journalists, and storytellers in preserving truth Why supporting institutions like the NAACP and the Obama Presidential Center matters How reading, learning, and civic engagement become acts of freedom 🧠 Key Themes America 250 Declaration of Independence Juneteenth July 4th Obama Presidential Center Barack Obama Michelle Obama Black history W.E.B. Du Bois NAACP Civic engagement Historical truth Democracy Hope Freedom Belonging 💬 A Defining Idea from This Episode "We can celebrate America's independence while also telling the fuller truth about who was—and wasn't—free." Understanding history isn't about diminishing the past. It's about expanding our understanding of it so that everyone can see themselves in the American story. 🇺🇸 Join the Conversation As America marks its 250th anniversary, how are you choosing to celebrate? What does freedom mean to you today? How has learning more about Black history changed your understanding of America's story? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media using #OurTHS. History becomes richer when more voices are part of the conversation. 📣 Resources / Links Learn more about the Obama Presidential Center https://www.obama.org/presidential-center/ Learn more about the NAACP https://naacp.org Watch: Stacey Abrams, Errin Haines, Tressie McMillan Cottom, and others discuss July 4 https://www.instagram.com/p/DZ8dVYOCVCD/ Read the Declaration of Independence https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript Learn more about Juneteenth https://nmaahc.si.edu Our THS website https://www.ritacoburn.com/ths-podcast Watch W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/w-e-b-du-bois-documentary/34807/ Watch Our Truth, Our History, Our Story on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ritacoburn9240 Listen to the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323/episodes Transcript available here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323 Stay connected with Rita Coburn https://linktr.ee/ritacoburnmedia Upcoming events and screenings https://www.ritacoburn.com/upcoming-events Download event photos https://www.ritacoburn.com/event-photos Social Media Toolkit https://www.ritacoburn.com/social-media-tool-kit 📚 Suggested Reading If this episode inspires you to explore America's history through a broader lens, here are a few books I recommend: 📚 The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story — Nikole Hannah-Jones 📚 The Souls of Black Folk — W.E.B. Du Bois 📚 Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul — Eddie S. Glaude Jr. 📚 Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own — Eddie S. Glaude Jr. 📚 The Battle for the Black Mind — Karida L. Brown 📚 The New Brownies' Book: A Love Letter to Black Families — Charly Palmer & Karida L. Brown Supporting Black authors, historians, and journalists is one of the most meaningful ways we can preserve our understanding of history. 🎬 About the Series Our Truth, Our History, Our Story (Our THS) explores the people, ideas, and cultural forces shaping Black history and storytelling. Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Rita Coburn, the series features conversations and reflections that connect our past to the present while inspiring a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. 👥 Production Credits Host: Rita Coburn Executive Producer: Andrew T. Carr Producers: Christine Coburn Whack, H. Lee Whack Produced by RCW Media Productions, Inc. © 2026 RCW Media Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

🎙️ Episode 18 Father's Day: A Reflection on Black Fathers, Grace, and Love Father's Day can bring celebration, gratitude, longing, grief, and complicated emotions—all at the same time. In this special Father's Day episode of Our Truth, Our History, Our Story (Our THS), Rita Coburn reflects on the enduring love, sacrifice, and resilience of Black fathers through history. Inspired by Paul Laurence Dunbar's beloved poem Little Brown Baby, Rita explores the historical realities that shaped Black fatherhood—from enslavement and Reconstruction to the Great Migration, the Memphis Sanitation Strike, and the challenges many families continue to navigate today. Drawing from her own memories of her father, Rita offers a deeply personal reflection on grace, forgiveness, and the humanity of fathers who did the best they could under extraordinary circumstances. This episode is an invitation to honor the fathers who nurtured us, remember those we've lost, and extend compassion where relationships remain unfinished. At its heart, this is a conversation about family, history, healing, and love. 🔍 What You'll Hear in This Episode * Paul Laurence Dunbar's Little Brown Baby * Maya Angelou's influence and love of poetry * The historical realities of Black fatherhood in America * Why fathers were separated from their families during enslavement * The Memphis Sanitation Strike and the meaning of "I Am A Man" * The impact of welfare policies on Black families * Rita's personal memories of her father * The importance of grace and forgiveness * What fathers teach us—through both their strengths and imperfections * Why honoring our parents is also honoring our history 🧠 Key Themes * Father's Day * Black fathers * Family legacy * Paul Laurence Dunbar * Little Brown Baby * Maya Angelou * Grace and forgiveness * Black history * Great Migration * Civil Rights Movement * Family * Healing * Love * Storytelling 💬 A Defining Idea from This Episode "Our fathers are human beings who walk into the room with all of their good and all of their bad." Understanding history allows us to extend grace—not to excuse hurt, but to recognize the burdens many fathers carried while still striving to love their families. ❤️ Join the Conversation This Father's Day, I'd love to hear from you. What is one lesson your father—or a father figure—gave you that still shapes your life today? If your relationship with your father has been difficult, what has helped you find healing, understanding, or peace? Share your reflections in the comments or on social media using #OurTHS. Your story may encourage someone else. 📣 Resources / Links Read "Little Brown Baby" by Paul Laurence Dunbarhttps://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44197/little-brown-baby Read "Song for the Old Ones" by Maya Angelou https://allpoetry.com/poem/14326519-Song-for-the-Old-Ones-by-Maya-Angelou Maya Angelou and Common perform an excerpt from "Song for the Old Ones" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8pLATICKq8 Watch Our Truth, Our History, Our Story on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@ritacoburn9240 Listen to the podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323/episodes Transcript available herehttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323 Stay connected with Rita Coburnhttps://linktr.ee/ritacoburnmedia Upcoming events and screeningshttps://www.ritacoburn.com/upcoming-events Download event photoshttps://www.ritacoburn.com/event-photos Social Media Toolkithttps://www.ritacoburn.com/social-media-tool-kit 🎬 About the Series Our Truth, Our History, Our Story (Our THS) explores the people, ideas, and cultural forces shaping Black history and storytelling. Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Rita Coburn, the series features conversations and reflections that connect our past to the present while inspiring a deeper understanding of our shared humanity. 👥 Production Credits Host: Rita Coburn Executive Producer: Andrew T. Carr Producers: Christine Coburn Whack, H. Lee Whack Produced by RCW Media Productions, Inc. © 2026 RCW Media Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

What makes film festivals so important—for filmmakers, audiences, and the future of storytelling? In this special field episode of Our Truth, Our History, Our Story (Our THS), award-winning filmmaker Rita Coburn takes listeners along to Washington, D.C.'s LightReel Film Festival, where W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause screened as the Closing Night Film. From airport departures and festival venues to conversations with filmmakers, audiences, and festival founder Tim Gordon, Rita shares an inside look at the role film festivals play in building community, launching careers, and creating opportunities for stories to be seen. Along the way, she offers practical advice to an emerging filmmaker, reflects on the enduring relevance of W.E.B. Du Bois, and explains why film festivals remain one of the most important spaces for independent filmmakers and film lovers alike. In This Episode Traveling from Chicago to Washington, D.C. for the LightReel Film Festival Meeting festival founder Tim Gordon Exploring the Union Market District and festival atmosphere Why every film festival has its own personality and purpose Practical filmmaking advice for emerging storytellers The importance of networking, mentorship, and audience engagement Rita's post-screening conversation about the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois Why film festivals are essential for filmmakers seeking audiences and opportunities How festivals expose audiences to stories from around the world Key Moments 00:00 – Heading to Washington, D.C. for the LightReel Film Festival 01:32 – Meeting festival founder Tim Gordon 01:49 – What makes film festivals unique 03:10 – Advice for an aspiring filmmaker 04:08 – Audience Q&A: The enduring legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois 05:42 – Exploring the Union Market District 05:58 – Why film festivals matter for filmmakers 07:20 – Rita's recommendation for filmmakers and film lovers 08:05 – Closing reflections on storytelling and media Memorable Quote "Film festivals are for the filmmakers first and foremost. Otherwise there would be some films that would never have an audience." 📣 Resources / Links Watch W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause on American Masters https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/w-e-b-du-bois-documentary/34807/ Watch the W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kMsik6rDQM Learn more about Kathryn Bostic https://www.kathrynbostic.com Watch Our Truth, Our History, Our Story on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ritacoburn9240 Listen to the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323/episodes Transcript available here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323 Stay connected with Rita Coburn https://linktr.ee/ritacoburnmedia Upcoming events and screenings https://www.ritacoburn.com/upcoming-events Download event photos https://www.ritacoburn.com/event-photos Social Media Toolkit https://www.ritacoburn.com/social-media-tool-kit Featured Film W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause Written, Produced & Directed by Rita Coburn About Our THS Our Truth, Our History, Our Story (Our THS) explores the people, ideas, and cultural forces shaping Black history and storytelling today. Through conversations with artists, scholars, filmmakers, historians, and changemakers, the series uncovers the stories that inspire, challenge, and connect us. Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Rita Coburn, Our THS creates space for meaningful conversations about history, culture, creativity, and the stories that define who we are. Connect & Subscribe Subscribe for new episodes and conversations exploring history, culture, creativity, and storytelling. If you enjoy the podcast, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and join us for future episodes of Our Truth, Our History, Our Story. YouTube Music by Damien Sebe - vintage - https://thmatc.co/?l=643AC1F9

🎙️ Episode 16 Kathryn Bostic: Music Is Conversation | The Art of Film Scoring (Part 2) What does music reveal about a people, a movement, or a moment in history? In Part 2 of Rita Coburn's conversation with acclaimed composer Kathryn Bostic, the discussion moves beyond film scoring into the deeper emotional and spiritual dimensions of music. Kathryn reflects on the power of spirituals, the role of the human voice as a vehicle for healing and release, and how music carries the memory, resilience, and aspirations of generations. Drawing from her work scoring W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause, Kathryn shares how composers balance inspiration and tension, emotion and restraint, while helping audiences connect with history through sound. The conversation explores Du Bois's relationship to music, the cultural significance of spirituals, the evolution of Black musical traditions, and the artistic choices that shape a documentary's emotional landscape. Rita and Kathryn also discuss family legacy, the influence of Kathryn's mother and generations of women musicians in her family, and the responsibility artists have to preserve history through storytelling. At its heart, this episode is a conversation about truth, memory, and the ways music helps us understand who we are. 🔍 What You'll Hear in This Episode * The emotional and historical significance of Negro spirituals * Why Kathryn describes spirituals as visceral expressions of hope, faith, and resilience * Music as healing, release, and emotional cleansing * Du Bois's relationship to spirituals, classical music, and jazz * How composers balance tension, triumph, and historical context * The challenge of scoring pivotal moments in history * What "stems" are and how they are used in documentary filmmaking * The collaboration between composer, music editor, and director * Kathryn's musical upbringing and family legacy * The influence of her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother * The responsibility of artists to preserve culture and history * Why storytelling remains essential to understanding ourselves and our communities 🧠 Key Themes * Kathryn Bostic * Film scoring * Documentary filmmaking * Spirituals * Black music traditions * W.E.B. Du Bois * Music and memory * Historical storytelling * Black history * Cultural preservation * Family legacy * Creative process * Music as healing * Truth-telling through art 💬 A Defining Idea from This Episode "Music is conversation." Music does more than accompany a story—it responds, remembers, questions, comforts, and inspires. Through spirituals, scores, and song, music becomes a conversation across generations, carrying both our struggles and our hopes forward. 🎵 Join the Conversation After listening to this episode and watching W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause, we'd love to hear from you. How did Kathryn Bostic's music shape your experience of the film? Were there moments when the score helped you better understand Du Bois, the emotions of a scene, or the history being told? Share your thoughts in the comments on YouTube or on social media using #OurTHS. Tell us: * What scene's music stayed with you the longest? * How does music help you connect with history? * Do you agree that "music is conversation"? * What role does music play in documentary storytelling? * What family traditions or artistic legacies have been passed down to you? Your insights help us continue the conversation about history, culture, and the power of storytelling. 📣 Resources / Links Watch W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause on American Masters https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/w-e-b-du-bois-documentary/34807/ Watch the W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kMsik6rDQM Learn more about Kathryn Bostic https://www.kathrynbostic.com Watch Our Truth, Our History, Our Story on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ritacoburn9240 Listen to the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323/episodes/19316182 Transcript available here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323 Stay connected with Rita Coburn https://linktr.ee/ritacoburnmedia Upcoming events and screenings https://www.ritacoburn.com/upcoming-events Download event photos https://www.ritacoburn.com/event-photos Social Media Toolkit https://www.ritacoburn.com/social-media-tool-kit 🎬 Our THS explores the people, ideas, and cultural forces shaping Black history and storytelling through conversations with artists, scholars, filmmakers, historians, and changemakers. Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Rita Coburn, Our THS creates space for conversations about history, culture, creativity, and identity. Each episode engages listeners with the people preserving our collective memory and shaping our future. 👥 Production Credits Host: Rita Coburn Executive Producer: Andrew T. Carr Producers: Christine Coburn Whack, H. Lee Whack Produced by RCW Media Productions, Inc. © 2026 RCW Media Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

🎙️ Episode 15 Kathryn Bostic: Music Is Conversation | The Art of Film Scoring (Part 1) What does music say beyond words? Kathryn Bostic is an acclaimed composer, performer, and musical storyteller whose work includes Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am, Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir, Clemency, and many other award-winning projects. In Part 1 of Rita Coburn's conversation with Kathryn, we explore the creative process behind film scoring and the power of music to deepen storytelling. Kathryn shares the philosophy that guides her work: "Music is conversation." Together, Rita and Kathryn discuss how composers translate emotion into sound, create musical themes that shape a narrative, and bring historical figures to life through music. Kathryn also reflects on her work scoring W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause, revealing how she approached the challenge of capturing the intellectual, cultural, and emotional complexity of one of America's most influential thinkers. From spirituals and classical traditions to jazz and the Harlem Renaissance, this conversation offers a fascinating look at how music helps tell the stories that history leaves behind. 🔍 What You'll Hear in This Episode Why Kathryn Bostic believes that "music is conversation" How composers create themes that become the emotional spine of a film Kathryn's approach to scoring documentaries and historical subjects The creative collaboration between composer and director Behind the music of W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause How Du Bois's life journey influenced the film's musical language The role of spirituals, classical music, and jazz in shaping Black history How music can reveal character, place, and emotion The challenges of scoring real historical figures Why sound is essential to storytelling 🧠 Key Themes Film scoring Documentary filmmaking Music and storytelling Kathryn Bostic W.E.B. Du Bois Black history American Masters Creative collaboration Black cultural traditions The Harlem Renaissance Documentary music composition Historical storytelling 💬 A Defining Idea from This Episode "Music is conversation." For Kathryn Bostic, music is more than accompaniment. It is a living dialogue with the audience, the characters, and the story itself. Through melody, rhythm, and theme, music helps us hear what history feels like. 🎵 Join the Conversation After listening to this episode and watching W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause, we'd love to hear from you. How did Kathryn Bostic's music shape your experience of the film? Were there moments when the score helped you better understand Du Bois, the emotions of a scene, or the history being told? Share your thoughts in the comments on YouTube or on social media using #OurTHS. Tell us: What scene's music stayed with you the longest? How does music help you connect with history? Do you agree that "music is conversation"? What role does music play in documentary storytelling? Your insights help us continue the conversation about history, culture, and the power of storytelling. 📣 Resources / Links Watch W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause on American Masters https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/w-e-b-du-bois-documentary/34807/ Watch the W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kMsik6rDQM Learn more about Kathryn Bostic https://www.kathrynbostic.com Watch Our Truth, Our History, Our Story on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ritacoburn9240 Listen to the podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323/episodes Transcript available here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323 Stay connected with Rita Coburn https://linktr.ee/ritacoburnmedia Upcoming events and screenings https://www.ritacoburn.com/upcoming-events Download event photos https://www.ritacoburn.com/event-photos Social Media Toolkit https://www.ritacoburn.com/social-media-tool-kit 🎬 About the Series Our Truth, Our History, Our Story (Our THS) explores the people, ideas, and cultural forces shaping Black history and storytelling today. Through conversations with artists, scholars, filmmakers, historians, and changemakers, the series uncovers the stories that inspire, challenge, and connect us. Hosted by award-winning filmmaker Rita Coburn, Our THS creates space for meaningful conversations about history, culture, creativity, and the stories that define who we are. Each episode invites listeners to engage with the people preserving our collective memory and shaping our future. 👥 Production Credits Host: Rita Coburn Executive Producer: Andrew T. Carr Producers: Christine Coburn Whack, H. Lee Whack Produced by RCW Media Productions, Inc. © 2026 RCW Media Productions, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

🎙️ Episode 14 Defending Our Stories: Inside Black Public Media with Leslie Fields-Cruz (Part 2) In Part 2 of Rita Coburn’s conversation with Leslie Fields-Cruz, we go beyond funding and filmmaking to explore the deeper question: Why do stories matter? Leslie shares her personal journey from a family of educators to becoming one of the most influential advocates for Black storytelling in America. Through her leadership at Black Public Media, she has helped filmmakers bring important stories to audiences while ensuring that Black history, culture, and lived experiences are documented, preserved, and shared. Together, Rita and Leslie discuss the power of documentary film, the importance of representation, and why history must be actively preserved rather than passively inherited. From discovering Black cinema as a student to supporting groundbreaking filmmakers across generations, Leslie reflects on the work of making sure our stories remain visible and accessible. This episode is a reminder that history is not only something we study. It is something we create every day. 🔍 What You'll Hear in This Episode * Leslie Fields-Cruz's journey into media and storytelling * How a family of educators shaped her mission * The impact of discovering Black film history as a student * Why documentaries help us understand ourselves and our communities * The role of Black Public Media in supporting filmmakers * The importance of preserving Black history through visual storytelling * How local history can inspire new generations * Why representation matters in media and culture * The connection between education, art, and social change 🧠 Key Themes * Black storytelling * Documentary filmmaking * Black Public Media * Representation in media * Education and cultural preservation * Independent filmmaking * Community history * Black arts and culture * Historical memory * Visual storytelling 💬 A Defining Idea from This Episode History survives when people are willing to document it, preserve it, and share it. Every generation has a responsibility to tell its stories and protect the stories that came before. 📣 Resources / Links Learn more about Black Public Media and help fund future storytellers and documentarieshttps://blackpublicmedia.org/donate/ Explore Black Public Media grants, fellowships, and funding opportunities for filmmakers and creatorshttps://blackpublicmedia.org/programs/ Watch W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause on American Masters (available through June 16, 2026)https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/w-e-b-du-bois-documentary/34807/ Watch the W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause trailerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kMsik6rDQM Transcript available herehttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323 Watch Our Truth, Our History, Our Story on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@ritacoburn9240 Listen to the podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2598323/episodes Stay connected with Rita Coburnhttps://linktr.ee/ritacoburnmedia Upcoming events and screeningshttps://www.ritacoburn.com/upcoming-events Download event photoshttps://www.ritacoburn.com/event-photos Social Media Toolkithttps://www.ritacoburn.com/social-media-tool-kit 🎬 About the Series Our Truth, Our History, Our Story (Our THS) explores the people, ideas, and cultural forces shaping Black history and storytelling today. 👥 Production Credits Host: Rita CoburnExecutive Producer: Andrew T. CarrProducers: Christine Coburn Whack, H. Lee Whack