African American lesbians

  • The Varied Voices of Black Women: an Olivia Records concert

    This is a recording of the final concert from the Olivia Records tour “The Varied Voices of Black Women,” which began in California and ended here at Medusa’s Revenge on November 7, 1978 at Medusa’s Revenge. The concert features musicians Gwen Avery, Mary Watkins, Linda Tillery and poet Pat Parker, accompanied by a band of…

  • The Lesbian Show: July 15, 1980 – Third World Lesbian Writers Conference (2nd annual)

    The Lesbian Show, produced by Donna Allegra, features readings from the 2nd Annual Third World Lesbian Writers Conference in April 1980, sponsored by the Azalea collective and Salsa Soul. Audre Lorde opened the night reading “Need.” The following readers are Imani, Joan Gibbs, Anita Cornwell, Isis, Arisa Reed, Candice Boyce, Chirlane McCray, and Jabu reading…

  • Where do we go from here?

    This recording is introduced as an episode of “Where do we go from here?” hosted by Helene Rosenbluth and unnamed male co-host. This episode is taking a look at highlights from past programs of IMRU and Lesbian Sisters. Includes the following stories: a report on lesbian feminists in Japan; challenges faced by lesbian and gay…

  • The Velvet Sledgehammer: June 30, 1982

    Production reel for the June 30, 1982 episode of The Velvet Sledgehammer, produced by Donna Allegra. Program includes tapes from the 1979 1st Third World Lesbian and Gay Conference in Washington, D.C., featuring 1) segments from the Combahee River Collective workshop on racism with Barbara Smith and Damita Frazier, and audience remarks from Zhane Gray…

  • The Lesbian Show – October 23, 1978: Varied Voices of Black Women

    This episode of The Lesbian Show features a conversation among three of the four women from “Varied Voices of Black Women,” a poetry and music production touring the north East Coast, produced by Mud Productions. The guests are pianist Mary Watkins (b. 1939), singer and percussionist Linda Tillery (b.1948), and poet Pat Parker (1944-1989). Gwen…

  • To create love with dry eyes: an interview with June Jordan by Deborah Morris.

    Poet, essayist, and novelist June Jordan is interviewed by author Deborah Morris. The two discuss Jordan’s work and career. Produced by Sophie’s Parlor Media Collective