Points South Oxford American

OA contributor KaToya Ellis Fleming investigates the 1898 Wilmington Massacre, a violent attack on the city’s thriving African American community, drawing parallels with the January 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection. Plus, a live performance by folk duo Birds of Chicago.

In this special episode, poet Tess Taylor reflects on the rich and naturalistic poetry of Virginian Anne Spencer. We're honored to partner with the Anne Spencer House and Garden Museum, Inc. Archives on this episode, which marks the first time listeners can hear Anne Spencer's voice outside of the museum's archives. Plus: Lucy Dacus performs live from the 30A Songwriters Festival.

Texas journalist Michelle García explores the violent backlash to Black Lives Matter protests in the Rio Grande Valley. Her journey through the region uncovers the history of the U.S-Mexico border and its significance to refugees of enslavement. Plus: Adia Victoria performs live from the 30A Songwriters Festival.

In this episode of Points South, managing editor Danielle A. Jackson is joined by Brittany Howard, Grammy Award-winning songwriter, lead vocalist of Alabama Shakes, and guest editor of our 22nd anniversary music issue. Join Brittany and Danielle as they talk about songwriting, growing up in the South, and choosing the OA’s music writing greatest hits. Plus, hear tracks from Brittany’s debut solo album, Jaime, and from the upcoming Jaime (The Remixes).

Milwaukee-based folk band Dead Horses plays from BlakeSt in Bentonville, Arkansas, and chats with Bryan and Bernice Hembree (Smokey and the Mirror), co-founders of the Fayetteville Roots Festival.

Pop string band Front Country performs live from BlakeSt in Bentonville, Arkansas, and chats with host Sara A. Lewis and Bryan Hembree (Smokey and the Mirror), co-founder of the Fayetteville Roots Festival.