Episode 230: New England’s Most Famous R&B Family Reflects On Race In America
Chubby and the Turnpikes change their name to Tavares to appeal to a more international audience (Courtesy Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame)
The brothers behind New England’s famous R&B group Tavares are of Cape Verdean descent. This week on NEXT, what that means in a Black and white America. And an effort to change the name of Faneuil Hall in Boston continues as New Englanders grapple with the region’s racist past. Plus, how author Jennifer De Leon’s childhood experience informed her debut novel about school desegregation.
Guests:
Jennifer De Leon, assistant professor of creative writing at Framingham State University in Massachusetts. Her debut novel, “Don’t Ask Me Where I’m From,” came out this year. In the spring, she will also release a collection of personal essays, called “White Space: Essays on Culture, Race, & Writing.”
Contributors:
Ana González, host and producer of Mosaic at The Public’s Radio
Tavares
Phillip Martin, senior investigative reporter for the GBH News Center for Investigative Reporting
In The Age of Black Lives Matter, New England Faces Its Own Role In Slavery
About NEXT
NEXT is produced at Connecticut Public Radio
Host/Producer: Morgan Springer
Freelance Producer: Lily Tyson
Executive Editor: Vanessa de la Torre
Senior Director: Catie Talarski
Music from New England artists: Todd Merrell, “New England” by Goodnight Blue Moon, “The Hollow” by The Wolff Sisters, “To Meet You There” by Anjimile
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