Episode 252: The Final Episode: How Boston Poet Laureate Porsha Olayiwola Reimagines History; Protesters Reflect On The Year That Changed Us
From left to right: Protesters Shanakawa Pereira, Franklin Peralta, Tanoah Pierre, Emily Conklin and Carl Williams. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)
On the final episode of NEXT, Boston Poet Laureate Porsha Olayiwola talks about the evolution of her poetry, and how she uses futurism to reimagine history. Plus, protesters reflect on what has changed — or not — in the year since George Floyd’s murder. We also speak with band members of Lake Street Dive about their latest album, “Obviously.” And finally, to mark the end of NEXT, Executive Editor Vanessa de la Torre joins us to explain what’s ahead for the New England News Collaborative.
Guests:
Porsha Olayiwola, Boston Poet Laureate, a fellow with the Academy of American Poets, and the author of the book, “i shimmer sometimes, too.”
Vanessa de la Torre, executive editor of the New England News Collaborative.
Bridget Kearney, bassist for Lake Street Dive.
Akie Bermiss, keyboardist for Lake Street Dive.
Contributors:
Todd Bookman, senior reporter for New Hampshire Public Radio
As New Hampshire Restaurants Struggle To Hire, Some In Industry See Chance for Change
Fred Bever, news reporter and producer for Maine Public
$34 For A Lobster Roll? Today’s High Prices Driven By Consumer Buying Habits During Pandemic
Adrian Ma, reporter for WBUR
What’s Changed? ‘Not Enough’: Local Protesters Reflect On The Year Since George Floyd’s Killing
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: Todd Merrell; “New England” by Goodnight Blue Moon; “One Call Away” by Latrell James; “To Meet You There” by Anjimile; and from Lake Street Dive, “Hypotheticals,” “I Want You Back” (The Jackson 5 cover), “Same Old News,” “Being A Woman,” “Nobody’s Stopping You Now” and “Sarah.”
Missed an episode of NEXT? Here’s our archive of past shows.
Thank you for being a loyal listener. You can follow stories from the New England News Collaborative on NENC.news, Twitter and Facebook.