Safiya Fredericks

The influences of Death and Race; a "practical" Black mother and "culture warrior" Black father; processing the early deaths of her mother, father and best friend; grief and self-discovery; the spirituality of music; and her insights into this national moment of race awareness. 

 

Safiya Fredericks (Professional stage actor and singer, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Award Winner) joins Nick to speak eloquently and openly about two dominant, overarching forces in her life's journey thus far: Death and Race.  Born to a practically-minded Black mother from the South, and an artistically-minded "culture warrior" Black father from the North, Safiya has a unique and elevated perspective on race, and I am grateful for the conversation we shared as she unveiled her story against the backdrop of this current national moment of race awareness.  Spiritually, Safiya's journey is dictated not so much by the religion within which she was raised, but by the losses of loved ones she has suffered so early in her life.  Through the grief of these losses has come great self-discovery, and an acute awareness of the fragility and preciousness of our lives.  It's a compelling, heartfelt, enlightening and compassionate conversation.  I hope you enjoy it.

 

At one point, Safiya speaks about her amazement that Tulsa, Oklahoma's "Black Wall Street" has entered mainstream awareness.  Here are two excellent articles about it, and the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921:

The Race Riot That Destroyed Black Wall Street - Official Black Wall Street

The Bezos of Black Wall Street (with video) - Forbes

Here is an article about Samuel's Art Gallery, an African American art gallery that was owned and run by Safiya's father for two decades: Samuel's Art Gallery

And finally, here's a link to part of a stand-up set by Safiya's friend, comedian Kibibi Dillon, who was tragically killed in a car accident: Kibibi Dillon at Laughs Unlimited

 

Safiya's Instagram: @safiyaf

 

Official Website: nicholasdagosto.com

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Twitter: @nicholasdagosto #GodsDelicateShow  

Music by Sean Whalen, Art by Alexandra Delano