The Melanated Archives

In the season finale of The Melanated Archives Podcast, we explore the remarkable life and career of legendary stage and screen actress Diana Sands. Though her life was tragically cut short at 39, her influence continues to resonate across generations of performers. Best known for her iconic role as Beneatha Younger in both the original Broadway production and the film adaptation of A Raisin in the Sun, Sands left an indelible mark with her powerful performances. Her story is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering dedication to the craft of acting. Join us as we delve into the legacy of a star who burned brightly, for far too short a time—Miss Diana Sands. Episode Guests: Russell Hornsby, Daphne Maxwell Reid, Glynn Turman Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com  Follow Our Show & Our Hosts:  TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_  TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives  TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/  Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay  Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support

With a dynamic acting career spanning over 60 years, the legendary Glynn Turman is busier now than ever! This stage and screen titan joins us for an uplifting and inspiring conversation about his rise to Broadway fame at just 12 years old, playing Travis Younger in the original production of A Raisin in the Sun. We explored his iconic work throughout the 1970s, including his role as Preach in Cooley High, and the cultural and educational impact of Colonel Bradford Taylor in A Different World. Glynn Turman is both a masterclass in talent and a class act in life. Join us as we dive into the importance of legacy with Glynn Turman on episode 210 of The Melanated Archives Podcast. Episode Guest: Glynn Turman: Instagram - @glynnturman1 Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com  Follow Our Show & Our Hosts:  TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_  TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives  TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/  Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay  Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support

We are talking all things art, activism, and the written word with acting pioneer, activist, and author Ms. Denise Nicholas! Known for her groundbreaking roles in the hit TV series In The Heat of The Night, Room 222, Let’s Do It Again, & Baby…I’m Back, Nicholas chats with us about her early career as a member of the Free Southern Theater at the height of the Black Arts Movement and her forthcoming memoir scheduled for release in 2025! Join us for an in-depth conversation about the power of storytelling and artistic evolution with the one and only Denise Nicholas.  Let’s dig in the crates.  Episode Guest: Denise Nicholas: Facebook - @DeniseNicholas  Available This October: The Longwood Writers Workshop Anthology, A GATHERING OF VOICES Available Now: Freshwater Road by Denise Nicholas: https://www.amazon.com/Freshwater-Road-Denise-Nicholas/dp/1572841958 Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com Follow Our Show & Our Hosts: TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_ TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/ Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support

It’s been a hot summer minute, but we are back! Check in with us as we give you all the tea on where we’ve been, what we are currently up to, & who we got stopping by next on The Melanated Archives Podcast!  Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com Follow Our Show & Our Hosts: TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_ TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/ Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support

In episode 207 of the TMA Podcast, Brandon chats with famed actress, educator, and producer Carolyn Michelle Smith. Known for her portrayal of DEJA in Lena Waithe’s “The Chi” and AGNES in the hit Netflix series “Russian Doll”, Carolyn’s love for the craft stretches beyond the screen to her artistic mentorship efforts and ability to recognize and cultivate safe spaces for melanated communities. A founding member of the Juilliard Black Alumni Association (JBAA) Carolyn is also one of the founding co-directors of the Acting Track for Lena Waithe’s Hillman Grad Mentorship Lab. Join us for another deep dive into the crates as we chat about the importance and responsibility of leaving the door to success open behind you so that others may walk through it as well. You don't want to miss this necessary episode of The Melanated Archives Podcast! This Episode's Guests Include: Carolyn Michelle Smith: Instagram - @that_carolynmichelle Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com Follow Our Show & Our Hosts: TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_ TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/ Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support

Legend in the making is what she is! Join us for a spirit-filled artistic conversation with LA-based actress, producer, and writer Regina Hoyles, whose work in the indie film industry has been turning heads for quite some time. Roll up your sleeves as we dig into the crates and unearth what it means to steward your gifts, create work for yourself, and cultivate healthy collaborations, all the while honoring and studying the great ones who came before. Don't miss this inspiring episode of The Melanated Archives Podcast! This Episode's Guests Include: Regina Hoyles: Instagram - @ReginaHoyles Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com Follow Our Show & Our Hosts: TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_ TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/ Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support

This episode is all that & then some! Join us as we sit down with comedian, actress, and original cast member of the famed 90’s kids comedy show, Nickelodeon’s ALL THAT, the legendary Ms. Angelique Bates. In episode 205 of The Melanated Archives Podcast Angelique pulls back the curtain and takes us on a journey from her humble beginnings as a commercial child star to her breakout role on one of the greatest children’s shows of our time. Discover how she overcame the challenges of a young Hollywood career and became victorious. You don’t want to miss this transformative conversation about the healing power of art and self-love. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to dig in the crates for another powerful episode of TMA Podcast. This Episode's Guests Include: Angelique Bates: Instagram - @angeliquebates Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com Follow Our Show & Our Hosts: TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_ TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/ Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support

In episode 204 of TMA Podcast, we chat with artist, actor, and 90s child star Norman D. Golden II, whose breakout role as Devon Butler in the 1993 classic film Cop and a Half mesmerized audiences both young and old alike catapulting him to stardom. A standout performer with a diverse range, Norman is one of the most versatile stars of his generation. But, there is a story behind everything, and this icon shines a light on his early years in the entertainment industry and the important role of family. Join us for this week's episode of TMA Podcast. This Episode's Guests Include: Norman D. Golden II Instagram - @goldenchildii Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com Follow Our Show & Our Hosts: TMA TikTok: @themelanatedarchives_ TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/ Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support

Known as America's Aunt Viv from the 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Daphne Maxwell Reid has been blazing a path, breaking down doors, and knocking off hinges since her modeling days when she became the first black woman to grace the cover of Glamour Magazine. One of television's most iconic moms, Daphne's acting career spans over 40 years and is still going strong. A visionary with a heart of gold, she and her husband, Tim Reid, are independent producing pioneers who have helped to reshape the way we see black images on screen and the opportunities presented to creatives behind the camera. We invite you to join us as we roll up our sleeves and dig in the crates for episode 203 of the TMA Podcast as we learn the importance of living a joyful and graceful life with the legendary Mrs. Daphne Maxwell Reid. This Episode's Guests Include: Daphne Maxwell Reid: Instagram - @msdaphne13 Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com Follow Our Show & Our Hosts: TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/ Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support

Introducing Bobby Huntley II! Director, producer, writer, and film editor who has a knack for recreating and re-envisioning classic black films, television shows, and characters. His rising star has been evident in recent years with the success of his short films like Pam & Tommy: A Detroit Love Story, a romantic thriller spin on the characters made famous by the classic 90s sitcom Martin. Dig in the crates with us for episode 2 of season 2 of TMA Podcast as we learn how this creative works to honor the art and storytelling of trailblazing filmmakers while carving out and exploring his own artistic style through a unique lens that stretches far beyond the Hollywood lights and into a world that centers melanated culture & art. This Episode's Guests Include: Bobby Huntley II: Instagram - @bhuntleyfilms Theme Music: Funky Suspense - courtesy of Bensound.com Follow Our Show & Our Hosts: TMA Instagram: @themelanatedarchives TMA Website: https://www.themelanatedarchives.com/ Kendra Holloway: Instagram - @kendra2shay Brandon Rachal: Instagram - @brandonrachal_ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/themelanatedarchives/support