What’s Hot! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander

On WHAT'S HOT! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander, we're turning up the heat with the sensational Kara Young, fresh off her electrifying run in Purlie Victorious on Broadway! Join us as Kara dives into her journey from making a smashing Broadway debut in Lynn Nottage’s Clyde’s, to capturing hearts and critical acclaim with not one, but two Tony and Drama Desk nominations. We'll explore her award-winning performances, from the Obie Award-winning portrayal in Twelfth Night to her latest triumph on the stage. Plus, get the inside scoop on Kara's transition to the screen, including her upcoming role in the buzzed-about Amazon series, I’m a Virgo, and her memorable performances in HBO Max’s The Staircase and Netflix's The Punisher. Don’t miss this exclusive chat with one of Broadway’s brightest stars, only on WHAT'S HOT! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander. It's an episode brimming with inspiration, insight, and a peek into the future of a rising star. Tune in, and feel the heat of the spotlight with Kara Young!

James Beatty, is the founder of the African-American Golf Expo and Forum. He chats about Golf and how AFRICAN AMERICANS are spending $1 BILLION annually on sports equipment. This includes golf clubs, golf balls, shoes, apparel, and accessories.

Ernie Hudson chats about his stellar career and being on the Netflix series GRACE AND FRANKIE, where he recurs as “Jacob” and also appears on the Epix series GRAVES, opposite Nick Nolte as well as appearing in Columbia Pictures new feature GHOSTBUSTERS. Ernie stars and is the Executive Producer on The Family Business, for BET.

An accomplished actor and stage director, Phylicia Rashad became a household name when she portrayed Claire Huxtable on The Cosby Show, a character whose enduring appeal has earned her numerous honors and awards for over two decades. She has appeared as Carol on NBC’s This Is Us (2019 and 2020 Emmy nominations), Diana Dubois on the popular Fox TV series Empire, and as Dr. Woods-Trap in Tarrell Alvin McCraney's Peabody Award-winning series David Makes Man, on the OWN Network.

Dapper Dan the King of Hip-Hop fashion has partnered with The Gap to create a premium hoodie. Dapper Dan was the pioneer of high-end streetwear in the 1980s, remixing classic luxury-brand logos into his own innovative, glamorous designs. -- Dapper Dan Made in Harlem Dapper Dan has quite a story to tell and it's all in his book. However, I got him to reveal some highlights and juicy nuggets with great enthusiasm. You'll learn about Harlem, his early lifestyle, and his customer base.

In this episode of WHAT'S HOT! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander, we spotlight Kamilah Forbes, the dynamic Executive Producer of the Apollo Theater. Delving into her journey from hip-hop theater to leading the Apollo, Forbes shares insights on her renowned projects like Between the World and Me. This episode offers a unique look at how she's shaping the future of arts and culture at one of the most iconic theaters in the world.

In this exciting episode of WHAT’S HOT! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander, we shine the spotlight on the legendary Ray Chew. Ray is an illustrious music director, producer, and composer who began his remarkable journey at the prestigious Juilliard School at the tender age of six. He quickly ascended to prominence, becoming the music director for Ashford & Simpson at just 19. Ray has collaborated with music icons like Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, and Quincy Jones, and directed music for top shows including American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. Tune in as we delve into Ray's incredible career, his contributions to the music industry, and his latest projects. Discover the magic behind his music, the secrets to his success, and why he remains one of the most sought-after music directors in the world. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ray Chew as we explore his journey from a Juilliard prodigy to an iconic figure in music.

Hey music lovers! Ready to hear some amazing stories from behind the scenes of the industry? Well, we've got a surprise for you - the force behind Black Music Month, Dyana Williams herself, is joining us for a chat! She's overcome challenges and created a platform that celebrates black musicians, and we can't wait to hear about it all. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get up close and personal with a legend who has left an indelible mark on the industry and inspired countless others along the way. Don't miss it!

Ahmaya Knoelle Higginson, award-winning teaching artist, and global performer serves as Co-Founder and Artistic Director at the acclaimed music and art institution in Harlem USA, The Mama Foundation for The Arts, home of the Longest Black Off-Broadway Theater Musical in the history of American Theater. Mama, I Want To Sing! After attending The Manhattan School of Music for Jazz Vocal Studies and graduating from the American Musical And Dramatic Academy (AMDA) for Musical Theater studies, Ahmaya traveled singing on world stages in various productions including Porgy and Bess and starring in Mama I Want To Sing! Amaya and her mother Vy Higginsen, creator of the musical Mama I Want To Sing!, came back to their home village of Harlem where their family has lived for over 100 years. They built a 501(c) 3) Non-Profit music and arts institution passing on their knowledge and history of the music and theater industry, building curriculums that have now served thousands of youth and adults with free music and performance education for the past 20 years. With the continued mission to preserve African American music as an “art form” through the next generation, Ahmaya gathered students from her Harlem institution and founded the award-winning “Sing Harlem” a commercial traveling ensemble and choir in which she currently serves as an Artistic and Musical Director. She has booked, curated, and musically directed opportunities for the group with SZA on Saturday Night Live (SNL) and the 60 Annual Grammy Awards. Twice with Chance The Rapper on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Ariana Grande- Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting, and more. Additionally, they have performance credits with Pharrell Williams, Alesia Cara, Lykke Li, and Madonna, headlining Brooklyn’s AFROPUNK, Carnegie Hall, Metropolitan Museum of Art, the APOLLO theater, and Chicago’s Ravinia Festival. In 2021 new to the faculty at the conservatory of music at SUNY Purchase, Ahmaya currently serves as the Musical Director of the SUNY Purchase Soul Voices Course and Ensemble.

Brenda talks about years of stability, losing everything: My home, marriage, and business - without a regular paycheck to keep me afloat! The cherry on the cake? Finding out that no one in Hollywood wanted someone her age for their projects either. Everything can change so quickly but this 'Now What?' moment became an opportunity for her to start anew with a different perspective - giving women like herself (and beyond) an even louder voice than before!?

Join us on WHAT'S HOT! HarlemAmerica as we dive into the remarkable journey of Michael J. Garner, MBA, recently appointed as New York City's first Citywide Chief Business Diversity Officer by Mayor Eric Adams. Garner, a seasoned leader in diversity and inclusion, served 14 impactful years at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, where he spearheaded initiatives to transform NYC's business landscape. Tune in to discover how Garner's dedication to diversity is shaping the future of business in the city. Don't miss this exciting exploration of his career and ongoing mission!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so I invited two awesome special guests. Tune in today for a special encore of Mental Health Awareness Month with your host G. Keith Alexander! Join us as we revisit our uplifting chat with the fabulous Rolonda Watts and the insightful Dr. Faith Brown. We’re diving deep into the importance of mental health with a smile, so don’t miss out on this episode full of heart, humor, and healing!

Tune in today on HarlemAmerica as we sit down with the rising star, Arrington Foster! From humble beginnings in commercials and indie projects to his breakout role as Rio Duncan in BET's hit series Carl Weber's The Family Business, Arrington's journey is one of determination and talent. Don't miss this exclusive conversation where we dive into his early career, the challenges he's faced, and what it's like to be part of a major television drama. Join us and discover the depth behind this promising actor, right here on HarlemAmerica!

WHAT'S HOT! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander is spotlighting the one and only Tyrone Jackson! From his roots in Harlem to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Tyrone Jackson is a force to be reckoned with. Known for his talents as a writer, producer, host, and entrepreneur, Jackson's journey from federal subsidized housing to multi-million dollar success is nothing short of inspiring.

Ron Canada: The Versatile Star and an industry veteran with 40+ years of experience, has appeared in blockbusters like Ted 2 and The Discovery, alongside celebrated actor Robert Redford. From Adventures in Babysitting to National Treasure, his iconic film roles leave a lasting impact. TV viewers know him from standout performances in shows like East New York, Law & Order: SVU, House of Cards, and Blue Bloods. Don't miss his captivating visit to HarlemAmerica.

The Director of the Hayden Planetarium, Neil deGrasse Tyson, makes G. Keith smarter about the universe and the James Webb Telescope's vision.

Ladies and gentlemen, get ready to tee off into a world of inspiration, empowerment, and groundbreaking achievement! Welcome to a very special episode of WHAT'S HOT! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander. Today, we have a trailblazing guest who has transformed the world of golf and shattered glass ceilings like never before. She's not just a media expert, but a visionary who has taken the golfing world by storm. Debert Cook is joining us, the brilliant mind behind the African American Golfer’s Digest, a publication that's not only changed the game but history itself.

This Women's History Month, tune into an extraordinary encore episode of WHAT'S HOT! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander. Today, we're spotlighting Jonelle Procope, the visionary former CEO of the Apollo Theater Foundation. Dive into the legacy of her remarkable 20-year tenure, which transformed the Apollo into a global performing arts beacon, now boasting two stages at the iconic Victoria in the Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel on 125th St. In a recent tribute to her monumental impact, we celebrated the grand opening of the Jonelle Procope Theater – a lasting honor to her contributions. Join us in this special episode, released just days after her birthday on March 20th, as we celebrate a true icon of arts and culture. Don't miss out on this momentous celebration of women's achievements, only on WHAT'S HOT! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander.

In today's encore presentation for Women's History Month on WHAT'S HOT! HARLEMAMERICA WITH G. KEITH ALEXANDER, we spotlight Aisha Jackson, a trailblazer who has not only graced the Broadway stage but also shattered ceilings for future generations. Aisha's journey through the arts has seen her perform in the Off-Broadway cast of Invisible Thread and originate roles in the Broadway productions of Waitress and Frozen. It was in Frozen where Aisha made history, becoming the first Black woman to play the role of Anna on Broadway—a landmark moment that inspired countless young Black girls to see themselves as princesses too. Aisha's commitment to diversity and inclusion shone brightly as she took on the role of Snow White in the world premiere of the Britney Spears musical, Once Upon A One More Time. Her dedication to breaking barriers and ensuring that Black women have a prominent place in the narrative of performing arts is unwavering. Aisha believes deeply in the power of representation and the necessity of creating spaces where Black women can lead and shine. In her own words, I had the joy to standby for the role of Anna in 'Frozen,' carrying the beautiful responsibility of showing my little chocolate drops that they too can be princesses. Making history as the first Black woman to play the role on Broadway was a monumental moment for me. Most recently, embodying Snow White in 'Once Upon A One More Time' has been a thrilling adventure. My utmost desire is to keep breaking down barriers and continue paving the way for Black women to lead and shine bright. Because we deserve it, and representation truly matters. Join us as we celebrate Aisha Jackson's remarkable achievements and her unwavering dedication to paving the way for future generations in the arts.

Janice Williams co-founded The Williams Capital Group L.P. in 1994, establishing it as a powerhouse in investment banking and a leading underwriter of U.S. investment-grade corporate debt. Alongside her husband, she navigated the firm through decades of success, culminating in a groundbreaking merger in 2019 with Siebert Williams Shank & Co. LLC, creating a top minority women-owned business in finance. Starting her career at Shearson Lehman Brothers, Janice's rise to Vice President at Drexel Burnham Lambert highlighted her significant impact on Wall Street. Her commitment extended beyond finance, earning accolades for her civic and not-for-profit work, including a prestigious vice-chair position on the National Advisory Council on Minority Business Enterprises. Janice Williams' journey from ambitious financier to influential community leader underscores her legacy as a trailblazer for diversity and empowerment in the financial industry.