What’s Hot! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alex

 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.   Phylicia Rashad- While television was a catalyst in the rise of Rashad's career, she has also been a force on the stage, appearing both on and Off-Broadway, often in projects that showcase her musical talent such as Jelly's Last Jam, Into the Woods, Dreamgirls and The Wiz. In 2016, Ms. Rashad was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame and received the 2016 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Leading Actress in a Play for her performance as Shelah in Tarell Alvin McCraney's Head of Passes at the Public Theater, a role which she reprised at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles. Rashad performed the role of the Duchess of Gloucester in Richard II, the 2020 Shakespeare on the Radio collaboration between The Public Theater and New York public radio station, WNYC. On Broadway, Ms. Rashad has performed as Violet Weston in August Osage County, Big Mama in Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (a role that she reprised on the London stage), Aunt Ester in August Wilson’s Gem Of The Ocean, and more.

 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!?    Brenda Braxton was destined for the stage. While most of her classmates at the famed High School of Performing Arts dreamed that their talents would one day be recognized, Brenda, a year after graduation, was cast in the hit Broadway show Guys & Dolls. But her real claim to fame was her performance in Broadway’s musical revue SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ which earned her a Tony Award nomination, the NAACP Theater Award, the city of Chicago’s Jefferson Award and a Grammy Award for Best Cast Album. She went on to star as Velma Kelly in Broadway’s hit musical CHICAGO opposite USHER, BeBe Neuwirth, Rita Wilson and Brian McKnight. . Her other Broadway credits include, Jelly’s Last Jam with Gregory Hines and  Savion Glover, Cats, Legs Diamond and the original production of DREAMGIRLS with Jennifer Holiday. Her TV credits include Nurse Jackie, SMASH. She most recently is costarring as Partner Madeline Gilford on The Good Fight on CBS All Access.  In realizing the importance of giving back she founded a not -for profit organization called, Leading Ladies Just for Teens (LLJFT), seminars geared toward empowering young girls to be the best they can be. Leading Ladies began in 1996 at the Virginia Theater with a series of seminars designed to encourage, challenge and inspire young girls to dream and set goals.

Award-winning actor, playwright, and activist Daniel Koa Beaty takes center stage in this gripping episode that explores his extraordinary journey from a child of an incarcerated parent to a renowned figure in American theater and television. Through powerful performances and candid interviews, Beaty reflects on his critically acclaimed plays and TV work, his advocacy for social justice, and the personal and communal healing achieved through his movement, I Dream. With his latest documentary Behind the Glass, Beaty sheds light on the harsh realities of mass incarceration's impact on families, offering a raw, empathetic look into a crisis that mirrors his own childhood experiences.

Ruben Santiago-Hudson joins G. Keith Alexander on WHAT'S HOT! HarlemAmerica to share his journey through iconic roles and groundbreaking projects. From his Emmy-winning portrayal of Dr. Percy Julian in ‘Forgotten Genius’ to his unforgettable character in ‘East New York,’ Ruben’s work continues to spotlight the stories of unsung heroes. Tune in for a deep dive into the mind of an artist dedicated to making history on stage, screen, and beyond.

WHAT'S HOT! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander is back with a truly special guest—Keaver Brenai—the voice behind some of the most recognizable campaigns and shows in the world! ?? In this episode, we dive into Keaver’s incredible journey from singing alongside legends like U2 and Michael Jackson to becoming the voice that brands like Nike, WNBA, Disney+, and Netflix trust to tell their stories. Whether she’s narrating gripping documentaries like Shark Attack Investigation: The Paige Winter Story or bringing life to campaigns for Amazon Prime Video and Apple, Keaver’s voice leaves a lasting impact. But her talents don’t stop there. Keaver is also a gifted author, with her children's book series Brenai Learning Series: Colors of Nature and Grief Relief: Confession Leads to Recovery, and a talented singer/songwriter, sharing her heart through albums like The Color of Love is You and Home for the Holidays. Join us for an inspiring conversation as Keaver shares how she went from performing live with Grammy winners to becoming a sought-after voice artist, her passion for storytelling, and the challenges and triumphs along the way. This is an episode packed with wisdom, creativity, and a whole lot of heart. ????? Tune in to WHAT'S HOT! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander—where the stories behind the voices come to life!

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.

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.

On the upcoming episode of WHAT'S HOT! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander, we have the honor of featuring Gerald Alston, the iconic lead singer of The Manhattans. Alston, who stepped into the spotlight in the early '70s, significantly contributed to the group's success with chart-topping hits that resonated deeply with fans of R&B and soul music. His journey from joining The Manhattans, through his rise to stardom, and onto a fruitful solo career, showcases a remarkable trajectory filled with memorable songs and performances. Alston's voice, characterized by its warmth and depth, played a crucial role in defining the sound of The Manhattans, earning them critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. As he transitioned into his solo career, Alston continued to captivate audiences with his musical talent, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. This episode promises an in-depth look at Alston's legacy, his contributions to music, and the stories behind the songs that have become timeless classics. Join G. Keith for an intimate conversation with Gerald Alston, exploring the highs and lows of his extraordinary career in music.

Hisham Tawfiq is a prominent American actor, particularly acclaimed for portraying the beloved character of Dembe Zuma in NBC's hit series The Blacklist. Dembe Zuma is a key member of the show's security detail turned FBI agent and shares an intimate and trusting relationship with the lead character, Raymond Red Reddington.

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!