David Martin Davies

6 days ago | tpr.org | David Martin Davies

Texas-born Gene Autry starred in 91 feature-length westerns. He recorded over 600 songs. He had nine gold records. In fact, he was the first person to receive a gold record. His signature song, "Back in the Saddle Again," sold millions of copies. Autry used the popular media of his time to put a fine point on the American myth of the cowboy while also being a successful and admired businessman. But there’s more to Autry than his stardom.

1 week ago | tpr.org | David Martin Davies

There is rampant speculation that Beto O’Rourke is testing the waters for a new run for political office. In recent weeks, O’Rourke has been actively engaging in a series of rallies and town halls across Texas and beyond, focusing on voter mobilization and civic engagement through his organization, Powered by People. O‘Rourke ran for Senate against Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz in 2018 and lost by less than three points.

1 week ago | tpr.org | David Martin Davies

In Dangerous Learning: The South’s Long War on Black Literacy, Derek W. Black examines the deliberate suppression of Black literacy in the American South. Following slave revolts like Denmark Vesey’s in 1822 and Nat Turner’s in 1831, Southern states intensified anti-literacy laws, fearing that educated enslaved individuals could forge passes, organize rebellions, or escape bondage. These laws imposed severe penalties on those who taught enslaved people to read or write.

1 week ago | tpr.org | David Martin Davies

Antidote, the latest documentary from Emmy Award-winning filmmaker James Jones, is an exposé on the perilous journey of whistleblowers confronting Vladimir Putin's regime. Premiering at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, the film delves into the lives of individuals who risk everything to unveil the Kremlin's covert operations. The documentary focuses on Christo Grozev, a Bulgarian journalist affiliated with the investigative group Bellingcat.

1 week ago | tpr.org | David Martin Davies

“I don’t know.” That was President Donald Trump’s answer when asked if he needed to uphold the U.S. Constitution when it comes to giving immigrants the right of due process. Trump provided this response during a wide-ranging TV interview broadcast on Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press. Trump added that he’s following lawyers’ advice as he tries to execute rapid deportations, arguing that giving immigrants due process is time-consuming.