The Write Attitude Radio Shows

The Write Attitude Radio Shows is a partnership between the Office of the Quality Enhancement Plan and WHCJ, 90.3 FM, Savannah State University Radio Station.

We talk about writing and beyond. We bring you recordings of critically acclaimed poets and authors reading their work: students, faculty and staff from Savannah State University reading their original poems and work from renowned authors; interviews with acclaimed writers conducted by Savannah State University students, faculty and staff, and much more.

Listen to The Write Attitude radio shows by clicking on the links below!

The Writers' Way, A Write Attitude Radio Show, spotlights filmmaker and author June Cross and Staff member and author Tina A. Brown: October 25, 2017 

On this program we’ll hear from two courageous writers who use their power with the pen to give a voice to the voiceless. First, we’ll meet author and documentary filmmaker June Cross, who came to Savannah State University in Spring 2017 to speak at the AIDS and Hepatitis C Read. Think. Write. Act. Weeksponsored by the Savannah State University Department of Social Work and the Know To Live Project, a Health Resources & Services Administration, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration grant. June Cross is best known for her documentaries Secret Daughter: a Mixed-Race Daughter and the Mother who Gave Her Away and Wilhemina's War. After that, we’ll hear from journalist and Savannah State University staff member Tina Brown, who spoke at the QEP’s Lunch & Learn in April 2017. Brown is the author of the book Crooked Road Straight: The Awakening of the AIDS Activist Linda Jordan. Production for this show was done by SSU alumni Sierra Walton (editor) and Melvina Sykes (interviewer), SSU student and QEP Intern Amber Lee (host), SSU faculty members Dr. Dustin Michael (scriptwriter) and Dr. Lisa Yount (coordinator), and SSU staff members Jora McDonald (interviewer) and Adriana de Oliveira (coordinator). 

Poetry in the Air, A Write Attitude Radio Show, spotlights Georgia Poetry Circuit Poets Rachel Griffiths and Kim Addonizio: April 27, 2017

In coordination with poets, booksellers, librarians, and teachers, the Academy of American Poets (AAP) chose a month - April -- when poetry could be celebrated with the highest level of participation. In 1996, the AAP established National Poetry Month, and since then it's become one of the largest literary celebrations in the world. On this show we celebrate National Poetry Month by hearing from two poets, Kim Addonizio and Rachel Griffiths, who came to campus in February and April 2017 as part of the Georgia Poetry Circuit-that's the route through Georgia university campuses traveled by renowned selected poets who stop by and give readings, workshops, and interviews. Production for this show was done by SSU student Melvina Sykes (editor and host), SSU faculty Dr. Dustin Michael (scriptwriter), Dr. Neesha Navare and Dr. Jon Elmore (interviewers), and SSU staff Dr. Lisa Yount and Adriana de Oliveira (coordinators).

The Writers' Way, a Write Attitude Radio Show, spotlights J'miah Nabawi and Alejandro Danois: March 29, 2017

On this show, two talented writers open up to us about their writing projects and processes, Alejandro Danois and J'miah Nabawi. Editor-in-chief of The Shadow League and author Alejandro Danois was in Savannah in February 2017 to talk about his book, The Boys of Dunbar, at the Savannah Book Festival. He gave a lecture to SSU students, faculty and staff at Savannah State University. Storyteller J'Miah Nabawi is the author of several children's books, such as Why Spiders Hide in Corners, The Essential Bruh Rabbit, Three Tales Tall: Sungura, among others. Nabawi performed at the 13^th Annual Savannah Children's Book Festival in November 20016 and visited Savannah State's campus in February 2017 to present the QEP Lunch and Learn. Production for this show was done by SSU students Melvina Sykes (editor, host, and interviewer), Kelvin Arms (interviewer), SSU faculty Dr. Dustin Michael (scriptwriter), and SSU staff Dr. Lisa Yount and Adriana de Oliveira (coordinators).

The Writers' Way, a Write Attitude Radio Show, spotlights Nakia Stephens, Jason Johnson, and Krystal Hart: February 22, 2017

On this show, our intrepid interviewer and SSU Alumna Sierra Walton speaks to three professionals who work in the Communications field about the importance of writing in their careers. And what we learned putting this show together was just how unavoidable the art of writing is-how we think of "writers" as just the people with their names on the spines of books, when really writing is the engine that drives all kinds of creative output. Special thanks to our guests: Screenwriter & SSU Alumna Nakia Stephens, Photographer & SSU Faculty Jason Johnson, and Public Relations Specialist Krystal Hart. Production for this show was done by SSU student Melvina Sykes (editor and host), SSU faculty Dr. Dustin Michael (scriptwriter), and SSU staff Dr. Lisa Yount and Adriana de Oliveira (coordinators).

Poetry in the Air, a Write Attitude Radio Show, spotlights poet Frank X Walker: January 25, 2017

On this show, poetry is in the Air! You are going to hear from poet Frank X Walker. He's the recipient of numerous literary awards and the author of eight books of poetry, and he is an associate professor of English at the University of Kentucky and that state's poet laureate. Mr. Walker came to the Savannah State University campus in October 2016 to talk about his career in writing, to discuss his activism and explain his vision of the artist's role in society, and to share his poetry. He sits down with Doctors Kameelah Martin and Chad Faries from Savannah State's Department of English, Languages, and Cultures to bring us this interview, as well as read some of his poetry. Production for this show was done by SSU student Melvina Sykes (editor and host), SSU faculty Dr. Dustin Michael (scriptwriter), and SSU staff Dr. Lisa Yount and Adriana de Oliveira (coordinators).

The Writers' Way, a Write Attitude Radio Show, spotlights Dr. Desmond Delk and Mr. E! The Motivator!: November 30, 2016

On this show, you're going to hear from Mr. Jason Etheridge and Dr. Desmond Delk, two inspiring individuals who sat down and spoke with us here on the campus of Savannah State University. We'll hear Mr. Jason Etheridge (Mr. E! The Motivator!), counselor and speaker, and Dr. Desmond Delk, scholar and author of "I Love My SSU!" book, discuss their strategies for writing and give tips for staying motivated throughout the writing process. Listen as SSU student LaChrista Nelson and SSU staff member Kiara Lewis interview them. Production for this show was done by SSU student Melvina Sykes (editor and host), SSU faculty Dr. Dustin Michael (scriptwriter), and SSU staff Dr. Lisa Yount and Adriana de Oliveira (coordinators).

The Writers' Way, a Write Attitude Radio Show, spotlights authors Sonja Williams and Dana Perino: October 26, 2016

This show includes interviews with Authors Sonja Williams, and Dana Perino. Each of these women give their take on the process of writing during thier visit to Savannah State University. Listen as SSU student Sierra Walton and SSU faculty member Kai Walker interview them. Production for this show was done by Melvina Sykes, Sierra Walton, and LaChrista Nelson (host), , SSU faculty Dr. Dustin Michael (scriptwriter), and SSU staff Dr. Lisa Yount and Adriana de Oliveira (coordinators).

Poetry in the Air, a Write Attitude Radio Show, spotlights poets Tim Seibles and Jeffrey Harrison: September 28, 2016

This show includes interviews and poems from Tim Seibles and Jeffrey Harrison. They each shed a little knowledge to new and up and coming poets during their visit to Savannah State University. Listen to this as well as their interviews conducted by SSU faculty members Dr. Chad Faries, Dr. Dustin Michael, and Dr. Kameelah Martin. Production for this show was done by SSU students LaChrista Nelson (editor), Melvina Sykes (host), and Sierra Walton (editor), SSU faculty Dr. Dustin Michael (scriptwriter), and SSU staff Dr. Lisa Yount and Adriana de Oliveira (coordinators).

Poetry in the Air, a Write Attitude Radio Show, celebrates National Poetry Month: April 27, 2016

In honor of National Poetry Month this show features three poets who visited Savannah State University as part of the 2015-2016 Georgia Poetry Circuit: Margot Schilpp, Jeff Mock, and Andrea Hollander. Listen to their poems and writing advice, as well as their interviews conducted by SSU Faculty members Dr. Michele Rozga and Dr. Stephanie Kartalopoulos. This show also showcases poetry from members of the SSU community: Students Janae Waring, Lanarus Zanders, Nicole Font, Samantha Thompson, Shaniqua Brown, Sierra Walton (host), and Simone Rolle; Alumna Tanesha Pough Graham; Faculty member Dr. Chad Faries; and Staff member Meaghan Gerard. Production for this show was done by SSU student Sierra Walton (editor and host), SSU faculty Dr. Ryan Clark (scriptwriter), and SSU staff Dr. Lisa Yount and Adriana de Oliveira (coordinators).

The Writers' Way, a Write Attitude Radio Show, spotlights the Deep Center: March 30, 2016

Today we celebrate the Deep Center, a nonprofit organization founded in 2008 to address the negative impact of poverty on literacy here in Savannah. Deep organizes free writing workshops in local public schools, serving around 300 kids each year through their Young Authors Project-which runs in 14 middle schools in Savannah-and their advanced Block by Block program-which serves students aged 12-18 and runs all year round.

For today's show we bring you interviews with the Deep staff, with Deep Writing Fellows, and with two young writers who currently participate in the Block by Block program, having previously graduated from the Young Authors Project. Additionally, throughout the show we will play for you excerpts from the Deep Speaks! Event held on February 23, 2016, in which dozens of students read their work to a packed audience in the historic Savannah Theatre.

SSU participants who have volunteered with the Deep Center: Shaniqua Brown (student), Dr. Chad Faries (faculty), Dr. Dustin Michael (faculty), Dr. Kameelah Martin (faculty), Dr. Lisa Yount (faculty), and Nikki Rech (staff). Production for this show was done by SSU student Sierra Walton (editor and host), SSU faculty Dr. Ryan Clark (scriptwriter),and SSU staff Dr. Lisa Yount and Adriana de Oliveira (coordinators).

The Writers' Way, a Write Attitude Radio Show, spotlights internationally-known scholars Dr. Ali Asani, Professor of Indo-Muslim Religion and Cultures and the Director of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Islamic Studies Program at Harvard University, and Dr. Antonio D. Tillis, Professor of Hispanic Studies and the Dean of the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs at Charleston College: February 24, 2016

This show features two internationally-known scholars who study and write about different cultures, and who each talk about the development of cultural literacy as an essential component of education in today's global community. The first part of our show will include an interview with Dr. Ali Asani, who discusses the importance of cultural and religious literacy as a means toward honoring diversity and fostering coexistence. The latter part of today's show features an interview with Dr. Antonio D. Tillis, who talks about his work studying and writing about Afro-Hispanic literature, and the value of foreign language study and engagement with different cultures. Both scholars visited Savannah State in 2015 to give talks and meet with students as part of a free lecture series sponsored by the Office of the Quality Enhancement Plan. Production for this show was done by SSU student Sierra Walton (editor and host), SSU faculty Dr. Ryan Clark (scriptwriter), and SSU staff Dr. Lisa Yount and Adriana de Oliveira (coordinators).

The Writers' Way, a Write Attitude Radio Show, spotlights Critically-Acclaimed Authors Pearl Cleage and Karen Abbott: January 21, 2016

This show focuses on two authors who are known for developing strong female characters, Pearl Cleage and Karen Abbott. While these authors differ with regard to their subject matter, they both seek to shed light on the lives and struggles of women at various points in history. We will share with you interviews with each author, as they talk about their work and their writing process, as well as give advice to aspiring writers and students who often find themselves frustrated by writing. Toward the end of our show, be sure to stay tuned for the recording of two plays written by Pearl Cleage, adapted and directed by SSU Professor Darryl Thompson, and performed by our students Maya Caldwell and Natalie Goins. Production for this show was done by SSU student Sierra Walton (editor and host), SSU faculty Dr. Ryan Clark (scriptwriter), and SSU staff Dr. Lisa Yount and Adriana de Oliveira (coordinators).

The Writers' Way, a Write Attitude Radio Show, presents Writing Our History: Legendary SSU: November 18, 2015

This year marks Savannah State's 125th anniversary, and so we look back at our legendary history and consider the important role of writing to both preserve and honor this history. This show shares student Enow Anouk and staff member Ms. Sanya Compton's writing and performances, interviews with faculty members Dr. Toure and Professor West and staff member Ms. Ann Ogden, and a reading by staff member Ms. Jorgan Odgen of John Greenleaf Whittier's poem , "Howard at Atlanta," which immortalized a message from a young boy, a freed slave, to the people of the North: "Tell them we are rising." The boy was SSU's first president, Major Richard R. Wright, Sr., and the message has become a symbol of Savannah State's mission as an institution of higher learning. From our first president to our current, and first female president, Dr. Cheryl Davenport Dozier, we celebrate one hundred and twenty five legendary years of history at Savannah State University. Production for this show was done by SSU student Sierra Walton (editor and host), SSU faculty Dr. Ryan Clark (scriptwriter),and SSU staff Dr. Lisa Yount and Adriana de Oliveira (coordinators).

The Writers' Way, a Write Attitude Radio Show, spotlights Annabelle Carr, Martin Staunton, Miller Bargeron, and Tina McElroy Ansa: October 21, 2015

This show brings to you recorded interviews from four different writers working in the professional fields of journalism, editing, publishing, and filmmaking. Each writer visited SSU during the 2014-2015 academic year to give talks and workshops for students on campus, and all of them in their interviews explain how writing has helped them achieve success in their respective careers. Miller Bargeron Jr., SSU Alumnus and Filmmaker, talks about his work in film, including writing and directing the award-winning documentary Stubborn as a Mule, which explores the history of the call for reparations for African Americans. Local writer Annabelle Carr discusses her work as the editor of Savannah Magazine, while Martin Staunton shares his experience and advice coming from his years as a WSAV reporter. Novelist Tina McElroy Ansa reveals a bit of the business side of being a creative writer when she talks about what she's learned during her experience with the publishing industry. Production for this show was done by SSU student Sierra Walton (editor and host), SSU faculty Dr. Ryan Clark (scriptwriter), and and SSU staff Dr. Lisa Yount and Adriana de Oliveira (coordinators).

The Write Attitude Poetry in the Air spotlights Estuary, Savannah State University's Literary Magazine: April 22, 2015

This show focuses on poems, prose and authors featured in Estuary, Savannah State University's student-run literary journal. You will hear critically acclaimed poets such asSjohnna McCray, Shole Wolpe, Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie, and Noah Blaustein. Also, you will listen to an interview with Sjohnna McCray conducted by Dr. Chad Faries, Editor of Estuary and Associate Professor of English and Creative Writing at Savannah State University. Sjohnna McCray, poet and Savannah State University faculty member, is the recipient of the 2015 Walt Whitman Award, the nation's most valuable first-book prize for poetry. Production for this show was done by SSU student Sierra Walton (editor and host), SSU faculty Dr. Ryan Clark (scriptwriter), and SSU staff Dr. Lisa Yount and Adriana de Oliveira (coordinators).

The Writer's Way, a Write Attitude Radio Show, spotlights Lawrence Hill: Mar. 25, 2015

This show focuses on the work of critically acclaimed Canadian author Lawrence Hill. You will hear Hill read an excerpt from one of his novels, and you will listen to an interview he gave when he visited Savannah State University in October 2014. In the second half of the show, we'll hear poetry and prose written by Savannah State students that tie into a number of themes featured in Hill's work. Also, you will listen to a performance of a passage from Hill's novel The Book of Negroes, as performed by SSU Faculty and Student members. Production for this show was done by SSU student Sierra Walton (editor and host), SSU faculty Dr. Ryan Clark (scriptwriter), and SSU staff Dr. Lisa Yount and Adriana de Oliveira (coordinators).

The Write Attitude Poetry in the Air spotlights Nikki Giovanni: Feb. 25, 2015

This show focuses on one of the best known and most widely read contemporary poets, Nikki Giovanni. We dive further into her work through a combination of poems read by Nikki Giovanni, herself, poems by Giovanni read by Savannah State University members, and excerpts from an interview conducted by our student that Nikki Giovanni gave while visiting Savannah State University in 2014. Production for this show was done by SSU student Sierra Walton (editor and host), SSU faculty Dr. Ryan Clark (scriptwriter), and SSU staff Dr. Lisa Yount and Adriana de Oliveira (coordinators).

The Write Attitude Poetry in the Air: Jan. 21, 2015

This show shares with you the recorded poetry from a number of writers, establishing a literary tradition that extends from the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural, social, and artistic movement that took place in Harlem between 1917 and 1935, to experimental poetry to students and faculty writing their own poems here at Savannah State University.

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