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Welcome to Advanced TV Herstory, the podcast that connects the dots of TV & feminism and American politics & culture. We tell the stories of women in TV who have had a profound impact on the confidence and aspirations of generations of girls and women.

We highlight the pioneering journalists, talented actresses, and gutsy writers who challenged societal norms and provide historical context for their achievements within the cultural and political trends of the time. By exploring the past, we ensure that the struggles, triumphs, and milestones of these women are not lost to history.

Hosted and produced by television scholar Cynthia Bemis Abrams, Advanced TV Herstory is more than just a podcast. It is a research-based examination of the evolution of television and women in our society. Each episode is an opportunity to inspire listeners to believe in themselves, challenge norms, break barriers, and shape the future of television and our world.

Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at www.tvherstory.com/.

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  2. Diana Ross’ 1983 Concert: Legacy & Impact - Part 2

Diana Ross’ 1983 Concert: Legacy & Impact - Part 2

Oct 22, 2021

Podcast Episode Description
In this second part of the two-episode series, Advanced TV Herstory host Cynthia Bemis Abrams continues her deep discussion with poet, author, and professor Shayla Lawson about Diana Ross’ unforgettable 1983 Central Park concert. They explore how the Showtime broadcast amplified Ross’ leadership during the rainstorm and the concert's lasting cultural impact.

Drawing from Lawson’s book, This Is Major: Notes on Diana Ross, Dark Girls, and Being Dope, the conversation examines what Diana Ross’ authenticity and resilience mean to women of color today. Cynthia and Shayla reflect on how this concert became a global symbol of representation and connection, with Ross proving that great performances can rise above even the most challenging circumstances.

Podcast Episode Plot Summary
Part two of this series delves deeper into the cultural, social, and personal impact of Diana Ross’ 1983 Central Park concert. Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams and Shayla Lawson discuss how Ross’ bold performance during a storm demonstrated unparalleled leadership and left a mark on viewers worldwide.

Shayla shares her thoughts on how the event resonated with her own experiences as a Black woman, connecting the concert’s legacy to broader themes of representation and resilience. With references to Showtime’s involvement and the challenges Ross faced, this episode offers an insightful look into the lasting power of this historic performance.