Examining Impact of Diana Ross' Central Park Concert - Part 1

10/17/21 • 34 min

Podcast Episode Description In this thought-provoking episode of Advanced TV Herstory, host Cynthia Bemis Abrams is joined by poet, author, and professor Shayla Lawson to revisit Diana Ross’ iconic 1983 Central Park concert. As captured in Lawson’s book, This Is Major: Notes on Diana Ross, Dark Girls, and Being Dope, this rain-soaked performance is explored through the lens of cultural significance, representation, and the resilience of women of color. Together, Cynthia and Shayla discuss how Ross’ leadership and authenticity during the storm transformed the concert into a historic moment for music and feminism. Tune in for a reflective conversation on what this event meant to Black families, the entertainment industry, and the evolving narrative of women in media. Podcast Episode Plot Summary This episode kicks off a two-part exploration of Diana Ross’ 1983 Central Park concert, one of the most memorable performances in music history. Host Cynthia Bemis Abrams and guest Shayla Lawson dissect how Ross’ unwavering presence amidst a torrential downpour became a defining cultural moment. Drawing on themes from Lawson’s book, This Is Major, they dive into topics of representation, leadership, and the emotional connection that Ross established with her audience. The discussion highlights how this concert transcended music, resonating with women of color and amplifying Diana Ross’ legacy as an icon of resilience and grace. Episode Life Lessons

The power of connection: Diana Ross’ authenticity with her audience remains a timeless lesson in leadership.
Resilience in adversity: Ross’ grace under pressure demonstrates how to turn challenges into unforgettable moments.
Representation matters: The concert’s impact underscores the importance of visibility for women of color in media and music.

Episode Resources

Related Episodes: Diana Ross’ 1983 Central Park Concert (1.18) Revisiting Diana Ross’ Central Park Concert with Shayla Lawson (Part 2) (7.4)
Guest’s Book: This Is Major: Notes on Diana Ross, Dark Girls, and Being Dope by Shayla Lawson
YouTube Version: Watch the episode on YouTube here.

The power of connection: Diana Ross’ authenticity with her audience remains a timeless lesson in leadership.
Resilience in adversity: Ross’ grace under pressure demonstrates how to turn challenges into unforgettable moments.
Representation matters: The concert’s impact underscores the importance of visibility for women of color in media and music.

Episode Resources

Related Episodes: Diana Ross’ 1983 Central Park Concert (1.18) Revisiting Diana Ross’ Central Park Concert with Shayla Lawson (Part 2) (7.4)
Guest’s Book: This Is Major: Notes on Diana Ross, Dark Girls, and Being Dope by Shayla Lawson
YouTube Version: Watch the episode on YouTube here.

Previous Episode

Carrie Fisher's Genius & These Old Broads

Cynthia delves into deep Hollywood history to help listeners understand and love Carrie Fisher's genius in the made-for-TV movie These Old Broads.

All in their late 60s, Debbie Reynolds, Shirley MacLaine, Joan Collins and Elizabeth Taylor look like they had a ball in this send-up of aging and the scandals of Hollywood's golden years.

RESOURCES

These Old Broads - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0207156/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Unsinkable: A Memoir by Debbie Reynolds (2013) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16075986-unsinkable?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=dSbiGfRu7P&rank=2

LA Times, Scandal's History for "These Old Broads (Feb. 12, 2001) - https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-feb-12-ca-24245-story.html

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Next Episode

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

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.