BMI Shearing Fellow Natasha Tarpley grapples with the idea that violence and armed self-defense are a necessity to create a safe community for Black People. In this piece, she speaks to her neighbor Bernadette in the South side of Chicago, an older Black woman who happens to be an avid gun owner, reflects on the Black towns of the past, and imagines a future where Black people are safe. 

In the middle of Nevada lies Rhyolite Ridge, a place with the largest known lithium deposit in North America and home to an endemic wildflower known as Tiehm’s buckwheat. The flowers’ endangered status prevents the development of more lithium mines. Writer Mason Voehl investigates the battle between those who seek to gather the precious ore essential to decarbonizing our economy and those who seek to defend a species on the verge of extinction.

Artist and activist Carolina Caycedo discusses her project “Be Dammed” — a geochoreagraphy that chronicles the movement of rivers, how they become blocked by dams, and the negative effects dams have on communities who have historically lived near those bodies of water.

Artist and BMI Shearing Fellow Faylita Hicks revisits the Declaration of Independence, the principles that guide the democratic solutions of North America. In rewriting this document they reimagine what the United States could be. 

Hexagons have mysterious qualities related to dynamite, LSD, DNA, plastic, geometry, and metaphysics. In this essay, Ruth elucidates their obsession with the shape as it relates to their depression and mental health. Sound design and production from musician Aubrey Calaway.

Jackie DesForges has a hypersensitivity to sound referred to as misophonia. In the loudest city on Earth, DesForges experienced full body hives and incredible anxiety. One sound, however, brings DesForges a sense of euphoria. 

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Later, producer Vera Blossom tells the story of the Kim Sisters. She looks into the political circumstances that transported the Kim Sisters from performing in their home country just after the American–Korean War all the way to the early days of the Las Vegas Strip.

Rasar Amani began rapping in 1999. A talented lyricist and emcee, he performed in venues around the world. In 2015, he formed The Lique, creating explosive meldings of hip-hop, funk, rock and jazz. Last fall, Rasar passed away unexpectedly. In the last segment, one of his bandmates, Jeremy Klewicki pays tribute to him. The Lique’s third album, Imposter Syndrome, released this winter, commemorates Rasar’s 36th birthday. 

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Later, journalist Amanda Fortini delves into the history of Las Vegas’ Historic Commercial Center District. In this segment, business owners and patrons relay the importance of the Commercial Center to a thriving city and the misconceptions that have put the place into despair. 

Finally, Vi Khi Nao and Daisuke Shen discuss Nao’s new collection of short stories, titled Vegas Dilemma; love languages; and the power of being invisible.

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Bonus material and more information.

Black Mountain Radio showcases intimate conversations, original performances, and oral histories from the Mojave Desert in Southern Nevada—with guest appearances from editors of and contributors to The Believer. Big stories. Big questions. From under the big desert sky.