Al Letson
Peabody Award-Winning Radio Host, Spoken Word Artist & Playwright
Al Letson is a playwright, performance poet and actor. He is also the host and executive producer of “State of the Re:Union,” one of the fastest-growing public radio programs, airing on more than 200 stations. In each episode, “State of the Re:Union” travels to an American city or town to tell stories about the people…
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Full Bio
Al Letson is a playwright, performance poet and actor. He is also the host and executive producer of “State of the Re:Union,” one of the fastest-growing public radio programs, airing on more than 200 stations.
In each episode, “State of the Re:Union” travels to an American city or town to tell stories about the people and explore how communities are being created.
The program won a 2013 Edward R. Murrow Award in the news documentary category. Letson resides in Jacksonville, Fla.
In addition to the radio show, Letson works as a professional playwright, and actor. Drawing on his background as a performance poet, Letson seamlessly weaves spoken word into the fabric of his theatre work His solo play, Summer in Sanctuary, will be produced off Broadway by The Abingdon Theatre Company at the Dorothy Strelsin Theatre. The Baltimore Sun said, “Letson is a powerful performer who tells his story by moving fluidly from one role to the next.”
While his many interests are diverse, the common theme in Letson’s work is his effort to bring people together. By examining difficult topics and influential historical themes, Letson strives to focus on our common humanity—and always present a production with consummate artistry.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
State of the Re:Union
State of the Re:Union is a public radio show that seeks to unify its audience by telling the stories of real people through an innovative exploration of a city, detailing how things come together and what pulls them apart. While many of today’s media outlets highlight the divisions and conflicts that separate us, State of the Re:Union stands apart–bringing something new to radio and multimedia by exploring the resonating themes, stories, challenges and cultural components that create communities across the country. Viewers and listeners are taken on this uplifting journey by award-winning poet, playwright and Public Radio Talent Quest winner Al Letson, who weaves spoken word into his soul-stirring storytelling.
Bayard Rustin: The Untold Story of a Civil and Gay Rights Pioneer
August 28th, 1963 will forever be tied to Martin Luther King Jr.’s hallowed “I Have a Dream” speech. This historic moment would probably have never come to fruition if it weren’t for a man standing in King’s shadow, Mr. Bayard Rustin. Rustin was a man with a number of seemingly incompatible labels: black, gay, Quaker… identifications that served to earn him as many detractors as admirers. Although he had numerous passions and pursuits, his most transformative act, one that certainly changed the course of American history, was to counsel MLK on the use of non-violent resistance. Al Letson takes the audience to a specific time in history that shapes the way we live now.
Videos
State of the Re:Union—How I Learned to Fly: Al Letson
Books
Testimonials
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