2002-2003 Season

Episode 1801

The Case on Reparations

Are African Americans entitled to compensation for the years of slavery and segregation endured by their ancestors in America? Join new Black Issues Forum host Natalie Bullock Brown for a sober discussion with students on this issue from the campus of North Carolina Central University in Durham.

GUESTS:

William Darity, Jr. - William "Sandy" Darity is a Research Professor of Public Policy Studies at Duke University and Cary C. Boshamer Professor of Economics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Robinson O. Everett - a tenured professor on the faculty at Duke Law School.

Freddie Parker - Chair of the History Department at North Carolina Central University. Dr. Parker's e-mail address

Episode 1802

Profile: Dr. Johnny B. Hodge, Jr. - Director of Bands at North Carolina A&T State University

Dr. Hodge was appointed Director of Bands at North Carolina A&T State University in 1980 and will soon be retiring. He led the marching band, better known as the Blue and Gold Marching Machine to national and world-class acclaim. In this special profile interview with host Mitchell Lewis, Dr. Hodge talks about the secret to his career success and the strong rapport he has established with students in the marching band.

Episode 1803

Making the Grade

A growing number of African American parents are choosing to send their children to private and charter schools, but are these schools making a difference in the achievement gap? Host Natalie Bullock Brown talks about the issues of vouchers, school choice, and the academic achievement gap with the following guests:

Dr. Otho Tucker - Director of the North Carolina Office of Charter Schools

Dr. Walter C. Farrell, Jr. - Professor of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Dr. Dwight Pearson - Section Chief for Closing the Achievement Gap at the Department of Public Instruction.

Episode 1804

Jim Crow: Why Remember?

During the month of July UNC-TV will air the PBS 4-hour series The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow. But how much relevance does a discussion about the Jim Crow era have to the current generation? What is Jim Crow's lasting impact if any? Natalie Bullock Brown hosts a townhall discussion on to address these questions before a student audience on the campus of North Carolina Central University.

GUESTS

Dr. Jeffrey M. Elliot - Professor of African American Politics specializing in African American social protest and the Director of Graduate Program Planning in the Department of Political Science at North Carolina Central University. He is also a Durham Human relations Commissioner, journalist, and writer.

Dr. Jarvis A. Hall - Chair of the Department of Political Science at North Carolina Central University, specializing in African American political thought and public policy.

Dr. E.B. Palmer - a historian and Founder of the African American Cultural Complex

Episode 1805

Stress on the Job

Are African Americans working in corporate America having to deal with more stress than their White counterparts? Join host Natalie Bullock Brown for an examination of this question and a discussion on coping mechanisms.

GUESTS

Dr. Earl H. McClenney, Jr., Associate Professor of Public Administration at Virginia State University and author of "How to Survive When You're the Only Black in the Office."

Ms. Sharon Warren Cook - Assistant Professor of Social Work, WSSU and contributing writer to the National Association of Social Workers publication "African American Leadership and Empowerment Tradition in Social Welfare History."

Episode 1806

Your Invisible Vote

After fighting so long and hard for the right to vote, why aren't more of us taking advantage of the privilege? Host Mitchell Lewis talks to guests to uncover the underlying meaning behind voter apathy.

GUESTS

Sonya Jarvis - Coordinator for the North Carolina Operation Big Vote with the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation

Melissa Siebert - Director of the Voting Rights Project with the Institute for Southern Studies

Fred Yates - Political Action Chair for the State NAACP

Episode 1807

Equal Justice

How much justice is there for Blacks in North Carolina? More than 70% of the imprisoned population are people of color, and the fastest growing group is Black women. Natalie Bullock Brown examines the issue of juvenile incarceration and factors that contribute to this dramatic statistic.

GUESTS

Rev. Elton Powell - Interim President of the National Action Network.

Chris Muma - an attorney with the North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence.

Judge Wanda Bryant - North Carolina Court of Appeals.

Episode 1808

Healthcare Inequity

A report released by the National Academies' Institute of Medicine confirms what many have long suspected. Discrimination in the doctor's office is alive and well. The question is, what can each of do to guard our health? Natalie Bullock Brown talks about fear, negligence, and cultural barriers that have led to existing healthcare disparities between White and Black patients.

GUESTS

Giselle Corbie-Smith, MD, MSC - UNC School of Medicine

Cedric Bright, MD - Durham VA Hospital/Duke University Medical Center

To view information on the National Academies' Institute of Medicine report see http://national-academies.org.

Episode 1809

Prostate Cancer

One in every five men will indeed deal with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Get the truth on prevention and what to do if you or a loved one is diagnosed with prostate cancer as guest Rev. Thomas A. Walker shares the personal story of how he overcame this pervasive disease. Host Mitchell Lewis.

GUESTS

Rev. Thomas L. Walker - Pastor, Ebenezer Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, NC

Leroy Darkes, MD - Rex Senior Health Center

To obtain a copy of the book Brother to Brother: You Don't Have to Die With Prostate Cancer http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0966546504/griefnet/102-8604270-5602521

Episode 1810

Joyful Adoption

For anyone who has ever considered adoption only to abandon the thought due to alarming statistics or horror stories, there's good news. Join host Mitchell Lewis for the success story--the truth about adopting in the African American community.

GUESTS

Ruth Amerson, Founder/CEO of Another Choice for Black Children, Inc.

Earl Horton, Director of Public Relations for Adoption and Foster Care Ministry at the General Baptist State Convention

Information from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services on adoption: www.dhhs.state.nc.us/dss/adopt

Episode 1811

Blacks in Film

Hear what filmmaker Spike Lee has to say about African Americans and filmmaking today. What opportunities lie in wait for aspiring African American filmmakers in North Carolina? Host Mitchell Lewis gathers wisdom from local artists and professionals in the filmmaking industry.

GUESTS

Marc Lee, President/CEO of Lee Entertainment
Lee Entertainment is a full service Entertainment business working on consulting, project development, publicity, promotions, and event planning with such artists as Stanley Baird, Nnenna Freelon, and Bobby Hinton. Marc has been involved in the entertainment industry for over ten years with filmmaking and theatre having been a principal part of his work. He has been one of the principal organizers of Black Diaspora Film Festival held at the Hayti Heritage Center--which will celebrate its ninth year in 2003--since its inception. Marc is also a member of the Durham Arts Council and has worked with on the National Black Theatre Festival as well as the African American festival at the Carolina Theatre before its demise.

Fable Moon, Filmmaker and Visual Interpretist for BLASH! Universe
Fable Moon also know as Elizabeth Sadler is a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and is a poet, writer, director, and producer of her own films. Her latest work is a short film entitled Paper Fools, a dramatic story about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Fable founded BLASH! Universe in July 1999 as an outgrowth of documentary work done through public access in affiliation with Time Warner Cablevision. The documentary was entitled BLASH!TV and it would portray the behind-the-scenes motivations of artists in North Carolina. It would chronicle the lifestyles and works of local and national artists making positive contributions to their communities.

Episode 1812

Creating Business Success

Host Natalie Bullock Brown talks to African American Entrepreneurs in North Carolina Entrepreneurs about keys to taking your small business enterprise to the next level of success and ensuring that your business is not only surviving, but thriving.

GUESTS

Luther T. Falls, Jr. - Secretary, Watchful Network, Inc.

Tyrone E. Smith - President and Founder of Watchful Network, Inc.

Genevia Gee Fulbright, CPA - Vice President of Fulbright & Fulbright, CPA, PA

To Do: Save Taxes and Retire Early
Available at:
www.amazon.com
www.borders.com
http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/description.asp?ISBN=0-7414-1014-1

RESOURCES FOR BUDDING ENTREPRENEURS

For articles or specific questions on taxes, small business, and more...www.findarticles.com

Episode 1813

Supermarkets and Access

How are African Americans participating in the multi-billion dollar supermarket industry? As African Americans spend dollars consuming supermarket goods, are they enjoying an equal share in deciding what choice of goods are available, who supplies those goods, and grocery stores service and interest in urban neighborhoods? Natalie Bullock Brown talks to guests to examine these questions.

GUESTS

Octavia Rainey - community activist in Southeast Raleigh, also works with the College Park/Idlewild Community Watch. Contact at 919-834-4022.

Farad Ali - Vice President of The Institute of Minority Economic Development

Episode 1815

Stedman Graham on Diversity

CEO and motivational speaker Stedman Graham shares his insight on how minority companies can make their products and personae more attractive to mainstream corporations. Host Mitchell Lewis talks to Graham about supplier diversity and the efforts of minority businesses to become more prominent in selling a larger slice of goods and services to larger corporations.

GUESTS

Stedman Graham - chairman and CEO of Stedman Graham and Associates. Stedman is also an accomplished author, and has written motivational books such as You Can Make It Happen, and Build Your Own Life Brand.

Francina Tate-Harris - the founder and CEO of Judges Professional Staffing Group, a Raleigh-based corporation and employment service that specializes in minority executive search, contract, and direct-hire staffing in the legal, professional, medical, security, and information technology fields.

Episode 1816

Making Relationships Work

Love relationships that used to last for decades now tend to decay in a matter of years, sometimes months. And the promise of a committed relationship is often a dream deferred. Why the changes? And what can be done to bring commitment back into relationships? Host Mitchell Lewis talks with three relationship experts on ways to have healthy relationships.

GUESTS

Dr. Lauren Durant - Clinical Psychologist & Relationship Coach Insight Corp. E-mail Dr. Durant at askdrlauren@nc.rr.com

Marcus Major - a Blackboard best-selling author who has written several novels dealing with relationships, including For Guys in Trouble and A Man Most Worthy

John Raye is a motivational speaker whose expertise in relationships includes being married to his high school sweetheart for 41 years. To reach John Raye, contact Phillips Promotions Inc., P.O. Box 98314, Raleigh, NC 27624-8314 Tel. 919.981.0963. E-mail info@phillipspromotions.com

Episode 1817

Before You Marry.

National statistics state that half of all American marriages end in divorce, and many couples who want to make a lifelong commitment to each other wonder what it takes to get married and stay that way. Some may even wonder if it's worth getting married at all. But according to experts, there are a host of things couples can do to prepare themselves for the challenges of marriage, and to put them on the right track towards a successful union. How can you beat the statistics? Natalie Bullock-Brown talks with experts about how to have a successful marriage.

GUESTS

Reverend Paul L. Anderson - pastor of Baptist Grove Church in Raleigh, who gives spiritual counsel to church members seeking to get married

Shelda Abdur-Razzaq - a licensed professional counselor and partner in the Durham-based Triangle Associates for Well-Being

Deria Phillips-Hayes - an attorney who works in domestic law with the Durham law offices of James D. Williams

Episode 1818

UNC Integration 50th Anniversary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has been in existence since the cornerstone for the school was laid in 1793. Since that time, African-Americans have played a significant role in the development of the University. They helped lay the very foundations of the school and built some of its most revered buildings. However, it wasn't until 1951, nearly 200 years after the University was first built, that African-Americans were first allowed to enroll at UNC. Host Natalie Bullock-Brown joins two panelists from UNC-Chapel Hill to pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of black students on UNC's campus.

GUESTS

Charles Daye - professor of law at the UNC Law School and narrator of UNC Pathfinders

Edith Hubbard - an alumna of UNC and current associate director there for the Office of Sponsored Research

Episode 1819

"More Money" Traps

Many are under the impression that their money woes would disappear if they could only find a way to make "more money." But how much of financial strain is attributable to lack of funds versus lack of wisdom in managing the funds one already has? Mitchell Lewis talks to personal finance experts Lisa Williams and H.R. Reid about the American debt crisis and healthy strategies for getting out of debt and on track.

GUESTS

Lisa Williams - Lisa Williams--a guest from previous programs whose sage financial advice and wit are just too good to present only once...she's the CEO and founder of the Center for Hope in Cary. Lisa also hosts the nationally syndicated radio program "Living in the Black" which airs locally on WNCU 90.7 FM.

Harvey R. Reid, a financial literacy consultant who founded his own company, HR Consulting in Raleigh, and conducts workshops on life skills and household money management, especially for individuals in challenging income situations.
H.R. Consulting
109 North Graham St. Suite 202
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
(919) 960-4121

Episode 1820

Michael Eric Dyson

Meet one of America's most talked about and outspoken commentators on issues affecting African Americans. Author Michael Eric Dyson shares his views on race, sex, Hip-hop culture, his recent release entitled Open Mike," and more in this one-on-one dialog with the producer of Black Issues Forum.

Episode 1821

Blended Families

More and more people are getting re-married, and bringing children from previous relationships into their new marriages. How do couples successfully blend their families? Mitchell Lewis talks to several families and a professional counselor to find out how to make it work.

GUESTS

Eula Mathis Davis, M. S. W., Life Strategist/Social Worker - Ms. Mathis is founder and president of Discovery Resources and Enterprises where she provides family system counseling, workshops and groups and retreats to individuals, children, couples, parents, and families to empower them in achieving more loving and functional relationships and marriages and to make social, spiritual, and work-related adjustments. She has recently established a mental health intervention and crisis line for positive alternative crisis support and intervention through telephone counseling for homebound persons and a counseling program for homeless individuals and families at local shelters in Raleigh. She also provides intracultural counseling, separation and divorce mediation, motivational speaking, human relations training, consultation, and mediation.

Maria Black, Wife and Stepmother - has been married to Randy Black for nearly six years. They are parents of four children. Randy is the biological father of the couple's two older children, while Maria is the biological mother of their three oldest children. Randy and Maria are the biological parents of the couple's youngest child. Maria is former Chapter Leader of the Wilmington, NC chapter of the Stepfamily Association of America.

Episode 1822

New Technologies

Bridging the digital divide are African Americans who are not only embracing technology, they are instrumentally affecting the changes necessary to keep our society in high gear technologically. Meet African Americans who have crossed the divide and are using technology in their professional lives and incorporating the latest technology toys into their personal lives. Learn about digital television and digital toys of the future in this discussion with host Mitchell Lewis.

GUESTS

Fonda Daniels is an enterprise architect at IBM in the Architecture and Integration Group. The objective of the Architecture and Integration Group is to develop and execute information and knowledge management strategy for the IBM Software Group business unit. She has a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering, a Master of Science degree in Computer Engineering, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, all from North Carolina State University. While in graduate school, she participated in the NASA graduate student research fellowship program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. Fonda also holds four (4) patents and has authored several publications in the object-oriented design and testing area and has served as a reviewer for a book on design patterns.

Eric Harris is president of OASYS Information Services, Inc. Eric's company provides Web hosting, E-Commerce, High-Speed Internet Access, Networking and Web Development. He's been a leader in the IT industry for nearly two decades.

Jonah Kuttner is the Network Operations Center (NOC) Coordinator at UNC-TV and is among a team of engineers who have overseen UNC-TV's digital transition and currently maintain the overall operation of the network.

Episode 1823

Affirmative Action Report

Affirmative action--a hotly debated topic, but are the arguments for and against affirmative action policies based on a coherent understanding of the issues? Join host Natalie Bullock Brown and experts on both sides of the debate for an invigorating discussion.

Summary of the Grutter vs. University of Michigan case

Background on the Grutter vs. University of Michigan case as outlined by the Center for Individual Rights

GUESTS

Harry L. Williams, Ed.D. - Associate Vice Chancellor For Diversity at Appalachian State University. Dr. Williams is responsible for implementing the university's diversity plan,and works with the entire university community to identify and implement strategies that will lead to a more diverse learning community at Appalachian. He works with the admissions office to increase the number of underrepresented students enrolling at the university. He also identifies strategies that will lead to a more diverse learning community on campus.

Charles E. Daye - Brandis Professor of Law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Professor Daye signed the legal brief principally authored by his colleague Jack Boger and filed with the Supreme Court in the University of Michigan case. View a copy of the amicus brief that the UNC School of Law filed on the Michigan case at http://www.unc.edu/law/brief.pdf

Vernon Robinson - is a two-term member of the Winston-Salem City Council. Robinson has been referred to as the state's most prominent black conservative. He filed the successful lawsuit that eliminated both racial and gender quotas for membership on the UNC Board of Governors and the blacks-only scholarships at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Appalachian State University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Episode 1824

Grow Your Money

If you are positioned to move out of debt control and into wealth-building, it may be time to develop a strategic financial plan and employ the assistance of financial professionals. Guidance on what to look for and what to expect from your financial planner and banker in this discussion with top financial experts, hosted by producer Deborah Holt.

Ed Fulbright is a 21-year veteran of the financial services industry, a certified public accountant, and Vice President of Fulbright Financial Consulting PA. As a professional money coach, he offers professional speaking, coaching and life-long financial, tax and investment planning through a Comprehensive Financial & Life Planning Program. Ed is also the Executive Producer and host of the weekly radio program "Mastering Your Money," which airs locally on WNCU 90.7 FM.

B. Diana Alexander - Assistant Vice President/Loan Review Officer at Mechanics and Farmers Bank. Mrs. Alexander has been trained in and performed all branch functions, rising through the ranks to become AVP/ Branch Manager. In her current position, Diana assists in the Bank's ongoing efforts to improve and protect its asset quality.

James C. Dean is a Financial Representative at Northwestern Mutual Financial Network and also a featured financial expert on NBC-17 in Raleigh on Monday mornings. James helps personal clients with needs such as life insurance, retirement, and educational funding, and business clients with needs such as buying and selling agreements, SEPs, disability income, retirement, etc. Northwestern Mutual insures more CEO's than any company and in addition to its other services, is the only company in its class to receive Fortune Magazines "Best Company for Life Insurance" for the past 19 yrs.

Episode 1825

Three Doctors' Pact

Twenty-five years ago, three boys made a pact to escape the turmoil and uncertainty that life in the inner city had to offer, and chose careers as doctors as their ticket to freedom. Today, three young men, all under the age of 30, have achieved their dream and are giving back in tremendous ways to their communities through The Three Doctors Foundation, Inc. They share their inspirational story with host Mitchell Lewis.

GUESTS

Dr. George Jenkins, D.M.D., co-author of The Pact

Dr. Rameck Hunt, M.D., co-author of The Pact

Dr. Sampson Davis, M.D., co-author of The Pact

Episode 1826

Flag Wars

What happens when a community finds itself in transition? When property values increase and long-term residents are slowly replaced by a new incoming group? What does it take to avoid gentrification, and when is it too late to stop the momentum? Black Issues Forum explores these questions as they affect North Carolina neighborhoods in light of the release of a PBS P.O.V. documentary entitled Flag Wars, which profiles the story of a Columbus, Ohio community in transition.

GUESTS

Melvin L. Whitley, Political Director, Durham Voter Coalition, PAC 1 Co-Facilitator, Northeast Central Neighborhoods, President, InterNeighborhood Council

Ed Clark, Host, NC Capital Review WNCU

Lenora Smith, Project Director for PEACH (Partnership Effort For The Advancement Of Children's Health)

Additional Information

"Good Neighbor Crime Prevention" - a wish list Melvin Whitley calls a road map for making poor neighborhoods liveable. This proposal was endorsed by the following organizations: Partner Against Crime Organizations (5); The Durham Literacy Council; East Durham Fair Share; The Peoples Alliance; The Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People; Durham Affordable Housing Coalition; InterNeighborhood Council; North East Central Economic Development Committee; and Durham NAACP.