Season 2006 - 2007 - Sundays at 4:30 PM

Episode 2201 - Transcript
Firsts in Civil Rights
While students at North Carolina A&T College made history in 1960 as the first to test the sit-in strategy at a Woolworth's counter in Greensboro protesting segregated public facilities, students living in different parts of North Carolina had made history of their own in the late '50's as the first in their city's to challenge the illegal system of segregation in public schools. Meet and hear the stories of these two Civil Rights pioneers.
(Host - Mitchell Lewis)
Guests:
Dr. Herman Thomas
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Shaw University
In 1955, during his youth, Dr. Thomas and his family were the first Black family to attempt to desegregate the all-white Swain County High School in Bryson City, North Carolina, the far western part of our state.
Joseph H. Holt Jr.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force
In 1956, Col. Holt and his family were the first Black family to attempt to desegregate the all-white Josephus Daniel Jr. High School in Raleigh, NC.

Episode 2202 - Transcript
1898 Commission Report
& Greensboro Reconciliation
After more than 6 years of study, townhall meetings, interviews, and more, the Commission appointed by the state to report on the only organized political overthrow of an American government in our nation's history has come back with its findings and recommendations. Some contributors say they don't want an apology; others say they don't want reparations. So, what's to be done, and who needs to do it? (Host - Deborah Holt).
Guests:
Thomas E. Wright (D)
State Representative, New Hanover County
Rep. Wright co-sponsored the legislation that led to the establishment of the Wilmington Race Riot Commission, and he chaired the group.
Orage Quarles
President and Publisher, News and Observer, Raleigh, NC
Bob Gruber
Publisher, Star News, Wilmington, NC

Episode 2203 - Transcript
Progress Report on Black Education, Part 1
The Academic Achievement Gap…reports say its closing, but some say too many Black children are still missing out on a sound basic education. Is it time to celebrate progress, or time to roll up our sleeves in the classroom?
(Host - Natalie Bullock Brown)
Guests:
Dr. June Atkinson
State Superintendent of Public Instruction, North Carolina
Ms. Atkinson is North Carolina's first female State Superintendent of Public Instruction, an elected office she won in 2004.
Eddie Davis
President of the North Carolina Association of Educators
The North Carolina Association of Educators is an advocacy organization that supports the state's public school teachers and other employees.
Angella Dunston
Education Advocate, Education & Law Project at the North Carolina Justice Center Education Chair, North Caroina NAACP

Episode 2204 - Transcript
Progress Report on Black Education, Part 2
Many today support the work of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, but others question their performance. The rate of African American college-going and graduation still trails that of white students, and although most African American graduates have HBCU's to thank for their degrees, these institutions of higher learning sustain great public pressure to produce even more. How well do we understand their challenge? (Host - Mitchell Lewis)
Guests:
Dr. Dianne Boardley Suber
President, Saint Augustine's College
St. Augustine's is a private HBCU in Raleigh, NC.
Dr. James H. Ammons
Chancellor, North Carolina Central University
North Carolina Central University is HBCU located in Durham, NC, and is one of the 16 public universities found within the state.
Dr. Chuck Stone
Founder and 1st President of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ); Professor Emeritus of Journalism, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill;
Former political analyst and published author

Episode 2205 - Transcript
Death Penalty
North Carolina is one of the top 10 states in the nation for number of people on death row, and more than half of those individuals are African American. Since 1995, four people on death row in our state have been found innocent, two of them were black. Why are so many people assigned punishment by death in North Carolina, and does race play a role? (Host - Deborah Holt)
Guests:
Representative Paul Stam (R)
House Member, North Carolina General Assembly
Representative of Wake County, 37th District
Brian Elderbroom
Associate Director of the nonpartisan think-tank, The Common Sense Foundation
Jeremy Collins
Director, North Carolina Coalition for a Moratorium

Episode 2206 - Transcript
Loreal & Essence on the Business of Beauty
Take note of advertising today, and you may marvel at how far African Americans have come when it comes to selling and representing American beauty, but is it far enough and in the right direction? We'll talk about the impact ethnic diversity is having on the beauty ideal and beauty industry. (Host - Natalie Bullock Brown)
Guests:
Edward W. Bullock
Vice President of Diversity, for L'Oreal USA
Michelle Ebanks
President, Essence Communications

Episode 2207 - Transcript
Black Leadership for a New Generation
Since the civil rights leadership of Martin Luther King Jr., black America has sought to identify someone who could lead the community to social, political, and economic parity with white America. But many of the leaders who grew out of Civil Rights have been accused of being out of touch with the needs and vision of today's generation. What is the charge for black leaders today, and who are they?
(Host - Mitchell Lewis)
Guests:
Reverend Dr. William A Barber III
President, North Carolina’s Statewide NAACP
Erin Byrd
Civic Engagement Coordinator, Blueprint North Carolina
Ashley Rozier II
Director, Cape Fear Regional Bureau for Community Action

Episode 2208 - Transcript
Before You Give Another Penny
When it comes to giving away money, some may be surprised to know that African Americans are big givers. In fact, an article published by The Chronicle of Philanthropy found that African Americans donate 25% more of their discretionary income than Whites. Black Enterprise magazine reports that on average black households give around $1,600 to their favorite causes--not including tithing and church contributions. And a Chicago-based research firm found that in 2004, African-Americans gave away $11.4 billion in charitable contributions. Find out reasons to join the giving community and how to really make your giving count both for gift recipients and for yourself. (Host - Natalie Bullock Brown)
Guests:
Darryl Lester
President, Hindsight Consulting
Co-Founder, Next Generation of African-American Philanthropists
Athan Lindsay
President & Founder, Lindsay Legacy Fund
Co-Founder, Next Generation of African-American Philanthropists
Recipient of the Association of Black Foundation Executives
2006 Emerging Leader in Philanthropy Award
Valaida Fullwood
Consultant & writer working in philanthropy and nonprofits:
Board of Director, African American Community Foundation
Additional Information:
For information about starting or joining a "Giving Circle", click here to visit The Community Investment Network; In Charlotte, click here to e-mail Ryan Moses.

Episode 2209 - Transcript
Jeff Johnson: New Voice of Urban Consciousness
He's been called the voice of a new generation, who tackles hard-hitting topics in his provocative documentary series on BET, The Cousin Jeff Chronicles. Meet Jeff Johnson, and hear his message and views.
(Host - Natalie Bullock Brown)
Guests:
Jeff Johnson
Acclaimed political expert &host of the BET documentary series "The Jeff Johnson Chronicles" and CEO/Director of Media of his own public affairs consulting, leadership and life skills training company Truth is Power.

Episode 2210 - Transcript
Roots of Holiday Traditions
From the campus of Durham's American Tobacco Historic District, Mitchell Lewis hosts this Black Issues Forum special presentation featuring stories that show how some African Americans in North Carolina regard or celebrate both old and new traditions rooted in European, African, and American cultures during the Christmas holiday season.
Featured Stories:

The Black Nativity
This program features the North Carolina Black Repertory Company’s presentation of Langston Hughes' classic "soulful gospel Christmas musical in Winston-Salem. This seasonal show has been an annual event in Winston-Salem since 2001. The North Carolina Black Repertory Company was founded in 1979 by Larry Leon Hamlin as the first Black professional theatre company in North Carolina and presents the annual National Black Theatre Festival.

A Christmas Contata
For the 30th year, the St. Paul AME Senior Mass Choir in Chapel Hill, directed by Dr.Debra Woodward, presents its rendition of a Christmas Contata at the St. Joseph's AME Church Complex/Hayti Heritage Center.
St. Paul AME Church
101 S Merritt Mill Rd
Chapel Hill, NC 27516-2329
9199673961

Santa Claus
This feature touches on the European roots of the Santa Claus legend, how African Americans today are “Afro-Americanizing” this figure, and also the emergence of a second figure “Black Peter.”

Is Christmas a Holiday African Americans should Celebrate?
African American history lecturer and proprietor of The Know Bookstore in Durham Dr. Bruce Bridges explains why he believes Christmas is not a holiday that African Americans should celebrate. Dr. Bridges draws from elements of his recent self-published book “Recapturing the African Mind.”
The Know Bookstore
2520 Fayetteville St., Durham, NC
(919) 682-7223

Jonkonnu
Jonkonnu (one of many spellings cited) is an African-, Caribbean- and African American- rooted celebration that takes place during the Christmas holiday season and was witnessed in America primarily in the eastern part of North Carolina. Stories about it’s origin are varied, but revolve around the honoring of a highly regarded and successful African trader named John Conny who operated at Tres Puntas in Asim on Africa’s Guiney coast. The tradition in America emerged during slavery then died out at the dawn of the Jim Crow era. This feature shows how this tradition is being brought back to life at Tryon Palace in New Bern.

Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is the Swahilian word that means “first fruits,” and is an African-American holiday created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Each year Kwanzaa celebrations in North Carolina grow bigger and are more widely attended. In 1990, Joseph and Gail Anderson formulated Winston-Salem's The Healing Force, and today, they use drumming, singing and storytelling to entertain, inspire, and inform the community about Kwanzaa.

Episode 2211 - Transcript
Women on the Move
North Carolina's female leaders work hard and steady, ascending to positions of power and authority to be able to generate positive change for individuals and communities. We'll meet two of these women in the political and academic arenas, and hear their thoughts on some of the top concerns of the African American community today.
Guests:
Alma S. Adams
Ms. Adams is a Democratic member of theNorth Carolina General Assembly representing the state's fifty-eighth House district, including constituents in Guilford county and Greensboro college administrator.
Frances D. Graham, Ph.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students
North Carolina Central University


Episode 2212 - Transcript
Black Buying Power
According to reports by the NCIMED, African Americans contribute significantly to the North Carolina economy every year. This kind of information is what draws the attention of marketers, service, and product providers. In this edition, we'll find out where African Americans are spending and what it really means to have buying power.
Guests:
Andrea Harris
Harris is director of the North Carolina Institute for Minority Economic Development, which released the report "Black Buying Power in North Carolina."
Brandon Comeaux
Comeaux is a graduate student in public administration at NCCU who worked extensively on the NCIMED's upcoming report on African American spending.

Episode 2213 - Transcript
Why Black Boys Need a Hero
African American boys are leading the state and nation, but not in areas you'd want to brag about. With statistics that place them at the top of the list in homicides, suicide, high school drop-out rates, and more, it seems black boys are in crisis. Who will take up the struggle and fight the foes of poverty, racism, and self-destruction on their behalf? Join Natalie Bullock Brown and professionals who work with youth for this enlightening discussion.

Guests:
Alfiee M. Breland-Noble, Ph.D.
Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University Medical Center
Landon Adams
Executive Director of the Triangle Lost Generation Task Force, Inc.
Minister Earl Callair
a Youth Pastor at Body of Christ Church in Raleigh

Read the paper “The Trouble with Black Boys:  The Role and Influence of Environmental and Cultural Factors on the Academic Performance of African American Males” by Pedro Antonio Noguera

Episode 2214 - Transcript
Wynton Marsalis on Jazz and More
Natalie Bullock Brown talks to jazz great Wynton Marsalis during his visit
to UNC for Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Episode 2215 - Transcript
In the Best Interest of Seniors
Examine how Raleigh's Rex Senior Center is providing care for senior citizens.

Episode 2216 - Transcript (Show) - Transcript (After Show)
Public Schools on the Brink
In March 2006, nineteen schools in North Carolina classified as low performing were threatened to be closed if academic standards did not improve. Many of these schools are attended by minority students. Mitchell Lewis talks to the new principals of two of these schools as well as a parent advocacy group to find out how all are working to help all students make the grade.
Guests:
Margaret Carnes
Director, Parent Leadership Network
Alisa Jones
Parent of children in the Charlotte/Mecklenburg School System and member of the Parent Leadership Network
Earl Pappy
Principal of Hillside High School, Durham, NC
John Modest, Jr.
Principal, West Charlotte High School

Episode 2217 - Transcript
The Politics of Blacks in Sports
Today, many popular professional sports are dominated by highly paid African American players. But how much control do they really have? Natalie Bullock Brown hosts this discussion sparked by Bill Rhoden's New York Times Bestseller Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete.
Guests:
Eugene "Gene" Banks
Former Duke basketball standout who also played professionally with the Chicago Bulls.
Hanif Omar
CEO of Fastbreakradio.com and Host of the weekly sports program "FastBreak" heard every Friday at 7:30 pm on WNCU radio.
Dwayne Ballen
Founder/CEO and Creative Director of Ballen Media, a North Carolina based company specializing in the creation of digital media content , original programming and communications. Mr. Ballen is also an award-winning television journalist and sports analyst having worked with numerous commercial and cable networks.

Episode 2218 - Transcript - Audience Q&A
BIF Hosts 2007 NC Black Summit
What do some of the best thinkers in North Carolina have to say about the hottest topics in African American households today? Natalie Bullock Brown hosts a lunch forum at the 2nd annual meeting of the North Carolina Alliance of Black Elected Officials held at the Brownstone Hotel in Raleigh, NC.
Guests:
Rep. Alma Adams (Dem)
Member of the North Carolina General Assembly representing the 58th District and also chair of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus;
Forrest Toms, Ph.D.
A nationally-recognized Psychologist who serves on the boards and commissions of numerous organizations including NC Commission On Raising Achievement and Closing Gaps;
Andrea Harris
President of the North Carolina Institute for Minority Economic Development;
James H. Johnson, Jr., Ph.D.
William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship at UNC-CH Kenan-Flagler Business School;
N. Carnell Robinson
Chair, North Carolina Black Leadership Caucus.

Episode 2219 - Transcript
Are College Students Losing Their Minds?
Examine the growing rate of mental illness among the black college student community.
Guests:
Dr. Savitri Dixon-Saxon,
Faculty Chair of the Mental Health Counseling Program at Walden University
Tammy Moore
Licensed psychologist practicing with Cary Behavioral Healthcare
Brandon Byrd
Student at St. Augustine’s College

Episode 2220 - Transcript
Health Disparities & Environment
Many groups have studied the causes of persistent health disparities that exist between blacks and whites, but the problem might be formulating even before birth. An eight million dollar grant from the Environmental Protection Agency will allow Duke University to study the matter looking at environmental factors and low birthweight to learn more about the root causes of poor health among African Americans. Natalie Brown talks to two researchers involved in the study.
Guests:
Marie Lynn Miranda, Ph.D.
Director of the Children's Environmental Health Initiative at the Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences.
Sherman A. James, PhD, FAHA
Susan B. King Professor of Public Policy Studies and Professor of Sociology, Community and Family Medicine & African and African-American Studies at Duke University

Episode 2221 - Transcript
An Apology for Slavery
In April 2007, the North Carolina State Legislature passed a measure apologizing for the state's role in slavery and its lasting effects. Many citizens are now wondering how far this will go towards healing and how it might impact future legislative action. Natalie Bullock Brown explores these questions with Senator Eddie Goodall and Representative Larry Womble.
Guests:
Senator Eddie Goodall
Representative Larry Womble

Click here to view a transcript of a related interview with Senator Goodall & Representative Womble.

Episode 2222 - Transcript
Commentary on the Slavery Apology
Related to the passing of a resolution apologizing for North Carolina's role in the perpetuation of slavery, a number of bills have been introduced and are pending in the state house and senate that propose to help remedy the years of injustice. Natalie Bullock Brown discusses with scholars and legal minds the potential of these bills passing and the implications if they do.
Guests:
Irving Joyner
Professor of Law at North Carolina Central University and vice chair of the 1898 Wilmington Race Riot Commission
Freddie L. Parker, Ph.D.
Professor in the Department of History at North Carolina Central University
Dean Webster
Executive Director of the North Carolina Institute for Constitutional Law

Episode 2223 - Transcript
North Carolina's Black Press
The Charlotte Post, The Wilmington Journal and The Carolinian are some of North Carolina's historic and enduring African American newspapers. In this episode, Natalie Bullock Brown talks to a journalist and publisher working in today's black press about the mission, value, and challenges of today's black papers.
Guests:
Cash Michaels
Editor and Chief Reporter for the twice-weekly paper "The Carolinian" and also staff writer for the Wilmington Journal. Michaels recently won an award for outstanding journalism by the National Newspaper Publisher's Association.
Peter Grear
CEO and Co-publisher of Greater Diversity News

Click here for information about the PBS documentary, The Black Press: Soldiers without Swords.

Episode 2224 - Transcript
North Carolina's Best Cities for Blacks
In its May 2007 issue, "Black Enterprise" magazine revealed its top ten list of best cities for African Americans, and for the first time, the Raleigh/Durham metro area not only hit the list, but appeared in the #3 spot, above Charlotte, which ranked #7. Natalie Bullock Brown talks to metro area leaders about what these cities are offering to attract African Americans and what work lies ahead to maintain appeal. Program also features an interview with Derek Dingle, Vice President and Executive Editor of "Black Enterprise" magazine, who said Greensboro just missed the top 10 list.
Guests:
Mayor Bill Bell
Mayor of Durham
Lawrence Wray
Assistant City Manager of Raleigh
Keith Sutton
President of the Triangle Urban League
Rev. Melvin Whitley
Durham community activist

Episode 2225 - Transcript
NC's Black WWII Experience
While American troops fought abroad during World War II, servicemen of African American descent were engaged in a second battle for racial equality in their own country. This episode presents reflections on both wars from black World War II veterans in North Carolina.

Episode 2226 - Transcript
Patients Providers, and the Cost of Caring
North Carolina is home to a rising number of individuals who live without health insurance. What is causing the rise in the number of uninsured, and what sort of challenges does the healthcare industry face as a result of this special group of patients? Join Natalie Bullock Brown with a knowledgeable panel on the issue.
Guests:
Jeff Spade, MHA.
Vice President, North Carolina Hospital Association and Chair of the Governor's Task Force for Healthy Carolinians
Evette Patterson
Nursing Director, Piedmont Health Services
Pam Silberman, JD, DrPH
President & CEO of the North Carolina Institute of Medicine

Reports referenced in the program:
North Carolina Task Force on Covering the Uninsured
(April 2006, a report by the North Carolina Institute of Medicine)
Immigrants and Health Insurance
(A report by the American Immigration Law Foundation Immigration Policy Report)
North Carolina Healthcare Safety Net Report:
(2005, published by the North Carolina Institute of Medicine)
Federal Poverty Level Guidelines