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 Black Issues Forum:
Season 2008- 2009
Episode 2401 - Will Your Vote Count?
In November, a pivotal and historic presidential election will take place. And right here in North Carolina, many important political races will also require our state’s citizens to vote. But according to a recent non-partisan report, less than half of voting-age North Carolinians show up to the polls. Why is this, and what can be done to engage more North Carolinians in the political process?
Host Natalie Bullock Brown talks to representatives of Democracy North Carolina and the North Carolina NAACP Political Action Committee.
GUESTS:
Bob Hall - Executive Director and Research Director for Democracy North Carolina
Dr. Jarvis Hall – Chairman of the North Carolina NAACP Political Action Committee Professor of Political Science at North Carolina Central University
OTHER LINKS:
UNC-TV's Election 2008
North Carolina Center for Voter Education
NC Justice Center's Report on Voter Turnout
Episode 2402 - Voter Concern: Education
One of the issues being discussed among candidates during this election season is education. The topic is not limited to one specific ethnic group. But what should African Americans and other minorities look for when it comes to candidates' stance on education? Host Mitchell Lewis talks to guests representing State Board of Education, Asheville City Schools, Parents of Educational Freedom, and the North Carolina Justice Center.
GUESTS:
Howard Lee
- Chairman of the Fifth Educational District of the State Board of Education
Latessa Johnson - Director of Student Services at Asheville City Schools
Darrell Allison - President of Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina
Angella Dunston - Director of the North Carolina Education and Law Project, affiliated with the North Carolina Justice Center; also Education Chair for the State NAACP
Episode 2403 - Voter Concern: Criminal Justice
On November 4th, history could be made with the election of the first African-American President. But the issue of race has become more of an undercurrent than a discussion topic in this election, and taking a backseat right along with it are some of it's associated issue areas--like criminal justice and civil rights. Do these issues have a place in your decision-making as a voter? Host Mitchell Lewis talks to guests representing the Buncombe County Republican Party, the Community Success Initiative, and Saint Augustine’s College.
GUESTS:
Dr. Timothy Johnson - Chairman of the Buncombe County Republican Party
Dennis Gaddy - Founder and Executive Director of the Community Success Initiative
Warren V. Dukes – Associate Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice/Forensic Science at Saint Augustine's College
Episode 2404 - Voter Concern: The Economy
Americans are hurting over our recent economic turns, and candidates for political office are offering up their own prescriptions for the pain. But every remedy has it's side effects. What do the new leaders of our state and nation need to do to get North Carolinians working and drive our economy forward? Producer Deborah Holt Noel talks to guests representing the Republican 12th Congressional District and the Winston-Salem Urban League.
GUESTS:
Lenny McAllister – Vice Chairman of the Republican 12th Congressional District for North Carolina
Keith Grandberry - President and CEO of the non-partisan Winston-Salem Urban League
Episode 2405 - Voter Concern: Healthcare
Health care is a major issue in the 2008 Election. According to U.S. Census figures, 1.5 million North Carolinians under age 65 are without health insurance. Of those uninsured, 283,000 are under 18, and only 12 states had uninsured rates higher than North Carolina's. Candidate proposals to provide coverage for the uninsured are varied-and confusing at times, so what should voters look for? Host Mitchell Lewis addresses the question with two physicians and a researcher from the North Carolina Justice Center.
GUESTS:
Dr. Richard Adelman - a Raleigh physician specializing in Family Practice, Sports Medicine, and Geriatric Medicine
Dr. Cedric Bright - an internist on staff at the Durham V-A Medical Center and at the Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Bright is also Vice President of the Old North State Medical Society and Speaker of the House for the non-partisan National Medical Association
Adam Searing - Project Director of the North Carolina Justice Center's Health Access Coalition
Episode 2406 - Post-Election Commentary
On November 4th, history was made as change ushered in the elections of the United States' first African American president and North Carolina's first woman Governor. But that wasn't all. Host Natalie Bullock Brown talks to local journalists about the changes that marked this election, and what they tell us about our state and about America.
GUESTS:
Allen Johnson -
Editorial Page Editor for the News & Record.
Cash Michaels - Editor and Chief Reporter of the Carolinian (based in Raleigh, NC) and Staff Writer for The Wilmington Journal.
Barry Saunders - Columnist with the News and Observer.
Episode 2407 - Understanding our Economy
There's been a lot of talk about the economic crisis, and you've probably engaged in some of it yourself. But how much do you really know about why it happened and just how 700 billion dollars is supposed to help? Producer Deborah Holt Noel talks to experts in housing, finance, and banking for understanding.
GUESTS:
Stella Adams – founder and CEO of S J Adams Consulting which performs research and policy development in the areas of fair housing, and fair lending.
Bridget Chisholm - Investment Financing Advisor and Strategic Management Consultant with BWC Consulting who is currently working with the North Carolina Institute for Minority Economic Development.
Elmer Lorenzo "Bo" Chisholm - an Officer and Financial Center Manager at the Fifth Street Bank-of-America in Winston-Salem and consultant with BWC Consulting.
Episode 2408 - Generation Engage
Many observers called the recent election season the most engaging in decades, thanks in part to a dynamic presidential race that drew record number first-time voter participation. But now that the contest is over, what will compel the newly engaged younger generation to continue in their civic duty…to ensure promised change? Host Natalie Bullock Brown talks to leaders of Generation Engage, a group that's taken on this challenge.
GUESTS:
John D. White, II - Raleigh Outreach Coordinator for Generation Engage
Courtney Crowder - Chair of Generation Engage as well as Government-relations Account Supervisor at the Raleigh-based strategic communications firm, Capstrat
Episode 2409 - Technology for Girls
A recent study by the American Association of American Women reports interesting findings: While girls have narrowed the gender gaps in math and science, technology has become the new "boy's club." Host Natalie Bullock Brown talks to guests from the Triangle who are working to make that boy's club co-ed.
GUESTS:
Margo Dawson - Founder of Train Them Up for Success.
Jacqueline Mims - Program Manager of Sales Enablement at Lenovo in Research Triangle Park.
Rhonda Spivey – parent in Durham, NC whose daughter participated in The “Train Them Up for Success” Technology Camp.
Episode 2410 - Funding to Curb Childhood Obesity
North Carolina's growing problem of obesity in children has been well documented, and state leaders have long been asked to intervene. In September, they answered with 2 million dollars in grant money to local health departments, attached with some interesting challenges. Mitchell Lewis talks to health professionals and consultants about who received the funding and how it will be used.
GUESTS:
Sherée Thaxton Vodicka - Communications Manager for the Physical Activity and Nutrition Branch in the North Carolina Division of Public Health and a registered dietician.
Dr. Laura Gerald, MD - a pediatrician and Medical Consultant with Community Care of North Carolina.
Roxanne Leopper - Chair of the Obesity Prevention Policy Committee at the North Carolina Alliance for Health, and Policy Director for First Health of the Carolinas.
OTHER LINKS:
Eat Smart, Move More
Episode 2411 - Fitness Challenge Hits North Carolina
In 2007, the 50 Million Pound Challenge http://www.50millionpounds.com/ was launched. This nationwide health initiative sponsored by State Farm Insurance http://www.statefarm.com/about/media/media_releases/sfanvil.aspwas the brainchild of medical and diet expert Dr. Ian K. Smith. Through the Challenge, Dr. Ian has motivated thousands in the black community to lose weight and get healthier. Mitchell Lewis talks to Dr. Ian by phone and with several North Carolinians who've taken the 50 Million Pound Challenge.
GUESTS:
Dr. Ian K. Smith (via telephone) – medical doctor, author, and journalist.
Kenya Morgan - Kenya is a resident of Salisbury, NC and has been recognized by the 50 Million Pound Challenge as one of the top 12 bloggers on Dr. Ian’s web site. She’s lost more than 70 pounds through diet and exercise.
Eddie and Krystyna C. Jusion-Vega – Eddie, his wife Krystyna and their daughter Sianne together have lost more than 50 pounds on Dr. Ian’s Fat Smash diet. They were featured in the July 2008 edition of Ebony magazine.
OTHER LINKS:
The Fat Smash Diet
Episode 2412 - The Resiliency of Black Children
The disadvantages that many African American children are born into are often studied to explain their failures, but what do those factors tell us about how the success of black youth? Natalie Bullock Brown gets answers from the author of the report “Resilience in African American Children and Adolescents” and a youth minister.
GUESTS:
Stephanie Irby Coard, Ph.D. - a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Earl Callair - Youth Minister at Body of Christ Church in Raleigh.
OTHER LINKS
The Report “Resilience in African American Children and Adolescents”
Episode 2413 - Tomorrow's Moneymakers
Valerie K. Fields is not only a successful business woman, she’s crafted her skills into an engine for building entrepreneurial skills in young people as well as encouraging others in their faith through her writing. Natalie Bullock Brown talks to her about her program “Millionaires in Training” and one of the program’s students.
Valerie K. Fields – CEO of V. K. Fields & Co. Public Relations & Copywriting Firm in Raleigh, and Founder of both “Millionaires in Training” and “Miracle Ministries.”
Shelby Rittman - a high school freshman who participated in the Millionaires in Training program and is now the publisher of her own magazine "Girls on the Move 360".
OTHER LINKS:
Information about Valerie’s book “Forbidden Fruit”
Episode 2414 - Pride Awards
Each year in Charlotte since 1992, the who's who in the city gather to recognize and celebrate outstanding achievements by African Americans in the community. It's the annual Lowe's Pride Awards and Gala, and this year’s them is “Design, Build, Live” and honors excellence in Real Estate and Construction. Natalie Bullock Brown talks to the founder plus two of this year's honorees, including former mayor of Charlotte Harvey Gantt.
GUESTS:
Dee Dixon – Publisher of “Pride Magazine” in Charlotte and Founder of the Annual Lowe’s Pride Awards
Harvey Gantt - Co-founder of Gantt Huberman Architects and the 2009 Lowe's Pride Awards’ "Designer Extraordinaire".
Carol H. Lilly - CEO of Lil Associates II, and winner of the 2009 Lowe's Pride Awards Legacy Award.
Episode 2415 - To Vaccinate or Not
Should you get your child vaccinated, or is it no longer necessary? A lot of people are concerned about unknown health risks, but what are the facts? Natalie Bullock Brown gets the perspectives of a pediatrician and an alternative medicine practitioner.
Dr. Karen Burke Haynes, MD - a pediatrician at Stepping Stones Pediatrics in Raleigh.
Sharon Cutler - a Patient Education Consultant and Clinical Thermographer at Advanced Healthcare Solutions. She also holds a Master's degree in Education.
OTHER LINKS:
School Entry Requirements for vaccinations in North Carolina
Science based studies about vaccines
Centers for Disease Control information about vaccines
Episode 2416 - Harriet Jacobs: Relevant Today
There are many slave narratives available today, but only one that was self-written by a woman, and the author was born in a small coastal town in North Carolina. Mitchell Lewis explores the relevance of fugitive slave Harriet Jacobs’ life today with members of an honors seminar at Bennett College for Women who studied her life through the autobiography “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.”
GUESTS:
Linda Brown, Ph.D. - Willa B. Player Distinguished Professor of the Humanities at Bennett College for Women and also an author.
Audrey Campbell, Ph.D. - head of the Womanist Religious Studies Tract and the New Academy Literature Program at Bennett College for Women.
Tonya Doane – a senior at Bennett College for Women
Nia Duggins - a senior at Bennett College for Women
OTHER LINKS:
Read portions of “Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl” at Documenting the American South
The Harriet Jacobs Family Papers by Dr. Jean Fagin Yellin
Take a walking tour to learn more about the life of Harriet Jacobs in Edenton, NC at The Edenton Visitor Center.
Episode 2417- Incarcerated Mothers & Their Children
The number of children under 18 with a mother in prison has more than doubled since 1991, and most them are African American. How are all these children being affected, and who's intervening on their behalf? Natalie Bullock Brown looks at a program created to help these mothers.
GUESTS:
Melissa Radcliff - Executive Director of Our Children's Place.
Warren V. Dukes - Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice at Saint Augustine's College.
Episode 2418 - Hayti Heritage Film Festival
Take a sneak peek at clips a film festival that's been running since 1994. It was formerly called the Black Diaspora Film Festival and is now known as the Hayti Heritage Film Festival. Mitchell Lewis talks to organizers and featured filmmakers in the festival about the fun and importance of supporting these festivals and some of the modern day challenges of black filmmakers.
GUESTS:
V. Dianne Pledger - President and CEO of the Saint Joseph's Historical Foundation, the funding arm of the Hayti Heritage Center , formerly St. Joseph's AME Church.
Dilsey Davis – Co-chair of the 2009 Hayti Heritage Film Festival; President and producer for Café con Leche Productions and Director of Media Advocacy for the Community Reinvestment Association of North Carolina
Angela Ray - Co-chair of the 2009 Hayti Heritage Film Festival; an actress and producer of theatrical and special events; President/CEO of Mahogany Dime LLC.
Nathan Ross Freeman – Filmmaker and Founder of the Assagai Film Group; 2008 visiting writer at Salem College.
Episode 2419 - HkonJ: Past, Progress & Future
HkonJ stands for Historic Thousands on Jones Street and is a growing coalition of more than 80 organizations advocating for quality-of-life concerns for all people. The first People’s General Assembly and march occurred in 2007. Mitchell Lewis talks to coalition members about the organization’s strategy for achieving greater equity amid challenging economic times and social conditions.
GUESTS:
Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II - President of the North Carolina NAACP .
Erin Byrd - Civic Engagement Coordinator for Blueprint NC.
Reuben Blackwell - President of the Opportunities Industrialization Center out of Rocky Mount; Communications Chair for the state NAACP.
Episode 2420 - 4-H Celebrates 100 Years
Celebrating 100 years of success in helping young people, 4-H is the largest youth development organization in the world and part of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Among its credits is success in reducing the student drop-out rate. Natalie Bullock Brown talks with 4-H staff and volunteers about the elements that have made this program an effective instrument in communities, especially for African American and Hispanic students.
GUESTS:
Cintia Aguilar – Latino Affairs Facilitator with the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and an Associate with North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
Reba Green Holley - Gates County Director and the Hertford County Interim Director for the North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
Dr. Mitzi Downing - an Extension assistant professor and specialist with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Department of 4-H Youth Development.
Charlenzo Belcher - Program Coordinator and manager of Wake County 4-H youth development.
Learn more about 4-H’s 100 Year Celebration events at http://www.nc4h100.org/
Episode 2421 - Getting Back to Work
With unemployment up to 10% for North Carolinians and a historical trend of double unemployment for blacks, as much as 20% of our state’s African American population is jobless. If unemployment continues to rise, more blacks will be losing their jobs. Should this misfortune strike you, how do you cope, proceed, and recover? Mitchell Lewis talks to professionals who are in the business of helping others navigate unemployment and get back to work.
GUESTS:
Dara Wilson-Grant - Associate Director and Career Counselor in the Office of Post-Doctoral Studies at UNC Chapel Hill.
Susan Woods - Founder/CEO of Business Professionals Network out of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Moses Carey, Jr. - Chairman of the State Employment Security Commission.
Episode 2422 - Two Sides of Labor Unions
North Carolina is the least unionized state in the country due in part to a law written in 1959 that forbids negotiation with unions representing public workers. A proposed national law and continued fight to repeal that North Carolina law has sparked debate about what action serves the best interests of business owners, employees, and the state economy. Natalie Bullock Brown moderates this discussion with guests on both sides of the issue.
GUESTS:
MaryBe McMillan - Secretary-Treasurer of the North Carolina American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
Angaza Laughinghouse - President of the North Carolina Public Service Workers Union United Electrical Local 150. (UE-150)
Dallas Woodhouse – State Director of the North Carolina chapter of Americans for Prosperity
Episode 2423 - Dr. Malveaux on the Economy
As plans are being developed and implemented on the state and national level to address the ailing economy, how will they affect African Americans? Mitchell Lewis gets some insights from noted economist, activist, author and President of Bennett College for Women, Dr. Julianne Malveaux.
GUEST:
Dr. Julianne Malveaux, President of Bennett College for Women
Episode 2424 - The National Black Theatre Festival
It's been called a weeklong party and celebration of African American culture, and its comes to Winston-Salem every two years. Deborah Holt Noel talks to organizers of the National Black Theatre Festival to find out what's expected this year.
GUESTS:
Sylvia Sprinkle-Hamlin - wife of the late Larry Leon Hamlin, and co-founder of the Marvtastic Society as well as a tireless volunteer for the National Black Theatre Festival.
Gerry Patton - Executive Director of the National Black Theatre Festival.
Mabel Robinson - Artistic Director of the National Black Theatre Festival.
Episode 2425 - Keys to Landing the Job
Episode 2426 - Do Black Institutions Promote Segregation?
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