Black Issues Forum

It's a new year, and many are making lifestyle changes and shifting to a wholistic wellness approach. The death of dancer Stephen “tWitch” Boss has prompted an important conversation about the unspoken pain Black men carry. Host Kenia Thompson leads a discussion on how to identify the signs and create lasting lifestyle changes with guests Cornelius Kirk, J. Dwayne Garnett and

Winners in most races in the midterm elections have been congratulated, but hand-wringing by both parties continues as races in a few key states remain too close to call. Panelists Mary C. Curtis of the Equal Time podcast, political analyst Steve Rao, UNC student Greear Webb and Forsyth County GOP leader Harold Eustache discuss the election outcomes with host Deborah Holt Noel.

Black farmers fight for a place at the table through the courts and by creating Black farmers markets. Guest La'Meshia Whittington of Advance Carolina shares with host Deborah Noel a cycle of injustice for Black farmers that's led to land loss. Producer Kenia Thompson visits farmer Kamal Bell of Sankofa Farms. Brielle Wright, founder of The Farmer's B.A.G., talks about the Black Farmers' Market.

MDC, a nonprofit based in Durham, kicks off a yearlong tour to highlight its 20th State of the South report, which helps bring about equity for communities in the South. Its CEO John Simpkins and Duke University's Dr. Adriane Lentz-Smith discuss strategies for change with host Deborah Noel. Also, JOYEMOVEMENT founder Alexandra Joye Warren and graphic designer Marcus Kiser discuss art's impact.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is October, but it is a year-round concern. That makes it a year-round mission for Sisters Inspiring Sisters, Inc. The SISI's CEO Terry W. Spicer and board chair B. Jacqueline Jeeter share their ongoing work to fight breast cancer. Drs. Tomi Akinyemiju and C. Nicole Swiner discuss the latest in prevention and treatment

Society is changing and people are challenging the ideals of the Black church to improve focus on communication, eradication of environmental racism and meet the needs of modern mental health practices. Guests Reynolds Chapman, Executive Director of DurhamCares; Pastor Herbert Davis of Nehemiah Church; and the Reverend Jemonde Taylor with St. Ambrose Episcopal Church join host Kenia Thompson for the conversation.

AI, or artificial intelligence, will be the most transformative technology over the next 10 years. Guests Pamela R. Purifoy, Chief Brand Strategist of PRPro Media, and Angle Bush, founder of Black Women in Artificial Intelligence, join host Kenia Thompson to discuss its pros and cons.

Inclusive education goes beyond the books—it's about the cultural experience. Dr. Noni Davis, founder of St. Sya Academy; Leonardo Williams of Durham City Council; and Stephanie Reed, founder and director of Aspire2Higher Personal and Professional Development, Inc., join guest host Kenia Thompson in a conversation about racial equity, African-center learning and hip-hop's influence on education.

An exciting event in Durham brings together fashion and politics to engage younger voters. What the outcome of North Carolina's Senate race could mean to the country's political landscape. And the 2022 Primetime Emmys deliver a big night for Black women. Lamair T. Bryan and La'Meshia Whittington of Advance Carolina and student activist Greear Webb join host Deborah Holt Noel for the discussion.

North Carolina is home to many of the nation's top HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). George Lynch, Co-founder of HBCU Heroes, and Kamille Bostick, Director of Programming at CREED, join guest host Kenia Thompson to discuss HBCU's impact on the state.

President Joe Biden uses bold language to call out MAGA Republicans, his student debt relief package marks another promise kept, and Serena Williams evolves from tennis as Duke volleyball players continue to fight for respect. Journalist Mary C. Curtis, Attorney Harold Eustache, and UNC student Greear Webb join host Deborah Noel to share their perspectives.

As more companies appoint Chief Diversity Officers as part of their DEI efforts, are working conditions improving for marginalized communities? Host Deborah Holt Noel invites Donald Thompson of the Diversity Movement, Dr. Torri Staton of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Dee McDougal, a Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to share insights.

The US Supreme Court will soon reexamine the constitutionality of affirmative action in college admissions. Professor April Dawson of NCCU Law, political analyst Steve Rao and La'Meshia Whittington of Advance Carolina discuss. Investigative reporter Lynn Bonner joins the panel to discuss the role and handling of public mistrust in the upcoming midterm elections.

A desire for wealth creation in the Black community has resulted in a rise in small business ownership. The need for economic prosperity has many coming together in support and understanding. Guest host Kenia Thompson shares a Black business feature on iLéWA Foods, owned by chef Adé Carrena. Business owners Jes Averhart, Kevin Price and Crystal Taylor also share their entrepreneurial journeys.

The Hulu documentary Aftershock refuels conversations about racial disparities in the reproductive health concerns of Black women. OB-GYN specialist Dr. Velma Taormina, Novant Health Executive Vice President Dr. Pam Oliver and life coach Kiesha Cousar discuss policy and practices to reduce the high incidence of maternal mortality, fibroids and infertility in Black women.

When Vice President Kamala Harris met with local leaders to discuss a new internet affordability program and access to abortion, NC Senator Natalie Murdock was there; she shares highlights with host Deborah Noel. Professor La'Meshia Whittington and Dr. Tyechia Paul of Fayetteville State University discuss takeaways from the resignation of the Kenly police force under a Black woman's authority.

With a slight increase in outbreaks in the US and the first documented cases in North Carolina surfacing, some ask if monkeypox is something we should really be worried about. Kenia Thompson takes audience questions to Dr. Cameron Wolfe, Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke University. She also discusses Medicaid expansion with political analyst Steve Rao and professor La'Meshia Whittington.

Abortions in North Carolina are still permitted but moves to further limit access continue. Host Deborah Noel talks with Reproaction's Tenaja Henson and UNC-OBGYN Dr. Jennifer Tang about the implications for Black women of greater restrictions. They also discuss Black maternal health and the ACURE4MOMS study designed to help improve respectful treatment of Black pregnant women by medical providers.

How could red flag laws curb gun violence and impact Second Amendment rights, does the bipartisan-approved state budget meet Governor Cooper's expectations and how should new evidence in Emmett Till's murder be handled? Senator Natalie Murdock, Wilson Mayor Carlton Stevens, political analyst Steve Rao and Durham GOP Chair Immanuel Jarvis join host Deborah Noel for commentary.

As Americans celebrate July Fourth, recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings restricting freedoms loom. Journalist Mary C. Curtis, Political Analyst Steve Rao and Professor La'Meshia Whittington comment on the high court's overturn of Roe v. Wade regarding abortions, Miranda v. Arizona on suspects' rights to sue and a New York law on gun regulation.

As we celebrate Pride Month in June, what are our points of pride considering the pace of social change for LGBTQ acceptance and inclusion nationwide and in the Black community? NC Representative Vernetta Alston and Kendra Johnson of Equality NC join Deborah Holt Noel to share their views on recent policies, the move to ban books and the January 6 hearings.

North Carolina Museum of Art Director Moses Greene talks about increasing visitor diversity at the museum with a special Juneteenth event and more, and sports journalist Dwayne Ballen and clinician Dr. Veronica Hardy share insights on the 2022 NC Fatherhood Conference workshop "Fathering after COVID." Deborah Holt Noel hosts.

Elder care continues to be a topic of concern among Black families from generation to generation. Guest host Kenia Thompson has a candid conversation with panelists Dr. DeLon Canterbury, CEO of GeriatRx; Margo Arrowsmith, author of “You Can Keep Your Parents Home;” and Carmen Williams, CEO of The TrouBull Company.

Student debt deliberations spark conversations about equal workforce opportunities for minority students. Guest host Kenia Thompson engages panelists Maurice Jones, CEO of OneTen; Mark-Anthony Middleton, Mayor Pro-Tem; and Dr. Henry McKoy, Professor of Entrepreneurship with North Carolina Central University.

Panelists discuss concerns surrounding gun control in the United States. A special feature on Wilson, NC, shows how the city is overcoming systemic issues while paving a path of inclusivity for all. Guest host Kenia Thompson talks to Wilson Mayor Carlton Stevens, DEI champion Bea Ethridge and CREATE NC's Dr. Mark Little about the issues.

Results from the May primary set the stage for November. What can voters expect from US Senate candidates Cheri Beasley and Ted Budd and those in other key races? With communities reeling from the mass shooting in Buffalo, attorney Dawn Blagrove, political analyst Steve Rao and professor La'Meshia Whittington talk about protection, safety and the racist “Great Replacement” theory.

The pandemic is slowly moving to our rearview but what impact has it left in its wake? The Great Resignation and an end to the eviction moratorium could spin North Carolinians into a financial storm, and the upcoming local election will play a large role. Guest host Kenia Thompson talks to Senator Natalie Murdock, political analyst Steve Rao and financial coach Kimberly Winborne about the issues.

A leaked Supreme Court brief signals a reversal on Roe v. Wade and an end to federal protections for abortion; professor La'Meshia Whittington, attorney Nisha Williams and activist Shemekka Stewart-Isaacs discuss the impact on Black women. In Elizabeth City, activists Keith Rivers and Ashley Mitchell share what's changed 1 year after Black Lives Matter protests over the killing of Andrew Brown Jr.

Tech giant Google faces a racial discrimination lawsuit, Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson counters attacks during Senate confirmation hearings and Russia continues to detain WNBA star Brittney Griner on drug charges. Political analyst Steve Rao, author La'Meshia Whittington and Substantial Media CEO Greg Hedgepeth comment.

I think it lists all the topics and is just under the max character count: A mock slave auction at a local school prompts action. Parent Ashley Palmer and Dr. Ronda Taylor Bullock of We Are, which specializes in anti-racism training, respond. Senator Natalie Murdock, Councilman Leonardo Williams and attorney Harold Eustache comment on the Ukrainian president's appeal to Congress for assistance and voter fraud activity of former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.

A committee to reimagine public schools is criticized in an op-ed by James Ford of the State Board of Education. Equal pay remains an aspiration for many women, and questions about Supreme Court Justice nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson's credentials reflect a long-practiced form of racial discrimination. NCAE's Tamika Walker Kelly, Hey Awesome Girl's Tivi Jones and strategist Shemekka Ebony join..

Following Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky's pleas for backup and admission to the European Union, President Joe Biden announces sanctions against Russia in his first State of the Union Address. Journalist Mary C. Curtis, political analyst Steve Rao and Sirius XM radio host Dr. Wilmer Leon comment on the effect. Plus questions about racism in reports on Ukraine.

A decision on redistricting maps means some wins but more work to do, Black representation in public office sparks a conversation on what it takes to run and a video depicting police racial bias with teens goes viral. Representative Robert Reives, Senator Natalie Murdock, professor La'Meshia Whittington and Michael Stewart-Isaacs of I Am Brilliant join the discussion.

Russia's positioning around Ukraine prompts a strong response from President Biden but to what effect? Russia's next steps will greatly impact already rising inflation, so how is the administration managing the issue and the message? What does the recent wave of HBCU bomb threats tell us? Political Analyst Steve Rao, Attorney Harold Eustache and Dr. Wilmer Leon join the conversation.

Advance Community Health celebrating 50 years of service to the historically Black Southeast Raleigh community provides an opportunity to learn more about its connection to St. Agnes Hospital on the campus of Saint Augustine's University. Panelists Scot McCray, Bree Newsome Bass and Dr. Derrick Sauls discuss the important role of Community Health Centers during the pandemic and ongoing challenges.

For Black History Month, we focus on Black entrepreneurship and discuss some of the hurdles facing Black businesses and best practices for getting over them. In keeping with 2022's Black History Month Health and Wellness theme, guests also share how they manage their minds and headspace to grow their business. Tivi Jones, Greg Hedgepeth, La'Meshia Whittington and Jason Phillips.

As NC Mutual closes the doors on its 124-year legacy as the cornerstone of Durham's Black Wall Street, Dr. Henry McKoy shares insight on the critical role of Black businesses in Black communities. Mary C. Curtis, Steve Rao and Harold Eustache weigh in on the dismal approval ratings of President Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris and how they right the ship.

After a car wreck in Raleigh results in the police shooting death of a husband and father, attorney and activist Dawn Blagrove demands police accountability. Senator Natalie Murdock and NCAE's President Tamika Walker-Kelly discuss virtual learning's return following the COVID surge and a growing movement to ban certain books in schools, many by authors of color and the LGBTQ community.

President Biden stands in the "cradle of civil rights" to urge passage of voting rights legislation, but will the symbolism of the moment compare to the impact? The King family clarifies their stance on not celebrating the upcoming MLK holiday, and the Maya Angelou quarter meets varied responses. Attorney Jessica Holmes, Political Analyst Steve Rao and Professor La'Meshia Whittington comment.

Deborah Holt Noel rings in the new year with a wrap-up of 2021, looking back on some of the year's unforgettable news moments from the January 6th insurrection to Juneteenth and beyond. Senator Natalie Murdock, La'Meshia Whittington, Greg Hedgepeth, Harold Eustache and Dr. DeLon Canterbury join.

We bring you a special treat this week - a show full of holiday music, performed by the North Carolina A&T State University Choir and conducted by Maestro Travis W. Alexander. Filmed at First Baptist Church in Greensboro, the Choir performed their annual Holiday Concert for Black Issues Forum.

President Joe Biden has called for an end to the extension on student loan deferment, leaving some to question his commitment to relieving those in debt. His popularity also takes a hit with criticism around his first Democracy Summit. Biden turns his attention to voting rights, but is it too late? La'Meshia Whittington, Steve Rao, and Dr. Wilmer Leon weigh in.

Our panel examines how President Biden's $1.75 billion Build Back Better social infrastructure package could impact families, climate change, and healthcare in North Carolina and offers light commentary on the growing number of Black Santa Clauses. Senator Natalie Murdock, Dr. Mark Little, and Steve Rao join.

With the Omicron COVID-19 variant now detected in the states, Dr. Julius Wilder provides information on protection. Professor Irving Joyner and Mary C. Curtis discuss the voting rights scorecard on senators issued by an NAACP-led coalition. The Confidence Coach, Jason Phillips, shares tips for engaging self-care to achieve peace and joy amid today's disturbing news and social distractions. (392 characters)

With this year's release of Ken Burns' 8-hour PBS documentary series about boxing legend Muhammad Ali, this episode examines Ali's influence as a social justice warrior through the eyes of some North Carolina champions for equality. Coach LeVelle Moton, Coach Marissa Young, Arvetra Jones share what they're fighting for. Erroll Reese and Dr. Erin Moore of Shaw join the conversation.

Councilman-Elect Leonardo Williams weighs in on the issue of school bus drivers and cafeteria workers' demands for more pay and respect, and La'Meshia Whittington and Harold Eustache join to discuss the hits and misses of North Carolina's just-approved state budget and comment on why Vice President Kamala Harris is repeatedly slammed for dysfunction despite all the support?

Rep. Zack Hawkins discusses the potential impact of greater teacher diversity in classrooms to affect close the achievement gap. He joins Steve Rao and Jessica Holmes to discuss the impact of the recently passed infrastructure bill on Build Back Better plan and where hope for justice stands as the men who shot and killed Ahmaud Arbery stand trial.

This week the CDC approved the COVID vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. NCDHHS' Secretary Dr. Mandy Cohen and Chief Health Equity Officer Victor Armstrong discuss the vaccine's safety and availability. OBGYN Dr. Velma Tarmina also joins to talk about the vaccine's safety for pregnant women, its impact on fertility, and the consequences of COVID infection on pregnancy and erectile dysfunction.

As the city of Durham and many urban cities across the state experience increases, leaders debate solutions to make communities safer. Public forums on redistricting wind down, and questions remain about how the GOP majority general assembly will redraw district lines that represent a browning North Carolina. Councilman Mark-Anthony Middleton, DA Satana Deberry, and Attorney Harold Eustache join.

NC Judge David Lee orders lawmakers to take action on the Leandro Comprehensive Remedial Plan; Governor Cooper signs a compromise Energy Bill HB951, leaving consumers vulnerable to rate hikes and more; realities behind the worker shortage. Guests Senator Natalie Murdock, Steve Rao and La'Meshia Whittington join the conversation.

We'll talk about Lt. Governor Mark Robinson's controversial remarks about LGBTQ in schools and what is made available on the subject in schools, and the mental well-being of our young people following two tragic deaths of two UNC Chapel Hill. Guests Tamika Walker-Kelly, Dr. Stephanie Irby Coard, and Rev. R. Jemonde Taylor join.