Black Issues Forum: 2013-2014

What is black art? It probably depends on who you ask. Find out how three different visual artists making their marks in North Carolina are defining this term and their work. Eric McRay, Richard Wilson, Jr., and LeGrant Taylor share their work and their views on issues that exist for African American artists.

What is black art? It probably depends on who you ask. Find out how three different visual artists making their marks in North Carolina are defining this term and their work. Eric McRay, Richard Wilson, Jr., and LeGrant Taylor share their work and their views on issues that exist for African American artists.

The academic achievement gap, number of high school drop-outs, and school-to-prison pipeline have one common denominator: African American boys in the most compromised position. Del Ruff, the Director of the NCCAP, researcher Dr. Ed Bell, and concerned parent Tiki Windley share their professional insights and personal experiences to help us understand why.

Talking about some of the stresses around caring for an aging loved-one, Dr. Sharon Elliott-Bynum, co-founder of CAARE, Inc. joins Diane Surgeon, founder of the Elder Law Center and Surgeon Law Firm, CEO of ComForcare Senior Services in Lumberton, and National Director of Elder Care with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority to share financial advice and insights about caregiving and self-care.

Strong communities need strong community centers, and the Hayti Heritage Center is just that for many in Durham. The Director Angela Lee joins Literary Artist and Educator Dasan Ahanu to talk about the Hayti's history, current programs, and upcoming event, including the ANFO production of "The Wiz", science camp, Thursday night Poetry Slams, and the 27th Annual Bull Durham Blues Festival.

Strong communities need strong community centers, and the Hayti Heritage Center is just that for many in Durham. The Director Angela Lee joins Literary Artist and Educator Dasan Ahanu to talk about the Hayti's history, current programs, and upcoming event, including the ANFO production of "The Wiz", science camp, Thursday night Poetry Slams, and the 27th Annual Bull Durham Blues Festival.

One of the most pivotal courtroom decisions to change the landscape of public schools in America marks its 60th anniversary this year. Raleigh native Joseph Holt Junior reflects on the landmark 1954 Brown vs. Board decision that made way for his own family's civil rights battle here in North Carolina, and he shares the story.

Why is it so uncomfortable to talk about race? That's the question self-identified conservative Republican Brian Grimm set out to answer and created a film from what he learned. He's joined by Rev. Terence Williams and Rev. Eric Porterfield as he talks about his film "Racial Taboo," his journey of discovery, and how they're using the film to foster meaningful dialog between whites and blacks.

Why is it so uncomfortable to talk about race? That's the question self-identified conservative Republican Brian Grimm set out to answer and created a film from what he learned. He's joined by Rev. Terence Williams and Rev. Eric Porterfield as he talks about his film "Racial Taboo," his journey of discovery, and how they're using the film to foster meaningful dialog between whites and blacks.

Making beats is huge in today's music industry. Music producer and educator Apple Juice Kid co-founded the Beat Making Lab at UNC Chapel Hill to teach students how to create beats. Now in collaboration with musician and black culture scholar Pierce Freelon and PBS Online, Beat Making Lab is available as a web series. The musicians talk about their travels and recent local project.

Who knows better how to reach the kids who seem hardest to reach than someone who once walked their same path? Otis Lyons, aka Vegas Don is a former gang-banger turned youth advocate, and has created a splashy NBA style basketball league to capture the attention of many at-risk youth. He talkes about his campaign to create a sports complex for teens in Durham.

Newly named president of telecom giant AT&T North Carolina and Raleigh native Venessa Harrison shares how she advanced in the company beginning as a call center operator. She talks about her corporate climb, personal life, and how she is leading the organization into the future.

Darryl Lester learned the higher calling of philanthropy from his mother who would keep extra groceries in her pantry to share with neighbors in need. Tim McIntosh witnessed a successful program that helped those exiting the prison system find meaningful work and a reason to live. With these foundations, both have impacted their communities with strategic giving, and they share their model.

Bennett College in Greensboro recently celebrated it's 140 anniversary and in July of 2013 welcomed its 17th President, North Carolina native Dr. Rosalind Fuse-Hall. She brings to Bennett 25 years of experience in higher education plus a background in law. She shares her vision for the college and insights about the relevance of HBCUs today and into the future.

A new book African American Music Trails of Eastern North Carolina takes readers to 8 different counties in Eastern North Carolina to discover the culture and heritage of this region as told by African American music and musicians. Co-auther Michelle Lanier, musician Bill Myers, and Wayne Martin of the NC Arts Council share some of the history and music.

At the age of 10, NFL Super Bowl Champion Torry Holt lost mother to cancer. Now, he and his brother have established a foundation with a commitment to help children of adults with cancer cope and find joy. He talks about programs supportd by the foundation and and other business ventures in North Carolina.

A 2011 National Education Association study revealed 30% of kids in schools are bullied every month. With social media technology and the rise of cyberbullying, the entire issue has become a growing problem. A Durham boy shares his personal story and a guest panel from HensonFuerst, Leading to Change, and Dignity Schools provide insight and advice.

What will it take to raise student performance and strengthen schools? Former Senator and education leader Howard Lee shares his ideas and vision for the Howard N. Lee Institute, an entity designed to engage students, parents, and community cohesively to serve the needs of North Carolina's most academically endangered students.

In 1963, North Carolina Governor Terry Sanford declared war on poverty with a revolutionary plan centered on education, job training, and housing. View highlights from the film "Change Comes Knocking" as Director/filmmaker Rebecca Cerese and Dr. Shun Robertson of MDC discuss how the North Carolina Fund influenced effective community organizing and why it was also at the center of controversy.

The Affordable Care Act was designed to provide more Americans access to quality health care. Consumer fianance and health educators Michele Smith, Del Matioli, and Sandra Jones explain how to take advantage of the new law.

Gloria Shealey is the President/CEO of the Durham based construction firm The Daniele Company. She shares news about winning a major contract with Honda Aircaft, how she's managed to succeed in a male-dominated industry, and advice to other minority and women business owners.

NCCU's BRITE is home to discoveries in biomanufacturing and making it's mark on the worldwide community as well as the lives of aspiring pharmaceutical professionals. Drs. Li-An Yeh and Hazell Reed discuss BRITE's research and developments in cancer, Alzheimers, and diabetes treatments plus student opportunities.

Join the President of Parents for Educational Freedom North Carolina Darrell Allison and the President of the North Carolina Association of Educators Rodney Ellis for different perspectives on opportunity scholarships and information on how vouchers can work to address the achievement gap and benefit families seeking better education opportunities.

Technology innovation is a nation's top indicator of economic strength and power. The U.S. Dept. of Labor reports only 5% of U.S. workers are employed in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields, and minorities and women are severely underrepresented in these fields. Find out how public education and private industry are working to reverse the trend..

It's a writer's fairytale for this North Carolina author. We'll talk to Wilmington, NC native Jason Mott, author of the New York Times Best seller "The Returned" about the ups and downs of his manuscript's journey to becoming a major network television series.

Married for more than 40 years, Shirley and Bernard Kinsey followed corporate careers with pursuit of their passion for African American art and culture. Their collection has occupied space at Epcot Center, the Smithsonian, and now, The Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture. Meet the Kinseys and learn about the exhibit at the Gantt pllus other upcoming events.