Closer Look with Rose Scott

Throughout the month of June, “Closer Look” has spotlighted Juneteenth-related conversations. On Friday, show host Rose Scott concludes the series, revisiting her 2024 conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones, the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter behind the groundbreaking The 1619 Project for The New York Times Magazine. During the conversation that took place at the Fulton County Central Library in Downtown Atlanta, Hannah-Jones vividly recalls when she first learned about a 17th-century ship called The White Lion and how it inspired her to create The 1619 Project. Plus, this week marks 22 years since the passing of Atlanta’s first Black mayor Maynard Jackson. For a look back on his life and legacy, we revisit a conversation from our award-winning ATL 68 series. Rose talks with Valerie Jackson, a former WABE host and Mayor Jackson’s widow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rodney Taylor has built a life in the United States. He works as a barber in Snellville, Georgia. According to his fiancée, Mildred Pierre, Taylor, he’s a double amputee and lives with several long-term medical conditions. She also says he has documentation for a current green card application. Despite this, Taylor was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on January 15. Pierre and immigration attorney Sara Owings talk with show host Rose Scott about Taylor’s pending case—and the justice they are now seeking. Plus, for 45 years, WABE host Lois Reitzes has been the voice of arts and culture in Atlanta. We celebrate her incredible career—through the stories, memories, and moments that helped to shape it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Lola, a women-led co-working space in Atlanta, may be forced to shut down. Dana Xavier Dojnik, CEO of The Lola, and Sagdrina Brown Jalal, the CEO of Atlanta Leadership Consultant and founder of the Legacy Leadership Program, talk with Rose about how federal funding cuts are impacting for-profit businesses that support nonprofit organizations. They also discuss an emergency effort to keep The Lola doors open. Plus, WABE’s environmental reporter Marisa Mecke discusses her latest report about a controversial mining project near South Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major aspect of Clayton State University’s mission is social mobility. Tied to the mission is the university’s annual Social Mobility Summit. The event will be held on Wednesday, June 25. Its lineup includes panels, workshops, and discussions exploring key factors influencing social mobility—and how higher education can be a powerful driver of change. Rose talks with Dr. Mahnaz Charania, the chief transformation officer at The New Teacher Project, and Jada Mitchell, the executive director of student success at Clayton State University about the event and the importance of ensuring all students have social capital, strong networks and relationships. Plus, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has a new opinion editor. David Plazas talks with Rose about his new role, which includes serving as an editorial board member and helping to expand the publication’s opinion content and community engagement initiatives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Environmental Action Network (NEAN) is working to promote environmental justice. The Virginia-based nonprofit is expanding its efforts to educate the public about the health impacts of toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, polychlorinated biphenyls, heavy metals and synthetic pesticides. Lewis Brown, the CEO and founder of NEAN, talks with show host Rose Scott about some of the dangerous environmental toxins in Black and Brown communities and the ongoing Environmental Protection Agency changes under the Trump administration. He also explained how NEAN is working to spread awareness by conducting environmental health research about water pollution in metro Atlanta and by helping former federal employees and contractors impacted by federal cuts and layoffs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Closer Look” returns with our annual Juneteenth event, recorded live at Hammonds House Museum in the West End neighborhood of Atlanta. This year, host Rose Scott speaks with panelists on the theme of "Natural Gifts: Honoring the Contributions of Enslaved Africans and Black Americans, Pre-Civil War to Present." Guests include: Kuumba storyteller Dr. Christine B. Arinze-Samuel, also known as Sistah Olufemi Dr. Joy DeGruy, international scholar, researcher and author specializing in racial trauma, healing and slavery Edvige Jean-François, award-winning journalist and executive director of Georgia State University’s Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora Robell Awake, chairmaker, researcher and author of “A Short History of Black Craft In Ten Objects”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Urban League has released a new report highlighting both the strides and the setbacks in local and federal policy reform in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder in 2020. NUL President and CEO Marc Morial joins “Closer Look” to discuss “George Floyd Five Years Later: Was It a Moment or a Movement?” Also, ICE is now serving administrative subpoenas to property managers to obtain records on current and former tenants. Decatur-based real estate attorney Eric Teusink shares an overview of the legal obligations of property owners receiving a subpoena and what ICE's move means for tenant privacy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal made a straightforward claim with its headline: “AI Is Learning to Escape Human Control.” The author, AE Studio CEO Judd Rosenblatt, cites reported incidents of artificial intelligence models disobeying orders to shut down and even blackmailing a human engineer. But others in the industry say Rosenblatt’s claim could needlessly spur panic among the public. For this edition of Feedback Friday on “Closer Look,” we ask listeners to share their questions and concerns about artificial intelligence. Host Rose Scott takes your calls alongside Emory University law professor Ifeoma Ajunwa, founding director of the AI and the Future of Work Program.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 1996 Flying Change Equine Therapy has been helping children, adults and whole families discover a new way to approach emotional and behavioral health. On today's edition of “Closer Look,” the team returns to Flying Change Equine Therapy to visit with founder Lissa Corcoran and, of course, the sassy horses. Plus, we revisit an April interview at the Wylde Center’s Edgewood Garden featuring another community-minded animal: chickens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 indictments and three years later, the YSL case resulted in minimal charges and may have cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Atlanta-based investigative journalist George Chidi joins “Closer Look” to talk about the trial’s outcome and his estimate of its cost. Plus, the Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognized symbols in the world, but some of her history has been covered up – literally. Renowned author and researcher Dr. Joy DeGruy shares the statue’s lesser-known history with the abolition of slavery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many students are still struggling since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and are now facing shrinking federal oversight as the Trump administration seeks to abolish the Department of Education. Careshia Moore, founder and CEO of Compete to Succeed Educational Resources, shares why she thinks education reform is crucial in a changing educational landscape. Also, artificial intelligence is changing how large corporations operate, but not everyone has access to the same tools. As Atlanta Tech Week gets underway, RebrandLand AI founder and CEO Kayla Life talks about how nonprofits can be empowered to use AI tools.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Mother Jones article reveals the Trump administration is considering pardons for so-called fake electors in the 2020 presidential election – even though none of them have been charged with a federal crime. Senior reporter Dan Friedman shares why the move is largely symbolic and what implications it has for President Trump’s legacy. Also, self-described “workplace fixer” LaShawn Davis reviews the latest surge in unemployment among Black women. Davis, the founder of HR Plug and the Greatness Lab, also shares advice for pivoting careers after a significant job loss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Karida Brown says her new book “The Battle For the Black Mind” is much more than a history lesson for readers – it’s personal. The NAACP Image Award-winning author follows the history of segregation in America's education system and the ongoing struggle for educational justice. Dr. Brown returns to "Closer Look" to share more about her new book, which is the result of eight years of research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a new investigative report published by Atlanta Civic Circle, the City of Atlanta’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund is being used to pay housing bond debt and staff salaries. Sean Keenan, a housing reporter at Atlanta Civic Circle, returns to “Closer Look,” to discuss the story and the response from housing advocates and some city officials. Plus, N'namdi Arinze is making his mark in Atlanta’s food industry as the owner of Vegan Wangs, a plant-based chicken wing restaurant. Alongside his sister, Arinze has expanded the business from online deliveries, ghost kitchens, and pop-up events—into a full-fledged brick-and-mortar location. Recently, Rose and the “Closer Look” team paid a visit to the Southwest Atlanta eatery on Cascade Road.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's special edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott" is a themed show focusing on hunger. According to the latest data from Feeding America, nearly 40% of the food-insecure population in the United States is white. Yet, in most counties, food insecurity rates among Black, Hispanic and Latino households exceed those of white households. This all comes as data also reveals, 1 in 7 people in Georgia are facing hunger. Now, amid federal funding cuts to assistance programs and inflation impacting food prices, Rose talks with local leaders about their efforts to combat summer hunger across metro Atlanta. Guests include: Kyle Waide, the president and CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank Jon McMurdo, the development manager at Second Helpings Atlanta Kashi Sehgal, the founder and CEO RetaazaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Disabled South is working to build a coalition of disability justice activists and advocates. Dom Kelly, the co-founder, president, and CEO of New Disabled South, discusses the organization’s mission: 'To improve the lives of disabled people and build strong disability justice and rights movements in the South. Plus, with looming potential cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and surging prices at the grocery store, the nonprofit A Red Circle, has released a national blueprint that outlines five food policy recommendations that all states, including Georgia, can follow to act on right now. Erica R. Williams, the executive director of A Red Circle, talks with Rose about the work of the nonprofit, the importance of combating food insecurity and the national blueprint.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been significant public health policy changes under the Trump administration, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent statement. He announced the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would stop recommending COVID-19 vaccines for healthy pregnant women and children. This all comes as ongoing concerns heighten about other key public health policies related to environmental health, health equity, mental health, infectious diseases, reproductive health, and the impact of climate change. For today’s edition of Feedback Friday on “Closer Look,” Rose is joined by Atlanta-based internist Dr. Dhaval Desai. He discusses the timeline of these actions and gives his analysis about the potential consequences and impact. *On Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its language regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for age groups.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Jan. 2025, then-Vice President Kamala Harris announced a final rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to remove medical debt from consumers’ credit reports. The policy was to take effect in March, but just like many other Biden-era actions, the Trump administration is changing course. Now, a federal judge is expected to decide in mid-June about whether to vacate the consumer protection rule. Georgia ranks among the top five states with the most medical debt, with 13% of adults in the state owing money. Former health tech executive and consumer advocate Scott Speranza, the CEO of HealthLock, discusses what this could mean for Georgians. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, we hear from Bon Varlet. The standout Kennesaw State University graduate majored in information technology. She talks with Rose about her academic journey, including earning a Fulbright Study Award, and her aspirations to attend law school and to protect public institutions, particularly libraries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the Biden administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar For All program aimed to improve access to clean energy and solar programs. Now, under the Trump Administration, local advocates and business leaders say $7 billion, embarked for organizations nationwide, was temporarily withheld. Diamond Spratling, the founder and executive director of Girl Plus Environment, and Tonya Hicks, the president and CEO of Power Solutions, share why they feel it’s important for communities to have this investment and what access to clean energy could mean for communities in Georgia. We continue with WABE’s “Server South” series. State officials are now grappling with questions about tax incentives, and data centers’ usage of water and energy. We air WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali’s latest report. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, we hear from Gwendolyn Campbell. She’s the valedictorian for the Class of 2025 at Morris Brown College. Campbell talks about her academic journey, juggling family responsibilities, overcoming health challenges and her aspirations to go to law school and provide legal help to youth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal funding cuts are impacting community violence intervention (CVI) programs. CJ Jones, the founder of Dream Builders of Atlanta, Chee'Tara Alexander, the co-founder of H.O.P.E. Hustlers, and Amber Goodwin, founder of the Community Justice Action Fund, discuss how funding cuts are impacting their work and the actions they are now taking. We continue with WABE’s “Server South” series. Some high-profile early projects went all-in on solar energy, building enormous solar fields to power their computer processing. But as the industry accelerates and needs more electricity, power companies are falling back on fossil fuels to meet the demand. We air WABE’s Emily Jones’ latest report. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, it’s a family affair. Rose talks with the Lee family. Quila Lee and her daughters—Rakiya Lee, Kamiya Lee, and Kalaya Lee—have each earned either a master’s or a bachelor’s degree and are 2025 graduates of Georgia State University. The Lees talk about their academic journeys, their challenges, and triumphs, and what it means to hit this meaningful milestone as a family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A team of Georgia State University researchers have compiled historical data of thousands of enslaved people from Georgia and other southern states. The information dates to before the Civil War. It’s called the Data Mining and Mapping Antebellum Georgia. Elizabeth J. West, a professor of English and co-director of Georgia State University’s Center for Studies on Africa and Its Diaspora, and Dr. Ras Michael Brown, an associate professor in the department of history, discuss updates to the research project. INSERT: We continue with WABE’s “Server South” series. Data centers use huge amounts of water to cool off their constantly running servers. As data center developers look to tap into Georgia’s water resources, county leaders and conservationists are looking for solutions. We air WABE’s environmental reporter Marisa Mecke’s latest report. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, we hear from Marchellos Scott. The standout graduate, of the Morehouse College Class of 2025, majored in educational studies. He talks with Rose about his academic journey. He also shares his next chapter: pursuing a career as an educational law attorney, championing justice, equity, and transformative change within the American education system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest data suggests, there are more than 150 accredited medical schools in the U.S. However, only four of them, less than 3%, are located on the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) is one of those institutions. The Atlanta-based institution, regarded as being one of the nation’s top leading educators of primary care physicians, is marking 50 years of focusing on improving community health outcomes. For the second May installment of “Coffee Conversations,” Rose and the team head to MSM to learn more about how the school has been championing health equity for five decades. Guests include: Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, the president and CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine Dr. Rick Kittles, the senior vice president for research at Morehouse School of Medicine Dr. Adrian Tyndall, the dean and executive vice president for health affairs at Morehouse School of Medicine Jeromey Beaman, the president of the Student Government Association at Morehouse School of Medicine Dr. Elizabeth Ofili, a Morehouse School of Medicine professor, a cardiologist and global principal investigator of the African American Heart StudySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday marks what would have been Malcolm X’s 100th birthday. Akinyele Umoja, a professor in the department of Africana Studies at Georgia State University, talks more about the Muslim minister and civil and human rights leader’s life and legacy, from his early years when he was known as “Detroit Red” to his period within the Nation of Islam. Professor Umoja also discusses his own involvement in the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement. INSERT: We continue with WABE’s “Server South” series. Residents in Fayetteville brace for rapid data center development, basically in their backyards, we air WABE Southside reporter DorMiya Vance’s latest report. Plus, for “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, we hear from Winter Jones. The standout graduate is part of Spelman College’s largest-ever graduating class, consisting of 694 students. While earning her degree, Jones became an astronaut scholar and worked with NASA on reducing emissions from supersonic jets. Now, Jones talks with Rose about her academic journey and her dreams of becoming an aerospace engineer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the summer of 2020, it appeared the United States was experiencing a racial awakening. The killings of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor sparked global protests and declarations for racial justice and equity. Corporations pledged their support to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and the Black Lives Matter philosophy. For today’s edition of Feedback Friday on “Closer Look,” Rose is asking guests and listeners, where are we now as a nation, five years later? Guests include: Nsenga Burton, an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur, and the editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire Dr. Maurice Hobson, an author, historian and Africana studies and history professor at Georgia State UniversitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia has formed its first PTSA with a focus on special needs students. Special Education Parent Teacher Student Association was established to provide advocacy for special needs students and their families across the state – a group that lacks resources outside of the Atlanta metro area. Rose talks with Lola Green, the founder and executive director of the Urban Indigo Foundation, Priscilla Borders, the Georgia PTA family engagement chair and Anita Hagins Jones, the president of the Georgia PTA. They talk more about the mission of the association and its top priorities. Althea Holmes has spent much of her life navigating a world that often underestimates what’s possible for people with rare conditions. She was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, and has suffered the loss of her husband and mother. Now, she’s using her life experience to support others through creativity. She offers a deeper glimpse into her journey and inspires others through a self-published bio-zine, called Ewkniklee Mee. Holmes talks with Rose about some of the most defining moments in her life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GLAAD is the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization. Last year, Darian Aaron, the director of Local News: U.S. South, founded GLAAD Down South to expand GLAAD’s work, specifically making sure accurate and inclusive narratives about LGBTQ Southerners and people living with HIV are told in the media. Arron joins “Closer Look,” to talk more about the upcoming 1st annual GLAAD Down South media event. On April 14, a suspect allegedly ran a red light in the Little Five Points area while being pursued by Georgia State Patrol – that’s when 19-year-old Cooper Schoenke was reportedly struck and killed by Faduma Mohamed. The tragedy has moved a coalition of elected officials, physicians, and civil rights advocates to call for change from state authorities. State Representative for District 58 Park Cannon and Devin Barrington-Ward, the director of communications for the National Police Accountability Project, discuss this renewed effort.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March, a convicted murderer was released from the Clayton County Jail by mistake. The family of his victim and Clayton County officials say they were not alerted until days later. The inmate was eventually apprehended almost three weeks later, not far from the Florida hometown of his victim’s family. Today we’re asking, how often are inmates released by mistake, who should be held accountable and what process should be in place for alerting the public, especially the victim’s family? Defense attorney David West returns to “Closer Look” to give his legal take. Plus, there has been an increase in data centers being built across the Peach State, prompting many questions. Today, we preview WABE’s new series, “Server South.” The series explores what data centers are and why the industry has honed in on Georgia to plant roots. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, we hear from Ivy Nganga. The Oglethorpe University graduate majored in economics and minored in math. She talks with Rose about her academic journey, including plans to pursue a PhD and her long-term aspirations to help women in Kenya.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CareYaya is a healthcare tech startup that connects college students with families in need of caregiving services. Neal K. Shah, the co-founder and CEO of CareYaya, and Hannah Imolode, a CareYaya Joygiver and student at Georgia State University, discuss how CareYaya is celebrating seniors in Georgia and across the country through a Mother's Day Initiative. Georgia's TV and film industry generates more than $4 billion to the state’s economy. The state’s film tax credit incentive has attracted big budget production companies. However, many smaller and independent companies don't benefit from the incentive, and recently there’s been a decline in productions being filmed in the Peach State. For Feedback Friday of “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott talks with people directly impacted by the shift and takes calls from listeners. Guests include: Sade Wilkins, an Atlanta-based producer and writer, Tabari Sturdivant, a director and producer, Kelsey Coggin, an Atlanta-based travel coordinator, and L.M. Davis, a director and filmmaker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite legal status for international students being restored after the Trump administration revoked their visas, the White House vows to keep targeting international students deemed disruptive. Meanwhile, advocates and legal experts fear this won't be the government's last attempt to target international students. On today’s edition of “Closer Look,” Rose talks with representatives from both groups. Guests include: Immigration attorney Charles Kuck Cory Isaacson, the legal director of the ACLU of Georgia Samantha Hamilton, a litigation attorney for Asian Americans Advancing Justice Atlanta Andrea Young, the executive director of the ACLU of Georgia Azka Mahmood, the executive director of CAIR-Georgia Jennifer Lee, the policy director for Asian Americans Advancing-Justice Atlanta See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, there are currently 26 movies and TV shows being filmed in the Peach State. However, the CEO and founder of Georgia Entertainment says Georgia may be facing a “distinctive shift in its film production output.” This comes as President Trump recently proposed a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States. WABE business reporter Marlon Hyde discusses his latest reporting on Georgia’s film industry, Georgia’s film tax incentive and the actions some filmmakers are taking. Plus, from Dubai to the United States, Sumayyah Yoonas, a 2025 Georgia Gwinnett College graduate, once had dreams of becoming a doctor. But that desire changed during the pandemic. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, Yoonas shares the many events leading to a degree in middle school education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching. Mayor Patti Garrett discusses how the City of Decatur is preparing fans. They’re hosting Decatur WatchFest26, a 34-day festival. Plus, Dennis Velez is a 2025 graduate of Georgia Tech. While working toward his degree in mechanical engineering, the theme park enthusiast earned the nickname 'safety guy.' For “Closer Look’s” 2025 graduation series, Velez talks more about his academic journey, his experiences at Georgia Tech, and his aspirations for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 marks 120 years for United Way of Greater Atlanta. Milton J. Little, Jr., president and CEO of UWGA, discusses their long-standing mission, their resiliency, and their ongoing efforts to improve economic mobility across 13 metro counties by providing access to services and resources. Plus, Grant Wallace, known for his lawncare and glass recycling businesses featured on “Closer Look,” returns to the program to share his latest venture: The Southern Shmooze. The serial entrepreneur talks with Rose about his new business directory that was born from a Facebook group. He also shares how it’s helping Atlanta area residents connect with business owners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Agriculture is the oldest and number 1 industry in Georgia. Its economic impact is more than $74 billion every year, employing more than 399,000 Georgians. For the May installment of “Coffee Conversations”, the “Closer Look” team headed to Community Grounds Coffee Shop. The conversation focused on Georgia’s agriculture industry, exploring what’s thriving and the challenges facing Georgia’s producers and growers. Rose talked with guests about the importance of supporting local farmers, how the economy is encouraging more Georgians to grow their own food, as well as everything you need to know about urban farming in Georgia. Guests include: Jeff Delp, the director of economic development for FSC Ministries & Community Grounds Coffee Shop Doug Deveaux, the CEO and co-founder of AgriUnity Robert Chappelle, a fifth-generation farmer and the founder of Moby’s Maters Henry Ostaszewski, a co-founder of Blue 42 Market Kashi Sehgal, the founder and CEO of Retaaza Katie Kissel, a co-chair for the board of directors for Unearthing Farm & MarketSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 gubernatorial race is taking shape with confirmed and potential candidates. Rose talks with Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst Fred Hicks about who we could see on the campaign trail. He also shares his thoughts about President Donald Trump’s low approval rating in Georgia. Plus, Wednesday marks 100 days into President Donald Trump’s second term, and it’s an uncertain time for the free press – especially public media. Concern about partisan oversight by Paramount Global led 60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens to resign from the news program. Longtime Correspondent Scott Pelley followed that with a rebuke of their parent company. “Closer Look” revisits Rose’s 2019 conversation with Pelley. The award-winning journalist reflected on press freedom, democracy and the role of today’s news outlets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April marks National Autism Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest data, 1 in 31 children in the U.S. have been identified with autism spectrum disorder. Rose talks with Georgia Tech associate professor Jennifer Singh. She discusses autism symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment while highlighting inequities in services through her documentary “Navigating Autism in Communities of Color.” Parents Dr. Bernadette Kilo and Natasha Nelson also share personal stories of raising children with autism and advocate for better support systems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia Interfaith Power & Light (GIPL) is an organization that aims to empower people of faith to engage in issues such as environmental injustices, pollution, climate change and more. Marqus Cole, who serves as the organizing director for GIPL, talks more about the organization’s work and impact. He also shares his thoughts about how faith intersects with climate activism. Plus, Wanona Satcher is on a mission to address the housing crisis. She is the CEO and founder of Mākhers Studio. The East Point-based construction and management firm specializes in transforming shipping containers into housing and retail solutions. As we spotlight “Closer Look’s” most memorable conversations, we revisit Rose’s conversation with Satcher. She talks about her vision to use micro-housing as a sustainable and viable option to solve the home affordability problem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Residents spoke out about the poor conditions of the Chelsea Gardens apartments in College Park. Now, they must find a new place to live. The City of College Park has reportedly condemned the complex due to its deplorable state, giving residents short notice to move. Shakira Fortson with the Party for Socialism and Liberation, outgoing resident Andre Harris and former resident Cassandra Meenaghan share their experience at Chelsea Gardens, what’s next for them, and the actions they want the property owner and city officials to take. Plus, the final prom event in Cobb County for the 2025 season is happening on Saturday. The goal is to make sure Cobb County students with special needs, affectionally known as “rockstars,” feel seen, celebrated, and supported. For 15 years, Superior Plumbing and the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office have partnered together to make sure prom night is an unforgettable experience for these students. Randi Okray, the communication and public relations specialist for Cobb County Sheriff's Office, and Jay Cunningham, founder of Superior Plumbing who launched the initiative, talk more about the annual tradition that coincides with Autism Awareness Month. Cunningham also talks about the initiative’s impact and the inspiration behind it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University is hosting the Arts and Wellbeing Summit: Artistic Expression and Processing Grief on April 25-26. Rose talks with Katie Ericson-Baskin, the Ingram director of education at the Michael C. Carlos Museum, and Laney Castle, an administrative coordinator for the education department at the Michael C. Carlos Museum. They talk more about the summit and how art can be used to help process grief. Plus, the Arts and Wellbeing Summit features support and participation from organizations such as The Grief House. The nonprofit says it’s a space for community-led support for grief and all kinds of loss. The “Closer Look” team recently visited The Grief House at Legacy Park in Decatur. We revisit Rose’s conversation with the executive director and co-founder Sascha Demerjian, Shonali Banerjee, a yoga teacher and musician, who works at the Grief House, and Kelly Yates, a mother who is dealing with grief after her son died in 2022.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An energy audit can help new homeowners save money — not just through energy efficiency but with tax credits and more. However, an energy audit is not a required step in the homebuying process. Data also reveals that low-income households spend a larger share of their income on energy costs when compared to other households and that Georgia ranks in the top 5 for states with the highest energy burden. Cosco Jones, the owner and a consultant at Jones Sustainable Solutions Group, discusses what a proper "energy audit" should look like, and how poor energy efficiency has long-term consequences for a homeowner's budget and wellbeing. Plus, a chain-link fence separates a community garden from I-20. Mozley Park residents who are members of the Five Mile Project (5MP) have been advocating for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to install noise barriers in their neighborhood. As we feature some of “Closer Look’s” most memorable conversations, we revisit Rose’s conversation with 5MP members Mia Pennington and Keith Palmer. They talk more about the noise concerns and efforts to beautify their neighborhood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year marks the 56th Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race. Rich Kenah, who serves as the race director and the CEO of the Atlanta Track Club, returns to “Closer Look” to talk more about this year's expanded race experience, which includes the return of a cherished tradition. Plus, Flying Change Equine Therapy fosters emotional healing and wellness through equine-assisted therapy and learning. As we feature some of “Closer Look’s” most memorable conversations, we revisit Rose’s conversation with Lissa Corcoran, the founder and executive director for Flying Change. Corcoran tells the backstory of what led her to start the nonprofit and explains how rescued horses are helping both children and adults heal from trauma.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Youth Villages is expanding its family support, mental and behavioral health services to reach more Georgia communities. The Intercept program is beginning in Rockdale, Douglas, and Paulding Counties. Tanya Anderson, the executive director of Youth Villages Georgia, and Jameta Wheeler, the state manager for In-Home Services at Youth Villages, talk more about Intercept and Youth Villages’ new pilot contract with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Disabilities. Also, on the evening of June 15, 1930, a mob lynched Morehouse student Dennis Hubert. This May, Hubert will be posthumously awarded an honorary bachelor of arts degree during the commencement ceremony. Ann Hill Bond, an Atlanta-based journalist and chair of the Fulton County Remembrance Coalition, and Imam Plemon T. El-Amin, Hubert’s nephew, talk more about Hubert’s life, and the legacy of Hubert’s mother, an educator, who served as a principal of the Crogmsn School, where Hubert was lynched.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s special edition of "Closer Look," Rose and the team take listeners out into the community. First, we begin with a climate gentrification tour in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Rose talks with Adrienne Rice, the executive director of Sustainable Georgia Futures, about the nonprofit’s mission to help specific communities grow and thrive in the green industry. We also hear from Genesis Tilman, Drew Barnes and Liyaah Rocha who participated in the walking tour. Plus, Edgewood Garden is a place for community. The urban greenspace, operated by the Wylde Center, was once the site of an apartment building. It was transformed into a community garden back in 2012, part of a revitalization effort to serve residents of the area. It now has a playground, picnic benches, honeybees, butterflies, fruit trees, vegetable beds and more. But one of the garden’s most popular attributes is its chickens. Rose talks with Jennifer Gerndt, Matty Garrett, Gordon Dyker of the Wylde Center to learn more about Edgewood Garden and its nature center. We also hear from Heath Ward, the co-founder of City Chick, who discusses people’s growing interest in raising their own chickens as egg prices rise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.