Black Issues Forum

by PBS North Carolina

New episodes on Fridays! | Every week, join host Deborah Holt Noel as she welcomes thought leaders, policy influencers, and journalists for diverse conversations that inform and engage viewers on the issues impacting North Carolina’s Black communities today. Learn more at pbsnc.org/blackissuesforum.

Podcast episodes

  • 01/06/23: Unspoken Pain and Wholistic Healing

    01/06/23: Unspoken Pain and Wholistic Healing

    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

  • 11/11/22: Commentary on Election 2022

    11/11/22: Commentary on Election 2022

    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.

  • 10/28/2022: Black Farmers Fight for Ground

    10/28/2022: Black Farmers Fight for Ground

    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.

  • 10/21/2022: MDC’s State of the South Tour and Art’s Role in Equity

    10/21/2022: MDC’s State of the South Tour and Art’s Role in Equity

    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.

  • 10/14/2022: The SISI and the Latest on Breast Cancer

    10/14/2022: The SISI and the Latest on Breast Cancer

    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