Black Issues Forum

Black Issues Forum

by PBS North Carolina

News Commentary Politics

9/2/2022: Biden MAGA GOPers, Student Debt and Black Women Athletes

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.

8/26/2022: Examining the Effectiveness of the DEI Movement

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.

8/19/22: Affirmative Action on Trial and Intimidation at the Polls

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.

8/12/22: Black Businesses and Community Wealth Building

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.

8/05/2022: Black Women’s Reproductive Health

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.

7/29/22: After Roe v. Wade Plus a Black Woman's Authority

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.

07/22/22: Monkeypox and Medicaid Expansion

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.

07/15/22: Black Women’s Maternal Choices and Health

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.

07/08/22: Red Flag Laws, State Budget and New Emmett Till Evidence

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.

7/03/22: The Overturn of Roe v. Wade and Open Season on Civil Rights

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.

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