Black Issues Forum

Black Issues Forum

by PBS North Carolina

News Commentary Politics

10/15/21: LGBTQ in schools, & protecting kids Mental Health

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.

10/08/21: CRT Canceled, Rental Assistance Refused, & HBCU Funding Cut

A Johnston County school board adopts an anti-critical race theory policy to release millions in school funding; how landlords can refuse rental assistance payments and evict tenants anyway... And HBCU funding takes a blow in the reconciliation bill. Guests Craig James, La’Meshia Whittington, Steve Rao, and Yolanda Taylor join.

10/01/21: Police Reform, American Economy, and Monumental Changes

An attempt at federal police reform fails while demands for local reform in Raleigh intensify. National fret over raising the debt ceiling and passing two infrastructure bills reveal political gamesmanship. A Duke University building is named after one of its first Black undergrads Wilhelmina Reuben-Cooke. Guests Dawn Blagrove, Dr. Henry McKoy, Dr. Shante Williams, and Patrick Hannah join.

09/24/21: Haitian migrants, Voter ID, and Missing Persons Disparities

Disturbing scenes of American patrolmen mistreating Haitian migrants bring outrage and a top-level resignation, state judges block an attempt to pass a voter ID law, and the story of a missing woman in Wyoming prompts questions about the longtime missing in communities of color. Guests include Sabine Guerrier, Steve, Rao, Jessica Holmes, and La'Meshia Whittington.

09/17/21: The Cost of Not Vaxxing and Partisan Debt Ceiling Standoff

With COVID cases and deaths surging, President Joe Biden raises the stakes on the choice to take the COVID vaccination, issuing an executive order and call to private companies to get employees vaccinated, tested, or face financial consequences. Our panel Dr. DeLon Canterbury, La'Meshia Whittington, and Greg Hedgepeth also discuss the looming fight over raising the debt ceiling and more.

09/10/21: American Power and Democracy 20 Years Post 9/11

As America remembers the fateful attacks of September 11, 2001, our panel reflects on our power and position in the Middle East and the world and examines the state of democracy in our own nation. Special guest Dr. Wilmer Leon of Sirius XM Urban View's "Inside the Issues" joins with Steve Rao and Harold Eustache.

Vaccine Mandates for Workers, HR328, & Biden's Performance

Vaccine mandates for workers, a bill to curb CRT teaching, and Biden's Performance. From Duke University to Novant Health, as increasingly private companies require COVID vaccination, a look at workers' rights with Terrence Dewberry of NC AFL-CIO. Our panel Brett Chambers, La’Meshia Whittington, and Dr. Sean Colbert-Lewis provide perspectives on the progress of HB324 the bill to control indoctrination in schools and President Biden’s sinking approval rating.

08/27/21: Voting Rights, Student Loans, and FDA approved COVID Vax

Panelists Mary C. Curtis, Jessica Holmes, and Dawn Blagrove weigh in on the recent rule of NC judges to eliminate the waiting period and give formerly convicted individuals the right to vote, effective immediately and the impact of Biden’s moves to reduce student debt. Dr. C. Nicole Swiner offers her take on how the FDA-approved Pfizer vaccine, booster shots, and family politics of COVID.

08/20/21: Leaving Afghanistan, Protester Penalties, and SNAP's Boost

Our panel weighs in on America’s chaotic departure from Afghanistan, how HB 805 deters damage by imposing stiffer penalties for violent protesters and its impact on 1st Amendment rights, and President Biden’s increase for the Food Stamps program in a fight against hunger and malnutrition. Panelists La’Meshia Whittington, Harold Eustache, and Steve Rao join.

08/13/21: Climate Change, Kids & COVID, and Charlotte Beyond HB2

As kids return to classrooms, physician Dr. C. Nicole Swiner addresses questions about effective practices for safety and the development of a kid-safe COVID vaccine. Steve Rao, La’Meshia Whittington, and Dr. Danielle Purifoy discuss the IPCC’s sweeping report on climate change, the infrastructure bill, Green New Deal, and local environmental justice plus Charlotte’s nondiscrimination ordinance.

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