Black Issues Forum

Black Issues Forum

by PBS North Carolina

News Commentary Politics

08/06/21: Relief for Renters and HBCU Students, Black Church on Voting

Panelists Jesse McCoy, Courtney Napier, and Dr. Arwin Smallwood discuss the social and legal implications of extending the eviction moratorium, how HBCUs are helping relieve student debt through American Recovery and CARES funding, and the role of the Black church in progress for voting rights legislation.

07/30/21: Masks & Mandates, Redistricting, and Olympics Mental Shift

With updated CDC guidance, federal vaccine mandates, and health workers who will not vaccinate, how do we prepare for life with COVID? Also, 2020 Census results impact redistricting, and the question of gerrymandering reemerges. And Simone Biles move opens conversation about mental health and sports culture. Panelists Harold Eustache, Jessica Holmes, and La'Meshia Whittington join.

07/23/21: US BLACK CHAMBER'S RON BUSBY, BLACK BUSINESSES & COVID

US BLACK CHAMBERS PRESIDENT/CEO RON BUSBY DISCUSSES WHAT’S NEEDED TO SUPPORT BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES AS THE COVID DELTA VARIANT RAISES CONCERNS ANEW. PANELISTS MARY C. CURTIS, LEONARDO WILLIAMS, AND DR. DELON CANTERBURY EXPLORE THE POTENTIAL ECONOMIC REPERCUSSIONS OF THE COVID DELTA VARIANT’S SPREAD AND EFFECT OF MESSAGING ON VACCINATION RATE AND HESITANCY.

07/16/2021: UNC Black Student Demands, Cuban Protests, Help for Haiti, and Fair call for Sha’Carri.

This week on Black Issues Forum, after pro-Confederates demonstrate on UNC-CH's campus Black students demand more safety. UNC-CH's Dr. William Sturkey and student leader Jarrah Faye share their views. Then Jesse McCoy, Steve Rao, and La’Meshia Whittington provide context and perspectives on the Cuban protests, assassination of Haiti’s president, and role of race and fairness in sports.

07/09/21: State Budget, Eviction Moratorium, and Hannah-Jones goes to Howard

This week on Black Issues Forum, panelists La’Meshia Whittington, Greg Hedgepeth, and Harold Eustache discuss the pros and cons of the senate’s proposed state budget, impact of the eviction moratorium on landlords and tenants, and Nikole Hannah-Jones’s rejection of UNC’s offer with tenure.

07/02/21: COVID Delta Variant, LGBTQ+ Pride and American Patriotism

This week, July 4th brings celebrations and caution about the COVID Delta variant. Pharmacist Dr. DeLon Canterbury discusses safety measures and research on a COVID anti-viral pill. Kendra Johnson of Equality North Carolina and journalist Tim Pulliam reflect on LGBTQ+ Pride Month and civil rights. Then NCA&T’s Dr. Arwin D. Smallwood focuses on American patriotism and democracy.

06/25/21: Biden visits NC to Push vaccinating; HR1 and Ballot Security

Trailing the nation with just 55% of adults COVID vaccinated, North Carolina draws a visit from President Joe Biden. The For the People Act HR1 fails in the senate amid increasing voter restriction laws. A wider view on Nikole Hannah-Jones’s decision not to join UNC without tenure. Insights from NCCU’s Brett Chambers, La’Meshia Whittington of Advance Carolina, and political analyst Steve Rao.

06/18/21: Juneteenth a National Holiday, OWN’s “Delilah” Represents Charlotte, and Stephanie Mills Home Again

With President Biden’s signature, Juneteenth becomes a national holiday. Anti-racism coach Courtney Napier discusses the impact. Also, host Deborah Holt Noel visits the Queen City to meet the Executive Producer Charles Randolph-Wright and cast behind of the OWN Network’s Delilah, filmed in Charlotte, exploring the city’s Black neighborhoods, Black representation, and previewing Stephanie Mills’ latest project.

06/11/21: Harris' Tough Tone on Immigration, Cutting Relief Checks to Save the Labor Market, and Asheboro's Graduation Gaffe

Atty. David Mufuka explains Vice President Kamala Harris' "Don't Come" message in Guatemala that's drawn criticism from Progressives. Panelists Ed Hanes, Addul Ali, and Greg Hedgepeth weigh in on NC lawmakers effort to end the extra federal unemployment benefits, and the tough penalty an Asheboro High student paid for wearing the Mexican flag over his gown during a graduation ceremony.

06/04/21: Remembering Tulsa and Investing for Racial Equity

Remembering the 100th Anniversary of the Tulsa Massacre that destroyed Black Wall Street, is America ready to invest in Black businesses and communities to bring about equity? Dr. Henry McKoy, Patrick Hannah, and Steve Rao join to share views on Biden's proposed $6 Trillion Budget and it's efforts to achieve racial equity. Panel also comments on Naomi Osaka's mental health power play.

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