365 Amplified

University of Wisconsin Multicultural Student Center director Claudia Guzman joins the show to help us celebrate the 35th anniversary of the MSC's beginning within the Wisconsin Union. She also has an announcement – the Wisconsin Union and MSC teamed up to create a special limited edition Mini Terrace Chair – a tiny version of the iconic furniture found in only one place in the world. She and our cohost Stephanie (who helped on the design of the chairs, among other things related to the anniversary) talk about the inspiration for this specific design. Claudia also talks about what the anti-DEI push has meant for the MSC and what's in store for the future.

Plus, our own Omar Waheed has done some pretty deep digging on the cannabis industry in Wisconsin and talks us through the issues and opportunities there, especially for Indigenous nations.

It's Spring Break, so we have an abbreviated episode this week. Fitchburg Common Council candidate Donald Dantzler joins us to talk about his vision for one of the area's fastest-growing cities. He's also on the Police & Fire Commission and chairs the Madison College board of trustees, so we also get an update on the search for the college's next president.

The gang's all here! It's just the 365 team this week talking through some important stories from the week. First, it's Ramadan, and our own Omar Waheed put together a list of Muslim-owned businesses you can support during the holy month. He also educates us a bit about what Ramadan is and how it's practiced. Then, we hear from David Dahmer about a major gift to Centro Hispano, Centro's new building and how it'll serve the Latino community center's mission. Finally, after we reported on some problematic elements in the new language arts curriculum approved by the Sun Prairie school board (and talked about it on the podcast last week), we got an email saying we were wrong. But that email, and a few others, actually raised more questions. On this week's podcast, the team talks through all the developments. Finally, what's your special talent? Our reporting team has some surprising answers.

Earlier this week the Sun Prairie school board voted to approve the purchase of new language arts curriculum that some parents and community members felt is, at best, not culturally competent, especially in its depictions of Native American culture. Today, the team – including Rodlyn-mae Banting and Omar Waheed, both of whom reported on the issue for Madison365 – talks through the issues with the curriculum, the response from the community, and the much bigger issues at stake. Then, we hear from 2022 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year Kabby Hong on a the state Senate's approval of a law requiring Asian American history be taught in Wisconsin schools. And finally, a grab-bag of stuff: our Most Influential Native Americans list, our new print magazine, the awards we're nominated for and whether we prefer to spring forward or fall back.

Helpful links:

https://madison365.com/sun-prairie-school-board-approves-purchasing-new-english-curriculum-some-community-members-find-culturally-offensive/

https://madison365.com/sun-prairie-parents-push-back-on-proposed-curriculum-seen-as-racist-vote-coming-monday/

https://madison365.com/wisconsin-senate-passes-bill-to-require-asian-american-history-in-schools/

https://madison365.com/madison365-finalist-for-five-milwaukee-press-club-awards-including-best-local-news-website/

Fitchburg alder Joe Maldonado announced last week that he's running for the Assembly to represent Fitchburg, Stoughton, parts of McFarland and rural areas in between. He joins the show today to talk about what his legislative priorities would be if elected – leading with youth services and development. We also talk velour, braids, and Norwegian food. Then, we chat with Derek Nhieu and Emma Lazaroff about POC-IT, a group convened on the online platform Discord to provide a social space for Madison's people of color, which grew out of a Reddit thread. Finally, we get a taste of OuttaDeeBox, the newest podcast on the 365 Network; learn what goes into reporting on a vice presidential visit; and name the outdoor activities we're looking forward to – or avoiding – as the weather warms up.

Useful links:

https://madison365.com/fitchburg-alder-joe-maldonado-announces-bid-for-state-assembly/

https://madison365.com/poc-it-new-group-provides-place-and-space-for-madisons-bipoc-residents-to-socialize-together/

To join POC-IT, email [email protected] or [email protected].

https://madison365.com/in-visit-to-madison-vice-president-kamala-harris-touts-apprenticeship-programs-creating-good-paying-union-jobs/

Omar Waheed reports from Baraboo (2:26), where the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association is holding its second annual conference. He talked with a half dozen leaders in the industry about the conference, the possibilities – especially for Indigenous entrepreneurs — and the legislative challenges. Plus, Green Bay school superintendent Dr. Claude Tiller resigned after appearing on a radio show in Atlanta, and a school board member resigned a week later. Stephanie, Rob and Dave talk through what led to that (34:57), now that we have the audio from the radio show and some sense as to what prompted the school board to launch an investigation. And speaking of school superintendents, a Madison native will be the next leader of MMSD (52:40). Dave shares some memories of interviewing him when he was a principal here and we talk through what the school board can expect from him.

Helpful links:

https://madison365.com/madison-based-dispensary-herbal-aspect-monona-police-hold-challenging-cannabis-conversations-to-build-relationships/

https://madison365.com/green-bay-school-district-begins-new-superintendent-search-after-superintendent-dr-claude-tiller-resigns/

https://madison365.com/green-bay-school-boards-only-person-of-color-resigns/

Hello 365 Amplified subscribers! On March 7, The OuttaDeeBox Podcast will officially become part of the 365 Media Network, with new episodes every other Thursday. Watch Madison365.org/Podcasts for new episodes or search for OuttaDeeBox on your favorite podcast app. In the meantime, here's a classic episode from the OuttaDeeBox archives!

From the unforgiving streets of Humboldt Park, Chicago, to the relentless drive of entrepreneurship, our guest J-Ball has a tale that's nothing short of cinematic. His life, marred by the crack era's cruelty and the agony of familial betrayal, unfolds like a masterclass in resilience. Amidst the backdrop of gang violence and systemic oppression, J-Ball's story is a searing exploration of the human spirit's capacity to endure and evolve. As we unravel his journey, you'll be riveted by the raw honesty of a man who refused to be defined by his past.

Our conversation with J-Ball shifts gears as we track his ascent from a series of temp jobs to becoming a master of the wholesale game. The party rental business 'Circle of Fun' was just the beginning of his business ventures, demonstrating J-Ball's knack for identifying opportunities and adapting to market demands. His transformation into a successful wholesaler is peppered with essential business insights, from the significance of multiple income streams to the savvy art of pricing. If you're tangled in the grind or dreaming of financial liberation, J-Ball's entrepreneurial playbook is a treasure trove of strategies and real-world tips.

Wrapping up, J-Ball lays the groundwork for anyone inspired to set up their own business, especially those who've experienced the inside of a cell looking out. From the basics, like naming your enterprise and cutting through the red tape, to the strategic selection of commercial space and the intricacies of insurance, his advice is golddust for newcomers and seasoned business owners alike. J-Ball's relentless energy and shrewd business acumen come to life in this episode, serving as a beacon of hope and a practical guide for all who seek to leave a mark in commerce.

The state legislature will look quite different after the November elections, thanks to new legislative district maps recently approved by the Assembly, Senate and Governor. State Representative Jimmy Anderson joins the show today to talk through how those maps came about and what they mean to you, the elections, and the future of the state. Plus, State Rep. Shelia Stubbs sits down with our editor in chief David Dahmer to talk about her proposed legislation to create a Task Force on Missing and Murdered African American Women and Girls. And in the midst of all that, some disturbing stories about driver education in Iowa and our weather predictions for spring.

NOTE: Wisconsin Vote and the state legislature website do not, in fact, make it easy to see your new district. However, Erik Paulson created a helpful website to do just that, with help from John D. Johnson of the Marquette Law School Lubar Center. If you click on a dot, it'll show the current district in orange and the new one in blue.

https://epaulson.github.io/2024-wisconsin-maps/

Here's our story on the Stubbs proposal:

https://madison365.com/wisconsins-delta-sigma-thetas-work-to-create-task-force-on-missing-and-murdered-african-american-women-and-girls/

Hello 365 Amplified subscribers! On March 7, The OuttaDeeBox Podcast will officially become part of the 365 Media Network, with new episodes every other Thursday. Watch Madison365.org/Podcasts for new episodes or search for OuttaDeeBox on your favorite podcast app. In the meantime, here's a classic episode from the OuttaDeeBox archives!

Today, Stacey Clay lays bare his life's journey from the streets of Milwaukee to become a beacon of transformation. As a certified peer specialist at Athesis Therapy, Stacey recounts the trials he faced, including bullying, substance abuse, and a 28-year incarceration. He shares the epiphany that carved his path towards accountability and self-discovery and emphasizes the breakthroughs that shape the future, no matter the past.

The resonance of Stacey's experiences within the prison walls echoes through the tales of his transformative realizations. Imagine learning about Jeffrey Dahmer's fate in the same prison you're in while serving a sentence and using that moment to pivot toward profound life lessons. Stacey's evolution is underscored as he describes his progression from leading groups in prison to his current role as a peer specialist, aiding others with empathy drawn from shared struggles. The listener is invited to witness the power of second chances and the critical value of therapeutic support for the marginalized.

The fabric of our community is woven with stories of hardship and redemption, and Stacey's narrative adds rich texture to this tapestry. We examine the nuanced challenges of parenting from behind bars, the hurdles in maintaining relationships, and the systemic barriers faced upon reentry into society. But through it all, Stacey's voice offers a guiding light for those navigating similar paths and a message of hope for anyone looking to turn the page and begin a new chapter. Join us in a conversation that is both a tribute to the strength of the human spirit and an affirmation of the continuous possibility of rewriting our stories.

Hello 365 Amplified subscribers! On March 7, The OuttaDeeBox Podcast will officially become part of the 365 Media Network, with new episodes every other Thursday. Watch Madison365.org/Podcasts for new episodes or search for OuttaDeeBox on your favorite podcast app. In the meantime, here's a classic episode from the OuttaDeeBox archives!

When streets talk, they tell tales of struggle and success, of alleyways that lead to avenues of opportunity. Tune into a powerful narrative as I, Dee Star, am joined by Kingston Robertson, the visionary behind the Holy Godz clothing line. Kingston's journey from Englewood, Chicago's hardened pathways to the forefront of the fashion world, is remarkable. Bearing the lessons from his grandmother and uncle, he turned a history with gang culture and a transformative stint in prison into a beacon of hope and inspiration. Hear his truths about navigating life's trials to emerge as a mentor and leader, using his story to steer the youth away from the shadows and into the light.

As threads weave together to create a tapestry, so do the elements of building a brand stitch into the narrative of success. Discover the intricacies of sculpting a clothing line from the ground up, where every choice of fabric and branding strategy weaves a more significant message. Kingston opens up about the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the commitment to quality that sets Holy God apart, and the personal evolution required to lead a family-run business with heart and foresight. This episode isn't simply a conversation; it's an invitation to witness the transformation of adversity into ambition and to extend our hands to support those who have faced imprisonment as we strive to uplift individuals and entire communities. Join us on this journey of redemption and resilience, where fashion and purpose dress the spirit of change.