A Frank Conversation Podcast

In his final Frank Conversation for News 5, Frank Wiley talks to Shanina Knighton, a clinical nurse scientist, as they discuss the struggles brought on by COVID-19 and the impact it’s having on Black communities. Knighton also talks about the steps she took to work in the medical field and her desire to see more Black women work in medicine. 

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Some parents and teachers say the impact of the pandemic has shown itself in many unexpected ways. Virtual learning has presented challenges that are still being negotiated by parents, teachers and students. Parents said additional time spent, via virtual learning has also unveiled strengths in their children. Teachers also mentioned their own struggles, personally and professionally. 

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Many people reserve holidays for family, but 2020 has forced us to approach everything differently. Even so, memories of previous gatherings aren’t all pleasant for everyone. We had A Frank Conversation about how to enjoy time with family, even if some members are disrespectful. Dr. Patrick Runnels, program director of public and community psychiatry at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center helps us tackle this issue, along with Shannon McGill, a mom of two and a writing tutor, and  Darnesha Sellers, who talks about her own struggles with family and is a Licensed Professional Counselor.

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Fresh off a controversial election season, intense conversations still linger about the confluence of religion and politics. News 5 had A Frank Conversation with Dr. Deepak Sarma, professor of Indian religions and philosophy at Case Western Reserve University. Olivet Institutional Baptist Church pastor Dr. Jawanza Colvin also participated in the conversation. 

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COVID-19 has altered our way of living. The impact is also felt in experiences that give us an escape. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, are celebrated for rich history and opportunities for African Americans to unapologetically celebrate heritage.  Homecoming festivities have been canceled. Cyber gatherings have replaced long-celebrated rituals. We had A Frank Conversation about what has been lost, and what it means to supporters of HBCUs. 

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Black voters have been the focal point of many politicians as more people prepare to cast a ballot. The presidential election is just days away, and many Americans knew months in advance who would receive their vote. A growing pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 Americans, while disproportionately impacting Black Americans, is another reason for voter enthusiasm. For A Frank Conversation, we spoke with Cleveland NAACP President Danielle Sydnor, and Dr. Ronnie Dunn, who specializes in Urban Studies at Cleveland State University. We also spoke with the Director of Minority Engagement for the Republican Party of Cuyahoga County, Colin Jackson. 

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Across social media, many Black women are sharing a similar message: Protect Black women. The plea follows Breonna Taylor's case, a shooting involving Megan Thee Stallion, and a fatal shooting involving Shalaymiah Moore. A panel of activists in Northeast Ohio explains what must happen to find change.

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How do you define allyship? ChiChi Nkemere and Bethany Studenic run Enlightened Solutions, an organization that creates, implements and publishes solutions that center on the lived experiences of diverse people. Tait Manning, a high school senior, also joined the conversation. 

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There has been plenty of change in the world, but many people argue that not enough good change has happened when it comes to race and racism. We had A Frank Conversation with people in interracial marriages about how the topic of race enters their conversations. 

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As Election Day inches closer, some voters' political views couldn’t be farther apart. The same is true with some of America’s youngest voters. We had A Frank Conversation with college students about what they’ve learned since leaving home and what has remained the same. They also told us what must happen for America to become what it ought to be. 

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