Nov. 3

Basic Black:  Free Community College and Black Americans' Trust in the News

This week, a recent survey conducted by the PEW Research Center, found that Black Americans said there are a range of issues on how the media reports stories about Black people, and more care is needed.  We’ll have a panelist joining us remotely at the top of the episode to discuss some of the findings from the report. Then, a discussion about Free Community College. About 33 states offer free tuition. Now in Massachusetts, residents, 25 and older without a degree can apply to attend community college for free, through Mass Re-Connect, a program Gov. Healey launched. The panelists discuss how the program can help change the economic outlook for many students of color of the newly popular program.

Panelists:

Ronald Mitchell co-owner, editor and publisher, The Bay State Banner (remote)

Jackie Jenkins Scott, Interim President, Roxbury Community College

Patrick Tutwiler, Ph.D., Massachusetts Secretary of Education

Pam Eddinger, Ph.D., President, Bunker Hill Community College. She is also a member of the GBH board.

Nehemie Desulme, Roxbury Community College student currently in the Mass Re-Connect program.

Tanisha Sullivan hosts.