Black Issues Forum: 2012-2013

While the Nation reflects this year on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, where do issues around women's rights and gender equality fit in? Dr. Valerie Ann Johnson of Bennett College, the founder of WomenNC Beth Dehghan, and life-long women's and human rights activist Adrienne Witherspoon share their perspectives.

Asheville's YMI Cultural Center celebrates 120 years since it opened in 1893 as The Young Men's Institute. Founded by African Americans Isaac Dickson and Dr. Edward Stephens and funded by George Vanderbilt, it housed a kindergarten, adult schools, a library, drugstore, doctor's offices, swimming pool and more. Historian Dr. Darrin Waters and YMI Director Sharon West share its history.

Urban and community gardening and farming could be a way to provide healthy food alternatives to residents of areas traditionally unfriendly to growing produce and also help overcome issues of food access. The City of Lenoir shares how they made a community gardening program work.

Architects Phil Freelon and Zena Howard are on the design team that's building the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. They and other architects on the FABS "dream team" share the vision behind the design concept.

What kinds of laws governing the use of guns will allow Americans to enjoy their rights and keep everybody safe? Durham City Mayor Bill Bell, Gail Neely with North Carolinians Against Gun Violence, and Sgt. Tivon Howard with the Zebulon Police Department share their experiences and views.

Meet North Carolina jazz and soul recording artist Yolanda Rabun and hear her perform songs from her CD "So Real"..

Alzheimer's Disease is especially hard on the caregiver, and this is oftentimes a close family member. Caregivers not only need to know how to help their loved one but also how to maintain their own health. Scientist Dr. Goldie Byrd of NC A&T, Alzheimer's Advocate Garret Davis, and caregiver Shari Bailey share their expertise, advice, and personal stories.

Chances are, you or someone you know has a child with autism. When a family faces this developmental disability, how do they manage, and how can you be helpful if you're a friend? Former TV anchor Dwayne Ballen shares his journey with his son in a new book titled "journey with Julian" as we learn about the highs and lows of autism.

February 6, 1971, a small grocery store in Wilmington, NC was burned down, and 10 student civil rights protestors, including former NAACP director Dr. Ben Chavis, were falsely accused, unjustly tried and convicted, and incarcerated. Known as the Wilmington 10, their names were finally cleared after a 42 year fight. Dr. Chavis and attorney for the group Irving Joyner share their story.

Program guests say emancipation was more of a process than a proclamation, and freedom is a fundamental American value that we continue to define and aspire to attain for everyone. NC Museum of History Curator Earl Ijames and Director of the NC Freedom Monument project explain as they discuss cooperative events honoring the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.