Black Issues Forum

It’s a new year, and many are making lifestyle changes and shifting to a wholistic wellness approach. The death of dancer Stephen “tWitch” Boss has prompted an important conversation about the unspoken pain Black men carry. Host Kenia Thompson leads a discussion on how to identify the signs and create lasting lifestyle changes with guests Cornelius Kirk, J. Dwayne Garnett and

Winners in most races in the midterm elections have been congratulated, but hand-wringing by both parties continues as races in a few key states remain too close to call. Panelists Mary C. Curtis of the Equal Time podcast, political analyst Steve Rao, UNC student Greear Webb and Forsyth County GOP leader Harold Eustache discuss the election outcomes with host Deborah Holt Noel.

Black farmers fight for a place at the table through the courts and by creating Black farmers markets. Guest La’Meshia Whittington of Advance Carolina shares with host Deborah Noel a cycle of injustice for Black farmers that’s led to land loss. Producer Kenia Thompson visits farmer Kamal Bell of Sankofa Farms. Brielle Wright, founder of The Farmer’s B.A.G., talks about the Black Farmers’ Market.

MDC, a nonprofit based in Durham, kicks off a yearlong tour to highlight its 20th State of the South report, which helps bring about equity for communities in the South. Its CEO John Simpkins and Duke University’s Dr. Adriane Lentz-Smith discuss strategies for change with host Deborah Noel. Also, JOYEMOVEMENT founder Alexandra Joye Warren and graphic designer Marcus Kiser discuss art’s impact.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is October, but it is a year-round concern. That makes it a year-round mission for Sisters Inspiring Sisters, Inc. The SISI’s CEO Terry W. Spicer and board chair B. Jacqueline Jeeter share their ongoing work to fight breast cancer. Drs. Tomi Akinyemiju and C. Nicole Swiner discuss the latest in prevention and treatment

Society is changing and people are challenging the ideals of the Black church to improve focus on communication, eradication of environmental racism and meet the needs of modern mental health practices. Guests Reynolds Chapman, Executive Director of DurhamCares; Pastor Herbert Davis of Nehemiah Church; and the Reverend Jemonde Taylor with St. Ambrose Episcopal Church join host Kenia Thompson for the conversation.

AI, or artificial intelligence, will be the most transformative technology over the next 10 years. Guests Pamela R. Purifoy, Chief Brand Strategist of PRPro Media, and Angle Bush, founder of Black Women in Artificial Intelligence, join host Kenia Thompson to discuss its pros and cons.

Inclusive education goes beyond the books—it’s about the cultural experience. Dr. Noni Davis, founder of St. Sya Academy; Leonardo Williams of Durham City Council; and Stephanie Reed, founder and director of Aspire2Higher Personal and Professional Development, Inc., join guest host Kenia Thompson in a conversation about racial equity, African-center learning and hip-hop’s influence on education.

An exciting event in Durham brings together fashion and politics to engage younger voters. What the outcome of North Carolina’s Senate race could mean to the country’s political landscape. And the 2022 Primetime Emmys deliver a big night for Black women. Lamair T. Bryan and La’Meshia Whittington of Advance Carolina and student activist Greear Webb join host Deborah Holt Noel for the discussion.

North Carolina is home to many of the nation’s top HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). George Lynch, Co-founder of HBCU Heroes, and Kamille Bostick, Director of Programming at CREED, join guest host Kenia Thompson to discuss HBCU’s impact on the state.