Black Issues Forum

Sen. Jay Chaudhuri (D-Wake) discusses his renewed effort to pass hate crimes legislation following the week's murder of Asian women. A state proposal could see protesters face felony charges if convicted of rioting. And Raleigh's police reform commission loses members. Deborah Holt Noel hosts.

Mary C. Curtis (columnist for "Roll Call" & host of the "Equal Time" podcast), attorney and political analyst Jessica Holmes, and writer Courtney Napier break down some of the week’s headlines through the eyes of Black women. Marcella Howard (In Our Own Voice) and Omisade Burney-Scott (“Black Girls’ Guide to Surviving Menopause”) also break down the growing reproductive justice movement.

Newly elected NC Democratic Party Chair Bobbie Richardson breaks down the party's goals for 2021; The leaders of the NCAE and NC PTA discuss the needs of teachers, students, and parents as in-person learning resumes; and a dive into the past, present, and future of Black farmers with Julius Tillery of Black Cotton, Kendrick Ransome of Golden Organic Farm, and Kamal Bell of Sankofa Farm.

This week, Black Issues Forum breaks down how NC's easing COVID restrictions could be received by those most affected by the pandemic; new conversations surrounding race in pop culture, and the debate over what - and how much - NC students are learning about Black history in public school. Panelists include NCCU instructor Brett Chambers; WTVD reporter Tim Pulliam; and political analyst Jessica Holmes.

Mary C. Curtis, a columnist for "Roll Call" and host of the "Equal Time" podcast; Morrisville Town Councilman Steve Rao; and La'Meshia Whittington-Kaminski with Advance Carolina and the NC Black Alliance join Black Issues Forum to break down a new lawsuit against Donald Trump, the latest effort to remove Confederate monuments in NC, and a new law enforcement funding bill.

Black Issues Forum breaks down the impact of Donald Trump's impeachment trial; ongoing negotiations over Pres. Biden's stimulus proposal; and NC's latest COVID relief bill. This week's panelists include Patrick Hannah, chair of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators' corportate round table; 2020 Democratic candidate for NC Labor Commissioner Jessica Holmes; and NCCU professor Brett Chambers; Kerwin Pittman, founder of RREPS; and writer and journalist Dean-Paul Stevens.

North Carolina's Lt. Governor Mark Robinson joins Black Issues Forum with his take on the push for more in-person learning options, and his opposition to new changes to the state's social studies standards. St. Augustine's University professor Umar Muhammad, executive director of CREED James Ford, and freelance writer/journalist Courtney Napier also join us to break down the week's headlines.

NC's Secretary of DHHS Dr. Mandy Cohen joins Black Issues Forum with an update on the state's ongoing COVID-19 vaccination efforts; NC Senators Don Davis and Natalie S. Murdock break down the start of the 2021 session; Black Issues Forum Analysts Mary C. Curtis, Addul Ali, and Steve Rao give their takes on Pres. Biden's approach to racial inequity, and plans to put Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill.