On tonight’s edition of Bring It On!, hosts Clarence Boone and Gloria Howell spend the hour with the founder of “15 White Coats”, Dr. Russell Ledet. “15 White Coats” promotes and celebrates Black physicians and helps the next generation of Black physicians achieve success. It aims to address the problem of the continued whitewashing of health services. Dr. Steve Simpson, an outstanding pediatrician and recipient of the Dr. George Sorrells Community Physician Award, and Brittany King, Indiana University Foundation Marketing and Content Writer, also contribute to tonight’s discussion on the lagging representation of black doctors in the United States.

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In tonight’s edition of Bring It On!, hosts Clarence Boone and Liz Mitchell honor Women’s History Month with an evening centered on black women. They spend the hour with Dominque Borneman, founder of Midwest Sister Circle Inc., a community of hope and restoration promoting education, advocacy, and connection for women across Central Indiana; and Danielle Willis, founder of Dynasty Haven, a non-medical caregiving agency providing personalized in-home care, wellness check- ins, and support services that empower individuals to age with dignity.

Forbes magazine reported that throughout history, Black women have been a driving force in redefining industries, from entrepreneurship to leadership roles across various sectors. These entrepreneurs are still breaking barriers today, building successful companies, and creating opportunities for future generations of innovators. Their contributions shatter stereotypes and demonstrate the power of women in leadership, showing that with vision, support, a plan, and the right resources, they can lead and innovate in any field. Tonight, we kick off Women’s History Month with a conversation with two black women in the health care field who have started their own nonprofit organizations.

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On tonight’s edition of Bring It On!, hosts Clarence Boone and Liz Mitchell spend the evening with former Bloomington Director of Safe and Civil Cities and Chicago native Beverly Calender-Anderson, and the President of the Monroe County Branch of the NAACP, Jim Sims, to remember the recently departed Rev. Jesse L. Jackson.

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On tonight’s broadcast of Bring It On!, hosts Clarence Boone and Liz Mitchell spend the hour with the cast and crew for the play Parade, written by Jason Robert Brown. This free production will occur on February 20th at 7:30 PM and February 21st at 2 and 7:30 PM at the IU Studio Theatre.

The play is set in Atlanta in 1913 and tells the true story of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager accused of murdering thirteen-year-old Mary Phagan. As public outrage grows, fueled by sensationalist journalism and deep-seated prejudice, the trial becomes a reflection of a divided South. Leo’s wife, Lucille, fights to prove his innocence, and together they discover an unexpected strength in their love. What follows is a searing collision of truth, prejudice, and the desperate need for justice. This musical deals with incredibly somber themes such as anti-Semitism, racism, discrimination, and injustice.

The desire to put on Parade in what today seems to be an ultimately divided societal climate was overwhelming. The members of Indiana University’s Theatre and Contemporary Dance department believe in the need for unity, inclusion, and peace for all, regardless of background, identity, religion, or status.

Parade is a warning about the dangers of prejudice and division. With such delicate topics, we need your support to tell this story in the way that it SHOULD be told. Boldly and truthfully. This GoFundMe will help us cover a variety of costs, including payment for our band members and individual design pieces for our costumes and set.

In addition, this production of Parade is created and produced by Indiana University students, and they would appreciate any amount that you are willing to donate in support of their production by donating to their GoFundMe.

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In this edition of Bring It On!, hosts Clarence Boone and Dr. Gloria Howell spend the hour with Andrew Shannon and Dr. Raymond Wise to discuss the events occurring throughout February in the City of Bloomington and Indiana University to honor Black History Month.

Dr. Gloria Howell is the Director of the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center, and this evening’s co-anchor. Mr. Andrew Shannon is the Director of Safe and Civil Cities for the City of Bloomington and last. Dr. Raymond Wise is the Executive Director of the African American Arts Institute, an Indiana University – Bloomington division devoted to African American music and dance performance under the College of Arts and Science. Bring It On! thanks them for their participation in today’s show and educating us on the celebrations occurring for Black History Month.

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On today’s edition of Bring It On!, hosts Clarence Boone and Dr. Gloria Howell spend the hour with Dr. Traci Parker. Dr. Parker is a historian, speaker, and author whose work examines African American history, civil rights, and the intersections of consumer culture and social justice. She is an Associate Professor of History at the University of California, Davis. She is also next week’s keynote speaker at the City of Bloomington’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration at 6 P.M., at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.

Along with teaching history, Dr. Parker is the co-editor of The New Civil Rights Movement Reader. She is currently editing a volume on the history of marriage in twentieth- and twenty-first-century America. Her forthcoming book, Revolutionary Love, explores intimacy and radical politics in the Black freedom struggle. She is also at work on a long-overdue biography of Coretta Scott King.

She is a frequent media commentator and public speaker. She has served on the editorial board of the Journal of American History. Currently, she serves as Vice President of the Berkshire Conference of Women Historians.

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In today’s edition of Bring It On!, hosts Clarence Boone and Liz Mitchell continue their conversation with Antonio “A. Jay” Jackson Sr., who has rebuilt his life after incarceration. He started his own business and forged a positive path forward. He is here to talk about the challenges of life after prison and how he was able to create a good life, crediting his grandmother with giving him the power to transform his life. Part Two of their conversation focuses on his post- incarceration commitment to building a better future, not only for himself, but for his community. A. Jay has launched several business enterprises:

Sidewalk snow removal

Home Delivery or store delivery

Jumble Firefood:

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In today’s edition of Bring It On!, hosts Clarence Boone and Liz Mitchell spend the hour with Antonio “A. Jay” Jackson Sr., who has rebuilt his life after incarceration. He started his own business and forged a positive path forward. He is here to talk about the challenges of life after prison and how he was able to create a good life, crediting his grandmother with giving him the power to transform his life.

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On tonight’s edition of Bring It On!, host Clarence Boone and co-host Liz Mitchell spend the hour with Santa D. Sinclair of Georgia, who is the president of Santas of Color Coalition (S.O.C.C.), which promotes Santas of all colors and cultures. Santa D. Sinclair also goes by the moniker of the “Real Black Santa.”

The inclusion of Black Santa Clauses in public spaces like malls, community centers, and parades powerfully reinforces to children of color that they are seen, valued, and embraced. Tonight’s program provides a deep dive into this concept and how the Santas of Color Coalition advances this mission.

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