Today on the show, Wednesday host Ali Muldrow kicks off Black History Month with special guests Dr. Floyd Rose and J.R. Sims from 100 Black Men of Madison, a local nonprofit that seeks to “improve the quality of life within our communities and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all.”

They talk about living through Black history—including pivotal events like the polio epidemic, the police violence against Rodney King, and 9/11—and working with youth in the Black History Bowl to help them see that they are part of an ongoing legacy of Black excellence.

Over the course of the hour, they offer perspectives on Black America today and why there is cause for both justifiable anger and hope for the future.

Floyd Rose is the president of 100 Black Men of Madison and founder of the Wisconsin Council, a nonprofit organization that supports and develops minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses.

J.R. Sims is the vice president and spokesperson of 100 Black Men of Madison.