In the summer of 2020, it appeared the United States was experiencing a racial awakening. The killings of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor sparked global protests and declarations for racial justice and equity. Corporations pledged their support to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and the Black Lives Matter philosophy. For today’s edition of Feedback Friday on “Closer Look,” Rose is asking guests and listeners, where are we now as a nation, five years later?

 

Guests include:

 

Nsenga Burton, an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur, and the editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire

 

Dr. Maurice Hobson, an author, historian and Africana studies and history professor at Georgia State University

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Georgia has formed its first PTSA with a focus on special needs students. Special Education Parent Teacher Student Association was established to provide advocacy for special needs students and their families across the state – a group that lacks resources outside of the Atlanta metro area. Rose talks with Lola Green, the founder and executive director of the Urban Indigo Foundation, Priscilla Borders, the Georgia PTA family engagement chair and Anita Hagins Jones, the president of the Georgia PTA. They talk more about the mission of the association and its top priorities.

 

Althea Holmes has spent much of her life navigating a world that often underestimates what’s possible for people with rare conditions. She was born with Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, and has suffered the loss of her husband and mother. Now, she’s using her life experience to support others through creativity. She offers a deeper glimpse into her journey and inspires others through a self-published bio-zine, called Ewkniklee Mee. Holmes talks with Rose about some of the most defining moments in her life.

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GLAAD is the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization. Last year, Darian Aaron, the director of Local News: U.S. South, founded GLAAD Down South to expand GLAAD’s work, specifically making sure accurate and inclusive narratives about LGBTQ Southerners and people living with HIV are told in the media. Arron joins “Closer Look,” to talk more about the upcoming 1st annual GLAAD Down South media event.

On April 14, a suspect allegedly ran a red light in the Little Five Points area while being pursued by Georgia State Patrol – that’s when 19-year-old Cooper Schoenke was reportedly struck and killed by Faduma Mohamed. The tragedy has moved a coalition of elected officials, physicians, and civil rights advocates to call for change from state authorities. State Representative for District 58 Park Cannon and Devin Barrington-Ward, the director of communications for the National Police Accountability Project, discuss this renewed effort.

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In March, a convicted murderer was released from the Clayton County Jail by mistake. The family of his victim and Clayton County officials say they were not alerted until days later. The inmate was eventually apprehended almost three weeks later, not far from the Florida hometown of his victim’s family. Today we’re asking, how often are inmates released by mistake, who should be held accountable and what process should be in place for alerting the public, especially the victim’s family? Defense attorney David West returns to “Closer Look” to give his legal take.

Plus, there has been an increase in data centers being built across the Peach State, prompting many questions. Today, we preview WABE’s new series, “Server South.” The series explores what data centers are and why the industry has honed in on Georgia to plant roots. For

 

“Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, we hear from Ivy Nganga. The Oglethorpe University graduate majored in economics and minored in math. She talks with Rose about her academic journey, including plans to pursue a PhD and her long-term aspirations to help women in Kenya.

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CareYaya is a healthcare tech startup that connects college students with families in need of caregiving services. Neal K. Shah, the co-founder and CEO of CareYaya, and Hannah Imolode, a CareYaya Joygiver and student at Georgia State University, discuss how CareYaya is celebrating seniors in Georgia and across the country through a Mother's Day Initiative.

 

Georgia's TV and film industry generates more than $4 billion to the state’s economy. The state’s film tax credit incentive has attracted big budget production companies. However, many smaller and independent companies don't benefit from the incentive, and recently there’s been a decline in productions being filmed in the Peach State. For Feedback Friday of “Closer Look,” host Rose Scott talks with people directly impacted by the shift and takes calls from listeners. Guests include: Sade Wilkins, an Atlanta-based producer and writer, Tabari Sturdivant, a director and producer, Kelsey Coggin, an Atlanta-based travel coordinator, and L.M. Davis, a director and filmmaker.

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Despite legal status for international students being restored after the Trump administration revoked their visas, the White House vows to keep targeting international students deemed disruptive. Meanwhile, advocates and legal experts fear this won't be the government's last attempt to target international students. On today’s edition of “Closer Look,” Rose talks with representatives from both groups.

 

Guests include:

 

Immigration attorney Charles Kuck

Cory Isaacson, the legal director of the ACLU of Georgia 

Samantha Hamilton, a litigation attorney for Asian Americans Advancing Justice Atlanta

Andrea Young, the executive director of the ACLU of Georgia

Azka Mahmood, the executive director of CAIR-Georgia

Jennifer Lee, the policy director for Asian Americans Advancing-Justice Atlanta

 

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According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, there are currently 26 movies and TV shows being filmed in the Peach State. However, the CEO and founder of Georgia Entertainment says Georgia may be facing a “distinctive shift in its film production output.” This comes as President Trump recently proposed a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States. WABE business reporter Marlon Hyde discusses his latest reporting on Georgia’s film industry, Georgia’s film tax incentive and the actions some filmmakers are taking.

 

Plus, from Dubai to the United States, Sumayyah Yoonas, a 2025 Georgia Gwinnett College graduate, once had dreams of becoming a doctor. But that desire changed during the pandemic. For “Closer Look’s” Class of 2025 graduation series, Yoonas shares the many events leading to a degree in middle school education.

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching. Mayor Patti Garrett discusses how the City of Decatur is preparing fans. They’re hosting Decatur WatchFest26, a 34-day festival.

Plus, Dennis Velez is a 2025 graduate of Georgia Tech. While working toward his degree in mechanical engineering, the theme park enthusiast earned the nickname 'safety guy.' For “Closer Look’s” 2025 graduation series, Velez talks more about his academic journey, his experiences at Georgia Tech, and his aspirations for the future.

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2025 marks 120 years for United Way of Greater Atlanta. Milton J. Little, Jr., president and CEO of UWGA, discusses their long-standing mission, their resiliency, and their ongoing efforts to improve economic mobility across 13 metro counties by providing access to services and resources.

 

Plus, Grant Wallace, known for his lawncare and glass recycling businesses featured on “Closer Look,” returns to the program to share his latest venture: The Southern Shmooze. The serial entrepreneur talks with Rose about his new business directory that was born from a Facebook group. He also shares how it’s helping Atlanta area residents connect with business owners.

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Agriculture is the oldest and number 1 industry in Georgia. Its economic impact is more than $74 billion every year, employing more than 399,000 Georgians. For the May installment of “Coffee Conversations”, the “Closer Look” team headed to Community Grounds Coffee Shop. The conversation focused on Georgia’s agriculture industry, exploring what’s thriving and the challenges facing Georgia’s producers and growers. Rose talked with guests about the importance of supporting local farmers, how the economy is encouraging more Georgians to grow their own food, as well as everything you need to know about urban farming in Georgia.

Guests include:

Jeff Delp, the director of economic development for FSC Ministries & Community Grounds Coffee Shop

 

Doug Deveaux, the CEO and co-founder of AgriUnity

 

Robert Chappelle, a fifth-generation farmer and the founder of Moby’s Maters

 

Henry Ostaszewski, a co-founder of Blue 42 Market

 

Kashi Sehgal, the founder and CEO of Retaaza

 

Katie Kissel, a co-chair for the board of directors for  Unearthing Farm & Market

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