With so much going on around the world and in the country, we take time this week to try and get everyone caught up on the most critical issues of the day. Hamas and Israel are in a fight that has reached epic levels of brutality. The US House is without a Speaker. There is still no budget deal. Should I go on? The bottom line is we have a lot to talk about. Join us for this important episode of Connections.

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There would be no Connections without Val Atkinson. Val served as host of the show for 33 years!!! He's back this week to talk all things political. Join us as we talk about the latest on Trump's legal troubles, the racist murders in Jacksonville, Fl, Mitch McConnell's latest health scare, the North Carolina Governor's race, and a who lot more.

If you want to here more from Val, remember he cohosts The Deal: https://thedealwithedclark.com

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Have you ever considered where your food comes from and whether it is fresh? We have some answers. Join us as we discuss your food and alternative farming methods with Elvin and Madeline Eaton. They own and run Fairport Farms in Kittrel, NC. Using innovative techniques, they bring fresh microgreens and other produce to farmers' markets and restaurants in central North Carolina without using harmful pesticides, gallons of water, and questionable labor practices. You can find more information here: 

https://www.facebook.com/FairportFarmsNC

https://www.instagram.com/fairportfarms/

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Join us as we catch up on what's happening in the NC Legislature with Zack Hawkins. Zack is among the most significant young political leaders in the state under 40, as indicated when he was named an NCCU 2018 Forty Under Forty Honoree. He has served in local, state, and national leadership roles, most recently as 1st Vice Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party. In this role, he was able to see several plans to fruition, including his initiatives to increase voter registration and fight voter suppression.

Zack received a B.S. in Biology from Elizabeth City State University and a M.S. in Biology from North Carolina Central University. Zack has served as a teacher in Durham Public Schools (Southern High School) and works daily to help remove financial barriers for those who need it most. As a development and advancement professional in nonprofits such as United Way and higher education institutions like East Carolina University, Duke University, and UNC, few causes are closer to his heart.

Zack lives in Durham with his wife, Tracey; sons, Zachari, James Preston, and Adam; and golden retriever, Sophie.

Find out more about Zack at: https://zackhawkinsnc.com/

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Join us for another great discussion. This time we are talking philanthropy with Baron Damon. Barron Damon is a Certified Nonprofit Consultant and Philanthropic Coach with over 20 years of experience working as an Executive for a National Non-Profit Organization. He holds coaching certifications from the Center for Congregational Health, an Associate Coaching Certification (ACC) from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Industrial Psychology from the University of South Carolina, and a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Webster University.  Find out more about Damon at: https://barrondamon.com/

Of course, we all so take a stab at some of the latest news headlines.

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Join us as we welcome Dr. Greta Oliver, The Roadmap Coach.  Greta Oliver is a professional coach specializing in student development, career development, and leadership development devoted to helping those in transition. She is the author of two books you should have on your shelf,  College Roadmap - Essential Tips for First-Time College Students and Their Families, published in 2021, and Career Roadmap - Setting Yourself Up to Reach Your Career Aspirations, published in 2023. Find out more about Dr. Oliver at:  https://www.gretaoliverconsulting.com/

We also talk about the recent Supreme Court decisions on affirmative action. All of that and much more.

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Join us as we welcome Lenwood V. Long, Sr., to the program. Lenwood is the President/CEO of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, a coalition of CEOs of Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) loan funds, credit unions, and venture capital funds representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Alliance members are united in their commitment to social and economic justice for African American communities.

We discuss how African American businesses and organizations can access capital without taking the much harder route through traditional banks and lending institutions. We also talk about funds available to allow organizations to reduce their carbon footprint, and reduce their cost for energy.

You can get more information about Lenwood and the organization here: https://aaacdfi.org/

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Join Cherelle and me as we welcome media expert Valonda Calloway, The TV Lady. We discuss her book  Tips From The TV Lady, A Guide For Making A Great Impression On Camera And In Person. Valonda also takes the time to give us tips, from how to be better in Zoom meetings to how to introduce yourself more memorably. We can't forget the rest of the news as we look at Donald Trump's latest indictment—all of that and much more on Connections.

https://valondacalloway.com/

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This episode was originally broadcast on May 28, 2023, on Foxy 104/107. As usual, we get caught up on the news, but this episode is from Minneapolis, Minnesota. We were there to cover the events commemorating the third anniversary of the murder of George Perry Floyd, Jr. As many of you know, George's roots are in Eastern North Carolina. We talked to his aunts, uncles, and cousins to gain a deep insight into the person George really was. Please share with the people you know. Look for a short documentary on the events coming very soon.

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Are you an entrepreneur and need some inspiration? Well, we have a great show for you. Join me and Cherelle as we discuss how to grow your business with Jimmy Davies, the founder of https://every.black. Learn some history as we discuss the roots of https://every.black in the Fuller Products (Brush) Company, started by S.B. Fuller. 

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