Elevate Maryland

In this episode, Candace and Tom sit down with Zhubin Parang, producer and writer at The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. He discusses the process of deciding what to cover and whether they consider themselves an appropriate source of "news". Zhubin also discussed his path from a big law firm to one of the most important comedy shows of our generation.

Three Things:

1) Reopen Protests

2) Biden's Veepstakes

3) Disparate impact of COVID deaths on people of color

In this interview, Candace and Tom sit down with President Obama's Domestic Policy Advisor and author Cecilia Munoz to discuss her new book "More Than Ready". In this discussion, we hit on the importance of elevating the voices of women and people of color. We also hit on the idea that the progressive movement sometimes masks important discussions about real inclusion and empowerment. Cecilia also has advice for how to moderate among competing egos and personalities. This is not an interview you'll want to miss.

Three Things:

1) Baltimore Mayoral Race

2) The need for government to "invest" during difficult economic times

3) Comptroller Franchot's #TakeItOutside campaign

Candace and Tom interview author, philanthropist, and community activist Wes Moore about his new book "Five Days: The Fiery Reckoning of an American City", which was co-authored with Erica L. Green. In this discussion, Wes describes the many manifestations of poverty and inequity, including the uprising of 2015. He talks about how his experience has guided his work and the importance of "proximity" when trying to do the work of social justice.

Three Things:

1) Howard County Public School System's PIA reform

2) Save Our Sun

3) Howard County For All's BoE Forum

In this episode, Candace and Tom interview Dan Porterfield, the President & CEO of The Aspen Institute about his career in higher education, his Baltimore roots, and where he believes we should be investing during this time of crisis. He also explains why he sees education as the "essential moral gesture" our society offers to its members and must be protected in times of limited resources.

Three Things:

1) Maryland schools close for the year

2) Loosening of restrictions under quarantine

3) Killing of Ahmaud Arbery

In this interview, Candace and Tom talk with housing activist and author Randy Shaw about how progressive jurisdictions across the country are divided over the subject of housing. They discuss his new book, Generation Priced Out, and the generational divide that is exacerbating the high cost of housing. Mr. Shaw also touches on some of the opportunities provided by the COVID-19 crisis to help restaurants thrive and provide more people-centric cities.

Three Things:

1) Pulitzer Prize Award Winners

2) Conspiracy and COVID-19

3) The right-wing lawsuit against Governor Hogan

Candace and Tom celebrate their 100th show by welcoming County Executive Calvin Ball back for his fourth appearance. They discuss Howard County's response to COVID-19, the FY2021 Budget, Howard County's new online dashboard, and the importance of every citizen completing the 2020 Census! The County Executive had a surprise up his sleeve for the end, which you won't want to miss!

Three Things:

1) The end of Red Maryland

2) Howard County's Commencement Speaker

3) Patriotism of staying home

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'" - Mister Rogers

In this episode of Elevate Maryland, Candace and Tom sit down with the "helpers" to find out what they're doing to address the socio-economic crisis that has accompanied and, in many cases, has been revealed by COVID-19:

Bita Dayhoff, Community Action Council/Food Bank of Howard County

Erika Strauss-Chavarria, Columbia Community Cares

Elizabeth Edsall Kromm, vice president of population health and advancement for Howard County General Hospital

Three Things:

1) Columbia Association Elections

2) Howard County's Recordation Tax

3) Delegate Brooke Lierman and Jose Andres

In this episode, Candace and Tom interview Howard County School Superintendent Michael Martirano about the roll-out of Howard County's remote learning program. He explained the timeline for getting things set up, the measures put in place to ensure consistency in learning, and how HCPSS is reaching its most vulnerable students. Dr. Martirano also addresses last fall's redistricting process and how the school system is continuing to prepare for the reassignment of schools next year.

Three Things:

1) Howard County's lost revenue due to COVID-19

2) Special Election for CD-7

3) Comptroller Franchot's Chief of Staff and retaliatory politics

In this episode, Candace and Tom interview UMBC professor Dr. Shawn Bediako about health disparities made apparent by COVID-19 that are rooted in systemic racism. He also discusses concerns related to the stigma of having the virus and recovered.

Candace and Tom sit down with four college students to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on their college experience, how they are coping with this disruption, and the advice they would give to students about to enter college in the Fall. This is a can't miss show. Our future is bright.

Featuring:

Alex Berland- Sophomore, St Mary's College Alexandra Ethridge- December, 2019 graduate from Hampton University who had planned to walk in May Milan Reed- Sophomore, Villanova University Cam Coleman- Freshman, Columbia University