Hey Amarillo

A conversation with Melodie Graves, Associate Director of Advising at Amarillo College and member of the executive board of the Amarillo Branch of the NAACP. A long-time community activist, she shares with host Jason Boyett about being bussed to south Amarillo from the North Heights, her experience with subtle racism in high school and explicit racism while pursuing her Masters, and what the last few weeks of pandemic and protests have taught her about Amarillo. This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe and La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings.

"What I'll remember most is..." In mid-May, while cases were still rising in Amarillo and before the worldwide protests following the death of George Floyd, host Jason Boyett asked local listeners to call in and record the events, experiences and feelings they would remember most from the Coronavirus pandemic and shutdown. This final COVID Chronicles episode features the voices and perspectives of 24 different listeners in Amarillo, Canyon and elsewhere in the Texas Panhandle. This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental and Blue Handle Publishing. As usual, things may have changed by the time you listen.

"Value my life as a human being. Cry when you see harm done to a person that looks like me, and do your best to stand beside me." The murder of George Floyd has sparked national protests across the United States and an unprecedented conversation about race. Against this tragic backdrop, African-American residents of Amarillo share their experiences, their emotions, and their longing for change. Guests include Bowden Jones Jr., Jasmine Taylor, Joseph Peterson, Lia Warren, David Lovejoy and Patrick Miller.

"As a nation, we are in a pain dance." As May ended, another crisis compounded the pandemic's disruption. Protests spurred by the pain and outrage around racism spilled onto American streets. In this episode, Mayor Ginger Nelson shares with host Jason Boyett about Amarillo's response to both crises, and the challenge of leading in times of uncertainty. Meanwhile, Jackie Kingston of KAMR Local 4 News and Patrick & Krystal Burns of Palace Coffee return to update listeners as the city re-emerges from the shutdown. This episode is sponsored by Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. As usual, things may have changed by the time you listen.

"It was a nightmare. I can't think of a better word." In this episode, Amarillo residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 share their personal stories. Guests include a local Tyson plant employee still in quarantine, an 82-year-old woman whose husband spent several weeks in the hospital, and a single mom who got the virus from her teenage son. All presented a variety of symptoms and levels of severity. All have recovered. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative and Wieck Realty.

"It was the toughest decision I've ever had to make." Businesses are beginning to reopen around Amarillo. But taking this step is not as simple as unlocking doors or posting a sign. In this episode, local business owners and experts reveal the discussions they're having about moving forward. How do they balance the economy with public health? How do they protect their bottom line while also protecting customers and staff? Guests include Jason Harrison (Amarillo Chamber of Commerce), Kasey Tam (The NAT), Stephanie Henderson (Carpet Tech) and Brian Kelleher (575 Pizzeria). This episode is sponsored by Bivins Pointe and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.

"You have to take every day as a blessing." The pandemic and shutdown have devastated high school seniors, who had the final weeks of their school careers taken away from them. In this episode, a graduating senior from each Amarillo ISD high school shares what it's been like, what they regret, and what they'll remember from this moment. Guests are Shandra Ahsan (Amarillo High), Jared Arellano (Caprock), Kourtni Wilburn (Palo Duro) and Andrew Beggs (Tascosa). This episode is sponsored by Shemen Dental. Record a message at 806-318-8918 and you could be on a future episode.

"When people are afraid, they'll believe lies." How are the economic shutdown and pandemic impacting Amarillo's most vulnerable residents? Ryan Pennington tells host Jason Boyett how Amarillo's immigrants and refugees are coping. Junie Wagner explains how Guyon Saunders Resource Center helps the homeless stay safe. Kristi Greenway shares what this moment looks like at Park Central, Amarillo's largest retirement community. And Brooks Boyett of Mission 2540 gives insight into the plight of children in poverty. This episode is sponsored by Blue Handle Publishing.

"It's an ugly death. It is NOT like the flu." Few Amarillo residents know as much about the devastating physical and emotional impact of COVID-19 than local nurses who have been serving in New York City area ICUs. These healthcare workers have seen it up close. In this episode, Monica Blucher, Chuey Hernandez and Amber Lea Edwards tell host Jason Boyett about their experiences. Hernandez just returned home. The others are still on the job in NYC. While Amarillo's cases and hospitalizations increase, these nurses worry that locals aren't taking it seriously enough. This episode is sponsored by PestTex.

"I have to do something. How can I help?" As residents feel the impact of the economic shutdown due to COVID-19, Amarillo people are finding ways to help. Alex Fairly of The Fairly Group explains the company's "Stay Home and Sing" contest, as voting begins with a generous giveaway. Kelsey Forsberg has sewn around 500 cloth masks. Tremaine Brown of Shi-Lee's Barbecue & Soul Food Cafe has given out 30,000 meals to hungry kids. Amarillo College president Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart has spent a month manning the AC help desk. These interviews were recorded before April 27, 2020. Things may have changed by the time you listen. This episode is sponsored by SKP Creative.