KMOJCast

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell welcomes Danielle Hughes, the new principal of Benjamin E. Mays, to discuss the school’s upcoming Afrocentric program launching in fall 2026. Hughes explains how the program centers Black history, cultural pride, and racial identity development to create a rigorous, affirming learning environment for students in grades PreK through 5. She shares how African-centered values and Dr. LaGarrett J. King’s principles of Black Historical Consciousness guide the curriculum and help students develop confidence, self-awareness, and academic excellence. The conversation also highlights the school’s Rondo neighborhood roots, districtwide transportation, and important application details for families interested in enrolling.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings are joined by Dr. David Mair of the American Red Cross to discuss a serious blood shortage affecting hospitals and patients nationwide. Dr. Mair explains how winter weather, illness, and a severe flu season have led to thousands of missed blood donations, while the need for blood continues every day. He highlights why Black donors are especially important, particularly for patients with sickle cell disease who rely on closely matched blood transfusions. The conversation emphasizes the safety of donating, how listeners can help, and upcoming opportunities, such as local blood drives, to save lives by giving blood. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell is joined by immigration attorney Flavia Santos Lloyd, Esq., for an important conversation about immigration enforcement and family protections. Drawing on her more than 20 years of experience—and her own background as a former immigrant—Lloyd explains what recent public sentiment and polling reveal about growing concerns nationwide. She offers clear, practical guidance for listeners on how to respond if law enforcement arrives, including understanding warrants, knowing the right to remain silent, and avoiding signing documents under pressure. The discussion emphasizes preparation, calm decision-making, and the importance of seeking legal advice early to protect individual rights and family stability.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell speaks with Rod Adams and Paige Ingram about the urgency of Black unification and solidarity in the current moment. The conversation centers on the goals of the Black Mass Meeting following February 5 and why collective action and policy-driven power building are critical for Black communities. Adams and Ingram share ways individuals can stay connected and engaged even if they are unable to attend in person. They also outline what sustained, long-term community engagement looks like and how listeners can remain involved in shaping the future of the movement. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell is joined by Jay Haapala of AARP Minnesota to discuss the growing threat of scams and fraud impacting Minnesotans. Haapala explains how scammers impersonate trusted figures such as family members, government agencies, banks, faith leaders, tech support, and even immigration enforcement to trigger fear or urgency and override good judgment. He breaks down why emotional manipulation is central to these schemes and how technology is used to make scams more convincing and costly. The conversation closes with practical advice on slowing down, verifying information, talking to trusted people, and using resources like the AARP Fraud Watch Network to stay protected. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Freddie Bell welcomes Tikonwaun (Tiki) Blackamore from Minneapolis Public Schools to highlight Black History Month and the importance of community engagement. Tiki shares why celebrating Black history matters and how MPS creates meaningful opportunities for students, families, and the broader community to connect, learn, and reflect. The conversation spotlights public events such as the “Exhaling” art exhibit, the popular “Cooking with Soul” series, and music and wellness-centered programs throughout February. Tiki also highlights family-focused events like National African American Family Involvement Day and encourages listeners to explore the full calendar of activities on the MPS website.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Chantel Sings welcomes Stephanie Davies-Larson and Grace Mobosi-Enwesi from Minneapolis Public Schools to spotlight National Magnet School Month. The conversation explores what makes magnet schools unique and how MPS offers theme-based learning in fine arts, global studies and humanities, STEM/STEAM, Montessori, and Spanish dual language programs. The guests share examples of innovative learning happening at magnet schools across the district and discuss how community partnerships enhance real-world learning experiences. They also provide guidance on school tours, upcoming deadlines, and where families can go to learn more about magnet school options at MPS. 

Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings talk with Jason Marque Sole, a formerly incarcerated abolitionist, criminal justice educator, and adjunct professor at Hamline University. Sole reflects on being recently pardoned and what that moment means personally and for broader conversations about justice and accountability in Minnesota. He discusses the importance of staying informed about what is happening in the state and how community-based responses to harm can create real change. The conversation also highlights the Humanize My Hoodie Movement and how it uplifts youth by challenging harmful perceptions and fostering dignity, connection, and healing in the Twin Cities and beyond. 

Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings speak with educator, film producer, and author Derek Francis about Minnesota’s often-overlooked school integration story. Francis discusses his new children’s book, Our First Bus Ride, which commemorates the 55th anniversary of Minneapolis’ Hale–Field elementary school integration and is told through the eyes of two second graders experiencing change for the first time. He explains how the book and his film Separate Not Equal: Minnesota Integration Story make complex history accessible for young readers, families, and educators. The conversation also highlights upcoming community events, conversations with integration alumni, and the ongoing importance of building inclusive, culturally responsive schools today. 

Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings welcomed Christine Tucci Osorio, Superintendent of School District 622, for a “Chat with Christine” focused on the current challenges facing the school community. Osorio discusses how ICE activity and broader community stressors are impacting students, families, and staff across the district. She outlines the district’s evolving response, emphasizing safety, student learning, family outreach, vigilance, and accommodations to meet changing needs. Osorio closes with a call for collective support of young people, highlighting the importance of predictable routines, opportunities for joy, and healthy stress management.