KMOJCast

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Danielle Hughes joins Chantel Sings to discuss the opening of the Benjamin E. Mays Afrocentric Magnet program, a long-awaited educational opportunity that will welcome PreK-5 students beginning in fall 2026. She shares how the program's African-centered approach will integrate Black history, cultural identity, and academic excellence across the curriculum while providing students with a rigorous, literature-rich, and empowering learning experience. Hughes explains how the school will foster leadership, self-awareness, critical thinking, and community engagement, ensuring every child feels seen, valued, and prepared to make a positive impact. She also highlights the school's location in St. Paul's historic Rondo neighborhood, citywide transportation, after-school programming, and encourages families interested in this unique educational experience to enroll for the upcoming school year.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Marklyn T. Johnson joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss Pull Up a Chair: An Honest Conversation About Race in America, a book that combines real-life interviews, personal stories, and research to encourage thoughtful conversations about race in the United States. Rather than speaking only from his own perspective, Johnson amplifies the voices of everyday people and concludes each chapter with a "Mirror Moment," inviting readers to examine their own beliefs, experiences, and relationships. He also explains why he added a chapter addressing today's evolving conversations about race and how the book is intended to foster understanding rather than assign blame. The conversation explores how honest dialogue, practical action, and a willingness to listen can help people build stronger connections across differences and move toward meaningful change.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Peyton Scott Russell joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss a community mural project made possible through a Minnesota State Arts Board grant that brought together North High School students, emerging artists, and local organizations. He shares how the project began with an artist residency focused on expressive portraiture, encouraging students to explore creativity and self-expression by studying influential artists such as Picasso, Basquiat, and Butler. The second phase paired North High students with members of Russell’s advanced SPRAYFiNGER program, creating one-on-one mentorships that culminated in a collaborative public mural. Russell also highlights the many businesses, artists, and community partners whose support demonstrates how public art can inspire young people, strengthen neighborhoods, and bring communities together. He said that there will also be an official unveiling of the mural on Saturday, July 18th on the corner of Penn & Broadway.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Lyneir Richardson joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss an innovative wealth-building opportunity that could transform commercial real estate ownership in North Minneapolis. As CEO of The Chicago TREND Corporation, Richardson explains how Hawthorn Crossings Shopping Center is being positioned as Minnesota’s first community co-owned shopping center, giving local residents the chance to invest in and benefit from a major neighborhood asset. He highlights the importance of expanding access to commercial property ownership, which has traditionally been concentrated among a small percentage of investors, and shares details about special matching funds available to qualifying residents who live near the shopping center. The conversation also explores why North Minneapolis is poised for growth, how community ownership can help strengthen local economies, and what interested investors need to know before the July 31 deadline to become co-owners.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Darrail Hughes joins Chantel Sings to discuss the mission of PCYC Freedom Schools and how the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools program helps prevent summer learning loss while empowering young people through literacy, enrichment, and leadership development. He highlights this year’s National Day of Social Action on July 15, when scholars will march along West Broadway in North Minneapolis to raise awareness around the theme, “Are the Children Well?” with a focus on mental health and social-emotional wellness. Hughes explains why providing young people with opportunities to have their voices heard is essential to building stronger communities and brighter futures. He also recognizes the statewide network of Freedom Schools, including fellow Minneapolis sites at Nellie Stone and Lutheran Social Services, that are working together to support and uplift children throughout the summer.