KMOJCast

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Reverend William Pierce and Sannia Eliza joined Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to preview the 3rd Annual Miss Juneteenth Minnesota Pageant, celebrating Black excellence, leadership, and the historical significance of Juneteenth. They discussed the pageant’s continued growth, including the addition of Mister and Mr. Juneteenth divisions and new age categories, bringing together more than 30 contestants competing for scholarships, awards, and opportunities for personal development. The conversation highlighted how the nonprofit pageant program goes beyond competition by offering mentorship, financial literacy, healthy lifestyle education, networking, and career exposure designed to empower Black youth and adults across generations. Listeners also learned about the June 6 event at North Central University’s Trask Worship Center, featuring a special performance by the legendary group Sounds of Blackness and the crowning of Minnesota’s newest Juneteenth royalty.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, LaVina Branscomb joined Chantel Sings to share how her North Minneapolis roots and personal journey have shaped her work as a multimedia artist blending graphic design, painting, digital art, and community storytelling. After losing her mother to breast cancer, Branscomb turned to art as a source of healing and transformed that experience into a mission to spread joy, uplift others, and celebrate community voices. She discussed her participation in The People’s Artist competition, a national showcase recognizing artists who use creativity to inspire healing, connection, and social impact, with the winner receiving a $25,000 prize, a feature in Artforum magazine, and an exhibition opportunity in Los Angeles. Branscomb also reflected on the importance of young people seeing artists who reflect their neighborhoods and experiences, while honoring her mother’s legacy by pouring love and purpose into her work. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Jay Haapala of AARP Minnesota joined Chantel Sings to review key outcomes from the 2026 Minnesota legislative session and discuss bipartisan efforts to improve financial security and quality of life for older adults. Haapala highlighted new legislation banning cryptocurrency kiosks beginning August 1, citing their growing use in scams and the difficulty victims face recovering stolen funds. He also discussed the expansion of Attorney General restitution funds for fraud victims, updates to Medicare coverage options for Minnesotans with pre-existing conditions, and strengthened protections for residents in assisted living, nursing facilities, and homeowners associations. Throughout the conversation, Haapala emphasized AARP’s nonpartisan advocacy approach and encouraged listeners to get involved as volunteers working to shape policies that help people age with dignity and security. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Kevin Lindsey, CEO of the Minnesota Humanities Center, joined Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to preview a series of Juneteenth events designed to celebrate African American history, culture, and community while reflecting on the nation’s continued pursuit of liberty and justice for all. Lindsey highlighted signature events including a Juneteenth Brunch and Community Conversation featuring bestselling author Clint Smith, Feeding Our Souls: The Essence of Juneteenth Joy with Black chefs and music from VocalEssence, the 30th anniversary performance of Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story, and a documentary screening of The Making of America. He discussed the importance of storytelling, shared history, and cultural celebration in building a more curious, connected, and compassionate society. Lindsey also encouraged listeners to register early for events, learn more about Minnesota Humanities Center programming, and take advantage of special ticket discounts for KMOJ listeners.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Superintendent Dr. Lisa Sayles-Adams joined Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to spotlight a season of celebration across Minneapolis Public Schools, highlighting the accomplishments of students, educators, and athletic teams. She congratulated music educators Lesley Earles and Laurie Meyers for being named quarterfinalists for the 2027 Grammy Educator of the Year Award and recognized the district’s 2026 Athena Award winners for excellence in athletics and leadership. Dr. Sayles-Adams also celebrated championship moments for Anthony Middle School girls flag football, Roosevelt High School’s adapted bowling team, and Southwest High School’s Unified soccer team, while applauding Olson Middle School teacher James Ellis for earning Fox9’s Top Teacher Award. The conversation wrapped with excitement around the Class of 2026 as MPS prepares for 15 graduation ceremonies and encourages seniors to dream big and continue making a difference.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, bdifferent joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss his new single, Done Looking 4 Love, dropping May 29, and the inspiration behind his latest music. He reflects on how Minneapolis has become a second home since 2020, sharing how the city embraced his early performances and played a role in his artistic growth. The conversation highlights his upcoming headline show, which features a carefully curated lineup of Minneapolis talent and reflects his commitment to supporting and investing in the local music community. bdifferent also talks about the growing national attention around his career, including support from artists and athletes like Hunxho, K Camp, CeeDee Lamb, and Kevin Durant, as well as the success of his 2026 mixtape Come On!!, which has amassed nearly four million streams. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Chief Joe Dotseth joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss his vision for public safety across the Twin Cities transit system and how the Metro Transit Police Department is taking a whole-community approach to policing. He explains how beat policing, neighborhood engagement, and partnerships with social service organizations are helping improve safety while connecting riders experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges to support. Dotseth also highlights outreach efforts, including the Northside Community Engagement Team and initiatives designed to build trust between law enforcement and the communities Metro Transit serves. The conversation explores early results from Metro Transit’s Safety and Security Action Plan, including increased proactive policing efforts and reductions in serious crime across the transit system.

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Leslie E. Redmond joins Freddie Bell & Chantel Sings to reflect on the significance of the sixth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder and why preserving truth and collective memory remains essential in this moment. She discusses Win Back’s annual Day of Remembrance, which brings together civic leaders, families, and community members to honor Floyd’s legacy through healing, reflection, and action. Redmond previews this year’s events, including the Yellow Flower Ceremony at George Floyd Square, scholarship presentations for local youth, and a historic conversation featuring representatives from the families of George Floyd and Emmett Till. The conversation also highlights Win Back’s year-round work in youth mentorship, civic engagement, and community healing, emphasizing the importance of turning remembrance into lasting impact. 

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Marquita W. Stephens joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss her historic leadership as the first female President & CEO of Urban League Twin Cities and how the organization is responding to today’s political and economic climate. She shares how Urban League Twin Cities continues to provide critical workforce services, helping individuals gain skills, secure employment, and build long-term stability. Stephens also highlights the organization’s family stabilization efforts, designed to support families navigating economic uncertainty and systemic barriers. The conversation explores the importance of investing in youth development, including the need for continued funding for summer programs that create safe spaces, leadership opportunities, and pathways to success for young people.