Local Matters Podcast

Dr. Lee Merchen, new Director of the East Central Georgia Health District, describes how the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus has affected our region. She also touches on environmental health, cancer screenings, programs for persons with HIV/AIDS, and services to women, infants and children.

Patricia Jackson is a career educator in Albany, GA. She discusses her new book, Uncrippled: Guiding Children from Trauma to Triumph. Ms. Jackson admits making a number of mistakes over her 30+ years, how she has processed those situations, and how she learned to do better by children who faced hidden trauma. She also discussed her own childhood trauma and how that helped her relate to her students.

Rev. Melvin Ivey has translated his lifetime of activism, community involvement, and ministry into the Presidency of the Augusta Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He discusses the strengths and limitations of the 501(c)4 type of non-profit organization, their focus on voting rights and voter education, and the events that they have participated in to advocate for their permanent issues. He also describes what it means to be a civil rights organization, and the steps they take to ensure that organizations and institutions don't violate the rights of individuals.

Non-profit organizations play a vital role in service to the public. Learn how you can get more engaged in your community and help yourself through programs offered by non-profits. Linda Johnson and Kathie Johnson of the Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta discuss the mental health summit scheduled for January 20th,2022. Bernice Bogan and Dr.Beulah Nash-Teachey of Phi Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi discuss their partnership with other non-profit organizations to host a heart truth workshop on February 5th,2022.

Georgia State Senator from District 22 Harold Jones, Augusta, describes what has transpired at the state and local levels with respect to redistricting. We touch on how that affects the balance of power between political parties in the State House and Senate, the legal constraints they faced, and how, inevitably, someone will not like the results.

Grow with Google is a national initiative designed to help black women acquire the technical skills necessary to advance in today's world. The Augusta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta is one of the many organizations throughout the country offering this training. Kimberly Hayes leads this project on behalf of the chapter.

Candidates are announcing their intent to run for Governor of Georgia. There are a number of factors at play, and it is critically important that we start researching the issues and what these candidates stand for. It is never too early to get ready to vote.

It requires a vision of what could be to make anything happen. Mrs. Jefferson is the widow of the late Commissioner Andrew Jefferson,who first brought the idea of converting the former Lake Olmstead baseball stadium into a music venue. She describes where he got the idea, and how he worked with his colleagues to make it a reality. She also touches on what it is like to be the spouse of someone in politics. Greg Costello of C4Live also tells us more about their vision for XPR Augusta.

Greg Costello, Managing Partner of C4Live, describes why they have chosen to pursue the Lake Olmstead Stadium as a unique music venue. After having worked with some of the most successful artists in the world, they are planting roots in our city. Learn more about XPR Augusta at https://xpraugusta.com/.

In business, it takes money to make money. But how do you get it? Damion Moses of Security Federal Bank works to grow businesses. Whether the need is to purchase new equipment, expand production, or construct a new building, he provides information that can help you make good decisions for your business.