On Second Thought

When the nation first met Georgia author Cassie Beasley , it was in 2015 with the release of her debut novel, " Circus Mirandus ." It went on to become a New York Times bestseller. Beasley’s books are targeted to middle schoolers, but the appeal of her storytelling is widespread. We talked with Beasley about her follow-up novel set in the Okefenokee Swamp, “ Tumble and Blue .”

About 30 years ago, the “Brotherman” comic series paved the way for today’s black comics and superhero movement. Atlanta-based artist Dawud Anyabwile is the co-creator of Brotherman. We talk with him about a new exhibit in Atlanta chronicling Brotherman’s universe. Nine Georgia men have filed a lawsuit against the Darlington School in Rome, alleging sexual abuse by former teacher Roger Stifflemore. The case has caused state lawmakers to propose expanding the Hidden Predator Act to give more time

The first black superhero in mainstream American comic books was the Black Panther, introduced by Marvel in 1966, but there have been other influential characters since then. Brotherman comics is the story of a public prosecutor who hits the streets at night, seeking justice. That series helped change the way African-Americans are portrayed in comics. An exhibit about the series is at Atlanta’s Auburn Avenue Research Library . Emory University also created a virtual world from the Brotherman

Last week, President Trump revoked another Obama-era Executive Order. This one required projects built with federal aid be designed to handle sea level rise due to climate change. We talk about how the scientific community is responding to climate change denial by the White House with Peter Dykstra of Environmental Health News. We also hear from Matt Hauer, a UGA demographer researching how sea level rise will drive coastal-dwelling Georgians inland.

It’s been two weeks since the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The violence there renewed conversations about race relations, and have left some searching for answers on how to de-radicalize people. That’s something Shannon Martinez of Athens knows firsthand. She was a skinhead for several years, but managed to leave that life behind her. We talk with her and Sammy Rangel of Life After Hate, a group that helps people move away from hate and violent extremism. In Atlanta,

It’s been two weeks since the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. The violence there renewed conversations about race relations, and have left some searching for answers on how to de-radicalize people. That’s something Shannon Martinez of Athens knows firsthand. She was a skinhead for several years, but managed to leave that life behind her. We talked with her and Sammy Rangel of Life After Hate , a group that helps people move away from hate and violent extremism. Warning:

Atlanta Theater Director Kenny Leon has produced theater versions of “The Wiz,” "Hairspray," and “Fences.” He also founded Atlanta's True Colors Theatre Company . Now, Leon is set to teach master classes on film and theater production at Kennesaw State University. Kenny Leon joins us in the studio to discuss teaching and his latest work.

In Atlanta, there’s a debate brewing over a different kind of Confederate monument -- street signs. Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed is reviewing petitions to rename streets that have names tied to the Confederacy. Atlanta resident Joe Thomas recently started an online petition to rename Confederate Avenue. He explains why the name doesn’t belong in the city he loves.

For centuries, groups in the South have sought to secede from the United States. More than 150 years after the Civil War, groups like the League of the South are pushing again to break from the Union. We talk about how serious we should take calls for secession with Roxanne Donovan, Psychology Professor at Kennesaw State University. And Trey Hood, Political Science Professor at the University of Georgia in Athens.

The South is a proud place. Southerners are notorious for their love of their heritage and culture. But following the events in Charlottesville , Virginia, it’s becoming more difficult to separate the South from its roots in racism and white supremacy. We talk about this growing identity crisis, and what it means to truly be from the South, with Chuck Reece, Editor of The Bitter Southerner; Regina Bradley, Professor of African Diaspora Studies at Kennesaw State University; and Sam Burnham,