My guests include MSCS Superintendent Dr. Roderick Richmond. The new school year is just beginning and not without more than a few questions. We are still wondering about who will be in charge of the day-to-day operations, the appointed board or the elected one. Dr. Richmond will tell me what his focus will be and the most urgent priorities he’s looking at as all of this continues to unfold legally. Next, the TN Statehouse is going to lose one of its long time and influential leaders soon. State Representative Johnny Shaw who has represented the people of Hardiman and Madison counties in District 80 for 26 years has decided to retire. He tells me why the time is now, his proudest accomplishments and what message he has for whoever succeeds him. Lastly, we all know how hot it gets in Memphis during a typical summer and for many, especially the unhoused, this creates a major burden especially when it comes to staying healthy in addition to finding shelter. Gee Gee Clark, Programs Medical Care Manager for the Memphis Health Center joins me to talk about this growing problem and what they along with community partners are doing to help. That and more on air and online Monday, 6pm on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also, the wyxr app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

My guests include Linda Phillips from the Shelby County Election Commission. Election time is here and its importance cannot be understated. Early voting has started and she gives us an update on the numbers, locations and everything you need to know. Next, the new school year is upon us and there is uncertainty as to who is in charge. The state created an Oversight Committee to basically oversee operations and  the day to day decisions over the elected school board. This has resulted in a lawsuit and a temporary restraining order by the board. Dr. Henry Jones is a Community Organizer and is Director at Together 4 Students. His position is that MSCS has not prepared our children for the future they deserve and should drop the lawsuit and get to work for our kids. He explains his mission. Lastly, Robert Gordon is a Grammy Award winning writer and filmmaker from Memphis. His work has focused on the American south. His latest film project is entitled, ‘Newport and the Great Folk Dream’. He joins me to talk about what he calls, a film that serves as a reminder of what the Statue of Liberty stands for. That and more on air and online Monday, 6pm on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

My guests include Shelby County Commissioner Britney Thornton. She is winding up her first term and shares her experiences both good and challenging. I also ask her what she learned and what might come next. Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner has been in law enforcement for over 40 years and as his time as sheriff winds down, we discuss his career highs and lows and if retirement and grandchildren are his new priority or ??. Finally, speaking of law enforcement, my next guest is a retired MPD Colonel with 30 years experience of patrolling the streets of Memphis. Darren Goods knows about crime and is responsible for solving the Lorenzen Wright murder case while with the gang unit. Now, he is the author of a new book, Memphis Crime: A Trilogy of Fear. He talks about that and what he sees on the streets today. That and more on air and online Monday, 6pm on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

My guests include State Senator Raumesh Akbari. With the redistricting issue at the forefront of the upcoming elections, I wanted to catch up with her to have her share why this is no time to be complacent. Also, her feelings about the MSCS oversight committee and what might this look like moving forward. Next, the County Commission just approved the new budget but not without a property tax increase. Charlie Caswell joins me to discuss what many have said was a challenging session and the prospects of working with a new group of members. Lastly, we are all becoming familiar with the new world of technology led by AI. Code Crew is helping to mentor underrepresented youth and adults to be the next tech innovators through computer science. CEO Meka Egwuekwe joins to tell us how. That and more on air and online, 6pm on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live and wherever you get your podcasts.

It’s time to talk!

My guests include Sarah Carpenter, a community and education advocate. She has been at the forefront and a passionate voice for the education of our children. I ask her how she feels about the new oversight management board and what she expects as they try to turn things around. Next, 1-year old Kohen Wiley was laid to rest after being shot and killed by police at a Senatobia Walmart. Many people including myself are wondering the why of it all. Attorney Van Turner who has joined the Crump legal team will join me to discuss this tragic case. Finally, many our youth face difficult challenges and at times head in the wrong direction. Co Pastors of the WORD Church Aaron and Lakisha Litzsey join me to discuss their program Urban Promise 901 and how honoring the role of fathers can make all the difference in a child’s life. That and more both on air and online Monday, 6pm on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also, the wyxr app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

It’s time to talk!

Guests include Karen Vogelsang, former long time educator and the final member of the new MSCS Oversight management board. She tells me why she said yes and why this is a challenging yet necessary step forward for the future of our children’s education. 

It’s time to talk! 

My guests include the Honorable Mayor Paul Young. It’s time for a check in on the pulse of the city, where things stand these days, how the city is doing and what else he’s working on. Next, we are all aware of the redistricting issue and how important it is to the future of our voting rights. He also talks about The Souls to the Polls event and the message for the people. Last but certainly not least is a commentator, columnist and author. Otis Sanford joins me to discuss his new autobiography, Newsman: The Road from Route 2 Box 9. It chronicles his rise from growing up in Mississippi to his 50-year journalism career. That and more both on air and online Monday, 6pm on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also, the wyxr app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

It’s time to talk!

Guests include TN Minority House Leader Karen Camper. The events of the last couple of weeks have been difficult and even transformative with more questions than answers. A Special Session was held which split the only Black district in the state (9), into three sections, redistricting and diluting the black vote. After that happened, the House Speaker stripped some House dems of committee assignments because they were disruptive. She shares her thoughts on all of it. Next, May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this is still a very serious issue in the Mid South. Recently, Alliance Healthcare Services opened the doors to the Children and Youth Crisis Wellness Center. Dr. Mallory Mitchell, MD, MPH, has joined the team as the Children and Youth Medical Director. She tells me why working with our young people is so critically important. Finally, in order to understand what is happening with this redistricting issue we need to understand its history. Dr. Charles McKinney is a professor at Rhodes College and a civil rights expert. He explains what we need to know and what we should do next. That and more both on air and online Monday, 6pm on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

It’s time to talk!

On the next live and all new Real Talk Memphis; Guests include Elaine Turner, civil rights activist, historian, educator and owner of Heritage Tours. As someone who marched with Dr. King and was even arrested, she remembers the bad old days of discrimination and shares her thoughts on why the recent redistricting move is dangerous. Next, Sr. Pastor Keith Norman of First Baptist Church Broad Avenue is an influential voice in our city. He shares his thoughts on the latest changes to the landscape; redistricting, MSCS Takeover, voter apathy and what could come next. Lastly, our city is still mourning the loss of Representative G.A. Hardaway, but the 93rd district he fought for still needs a leader. His son, T.J. Hardaway, was recently appointed to the interim position until the November election. He joins me to talk about the importance and responsibility of honoring his father's legacy. That and more Monday nite, 6pm on air and online on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also, the wyxr app, Tunein,  Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.

It's time to talk!