Race, Culture and the Church

Dr. Luke Wood reflects on his path to becoming the ninth permanent president of California State University, Sacramento, highlighting the experiences that shaped his leadership. He outlines an ambitious vision focused on student success, equity, and community impact, emphasizing the university’s role as a regional driver of opportunity and innovation. His goals extend beyond campus, aiming to strengthen partnerships and create lasting positive change throughout the Sacramento region.

In this episode, Sacramento City Councilmember Caity Maple sits down with Pastor Meeks for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, community, and the future of Oak Park, District 5, and the city as a whole. As she wraps up her first term, she reflects on key challenges, accomplishments, and lessons learned, while outlining her priorities moving forward. The discussion also looks ahead to her re-election campaign and the vision she’s bringing into the next chapter of public service.

In this episode of Race, Culture and the Church, Pastor Meeks talks with Nick Anderson, director, filmmaker, and founder of Bright Coast Productions. Nick shares his insight into the world of film making, and his journey behind completing his powerful new film, The Right to Exist, which tells the story of Camp Resolution and the ongoing housing crisis.

Pastor Meeks interviews Dr. Christopher Towler, an Associate Professor at CSU Sacramento. They discuss race, ethnicity, and political dynamics in America, focusing on how progressive social movements and far-right reactions shape cultural and ideological tensions within religious communities and broader society.

Pastor Rick Cole, Founder/Executive Director of Capital Compassion and retired Senior Pastor of Capital Christian Center, sits down with Pastor Meeks to discuss social justice, racial reconciliation and homelessness. Author of the book Incarnate: Jesus Among the Broken, he is a leader in global missions and outreach in Sacramento.

Tara Porter, Customer Strategy and Operations Manager at SMUD, shares powerful insights on the utility's impactful programs and their role in shaping community engagement and progress. In a heartfelt conversation, Tara also discusses her brother, Terry McCauley II, and her courageous pursuit of justice on his behalf. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that bridges public service, social impact, and personal resilience.

Pastor Meeks sits down with Scott Syphax, renowned business leader, entrepreneur and influential media commentator from Sacramento, California. Syphax is the celebrated host and executive producer of “Studio Sacramento,” the Emmy Award-winning PBS series known for its impactful weekly discussions on pressing issues and thought-provoking topics.

Chancellor Gary May discusses his vision, goals, and objectives for Aggie Square as it moves closer to completion. Learn about the transformative impact this ambitious project is expected to have on the Oak Park community and beyond.

Pastor Mark Meeks sits down with Assemblymember Kevin McCarty to discuss his time in office and candidacy for Mayor of Sacramento.

Dr. Flo Cofer shares her Sacramento mayoral candidacy journey and the countdown to election.

Sacramento City Council Candidate Roger Dickinson joins Pastor Mark Meeks to discuss his race for Council member of District 2.

Mayoral candidate Dr. Flo Cofer returns to discuss her vision for the City of Sacramento with Pastor Mark Meeks.

Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester discusses budgetary and operational challenges, as well as opportunities with Pastor Meeks

Jay King, CEO and President of the California Black Chamber of Commerce, Grammy Award winning singer, and record label executive, shares his remarkable history and drive.

Brandy Bolden, Chief Customer Officer at SMUD, the nation’s sixth largest publicly owned utility. A Sacramento native and UC Davis graduate, Brandy discusses her journey and trajectory with Pastor Meeks.

Mayoral candidate Dr. Flo Cofer speaks with Pastor Mark Meeks on her life, unique journey and Sacramento mayoral pursuit.

Pastor Mark Meeks sits down with Nick Anderson, documentarian and owner of Bright Coast Productions in Woodland. They discuss the production of Nick's upcoming documentary on the housing crisis in Sacramento: "A Call For Home."

Courtney Beal, Senior Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Specialist with SMUD shares her past, present and future, from McComb, Mississippi to Sacramento and her work at SMUD.

Epidemiologist and Sacramento Mayoral Candidate, Dr. Flo Cofer shares her journey into public health, policies and politics, and discusses issues confronting our community.

Dr. Markisha Webster, SMUD’s DEIB Director shares her lived experience and journey to Sacramento, and the joy that’s at the heart of her work in bringing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to our community.

Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper shares his perspective and suggestions on a variety of issues confronting our community.

Pastor Meeks discusses a range of issues with Phil Oates, Chairman of the Buzz Oates Group and minority owner of the Sacramento Kings.

Pastor Meeks sits down with Oak Park native Michael Benjamin II, District Director of Councilwoman Maple's District 5 as he shares his memories of Oak Park (which he proudly calls “the Park”) as well as his present and future hope for an even better community.

Pastor Mark Meeks sits down with Dr. Jon Wedding, Visiting Assistant Professor for the University of the Pacific and Program Manager of Diversity Equity & Inclusion at the Sacramento Municipal Utility District to discuss education and the pursuit of a better tomorrow.

Pastor Meeks discusses a variety of Oak Park and city-wide issues with District 5’s new leader, Councilmember Caity Maple.

Pastor Meeks sits down with Dr. Marilyn Nelson, award winning poet and author, National Book Award finalist, Frost Medal recipient and distinguished educator to discuss her storied career and Oak Park Sacramento heritage.

Pastor Meeks discusses a range of community and corporate issues with Jose Bodipo-Memba, Chief Diversity Officer with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.

Pastor Mark Meeks discusses a wide array of electric utility and community issues with SMUD Ward 6 Director Dave Tamayo.

Pastor Meeks sits down to discuss life with retired educator, community activist and nonagenarian Naomi Feldman.

Pastor Meeks sits down with Carson Anderson, City of Sacramento Historic Preservation Director (ret.) to discuss the importance of historic preservation in the framing of our future through the recalling of our past.

In this week's episode, Pastor Mark sits down with Gregg Fishman, Ward 3 Director of the Sacramento Municipal Utility District to discuss how SMUD is serving the Oak Park community and greater Sacramento area. SacRT SmaRT Ride Service Areas https://www.sacrt.com/apps/smart-ride/ SMUD Energy Assistance Program https://www.smud.org/en/Customer-Support/Financial-assistance Gregg Fishman Bio https://www.smud.org/en/Corporate/About-us/Company-Information/Board-of-Directors/Gregg-Fishman

Pastor Mark Meeks discusses a variety of health issues with Sacramento County's Public Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye.

Pastor Mark Meeks discusses a range of issues with Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg.

Pastor Mark Meeks sits down to discuss community issues with Retired Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn. "A Way Forward" podcast link: https://www.chiefhahn.com/podcast

Pastor Meeks sits down with Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester to discuss a range of policing issues in light of the events leading to the death of Tyre Nichols.

Pastor Mark Meeks speaks with Sonya Bradley, Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with Visit Sacramento.

Pastor Meeks discusses a wide range of community issues with the new Sacramento Police Department East Area Commander, Captain Stephen Moore.

In this episode of Race, Culture and the Church, Pastor Mark Meeks discusses the planned destiny of Sacramento’s Chief of Police Kathy Lester.

From education to Aggie Square, Pastor Meeks discusses a variety of issues with UC Davis Chancellor Gary May.

Pastor Mark Meeks discusses the return of the Colour of Music Festival with its founder and artistic director, Lee Pringle.

Pastor Meeks speaks with Dr. Alexander M. "Sasha" Sidorkin, Dean of the CSU Sacramento College of Education, on a wide range of educational issues.

Pastor Mark Meeks discusses issues facing the Oak Park community and City of Sacramento with District 5 Concilmember Jay Schenirer.

Pastor Mark Meeks sits down with Drs. Mark Henderson and Helen Chew as they discuss the unimaginable parental pain at the death of a child.

Pastor Mark Meeks discusses health and COVID-19 issues with Sacramento County's Public Health Officer Dr. Olivia Kasirye, M.D.

Pastor Mark Meeks discusses community issues with recently retired Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn.

Pastor Meeks discusses issues with Tamiko Heim, candidate for Sacramento City Council District 5.

Pastor Mark Meeks discusses community issues with Larry Lee, President and Publisher of the Sacramento Observer newspaper.

Pastor Mark Meeks sits down with Sacramento County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Jim Barnes.

Pastor Mark Meeks sits down with Sacramento City Councilmember Jay Schenirer as he reflects on 20 years of public service, and looks forward to what's ahead.

Pastor Mark Meeks discusses Aggie Square and more with UC Davis Chancellor Gary May.