Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

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. CodeCrew 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. Next, The Souls to the Polls event was recently held to inform and educate the public about the redistricting issue and how critical it is for people to gather, galvanize, unify and understand what is at stake. Rachael Goodwin Spriggs, education advocate and statewide director of power-building for the Equity Alliance was a participant and joins me to talk about the important role millennials can play in the upcoming election. Last but not least, Shelby County Democratic Party Chairman Willie Simon joins me to talk about both the challenge and the opportunity to get people to the polls and why their voices do matter. That and more, on air and online Monday, 6-7pm on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also, the WYXR app, Tunein, Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.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!

We are back with a live and all new Real Talk Memphis; my guests include Beverly Robertson. She is a well established community leader and businesswoman. Now, she is taking on a new challenge as an appointed member of the MSCS Oversight board as chosen by Governor Lee. She joins me to talk about why she accepted the offer and the challenges that might lie ahead. Speaking of the MSCS School Board, member Tamarques Porter will join me to offer his thoughts and reaction. Another question is just how much authority they will now have as the elected body. Lastly, as of late, we hear more about our young people but for the wrong reasons it seems. I will introduce you to a 17-year old young woman, Jasmine Bernard who is making sure that people know that being young doesn’t mean being unaware. She is a community activist who has a lot to say. 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!

Episode Notes 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!