Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

My guests include Rev. Dr. Earle Fisher. From the Importance of voting, to the Memphis Safe Task Force, to the National Guard shooting death of 20-year old  Tyrin Johnson in the back near downtown Memphis, there is plenty to discuss. He will share his unfiltered thoughts. Redistricting is top of mind for several southern states. Mississippi has now taken up the issue of changing congressional districts and redrawing maps to favor the Republican Party. Taylor Vance, writer for the Mississippi Today newspaper has been following this closely and joins me to lay it all out. Finally, literacy is a very big issue especially with our younger students that has gotten a lot of attention and is becoming a real priority. Author Alice Faye Duncan is a National Board Library Media Specialist who writes for young learners. Since 1995, she has written 15 picture books that are celebrated for inspiring messages. Alice served as a school librarian in the city of Memphis for 30 years and is a motivational speaker. She joins me to share why motivating others isn’t only for kids. 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.It’s time to talk!

My guests include Memphis City Councilwoman Michalyn Easter-Thomas. It has been quite a while since she has joined me so I thought it was time to catch up. She speaks on a variety of subjects like MATA, the Safe Task Force and an update on xAI data centers. Next, newly elected District 8 County Commissioner Will Richardson. His campaign was centered on three core priorities; public safety, education and workforce development and economic empowerment. I ask him about the obvious challenges that lie ahead like the budget, a new hospital and how to approach the need for a new jail. Lastly, the conversation on AI data centers is getting louder and it focuses on several concerns on local communities including noise, toxic emissions, environmental conditions and increased energy costs. Memphis activist KeShaun Pearson leads Memphis Communities Against Pollution and will join me to talk about this situation and why it’s so important. 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.It’s time to talk!  Thanks!

My guests include Memphis City Councilwoman Jerri Green. She’s a busy woman no doubt with a singular goal of making things better for every citizen. This week, she and her colleagues will address the XAI data center situation and how they plan to slow things down.  She is also eying a much bigger challenge as she will explain. Next, the City of Millington is doing big things and growing population is just one of them. City Manager Frankie Dakin talks about what a special place it is and how they are just getting started. Finally, we all know Memphis is a good sports town. Things are starting to crank up with Tigers football,Tigers basketball and the Grizzlies right around the corner. To discuss, I welcome a first time guest to Real Talk. He is the co-host of the popular Jason and John sports talk radio show which can be heard weekdays from 9am-noon on 92.9 ESPN. Jason Smith joins me to break it all down. 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!

My guests include Bartlett Alderman David Reaves. Recently, he has renewed a call for the Shelby County suburbs to break away and potentially form one of their own. But Reaves is also floating another option: the six outlying cities leaving Shelby and merging into adjacent counties. He joins me to talk about why he think it should be considered. Next, we just completed the municipal elections, and there are two new members of the County Commission. One of them, Amber Huett-Garcia, District 13 Commissioner elect joins me to talk about the transition from School Board member, why she made it and how she can make a difference. Lastly, AFSCME Local 1733 has been fighting for pay equity for a long time now, and recently, a tentative agreement with the city at a pay raise to $22.00 per hour will hopefully make that fight a reality. Staff Representative Maurice Spivey joins me to talk about next steps in the process as they prepare to face the City Council. 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.It’s time to talk!

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 who ever 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.It’s time to talk!

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.It’s time to talk

Episode Notes My guests include TN State Senator Raumesh Akbari. After an uneventful legislative session that concluded with the unexpected passing of G.A. Hardaway, we were even more shocked with a Supreme Court ruling that could change our city forever. A redistricting effort by the state that will split the 9th congressional district 3-ways turning it republican. We discuss. Next, the legislative body also voted to Takeover the daily function of MSCS by appointing a nine member management group to oversee the daily operations of the elected members. Michelle McKissack joins me to discuss this unprecedented move. Finally, we have seen an escalation in youth violence which made me ask how connected they are to the church and vice versa. Rev. William Thomas, (Pastor Bill) of Fullview MB Church is their Youth pastor and shares his thoughts. That and more on air and online Monday, 6 pm 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 MSCS Board Chair Natalie McKinney. With the state takeover bill done and awaiting the Governor's signature the real question is what happens next. She tells me about exploring possible legal options. Next, DA Steve Mulroy has a difficult job but a recent decision by the legislature may have added more to it. He drops by the studio to talk about an audit and possible removal from office for refusal to prosecute cases. Finally, MLK50 is an award winning, investigative publication that gives you a true indepth look at our city like no other. Founder Wendi C. Thomas joins me to share some recent headlines. 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. It's time to talk!