Connections with Ed Clark and Cherelle James

Cherelle James is back and we catch up on the latest news impacting North Carolina. We also fins some time to talk about the Olympics, and some Triangle connections. Plus, we look at how the Presidential campaign seems to have taken up permanent residence is North Carolina. All of that and so much more on this weeks edition. Support the show

Join us for a special edition of Connections as we discuss the increasing number of suicides in North Carolina and what some people are doing to raise awareness. Our guests are Sheyenne Kramer and Mirama Bah. They are part of a coalition of groups in the Triangle, sponsoring events to raise awareness. Please visit the website https://ignitethespark.co/ to get all the latest information and register for the event. Also, don't forget to download or share the link to this show. Support the show

It is the Fourth of July weekend, and American democracy is in jeopardy. Joe Biden, coming off a weak debate performance, is trying to ensure the voters that he is the right choice to be President. Join me and Cherelle James as we get you caught up on the latest news. We explore the impact of NC Governor Roy Cooper's influence on the presidential race. Plus, we have to talk about the Supreme Court's willingness to hand additional powers to the president. Powers that are in the hands of Donald Trump will be used to punish his political opponents. We also look back at the US Track and Field Olympic Trials, which have a lot of Triangle-based participants—all of that and much more. Support the show

Join me for the latest episode of Connection. I talked to filmmaker and creative Prehhus Lee about what she has been up to since visiting us last year: another major health crisis, new projects, advocating for your healthcare, and much more to discuss. PRESHUS LEE (pronunciation: precious) Correct spelling is PreShus...the "S" is non-negotiable​​​​​​​ Writer/Editor/Director/ Multi-Hyphenate Filmmaker Hidradenitis Suppurativa Warrior Debut Film: "Chapter 32: From Tragedy to Triumph"​​​​​​​ Co-CEO/Founder SutchiLee Productions, LLC Co-Creator #AllAboutThatKpopLife Get in Touch Email: preshus@sutchileeproductions.com Support the show

Join us as we take an in-depth look at the issues impacting people. Cherelle and I analyze the race for governor in North Carolina. Will the Josh Stien v Mark Robinson contest drive people to the polls? North is in the spotlight. Plus, we catch you up on the latest news for the week... Support the show

Happy Easter!!! Cherelle and I are here to discuss the latest news from the past two weeks. The collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore leads us off as we also talk about infrastructure, transportation, and the big political stories. Plus, we talk about the latest developments in the accreditation crisis and St. Augustine's University. Support the show

Pastor Al Gee developed a deep and abiding relationship with God through Christ as a young child. His longing for the increased manifestation of the miraculous among the Body of Christ was initiated through his personal experience with divine healing from a childhood disease. Born in Miami, Florida, the third of seven children to Allious and Mable Gee, he was groomed throughout his youth to believe in God for the impossible. Faith was the bread his family was nourished on, and they repeatedly experienced the miracles of God. These spiritual experiences indelibly shaped his life and ministry. His academic endeavors, coupled with years of a career in management, were the seasoned springboard the Lord used to launch him into a successful professional career and multi-dimensional ministry life. A graduate of Long Island University in New York with an undergraduate degree in Sociology, Pastor Gee labored as a Management Specialist for several years at the Atomic Energy Commission and culminated his professional career as the Director of the Higher Education Opportunity Program at Long Island University. While pursuing his graduate degree in public administration at St. Johns University, Pastor Gee acknowledged his calling to the ministry of the Gospel. Fulfilling the vision that God ordained within his life and heart, Pastor Al Gee has labored for the Kingdom for more than 45 years in many capacities … as a street evangelist, church planter, Bible teacher, radio broadcaster, intercessory prayer ministry leader, pastor and was consecrated as a Bishop in 1996. His eternal passion is to empower believers and congregations worldwide with the keys to powerful living and the biblical insights necessary to activate the life-changing principles of the Kingdom of God. Al and his wife, Debby, are blessed to be the parents of Yahtta, Christian, and Brittney. They presently reside in Durham, NC. https://www.algeeministries.com/ Support the show

Ms. Frances McNeill is a dedicated African American educator whose journey has been defined by a relentless commitment to empowering young minds and fostering academic excellence. She was born and raised in North Carolina, where she made her home in Angier, NC. Frances discovered her passion for education at an early age, inspired by the transformative impact of her teachers and the lack of minority teachers in her schools. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Middle-Grade Education from North Carolina Central University, Frances embarked on a fulfilling career in education, starting as a classroom teacher in an underserved community. Her innate ability to connect with her students and ignite their curiosity laid the foundation for her future endeavors. Recognized for her exceptional teaching skills and innovative approaches, Frances soon ascended to the role of Curriculum Specialist, where she played a pivotal role in developing inclusive educational programs tailored to diverse student needs. Throughout her career, Frances has remained steadfast in her belief that every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of background or circumstances. Her advocacy for educational equity and social justice drove her to pursue a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and extensive certifications in Curriculum and Instruction. Armed with a deep understanding of pedagogy and curriculum development, Frances continued to champion educational reform initiatives to narrow the achievement gap and empower marginalized communities. In addition to her work in education, Frances is also a published author of The Art of Achievement Roadmap to Proficiency, the first in a series of books on school proficiency. Her legacy as an educator, advocate, and community leader is defined by her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Through her passion for helping children, her leadership in education, and her commitment to serving others, she continues to inspire and uplift those around her, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who know her. https://www.amazon.com/Art-Achievement-Roadmap-Proficiency-Mastery/dp/B0CV17T41K Support the show

Kezia “Kate” Goodwin strived to reimagine childcare systems during her 34-year career in early childhood education, including as a pre-K teacher, director, and district manager with KinderCare Learning Centers, among other roles. As the co-founder of the nonprofit research and development group Truth Education Foundation and founder of Kate’s Korner Learning Center, she’s created an inclusive childcare option for kids ages six weeks to 12 years old at the American Tobacco Campus. Support the show

With so much going on around the world and in the country, we take time this week to try and get everyone caught up on the most critical issues of the day. Hamas and Israel are in a fight that has reached epic levels of brutality. The US House is without a Speaker. There is still no budget deal. Should I go on? The bottom line is we have a lot to talk about. Join us for this important episode of Connections. Support the show

Take the time to listen to this important episode with Special Guest Preshus Lee. A writer and creator, PreShus Lee, was raised in Jersey City, NJ, and is currently based in Durham, NC. Growing up in a house full of busy adults, TV was often her babysitter and friend. An affinity for classic shows, like her all-time favorite “The Nanny,” sparked the inspiration for her to write her own stories. A new world of cinematic gold was opened through the lens of Telenovelas, Bollywood, and Nollywood entertainment. Many years of poems, essays, and short stories later, in 2016, she discovered Hallyu, the world of Korean dramas and K-pop music. Falling in love with the arc of storytelling and the cinematography, she dared to merge this new world with her own and created projects to reflect cultural fusion and history.PreShus is an advocate for her chronic skin condition, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, and fellow Heart Attack survivors and others, like her, living with Congestive Heart Failure. Along with her love of film, PreShus discovered her love of K-Pop and created #AllAboutThatKpopLife, a channel made “By the Fans and For the Fans” of K-Pop music. To find out more about Preshus, you can go to her website: https://preshuslee.com/ Support the show

There would be no Connections without Val Atkinson. Val served as host of the show for 33 years!!! He's back this week to talk all things political. Join us as we talk about the latest on Trump's legal troubles, the racist murders in Jacksonville, Fl, Mitch McConnell's latest health scare, the North Carolina Governor's race, and a who lot more. If you want to here more from Val, remember he cohosts The Deal: https://thedealwithedclark.com Support the show

Have you ever considered where your food comes from and whether it is fresh? We have some answers. Join us as we discuss your food and alternative farming methods with Elvin and Madeline Eaton. They own and run Fairport Farms in Kittrel, NC. Using innovative techniques, they bring fresh microgreens and other produce to farmers' markets and restaurants in central North Carolina without using harmful pesticides, gallons of water, and questionable labor practices. You can find more information here: https://www.facebook.com/FairportFarmsNC https://www.instagram.com/fairportfarms/ Support the show

Join us as we catch up on what's happening in the NC Legislature with Zack Hawkins. Zack is among the most significant young political leaders in the state under 40, as indicated when he was named an NCCU 2018 Forty Under Forty Honoree. He has served in local, state, and national leadership roles, most recently as 1st Vice Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party. In this role, he was able to see several plans to fruition, including his initiatives to increase voter registration and fight voter suppression. Zack received a B.S. in Biology from Elizabeth City State University and a M.S. in Biology from North Carolina Central University. Zack has served as a teacher in Durham Public Schools (Southern High School) and works daily to help remove financial barriers for those who need it most. As a development and advancement professional in nonprofits such as United Way and higher education institutions like East Carolina University, Duke University, and UNC, few causes are closer to his heart. Zack lives in Durham with his wife, Tracey; sons, Zachari, James Preston, and Adam; and golden retriever, Sophie. Find out more about Zack at: https://zackhawkinsnc.com/ Support the show

Join us for another great discussion. This time we are talking philanthropy with Baron Damon. Barron Damon is a Certified Nonprofit Consultant and Philanthropic Coach with over 20 years of experience working as an Executive for a National Non-Profit Organization. He holds coaching certifications from the Center for Congregational Health, an Associate Coaching Certification (ACC) from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Industrial Psychology from the University of South Carolina, and a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Webster University. Find out more about Damon at: https://barrondamon.com/ Of course, we all so take a stab at some of the latest news headlines. Support the show

Join us as we welcome Dr. Greta Oliver, The Roadmap Coach. Greta Oliver is a professional coach specializing in student development, career development, and leadership development devoted to helping those in transition. She is the author of two books you should have on your shelf, College Roadmap - Essential Tips for First-Time College Students and Their Families, published in 2021, and Career Roadmap - Setting Yourself Up to Reach Your Career Aspirations, published in 2023. Find out more about Dr. Oliver at: https://www.gretaoliverconsulting.com/ We also talk about the recent Supreme Court decisions on affirmative action. All of that and much more. Support the show

Join us as we welcome Lenwood V. Long, Sr., to the program. Lenwood is the President/CEO of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, a coalition of CEOs of Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) loan funds, credit unions, and venture capital funds representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Alliance members are united in their commitment to social and economic justice for African American communities. We discuss how African American businesses and organizations can access capital without taking the much harder route through traditional banks and lending institutions. We also talk about funds available to allow organizations to reduce their carbon footprint, and reduce their cost for energy. You can get more information about Lenwood and the organization here: https://aaacdfi.org/ Support the show

Join Cherelle and me as we welcome media expert Valonda Calloway, The TV Lady. We discuss her book Tips From The TV Lady, A Guide For Making A Great Impression On Camera And In Person. Valonda also takes the time to give us tips, from how to be better in Zoom meetings to how to introduce yourself more memorably. We can't forget the rest of the news as we look at Donald Trump's latest indictment—all of that and much more on Connections. https://valondacalloway.com/ Support the show

This episode was originally broadcast on May 28, 2023, on Foxy 104/107. As usual, we get caught up on the news, but this episode is from Minneapolis, Minnesota. We were there to cover the events commemorating the third anniversary of the murder of George Perry Floyd, Jr. As many of you know, George's roots are in Eastern North Carolina. We talked to his aunts, uncles, and cousins to gain a deep insight into the person George really was. Please share with the people you know. Look for a short documentary on the events coming very soon. Support the show

Are you an entrepreneur and need some inspiration? Well, we have a great show for you. Join me and Cherelle as we discuss how to grow your business with Jimmy Davies, the founder of https://every.black. Learn some history as we discuss the roots of https://every.black in the Fuller Products (Brush) Company, started by S.B. Fuller. Support the show