Closer Look with Rose Scott

WABE education reporter Juma Sei discusses President Joe Biden’s commencement address at Morehouse College. The President addressed several current topics, including democracy, systemic issues that impact Black people and the Israel-Hamas war. Plus, Propel ATL is calling on Atlanta city leaders to increase the Atlanta Department of Transportation’s proposed budget to match other major cities. The current proposal increases the department's budget by 2%, which doesn’t keep up with the rate of inflation. Rebecca Serna, the executive director of Propel ATL, highlights how the proposed budget does not make up for funding cuts from the previous year. She shares what her organization hopes additional funding could be used for. Lastly, the In Her Hands guaranteed income program is expanding to reach more Black women in more Atlanta neighborhoods. Hope Wollensack, the executive director of Georgia Resilience and Opportunity Fund, talks about the eligibility and application process. She also mentions the key findings of the In Her Hands’ Year One Evaluation Report. Shamarra Woods, an Old Fourth Ward resident, and participant of In Her Hands, shares how the program has changed her life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It was May 17, 1954, when a unanimous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court labeled racial segregation in public schools as unequal and unconstitutional. Rose talks with guests about the Brown v. Board of Education decision, prevailing and systemic issues within school systems today, and the ongoing work to create change. Guests include: Charles Black, the former chairman of the Atlanta Student Movement and current board chair of Freedom University, Dr. Chantelle Grace, an assistant clinical professor of Social Science Education, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences at Florida State University See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Season tickets are sold out for the Atlanta Dream, signaling fans are fired up for some thrilling basketball. WNBA newcomers Angel Reese, Caitlin Clark and others are adding to the groundswell of excitement. Rose talks with Morgan Shaw Parker, the president and COO of the Atlanta Dream, about expectations for the team this season and the daily operations of overseeing a professional women’s basketball team. Plus, for our graduation series, we hear from Ebony Chappel. The 2024 soon-to-be graduate of Clark Atlanta University is a non-traditional college student. She’s a mother and a grandmother, who left high school at least 27 years ago. Chappel talks with Rose about her journey from designing outfits for her and her three children, to creating a business and majoring in fashion design. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence calculates how Black and Brown Communities continue to be disproportionately impacted by gun violence. Rose talks with Dr. Keisha Lindsay Nurse, an epidemic intelligence service officer with the CDC, about how her family was personally affected and what the data doesn’t show about gun violence. Plus, the Coalition to Advance Public Safety has announced up to $500,000 in funding for violence intervention programs in Atlanta, including fellows who worked with the Center for Civic Innovation's 2023 cohort. Rohit Malhotra, the executive director of the Center for Civic Innovation, and Jacquel Clemons Moore, a violence intervention expert and CCI board member, discuss Atlanta’s current violence intervention "ecosystem" and how this funding could be used to create change. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Andrea Young, the executive director of the ACLU of Georgia returns to “Closer Look” to discuss the findings of a new poll about the Fulton County Jail. According to the poll, half of Fulton County voters believe the jail is poorly managed, dangerous, and overcrowded. The poll also reveals that two out of three voters believe the county should renovate the existing jail instead of spending nearly $2 billion to build a new one. Plus, for our graduation series, we hear from Georgia Tech grad Courtney Curtis. The second-generation Georgia Tech student discusses her academic journey and how she plans to use her passion for sewing and biomedical engineering to help others. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WABE TV will premiere “The Only Doctor” documentary on May 14. The film follows Dr. Karen Kinsell, the owner of Clay County Medical Center. Kinsell is the only medical doctor in Clay County. After years of working without pay, the future of her practice is unknown as she moves closer to retirement. Rose talks with Kinsell and film director Matthew Hashiguchi about the documentary and the state of health care in Clay County. Plus, for our graduation series, we hear from Randi Parks. The first-generation college student, who majored in international studies, and minored in French and politics, talks with Rose about receiving a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Belgium for the 2024-2025 academic school year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation recently released its 2024 report, “Changing the Odds: Comprehensive Solutions for Atlanta’s Future.” The report tracks community, education, and economic data by race. This year’s report explores how the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 racial unrest revealed racial disparities in Atlanta. Kweku Forstall, the director of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Atlanta Civic Site, discusses key takeaways from the report. Plus, for our graduation series, we hear from Marwah Ismail. She’s a first-generation Somali-American and an Emory University student graduating with honors in religion and Italian studies on a pre-law track. Ismail talks with Rose about being diagnosed with a rare and malignant eye cancer while earning her undergraduate degree. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Julie Walker, who serves as the vice chancellor for Libraries & Archive and the state librarian for Georgia Public Library Service, discusses a new partnership that aims to provide a new way for Georgians to renew, change, or review their benefits for state government assistance programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Women, Infants, & Children (WIC). The partnership between the Georgia Department of Human Services and the Georgia Public Library Service will install more than 400 self-service kiosks at libraries across Georgia. The kiosks will allow Georgians to access Georgia Gateway, the state government’s integrated web portal for assistance programs. Plus, we revisit Rose’s conversation with Resita Cox. The Emmy Award-winning film producer and director discusses her latest documentary, “Freedom Hill.” The documentary explores how climate change and environmental racism are affecting the first town in the U.S. that was chartered by formerly enslaved people. Lastly, for our graduation series, we hear from Air Force Reservist Rabiah Hubert. The psychology major is one of Spelman's Class of 2024 Top Ten Scholars and Majors. She talks with Rose about her academic journey as a non-traditional transfer student and how she balanced her undergraduate schoolwork while currently serving in the U.S. military. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A major development regarding Georgia's 2020 presidential election interference case, the Georgia Court of Appeals has decided to hear an appeal of a previous ruling that allowed Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to stay on the case. WABE politics reporter Sam Gringlas reports on the latest. Plus, Natalie Foster is president and co-founder of the Economic Security Project. She discusses her new book, “The Guarantee: Inside the Fight for America’s Next Economy.” The book explores what it would look like if all Americans were guaranteed housing, health care, a college education, dignified work, family care, an inheritance, and a stable income. Lastly, for our graduation series, we hear from Lance Avery Brown. The Kennesaw State University 2024 graduate earned a bachelor's degree in theatre and performance studies. He talks with Rose about his academic journey, his process in creating two hip-hop musicals and his undergraduate research with the Juvenile Justice School System. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Atlanta City Council has voted unanimously to settle a civil rights lawsuit against the City of Atlanta with the family of Deacon Johnny Hollman for $3.8 million. Hollman, 62, died in Aug. 2023. An Atlanta Police Officer tased Holloman after he refused to sign a traffic ticket following a minor car accident, Hollman later died after the altercation. Arnitra Hollman, the daughter of Deacon Hollman and family attorneys Mawuli Davis and Harold Spence share they’re still seeking justice via criminal charges. Plus, DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond’s term is nearing an end. He returns to “Closer Look,” to discuss several topics, including the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, DeKalb’s summer youth jobs training program and if there’s another political chapter in the future. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's fair, credible and accurate reporting as it relates to the Israel-Hamas war and protests taking place across the nation? For a roundtable discussion, Rose and several journalists provide an analysis of the overall news coverage of the war and the ongoing student protests. Guests include Hank Klibanoff, a veteran journalist, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and a Peabody Award-winning podcast host “Buried Truths,” Kelly McBride, the senior vice president and chair of Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership Poynter Institute, Dan Whisenhunt, the founder and editor of Decaturish.com and Alvelyn Sanders, a documentarian and former journalist. Plus, for our graduation series, we hear from Kamahl Grant. The Morehouse College 2024 graduate, who majored in mathematics and minored in economics, discusses his academic journey. He also talks about his artwork that was recently featured at one top retailers in the nation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sule Konata Welch is a certified fitness trainer, coach and martial arts instructor. He is also the founder of The Welch Center. He talks with Rose about his journey of transforming a dilapidated building in the Vine City neighborhood into a state-of-the-art studio and its historic ties to education. He also discusses his efforts to train (teach, research, apply, inspire and nurture) people to live healthy lives. PART 2 of the interview picks up with Sule and his wife Cecily talking about the daily operation of the center. They share details about the challenges and successes of running a small business. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

First, Atlanta Board of Education Chairwoman Erika Mitchell discusses the latest regarding the district's superintendent search and how a community advisory panel will participate in the interviewing process. Then Rose talks with Mozley Park residents Mia Pennington and Keith Palmer. They are members of the Five Mile Project (5MP) and have been advocating for the installation of noise barriers by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDPT). In PART TWO of their conversation, Pennington and Palmer share how a community garden came to develop. A chain-link fence separates the garden from I-20. Pennington and Palmer talk more about how they are working to beautify their neighborhood and an app they are using to track the noise coming from the nearby highway. Lastly, Rose and producer Daniel Rayzel discuss responses from elected officials and the Georgia Department of Transportation regarding the request for noise barriers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Protests continued on the campus of Emory University on Monday. Students and others are protesting the war in Gaza and the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. WABE education reporter Juma Sei talked with students and a professor about the unfolding situation and the actions they are seeking from university leaders. Plus,Resita Cox, an Emmy Award-winning film producer and director, discusses her latest documentary, “Freedom Hill.” The documentary explores how climate change and environmental racism are affecting the first town in the U.S. that was chartered by formerly enslaved people. Freedom Hill, now known as Princeville, battles frequent floods that threaten to wash the town away. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In response to the recent Gaza war protests on the campus of Emory University, Azadeh Shahshahani, the legal and advocacy director for Project South, explains why the organization is standing in solidarity with students and asking for a thorough investigation regarding the heavy presence and actions of law enforcement. Plus, Frances Kunreuther and Sean Thomas-Breitfeld, the co-executive directors of The Building Movement Project, discuss the new report “The Push and Pull: Declining Interest in Nonprofit Leadership.” The report examines how "pushing" people of color into leadership positions at nonprofits can have negative effects, and sometimes create organizational issues around diversity, equity and inclusion. Lastly, for “Closer Look’s graduation series,” we hear from James McMahon. The 2024 graduate of Georgia State University talks about the obstacles he’s faced as a legally blind student and his journey to earning a second degree in history. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we’re live from The Corner Cup Coffee in Tucker for Coffee Conversations. For today’s topic, we’ll discuss how Atlanta’s growth is impacting nearby cities, like Tucker, which has added nearly 4,000 residents in just the past decade alone. We’ll talk to elected officials and business leaders about how the expanding population is impacting life, work, and recreation in Tucker. GUESTS INCLUDE: Michael Vorndran Owner, The Corner Cup Coffee Frank Auman Mayor, City of Tucker Jackie Moffo Economic Development Director, City of Tucker Imani Barnes State Representative, District 86 Stephen Bentley President, Tucker Business Association Geonwoo Lee Owner, The Bite of Korea Veronica Dalzon Owner, Munster Cravings See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we have an on-scene report from Emory University by WABE Reporter Chamian Cruz. Protesters of the Israel-Hamas war clashed with law enforcement today, leading to several arrests. Also, Host Rose Scott interviews Morehouse College’s Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Kendrick Brown, about the backlash to President Joe Biden’s scheduled commencement address for next month’s graduation. Then, we continue with Part 2 of our Maternal Healthcare Series. As of 2020, 82 of Georgia’s 159 counties have no OB/GYNs, while another 15 only have one. We discuss the challenges of accessing obstetrics and gynecological care in Georgia’s rural communities with our guests, Dr. Keisha Reneé Callins, an OB/GYN with Community Health Care Systems, and Dr. Joy Baker, an OB/GYN with Wellstar Obstetrics and Gynecology. We conclude our series with a discussion focusing on the outreach programs for pregnant women in difficult situations, such as fleeing their home country or incarceration. Joining the conversation from Embrace - Refugee Birth Support are Muzhda Oriakhil, the Community Engagement Manager & Afghani Community Liaison, and Director Virginia Voyles Tester. Also, from Motherhood Beyond Bars is Program Director Vanessa Garrett and Executive Director Amy Ard. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we begin a two-part series on maternal healthcare in Georgia. Host Rose Scott speaks with OB/GYNs and doulas about what needs to be done to improve maternal health outcomes. Guests Include: Dr. Donna Adams Pickett, an Obstetrician & Gynecologist at Augusta Women’s Health & Wellness Tamara Akua Hunter, the founder of Womb Wisdom Wellness LLC Naima Bond, Certified Holistic Doula Dr. Lasha Clarke, assistant director in research and translation at Center for Maternal Health Equity at Morehouse School of Medicine Bashellia Williams, care coordinator for Center for Maternal Health Equity at Morehouse School of Medicine See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cicadas will soon start to emerge in Georgia and across the U.S. Dr. Samuel Ramsey, an entomologist and founder and director of the Ramsey Research Foundation, explains why cicada swarms happen, the habits of the insects, and their cycles. He also discusses what science still has to learn about cicadas. Plus, we air WABE education reporter Juma Sei’s latest feature. The story spotlights graduating seniors at Benjamin E. Mays High School who have all been granted admission to attend Morris Brown College. Lastly, diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives skyrocketed in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd. But have DEI efforts shifted following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to end race-conscious admissions at colleges and universities? Rose talks with Nsenga Burton, an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur, Georgia State University professor and historian Dr. Maurice Hobson and Illya Davis, a philosophy professor at Morehouse College and the director of New Students & Transition Programs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, in Part 2 of our interview with DJ Rasta Root and DJ Jah Prince, host Rose Scott talks with the DJs about playing their final Face/Off Friday at MJQ Concourse. The popular nightclub has drawn diverse crowds of music lovers for more than two decades. MJQ will soon relocate to Underground Atlanta. Then, WABE’s environment reporter Marisa Mecke speaks with neighbors who are trying to address complex environmental pollution issues in their community. Also, one of Atlanta’s beloved radio stations, WCLK, is marking 50 years on the air. Licensed by Clark Atlanta University, the NPR station has an expansive history of broadcasting mostly jazz, but also community news, gospel, and other jazz genres. Jamal Ahmad, the host of S.O.U.L. of Jazz, discusses WCLK’s cultural impact. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.