Closer Look with Rose Scott

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.

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, severe weather experts blame climate change for the intensifying hurricanes, flooding, and wildfires that we’ve seen over the past few decades. These more frequent signs of climate change are also causing anxiety for a growing number of Americans. To address these concerns and discuss solutions, Climate Cafés are being established in major cities in the U.S. and around the world. Today, we spoke with the founder and director of Climate Café, Jess Pepper, and Denise Cheeseman, the Sustainability Project Manager for City of Savannah. Also, we begin our annual series of spotlighting the unique journeys of local college graduates. Laura Davis was just two academic quarters short of a psychology degree when she had to drop everything and flee her home country of Venezuela. She could only carry one small suitcase through the Colombia border, crossing into an uncertain future. Now, she is a 2024 graduate of Georgia Gwinnett College. 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, the Georgia Public Service Commission voted 4-1 to give Georgia Power the ability to expand a power plant and buy more electricity from other utilities. This will enable the utility to provide power to an influx of businesses in the state. WABE climate reporter Emily Jones recaps the hearings and explains whether customers can expect to see any savings on their rising Georgia Power bills. Also, in the latest feature from WABE’s Young Business Series, Reporter Julien Virgin shares the work of Hero Roofing CEO Nick Branon. The young entrepreneur in Newnan, Georgia discusses his journey through the multi-billion-dollar roofing industry and why roof repairs are his favorite part of the home improvement process. Plus, we revisit our interview with Temple University Associate Professor and former journalist Andrea Wenzel. She recently published her book, "Antiracist Journalism: The Challenge of Creating Equitable Local News." Wenzel shares her research about how communities of color believe they’ve been misrepresented by local news teams and highlights changes news organizations can make for fairer reporting. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thea Sebastian, the executive director at The Futures Institute, and Hanna Love, a fellow at The Brookings Institution, discuss their report “Separating fact from fiction” in retail theft across the U.S.” As retailers step up security measures and stricter antitheft laws take effect in states across the nation, their study claims shoplifting occurrences in major cities did not actually happen and circulating data on retail theft is unreliable and imprecise. They also share what they call “sensible ways” to address retail theft and empower local economies. Plus, we air WABE business reporter Marlon Hyde’s feature from the “Young Business” series. The story spotlights a college student who created an online shipping platform that helps second-hand apparel businesses ship orders. Lastly, two legendary artists died over the weekend. We will remember Atlanta hip-hop producer Rico Wade of Organized Noize and Faith Ringgold, a children’s book author and visual artist best known for her story quilts depicting African American experiences. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Thea Sebastian, the executive director at The Futures Institute, and Hanna Love, a fellow at The Brookings Institution, discuss their report “Separating fact from fiction” in retail theft across the U.S.” As retailers step up security measures and stricter antitheft laws take effect in states across the nation, their study claims shoplifting occurrences in major cities did not actually happen and circulating data on retail theft is unreliable and imprecise. They also share what they call “sensible ways” to address retail theft and empower local economies. Plus, we air WABE business reporter Marlon Hyde’s feature from the “Young Business” series. The story spotlights a college student who created an online shipping platform that helps second-hand apparel businesses ship orders. Lastly, two legendary artists died over the weekend. We will remember Atlanta hip-hop producer Rico Wade of Organized Noize and Faith Ringgold, a children’s book author and visual artist best known for her story quilts depicting African American experiences. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia’s allergy season officially stretches from early spring to late fall. However, according to Atlanta Allergy & Asthma's Pollen counter, pollen has started to spike as early as February this year. Emory School of Medicine Assistant Professor Pedro Lamothe discusses the severity of pollen season, the health risks and what Georgians can do to guard themselves for the rest of the season. Plus, we air WABE education reporter Juma Sei’s feature from the “Young Business” series. The story spotlights how a young entrepreneur's passion for music led him to create a pop-up record shop. Lastly, on the morning of what will be the very last Face/Off at the current MJQ Concourse location, Rose talks with DJs Rasta Root and Jah Prince. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A federal program that helps 1 in 6 Georgia households pay for high-speed internet could soon end. Applications for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are now closed as President Biden urges Congress to pass funding to extend the subsidy program. Rashad Robinson, the president of Color Of Change, discusses how Georgians could be impacted if the program ends. Lastly, we will air WABE business reporter Marlon Hyde’s feature from the “Young Business” series. The story spotlights a young business owner who sells ‘stink-free’ socks online. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A federal report suggests grocery stores are making huge profits off what's being called "greedflation," the economic idea that businesses kept prices high well after pandemic-era demands cooled off. Dean Baker, a senior economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), discusses “greedflation” and the latest inflation report, which shows a 3.5% increase since March 2023. Plus, we air WABE Southside reporter DorMiya Vance's feature from the “Young Business” series. The story spotlights two Black women who opened an agriculture business that opened during the pandemic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lauren-Brooke a former prosecutor and the head of the criminal justice program at the Brennan Center for Justice, discusses the new book, "Excessive Punishment: How the Justice System Creates Mass Incarceration." The book contains essays from scholars, practitioners and activists— exploring why federal, state and local agencies are contributing to mass incarceration and preventing reform. Lastly, we air WABE reporter Julien Virgin’s feature from the “Young Business” series. The story spotlights two local martial arts artists who founded the lifestyle clothing brand Certified Fighter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Crowds in Georgia and people across the U.S. are gearing up for the 2024 Great North American Eclipse. The eclipse’s path of totality stretches across 13 states. Georgia is not included in the path of totality, but Atlanta is expected to experience the effects of a partial eclipse. Show host Rose Scott talks with Georgia-based astronomy experts Dr. Jim Sowell, a physicist and an astronomy expert who serves as the director of the campus observatory at Georgia Tech, and Mark Lancaster, an astronomy instructor at the Fernbank Science Center. The guests, who have both traveled to Texas to get a closer look at the moon shadowing the sun, discuss the significance of the universe in action. Lastly, Monday marks 50 years since Hank Aaron's record-breaking 715 home run. It’s when the baseball giant broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record. C.J. Stewart, an Atlanta native, a former Chicago Cubs outfielder, and the co-founder of LEAD Center, reflects on Arron’s life and legacy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s been 56 years since the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Thursday’s special edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott" focused on the life and legacy of King, specifically his efforts to lead with courage and integrity to inspire others to be moral leaders. First, we Revisit Rose’s conversation with Dr. King’s attorney, Michael W. Cody. During the interview, Cody reflects on representing King in Memphis in 1968. Rose then talks with Dr. Robert Michael Franklin, Jr., an author theologian and Emory University’s James T. and Berta R. Laney Professor in Moral Leadership. Dr. Franklin explains King’s approach to moral leadership and his commitment to nonviolence and social change. He also connects Dr. King’s 1967 speech, “What Is Your Blueprint,” to moral leadership and how all people can use courage to fight for justice and equity. Lastly, we hear an archival piece from Dr. Bernice King. She reflects on losing her father. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's special edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott" focuses on the years-long crisis and government collapse happening in Haiti. It’s estimated that at least 200 gangs are controlling large swathes of territory and municipalities, mostly in Port-au-Prince. Government officials have declared a state of emergency and issued a curfew. The accelerating crisis is cutting off food supplies, limiting access to healthcare and forcing people from their homes. We will hear from Ghislaine, an educator and founder of a school principal in Port-au-Prince. She talks about what life has been like in the city for the past three months. Rose also talks with several guests about what their respective organizations are doing to provide emergency resources amid the crisis and the urgent requests they have for U.S. government officials, Congress and United Nations leaders. Guests include: Alan Seelinger, the executive director of the Atlanta-based organization Light from Light Louis Wilkinson with Give To Haiti Wallis Etienne with International Women of H.O.P.E., a first-generation Haitian-American, a U.S. federal contracts administrator See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Georgia Power and state regulators reached a tentative agreement last week to expand Georgia Power’s fossil fuel infrastructure and increase the company’s battery storage footprint. The agreement still needs approval from the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC). WABE climate reporter Emily Jones discusses her recent article that dives into the agreement and explains why some consumer and environmental advocates and customers have concerns. Jones also discusses why PSC elections won't be held this year and a lawsuit challenging the system the state uses to elect commissioners. INSERT: The Sandersville Railroad company has been working to acquire portions of land in the city of Sparta in Hancock County, through eminent domain to construct a 4.5-mile rail spur to serve a nearby quarry. A hearing officer with the Georgia Public Service Commission ruled in favor of the railroad company. We revisit Rose’s conversation with Janet and Mark Smith and Ben Tarbutton, the president of Sandersville Railroad. Plus, New York Times bestselling author Tiffany Jewell discusses her new book, "Everything I Learned about Racism I Learned in School." In the book, the longtime educator explores the inequities Black and Brown students face from preschool through college. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali return to “Closer Look,” to provide a recap of the bills that passed and the bills that failed during the 2024 legislative session. Plus, according to data from Georgia Tech, metro Atlanta reached nearly 8,000 eviction filings during December 2021. According to Zillow, at the end of 2021, rental prices skyrocketed nearly 20% in the Atlanta area. Peter Hepburn, an associate director at the Eviction Lab at Princeton University, discusses post-pandemic eviction filings. Lastly, tributes are pouring in for the legendary actor Louis Gossett Jr. He died on Friday at the age of 87. Gossett was the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries “Roots,” We revisit Rose’s conversation with Gossett. During the conversation, he reflected on why he gave up a professional career in basketball to pursue acting full-time. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.