Closer Look with Rose Scott

Plus, we revisit last week’s conversation with Samuel Lee Reid, executive director of Atlanta’s Citizen Review Board. Also, a conversation with Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robb Pitts, who addresses his decision to form a election task force to address voting problems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Then, local immigration attorney and founder of the firm Owings MacNorlin Immigration Law firm, Sarah Owings, provides analysis of what this ruling means AND what's to come. Plus, Representative Brenda Lopez Romero shares her reaction to the high court’s ruling. And, finally, there are marches and events happening around the city and state today to commemorate the 155th anniversary of Juneteenth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus, former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes weighs in on proposed hate crime legislation in Georgia. And finally, veteran law enforcement officer Marvin Reddick discusses the ‘blue wall,’ and the reforms he would like to see in law enforcement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus, this Sunday, “Closer Look” was on the scene at the Wendy’s on University Avenue as community members gathered in response to the death of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, who was fatally shot by an Atlanta police officer on Friday. Today, we’ll hear from community members calling for change in light of Brooks’ death, as well as local representatives and lawmakers including Atlanta City Council Member Joyce Sheperd and state lawmakers Rep. Park Cannon, Sen. Nan Orrock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Also, Yusef Salaam, a member of the “Exonerated Five,” reflects on current protests, the shooting of Rayshard Brooks and his vision for police reform. Plus, we hear part-two of yesterday’s conversation on effective de-escalation training. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Sunday, “Closer Look” was on the scene at the Wendy’s on University Avenue as community members gathered in response to the death of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks, who was fatally shot by an Atlanta police officer on Friday. Today, we’ll hear from community members calling for change in light of Brooks’ death, as well as local representatives and lawmakers including Atlanta City Council Member Joyce Sheperd and state lawmakers Rep. Park Cannon, Sen. Nan Orrock. Then, we turn to WABE legal analyst and defense attorney Page Pate who for his analysis. And finally, two veterans of federal law enforcement, Ray Moore, the owner of Moore and Associates, Security Consultants and former secret service member, and Douglas Shipley, a retired Supervisory Special Agent with Federal Bureau of Investigation, discuss current de-escalation techniques and training for law enforcement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Roseman, co-founder and CEO of Steady, an Atlanta-based fintech company shares how his start-up is helping hourly and gig workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, Derek Blanks, celebrity photographer and director, shares how his story, from being diagnosed with COVID-19 to recovery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus, Smyrna Mayor Derek Norton and Smyrna Police Chief Joseph Bennett discuss a newly-passed resolution that condemns racism. And finally, Troya Jackson, foster care program manager at Families First, and Jennifer King, executive director for Georgia CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), share how the foster care system, court proceedings and custody hearings have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We hear reaction to the many problems Georgia voters experienced during yesterday’s primary election. First, Aunna Dennis, Executive Director of Common Cause Georgia shares why her organization is calling for the resignation of Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Then, Jake Evans, an attorney and chair of the Republican National Lawyers Association's Georgia chapter shares his perspective. And finally, we hear from Fani Willis, who appears to be heading into a run-off against long time Fulton County district attorney Paul Howard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Samuel Reid III, the executive director of the Atlanta Citizen Review Board, discusses his response to recent protests in light of the death of George Floyd and the role his board plays in the City of Atlanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus, Walter Ley, a Georgia Tech graduate who recently launched the Atlanta-based start-up Branch discusses how he hopes his company will help inform voters heading into Tuesday's general elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus, Kayla Smith, a rising senior and social justice fellow at Spelman College, joins “Closer Look” to reflect on the protests that are happening in Atlanta and around the world. And, Pastor Arthur Breland, the lead pastor at United Church Atlanta, shares how he thinks local churches can help communities heal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta tech entrepreneur Jewel Burks Solomon, head of Google For Startups for the US and managing partner of Collab Capital, Justin Dawkins, managing partner at Collab Capital and co-founder of Goodie Nation, and Barry Givens, Managing Director at Techstars and Managing Partner at Collab Capital, join the program for a roundtable conversation on the role of technology in modern day activism. Plus, Ashley Robinson, Principal of the BLUE Institute, discusses a new virtual leadership training program for young millennials of color. And, we hear the latest on today’s preliminary hearing for the three men charged with the killing of Ahmaud Arbery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Closer Look’s” week-long series, “After the protests, what's next, Atlanta?” continues. First, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard joins the program the day after announcing six Atlanta Police officers are facing charges related to the tasing two AUC students on Saturday night. Then, Devin Barrington Ward, a community organizer and managing director of the Black Futurists Group, shares his approach to organizing an effective demonstration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We hear a roundtable conversation with local experts Illya Davis, director of the New Students & Transition Programs and professor of philosophy at Morehouse College, Maurice Hobson, author and associate professor of African-American Studies at Georgia State University and Nsenga Burton, professor, multimedia journalist and co-director of Film and Media Management at Emory University. The professors will discuss the history of protest in Atlanta and share what they believe is next for the city following this weekend’s demonstrations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus, John Haber, CEO of the Atlanta-based company Spend Management Experts, discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nation's supply chain. And, WABE Health reporter and host of the podcast “Did You Wash Your Hands?” Sam Whitehead recaps this week in coronavirus news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus, we'll hear how the Atlanta-based family business, Bronner Bros., switched from producing hair products to hand sanitizer, and how the annual Bronner Bros. hair show will be different this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus, Shannon Smith, the owner and founder of SoulShine, discusses her decision to re-open her two childcare centers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sanjay Satagopan and Kelly Balcarczyk share what it was like adopting their baby during the COVID-19 pandemic with the help of Diane Hood, the International and Domestic Adoption Program Coordinator for Families First. Plus, Matthew Hurd, executive director of the non-profit Open Doors discusses a new initiative aimed to help Atlanta residents seeking housing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plus, how MARTA, the airport, the city of Atlanta and a non-profit are coming together to help those seeking shelter inside Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International airport. And, the story of an Atlanta man who survived COVID-19 and donated his plasma in hopes of helping others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Norma Hernandez, the leader of a local task force working to address the spread of COVID-19 in Gainesville’s Latino community, Northeast Georgia Health System clinician Dr. Antonio Rios and Vanesa Sarazua, Founder and Executive Director of the Gainesville-based Hispanic Alliance of Georgia, discuss their efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in their community. Also, at 16-years-old David Gaines is the youngest graduate in Georgia State University Perimeter College’s Class of 2020. He shares his story. And finally, how the nonprofit Soccer In The Streets is supporting the organization’s youth soccer players during the pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National civil rights and personal injury attorney Benjamin Crump, one of the lawyers representing Ahmaud Arbery's family, provides an update on the case. Plus, Becky Monroe, Fighting Hate and Bias Program Director of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, shares why a collective of organizations is asking the United State Department of Justice to pursue federal hate crime charges in the Arbery murder case. And, finally, in other news, Lynette Bell, president of the Truist Foundation, discusses the bank’s COVID-19 relief efforts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fulton County Board of Elections Director Richard Barron addresses concerns surrounding the safety of poll workers and long wait times at polling locations, and other issues as Georgia begins in-person early voting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, Atlanta City Councilmember Antonio Brown discuss the council's new 60-day plan to support those seeking shelter at Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson International Airport during the COVID-19 pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morehouse School of Medicine President and Dean Dr. Valerie Montgomery-Rice talks about making the decision to hold this year’s commencement ceremony online and how the institution plans to phase-in on-site instruction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Domenico Piccininni, an Atlanta resident and COVID-19 survivor shares his journey to recovery. Then, Dr. Kent Holland, medical director of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at Northside Hospital, shares how Mr. Piccininni’s plasma could help other COVID-19 patients. Plus, Morehouse School of Medicine graduates will attend commencement online this weekend. Today, we hear a preview of Monday’s conversation with Morehouse School of Medicine President and Dean Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice. Also, we hear an update on this week’s coronavirus-related news from Sam Whitehead, WABE health reporter and host of the podcast, “Did You Wash Your Hands?”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Goodwill of North Georgia President and CEO Keith Parker shares how the non-profit plans to protect staff and customers as stores and donation centers re-open. Plus, another round of funding is coming from Congress, but will minority owned small businesses fare better this time than last? Yasmin Farahi, senior policy counsel for the Center for Responsible Lending, discusses why her organization believes more transparency and guidance is needed for lenders to prioritize borrowers in underserved and rural marketsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this month, Gwinnett County Schools released a plan to end the school year that included bringing teachers and support staff back to their worksites starting May 18. That policy was met with criticism from parents and teachers alike -- so, now, there's a new plan. Steve Flynt, Gwinnett Associate Superintendent for School Improvement and Operations, shares what the revised policy entails. Then, Georgia Association of Educator's Chief Lobbyist Joe Fleming, discusses what school systems across the state should consider as school systems potentially re-open in the fall. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia's attorney general, Chris Carr recently appointed Cobb County District Attorney Joyette Holmes as lead prosecutor in the Ahmaud Arbery fatal shooting case. WABE legal analyst Page Pate weighs in on this decision. Plus, a new video series from Emory Healthcare provides an inside look into the lives of front line workers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery has prompted yet another debate regarding whether or not Georgia should have a state hate crime law. But, this time, the legislation may have bipartisan support. Georgia Republican Representative Chuck Efstration shares why he supports the creation of a new hate crime law. Plus, we'll hear how President Trump's recent executive order temporarily banning green card immigration into the United States is affecting the work of Atlanta's Tahirih Justice Center. And finally, a tribute to the life of a rock-and-roll legend, Little Richard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We hear the latest from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation regarding the arrest of  Gregory and Travis McMichael in connection to the killing of Ahmaud Arbery. Then, WABE health reporter and host of the podcast “Did You Wash Your Hands?” Sam Whitehead recaps this week in coronavirus-related news. Plus, Atlanta-based British Consul General of the Southeast Andrew Staunton talks trade in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, Atticus LeBlanc, founder of a co-living start-up called PadSplit, discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting his business model and the demand for affordable housing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we examine the many layers to the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery – from a conversation with one of the attorneys for Ahmaud Arbery's family, Benjamin Crump, to legal analysis from a local attorney based in Brunswick, Page Pate. Plus, former Georgia Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears discusses whether or not hate crime charges could be filed against the suspects in Arbery’s death. And finally, Yusef Salaam, a member of the exonerated Central Park Five, reflects on the case. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neil Campbell, the executive director of the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse and Beverly Ragland, Manager of the CARES Warm Line, discuss the challenges and resources for those in recovery and coping with substance use disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, a conversation with DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond about the county’s plans to distribute COVID-19 protective care kits to specific neighborhoods. And, Cole Thaler, co-founder of Paws Between Homes, shares how his organization is helping renters facing eviction with temporary pet care.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia's economy is now open for business. But, what rights do employees have, as some return back to work? A local employment attorney weighs in. Then, two local small business owners share how the COVID-19 pandemic is hurting the state’s horse industry. And, we hear how Georgia 4-H continues to serve students through online activities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Copy: Public radio stations across the country recently teamed up to launch a new, live two-hour Saturday broadcast that invites listeners to share their experiences during the coronavirus crisis. The first program of the series, “America Amplified: Life, Community, and COVID-19,” launched last month with Rose Scott of Atlanta's WABE and Mina Kim of San Francisco's KQED, who hosted conversations examining how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the remote learning gap for the nation's K-12 students and how essential workers are managing. Today, we revisit excerpts from that inaugural broadcast.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s decision to allow the state’s stay-at-home order expire last night, WABE health reporter and host of the podcast “Did You Wash Your Hands?” Sam Whitehead joins us to discuss what’s next for Georgia. Plus, we hear how Tybee Island Mayor Shirley Sessions shares how her community is preparing for an increase in crowds. Also, a local developer shares why he is no longer collecting rent from his commercial tenants. And finally, we hear how the East Lake Foundation is helping local residents during the pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rose Scott hosts a roundtable conversation on the challenges and solutions to addressing food security during COVID-19. Guests include: Jasmine Crowe, founder and CEO of Goodr Inc.Sagdrina Jalal, Senior Director of Programs and Partnerships at the Center for Civic Innovation and former founding Executive Director and current board member at the Georgia Farmer’s Market Association Lauren Cox, Georgia Organics’ Organic Procurement Coordinator Will Sellers, executive director of Wholesome Wave GeorgiaPlus, how the advocacy group MARTA Army is providing meals for transit operators.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s program is part of an ongoing series of conversations examining the future effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on education in Georgia. We begin with a two-part conversation with Spelman College President Mary Schmidt Campbell and Oglethorpe University President Larry Schall, who will discuss how small, liberal arts colleges and historically black colleges have adapted with social distancing requirements. Then, Dr. Bronwyn Ragan-Martin, superintendent of the Early County Board of Education in Southwest Georgia and Dr. Dana Rickman, vice president at the Georgia Partnership For Excellence In Education share how the pandemic has exacerbated already existing challenges for rural school districts, from a lack of funding to a lack of broadband access.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To open or not to open? That’s the question many business owners are facing in Georgia this week. We hear from two local business owners grappling with this question. First, Jamie and Aaron Russell, the owners of Poor Hendrix, share how their restaurant has adapted to a take-out only business model. Then, a conversation with Morris Smith, a local barber, on his decision to re-open his businesses. Plus a conversation with Grey Cohen, a local teen and co-founder of the Meal Bridge, an organization that delivers meals to local hospital staff.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgia is now officially – partially – open for businesses. Still, some Georgians have questions about navigating the state’s jobless benefits. Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler joins “Closer Look” host Rose Scott to answer listeners’ questions on applying for and receiving unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, journalist and author Sylvia A. Harvey talks about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prisoners and their families as well as her new book, “The Shadow System: Mass Incarceration and the American Family.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.