Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

Guests include Karen Vogelsang, former long time educator and the final member of the new MSCS Oversight management board. She tells me why she said yes and why this is a challenging yet necessary step forward for the future of our children’s education. Next, The Souls to the Polls event was recently held to inform and educate the public about the redistricting issue and how critical it is for people to gather, galvanize, unify and understand what is at stake. Rachael Goodwin Spriggs, education advocate and statewide director of power-building for the Equity Alliance was a participant and joins me to talk about the important role millennials can play in the upcoming election. Last but not least, Shelby County Democratic Party Chairman Willie Simon joins me to talk about both the challenge and the opportunity to get people to the polls and why their voices do matter. That and more, on air and online Monday, 6-7pm 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 the Honorable Mayor Paul Young. It’s time for a check in on the pulse of the city, where things stand these days, how the city is doing and what else he’s working on. Next, we are all aware of the redistricting issue and how important it is to the future of our voting rights. He also talks about The Souls to the Polls event and the message for the people. Last but certainly not least is a commentator, columnist and author. Otis Sanford joins me to discuss his new autobiography, Newsman: The Road from Route 2 Box 9. It chronicles his rise from growing up in Mississippi to his 50-year journalism career. 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!

Guests include TN Minority House Leader Karen Camper. The events of the last couple of weeks have been difficult and even transformative with more questions than answers. A Special Session was held which split the only Black district in the state (9), into three sections, redistricting and diluting the black vote. After that happened, the House Speaker stripped some House dems of committee assignments because they were disruptive. She shares her thoughts on all of it. Next, May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this is still a very serious issue in the Mid South. Recently, Alliance Healthcare Services opened the doors to the Children and Youth Crisis Wellness Center. Dr. Mallory Mitchell, MD, MPH, has joined the team as the Children and Youth Medical Director. She tells me why working with our young people is so critically important. Finally, in order to understand what is happening with this redistricting issue we need to understand its history. Dr. Charles McKinney is a professor at Rhodes College and a civil rights expert. He explains what we need to know and what we should do next. 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!

On the next live and all new Real Talk Memphis; Guests include Elaine Turner, civil rights activist, historian, educator and owner of Heritage Tours. As someone who marched with Dr. King and was even arrested, she remembers the bad old days of discrimination and shares her thoughts on why the recent redistricting move is dangerous. Next, Sr. Pastor Keith Norman of First Baptist Church Broad Avenue is an influential voice in our city. He shares his thoughts on the latest changes to the landscape; redistricting, MSCS Takeover, voter apathy and what could come next. Lastly, our city is still mourning the loss of Representative G.A. Hardaway, but the 93rd district he fought for still needs a leader. His son, T.J. Hardaway, was recently appointed to the interim position until the November election. He joins me to talk about the importance and responsibility of honoring his father's legacy. That and more Monday nite, 6pm on air and online on 91.7 FM WYXR. Also, the wyxr app, Tunein,  Facebook Live, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
It's time to talk!

We are back with a live and all new Real Talk Memphis; my guests include Beverly Robertson. She is a well established community leader and businesswoman. Now, she is taking on a new challenge as an appointed member of the MSCS Oversight board as chosen by Governor Lee. She joins me to talk about why she accepted the offer and the challenges that might lie ahead. Speaking of the MSCS School Board, member Tamarques Porter will join me to offer his thoughts and reaction. Another question is just how much authority they will now have as the elected body. Lastly, as of late, we hear more about our young people but for the wrong reasons it seems. I will introduce you to a 17-year old young woman, Jasmine Bernard who is making sure that people know that being young doesn’t mean being unaware. She is a community activist who has a lot to say. 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!

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!

Episode Notes
On the next live and all new Real Talk Memphis; My guests include Sarah Houston, Executive director of Protect Our Aquifer. Recently, what appears to have been paused is the planned water recycling or greywater facility that was supposed to reduce strain on Memphis groundwater. She explains what that could mean potentially mean. Next, its election time in Shelby County and early voting has begun. Administrator of Elections Linda Phillips joins me for an update and what you need to know before you go. Lastly, how many stories have we heard about talented singers from our city? Well, here’s another one. KJ Willis is a Memphis talent who is known as the singing barber at his shop but now, across the country as a recent contestant on the talent show ‘The Voice’. He shares his experience, if he will keep his shop chair and what the future looks like. 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.
Its time to talk!

Episode Notes
My guests include newly appointed 9th District County Commissioner Matthew Szalaj and he joins me for a chat since taking the position. He recently had a meet and greet in front of a packed house and shares what drove his decision, gaining community trust, his priorities and what he wants to accomplish in his short tenure. Last week, the State legislature held a press conference to announce the findings of a long awaited financial audit to address various issues involving possible waste, abuse and fraud within MSCS. While only 25 percent complete, it shows what was found is to the tune of over $1.7 and $1.1 million dollars in policy issues and violations. State Representative Karen Camper, Democratic House Caucus Leader joins me to discuss. Lastly, the nationwide No Kings protest involved millions of people including a rally in Memphis. Jessica Miller of Indivisible Memphis and David Rahaim were participants, and he was one of three arrested. They share their experience. That and more Monday nite, 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 Memphis City Councilwoman Rhonda Logan. She catches us up on several priorities including the President’s recent visit, the No Kings Rally and downtown street violence involving our young people, absenteeism and curfews. Lastly, Geoff Calkins is a trusted voice in the world of newspaper journalism and after deciding to leave sports radio now writes a daily column for the Daily Memphian. He joins me to breakdown the issues of our sports teams and what comes next? That and more Monday nite, 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.