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June 9, 2008 show – Where we live and how we got there
People don’t usually think about where they live as a policy question.  Blacks, especially those with few means, have been relegated to ghettos with substandard everything.  It seems this socially and perhaps government sanctioned ostracizing of poor blacks in high concentrated areas that people talk about but few really want to deal with is an accepted practice.  One Anthropologist is looking at the issue with an eye to understanding how the pieces fit together.  Can we do better? What policies are the most important in aiding poor people’s upward mobility out of the hood?  What can be done to fundamentally change the hoods negative traits?  Join me as we delve into these issues on the next Richard Brown show.

June 2, 2008 show – From Labor to equal opportunity understanding the rules of the game
Dr. John Chapman joins us in a conversation about race, class, and Chapel Hill.  He explains how fighting against badly named awards and buildings named after notorious individuals affects us, even today.  The struggles he has engaged in illuminate where some of the fault lines of race and class are in today’s society.  We discuss the need to continue to be engaged in positive social change in our community and what institutional racism looks like.  Join me as we discuss past, present, and future of combating racism in Chapel Hill and the world.

May 23, 2008 show – Understanding Black DJ’s from 1960’s up to today
Looking back over the last few decades, Black DJ’s became a key linchpin in black life.  They not only selected and played the funkiest music but they listened and clarified black struggles through their commentary and actions.  Black DJ standing on the front lines had to combat social, economic change of not just the radio advertising but our world.  With few resources Black DJ’s continued to find innovative ways to debate and encourage stronger black existence.  Join me as we discuss how Black DJ grew into these powers on the next show.

May 19, 2008 show – The music of  Kim Arrington
On the next show, Kim Arrington is going to share her new CD with us: her music, her story, her sound.  Pulling together a CD takes so many things and Kim will share what it takes to get the job done.  Join us as we listen to the cd and learn where you can catch Kim on tour on the next Richard Brown radio show. Come hear her CD deput .

May 5, 2008 show – Finding to reasons for change
We talk with John Chapman who has worked in the Chapel Hill Carborro area for social justice issues for many years.  From gathering information on the Freedom riders in the area to UNC housekeepers, we will explore some of the local issues that continue to need attention and voice.  The needs of the community continue to be unmet; Learn about some of the work that John is doing that gives voice to the unmet needs in the community on the next show.

April 28, 2008 show – Understanding school choices for our children
The continued educational attainment gap for black children is a troubling statistic.  Those of us who are parents don’t deal in statistics; instead we have to make the best decisions possible for our children. We may not always have a lot of resources handy but being an active part of our child’s educational process we provide enough guidance to get our children all the way through college.  For parents, it takes energy, focus and a willingness to learn what systems are in place in our unique environment.  On the next show we will be joined by parents who can share their experience and enrich our understanding of the problems and opportunities that present themselves to guiding black children along the educational process.

April 21, 2008 show – A conversation with Black Fathers
On the next show, we will share a few brothers’ experiences as black fathers.  There can be great emotion that comes along with being a father.  We will learn from our guests, how their experiences affect their lives.  I remember clearly, my own fears before my first child was born.  The new responsibility felt different than any other weight in the world.  My understanding of that responsibility has changed over the years but it is no less an important part of my daily focus. My fatherhood has brought much joy in my life.   Join me as we discuss how we might excel in this aspect of black life.

April 14, 2008 show – Learning from Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc
There are times when answers are not simple and just take time to explain. For example, when your parents are from different races or cultures, people sometimes say you are just the race of one parent but there is simply more to the story. Similar conversations occur when folk of one race (take your pick) associate with another race too much. I believe such narrow minded views are slowly changing but they do still exist. On the show we chat with some of the talented women of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. They will share their thoughts, experience, and understanding of their role in our community. Few of us have had as many multicultural conversations as these women and perhaps we can open our minds and hearts to gain greater appreciation for all.

April 7, 2008 show – A look at how sports allows us to talk across race
While growing up, one few ways I saw people talk across race was to talk about the weather.  Given how few people work in farming in today’s society, weather is not used nearly as frequently.  I have found that sports have taken up some of the “weather” conversation space.  It provides for surface conversations as well as an opportunity to delve deeper.  It also allows for people of different economic classes to be on the same team.  But as many barriers as sports break down, it also creates other problems.  On the show we talk with an expert about how sports are used as a medium to talk across race and sometimes about race.  We will also explore some of its inherent limitations.  Finally, we will of course find out what is going on with your favorite team. 

March 31, 2008 show – News mic check
We will explore the news with a new format on this radio show.  We will have diverse guests discuss and share their views on the current news stories over the past month that is shaping our world.  Their analysis and perspective may not agree but it is important that we continue to try to have sincere conversations about race, politics, beliefs and values because these issues are never shaped in a vacuum or without emotion.  We hope to use current news to one discuss these bedrock beliefs with people who don’t share our own point of view and two to attempt to learn more about our assumptions.

March 24, 2008 show – When we talk about race
Obama is not alone in discussing race.  Professors since W.E.B. Dubois have studied race with great care.  Even today there many in higher education who find the subject still has many unanswered questions.  On Monday, we will have the opportunity to get a primer on academic race discussions by Dr. Tomeiko Carter, interim Director of the Institute of African American Research.  Please join us to learn more about the ever expanding and nuanced academic conversation about race that is happening across this country.

March 17, 2008 show – When we let our emotions lead us astray
With so much happening in the world, what should we focus on?   Just in the last few weeks there are sex scandal, political name calling, economic support for a large financial company and a local murder of promising young student.  It is a lot to take in.  Hey, let’s not forget March madness is in full swing.  With all these topics and concerns coming up, what should we really focus on?  On the show, I will reflect on what news we take in and how that reaffirms our sense of the world around us.  Perhaps just perhaps we can also self reflect on what news we consume and start to evaluate our own preconceived notions.

March 10, 2008 show – Is adoption right for you
Adoption of a child is a very personal process. From the decision to place your child in the adoption process, to the parents who are looking for a child, it can really be a deep self examination that most people would rather not share with the world; Still parents do so to be accepted as guardians of adoptive children. Across much of the state, many of the “hard to place” children are black.  Yet there are concerns about placing black children with a non black family.  Just about every study speaks to stability in the home giving children the best opportunity to succeed.  This debate is difficult one to be sure and one of many that come up as you begin to look at adoption.  Join us as we begin to look at some of the issues concerning young black children in the system on the next show.

March 3, 2008 show – An update on the real estate market in 2008
Over the last four to five years, people have used their home as a secondary source of income, borrowing against future appreciation.  Experts have estimated that the housing market has been a large driving force in the national economic boom during this time.  Clearly in 2008 this type of active has come to halt and the contracting housing market is causing the loss of wealth across race and class.  Even in the current market, there are still people interested in buying and selling real estate.  What are the new credit requirements?  How do you price your home in a market that seems to be losing equity?  And let’s not forget those who may be on the verge of losing their home. Where can they turn?  We will take a second look at real estate in 2008 to lay plans and prepare on the next Richard Brown show.

February 11, 2008 show – Political change is in the air but, are we positioning ourselves properly?
Obama has been able to call forth deep and passionate hope unseen since JFK.  For a Presidential candidate that is wonderful attribute. For that candidate to be black is nothing less than historic.  Often times in the past, African American’s have gotten excited about the potential a candidate brings. Yet hope is not enough.  It must be tempered with institutional understanding and political muscle.  Combining all these attributes can create a new and long lasting opportunity for the betterment of the community.  Join me as we explore possibilities and get a glimpse of the paradigm shift leading up to the 2008 election.

January 28, 2007 show – Not losing focus
With February almost upon us, how many people have already given up on their New Year’s resolution to be active, get fit, and lose weight?   Often we blame it on the need for 30 more minutes of sleep or being to tired after work, but are there other issues that hinder us from staying focused on our health goal?  Join us as we chat with a health expert who will give us motivational tools to stay on the path to a healthy and active lifestyle.

January 21, 2007 show – Service to the community
On this national holiday, what better way to honor Dr. King’s legacy than to talk about service to the community. Communiversity is a local program that continues to bring the hopes and wishes of the civil rights era to reality. Based in Chapel Hill, the program works with surrounding youths to achieve higher academic attainment through classes held on campus. The program is primarily run by UNC undergraduate students and they work with community kids, 5-18 to increase their English, math and science skills. Join me as we learn more about Communiversity, and more about service to the community

January 14, 2007 show – What will be the state of real estate in 08      
Banks are losing money, the Fed is very concerned about a recession and all because of 07’s four letter word “sub-prime.”  With a new year starting, what will be the outlook for buyers and sellers given banks are taking a much harder look at a persons credit profile prior to lending them money? What can African Americans with real estate concerns do to protect their homes, family and credit? Check out the show as we learn what we should expect in the coming year.

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January 7, 2007 – Finding a path that controls our money & establishes our legacy part 2
Five years from now do you have a good idea of where you will be financially?  Will it be better or will you be working the same job, making the same money and have the same problems?  If you answered yes to these questions then it might be time to start planning and setting longer term goals.  On the next show, we will revisit the idea of taking control of your money and legacy by using planning to start to assess the current situation and plot a path for the future. 

December 31, 2007 show – New Year’s reflections
Growing up people always hear about being a doctor, lawyer or professor.  The question for me is what choices, mistakes, decisions went into your life course that bring you to a profession. On the next show, we will prepare to enter into 2008 with a thoughtful look at the plans folks have put into place to reach their personal and career goals.

December 17, 2007 show – Learning new ways to fight
Martial arts is a very old tradition practiced in many parts of the world. This tradition takes several general paths: grappling, striking and weaponry to name a few. The training can be used to build self confidence, sharpen mental acuity or even increase fitness level. Two individuals from a local dojo will come and share their passion and interest in martial arts. With the knowledge they bring, we may be able to discern a style that fits you.

December 3, 2007 show – Searching for a new response to hate
After the Civil War, laws gave land owning blacks the potential to vote.  Lynching was the tool used to reestablish social and economic power.  Widely documented and even photographed, the lynching of outspoken blacks who wanted to exercise those inalienable rights sent clear messages to others about what was acceptable behavior.   In 2007, it seems odd how some in American refuse to see how the use of a noose is a symbol of hate.  More importantly, what should be the response from those of us that do have some historical understanding of the hate symbols that are being used so freely.  Join the conversation as we look at what might be the current causes of hate and our response.

Nov 19, 2007 show – SEEDS program revisited
We are joined by guests from the SEEDS program, a non-profit community garden whose goal is to teach people to care for the earth, themselves, and each other through garden-based programs. It has become a cliché for even large companies to talk about “going green.” We ask our guest how they discern truth from fiction with products the companies say are "green". We will also chat with them about conservation and stewardship.

Nov 12, 2007 show –Finding a path that controls our money and establishes our legacy
Money touches just about every facet of our life. When I started the radio show, one thing that I wanted to share is my belief that we have the opportunity to gain better control of our money. The question is do we have the information and will power to do so? On this show, I will discuss how my views have evolved to include our financial legacy. It seems to me that this financial legacy (what we leave our kids) added to getting out of debt, saving for a home, college, and retirement provides a larger reason, context, and a larger why. A big enough why that hopefully will be a strong pull to get people to make the changes necessary to take control of their money.

Nov 5, 2007 show –How the black community can excel in college
Excelling in college for black students has several issues that you see across class and racial lines. Academic gains for both black women and men albeit slow are moving forward. The question to consider is how to increase the rates for graduation for the work force and graduate level work. Sharon Hill has written a book that gives students the tools necessary to do just that.

Oct 22, 2007 show – HIV and Aids continue to ravage the black community
The Center of Disease and Control and Prevention had this to say about HIV “Of all racial and ethnic groups in the United States, HIV and AIDS have hit African Americans the hardest. The reasons are not directly related to race or ethnicity, but rather to some of the barriers faced by many African Americans. These barriers can include poverty (being poor), sexually transmitted diseases, and stigma (negative attitudes, beliefs, and actions directed at people living with HIV/AIDS or directed at people who do things that might put them at risk for HIV).”  On the show we chat with experts on how to deal with some of the issues that are the causes of HIV within the African American community.  

Sept 24, 2007 show – Uprooted: The Katrina Project
On Monday, Gulf Coast artists displaced by Hurricane Katrina will share their stories. This collaboration is at the forefront of a relief effort focused on energizing activism and rebuilding communities. Artists have the important task of helping us to bring some kind of meaning in difficult and trying times. Learn how they are doing this important work and how they are using their art to express the pain, sorrow and joy that has come from such a life altering event on the next Richard Brown show.

Sept 17, 2007 show – Hearing the call of public service through the roar of distrust
Politics has become a knee jerk reaction based on party affiliation. Little space is given to discussion and even less space to compromise. With such attitudes the likelihood of fundamental structure change is often left off the agenda. Yet people still hear the call to public service. Farad Ali feels this pull and is running for office in Durham, North Carolina. Learn what went in the decision, what his ideas are and how he plans to implement them on the next show.

Sept 10, 2007 show – Reflections of blackness
I am deeply honored to have Phillip Shabbaz, poet, mentor, author, and business owner on the show. We will discuss his new book and he will share his paradigm on the world as he sees it. When you look at the multiple endeavors Mr. Shabbaz has been involved in it is clear that he has a strong concern for the black community. We will learn and grow on this show.

Sept 3, 2007 show - In the darkness of subprime mortgages
Stella Adams updates us on the large number of defaulting mortgages and how it may effect people and economy As loans reset to higher interest rates and people realize that likelyhood that they will lose their home, Stella will provide some real world advise to save homes and heartache.

Aug 27, 2007 show – Success within Corporate America
Many people believe that working in corporate America is the ultimate fulfillment of the American dream. It is no surprise however, that most of the culture of Corporate America remains awash in a bastion of white male privilege. Drawing on her research and expertise in Behavioral Organization, Sharon A. Hill will join me in conversation as we discus how people of color can thrive in corporate America.

Success Realty has earned a reputation for doing a simple thing well: Putting the interests of customers first. You can see this commitment at every turn - in the integrity and professionalism of our agents, in our  focus on financial strength and in our drive to provide quality service. It's our way of conducting business in our communities. 

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