Funky Politics

Meet Andre Fowlkes, a hometown hero dedicated to elevating black businesses in Memphis as President of StarCo. For over a decade, Andre has honed his expertise in the tech industry, understanding the vital role that small businesses play in the local economy. Alongside his business partner, Eric Matthews, he's been working to bridge the gap and create equitable opportunities for black entrepreneurs. Andre is committed to uplifting the Memphis black business community by empowering them with resources, mentorship, and guidance they need to succeed and flourish.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Haley Simmons, Chief Public Policy Officer for Seeding Success, joins DC to talk about being a part of the solution in our city.  Our public school kids are still testing below grade level. There is still an insufficient plan to address trauma and ACEs. But Seeding Success keeps its boots on the ground and nose to the grindstone, participating with the implementation of the More for Memphis initiative. Tune in to hear more of that they're doing to lift our kids and our community.  

Good sense and gun laws - yes the two can go together. Our nation can have both. Keenon James (Senior Director of Everytown Survivors Network) joins DC to talk about his connection to the cause, having lost his brother to gun violence. At Everytown Survivors Network, Keenon supports gun violence victims and their families in their journey to healing. His work in law enforcement, criminal justice reform, and as former Deputy Director of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) lends him a unique perspective on the issue. He and DC have a riveting conversation as they unpack the nuances of this epidemic, talk about the action and inaction of our federal and local governments and how to create a safer America. 

On this episode, Michelle McKissack shares her passion and vision for the city of Memphis. DC gets a peek inside her life to better understand who she is, what moves the needle for her and why she thinks she should be Mayor. She talks about her journalism background and her experiences interviewing huge notable figures like Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama as well as her role on the MSCS school board. Tune in and get to know Michelle McKissack!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.  As a society, we are not OK. People are hurting or unwell yet not seeking the help they need.  Or, they're flying under the radar.  Black folks in particular needs to have a conversation as a family.  Montoyia McGowan (therapist and social worker) talks signs of mental illness, policing and mental illness , pushing past stigma,  misdiagnosis of Black people and our community's (understandable) distrust of the medical community. 

Kenneth Anderson has an interesting story. He's a North Memphis dude who is ivy league educated twice over who is now the owner and operator of Everbloom Farmacy.  He educates us about food insecurity, food and health equity and putting the power of provision in the hands of the people who need it most.  Truly enlightening show! Tune in.

Frank Colvett is one of the many people who wants to be Mayor of Memphis -- and he is a Republican. Why is this significant? Memphis is a Democratic stronghold, widely referred to as the blue dot in the red sea that is Tennessee. Why does he feel like he's the one? What makes him think he has a shot? Is there a MAGA agenda afoot or will he take a bipartisan, balanced approach? There's not alot of info floating around about his platform. But DC asked the questions and got the answers that we need. Listen up! 

Former Shelby County Board of Commissioner, philanthropist, and entrepreneur JW Gibson has entered the Mayoral race. He is well known to many in business and philanthropic circles but we're giving our listeners who may be unfamiliar the opportunity to get to know him. He and DC talk about his humble origins in Dixie Homes, his path to success and his plan for the future of Memphis. He shares his priorities as it relates to several critical issues for the city including crime; infrastructure; early childhood, economic and community development and the creative ecosystem.  If you don't know of JW or his work, pull up to get a sense of what he's about! 

Van Turner Jr., a proud native of Whitehaven, Memphis, has dedicated his life to public service and community development. A former Shelby County Commissioner, Van is no stranger to fighting for the city he calls home. A graduate of Morehouse College and the University of Tennessee College of Law, Van has been boots on the ground for several causes that are close to the hearts of Memphians. He talked about his path to the here and now and his plans for the future of the city. 

As we all know by now, Nashville is the latest mass shooting to occur in our country.  This person was unstable with access to high-powered weaponry. When do we say enough? When do our electeds move to put some good sense measures in place?  Mary Powers and Kat McRitchie join DC to talk about it along with our Funky Politics national show co-host Jasper Hendricks.

Representative Mark White (R-TN) proposed the Third Grade Amendment and we have questions. While there was some input from the communities affected, were any of the systemic issues (like ACEs or Adverse Childhood Events) addressed? There has been speculation that prisons plan their capacity around 3rd grade outcomes. While that may not be wholly true, literacy, academic performance and graduation rates can be predictive. Dr. Archie Moss (Transcend Education, The Gentlemen's League) and Terence Patterson (Funky Politics co-host and CEO of Memphis Education Fund) join DC to talk about the mechanics of the amendment, its exemptions, its impact, education policy in general, social promotion and the bigger picture. Another great conversation. Check it out!

No, we aren't being gratuitously profane. For the uninitiated, it's a Nina Simone song. And it accurately captures the sentiment around what's happening with our neighbors in Mississippi. Guests Rhyane Wagner, Wendy Shenefelt (organizer in Jackson) and Representative Christopher Bell join DC as they unpack what some would describe as Jim Crow antics in Jackson with the specially appointed council of white "overseers." They also talk about the temperature around Mayor Lumumba and an update on the water crisis. It's a good one! Full of need-to-know info. Tune in.

To say that the transportation system in Memphis - and throughout Tennessee honestly - is tragic would be an understatement. To say the infrastructure in our city is lagging would be another understatement. To that end, we another exclusive in-studio interview on deck. Bacarra Mauldin (Deputy CEO) and Gary Rosenfeld (CEO) from Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) are talking about Governor Lee's proposal, the (very remote) possibility of a light rail, the effect that Blue Oval City will have on I-40 and implementing the M Connect system. And of course, we must address the elephant in the room -- all of the complaints about MATA service. They address the extraordinarily long wait times, bus shelters,and communication challenges. It's another funky one!

Juvenile crime is on the rise in Memphis. Many of us just saw the news report about the 11-year old with the mile-long rap sheet. Recent car thefts have been by kids that are under 18. The list goes on. So, we brought in the experts to talk about it. Dr. Altha Stewart (UTHSC Center for Youth Advocacy and Well-Being), Juvenile Court Justice Tarik Sugarmon and District Attorney Steve Mulroy join DC to talk about the systemic issues plaguing our community and our youth and what's next. What can be done? How can parents be better engaged? How can the extended community be a part of the solution? The situation is critical. Let's talk about it, Memphis. 

Memphis got a special visit from Moleboheng Matli, who is the Goodwill Ambassador for Tourism in Africa. She talks to DC about her visit to the city and plans to bring a contingency of  young girls from South Africa and Nigeria to Memphis this Fall. She talks very openly about her journey from farm girl to the office of the President of South Africa, enligtening us on how schooling was challenging pre-Mandela, before apartheid ended. She details the drive it took to hike several miles to and from school and how she and her peers innately understood that education was the way out. Her experiences led her to establish her foundation so that she can be a part of the solution. She highlights the need for quality education and broadening the scope of understanding for young girls as well as investing in their futures. She has alot more to say! Tune in for this riveting conversation.

Krista Thayer (Director of Outreach and Preventation) and Mia Cotton (Chief Programs Officer) from Friends for Life  are fighting for our lives. The two return to the show to talk about the fight for HIV preventative care. Several red state governors, including Governor Lee here in Tennessee, have plans to reject federal funding earmarked for these services. They enlighten us on the broader impact lack of care will have on our community's physical and financial health. It actually costs more to treat than prevent! And these restrictive policies and practices affect more people than you think.  Listen up and be enlightened!

DC and Bobby White ( Chief Government Relations Officer, Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce - also Sam's dad!) break down the Governor's State of the State and what it means to us in Memphis.  What monies are being allocated and where is it going? What else do we need to be concerned about or pushing for? Listen up to get the lowdown. 

DC chats with Beverly Robertson in somewhat of an exit interview after her departure from the Memphis Chamber of Commerce as CEO. The two discuss what's next, Blue Oval, the future of our youth and our city and her work with the Chamber. Beverly is always dropping knowledge and providing inspiration. If you know, you know. If you don't, you should. Tune in! 

In celebration of MLK Day, Russell Wiggington (President of the National Civil Rights Museum) joins DC to talk about the radical, revolutionary side of Dr. King. There are many quotes floated about but they are usually the milder, more middle ground quotes. However, in his latter years Dr. King became more outspoken. In this show, DC shares some of these quotes as they unpack their continued relevance over 50 years later.

There was too much left on the table so we invited Mia Cotton and Krista Thayer from Friends For Life back for a second interview. They talked about understanding labels, more about church engagement and stigma.  It's a great show if we do say so ourselves! Very edutaining.  

In the wake of World AIDS Day, DC talks to Mia Cotton and Krista Thayer from Friends For Life, a nonprofit based in Memphis that focuses on both prevention and 360 degree treatment of those who are HIV positive. That treatment includes assistance with stable housing, food pantry, a clinic and other services. They talk about everything from statistics to stigma and the fact that some things "just aren't talked about." But we are talking about it. Candidly. And yet there was so much more to dig into. (Hint: There will be a part 2).

DC talks to Roshun Austin (President and CEO, The Works, Inc.) about affordable housing, gentrification and displacement in Memphis. The costs of home buying, and even renting, is sharply increasing but people's wages are not following suit. This leaves many Memphians in a quandary as they seek to find homes that they can afford that are in safe spaces. There is some assistance available for low income families but what about mid-range families? Where does this leave them? They unpack this situation, the land grab, out-of-town developers and more. It was an  informative, power-packed interview. Whether you are a buyer, seller, renter or owner in Memphis, this impacts you. Have a listen.

DC is joined by Memphis politicos David Upton, Liz Wooten and Senator Raumesh Akbari to dissect the local/statewide election results -- breaking down the amendments, talking through the new technology and how it served the voters, expectations of Governor Lee for Memphis. This was not "the big one" but there was still much to unpack! 

Our host DC sits with State Senator Raumesh Akbari to talk about the election outlook, what's on the ballot and what you voters should be paying attention to in addition to some need-to-know info. 

Assistant Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner joins the show to talk about the issue of truancy, their relationship with the community and the importance of positive visibility, crime amongst our youth population as well as his ideas about what we can do to improve the situation. Tune in and listen up!

As most people know there's been a lot of shake ups at the district. And there are alot of feels around this?  We now have an interim superintendent but what should be their next move? Former principal and teacher Archie Moss is now currently the school design partner at Transcend. Terence Patterson is one of the co-hosts of the Funky Politics sister show and the CEO of Memphis Education Fund. They join DC to talk about what the future of MSCS looks like, the opportunities are presented by the current leadership vacuum, parent engagement. They packed so much insight and good stuff into this small window. Tune in then weigh in. What do you think? 

Funky Politics Memphis launches with one of the hottest topics in the city right now - MLGW. Otherwise known as Mane Lemme Getcho Wallet. We're talking rate hikes, customer services issues, the resignation of the CEO, TVA. There's much to discuss. Local activist Keedran Franklin joins our host DC to share some insight and hard truths