KMOJCast

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Danielle Hughes joins Chantel Sings to discuss the opening of the Benjamin E. Mays Afrocentric Magnet program, a long-awaited educational opportunity that will welcome PreK-5 students beginning in fall 2026. She shares how the program's African-centered approach will integrate Black history, cultural identity, and academic excellence across the curriculum while providing...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Marklyn T. Johnson joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss Pull Up a Chair: An Honest Conversation About Race in America , a book that combines real-life interviews, personal stories, and research to encourage thoughtful conversations about race in the United States. Rather than speaking only from his own perspective, Johnson amplifies the voices of everyday peopl...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Peyton Scott Russell joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss a community mural project made possible through a Minnesota State Arts Board grant that brought together North High School students, emerging artists, and local organizations. He shares how the project began with an artist residency focused on expressive portraiture, encouraging students to explore creat...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Lyneir Richardson joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss an innovative wealth-building opportunity that could transform commercial real estate ownership in North Minneapolis. As CEO of The Chicago TREND Corporation, Richardson explains how Hawthorn Crossings Shopping Center is being positioned as Minnesota’s first community co-owned shopping center, giving local...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Darrail Hughes joins Chantel Sings to discuss the mission of PCYC Freedom Schools and how the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools program helps prevent summer learning loss while empowering young people through literacy, enrichment, and leadership development. He highlights this year’s National Day of Social Action on July 15, when scholars will march along West Broad...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Rose McGee joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss the mission of Sweet Potato Comfort Pie® and how storytelling continues to bring people together across cultures and communities. She reflects on the recent 30th anniversary production of her acclaimed play, Kumbayah: The Juneteenth Story , which celebrates the history and enduring significance of Juneteenth throu...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Jay Haapala joins Chantel Sings to discuss AARP Minnesota’s 2026 Community Challenge grants, which are supporting 18 projects across the state that improve quality of life and help communities become more livable for residents of all ages. He highlights initiatives ranging from technology training for older adults and innovative home-sharing programs to safer streets, imp...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Dr. Barbara Hutchinson joins Chantel Sings to discuss ATTR-cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-CM), a serious and progressive heart condition that is frequently misdiagnosed because its symptoms often resemble normal aging or other forms of heart failure. She explains why common warning signs—including shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in the legs or feet, irregular heartbeat,...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Dr. Janice M. Williams-Porter joins Freddie Bell to discuss the inspiration behind her new book, The Women’s Leadership Blueprint , and why effective leadership begins with self-awareness, clarity, and strong personal values. Drawing from more than three decades of experience in education and executive leadership, she shares practical strategies for helping women develop...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Floyd Jones joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss the mission of BackBlack and its work connecting Black-led nonprofits with funding, resources, and greater visibility. He highlights the impact of investing in organizations that are deeply rooted in the communities they serve and shares how BackBlack helped direct more than $11.5 million to Black-led nonprofits...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Damon Jenkins, Senior Vice President and Minnesota Regional Market President for First Independence Bank, joins Freddie Bell & Chantel Sings to discuss the grand opening of the bank’s new St. Paul branch in the heart of the Frogtown and Rondo communities. As Minnesota’s first Black-owned bank and a Minority Depository Institution, First Independence Bank is expanding...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Reverend James Stacey, Minister of Unity South Twin Cities in Bloomington, joins Freddie Bell for the Community Builders Series to discuss the power of community building through service, compassion, and shared purpose. Drawing on decades of experience in ministry and nonprofit leadership, Rev. Stacey shares how the simple question, "How can we help?" has guided his congr...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Natalia Terfa joins Freddie Bell to discuss her new book, It All Counts . Drawing from her experiences as a pastor, writer, and community member, Terfa explores how ordinary moments, relationships, and daily choices can carry profound meaning, even when life feels overwhelming. She shares insights on cultivating hope, paying attention to what matters most, and finding pur...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Anika Robbins, Founder and CEO of the ANIKA Foundation, joins Chantel Sings to discuss Juneteenth Minnesota 2026: A Family Celebration, taking place June 19 at the Minnesota State Capitol. The free, family-friendly event commemorates the 160th anniversary of emancipation while celebrating Black history, culture, music, and community through live performances, educational...

On the KMOJ Morning Show, best-selling author, poet, and journalist Clint Smith joins Freddie Bell to discuss his acclaimed book How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America and his upcoming appearance as the featured speaker at the Minnesota Humanities Center's Juneteenth Brunch. Smith reflects on why confronting the history of slavery is essential to understandi...