Friendship Talks…Are you Listening?

Episode Summary Welcome to another episode of Friendship Talks, hosted by Bill Ryans of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church Social Justice Ministry. In this episode, Bill sits down with Mr. Pape Ndiaye, owner and proprietor of the House of Africa here in Charlotte and the founder of the Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas. Affectionately known to the community simply as Pop, he joins the pod...

Breaking Barriers in Blue In this episode of Friendship Talks: Are You Listening?, Dr. Corliss Brown Thompson sits down with Representative Carolyn Logan to discuss a truly historic journey through North Carolina’s history. Representative Logan shares vivid stories from her time as the first Black woman to serve as a North Carolina State Trooper, offering a rare look at the determination required...

In this episode of Friendship Talks: Are You Listening?, Dr. Corliss Brown Thompson discussed with guest Kathryn P. Carter how reading shapes a child’s life. They explored how a student's confidence is tied to literacy and why it is so important for children to see themselves reflected in the books they read. Kathryn shared personal stories of growing up watching her mother and grandmother set the...

In this episode of Friendship Talks, Rev. Dr. Paul McAllister and veteran journalist Cliff Harrington examined redistricting and gerrymandering. With more than 30 years at The Charlotte Observer and The Rock Hill Herald, Harrington discussed how redistricting differed from gerrymandering, how map drawing shaped political power, and offered practical context for listeners—especially community leade...

Overview In this follow-up to the "Loving Me: Mind, Body, Soul" symposium, we move from personal wellness to navigating the institutional healthcare landscape. Our panel breaks down the distinctions between Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA), providing you with the clarity needed to make informed decisions for yourself and your family. The Panel Host: Melissa Rivers, Friendship...

In this episode, host Bill Ryans interviews Dr. C. Anthony Jones, Jr., Digital Engagement Minister, and Jeremiah Morris, Administrative Assistant for Christian Education & Discipleship and Digital Ministry. The conversation traces the history of digital ministries in the church, explores current uses, and discusses the future of digital ministry. Join us as we delve into how technology is tran...

Our host, Bill Ryans, interviewed  Greg Jarrell, Senior Campaign Organizer of Charlotte's Redress movement.  The Redress movement’s mission is to repair the harm due to intentional policies that segregate communities. Also, Greg discussed his book, Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking of American Neighborhoods.   Redress Movement of Charlotte Our Trespasses: White Churches and the Taking...

Our host, Bill Ryans, interviewed  persons that traveled on FMBC’s Reunification Civil Rights Tour to Alabama.  The attendees visited historical Civil Rights sites in Birmingham, Selma and Montgomery.  Bill engaged with the guests to reflect on the trip and share with the audience  the historical importance  and impact of each one of the areas visited.   Guests: Calvin and  Dr. Corliss Thompson Re...

Our host, Bill Ryans, interviewed  Honorable Elisa Chinn-Gary, Co-founder of Race Matters for Juvenile Justice, Mecklenburg County Office of the Clerk of Superior Court about the upcoming Charlotte Remembrance Project program.  The Charlotte Remembrance project mission is to tell the story of racial terror lynchings in America.  On Sunday, July 20, 2025  the organization will speak specifically ab...

Our host, Jennifer Duru Perry spoke with Deronda Metz, Executive Director of Friendship Community Development Corporation.  Ms. Metz described the organization’s history and mission.  She spoked extensively about Friendship Gardens and how interested persons can become involved with the CDC. Friendship Community Development Corporation Friendship Gardens Disclaimer The views, thoughts, and opinion...

Our host, Wallace Shields interviewed Rev. LeDayne McLeese Polaski, Executive Director of Mecklenburg Metropolitan Interfaith Network (MeckMIN) and Glenn Smith  the Founder and Executive Director of Life Connections of the Carolinas, Inc.  Mr. Smith is MeckMin’s 2025 Community Award Recipient.  The group discussed his organization’s strategies for keeping adolescents out of jail and the restorativ...

Our host, Veronica Clemons interviewed Jeniffer R. Loney and Tonya Woods members of the Human Trafficking Committee  of  FMBC’s Social Justice Ministry.  Our guests defined Human Trafficking, provided ways to detect trafficking and offered strategies to help victims find help.  Finally, the group discussed the upcoming Human Trafficking forum being held at FMBC. Human Trafficking Awareness Forum:...

Our host,  Bill Ryans spoke with Julie Porter, President of DreamKey Partners.  DreamKey Partners is developer of affordable housing homes and apartments in Charlotte.  Mrs. Porter talks about DreamKey’s history and origins, Charlotte’s housing situation and DreamKey’s role in providing affordable housing.  She also provides information on how interested persons can work with her organization to m...

Our host,  Jennifer Duru Perry spoke with Malcolm Graham, author of The Way Forward.  Malcolm is a former North Carolina State Senator and currently serves on the Charlotte City Council.  Malcolm discussed his personal journey  in the aftermath of the Charleston church tragedy. Malcolm’s sister Cynthia Graham Hurd was killed in the Emanuel AME Church shooting. Finally, he provides action steps to...

Our host,  Dr Corliss Thompson spoke with Mrs. Shanna Rae, principal of University Park Creative Arts Elementary School. This conversation was an update on the school’s academic successes since an earlier podcast (Aug 2023) and a call to action for the community to assist the students and school programs going forward. University Park Creative Arts Elementary Principal Shanna Rae UPCA Makes Histor...

Our host, Jennifer Duru Perry, spoke to Evelyn Anderson and Gwendolyn Prince about the mission and impact of the Youth Villages organization.  This organization has worked to improve the lives of children for over 35 years.   Evelyn Anderson: Development Coordinator Gwendolyn Prince: Regional Supervisor for Outpatient Mental Health Services   Youth Villages   Hands-on Volunteering, December 2-Dece...

Kamaria E. Lawrence and Rev. Dr.  Stefan Weathers Sr. from Democracy North Carolina prepared listeners to be effective and engaged voters in the upcoming general election. Democracy North Carolina North Carolina Voter Election Protection Hotline Mobilize Voter Gudes   Disclaimer The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions...

Our host, Rev. Dr. Paul A. McAllister interviewed Jamie Lau of Duke University School of Law and supervising attorney of the Wrongful Convictions Clinic.  Mr. Lau discussed his background, the work of the Convictions Clinic and the Clinic’s role in helping exonerate Ronnie Long after 44 years of incarceration. Jamie Lau Ronnie Long Exonerated Ronnie Long's Settlement Disclaimer The views, thoughts...

Our host, Veronica Clemons interviewed  Dr. Na’imah  Sedegah, Senior Psychologist at Alexander Youth Network.  Dr. Sedegah discussed her background and clinical practice, mental health strategies for youth and adults and how to help someone going thru a mental health crisis Dr. Sedegah’s Profile Alexander Youth Network

Our host, Bill Ryans interviewed Rev. LeDayne McLeese Polaski, Executive Director of Mecklenburg Metropolitan Interfaith Network (MeckMIN) and Rev. Dr. Abdue Knox, Pastor of Greater Bethel AME.  The group discussed the mission and faith based efforts of their respective organizations and ministries in Charlotte Mecklenburg.     MeckMIN Greater Bethel AME   Disclaimer The views, thoughts, and opini...

Our host, Jennifer Duru Perry discussed with Veronica Clemons, FMBC SJM Health Committee member, the upcoming  Mental Health Symposium.  This year’s topic is “What are you Worrying About?”  The target audience is  youth 12-17 age group. Refreshments will be served.  See below for more information.   June 23 at 12-1 pm  https://www.friendshipcharlotte.org/eventcalendar.aspx   In Person - FMBC Campu...

Host, Bill Ryans interviewed William Catherman and Larelle Catherman from MEDRIX.  The cofounders of MEDRIX discussed organization’s mission which is to serve the people of Vietnam by sharing medical, educational and development resources. The Catherman’s shared stories and provided a glimpse of their work on the ground in Vietnam. MEDRIX        

James E. Ferguson II, a founding partner at the first integrated law firm in North Carolina, discusses with host Dr. Corliss Thompson his background and Swann vs Charlotte-Mecklenburg School board. Ferguson Chambers Sumter, P.A. Swann vs Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board

Host, Dr Corliss Thompson interviewed Trina Fullard, Chief Program Officer and Incoming CEO of the Charlotte Rescue Mission.  They discussed the history, role, and mission of the organization.  Mrs. Fullard shared how the Charlotte Rescue Mission’s programs make a difference in the lives of persons struggling with the disease of addiction. Rescue Mission    https://charlotterescuemission.org/ Comm...

Host Rev. Dr. Paul A. McAllister talked to biographer Jonathan Eig, about his latest book King A Life. This book examines the Life of Dr King in great depth. https://www.jonathaneig.com   Announcements   Human Trafficking - Hidden in Plain Sight https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-sigmas-of-charlotte-present-human-trafficking-hidden-in-plain-sight-tickets-773441503357?aff=oddtdtcreator     January 6,...