Here and Now with Sandra Bookman

On this episode of Here and Now, an exclusive one-on-one conversation with New York legend and former NBA All-Star Jayson Williams. Williams is no stranger to overcoming life's ups and downs. In 2010, amid a problem with substance abuse, he was charged with aggravated assault in the death of a limo driver and sentenced to five years in prison. A DWI charge added a year to his sentence. These days,...

Coming up on Here and Now, a one-on-one conversation with former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Jean-Pierre was a senior White House official and senior advisor to former President Joe Biden. She joins Here and Now to discuss how she's using her memoir to encourage others to become politically engaged. Also ahead, viral sensation Lynae Vanee on her new mission to deliver a differe...

Coming up on Here and Now, how one local official is working to raise awareness on a growing health crisis in New York City. About 60,000 New York City adults are diagnosed with diabetes each year, and the disease is most prevalent in the Bronx. The borough is also home to the four neighborhoods with the highest blood sugar levels in the city among people who are diabetic, according to findings pr...

Coming up on Here and Now, we take a closer look at the impacts of DEI rollbacks under the Trump administration on Black American history. President Donald Trump's executive orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion in the private and public sectors are having a profound effect on American life and culture. In an executive order titled "Restoring Truth in American History," the president cl...

Coming up on Here and Now, meet the successful Black female developer helping to build affordable housing and better lives for families in New Jersey. In the 1990s at the age of 13, Adenah Bayoh and her family fled war-torn Liberia and eventually resettled in Newark. Today, she's the owner of seven restaurants, including four IHOP franchises. Bayoh is also the first Black woman to win a New Jersey...

Coming up on Here and Now, efforts to save young lives in the midst of the severe humanitarian crisis in Haiti. Armed, violent gangs currently control much of Haiti, reportedly 85% of the capital city of Port-au-Prince. There is also a significant shortage of basic necessities, including fuel, food and water. The country's health system is also on the verge of collapse, while malnutrition remains...

Coming up on Here and Now, we discuss building Black businesses with the entrepreneurs turning personal challenges into successful endeavors. We'll introduce you to the registered nurse and breast cancer survivor helping other women through her chain of local medical spas. Plus, catching up with the founder of Camille Rose, the nation's leading Black haircare line that started with a home remedy w...

Coming up on Here and Now, how executives of color are navigating the Trump administration's ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. President Donald Trump's series of executive orders banning DEI programs are having a major effect on corporate America. Research shows that Black executives, especially women, don't get the same support as their white counterparts. Their success, considered...

Coming up on Here and Now, we discuss how popular weight loss drugs are impacting communities of color. The rise in the use of certain weight loss drugs is being credited not only for its potential to help people shed pounds, but also help them improve their heart health. More specifically, the weight loss drugs are credited in decreasing the incidence of heart attacks and strokes, ultimately savi...

Coming up on Here and Now, one of the exonerated "Central Park Five" is inspiring the youth with a new workshop designed to teach them their civil rights. Kevin Richardson spent seven years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. He's now found a way to turn that painful experience into a powerful force for positive change. Richardson's "Courage, Perseverance and Resilience" workshop is designe...

Coming up on this edition of Here and Now, we examine the Trump administration's crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump discusses the DEI ban and its impact on the Black community. But first, celebrating the life of Dr. Hazel Dukes, the civil rights trailblazer who fought for equality for over seven decades. Hundreds attended Dukes' homegoing service...

Coming up on this edition of Here and Now, we continue our celebration of Black History Month by paying tribute to female living legends. First, we're taking off with a United Airlines pilot, who shares her story and mission to enroll 100 Black women in flight school. We'll also introduce you to the FDNY's first Black chaplain providing spiritual support for New York's Bravest. And becoming specta...

In celebration of Black History Month, Here and Now shines a spotlight on local museums that are documenting African American history, culture and the arts. First up, an update on the construction of the long-awaited Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx. The museum is meant to preserve the history of rap music and trace its impact as a worldwide cultural phenomenon. Also ahead, the Jackie Robinson Museum,...

On this edition of Here and Now, we discuss New York State's growing cannabis industry. The legalization of cannabis in New York in 2021 removed legal prohibitions and opened doors to legitimate dispensaries and marijuana farms. Joining us to discuss are some of the few black owners of cannabis-focused businesses in the state. Plus, how one local church is addressing spiritual, emotional and menta...

On this special edition of Here and Now, we revisit some of the guest authors from our archives. "Race Rules: What Your Black Friend Won't Tell You" is an eye-opening manual for white people on racist and offensive behaviors. We sit down with the author to discuss. Plus, marking the centennial of the late, great Shirley Chisholm. Meet the curator of an exhibit exploring Chisholm's lasting impact o...

On this edition of Here and Now, we count down Donald Trump's return to the White House. When President-elect Donald Trump takes office later this month, a question on many people's minds is: How will his second term impact Black Americans? Will marginalized communities suffer in the wake of some of Trump's aggressive campaign promises? Joining us to offer some insight is political analyst Robert...

On this edition of Here and Now, we discuss efforts to preserve Black history in New York City. After a four-year campaign, a 19th century building in Greenwich Village connected to the abolitionist movement has been designated as a historical landmark. This rare, surviving site was the home of Jacob Day, a prominent Black businessman and abolitionist. Joining us to discuss this momentous recognit...

Coming up on Here and Now, we catch up with one of the people behind an exhibition honoring the life and legacy of Shirley Chisholm. This year marks the centennial of Chisholm's birth. She was the first African American woman elected to Congress, and the first woman to run for president on a major ticket. "Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100" is currently on display at the Muse...

The election is over so what's next? We hear from the founders of Win With Black Women and Win With Black Men.  Also ahead, the founder of one of the few Black-owned oil and gas companies in the United States on why partnering with African oil companies can change lives. Plus, the first-ever Girl Scout Leadership Center in Newark and the Salvation Army's Spirit of Giving.  Learn more about your ad...

On this edition of Here and Now, we look at how one Black-owned utilities company's partnering with African oil companies is changing the lives of the people they serve. There are only a few dozen Black-owned oil and gas companies in the U.S. Yachtze Luchin is the founder of Unite Oil & Gas International based in Houston, Texas. His company is focused on creating a more inclusive partnership with...

With the 2024 presidential election less than 10 days away, one organization is working to get out the vote. Analysts say the political power of Black women is a driving force in this year's presidential election. The Win With Black Women network has been leading the charge in raising millions of dollars for Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign and galvanizing tens of thousands of voters. Joinin...

On this edition of Here and Now: the growing mental health challenges in the Black community. According to a Columbia University study, there is growing evidence of rising psychological difficulties in the Black community are directly related to a lack of access to appropriate and culturally-responsive mental health care. "Black Minds Matter" is a support group providing a safe space for those dea...

Domestic violence in the black community – how WARM-- "we all really matter" -- is addressing the issues. Also ahead, we look at “The Poison Garden,” a documentary that exposes long-standing racism in South Florida's criminal justice system. We'll introduce you to the producers of this award winning and important film. The secret to recharging your health -- a Navy vet shares how shedding 100 poun...

We look at the impact of the opioid crisis on communities of color, and the new faith-based training initiative created to help save lives. Also, turning great ideas into marketable products – the Inventress shares her new guide to inventing the right way. Meet the founder of the Brooklyn-based, Africa-inspired clothing line, Noni Styles. We showcase Harlem Meet Africa, the global music festival h...

Fordham University's Faith, Education and Civic Engagement Conversation Series explores the role of Black voters in what is considered one of the most consequential presidential races of our times. Plus, a film looks at "dismantling adultification,"a harmful bias against Black children, especially young girls. We connect with the filmmaker exploring the phenomenon in "You Think You Grown?" Actor C...