Here and Now with Sandra Bookman

In the latest edition of "Here and Now,” we examine why Black women have the highest percentage of avoidable deaths in the United States. Also ahead, we explore a conference and career fair focused on attracting more people of color to the advertising business; how STEM from Dance is bringing coding skills to younger people; and “How I Will Graduate” is helping teens do just that.    Learn more ab...

"Race Rules: What Your Black Friends Won't Tell You," an eye-opening new manual for white people on racist and offensive behaviors. We sit down with the author. *** A musical tribute showcasing the power of art and its influence on social justice. Featured performer Nona Hendryx stop by. *** A new documentary, "Searching for Augusta Savage," explores the lost works of a nearly forgotten Harlem Ren...

On this episode, the high cost of insurance fraud, including its impact on communities of color. Also, a rare look at the life of abolitionist and activist, Harriet Tubman. We'll introduce you to a relative who's written a new book about Tubman's life beyond the famed underground railroad. And, we'll talk to the third grader from Crown Heights on a mission to show the world "love wins." Plus, hip...

On this edition of “Here and Now," dismantling health disparities in the Black community. We look at what's on tap at the Black Health Matters Summit and Expo. Also ahead: how Housing Works is connecting at-risk youth to much-needed, judgment-free health care. Actor Sean Ringgold on what's ahead on the fifth season of BET's "The Family Season."   And the power of jazz: the initiative that's changi...

Vice President Kamala Harris has hit the ground running in her historic bid for the White House, gaining crucial party support in the days since President Joe Biden dropped out of the race and endorsed her. Harris secured enough commitments from Democratic National Convention delegates to effectively lock up the nomination. Harris also raised $100 million in the first week of her campaign, reflect...

On “Here and Now,” Sandra Bookman sits down with Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Candace Kelley co-hosts of “Not All Hood.” The podcast takes a provocative look at the vastly different lived experiences and identities of Blacks in America. It serves as an extension of the Black pride themes explored on Warner's 2022 Grammy-nominated album "Hiding In Plain View." The nuances are explored through conversat...

We begin by looking at the very first major exhibit on the life and legacy of Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, “Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100.” The exhibit opened on June 21 at the Museum of the City of New York. *** Then, Sandra Bookman sits down with Sean Decatur, the first Black president of the American Museum of Natural History to discuss the recent removal of human r...

On this episode of Here and Now, we discuss efforts to boost diversity among New York's Bravest. The FDNY has long struggled to increase diversity among its ranks. Right now, less than 25 percent of New York City firefighters are Black, Latino or Asian, according to the New York City Council. Only about 1 percent of firefighters are women. The department's new recruitment campaign, "All Heroes Wel...

Black Music Month is celebrated every June in the United States to recognize the historical and cultural significance of Black musicianship.     First up, Sandra Bookman sits down with Grammy and NAACP Image award-winning gospel artist CeCe Winans to discuss her hit single “Believe For It.” CeCe Winans has been awarded more Grammy awards than any other female gospel singer, with 15.     Next up, a...

On this episode of "Here and Now," Sean Decatur, the first Black president of the American Museum of Natural History, reveals how the museum is addressing its history of scientific racism as it relates to the collection of human remains largely belonging to Indigenous Americans and African-Americans. *** Nona Hendryx, legendary artist, singer and songwriter, joins Sandra Bookman to discuss Hendryx...

We sit down with legendary artist, singer and songwriter, Nona Hendryx. Hendryx's legendary career spans six decades of sound and style evolution. Fans know her as a founding member of the girl group, Patti LaBelle & the Bluebelles with Sarah Dash, Cindy Birdsong and Patti LaBelle. They were inducted into the R&B Hall of Fame in 1999. Hendryx is one of the featured performers at "The Gathering: A...

This episode of Here and Now features the grassroots effort against gun violence.  The founder of "Life Camp" reflects on her two-decades-long mission to make peace a lifestyle in Queens. And, the ER doctor behind Brooklyn's "Kings Against Violence Initiative." We'll hear why he says this should be treated as a public health issue.  Also, the Fresh Air Fund, introduces city kids to summer beyond t...

On this episode of Here and Now, we sit with the two retired NYPD officers who saved one of the most historical sites in African American history: the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Kenneth Dodson and younger brother Axel visited the iconic civil rights leader's home in Atlanta earlier this month, when a woman attempted to burn it down. The two brothers, who are retired, jumped into act...

Christian Cooper, the birdwatcher who recorded a disturbing confrontation with a white woman in New York City's Central Park back in 2020, is now host of a new series on National Geographic, "Extraordinary Birder with Christian Cooper." Cooper joins Bookman to discuss the journey as well as excitement on the new series. *** We speak to a couple of changemakers who are continuing the work of a secr...

Sandra Bookman sits down with Rachel Watts, the executive director of ArtsConnection. ArtsConnection’s mission is to create socially just learning environments that strengthen the diverse voices of NYC’s children and youth, cultivating their arts and academic skills for success in a changing world. On June 5, ArtsConnection will be celebrating its 45th anniversary. Their “Art Is the Heart of Life”...

Author of “Race Rules: What Your Black Friend Won’t Tell You,” Fatimah Gilliam reveals to Sandra Bookman some of the "unwritten rules relating to race, explaining the unvarnished truth about racist and offensive white behaviors." We also feature the creators of “Searching for Augusta Savage,” a documentary based on the life and times of the first person in the U.S. to open a gallery dedicated to A...

On this episode of "Here and Now," Dr. Diana Williams, co-founder of the Environmental Leaders of Color, joins Sandra Bookman to discuss how her nonprofit organization has been helping low-income communities prepare for the adverse effects of climate change.   Each summer, the Environmental Leaders of Color provide a six-week program engaging students in classroom-based learning about basic clean...

We’re addressing disturbing inequalities in health care. We'll introduce you to Dr. Uché Blackstoc, the author of ”Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine" *** Also ahead, how the Borough of Manhattan Community College is expanding opportunities for Black men at elite universities. *** We meet award-winning actor and director Ruben Santiago-Hudson. The Tony award winner will be h...

“Master knitter” designer, fiber artist, and activist Milagros Batista joined Sandra Bookman to discuss the influences that shape her extraordinary creations. Batista describes her line of wearable art as designed for equity, sustainability, and gender neutrality. The Batista Collection strives to break down societal barriers and challenge traditional notions of fashion. A solo exhibit featuring 2...

It's not how you start, it's how you finish. These formerly incarcerated men are running a successful health-food company in Asbury Park, New Jersey. "MacroBites" is the first national Black-owned ready-to-eat service company. Here to tell us more are MacroBites’ CEO Jarrette Atkins and president David Lewis.   *** As we mark Women's History Month, we welcome Tony award-winning singer Melba Moore....

It's a disturbing fact: Black Americans have by far the worst health outcomes in this country than any other group. Why is this so? Dr. Uché Blackstock discusses her new book, “Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine.” Plus, from the streets of the Bronx to the biggest stage in sports in Paris, breakdancing is coming to the 2024 Summer Olympics. Tony “Mr. Wave” Wesley, an origina...

The Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem will host its second annual HBCU Sunday this month. It’s meant to promote the mission and legacy of historically Black colleges and universities. Abyssinian itself has a long-running history of doing important work at the intersection of faith, social justice and education. Here to tell us more is Dr. S. Raschaad Hoggard, the executive minister of the Abyssi...

Exploring the lives of iconic Civil Rights leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. We'll introduce you to the stars of the new National Geographic docudrama series, “Genius: MLK/X." Also ahead, we examine cardiovascular disparities and a new clinical trial at Mount Sinai that focuses on women and minorities.   Plus, celebrating a century of Black art and artists at the Montclair Art Mus...

We go inside the fight for tenure among Black orchestral musicians. Some of the nation's most esteemed institutions are accused of falling short when it comes to diversity and inclusion.  Some highly trained, talented classical musicians are now calling for a day of solidarity as they demand respect and equal treatment. According to the Black Orchestral Network, musicians of color are disproportio...

It's a big move toward racial justice in New York State amid plans for a new commission tasked with researching the generational harm from slavery. In an effort to acknowledge the impact of slavery in New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed a bill to create a commission to study reparations for Black New Yorkers, making New York the third state in the nation to do so. State Sen. James Sa...