Real Talk Memphis with Chip Washington

Episode Notes My guests include Jennifer Christian who is the founder and Executive Director of My Girl - Tennessee. My Girl is a non-profit organization that empowers young girls through mentorship. They serve girls between the ages of nine and 18 holding numerous events throughout the year, like vision board parties, financial literacy workshops and My Best Self Sessions. She explains why it is...

Episode Notes My guests include Shanika Walls, a Certified Life Coach who says exceptional life skills begin with exceptional life coach training. She teaches others to help identify obstacles or barriers needed to achieve success. She tells us how. Next, we all know that the violence in our streets is top of mind for many of us. Recently, a meeting was held with law enforcement officials and the...

Episode Notes On the next and all new Real Talk Memphis my guests include Jessica Van Dyke. You may not know her name but you do know the organization she is the lead counsel for. She tells us about the Innocence Project and some big news involving our city. Next, Renardo Baker is Orange Mound grown and strong. He is a community organizer and one who understands the streets and is tired of the vio...

Episode Notes My guests include Kelly Sealey who is one of many thousands across this country who contracted Covid initially, but when the initial symptoms subsided she was left with the long-term effects. She joins me to discuss some of the difficult symptoms she still deals with today. Dr. Sapna Kripalani from Vanderbilt University also joins her to tell us why it's so difficult to diagnose. Jac...

Episode Notes My guests include SunAh Laybourn. Author, Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Memphis, the host of “Let’s Grab Coffee on WYXR and the person who singlehandedly put a spotlight on the Asian American impact in our city. How? By creating the first formal celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Memphis last month. She tells me why it was so...

Episode Notes Guests include Elaine Turner of Heritage Tours. Today we celebrate Juneteenth, which is known by some to be the second Independence Day but how much do you really know about it and its relevance or significance today? She gives us a history lesson and explains. Agape means love and for Agape Child and Family services, it is something they strive to accomplish every day for the people...

Episode Notes My guests include County Commissioner Henri Brooks. While the commission is in the middle of budget season, she tells us how that is going and about an initiative that starts this week with area churches. The focus is to open up various churches to provide for many of our youth a safe place for activities and fun. State Representative Jessie Chism joins me to discuss the recent legis...

Episode Notes My guests include Kim Keblish from FEMA and Liliana Tschanett from the US Small Business Administration (SBA). The tornados that roared through West TN and many other areas in March caused an incredible amount of damage as well as displacing so many families. They join me to tell us how you still have time to file for these economic disaster loans in order to rebuild your life. Next,...

Episode Notes Guests include Sarah Houston, Executive director, Protect Our Aquifer. While our water issues haven’t made front page news of late, there are always concerns that bare watching. Sarah shares the latest. It’s budget season with our local government officials and there is one issue our county commissioners are wrestling with, the Wheel tax. Commission chairman Mickell Lowery pays a ret...

Episode Notes Guests include Capt. Albert Glenn, one of the first Black pilots at FedEx who has embarked on yet another mission. He has started and oversee's a Flight school in Olive Branch for minority students in order to teach and diversify the airline industry. He explains. Next, for those of you who like me have major back problems, I speak with Dr. Chad Campion from Campbell Clinic who tells...

Episode Notes My guests include State Senator Raumesh Akbari. With the Legislature recently ending we get a report card on how things went, both the highs and lows. Also, what is the realistic hope (if any), for any Red flag laws regarding any type of gun laws or restrictions. She shares her thoughts. With the crime rate at an all time high and our juvenile crime situation very much out of control...

Episode Notes My guests include school board member Stephanie Love. With all the confusion surrounding the selection of a new Superintendent and a pause in the process, there are more questions than answers. She will share their thoughts and what happens going forward. Next homicide has become a very big problem in our city adding even more stress on our police force and the families left behind....

Episode Notes Alzheimer’s and dementia are two words no family ever wants to hear and the emotional toll it can take puts a real strain on families. Dr. Judy Martin is the Executive director of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Memphis which helps people with related disorders live with dignity and respect. One way they do that is to provide relief to their caregivers. She explains how. Next, t...

Episode Notes My guests include Ena Esco, radio and podcast personality who hosts TWO shows on WYXR. She has had a long career in the music biz and talks to me about her journey and fulfilling her dream of creating Ivymultimedia. Many of you have heard me speak of my ‘crew’ which features Nicole Covington and Ayuana ‘DJ Lola’ Cage. They are both creative and talented and you will get to learn more...

Episode Notes My guests include Shelby County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon. She makes a return appearance to chat about a number of items including the troubled County Clerks office and the decision to give Wanda Halbert a special assistant advisor, Janet Hooks, to help improve service to our community. Next, the State of Tennessee was on full display, not in a good way, when three representatives...

Episode Notes My guests include Amber Sherman who is a community activist and a leading protester seeking change and accountability especially within our police department. She has received national notice by Rev. Al Sharpton and others for the peaceful but powerful way they have handled the Nichols tragedy while still seeking action. Next, Kelly D. Price is a man who believes in the future and ed...

Episode Notes My guests include Veda Ajamu, Managing director of DEI programs and Community engagement for the National Civil Rights Museum. The Tyre Nichols case has transformed this nation and continues to generate hurt, anger, fear and frustration. She will tell us about an important National conversation that the museum is hosting called The Reckoning and why it has to happen to create change....

Episode Notes My guests include LaDell Beamon, Founder and CEO of the Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis. The news we see on a daily basis is about our troubled young people and it’s not in a good way. LaDell has spent years trying to understand what they are thinking and feeling. He tells me what he’s learned and how we can help redirect the wrong path some of them are going down. Colorectal can...

Episode Notes My guests include Vonesha Mitchell, Executive Director of Women's Business Center South. The group offers resources and training for women looking to start or sustain their own businesses. As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, she joins me to discuss how they help women by supporting and encouraging their dreams of being entrepreneurs. Next, we all remember Damar Hamlin'...

Episode Notes My guests include Clarice Phelps, a nuclear chemist and scientist whose team developed an element, 117 known as (Tennessine). She is recognized as the first African-American woman to be involved with the discovery of a nuclear element on the Periodic table.  She tells how important this is and how she hopes it will be an example for others in STEM programs who may want to follow her...

Episode Notes Guests include Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert who has had a challenging time of late. Last week State Representative Mark White sent a bill through the House lowering the percentage of registered voters required to recall her position from 15% to 1%. Last week, County commissioners assigned a Special assistant to her office to observe and report back to them. She gives us an updat...

Episode Notes My guests include Lionel Cable, Head of School, New Hope Christian Academy or, the best kept secret in Frayser. He will share how they serve over 400 students from 3-years old to the 6th grade and how 99% of their students graduate high school. This is an urban college preparatory school and they say simply as the reason for their success, ‘ it’s a God thing.’ Next, we shift to the c...

Episode Notes My guests include Shelby County DA Steve Mulroy. To say his office has been busy is a major understatement but the Nichols death investigation is not yet over. He will tell us where things stand and if there will be additional charges filed. Former county commissioner and current Memphis NAACP chapter President Van Turner has been front and center in seeking justice and accountabilit...

Episode Notes My guests include City Council Chairman Martavius Jones. He joins me to discuss his reaction to the Tyre Nichols murder case and what comes next after the firing and charges for the officers held responsible. I ask what the council want to see happen next with the MPD, how to regain trust and what can they do to ease the anger and frustration from the public. Next, Child care costs a...

Episode Notes My guests include Dr. Keith Norman, Sr Pastor, First Baptist Church -Broad. He has been a pivotal voice of late as we are all still trying to deal with the tragic death of Tyre Nichols. He will join me to share his thoughts, discussions with city leadership and the changes he says need to be made to restore trust. Next, almost from the beginning Doug McGowen the new President and CEO...