Real talk, Real people

Bridgeport Councilman Ernie Newton is the director of the city's new Reentry Welcoming Center. As a man who had to rehabilitate his reputation after a federal conviction, he is perfect for his new position and remains a powerful voice in Bridgeport.

Many children and young people are feeling the affects of having their social lives and education interrupted due to the pandemic. And as society returns to normal, many low-income kids feel it has left them invisible. 

At 24 years of age, he was appointed a commissioner in Hamden by then-Mayor Curt Leng. At age 25, the White House recognizes his volunteer efforts to help kids and his community.  

Three local women are using their individual talents to unite the Black community. Collectively, they call themselves "The Essence of Abundance." 

Doris Lorraine Walker is no longer with us but to her seven children, she will live forever. We share some of our childhood memories of the woman who meant so much to us. This episode was taped on July 9th, her birthday. 

Our guest this week on Adversary to Ally is Dr. Charles Morgan

What does Independence day mean to you?

Marcus Stallworth of the Child Welfare League of America is our guest. You also can watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/wYtLQ4JB9BE

My guest is Barbara Alexander, who runs the Westville Performing Arts Center where budding performers learn to act, dance and sing. Now, she has written a 12-step guide to help aspiring artists launch their career and win their audition.

More than 10 years ago, two men teaching at a local university asked their students if they were to create a perfect world, what would it look like? They found that younger people were making decisions based on what they learned in the media and from influencers. The two men set out to change that with their company "Welcome 2 Reality," which is now a nationwide network that collaborates with chil...

My guests are Deborah Caviness and Diana Washington of the Southern CT Black Chamber of Commerce.  Many minorities believe it is hopeless to get a loan or grant to start or keep their business running. That may have been true in the past, but business leaders say don't throw away your dreams as it is easier than ever to start your own business. This episode also can be watched on YouTube. htt...

Guest: Tyree Snead of Hampton, Virginia

Many advocates and lawmakers believe business tactics used by the auto dealer industry are abusive and discriminatory. Research by a Yale professor formed the basis for federal anti-discrimination lawsuits against the auto dealer industry. This roundtable discussion highlights these practices as well as key actions lawmakers and regulators can take in Connecticut and New York State to finally addr...

This episode is also available to watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/f9hlIuj_XlQ We're back in Chimene's Kitchen in Scottsboro, Virginia, where she is baking bread and smothering chicken. 

Whether it is guns, theft, or domestic violence, crime in the Black community is running amok and getting worse. And with juvenile laws protecting teens who are stealing cars and committing petty crime, the question that needs to be answered is, where are the parents and whatever happened to pride and discipline? 

Adversary to Ally welcomes Capt. Mark Catania of the Glastonbury Police Department. He discusses what happens when police go on a domestic violence call and the steps law enforcement are taking to tackle the problem. 

Lawmakers are proposing or already pouring millions into mental health services for children, citing the effects the pandemic has had on them. Nearly a year ago, Dr. Regina Wilson and Shenira Billups, a certified licensed counselor for New Haven County, talked about the challenges black kids are facing. Here is an abbreviated version of that important conversation. 

Cooking is an art. But how do you prepare a tasty meal when you live in an old farmhouse where the kitchen is currently under renovation and space is limited? Chimene shows us how as she makes "Aunt Doretha's Bread." Note to listeners: All of our episodes can be watched on YouTube. Follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Rc2WtQLxtN_Xekh4oYrPA

This is our collaboration with Mothers of Victim's Equality Inc., where men talk about domestic violence and intimate partner violence. Our guest is Pamplico, SC resident Joseph Woodberry.

Ty Hopkins is a multi-talented New Haven man whose website "Hip-Hop Paradise" gets more than 50,000 views a week and climbing. He says his goal is to provide a space for all artists.

Bringing the arts to the community is what drives Barbara Alexander, founder of "Arts in CT," a nonprofit with a mission to provide leadership and support to the diverse arts community of Greater New Haven." And to help her do this, she has opened "a multidisciplinary arts hub" she is calling the Westville Performing Arts Center at 351 McKinley Ave in New Haven. She is here to talk about why this...

Our guest is Kenneth Thompson, a former Connecticut resident now living in South Carolina. He founded the Gussie Wortham Foundation in memory of his sister, Gussie Wortham. The  conversation is about domestic and intimate partner violence.

As I told listeners at the end of December, we are making changes to the podcast and while we do, we invite you to hang out with the Walkers. We talk about everything and can be pretty funny.

This episode can be watched on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZBWXVpn5nI As she states on her website, "Natural Annie Essentials," Bridgeport resident Annya White-Brown makes "pure soy candles with a feel-good vibe!" And with her unique scents like Island Vibes, Ginger and Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang & Rose and Lavender among many others, she is prepared to "fill your home and lift your...

Watch this interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClvyovPxCc0&t=583s The partners behind Adversary to Ally discuss why they got together and what they hope to accomplish by having men talk about domestic and intimate partner violence.