The Shows - The Chavis Chronicles

SHOW EPISODES

Season 2

MAKING HISTORY BY SERVING THE MOST VULNERABLE

Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, the first Black woman to lead the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Brenda Mallory, the 12th Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality join Dr. Chavis to discuss critical policies that are in place to help protect the health and environment of vulnerable communities.

TCC Episode #226

TRANSFORMING ACTIVISM FOR A NEW GENERATION

The Reverend Jamar A. Boyd, II, Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference Senior Manager discusses the future of activism in the Black church and how Millennial and Generation Z activists are redefining social, political, environmental and economic protest agendas.

TCC Episode #225

CREATING MORE EQUITY IN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING

Bibi Hidalgo, the first woman to serve as an Administrator for the U.S., Small Business Administration in the area of government contracting and business development joins Dr. Chavis along with Ron Busby, CEO of the U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce. Hidalgo and Busby discuss new programs specifically created to help black and brown business owners secure government contracts.

TCC Episode #224

THE UNJUST BURDEN OF POLLUTION IN COMUNITIES OF COLOR

Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali, Vice President of Environmental Justice, The National Wildlife Federation joins Dr. Chavis to discuss activism and solutions to combat toxic waste dumping, pollution and environmental injustice in lower income neighborhoods and communities of color.

TCC Episode #223

LEADING THE CHARGE FOR REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE

Women’s reproductive health and voting rights are once again at a critical point in history. Dr. Chavis talks with Marcela Howell, President and CEO, In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda. Howell talks about the historical contributions of Black women in the fight for voting rights that continues today and the looming threat of women losing hard won reproductive freedoms.

TCC Episode #222

A LEGACY OF CHAMPIONING SOCIAL JUSTICE

New York Times bestselling author, attorney and political commentator Bakari T Sellers joins The Chavis Chronicles to discuss being a child of the social justice movement, his famous father Cleveland Sellers who was a key figure at the grassroots level pushing for concrete Black political power in the 60’s and 70’s and the current state of politics in America.

TCC Episode #221

COMMUNICATING THE AGENDA

White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre sits down for a one-on-one interview with Dr. Chavis to discuss the triumphs and defeats of the Biden-Harris administration, along with the greatest challenges for the presidency on the horizon.

TCC Episode #220

THE POWER OF PROPHETIC PREACHING

Many changes have taken place in Ferguson, Missouri after the fatal shooting of African American teenager Michael Brown by a White police officer. The deadly shooting ignited protests and riots across America. Dr. Chavis talks to activist,
the Reverend Dr. Cassandra Gould about the on-going national debate between law enforcement officers, excessive use of force in the Black community and efforts to raise up a new generation of political leaders.

TCC Episode #219

A NATIONAL TREASURE SINCE 1876

Dr. James E.K. Hildreth, President and CEO of Meharry Medical College, who sits on the FDA’s vaccine advisory review board discusses the development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. Hildreth was also appointed to President Biden’s COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. He gives insights regarding what’s on the horizon to protect the public and how African Americans are on the forefront of developing vaccines to fight the pandemic.

TCC Episode #218

CELEBRATING THE SOUNDTRACKS OF CHANGE

Dr. Chavis visits the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville, Tennessee Tuwisha D. Rogers-Simpson, Vice President of Brand and Partnerships for the museum, describes the many galleries that make up the world’s first and only museum devoted to African American music and the historical role Black musical artists played in shaping American music.

TCC Episode #217

"WAKE UP", STAY WOKE" & A ROADMAP TO THE AMERICAN DREAM

Dr. E Faye Williams, President and CEO National Congress of Black Women speaks with Dr. Chavis about the current state of women’s rights, civil rights and human rights. Dr. Williams also reflects on the influence comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory had on her life, to continue the fight for social justice. Dr. Chavis also talks to attorney Rayshon Payton with the U.S. Department of Justice about how the PGA TOUR ‘s First Tee program helped to set him on a course for professional and personal success.

TCC Episode #216

Black Home Ownership A Key To Generational Wealth & Disaster Preparedness For Faith-Based Communities

Lydia Pope, President National Association of Real Estate Brokers speaks with Dr Chavis about resources and challenges for Black home ownership. Then, Director Marcus Coleman of the Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Faith-Based Neighborhood Partnerships discusses how faith communities provide critical support for disaster relief assistance.

TCC Episode #215

Before Tiger Woods & A Piece Of The Pie

Kimberly Robinson, President of the historic African American non-profit women’s organization the Wake-Robin Golf Club shares why participating in the sport of golf is an excellent mix of advocacy. and empowerment for women and girls of color. Diversity and inclusion in the development and construction industry is lagging behind other professions. Approximately 10% of equity partnership with big development law firms and construction companies are with people of color. Attorney Lisa Colon gives insights on how young lawyers and developers of color can break into the industry.

TCC Episode #214

A Living Broadway Legend & The Voice of The Black Community

Broadway is back in full swing. Dr. Chavis talks to Irene Gandy, a Tony award winning, longtime broadway insider about the increase in plays and musicals depicting stories about Black culture. In the broadcast arena Black ownership of radio and TV stations is decreasing. James Winston, President and Executive Director of the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters shares insights on what’s causing the decline in ownership.

TCC Episode #213

Pathways To The Middle Class And Beyond

Ronald Mason, Jr., President of the University of the District of Columbia discusses why HBCUs could be one of the best paths African American college students can choose to reach the middle class and beyond. Researcher Dr. Sonya Horsford discusses how to combat racial inequality in K-12 schools.

TCC Episode #212

Fighting For The Future Of Democracy

Activists are intensifying their efforts in the fight against what they say are restrictive voting laws being enacted on the state level across the country. Dr. Chavis speaks with civil rights leader Benjamin Jealous, President of People For the America Way and former President of the NAACP about what’s at stake for the future of voting rights in America.

TCC Episode #211

Navigating A Triple Pandemic

Polls show that many parents are on the fence about whether and when to vaccinate their younger kids for COVID-19. The issue has become politically polarizing. Dr. Chavis discusses with Dr. Yolanda Lewis-Ragland, one of the leading pediatricians in the U.S., how the COVID-19 vaccination debate is also adversely impacting other routine scheduled childhood vaccines.

TCC Episode #210

Leveraging Legacy To Empower The Future

Ilyasah Shabazz, the third daughter of iconic civil rights activists Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz talks with Dr. Chavis about growing up as a child of the slain civil rights leader. Shabazz also takes a deep dive into the books she authored about her world-renowned parents and the state of social justice in America today.

TCC Episode #209

Ain't Too Proud

Otis Williams the last living member of the original Motown group the Temptations and manager Shelly Berger, sit down with Dr. Chavis to share little known facts and candid insights of the life and times of the legendary singing group with a sneak peak of the Broadway return of the Tony nominated musical Ain’t Too Proud.

TCC Episode #208

The Voice Of Black Business

Dr. Chavis welcomes Ron Busby, President and CEO of the US Black Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the impact of the pandemic on Black-owned businesses. Ron also explains what measures are being taken to mitigate the financial disaster for Black entrepreneurs and encourages Black business owners to utilize the many resources available to them.

TCC Episode #207

Closing The Vaccine Gap

Dr. Chavis welcomes Cedric Levan Richmond, Senior Advisor to the President of the United States and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, to discuss equity and the Administration’s agenda in its first year. Also joining Dr Chavis is Dr. Cameron Wells, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Public Health Science. As a Senior Policy Advisor for COVID-19 Equity on the White House COVID-19 Response Team, Dr. Webb helps to shape national discourse and management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

TCC Episode #206

Closing The Enormous Racial Wealth Gap

Dr. Chavis welcomes Shawn Rochester and Robin Watkins, (RIS), founders of Minority Equality Opportunities Acquisition Inc. (“MEOA”) to The Chavis Chronicles. MEOA is the First Minority-Led Special purpose acquisitions company (SPAC) traded on NASDAQ. The SPAC targets historically under-capitalized minority business enterprises (“MBEs”) for mergers and acquisitions. Rochester and Watkins discuss how this could be a game changer for black businesses that typically face roadblocks accessing capital.

TCC Episode #205

Missing Black Girls

Dr. Chavis interviews Natalie Wilson, founder of Black and Missing Foundation to discuss the crisis of missing females of color. The Guardian recently reported that at least four Black women and girls were murdered per day in the U.S. last year. Thousands of people are reported missing and while not every case will get widespread media attention, the coverage of white and minority victims in the US is far from proportionate. Natalie Wilson explains ‘Missing White Woman Syndrome,’ the practice by news media of amplifying the stories of missing white women, while marginalizing those of women of color.

TCC Episode #204

Investing In The Human Soul

Dr. Chavis speaks with Janice L. Mathis, the Executive Director of the National Council of Negro Women to reveal the groundbreaking strategies the non-profit is deploying to invest in the human soul. Oscar-winning producer, writer, and actress Kelly Kali shares with Dr. Chavis the power of filmmaking to showcase critical issues such as combating the homeless crisis in America.

TCC Episode #203

The First Free Black Republic

Dr. Chavis has an impactful discussion with Roger Persaud, an author, historian and expert on Haitian history. Persaud also provides insight into the current political unrest and economic turmoil in Haiti.

TCC Episode #202

Hip Hop: The Back Story

Hip hop and rap music has evolved from an African American urban sound to the number one music genre worldwide. Dr. Chavis interviews highly respected VP of Urban One radio and host of the Backstory Podcast Colby “Colb” Tyner. Tyner shares interviews he’s conducted over the past 25 years with pop and hip-hop music legends including Jay Z, Nas, Janet Jackson and more.

TCC Episode #201

Season 1

Policing Politics And The Pandemic

As the national Black Lives Matter protest continues to shine a light on what it calls systemic racism and police brutality, combined with the disproportionate impact of the coronavirus on communities of color, this episode of The Chavis Chronicles goes in-depth to reveal how policing, politics and the pandemic are forcing a major paradigm shift in American culture. Guests include: Major Neill Franklin, Executive Director of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP); Representative James E. Clyburn (D- SC), Majority Whip, the third-ranking Democrat in the United States House of Representatives and currently serving as the Chairman of the House Select Committee on the Coronavirus Crisis.

TCC Episode #101

Super Role Models in The Black Community

Dr. Chavis is joined by two esteemed guests in this week’s episode. Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, President of Tennessee State University (TSU), a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), and the International President of the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Inc. the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African-American college women, with nearly 300,000 members and over 1000 chapters all over the world. In this climate of increasing urban turmoil, unrest and police shootings of African Americans, Dr. Glover offers TCC viewers insight about the renewed urgency and importance of HBCUs, as well as the influence that the African American Greek-letter organizations (namely the AKAs) will have on the upcoming 2020 election. Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D. is president of HBCU Howard University in Washington DC., and also a practicing surgeon. As the leader of one of the oldest and most renowned HBCUs, Dr. Frederick reveals his insight regarding the impact of George Floyd’s death, the protests it led to across the world, and the continuing pattern of systemic racism in the U.S. Dr. Frederick’s words about the African American experience feel more urgent than ever. He also discusses how his career as a surgeon has influenced his work as an educator, administrator and champion of underserved communities, and why he believes we may be on the cusp of the next “golden generation.”

TCC Episode #102

The Civil Rights Movement to Black Lives Matter: Where Do We Go From Here?

In this episode, veteran civil rights activist and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton reflects on the intersection of the Black Lives Matter movement and the three great civil rights acts of the 1960’s. Despite those changes, Congresswoman Norton says the vestiges of racism remains embedded in American life. Yet she believes this new, young multicultural generation sees race differently and will demand greater change, just as social justice crusaders fought for over 60 years ago.

Also, The Honorable Chokwe Antar Lumumba is making it his mission to transform the city of Jackson, Mississippi into “the most radical city on the planet.” Jackson is a city with a rich American history, but it’s also plagued by persistent poverty, health disparities, confederate symbols and generations of racist sentiments. By advocating for social and economic change, Mayor Lumumba is determined to transform this 85% African American city into a model of economic optimism.

TCC Episode #103

The Most Important Vote of Our Lives

The right to vote is a fundamental right under the United States Constitution. It is a right that millions of people have fought and died to protect and preserve since the birth of our democracy. The NAACP is just one of many national organizations gearing up for a possible historic 2020 Presidential election. Voter suppression and getting out the vote are key issues. Civil rights leader Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. speaks to National NAACP President Derek Johnson about how the nation’s largest civil rights organization is moving from protest to power at the ballot box.

TCC Episode #104

Race And The Pandemic

COVID-19 laid bare America’s need to combat health disparities, especially the disproportionate death toll suffered by African Americans and other communities of color. As the number of coronavirus cases continue to spike across the nation what healthcare strategies and vaccine clinical trials are underway to protect communities of color during this pandemic? The Chavis Chronicles will address these issues with two leading public health physicians, Dr. Reed Tuckson, former Senior Vice President for Professional Standards of the American Medical Association and Dr. Lisa Fitzpatrick, an infectious diseases physician and CDC-trained medical epidemiologist.

TCC Episode #105

Legacy of The Black Press

Globally renowned scholar, author, preacher and media personality Dr. Michael Eric Dyson discusses the need for America to renounce innocence, privilege, fragility and comfort. Dr. Dyson shares his hopes and fears that if white America does not embrace the need to engage with black, brown and indigenous cultures the US will not live up to her great mission as land of the free. Mississippi Publishers DeAnna Tisdale-Johnson and Jackie Hampton also join the program to discuss the important legacy of the black press and dangers African American publishers faced in the south.

TCC Episode #106

When Women Lead, Everyone Wins

Two nationally acclaimed female leaders discuss the unique ways black women contribute to uplifting America from past to present and especially now during racial protests and the pandemic. Dr. Johnnetta Cole, Chair and President, of the National Council of Negro Women and Dr. Lezli Baskerville, President of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education join the Chavis Chronicles to share their unique perspectives on staying strong and keeping hope alive during these uncertain times.

TCC Episode #107

Music For The Movement

In times of crisis we historically turn to music. From the tragedies of war, to the perseverance of civil rights freedom fighters to today’s coronavirus pandemic, music continues to give us a sense of hope and solace. On this episode of The Chavis Chronicles several musical artists share why they believe inspirational songs can provide an antidote to the growing feelings of isolation and fear brought on by COVID-19 and racial unrest. Grammy award winning artists Juan and Lisa Winans and new breakout artist Toneshia Harris also perform some of their inspirational hit songs.

TCC Episode #108

The Rise of White Supremacy

White supremacist groups pose the largest threat out of any domestic extremist group in the US, according to a new Department of Homeland Security report.

This episode of The Chavis Chronicles explores the intersection between white supremacy and the law from the perspective of two racial justice activists. Civil rights attorney William H. Murphy of the legendary Murphy family, founders of one of the oldest black newspapers in the country. We also meet Daryl Davis and learn of his efforts to improve race relations by convincing members of the Ku Klux Klan to leave and denounce the KKK.

TCC Episode #109

More Family Time

Singer, songwriter, and producer Ziggy Marley is an eight-time Grammy and Emmy winner. The son of legendary singer Bob Marley joins The Chavis Chronicles to share inspirations for his new album “More Family Time” created while he was in quarantine during the height of the coronavirus outbreak. Marley says giving children something to be happy about during the pandemic is more important than every before. We also hear from national veteran radio host and civil rights activist Reverend Mark A. Thompson. Thompson discusses what’s on the horizon for America and the new civil justice movement in 2021.

TCC Episode #110

A Candid Conversation With One of The Most Admired Women in America

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was recognized by Glamor Magazine as one of the 2020 Women of the Year. She is also one of the most influential and admired women in America. In this episode of The Chavis Chronicles we share in depth and candid conversations about the life, family and career of Mayor Bottoms. Dr. Chavis also interviews former Washington Post editor and award-winning documentary film producer Chris Jenkins. Jenkins’ film entitled “Trapped: Cash Bail in America” uncovers the tragedies and injustice of America’s cash bail system and how it disproportionately impacts the poor and communities of color. The feature length documentary exposes how every night, across America over 500,000 U.S. citizens are imprisoned simply because they don’t have enough money to pay their bail even before they are convicted of a crime.

TCC Episode #111

A RESPONSIBILITY TO SPEAK TO THE TIMES

Grammy award winning artist Anthony Brown is lighting up the Gospel Music community. Brown has collaborated with legendary award winning performers such as Stevie Wonder, Donnie McClurkin, Fred Hammond and more. Brown reflects on the pandemic, social unrest, police brutality and how he is committed to using his music as a platform to speak out about injustice. Dr. Chavis is also joined by prominent attorney A. Scott Bolden. Bolden is a leading government and trial lawyer with a long family history in the civil rights movement. Bolden shares top issues that will be addressed by the Supreme Court in 2021 and why America’s promise of freedom justice and equality can never be reached without eliminating racism.

TCC Episode #112

TENOR OF THE TIMES

Doctor and philanthropist Larry Caplan has dedicated his life’s work to ensuring access to high quality health care for our military community, underserved schools and more. His charity has prepared thousands of students in low income communities for careers in health care. At the height of the pandemic COVID-19 claimed the lives of Dr. Caplan’s father and father-in-law. He shares his professional and personal insights on how to best protect against coronavirus and the flu. Also appearing on the program is Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever, an award-winning author, international speaker, political commentator, and race and gender empowerment expert. Dr. Jones-DeWeever shares her political insights on how America’s turbulent political divide has set the country on an unalterable course of cultural change.

TCC Episode #113

SURVIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE PANDEMIC

Dr. Chavis speaks in depth with one of the nation’s top advocates against domestic violence Mildred D. Muhamad. Muhamad is a certified consultant with the U.S. Department of Justice and global consultant for the U.S. Department of State for the Office of Victims of Crime. Muhamad is also the ex-wife of the DC sniper. She says domestic violence incidents have increased significantly since the COVID-19 outbreak. Muhammad provides advice on how victims can survive the epidemic of domestic violence exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Chavis explores the marriage of the two great movements, civil rights and labor with UAW President Rory Gamble. Gamble also reveals the new role labor is playing in the rapidly evolving manufacturing technologies landscape.

TCC Episode #114

EXPECTATIONS OF THE NEW ADMINISTRATION

Three leading reporters representing the Black press in America discuss the most critical issues facing Americans in 2021, from coronavirus and the high mortality rates of people of color who contract COVID-19 to the likelihood of passage of a new voting rights act and slavery reparations legislation.

TCC Episode #115

SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER

Award winning actor, director and playwright Ruben Santiago-Hudson is best known for his role as Captain Roy Montgomery on the hit TV series Castle. Hudson joins The Chavis Chronicles to talk about his journey in the entertainment industry and his new movie, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom staring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman and COVID-19’s impact on the entertainment industry. Wanda Durant also joins the program to discuss her foundation and how her work raising two champions in the sports world prepared her to be a champion for underserved women and children.

TCC Episode #116

TOXIC FOREVER CHEMICALS

Dr. Chavis discusses drinking water safety, contamination and the intersection of race, with leading environmental justice attorney Morgan Johnson, and meets with Rep. G.K. Butterfield, U.S. House Chief Deputy Whip (D-NC) to discuss issues facing the 117th Congress.

A growing body of research reveals that lower income communities of color are more likely to endure pollution. Members of the environmental justice movement have sought to give those communities a louder voice. Hundreds of everyday products are made with highly toxic fluorinated chemicals called PFAS. These dangerous chemicals build up in the human body and never break down in the environment. Very small doses of PFAS have been linked to cancer, reproductive damage and other deadly diseases.

TCC Episode #117

PROTECTING AMERICA'S TREASURES

Robert Stanton was the first African American to serve as Director of the National Parks Service. Stanton shares with Dr. Chavis his historic career and the majestic history of NPS. Dr. Chavis also learns about author, surveyor and astronomer Benjamin Banneker from Melanie Dance Dengler, Director and Chandler (Chase) Louden, Docent/Historian of the Benjamin Banneker Museum.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson created the National Park Service, a new federal bureau in the Department of the Interior responsible for millions of acres of parks and monuments. However establishing a National Park Service (NPS) during the height of segregation was a struggle. While national parks are federal preserves those parks located in states that held tight to Jim Crow laws, fiercely challenged NPS officials in their efforts to treat all visitors equal.

TCC Episode #118

POLICE BRUTALITY IN COMMUNITIES OF COLOR

The ongoing police brutality case of Joel Acevedo is another homicide case making its way through the court system. The Acevedo family believes he died after being put in a chokehold by an off duty Milwaukee police officer. Dr. Chavis examines the deeper impact of police brutality on communities of color. High profile attorney’s Benjamin Crump and B. Ivory Lamarr join the conversation. The mental health impact of COVID-19 has been devastating in numerous ways. One powerful nonprofit organization is mobilizing women and girls to help them improve their physical and mental health, through a civil rights inspired health movement. Vanessa Garrison is the co-founder of GirlTrek, the largest public health nonprofit for African American women and girls in the United States. With more than 1 million members GirlTrek encourages women to use walking as a practical first step to inspire healthy living.

TCC Episode #119

One Nation Under Covid

Despite the release of three vaccines to combat the coronavirus pandemic, African Americans, Latinx and other communities of color, continue to face a disproportionately higher degree of exposure to the deadly virus. On this episode Dr Chavis interviews Dr. Colleen Payne-Nabors, founder and owner of one of the nation’s leading companies administering Covid-19 testing. Dr. Payne-Nabors explains why COVID 19 testing remains one of the most effective weapons in the fight to slow the rapid spread of the deadly disease and new variants. Also featured on the program is Pastor Richard Hartley. Reverend Hartley had a prolific career as a singer and musical director, traveling across the world to work with choirs and musical icons such as Aretha Franklin, Celine Dion, and Diana Ross. The father of two and star in the hit reality TV show The Rev shares highlights of his successful career with Dr. Chavis.

TCC Episode #120

One Nation Under Covid and “The Rev” A Journey with Music, Faith, & Family

America now struggles to survive the Covid-19 pandemic on this episode of the Chavis Chronicles. Dr. Colleen J. Payne-Nabors, founder and CEO of the MCI Diagnostic Center, sits down with Dr. Chavis to discuss her largest testing organization, which handles effective testing for covid. Dr. Payne-Nabors mentions the importance of African Americans taking the pandemic seriously and how to reverse the aspect of one nation under covid. Lastly, well-profound Pastor Richard Hartley share with Dr. Chavis his inspirational journey with music, faith, and family.

The mental health impact of COVID-19 has been devastating in numerous ways. One powerful nonprofit organization is mobilizing women and girls to help them improve their physical and mental health, through a civil rights inspired health movement.

Vanessa Garrison is the co-founder of GirlTrek, the largest public health nonprofit for African American women and girls in the United States. With more than 1 million members GirlTrek encourages women to use walking as a practical first step to inspire healthy living.