A VIEW FROM THE CHAIR powered by KUDZUKIAN: Recent Episodes

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Hosted by Memphis City Council Chairwoman, Jamita Swearengen. A View From the Chair takes an in-depth look at all things City of Memphis with an eye toward bringing our listening and viewing audience first-hand information and in some cases breaking news provided by the Chair of the Memphis City Council. Each episode features a unique look at the City of Memphis, its government, elected officials and other key stakeholders.

On this episode of A View From The Chair, Memphis City Council Chairman Martavius Jones is joined by Natalie McKinney, Executive Director of Whole Child Services Inc. They have an in-depth discussion on the ways in which the children of Memphis can be spearheaded in the right direction for the future. Tune into all the latest episodes of A View From The Chair at KUDZUKIAN.com.

On this episode of A View From The Chair, Memphis City Council Chairman Martavius Jones is joined by Bacarra Mauldin, Chief Executive Offiver for MATA. They talk about the ways in which public transportation in Memphis can and should improve. Tune into all the latest episodes of A View From The Chair at KUDZUKIAN.com.

On this episode of A View From The Chair, Memphis City Council Chairman Martavius Jones is joined by Mark Sturgis and Jamilica Burke from Seeding Success as they talk about the goals and vision of Seeding Success. They discuss the ways in which investing in the youth can help create a successful future for Memphis. Tune into all the latest episodes of A View From The Chair at KUDZUKIAN.com.

Audrey Willis, co-founder, and Eric Starks share their personal journeys and the transformative impact of CodeCrew on career growth in the tech industry.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Grasp the crucial importance of technology in our current global scenario.
Identify potential career growth avenues in the thriving tech sector.
Appreciate the transformative effect education in coding can have.
Get enlightened about the substantial contributions of Code Crew to Memphis community.
Recognize the importance of sustaining education in the rapidly changing tech field.

Memphis City Council Chairman Martavius Jones discusses the many challenges and obstacles facing the City of Memphis and City Council today.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Grasp the consequences of judicial rulings and upcoming referendums on mayoral residency prerequisites.
Learn about budget hearing proceedings and the part played by division director disclosures.
Uncover the impact of designating a City Court Clerk appointee.
Dive into the issue of unprocessed rape kits in Memphis and suggestions for a dedicated crime lab.
Give attention to valuing youthful voices and appreciating local trailblazers.

Greg Winston, a passionate change-maker and dedicated youth advocate, joins Martavius Jones to discuss the impactful work of his organization, CLAY (Cultivating the Life of a Youth). With a background in juvenile delinquency and an inspiring journey from athlete to nonprofit leader, Greg brings a unique perspective to the conversation. His dedication to changing the way kids think has led to an impressive success rate, proving that his methods are truly making a difference. Don't miss this chance to learn from Greg's experiences and gain valuable insights into the world of youth empowerment.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Explore an exemplary program geared toward transforming young mindsets and fostering growth.
Learn about a mutually beneficial union between electrical companies and their unwavering dedication to providing stable employment.
Get a glimpse of the commendable efforts taking place in Memphis and their ripple effects.
Understand the necessity of cultivating optimistic peer interactions and shifting away from negativity.
Appreciate the remarkable outcomes achievable through productive non-profit and corporate integration.

On this episode, Chairman Jones is joined by Mickell Lowery, Chairman of the Shelby County Commission, to get the real story and find out how the Commission affects Memphis residents' lives.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover the essential roles played by the Shelby County Commission in important sectors such as education, healthcare, and public safety.
Uncover the need for upgrading outdated facilities at the Regional One trauma disease center and the benefits this could bring.
Understand the significance of increased representation through a historic number of female and black commissioners in our community.
Learn the importance of expanding MATA services for better connectivity and growth of the Memphis area.
Grasp the urgent need to address inadequate conditions in juvenile detention centers and develop effective prevention programs.

As an academic and now President of the National Civil Rights Museum, Dr. Russell Wigginton has dedicated his life to preserving the African American experience and advocating for economic justice. What began as a passion to explore Memphis' culture and history has now become a powerful mission to ensure the legacy of civil rights leaders lives on in unexpected ways.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Grasp the vital role of the National Civil Rights Museum in safeguarding history.
Delve into how education, arts, and culture empower community growth.
Discern the impact of employing primary sources to challenge revisionist narratives.
Appreciate Memphis's prominent influence on American music and culture.
Uncover the potential of the Economic Empowerment Summit and the Build Black Wealth discussion.

Bobby White runs a one stop job center focusing on quality jobs, apprenticeships and industry credentials to ensure a successful future for Memphis. You will learn: 1. Discovering how to bridge the gap between college and vocational training to equip people with the skills needed to get good, sustainable jobs. 2. Exploring how automation and technological advances are impacting the job market. 3. Examining how partnerships with businesses and organizations can provide training programs and apprenticeships to increase workforce capacity. Bobby White is the Chief Government Relations Officer at the Memphis Chamber and Sam's Daddy, whose viral video was seen over 50 million times and was shared by Michelle Obama and featured on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.

The Memphis Medical District Collaborative is creating a vibrant, prosperous, and equitable Memphis through its anchor institutions, to make it a better place to live, work, learn, and play. Here's what we cover with Rory Thomas in this episode: 1. How major economic engines such as healthcare and education institutions are coming together to make a better place to live, work, learn, and play. 2. How the Memphis Medical District Collaborative is working to increase housing supply, recruit new businesses, and create job opportunities for residents. 3. The various programs and initiatives being employed by the Memphis Medical District Collaborative to make the district more vibrant, prosperous, and equitable. Rory Thomas is the President of the Memphis Medical District Collaborative, a community development organization working to revitalize and create a more vibrant, prosperous, and equitable medical district.

Chairman Martavius Jones visits with John Butler, President of Agricenter International to discuss the largest Urban Farm in America right here in Memphis.

Chairman Martavius Jones visits with Jozelle Booker, President and CEO of the Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum to discuss the amazing work being done to increase diversity in business ownership in Memphis.

Chairman Martavius Jones visits with Ralph Moore, Executive Director for the Memphis Area Association of Governments to discuss our growing region and ways in which we are stregthening our government.

Chairman Martavius Jones visits with Ashley Cash, Director for the Division of Housing and Community Development for the City of Memphis to discuss the current state of the housing market in Memphis and what we can expect in the future.

Chairman Martavius Jones visits with Ladia Yates, Owner of L.Y.E Academy to discuss the amazing work she has been doing and the growing opportunities for artists in Memphis outside of music.

Chairman Martavius Jones visits with Ernest Strickland, President of the Black Business Association to discuss the future business opportunities that are available in Memphis and the importance of the Black Business Association.

Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Memphis City Mayor Jim Strickland to discuss:

All things Memphis and the future of the city
The areas of growth we've seen in his tenure as Mayor and where we still need to grow.
The ways in which the city is supporting the Police department in helping decrease crime throughout Memphis.

Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis and Memphis Assistant Chief of Police Shawn Jones to discuss:

The transition to a new regime at the Memphis Police Department
The areas of growth the citizens of Memphis can expect to see going forward within the Memphis Police Department
The ways in which the Memphis Police Department plans on keeping the citizens of Memphis safe and reducing crime in the city

Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis and Memphis Assistant Police Chief Don Crowe to discuss:

The transition to a new regime at the Memphis Police Department
The areas of growth the citizens of Memphis can expect to see going forward within the Memphis Police Department
The ways in which the Memphis Police Department plans on keeping the citizens of Memphis safe and reducing crime in the city

Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Jim Dean, President and CEO of The Memphis Zoo to discuss:

His career journey to becoming the President and CEO of The Memphis Zoo
The ways in which the Memphis Zoo has grown into one of the best zoo's in the country
The new initiatives and animals being introduced to the Zoo in the future

Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Chief Gina Sweat, Memphis Fire Department Director to discuss:

Her career journey to becoming the Memphis Fire Department Director
The importance of teaching fire safety to the community
The impact COVID has had on the Memphis Fire Department over the last year
What are the steps to becoming a Memphis Firefighter?

Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Sherry May, Co-Director of Live at The Garden to discuss:

How Sherry May became the Co-Director of Live at The Garden
What purpose Live at The Garden serves for the City of Memphis
The importance of taking Memphis to the next level by attracting people to the city through things like Live at The Garden
What's next for Sherry May?

Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Natalie Wilson, Executive Director of Levitt Shell. to discuss:

What service Levitt Shell provides for the City of Memphis
Her career in public service and nonprofit organizations
The community building activities Levitt Shell organizes in Memphis
What's next for Natalie Wilson and Levitt Shell

Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Chandell Ryan, Deputy Chief Operations Officer for The City of Memphis. to discuss:

The importance of Public Service
Her role as the interim director of Solid Waste in Memphis
The ways in which the Memphis City Council can continue to support the public servants in Memphis

Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with JT Young, Chief Executive Officer for MLGW. to discuss:

The importance of MLGW to Memphis
The challenges facing MLGW and the citizens they serve after COVID
The ways in which the Memphis City Council can continue to support MLGW's efforts in providing electricity, gas and water safely and efficiently to the citizens of Memphis

Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Gary Rosenfeld, President & CEO (MATA) to discuss:

The importance of public transportation to Memphis
The challenges facing MATA after COVID and before COVID
The ways in which the Memphis City Council can continue to support MATA's efforts in making public transportation thrive in Memphis

Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Brett Batterson, President & CEO of the Orpheum Theatre Group & Ekundayo Bandele, CEO of Hattiloo Theatre to discuss:

The importance of arts and theatre to the growth of Memphis
The amazing and rich history of the Orpheum and Hattiloo Theatres
The impact Covid had on these theatres and what next after the pandemic

Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Ashley Cash, Director of Housing and Community Development in Memphis to discuss:

The amazing work Ashley Cash does as the Director of Housing and Community Development in Memphis
The impact COVID had on the housing market in Memphis
The challenges Memphis is facing in helping development the communities and neighborhoods in the city

Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Ike Griffith, Director of the Memphis Office of Youth Services:

The efforts of the Memphis Office of Youth Services to help the youth in the City of Memphis
The importance of getting back to school after COVID
What's next for the the Office of Youth Services and what is needed to continue to supports the youths in the community

Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Lauren Kennedy, Executive Director of the UrbanArt Commission:

The efforts of the UrbanArt Commission to help shine a positive light on the City of Memphis
The ways in the which the Commission help highlight some of the most talented artists in the Mid-South
What's next for the UrbanArt Commission in 2021

Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Paul Young, President & CEO of the DMC to discuss:

The efforts of the Downtown Memphis Commission to help grow the City of Memphis and the Downtown community
The ways in which city government can help assist the DMC in achieving their goals
The plan for economic development in Downtown Memphis for 2021

Chairman Frank Colvett Jr. visits with Reid Dulberger, President & CEO of EDGE to discuss:

The efforts of the Economic Development Growth Engine to help grow the City of Memphis
The ways in which city government can help assist EDGE in achieving their goals
The plan for economic development in Memphis for 2021

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Katie D. Martin, Communications Manager with Plains All American Pipeline to discuss:

The importance of the pipeline to the community
The concerns of the citizens who would be most impacted by the pipeline
Information on when we can expect the installation of the pipeline to be complete
What impact COVID-19 has had on the installation of the pipeline

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Lora J. McGill, M.D. FAAN Lead Principal Investigator with CNS Healthcare and Mr. Ammon Brookins, Project Manager for Clinical Trials to discuss:

COVID-19's impact on the hospitals in Memphis.
Update on the trails being done on a vaccine and cure for COVID-19.
Ways in which CNS Healthcare is assisting the citizens of Memphis during the pandemic.
Reasonable timeline on when the public should expect a vaccine for COVID-19.

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Patrick ‘Trey’ Carter III, President of Olympic Career Training Institute to discuss:

The mission and goals of the Olympic Career Training Institute.
The importance of growing and nurturing young leaders in the City of Memphis.
Impact COVID-19 has had on the Olympic Career Training Institute.

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Imani Jasper, Program Manager, Neighborhood Preservation Inc. to discuss:

The impact COVID-19 has had on the neighborhoods in Memphis.
Neighborhood Preservation Inc.'s mission to creating strong communities in Memphis.
New initiatives in place to strengthen the neighborhoods in this community
Steps being taken to help preserve the underprivileged communities in Memphis

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Dr. Brian Waldron, Director of CAESAR and Sarah Houston, Assoc. Director of Education and Outreach, CAESAR to discuss:

The great advantages and resources Memphis' water supply adds to the city.
The impact the Memphis Aquifer has on providing clean water to the city
Impact pollution and other environmental waste has on the Memphis Aquifer
Steps being taken to protect our Aquifer

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Lia Roemer-Oakley, Program Mgr. Neighborhood Crime Prevention Grant, Division of Police Services to discuss:

Crime Prevention efforts in Memphis
The impact COVID-19 has had on the neighborhoods of Memphis
Impact COVID-19 has had on crime in Memphis
Progress made in creating strong, sustainable neighborhoods

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Melanie Neal, Senior Administrator Neighborhood Improvement, Public Works Division, and Robert Knecht, Division Director for Public Works w/City of Memphis to discuss:

The mission of the Public Works division in helping create strong neighborhoods in Memphis
The impact COVID-19 has had on the neighborhoods of Memphis
New initiatives in place to help the citizens of the Memphis improve the conditions of their neighborhoods
Progress made in creating strong, sustainable neighborhoods

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Keenon McCloy, Division Director of Memphis Public Libraries to discuss:

The impact COVID-19 has had on Memphis Public Libraries
The role and importance of Memphis Public libraries' in helping educate the youth in Memphis, especially during COVID-19
New initiatives the Memphis Public libraries have implemented recently and will implement in the future
The ways in which the library has had to adjust during these trying times

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Jennifer Oswalt, Pres. & CEO, DMC, and Reid Dulberger, Pres. & CEO of EDGE to discuss:

The impact COVID-19 has had on Business Development in Memphis
The progress the DMC has had on the economy in Downtown Memphis
The initiatives EDGE has implemented to counter the economic environment during COVID-19
Plans for business development post COVID-19

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Carol Coletta, President and CEO of Memphis River Parks Partnership and Nick Walker, Interim Division Director for Parks and Neighborhoods at the City of Memphis to continue to discuss:

The impact COVID-19 has had on Parks and Recreation in Memphis
Plans for Memphis In May for 2021
How COVID-19 has impacted the redevelopment of the River front
Best practices the citizens of Memphis can take to stay safe while returning to public spaces

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Carol Coletta, President and CEO of Memphis River Parks Partnership and Nick Walker, Interim Division Director for Parks and Neighborhoods at the City of Memphis to discuss:

The impact COVID-19 has had on Parks and Recreation in Memphis
Plans for Memphis In May for 2021
How COVID-19 has impacted the redevelopment of the River front
Best practices the citizens of Memphis can take to stay safe while returning to public spaces

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Jim West, VP and Chief Customer Officer with MLGW to discuss:

The impact COVID-19 has had on MLGW customers.
The challenges MLGW and it's customers have faced during COVID-19.
What MLGW is doing to assist those citizens who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
Information on the resources MLGW has set up to assist those in need.

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Jim West, VP and Chief Customer Officer with MLGW to discuss:

How MLGW's Share the Pennies Program is progressing.
The citizens who are in need of help in regards to paying their bill, and what MLGW is doing to assist those citizens
How important donations have been to the Share the Pennies Program over the years.
Who is eligible to take part in the Share the Pennies Program.

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Ursula Madden, Chief Communications Officer for the City of Memphis and Dr. Manoj Jain, Infectious Disease Specialist in Memphis to discuss:

The breakdown of what COVID-19 and what separates it from the common flu.
The importance of testing and dispelling misconceptions about testing for COVID-19.
When the city of Memphis can expect the stay at home order to be lifted.

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Chief Administrative Officer Doug McGowan and Chief Financial Officer Shirley Ford, to continue discussing:

The financial impact COVID-19 has had on the City of Memphis
The main budget priorities for the City of Memphis in 2020/2021.
The fiscal outlook for the City of Memphis in 2021.
The importance of Safer at Home keeping you and the citizens of Memphis safe and healthy.

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Chief Administrative Officer Doug McGowan and Chief Financial Officer Shirley Ford, to discuss:

The financial impact COVID-19 has had on the City of Memphis
The main budget priorities for the City of Memphis in 2020/2021.
The fiscal outlook for the City of Memphis in 2021.
The importance of Safer at Home keeping you and the citizens of Memphis safe and healthy.

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Steve Barlow, President of Neighborhood Preservation Inc. to discuss:

The work done to revitalize the neighborhoods in Memphis suffering from blight and other systematic inequalities.
The progress Neighborhood Preservation has made over the years, improving our communities.
Importance of supporting the Neighborhood Preservation Summit. *This years Neighborhood Preservation Summit scheduled for May 1, 2020 will be held in online, virtual format. Follow this link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/memphis-neighborhood-preservation-summit-2020-tickets-91814901843

Chairwoman Patrice Robinson visits with Frank Colvett, Vice Chair of The Memphis City Council, to discuss:

Their experiences as Chair and Vice Chair of the Memphis City council so far.
The progress and work that still needs to be done in regards to neighborhood development in Memphis.
The new initiatives taken on by the Memphis City Council over the last year to help improve the crime and poverty issues that have plagued the city
What new projects the Chair and Vice Chair are looking forward to in the future that will continue to move Memphis forward.