Urban Connections: Recent Episodes
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This podcast tracks the audio archives for the “Urban Connections” show. Urban Connections conducts guest interviews covering issues affecting our local, national, international and global communities from a Black perspective.
“Bird” Ellington Fleming, founder and Artistic Director of the Traditional Music Society, and musicians Gerald Trimble, and Nick Amir Baker discuss the roots of Middle Eastern Music. The Traditional Music […]
The post Traditional Music Society founder Bird Fleming, musicians Nick Amir Baker and Gerald Trimble on the roots of Middle Eastern Music appeared first on KKFI.
Says Lewis Diuguid, “Vice President Kamala Harris’ upcoming debate with former President Donald Trump” (scheduled for Tuesday, September 10, 2024) “leaves her no room for error as a Black woman.” Lewis […]
The post Author, journalist Lewis W. Diuguid on the “Great Debate”, VP Kamala Harris vs former Pres Donald Trump, upcoming Sept 10th, 2024 appeared first on KKFI.
Larry Lester was co-founder of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, and served as its Research Director and Treasurer for five years. He developed the Museum’s business […]
The post Larry Lester, sports scholar, historian and author on Major League Baseball’s embrace of the Negro Leagues appeared first on KKFI.
Lewis W. Diuguid is a multimedia consultant, lecturer, freelance writer and editor, certified diversity facilitator. He is a former columnist, editorial board member, op-ed page editor, and letters editor at […]
The post Journalist, author Lewis W. Diuguid on trends in political advertising appeared first on KKFI.
Dr. Cynthia M. Sims is a leadership scholar. Dr. Sims has a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, a MEd. in Human Development form Harvard University and […]
The post Dr. Cynthia M. Sims, University of Georgia Associate Professor, on Black women, leadership and the importance of being authentic appeared first on KKFI.
Angela Bates is the organizer and founder of the Nicodemus Historical Society. She has achieved the vision of a community organization that would collect, preserve, and interpret the history of […]
The post Angela Bates, Founder/Director, Nicodemus Historic Society, on the Black township founded in 1877 appeared first on KKFI.
Dr. Terry Ann Scott is the CEO and Director of TAT Health Solutions, a nonprofit organization dedicated to chronic disease prevention and weight loss through innovative online programs. With a […]
The post Dr. Terry Ann Scott of TAT Health Solutions on sustainable lifestyle changes that can significantly improve health outcomes appeared first on KKFI.
Donald Trump, now former US President (#45) was convicted of 34 felony counts in connection with a hush money scheme on May 30, and the presumptive Republican presidential nominee is […]
The post Journalist/author Lewis W. Diuguid on Donald Trump’s 34 felony convictions related to a hush money scheme appeared first on KKFI.
Erik Dickinson serves as the President of the Urban Ranger Corps. Urban Ranger Corps (URC) is about building up caring and responsible young men. Its mission is to prepare at-risk […]
The post Erik Dickinson, President of Urban Ranger Corps, on helping youth achieve life-long growth and development appeared first on KKFI.
Global One Urban Farming is a 501(c) (3) non-profit charitable organization, founded by Anthony and Staroyce Nealy. It produces and distributes free organic vegetables at their a two […]
The post Anthony and Staroyce Nealy, founders of Global One Urban Farming, continue producing, sharing and educating about food in KC communities appeared first on KKFI.
Bosede lyewarun is the founder and visionary of Heartland International Fashion Week™. She is also CEO of Lady Bosses International, Director and Founder of Branding Masterclass by HIFW. Leveraging her […]
The post Bosede Iyewarun, founder and visionary of Heartland International Fashion Week on building self esteem and confidence in youth appeared first on KKFI.
This film examines the 1995 Chicago record breaking heat wave that resulted in over 700 deaths. The film focuses on the people most affected by natural disasters and the politics […]
The post Carl Stafford of My Region Wins! speaks on the film “Cooked: Survival By Zip Code” appeared first on KKFI.
Dave Kingsley, PhD, is the founder and Executive Director of the Center for Healthcare Information & Policy. He retired from the faculty at KUMED where he was on the graduate […]
The post Sharon Lockhart and Dave Kingsley on nursing home abuse in our society appeared first on KKFI.
Lewis W. Diuguid, author/journalist/activist shares thoughts on current events of the day – war, rumors of war, politics, disaster, mis-information, truth, activism and hope. Lewis is a multimedia consultant, lecturer, […]
The post Journalist, author, activist Lewis W. Diuguid, what’s going on – current events appeared first on KKFI.
Toni Talley is a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry. She is currently a television host and producer for a lifestyle program on FOX4 (WDAF-TV), Great Day KC, where she […]
The post Toni Talley on balancing career and family in the entertainment industry appeared first on KKFI.
This weekend in Kansas City, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated’s Lambda Epsilon Chapter of Kansas City, MO, recognizes its 50th Charter Day anniversary, “Celebrating 50 Years of LEgendary LEadership: Power […]
The post Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Lambda Epsilon Chapter: Leadership and Service – Past, Present and Future appeared first on KKFI.
Black in Kansas City is an exploration of the diversity of Black communities that have contributed to and helped shape Kansas City today. While all may have roots that go […]
The post Baraza African Cultures Center continues the dialogue Black in Kansas City II appeared first on KKFI.
Historian Dr. Daive Dunkley raises questions about historically enslaved and colonized populations. His research focuses on the history and culture of the Caribbean and the wider Black Atlantic. He has […]
The post Dr. Daive Dunkley, MU Director of Black Studies, talks history appeared first on KKFI.
Exploring Cuba: Erasing Fears Through Multicultural Education details the cultural and professional exchanges to Cuba organized by the National Association of Multicultural Education (NAME) between 2015 and 2019, with additional […]
The post Lewis W. Diuguid, author, on his latest work Exploring Cuba: Erasing Fears through Multicultural Education appeared first on KKFI.
Carl A. Stafford, artist, is founder and visionary of My Region Wins! a Kansas City creative non-profit organization. My Region Wins! programs and projects are created to address neighborhoods’ […]
The post Carl A. Stafford, founder/visionary of My Region Wins! on habilitating dreams appeared first on KKFI.
Kansas City’s own Nedra Dixon, performer, director, lyricist, librettist, and choreographer is a veteran of Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tours and regional performances. Dixon’s special event performances include: The […]
The post Nedra Dixon on “A God*Sib’s Tale” world premiere musical by The Black Repertory Theatre of KC appeared first on KKFI.
Sylvester “Sly” James, Jr. served as Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri from 2011 – 2019. During his tenure, Kansas City enjoyed a renaissance boasting nationally recognized successes in modern […]
The post Sly James, former KCMO Mayor, speaks of wisdom and experience appeared first on KKFI.
Winemaker Phil Long is the president of the Association of African American Vintners (AAAV) and the founder of Longevity Wines, a brand based on his love affair with his wife, […]
The post Phil Long, President – Association of African American Vintners on wine and the wine industry appeared first on KKFI.
Bird Ellington Fleming, is the Artistic Director and founder of the Traditional Music Society (TMS). TMS is a dynamic journey through music and dance from multiple world cultures. TMS’ World […]
The post Bird Fleming and the Traditional Music Society celebrates World Music and Dance appeared first on KKFI.
Riverfront Reading Series is presenting “Feeling the Gap” where iconic Kansas City artists Gena Bardwell, Phyllis Becker and Angela Hagenbach have joined their energies through poetry, fiction and music to […]
The post Iconic KC artists Bardwell, Becker and Hagenbach together in poetry, fiction, and music feeling the ancestors appeared first on KKFI.
Carl A. Stafford is a local artist (graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute in 2006) founded a non profit organization whose name is a rallying cry: MY REGION WINS! […]
The post Carl A. Stafford, founder/visionary, My Region Wins! addressing injustices and issues in KC neighborhoods appeared first on KKFI.
Actors’ Equity Association, the national labor union representing more than 51,000 professional actors and stage managers in live theatre, and the Actors’ Equity Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization supporting the […]
The post Damron Armstrong on Black Repertory Theatre of KC – recipient of 2023 Paul Robeson Award appeared first on KKFI.
Dr. Cecelia McBride Robinson, Professor Emerita of William Jewell College, began her career as an educator in the state of Missouri in 1972. Prior to her teaching appointment at William […]
The post Dr. Cecelia McBride Robinson, Professor Emerita of William Jewel College on the rich history of African Americans in Clay County, MO appeared first on KKFI.
James (aka Grand Dad) and Janice Nunnelly (his wife and high-school sweetheart) are well known in the Kansas City community for health care advocacy, youth outreach and youth mentoring. Jim […]
The post James and Janice Nunnelly on community service through activism and advocacy appeared first on KKFI.
Byron Stamps is a former educator and stand up comedian, who taught Algebra for 11 years, receiving Teacher of the Year 3 times along the way. Byron has performed stand […]
The post Byron Stamps, teacher, producer on Truth in Comedy – storytelling, stand-up, comedy, and art where humanity is the muse appeared first on KKFI.
KC Scholars team members Anta’ Williams, Nita Daniels, Edna Adelusola and Dee Burns join to discuss how the organization creates a strong continuing education and college-going culture across our region. […]
The post KC Scholars team share how the organization is positively impacting lives in the Kansas City area appeared first on KKFI.
Bird Ellington Fleming, Artistic Director and founder of the Traditional Music Society (traditionalmusicsociety.org) celebrates TMS’ 25th Anniversary of a dynamic journey through music and dance from world cultures. TMS’ annual […]
The post Bird Fleming, founder/artistic director of the Traditional Music Society and its 25th Anniversary serving Kansas City, teaching music and dance from indigenous world cultures appeared first on KKFI.
Cynthia Bryant, J.D (Juris Doctor), LL.M. (Master of Laws), became chair of The Seeing Eye’s Board of Trustees, March 9, 2023. The Seeing Eye, founded in 1929, provides specially bred […]
The post Cynthia Bryant, Board of Trustee chair of The Seeing Eye, providing specially bred and trained guide dogs for blind individuals appeared first on KKFI.
Damron Russel Armstrong, Founder and Executive Director of the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, joins us to share his recent experience directing Lorraine Hansberry’s classic drama “A Raisin in […]
The post Damron Armstrong, Executive Director of the Black Repertory Theatre of KC on “A Raisin in the Sun” appeared first on KKFI.
Freeman Augustus Jackson is a Doctoral Candidate in Computer Science at Aspen University. He is a dedicated researcher with a passion for artificial intelligence and has been working in the […]
The post Author, researcher Freeman A. Jackson on the importance of teaching children the basics of computer science and AI appeared first on KKFI.
Darnell “Solo” Kirkwood is a self-taught LA based multidisciplinary artist that was born and raised in Kansas City, MO. Playing basketball in college for Lynn University and overseas in Denmark, […]
The post KC’s own Darnell “Solo” Kirkwood, LA based multidisciplinary artist exhibits his “Discoveries Along the Way” appeared first on KKFI.
Entrepreneur, author, life shift coach and motivational speaker, Rochinda Pickens Energizing, empowering, and effective are a few words that define Rochinda. Her mission is to reach, teach and inspire others […]
The post Author Rochinda Pickens on living life unapologetically doing what you love appeared first on KKFI.
The Know Joey? Foundation is the brain child of Kansas City area entrepreneur, Joseph “Joey” Thomas. Thomas wanted to create a non-profit that benefited young men of Kansas City’s inner-city communities. A well known and successful owner of local area barbershops, Joey recognized the challenges young men face growing up within the urban core of […]
The post Joseph “Joey” Thomas and LaDonna Adams of the Know Joey? Foundation on Turkey Tuesday and other programs of empowerment appeared first on KKFI.
Toni A. Straws, a local/universal woman/mom/wife/worker, shares her personal breast cancer survival journey with us and she shares some of her Life in Limericks. (A “limerick” is a poem , that is five lines long, lines 3 and 4 rhyme with each other, it has a distinctive rhythm, and they are usually funny.) October is […]
The post Toni A. Straws, shares her breast cancer survival journey and some of her Life in Limericks appeared first on KKFI.
Sankofa is a principle derived from the Akan people of Ghana that one should remember the past to make positive progress in the future. The Akan tribe of Ghanaian Africans is part of the larger Ashanti (or Asante) group of people from West Africa. Sankofa literally means “to retrieve” , “go back and get it”, […]
The post Sankofa: Fannie Lou Hamer, Freedom Fighter, Human Rights Activist, honoring her life and legacy appeared first on KKFI.
Sankofa (a principle derived from the Akan people of Ghana that one should remember the past to make positive progress in the future), Urban Connections program originally broadcast with guest Lewis Diuguid, Saturday, August 6, 2022. Lewis W. Diuguid is a certified diversity facilitator, news media consultant, author, freelance writer and lecturer. He is a […]
The post Sankofa: rebroadcast of guest Lewis W. Diuguid on how trending conservative political rhetoric leads to acts of violence appeared first on KKFI.
The PeaceWorks KC Local Art Fair, happens Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24-25, at Theis Park, south of Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, along Oak Street, and Cleaver Boulevard in Kansas City. The hours: 10am-6pm Saturday, Sept. 24, and 10am-5pm Sunday, Sept. 25. PeaceWork KC envisions “A healthy world of justice and peace without war and its […]
The post PeaceWorks KC showcasing local art and artists, “working for a world of peace without war and its weapons” appeared first on KKFI.
Gregory S. Cooke, MA, is a career educator, documentary filmmaker, and World War II historian, dedicated to helping “relocate African Americans from the margins to the main pages of American and global history.” He is the Founder of the Basil and Becky Educational Foundation (BBEEF), and a recipient of the Congressional Black Caucus, Veterans Braintrust […]
The post Gregory S. Cooke, educator, documentary filmmaker, WWII historian on relocating African Americans to the main pages of American and global history appeared first on KKFI.
Iconic Kansas City Jazz artist, poet and activist Mary “Mother MaryMoses” Moore on celebrating the life and legacy of Charlie “Yard Bird” Parker. She is also celebrating her own legacy. She is celebrating her 78th birthday, September 5, 2022. She says, “My Journey has been with GOD the whole time since I fell into that […]
The post Iconic Kansas City Jazz artist Mother Mary Moore on celebrating the life and legacy of Charlie “Yard Bird” Parker and her own legacy appeared first on KKFI.
Independent journalist, author, lecturer, educator Lewis W. Diuguid talks about the “Great Replacement Theory” and other hard-right ideas. Lewis Diuguid is a St. Louis native and worked more than 39 years as a journalist with The Kansas City Star, rising to vice president of community resources responsible for the newspaper’s philanthropic and outreach efforts in […]
The post Author, activist Lewis W. Diuguid on the “Great Replacement Theory” and other hard-right ideas appeared first on KKFI.
Tenesia Keys is the CEO of Keys Real Estate Group, founded by her in 2017. Keys, purchased her first property at age 18, became a real estate broker and opened her on firm by the time she was 22 years old. Some eighteen years later, Keys found her purpose, to help black people in the […]
The post Tenesia Keys, CEO, Real Estate Broker on Entrepreneurship – her journey and her vision for the Urban Core appeared first on KKFI.
Lewis W. Diuguid is a certified diversity facilitator, news media consultant, author, freelance writer and lecturer. He is a founding member, newsletter editor and treasurer of the Kansas City Association of Black Journalists. He is a longtime member of the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Society of Newspaper Columnists, the Trotter Group of […]
The post Journalist, author, Lewis W. Diuguid examines how trending conservative political rhetoric leads to acts of violence appeared first on KKFI.
Stacy Lake, attorney, candidate for Jackson County MO Executive, says she intends to put residents first. She literally has a “Jackson Plan”. Primary Elections will be held in Kansas City, MO, August 2, 2022. On the Democratic Primary Election Ballot, running for the office of County Executive in Jackson County, MO, is attorney Stacy Lake. […]
The post Stacy Lake, attorney, candidate for Jackson County MO Executive, on her plan to put residents first appeared first on KKFI.
Dr. Lester E. Blue, Jr., Clinical Psychologist, on Black Americans seeking mental health treatment. Lester E Blue, Jr., Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice. He treats adults with various mental health concerns; also, he works with clients on personal growth. Dr. Blue earned a B.A. in Psychology from Rice University in Houston, Texas, […]
The post Dr. Lester E. Blue, Jr., clinical psychologist, on Black Americans seeking mental health treatment appeared first on KKFI.
Catherine A. Wiley, Director of Marketing and Communications of Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center on the enduring historic Kansas City institution, founded by African Americans. Dr. Samuel U. Rodgers paved the way by creating equitable access to healthcare for the poor in Kansas City, Missouri. RideKC and the Prospect MAX Advisory Committee are honoring Dr. […]
The post Catherine A. Wiley, on Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, an enduring historic Kansas City institution, founded by African Americans appeared first on KKFI.
Ryan A. Sorrell, Co-founder & Editor-in-Chief the Kansas City Defender, a nonprofit digital startup producing news, digital tools and public services for Black people across the mid-west joins in discussion. The Kansas City Defender’s primary areas of focus are education, justice, business, arts, culture, and technology. It intends be a “digitally engaged news platform”. Its […]
The post Ryan A. Sorrell, Co-founder & Editor-In-Chief of the Kansas City Defender on news, digital tools and public services for Black people appeared first on KKFI.
Performing artist and activist Mary Moore (aka Mother Mary Moses) on Kansas City’s jazz heritage and beyond, least we forget. Host/producer: Donna Morrow Wolfe Co-host; facilitator: Karen E. Griffin
The post Performing artist and activist Mary Moore (aka Mother Mary Moses) on Kansas City’s jazz heritage and beyond. appeared first on KKFI.
William Wells, Jr., and Michael Rendler, educator/entrepreneurs in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, architecture, math), discuss working with students to achieve and sustain community development in the Kansas City metropolitan area. William Wells, Jr., is founder and Executive Director of aSTEAM Village, which exists to inspire students and families to pursue education and career pathways in […]
The post STEAM educator/entrepreneurs William Wells, Jr., and Michael Rendler: a conversation on community development appeared first on KKFI.
Led by Ms. E., “the Power Broker”, G.Y.R.L. (Giving Yourself Real Love) is building strong communities in the Metropolitan Kansas City area. G.Y.R.L. (Giving Yourself Real Love) is a mentoring and outreach organization that includes women and men from all walks of life, that believes everyone has a purpose and meaning in this life. G.Y.R.L.’s […]
The post G.Y.R.L. (Giving Yourself Real Love) building strong communities in the Metropolitan Kansas City area appeared first on KKFI.
Author, journalist, educator and activist, Lewis W. Diuguid examines possible motives behind the apparent push to reverse Roe v. Wade, as evidenced by the Supreme Court draft opinion leaked this week. Lewis Diuguid is a former columnist, editorial board member, op-ed page editor, and letters editor at The Kansas City Star, as well as a […]
The post Author, journalist, educator Lewis W. Diuguid examines motives on apparent push to reverse Roe vs. Wade appeared first on KKFI.
William Wells, Jr., is founder and Executive Director of aSTEAM Village, which exists to inspire students and families to pursue education and career pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), through community-based project learning and innovative programs. Mr. Wells is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers, and a graduate of […]
The post William Wells, Jr., of aSTEAM Village on developing opportunity and access to expanded learning in science, technology, engineering, arts and math appeared first on KKFI.
Author, journalist, lecturer Lewis Diuguid asks “Is America prepared for real possible consequences of war in Ukraine?” Diuguid shares his observations and questions. Lewis Diuguid is a former columnist, editorial board member, op-ed page editor, and letters editor at The Kansas City Star, as well as a published author. He is a St. Louis native […]
The post Author, journalist Lewis Diuguid asks “Is America prepared for real possible consequences of war in Ukraine?” appeared first on KKFI.
Brandon Ellington is currently serving his first term as the Third District at-Large City Councilman. He serves on the Neighborhood, Planning, and Development Committee, and on the Special Committee on Housing Policy, where Mayor Lucas has appointed him as Vice-Chair. Brandon Ellington was first elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in a November, 2011 […]
The post Brandon Ellington, KC Third District-at-Large Councilman discusses city issues and opportunities appeared first on KKFI.
Adenike AmenRa and Kenneth Mosley, founding members of East Meets West of Troost (EMWOT) Kansas City, discuss Black people re-establishing our own communities, including Black policing of our communities. EMWOT is a not for profit cultural, social-based, economic development corporation that is dedicated to markedly improving the commerce and economic exchange between the Eastside and […]
The post Founders of East Meets West of Troost (EMWOT KC) on Black People Being the Gentry of Our Own Communities Copy appeared first on KKFI.
Adenike Amenra, one of the founding members of East Meets West of Troost (EMWOT) Kansas City, discusses Black people re-establishing our own communities, including Black policing of our communities. EMWOT is a not for profit cultural, social-based, economic development corporation that is dedicated to markedly improving the commerce and economic exchange between the Eastside and […]
The post Adenike Amenra of East Meets West of Troost (EMWOT KC) on Black People Being the Gentry of Our Own Communities appeared first on KKFI.