Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

Student Loan Repayment Hits Hardest For Communities Of Color

The resumption of student loan repayments and credit reporting has led to a significant decline in credit scores for over 2 million borrowers, impacting their capacity to purchase vehicles, secure housing, and more. This financial burden disproportionately affects older borrowers and communities of color, particularly Black and Latino families who are already contending with existing wealth disparities. Charlene Crowell, Senior Fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending, provides insight into the implications of this development.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Visionary Leadership: Jaebadiah Gardner's Impact On Seattle's Central District

Jaebadiah Gardner, founder and CEO of Gardner Global, is spearheading a multimillion-dollar real estate initiative known as The Sarah Queen, set to rise in Seattle's Central District, a neighborhood of profound cultural and historical importance to the Black community. Gardner's professional journey, marked by determination and vision, spans from construction work to earning a law degree, culminating in leadership roles in real estate development. He will elaborate on his career trajectory and the significance of The Sarah Queen project on this episode of the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Court Mandates $32 Million Allocation To Fair Housing Groups

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has been mandated to disburse nearly $32 million in previously sanctioned funds to private fair housing organizations, which manage the majority of fair housing complaints filed across the nation. Despite the Fair Housing Act being enacted over five decades ago, housing discrimination persists, with 2022 witnessing a record 33,000 complaints. These funds are crucial for enabling these organizations to persist in their efforts to combat housing discrimination. Charlene Crowell has more information.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Seattle Basketball Icons Kemp And Payton To Lead Youth Event At Kent YMCA

Seattle basketball icons Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton are set to reunite at the Kent YMCA for the Community in the Unity Back to School Fair on August 17. Scheduled from 1 to 6 p.m., the event invites youth 18 and under to participate in a day of sports, music, and resources. A highlight of the fair is the "Battle on the Blacktop," a 3-on-3 basketball competition where Kemp and Payton will lend their expertise as celebrity coaches. Paula Sardinas of FMS Global Strategies has more details on the event. 

Interview by Chris B. Bennett

Odessa Brown Children's Clinic Celebrates Grand Opening In Central District

The Odessa Brown Children's Clinic is set to celebrate the grand opening of its new Central District location on August 9, featuring live music, games, arts and crafts, giveaways, community resources, and a vaccine clinic. This event signifies a return to the neighborhood where the clinic first established its roots over 50 years ago. Dr. Shaquita Bell, Senior Medical Director at OBCC, and Christian Love, a member of the OBCC Governance Council, will provide insights into the event and the significance of the new location.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Quincy Crawford Provides Tips on Avoiding Payment Scams

When engaging in transactions with unfamiliar sellers, it is imperative to comprehend the risks and safeguards associated with various payment methods. Checks, credit cards, wire transfers, and person-to-person apps each present distinct vulnerabilities and protections. Quincy Crawford, Branch Manager at Chase Bank in Seattle, highlights prevalent payment scams such as counterfeit cashier's checks, overpayment schemes, and wire transfer solicitations. Crawford advises utilizing secure payment methods like credit cards and exercising caution with wire transfers and person-to-person apps to safeguard financial assets.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett

Journalist Sydney Goitia-Doran Shares Her Career Journey With Seattle Medium

Sydney Goitia-Doran, a rising junior at Howard University, recently concluded an internship with the Seattle Medium newspaper, where she engaged in reporting community-focused news and integrated into the editorial team. Her experience included discussions on the significance and influence of journalism, particularly within the context of the Black Press. 

 

Interview by Chris B. Bennett

Kyla Marks Achieves Debt-Free Dental Degree With $700,000 In Scholarships

Kyla Marks is poised to achieve her goal of becoming a dentist by age 25, graduating without debt thanks to securing over $700,000 in scholarships for her undergraduate and dental education. Her journey underscores the significance of determination and community support in overcoming financial barriers to higher education. The Seattle Medium's Summer Intern Sydney Goitia-Doran has the story.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

UNCF Portfolio Project Supports Low-Income Students' College Access

The United Negro College Fund's Portfolio Project is a pivotal initiative aimed at empowering African American high school students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds. By providing essential tools, resources, and mentorship, the program facilitates these students' successful navigation of the college application process, specifically targeting 11th and 12th graders in their pursuit of higher education. UNCF Portfolio Project Coordinator for Seattle and Portland, Dallas Richardson, has the insight.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Expert Tips Offer Ways To Save On Summer Vacations

The Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast explores strategies for cost-effective summer travel, featuring insights from Quincy Crawford of Chase Bank on optimizing credit card rewards and considering innovative vacation options. 

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.