Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

Target Faces $12 Billion Loss Amid Expanding Boycott Movement

In 2020, Target committed $2 billion to support Black communities, but has since reduced its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, prompting a nationwide boycott. Initiated by Rev. Jamal Bryant, the boycott has reportedly cost Target $12 billion. The National Newspaper Publishers Association, under Dr. Ben Chavis, urges Target to invest fully in Black-owned media. 

Interview by Chris B. Bennett. 

Federal Agency For Minority Business Growth Faces Major Reductions

Under a recent executive order by President Trump, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has been drastically reduced, now operating with only three employees to fulfill its mission. Concurrently, the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund, crucial for affordable housing and small business loans, is experiencing substantial cutbacks. Charlene Crowell, a prominent advocate for economic justice, cautions that these actions may adversely affect Black, Latino, and underserved communities.

Charlene Crowell, a leading voice in advocating for economic justice in America, speaks with Christopher B. Bennett about this issue in this episode of the Rhythm & News Podcast.

Private Universities Face Threats To Academic Freedom Under Trump Policies

The Trump administration has initiated an ideological offensive against America's higher education institutions, targeting private universities, DEI programs, and international students and faculty. Harvard University has resolutely defended its academic freedom, despite the risk of forfeiting over $2 billion in federal funding. Conversely, smaller private colleges and historically Black institutions may be significantly more susceptible to political encroachment.

Hazel Trice Edney, a Harvard alum and publisher of the Trice Edney News Wire, speaks with Christopher B. Bennett about this issue in this episode of the Rhythm & News Podcast.

Podcast: National Park Service Under Trump Criticized For Changing Black History Content

In a recent and troubling development under President Donald Trump's second term, the U.S. National Park Service has quietly edited and removed key content related to Black history and the horrors of slavery. This includes deleting a photo of Harriet Tubman and eliminating references to enslaved African Americans on its Underground Railroad webpage. Additionally, tributes to Jackie Robinson and the Tuskegee Airmen have been removed from Defense Department pages, and nearly 400 books, including works by Maya Angelou and Holocaust memorials, have been purged from the U.S. Naval Academy library. These actions indicate a broader pattern of rewriting or erasing history. Political analyst and commentator Opio Sokoni shares his perspectives on the issue in today's Rhythm & News podcast episode.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett

Senate Vote Overturns CFPB Rule, Allows Banks To Charge High Overdraft Fees

In a recent decision, the U.S. Senate voted 52-48 to overturn a rule from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that would have capped overdraft fees at big banks to a reasonable $5. Instead, banks are now permitted to charge fees upwards of $35 per transaction. This vote has been characterized by advocates as a $21 million gift to big banks at the expense of working families. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau had aimed to address regulatory gaps exposed by the 2008 financial crisis. Nationally syndicated columnist Charlene Crowell shares more information on today's Rhythm & News podcast.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Health Fair In Seattle Provides Vital Resources To Black Community

Public Health—Seattle & King County will host its annual "Every Month Is Black History Month: A Community Health & Resource Fair" on April 12th at the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle. The event will feature health screenings, a Black business marketplace, and free mammograms and car seats for those who make an appointment. The initiative aims to provide essential resources and support to the Black community in Seattle and King County. Daphne Pie with Public Health—Seattle & King County has the details.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Podcast: 'Trailblazing Black Women in Washington' Gala Recognizes And Celebrates Black Women Leaders

The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle Guild hosted its inaugural 'Trailblazing Black Women in Washington' Gala at the Northwest African American Museum, celebrating five Black women leaders for their significant contributions to education, healthcare, civic leadership, literature, and community empowerment. The event underscored the vital role of storytelling, mutual support, and the preservation of Black history and excellence for future generations. Collette Robinson, President of the Guild shares more details about the event.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Seattle & King County's Annual Community Health & Resource Fair Returns

Public Health—Seattle & King County will host its annual “Every Month Is Black History Month: A Community Health & Resource Fair” on April 12th at the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle. The event will offer free meals, museum admission, and a range of services and activities, including health screenings, parenting resources, a Black business marketplace, and free mammograms and car seats for those with appointments. Devon Love, Equity and Community Engagement Manager with Public Health—Seattle & King County, shares details on the upcoming event.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

MLK Jr. Commemoration Committee Hosts Annual Day Of Remembrance And Awards

The Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration-Continuation Committee is set to host its annual Day of Remembrance and Awards Program, marking the 57th anniversary of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination. Hayward Evans, a host of the event, discussed the upcoming program during an interview on the Rhythm and News podcast with Christopher B. Bennett. 

Podcast: Brenda Miller's Culinary Journey: From Boeing To Velvet's Big Easy With Chase's Coaching for Impact Program

Brenda Miller, owner of Velvet's Big Easy in Tacoma, transitioned from a successful career at Boeing to pursue her culinary passion. With the support of Chase's Coaching for Impact Program, Miller received mentorship and hands-on assistance from Sheila Winston, Vice President and Certified Senior Business Consultant at Chase Bank. This guidance helped Miller transform her business from a food truck and catering service into a thriving brick-and-mortar restaurant.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.