Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

Byrd Barr Place Centers Black Experiences In Policy Development

Byrd Barr Place, an organization based in Washington, is actively addressing the challenges of displacement and housing instability faced by Black communities statewide. Through its new initiative, the "For the Record" Community Needs Assessment, the organization seeks to prioritize the lived experiences of Black individuals by documenting their narratives. This effort aims to inform policy, advocacy, and future investments. By engaging directly with community members, Byrd Barr Place endeavors to ensure that decisions impacting Black communities are aligned with their voices and needs.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Garfield High School Hosts Meeting On Racial Disparities In Education

Families, educators, students, and community leaders convened at Garfield High School to tackle ongoing racial disparities in academic achievement impacting Black and Brown students. Organized by Principal Tarance Hart and community advocate Chukundi Salisbury, the meeting highlighted troubling data on declining proficiency in core subjects and significant achievement gaps between Black students and their peers.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Study Reveals Distribution Of $1.8 Trillion In Black Consumer Spending

Black consumers in the United States wield a formidable annual spending power estimated between $1.6 and $1.8 trillion, comparable to the economies of many nations. However, this substantial economic influence has not translated into equitable wealth distribution, as Black communities continue to grapple with significant wealth gaps, underinvestment, and limited ownership. The lack of scrutiny regarding the allocation of this spending power exacerbates these disparities. Pamela J. Oakes, owner and principal of The Profitable Non-Profit, underscores the urgent need for strategic investment in Black communities to address these systemic issues.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Washington Lawmakers Weigh Millionaire's Tax To Fund Education, Infrastructure

Washington lawmakers have commenced a new legislative session with significant proposals on the agenda, including a 9.9% "millionaire's tax" on incomes exceeding $1 million. Governor Bob Ferguson advocates that this tax could yield billions for education, infrastructure, and tax relief for working families. Additionally, the session will address investments in housing, transportation, education, public safety, and protections for immigrant communities—issues that disproportionately impact African Americans and other marginalized groups throughout the state. Ed Prince shares more information on the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Sheila Winston Offers Practical Budgeting Advice To Help Manage Finances

In the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast, Sheila Winston, a business consultant with Chase, provides insights into effective budgeting strategies. As financial pressures mount due to increasing costs and competing priorities, budgeting emerges as a crucial instrument for financial management.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Congresswoman Strickland Leads Bipartisan Effort To Prevent Reinstatement Of Confederate Base Names

In a significant move addressing the contentious debate over race and history, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland of Washington's 10th District is spearheading a bipartisan initiative to prevent the reinstatement of Confederate names on U.S. military bases. This effort comes in response to the Trump administration's indication of plans to reverse previous renaming efforts aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Political commentator Opio Sokoni joins the Rhythm & News Podcast to talk more about this issue.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Benson Highway Renamed Martin Luther King Jr. Way After Community Efforts

The Washington State Transportation Commission has approved the renaming of a 10-mile stretch of Benson Highway in South King County to Martin Luther King Jr. Way, following nearly two years of advocacy and public engagement. This decision reflects the legacy, resilience, and power of community action. Gwen Allen-Carston, executive director of the Kent Black Action Commission, played a pivotal role in leading this effort.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Rhonda Lewis Appointed As First Black Woman On King County Council

In a historic move, Rhonda Lewis has been appointed to represent District 2 on the King County Council, marking her as the first Black woman to serve in this capacity. Her appointment signifies a pivotal shift, as women now constitute the majority of the nine-member council for the first time in the county's history. Lewis's presence on the council is expected to introduce fresh perspectives and priorities, underscoring the evolving dynamics of local governance. 

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Concerns Emerge Over Seattle King County NAACP's Direction

The Seattle King County NAACP's readiness to progress is under scrutiny as Dr. Carl Mack, its former president, returns to the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast. Last week's discussion raised questions about the branch's future trajectory, suggesting potential challenges. This morning's dialogue seeks to explore these concerns further, providing clarity on the branch's capacity to advance.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

Seattle Public Library Marks Half-Century Milestone Of Douglass-Truth Branch

The Douglass-Truth Branch of the Seattle Public Library, named in honor of abolitionists Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth, commemorates its 50th anniversary with a community celebration on December 13.

Elisa Murray from the Seattle Public Library shares more information on the historical significance of the branch's name change and the planned festivities.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.