Richard Brown's Page

Few predicted the shrinking economy prior to 2007. On this show, we take a look at how the income and net worth of African Americans has been changed by the downturn. We are joined by Dr. Austin, an economist from the D.C. think tank, Economic Policy Institute. He shares his research and thoughts on where black people have lost ground and where we should now focus to recapture those gains. Join this detailed conversation on the Richard Brown… Continue

Cynthia Greenlee-Donnell joins me as a guest to talk about her experiences writing for various magazines and newspapers over the past ten years. In particular, we focus on her work that has gotten lots of pubic comments. Within these pieces, something struck a chord that people responded too and on this RB show we explore the stories and the reasons for the strong emotions. As a public intellectual, Cynthia reflects how the comments shape her future work and what those comments may mean for our… Continue

As I look at the path the health care discussion has taken, I am dismayed by the tenor and lack of historical understanding by a small group using very destructive words. David Swerdlick gives his analysis of the situation. We talk about the problems with the coverage of conflict not the policy issues. During our conversation, we make note there are plenty of mistakes being made by all but understand this process is not going to be easy. So join this Richard Brown show, as we prescribe our solut… Continue

Folks from W.E.B. Dubois Community Development Corporation are on this show. They share their insight of the stress black families currently find themselves in. We identify a shift in black communities focus pre and post desegregation. Before desegregation there was a different level of involvement with other people’s kids and families. After desegregation this seems to have broken down and we tried with much less success to replace these bonds by using money. At W.E.B. Dubois CDC, they are usin… Continue

We have an idea in our head of what a “perfect” marriage looks like. On this show, we talk about four relationship stages and how each stage could affect your relationship. For example, many people spend time talking during the dating stage. My guests and I think it changes when people get married. It changes again when couples have children. There is a finally stage after the children leave the home. Through all stages individuals need to be aware of the emotional scripts given to their spouse… Continue

Aug 3, 2009 – Seeing the context for past labor struggles and our current economic situation
Mr. James Andrews, President of the North Carolina AFL-CIO shares his vast knowledge of labor and civil rights organizing. As many face unemployment and underemployment, we would do well to understand the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the March on Washington, Mount Olive, and Smithfield organizing struggles. Mr. Andrews discusses and draws on these experiences to show how they have provided for sa… Continue

Thirteen years ago a group of young black men realized they had the connections, the drive and a belief in self to start Dynasty 5. They have held hundreds of First Fridays, CIAA parties and charity events. In two weeks the Soul Picnic will be another signature event for Dynasty 5 different than anything we have seen. It will include a golf tournament, a first Friday event and a must see concert at the amphitheatre in Cary. Join me as I talk with two of the founding members about what it takes t… Continue

The Moore undergraduate Apprentice Research Program (MURAP) works to increase the number of minorities represented in higher education. A few of the students join me to share their academic questions and research interests. We discuss how they bridge the gap between scholarship and their personal lives. One guest, Kristen Smith will be presenting at the MURAP conference on Friday. Join me for this enlightening Richard Brown show.… Continue

Brandon Trainer, the President of the Raleigh Black Chamber of Commerce (RBCC) talks about the growth of the chamber. Within a few short months the RBCC has grown to boast the largest membership of any black chamber in North Carolina. Brandon and staff are serious about serving the members. For example, the July 20 grand opening at Marbles will be part networking, part member business presentations, and job fair. The Chamber works to add to the bottom line while serving the community. Check out… Continue

There are moments when people realize that they were meant to do certain things. Guy Hill has known for a long time that teaching is his calling. As a black man, he has taught in the North Carolina School system for 13 years. Having worked with hundreds of students with varied skill levels, his belief in people has been tested but it is clear his love of learning has not changed one bit. Guy holds all his students to a high academic standard and over time it has delivered positive results for th… Continue