NEXT with Marcus Atkinson WQLN

On today’s episode of NEXT2.0, we bring you two unique
interviews from the campus of Penn State Behrend.

Segment One:

In 2024, the residents of Erie, Pennsylvania, were treated to a spectacular celestial event as a total solar eclipse graced the skies above their city. Thousands of eager onlookers gathered in parks, rooftops, and open spaces, armed with special viewing glasses and cameras, to witness this rare cosmic alignment. Erie was bathed in an otherworldly darkness for a few precious minutes, creating a moment of collective awe and wonder. The 2024 total solar eclipse left an indelible mark on the memories of those who witnessed it, a reminder of the beauty and majesty of the universe that surrounds us.

Segment Two:

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is a complex geopolitical saga
that has gripped international attention for years. Amidst ceasefires and diplomatic efforts, the conflict has persisted, with ongoing humanitarian consequences and diplomatic reverberations felt worldwide. It's a sobering reminder of the fragility of peace in the 21st century and the enduring struggle for stability in the region. In the second segment, we interview Ukrainian Parliament Member Oleksiy Honcharenko, who gives his firsthand perspective on the conflict.

Caitlin Clark, a rising star in women's basketball, embodies the fierce determination and talent that define the sport. Caitlin represents the pinnacle of athletic achievement as a standout player for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the top pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. In the context of race, Caitlin's success shines a light on the systemic inequalities that persist in sports, with many black athletes lamenting the unprecedented praise and attention being heaped upon her. Despite her undeniable skill, she faces barriers rooted in gender and race that impact opportunities and recognition. These disparities extend to the pay gap in women's sports, where WNBA players earn significantly less than their male counterparts in the NBA. Caitlin's emergence underscores the urgent need for change, not only in leveling the playing field for female athletes but also in addressing broader societal inequities that affect women of all backgrounds. Tune in today as we discuss Caitlin Clark, race, and pay equity on NEXT2.0.

Dr. Michelle LeBaron is bringing together insights from Neuroscience, the Arts, and Conflict Resolution studies to create new ways of helping individuals and communities to work toward reconciliation and building better lives and communities.



On this episode of Next 2.0 Dr. LeBaron will share some of those insights. Chuck Cammarata interviewed Dr. LeBaron while at an inspiring conference in Asheville NC in March 2024.

 

Michelle LeBaron is a Law Professor at the University of British Columbia and is an internationally recognized interdisciplinary scholar on conflict transformation, the arts, and resilience.



Her current research is on two main areas: conflict across religious and worldview differences, and the role of the arts in developing stories and practices that promote reconciliation. She has written a bunch of books – “The Choreography of Resolution” (a great title BTW!) is the latest

 

I think it is fair to call her a cultural bridge builder and I was enlightened and inspired by my conversation with her.  

If you want to contact her you can email her at the university. Her email is lebaron@allard.ubc.ca .



And you can find her books on Amazon.com

In today's episode, we're taking a journey through the highlights of past episodes, revisiting the most intriguing discussions, groundbreaking insights, and memorable moments that stood out to us.

In recent months, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs has faced several legal battles, with lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault and trafficking. As a result of the "alleged" activity, homes belonging to Sean "Diddy" Combs in Los Angeles and Miami were raided by officials from US Homeland Security on Monday, 25 March. The raids were reportedly tied to sex-trafficking allegations leveled by different plaintiffs, the Associated Press reported, citing law enforcement sources. Months ago, NEXT discussed the legal complaint filed by R&B artist Cassie and wondered aloud if this would turn into a criminal complaint. This episode continues that conversation with an analysis of the raid. Tap in!

For the past decade, Dr. Julia Robinson Moore has been researching and uncovering the truth about burial grounds for enslaved people in churches and communities in and around here home in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Moore is an ordained Presbyterian pastor and as she traveled around preaching at various churches she noticed something about the cemeteries that are on the church grounds of so many churches. What she noticed was that the cemeteries had two distinct sections, one that was manicured and well maintained with beautiful stones and gardens where the white people were buried, and the other, which was largely unmaintained, overgrown and had fallen into disuse. These were the graves of slaves.

 As a tactic for reclaiming dignity and bringing together those whose ancestors were slave owners and those who were slaves she has begun working with churches to restore the slave cemeteries. 
She says that this work of hers is about building communities committed to truth telling and healing and racial justice and reconciliation. 

Julia is an ordained Presbyterian minister and an Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at UNC Charlotte where she teaches courses in African American religion and racial violence in America among other things. She is the author of "Race, Religion, and the Pulpit...

You will find her to be a gracious and gentle soul who is doing important work. It is rare to find a person who embodies as much beauty and dignity as Dr. Moore.

If you want to find out more about her work
you can contact her at through the University at email:

https://religiousstudies.charlotte.edu/directory/julia-robinson-moore-dr-rob