Like It Is: 30 Minutes of Good Conversation

Dr. Robert Franklin
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Personal Journals
  • Weekly

Join me for thirty minutes of compelling conversation on this award-winning public affairs program - a thought-provoking exploration into the heart of our diverse communities, highlighting relatable stories to foster deeper engagement and inspire positive change. For three decades, our mission has ignited discussions and motivated individuals to make a meaningful impact in their own communities. "Like It Is" welcomes listeners of all ages, backgrounds, and regions, as we explore intergenerational narratives from baby boomers to Gen Z and millennials. Don't miss out on our engaging storytelling and inclusive dialogue—it's an invitation to connect, learn, and be inspired.

  1. 10/13/2024

    Josephine Bolling McCall: The Lynching of Elmore McCall

    Josephine Bolling McCall reflects upon her father's lynching in Lowndes County, Alabama- The Lynching of Elmore McCall. For decades, Elmore Bolling's family believed myths perpetuated by white people, and even by Rosa Parks, about why he was killed: that he was involved in a love triangle or that he had insulted his assailant's wife. Though Josephine Bolling McCall's father was killed when she was 5 years old, it was not until she was 60 that she discovered an article in the Chicago Defender describing the real reason for her father's killing: "Enraged whites jealous over the success of a Negro, are believed to be the lynchers of Elmore Bolling."

  2. 10/13/2024

    Leon Von Brown: The Legacy of Clifford Brown

    Leon Von Brown is the uncle of the late and acclaimed jazz trumpeter, Clifford Brown. Leon shares memories of his uncle and efforts create a lasting legacy about him. Von Brown also talks about his amazing career. Brown has theater and dance credits to include singing, acting, dancing, and choreography. He has worked on set with Alfre Woodard, Laurence Fishburne and Malcolm Jamaal-Warner and co-starred with Samuel L. Jackson. He developed performances for the Atlanta Ballet, Agnes Scott College and Clark-Atlanta University. He recorded and toured with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir with shows at Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall and performed in the Opening Ceremonies of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games on NBC-TV.

  3. 10/13/2024

    Part 1: Sonny Buxton: The Man Behind the mic at KCSM, "The Bay Area's Jazz Station to the World"

    KCSM radio's own Sonny Buxton has been selected by the Jazz Journalists Association to receive the 2013 Jazz Hero Award for his contributions and dedication to broadcasting. Buxton, along with 25 other musicians and educators from the United States and Canada will be honored May 5 at the Jazz Heritage Center in San Francisco. Initially, Buxton never considered a future in radio or television as a career. In the early 1950s, he landed an internship in Los Angeles at a small radio station. Soon after, as a member of the U.S. Air Force, he became a disc jockey for the Armed Forces Radio while stationed in Tokyo in 1958. His first official broadcast show, House of Bamboo, played jazz from midnight until 1 a.m. Fascinated, Buxton sought employment at several different stations but was shunned by the racial discrimination that plagued the '50s and '60s. Radio stations were segregated which made it almost impossible to find a job. These challenges simply motivated him to push through the racial red tape. In 1962, he attained his FCC broadcasting license and tried to get a job at a radio station in Berkeley. Buxton recalls the station manager throwing his audition tape and bio in the trash after the interview. "He called me in based upon the way that the tape sounded, but when he saw me things changed," Buxton said. Undeterred by discrimination, he remained steadfast in his ambition. During his quest, he noticed that many stations were turning him down because he didn't have an engineer's license, which was necessary to work in the studio after midnight. He eventually went back to school and received his engineer's license. This was just another obstacle that Buxton fought through which lit a fire under him and boosted his confidence. As Buxton put it, "I simply wanted to eliminate any excuses."

  4. 10/13/2024

    Part 2: Sonny Buxton: The Man Behind the mic at KCSM, "The Bay Area's Jazz Station to the World"

    Sonny Buxton has met and worked with some of the greatest entertainers in history over the years, from Duke Ellington to Sarah Vaughn, Eartha Kitt, Ray Charles, Percy Sledge and Smokey Robinson. Buxton credits Leonard Russell in Seattle and Charles Sullivan for exposing him to the business side of radio and music by booking shows, clubs and concerts at the Fillmore and the Richmond Auditorium. Buxton proved his business worth again by co-owning several clubs in Seattle years later like The District, Checkmate and Anxious Asp. In San Francisco, Buxton also opened Milestones in 1984, and co-owned Jazz at Pearl's with Pearl Wong, which closed in 2003. A few of Buxton's favorite artists include Ella Fitzgerald, Sammy Davis Jr., Ben Webster, Dexter Gordon, Carlos Jobim and anyone with a warm sound or considered American Standard, like Irving Berlin and Frank Sinatra.  Buxton feels responsible for enlightening individuals based upon his experiences. He sees a need, and proudly takes on the role to advocate and inform about jazz, a true American classic. Buxton is one of the last of a fading breed of true pioneers, both culturally and historically, in broadcasting.

  5. 07/04/2024

    Part 1: U.S. Criminal Justice or Criminal Injustice? An Interview with Bryan Stevenson

    In this compelling two-part interview with renowned attorney Bryan Stevenson, founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, we discuss the stark disparities within the criminal justice system. Stevenson shares his insights on how racial bias and economic status impact our U.S. justice system and create different realities for the "haves" and the "have-nots." He highlights the critical need for public defenders and the role lawyers play in creating hope and challenging injustice. He questions why, despite a surplus of lawyers, many people of color and the poor still lack adequate representation. We also explore the harsh realities faced by defendants on death row and the broader implications of poverty as a barrier to equal justice. Stevenson, a leading voice in the fight for equal justice, discusses the historical context of racial bias, from the use of lynching to intimidate African Americans to the indifference shown when "bad" individuals commit violent crimes. Stevenson emphasizes the importance of redirecting resources to prevent violence through education and intervention, urging a more responsible and complex approach, as the political expediency of promising punishment doesn't limit victimization. With a wealth of experience, including multiple victories at the United States Supreme Court and major legal challenges against unfair sentencing, Stevenson provides a powerful perspective on the ongoing struggle for equality in the criminal justice system. His work has led to significant legal and social reforms. From founding the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice to authoring the critically acclaimed book "Just Mercy," Bryan Stevenson's impact is profound and far-reaching. This is an unforgettable conversation about justice for all in the U.S.

  6. 07/03/2024

    Part 2: U.S. Criminal Justice or Criminal Injustice? An Interview with Bryan Stevenson

    In this compelling two-part interview with renowned attorney Bryan Stevenson, founder and Executive Director of the Equal Justice Initiative, we discuss the stark disparities within the criminal justice system. Stevenson shares his insights on how racial bias and economic status impact our U.S. justice system and create different realities for the "haves" and the "have-nots." He highlights the critical need for public defenders and the role lawyers play in creating hope and challenging injustice. He questions why, despite a surplus of lawyers, many people of color and the poor still lack adequate representation. We also explore the harsh realities faced by defendants on death row and the broader implications of poverty as a barrier to equal justice. Stevenson, a leading voice in the fight for equal justice, discusses the historical context of racial bias, from the use of lynching to intimidate African Americans to the indifference shown when "bad" individuals commit violent crimes. Stevenson emphasizes the importance of redirecting resources to prevent violence through education and intervention, urging a more responsible and complex approach, as the political expediency of promising punishment doesn't limit victimization. With a wealth of experience, including multiple victories at the United States Supreme Court and major legal challenges against unfair sentencing, Stevenson provides a powerful perspective on the ongoing struggle for equality in the criminal justice system. His work has led to significant legal and social reforms. From founding the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice to authoring the critically acclaimed book "Just Mercy," Bryan Stevenson's impact is profound and far-reaching. This is an unforgettable conversation about justice for all in the U.S.

  7. 07/03/2024

    Facing the Reality of Racism: A Conversation with Tim Wise

    In this eye-opening episode, we explore the deep-seated and often unconscious biases that persist in the U.S. with Tim Wise, renowned author and anti-racism educator. Drawing from his book "White Like Me" and his recent speech, Wise sheds light on the pervasive racism that affects people of color and the collective denial that allows it to persist. Wise begins by addressing the crucial premise that combating racism is everyone's responsibility. He highlights the fundamental problem: White America, both corporately and collectively, has never truly been prepared to address the reality of the experiences faced by people of color. He recalls the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, where displaced black homeowners were barred from returning to their neighborhoods, and the stark difference in perceptions between white and black Americans about the racial implications of the disaster. Through insightful polling analysis and powerful anecdotes, Wise critiques the liberal tendency to shift focus away from race and hide behind discussions of class. He notes how every generation might acknowledge injustice in hindsight, however, in the present the dominant group enjoys the luxury of ignorance about institutional racism and inequality. This denial and rationalization of our present-day racial inequalities, he argues, make it difficult to have honest conversations about race and perpetuate systemic injustice through ostensibly race-neutral policies. Join us as Tim Wise, a Tulane University graduate and prominent anti-apartheid activist, discusses the institutionalized racism that continues to foster white privilege in the U.S. This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to facing the truth of racism in the U.S., confronting our own biases and taking an active role in the fight against racism.

  8. 07/03/2024

    Breaking the Barrier to Civil Rights: Ernest Green and the Little Rock Nine

    On this episode, we honor Ernest Green, a member of the historic Little Rock Nine, as he reflects on his experience as one of the first African-American students to attend Little Rock Central High School.  Green shares his profound insights on the importance of Black History Month and the ongoing struggle for civil rights. Green delves into the critical moments of his journey, including the prejudice and bias that led to the erasure of African Americans from American history, depriving all Americans of a sound education. He discusses the significance of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the anniversary of the outlaw of the poll tax, and the landmark Brown vs. Board of Education case, which served as a catalyst for the second phase of the civil rights movement. Highlighting the enduring importance of these historical milestones, Green explains how America's commitment to liberty, equality, and justice has been tested by race and how the freedoms we enjoy today were hard-won through relentless struggle. He poignantly describes America as a "State of contradictions" and underscores the necessity of aligning our principles with our actions. This episode offers a deep dive into the foundations of the civil rights movement and its relevance today. Ernest Green's reflections on his pivotal role in desegregation, his continued activism, and the legacy of the Little Rock Nine provide a unique and inspiring perspective on the fight for equality in the U.S. Green's poignant and legendary role in the civil rights movement is a story of courage and the enduring importance of Black history.

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About

Join me for thirty minutes of compelling conversation on this award-winning public affairs program - a thought-provoking exploration into the heart of our diverse communities, highlighting relatable stories to foster deeper engagement and inspire positive change. For three decades, our mission has ignited discussions and motivated individuals to make a meaningful impact in their own communities. "Like It Is" welcomes listeners of all ages, backgrounds, and regions, as we explore intergenerational narratives from baby boomers to Gen Z and millennials. Don't miss out on our engaging storytelling and inclusive dialogue—it's an invitation to connect, learn, and be inspired.

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