Closer Look with Rose Scott

On this day, 57 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated while standing on the balcony of his motel room at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Friday’s special edition of "Closer Look with Rose Scott" focuses on the life and legacy of King, specifically his efforts to lead with courage and integrity and to inspire others to be moral leaders. We revisit Rose’s conversations with the now-late Memphis attorney Michael W. Cody and Dr. Robert Michael Franklin Jr., an author, theologian and Emory University’s James T. and Berta R. Laney Professor in Moral Leadership. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sine Dine is fast approaching as the 2025 Georgia legislative session nears an end. WABE politics reporters Sam Gringlas and Rahul Bali return to ‘Closer Look,’ to discuss the status of some of the most talked about bills. Plus, with more corporations turning away from diversity, equity and inclusion programs, the NAACP is empowering Black consumers to shop with companies that value their dollars and their rights. Gerald Griggs, the president of the NAACP Georgia State Conference, discusses the newly launched Black Consumer Advisory. Lastly, we continue our two-part series looking at the benefits and the harm of using AI in the job hiring process. Data suggests by the end of the year, nearly 70% of businesses are expected to use AI for reviewing resumes, rejecting candidates or even conducting entire interviews. Hilke Schellmann, an investigative journalist and professor at New York University, is the author of the book, "The Algorithm." Schellemann says AI has invaded the workplace, calling the evolving phenomenon "the next civil rights issue of our time.” Previously, Rose talked with Dan Beck, the president and chief product officer at SAP SuccessFactors, about what he says are some of the pros of AI being used in the workplace. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mableton Mayor Michael Owens is approaching the two-year mark into his term as leader of the largest city in Cobb County. Mayor Owens returns to “Closer Look,” to talk more about how the relatively new city is fairing and his top priorities. He also shares details about how city leaders are addressing urban development, affordable housing, education and more. Plus, the White House has announced plans to cut more than 80,000 employees from Veterans Affairs, many of whom are veterans themselves. The cuts would come to an already reportedly understaffed VA System, adding to concerns about slower access to healthcare for veterans. Kyle Bibby, the co-CEO of the Black Veterans Project, and Lindsay Church, the executive director of Minority Veterans of America, respond to the potential cuts, the Pentagon purge of archives that documented diversity in the military, as well as the recent national security mishap when plans for an upcoming military strike in Yemen were shared with a journalist using Signal. Lastly, Wednesday marks what would have been soul singer Marvin Gaye’s 86th birthday. In celebration of his life and legacy, his sister Zeola Gaye and the Elite Success Talent Group have put together the musical production “The Evolution of My Brother Marvin Tribute.” The show will be at The Buckhead Theatre on Thursday, April 3. Rose talks with Zeola Gaye and Chae Stephen, who portrays the timeless artist. They talk more about the production and discuss their efforts to preserve Marvin’s legacy by ensuring that his music continues to inspire generations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens recently appointed Judge LaDawn Blackett to be Atlanta's interim inspector general. Her appointment comes in the aftermath of Shannon Manigault’s resignation over alleged interference and harassment. Interim IG Blackett joins “Closer Look” to discuss leading the OIG and her top priorities while assigned to lead the office. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Night of Ideas Atlanta is an annual event that fosters late-night discussions geared toward addressing specific global issues. This year, WABE partnered with Villa Albertine, the Goat Farm Arts Center and Night of Ideas Atlanta to host the event, which featured live music, art and several panel discussions. The theme of this year’s program, which took place on March 29, was common ground. Rose Scott served as the moderator. Today, we will air the opening panel discussion. Rose asked panelists this question: To what extent is Atlanta a common ground for the different communities that call it home? Guests included: Illya Davis, a professor of philosophy at Morehouse College and the director of Freshmen and Seniors' Academic Success Programs Writer and publisher Walid Hajar Rachedi TEDxAtlanta organizer Jacqui Chew Gigi Pedraza, the executive director and founder of the Latino Community Fund Georgia Saba Long, the executive director of Atlanta Civic Circle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the latest data from Giving USA, charitable giving reached $557.16 billion in the U.S. in 2023. As the philanthropic landscape continues to evolve, younger generations of Americans will soon be the beneficiaries of what is called the “Great Wealth Transfer.” This will position Gen X, millennials and Gen Z at the forefront of our nation’s charitable giving. For the March installment of “Coffee Conversations” the “Closer Look” team heads to Dancing Goats in Midtown. Rose talks with local nonprofit leaders about the future of NexGen philanthropy and their efforts to attract new donors to non-traditional causes. Guests include: Aaron Shively, the vice president of operations at Dancing Goats Coffee Raphael Lewis, the general manager of Dancing Goats Coffee Midtown Fay Twersky, the president of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Tim Bresnahan, the vice president of advancement & philanthropic services at the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta Karen Beavor, the president and CEO of the Georgia Center for Nonprofits Che Watkins, the executive director for Braven-Atlanta Rodney Bullard, the founder and CEO of the Same House Hope Wollensack, the executive director of Georgia Resilience and Opportunity Fund See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The book, "It’s Not You, It’s Capitalism," explores the economic challenges Gen Z and millennials are facing in the current economy while offering up possible solutions from labor leaders, economists and more. Author Malaika Jabali, who is an attorney, activist, and the senior news and politics editor at Essence Magazine, talks about the inspiration behind her book and her research on capitalism. Ayoka Chenzira is a veteran transmedia storyteller. She is an award-winning filmmaker, television director and digital media artist. As a pioneer in Black independent cinema, she is credited with being one of the first Black women to write, produce and direct a 35-millimeter feature film. She joins “Closer Look” for our Women's History Month series, "Piloting the Journey." Chenzira talks more about how she has used imagination, creativity and innovation across multiple platforms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new book, "There Is No Place For Us" features the stories of five Atlanta families struggling to find and keep safe, stable housing. These working families represent the country's "hidden homeless," people who sleep in cars or extended-stay motels but aren't tracked by government homelessness counts. Atlanta-based journalist Brian Goldstone, who authored the book, talks more about his book and Atlanta’s growing homelessness crisis. Nannie Helen Burroughs was an educator, a suffragist and a Black labor activist. Her life’s story and legacy are the focus of the new book, “Nannie Helen Burroughs: A Tower of Strength in the Labor World.” The book's author, Dr. Danielle Phillips-Cunningham, is an associate professor of labor studies and employment relations at Rutgers University. She joins “Closer Look” to talk more about her book and Burroughs’ fight for the education and upward career mobility of Black women. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new book, "Slavery After Slavery" reveals how some landowners in the South used “forced apprenticeships” re-enslave emancipated Black children. The court system supported a majority of these “forced apprenticeships,” resulting in many children being separated from their families in the years following the Emancipation Proclamation. Dr. Mary Frances Berry, who is an acclaimed historian, educator, activist and author, will give a lecture about the book at Emory University on Friday, March 28. Ahead of her visit to Atlanta, Dr. Berry joined “Closer Look,” to share more about her research and details what she believes are the modern-day consequences of re-enslavement. Democratic Senator Nan Orrock, who represents Senate District 36, is the founder of the Georgia Legislative Women’s Caucus and the Working Families Legislative Caucus. For decades, Orrock has been at the forefront of legislation that has centered civil rights, women’s issues, health policy, workforce issues, environmental issues and more. She joins Closer Look” for our Women's History Month series, "Piloting the Journey." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gallup polling shows the economy was the top issue for voters in the 2024 presidential election, and President Trump ran on a promise to immediately lower prices. Now, two months into his second term, Trump’s push for tariffs is raising recession concerns for some economists. Amid the economic uncertainty, consumers are witnessing rising costs for everyday goods and services, such as groceries. On today’s Feedback Friday edition of “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we’re asking consumers: How have your spending habits changed? Tom Smith, a professor in the practice of finance at Emory University, joins us for the discussion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Data suggest 68% of all companies will use AI in the hiring process by the end of 2025. Today, we begin a two-part series looking at the benefits and the harm of using AI in the job hiring process. Many companies are using AI to review resumes, reject candidates without human input or oversight, and even conduct entire interviews. Dan Beck is the president and chief product officer at SAP SuccessFactors. He has used AI to help boost the workforce of companies like Delta. Beck talks more about the pros of AI being used by employers. Plus, The B.E.S.T. Academy basketball team has won the Class A Division I championship. Earlier this month, marking the school’s first championship in any sport, the team defeated Southwest Macon 62-57. B.E.S.T. Academy head basketball coach Brian Weeden, Asst. Coach Mario Lemons and team members discuss their championship run. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Companies like Delta Air Lines are legally exempt from paying hotel/motel tax for their bookings that are more than 30 days. Hapeville Mayor Alan Hallman explains why this is a major concern for his city and why he supports the passage of House Bill 492. International Transgender Day of Visibility will be recognized on March 31. The day is used to celebrate transgender people and raise awareness about issues that impact them. Quinton Reynolds, the founder and executive director of Game Changing Men, and Toi Washington Reynolds, the founder of Trans Women of Color Healing Project, talked with show host Rose Scott about the work of their organizations. They also shared details about what they feel are the top concerns of Black transpeople and how their organizations are working to spread awareness at the Georgia State Capitol. Ingrid Saunders Jones is a retired Coca-Cola Company executive and the former chair of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. She joins “Closer Look” for our Women’s History Month series, “Piloting the Journey.” Saunders Jones talks more about her decades-long career in the corporate world, working in politics and her time as an educator. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump recently signed an executive order to suspend the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and resettlement funding. However, a federal judge has blocked Trump's actions — calling it an overreach. For a roundtable discussion, “Closer Look” is joined by Reverend John R. Moeller Jr., the president and CEO of Inspiritus, Aimee Zangandou, the executive director of Refugee and Immigrant Services at Inspiritus and Louisa Merchant, the director of Refugee Ministries at All Saints Episcopal in Midtown. They talk with Rose regarding the disruption of resettlement services, the suspension of funding and other efforts to serve thousands of service refugees in Georgia. Plus, Georgia lawmakers are weeks away from Sine Die for the 2025 legislative session. As the session is nearing an end, the ACLU is tracking 527 proposed bills, from across the U.S., that they refer to as “anti-LGBTQ bills. ” The ACLU claims 11 of those bills have been introduced in the Georgia Legislature. Jeff Graham, the executive director of Georgia Equality, talks more about the proposed legislation his organization is watching that allegedly targets the LGBTQ+ community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, the U.S. Department of Education announced it was firing nearly 50% of its workforce. This all comes on the heels of President Trump’s ongoing efforts to eliminate the DOE and give its responsibilities to the states. On today’s Feedback Friday edition of “Closer Look,” show host Rose Scott asked listeners this question: Do you have faith Georgia can shoulder the responsibilities of the DOE without federal oversight and resources? Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, president emerita of Spelman College and author of the New York Times bestseller “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations about Race,” and Tanya Washington, a professor of law at Georgia State University, added their perspectives to the discussion. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump is just over 50 days into his second term. In a matter of weeks, he has signed a flurry of executive actions that have spurred confusion, led to layoffs and even prompted lawsuits. Eric Segall, the Ashe Family Chair professor of law at Georgia State University, provides an analysis of some pending lawsuits and court rulings. Segall also discusses Trump's executive power, Trump’s statement on so-called "illegal protests" and his threat to pull funding from colleges that allow such protests. Last year, the US Department of Education provided up to $50 million in funding through its FAFSA Student Support Strategy to increase FAFSA completion rates for high school seniors, particularly for first-generation college students and for students of color. Under this effort, Jessica Johnson, a board member for the Atlanta Board of Education, and the founder and executive director of the Scholarship Academy, has worked to boost FAFSA completion rates for high school students across metro Atlanta. However, she says she was recently notified by the DOE about its decision not to continue funding its initiative. Johnson talks more about how the unfolding situation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we continue our series focusing on AI and insurance claims. It’s been reported that several health insurance companies are under scrutiny for using AI to allegedly deny mass amounts of claims. The California-based Clarkson Law Firm is now leading class action lawsuits against three major insurance companies. Glenn Danas, a partner at Clarkson Law Firm, says with the use of AI, it only took an insurer an average of 1.2 seconds to review a claim before rejecting more than 300,000 within two months. Plus, Georgia State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, who represents House District 84, is a DeKalb County native and an attorney. The longtime politician is known for her efforts for fighting to protect children and consumers. She joins “Closer Look” for our Women’s History Month series, “Piloting the Journey.” Rep. Oliver talks with Rose about the journey through her career, pushing for legislation that she’s sponsored over the years and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several health insurance companies are accused of using artificial intelligence to reject a massive number of claims - some as quick as 1.2 seconds. Today, we begin a two-day series focusing on A.I. and insurance claims. We hear from Rick Gundling, the senior vice president of professional practice with the Healthcare Financial Management Association. Plus, Monday marked 50 days since President Donald Trump took office for his second term. Among a long list of actions, he’s signed a flurry of executive actions involving tariffs, immigration, government spending and more. Some of Trump’s executive actions have prompted lawsuits, layoffs and protests. GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer returns to “Closer Look,” to share details regarding how students are responding to Trump’s presidency and questions they now have about the role and responsibility of government, and overall, how government is supposed to work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several bills crossed between the Georgia House and Senate following Crossover Day last week, while others were stalled. WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali returns to “Closer Look,” to provide an update on the bills that are one step closer to becoming law and to discuss the latest news happening at the Georgia State Capitol. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Georgia is among 12 jurisdictions that have reported new measles cases in 2025. Since the start of the year, there have been at least 222 measles cases reported and two measles-related deaths. Dr. Nicholas Church of Somerset Medical provides an overview on measles, discusses the recent outbreaks and shares tips on what you can do to protect yourself and your family. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s Crossover Day at the Georgia State Capitol. First, WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali returns to “Closer Look,” to provide an update on the state’s budget and hurricane relief. He also discusses legislation that has caught the most attention and concern, including measures that would change how the state school superintendent is selected, online sports betting and a measure that aims to remove anything related to diversity, equity, and inclusion from schools and colleges. Then, Rebecca Serna, the executive director of Propel ATL, and crash victim Satya Bhan, discuss the findings of the new PROPEL ATL report, “The Human Cost of Mobility." According to the report, 344 people died across three metro Atlanta counties due to traffic crashes in 2023. Also, among the report's findings — pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities mirror homicide levels, but they don't receive as much media attention. Plus, Rose reads a remembrance tribute for jazz legend Roy Ayers. He died on Tuesday. He was 84. Lastly, March 7 marks a turning point in the fight for civil rights in the United States. Sixty years ago, the then 25-year-old John Lewis and fellow civil rights activist Hosea Williams, planned to lead hundreds in a peaceful march for voting rights from Selma, Ala. to the state capitol in Montgomery, Ala. As the protestors approached the Edmund Pettus Bridge, they were met with violence at the hands of state troopers. We'll look back to the days before, the day of, and what came after, on what is now known as Bloody Sunday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a new Brookings Institute commentary, experts explain why they believe Atlanta is not the blueprint for public safety reform. Through their analysis, they make the comparison to policing in Baltimore and St. Louis to highlight what does and doesn’t work, particularly following the creation of the heavily protested Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, also known to critics as ‘Cop City.’ Ali Sewell, a sociology professor at Emory University, and Keon Gilbert, a fellow at The Brookings Institution in governance studies and a professor of public health at Saint Louis University, talk more about their report. Elisabeth Omilami, the daughter of the late civil rights leaders Juanita and Hosea Williams, is a longtime actor, humanitarian and civil rights activist. She currently serves as the president of Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless. For “Closer Look’s” Women’s History Month series, “Piloting the Journey,” Omilami reflects on her journey and talks more about her ongoing efforts to combat hunger and poverty. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.