Racine & Me February 11, 2018: "4th Worst City for Black Americans” Label and a New Bryant & Stratton College Campus
Jacob Kittilstad started the program by talking about racial disparity recently written about in a USA Today article. An index based on a number of socioeconomic figures – developed by 24/7 Wall Street – puts the city of Racine as the 4th Worst City for Black Americans (Milwaukee is #3). Jacob invited life-long Racine residents to the studio to talk about what factors they believe has led to the current economic situations. Click here to read the USA Today / 24/7 Wall Street article
The conversation continued in the next segment when Jacob spoke to younger activists and community organizers. The discussion centered on how much they look at the past when considering what to do in the present. The question of “What needs to happen to reverse this situation” was also talked about.
Next, Jacob welcomed the president of Bryant & Stratton College to the studio to talk about why they are expanding into Racine County. They recently announced they would be putting a campus in Mt. Pleasant in response to opportunities presented by both Foxconn and growing healthcare careers in Kenosha County. Enrollment for the Spring semester is already open. Click here for more information on the new campus
The Racine Public Library is also preparing for their 3rd Annual Mary Finley & Marcie Eanes Memorial Black History Month Read-In. The event allows people to highlight the writings of black authors – and also tries to get young people involved in that reflection. Jacob asked his two high-school-aged guests what they thought about what the older guests had said earlier in the program – and also asked them to reflect on their own racial identity. Click here to access the Racine Public Library's website
Guests: Chester Todd – Community Activist, Jimmy Smith – Lifelong Racine Resident, Corey Prince – Community Activist, Carl Fields – Community Organizer, Dr. Fran Felser – President and CEO of Bryant & Stratton College, Greg Brandner – Bryant & Stratton College Wisconsin Market Director and Athletics Director, Nick Demske – Racine Public Library, Hadiyah Tolson – Reader at Black History Month Read-In / Senior at Case High School, Jada Patterson - Reader at Black History Month Read-In / Junior at Case High School