Culture Rich Conversations with the
Black Awareness Association, Juneau
They say the shortest distance between two people is a story – and every Thursday afternoon, the Black Awareness Association of Juneau bridges the gaps in our understanding about the biggest race and social justice issues of our times with thoughtful conversations from the Black community in this special series.
Led by Sherry Patterson, the Black Awareness Association of Juneau launched the series in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, which triggered the need for deeper discussions about racism and Black culture. KTOO is thrilled to partner with the Black Awareness Association of Juneau to bring you perspectives that were birthed from life experiences.

Thursday, October 13, 2022: Living Black in a White Community
Part 1: Listen to the Show
Guests: Dr. Rose Moten, Tahkaja McRay, Ahmir Parker and Alicia Stettler.
Christina Michelle hosts and moderates a discussion of today’s hot topics in Black culture
Representing perspectives of Black Alaskans, this week’s guests share their takes on gospel music, Ketanji Brown Jackson, John Boyega’s dating preferences, police body cams and more.

Thursday, June 16, 2022: Juneteenth: A work in progress.
Part 1: The story of Juneteenth, one that is still being written.
Guests: Janelle Everett, Director of College Recruitment, Iḷisaġvik CollegeAlthough President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it wasn’t until two years later on June 19, 1865, that the news reached slaves in Texas. They were the last to be freed and celebrated with songs and prayer — a day that later became known as Juneteenth. While the holiday is celebrated…

Thursday, June 2, 2022: Black Music Appreciation Month: Kenneth Monts looks back on a lifetime of music.
Part 1: Kenneth Monts reflects: Growing up with Stevie, Aretha and James.
Guests: Kenneth Months, Black history buff.When James Brown sang, “Say it loud. I’m Black and I’m proud,” those were radical words in the turbulent 1960’s. But to Kenneth Monts, they were words he needed to hear and stayed with him for a lifetime. In this interview with his niece, Kelli Patterson, Monts talks about how Brown and other Black…

Thursday, May 26, 2022: The legacy of Charles Buggs, a Juneau artist, teacher and mentor.

Thursday, May 12, 2022: Black in Alaska: An ambitious multi-media project, telling the stories of Blacks living in the 49th state.
Listen to the program: The story behind the Black in Alaska Project
Guests: Jovelle Rennie and Mayowa Aina, team members of the Black in Alaska project. Sherry Patterson, profiled in the Black in Alaska Project.Jovelle Rennie realized there was a need for a story telling project about what it means to be Black in Alaska, when he asked people to name fifty Blacks who live in Alaska. Most couldn’t do it. Yet when Rennie began to make up his own list of Black Alaskans with interesting stories, that list…

Thursday, May 5, 2022: Interracial friendships: A tale of two Michaels and two moms
Color-blind friendships: How mothers can help to heal racism.
Guests: Michael Barnes and his mother, Lynn, longtime friends of the Patterson family.Listen to the show:

Thursday, April 28, 2022: Sharing Stories: First encounters with racism
Reflections on early experiences with racism.
Michael Patterson talks with KTOO’s Rhonda McBride about her perspectives on racism, as an Asian American and a journalist.
Thursday, April 14, 2022: Series on Black hair continues: More than just curls, but also culture.
Listen to the program: Black hair, a symbol of identity.
Guests: Kiala Wesley, retired Black hair industry professional.Reflections from a former Anchorage salon owner, who discovered that Black identity and Black hair are often one in the same.
