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, March 17, 2022: From diapers to dollars: One Black entrepreneur’s journey.
BabyVend was only the beginning an for Anchorage mom
Guests: Jasmin Smith, owner and founder of BabyVendJasmin Smith says it’s never easy to start a new kind of business, but as a Black woman, there are simply more hurdles in winning the confidence of investors. On top of that, it was hard to convince them about the need for vending machines to dispense diapers and baby supplies. Also, starting a company…

Thursday, March 10, 2022: A crypto conversation: Why Black Americans find empowerment in the digital economy.
Cryptocurrency: A brave new world for Black investors.
Guests: Joseph Juana Robinson, a self-taught cryptocurrency investor.Joseph Juana Robinson says the crypto world is full of scams and get-rich-schemes — but if you do your homework, keep humble, stay patient and don’t get greedy — there are opportunities to earn big returns. Robinson believes cryptocurrency is a form of investment that offers economic empowerment to Black Americans and other historically disadvantaged…

Thursday, March 3, 2022: A conversation about friendship and race continues…

Conversation about friendship and race continues…
Guests: Kelli Patterson and Heather PedersenAn intimate conversation with Kelli Patterson and Heather Pedersen about their cross-racial friendship

Thursday, February 24, 2022: Gospel music, the wind behind the wings of Black culture.
Listen to the whole show: Gospel music and Black history go hand in hand.
Guests: Pastor Bobby Lewis, Harlem.Pastor Bobby Lewis tells the story of his lifelong love affair with Gospel music — and how it’s been a powerful force in helping African Americans, not only survive slavery, but find strength and inspiration on their journey to freedom.

Thursday, February 17, 2022: Telling the story of racism in America
Listen to the Program: Critical Race Theory as a tool to address systemic racism
Guests: Natasha Boozer, author of The Palmer Women.Natasha Boozer says Black parents need to talk with their children about the history of racism in America and how to protect themselves against it — a subject too important to trust to the schools alone, which rarely do a good job of telling the whole story. In this conversation with Christina Michelle, Boozer explains…

Thursday, February 10th: Juneau student attends historically Black university.
On this Thursday’s Culture Rich Conversations, the Black Awareness Association of Juneau follows-up on one of their scholarship recipients, Raekwon Razor — one of a growing number of African American students who attends what’s known as an HBCU — a Historically Black College and University. Christina Michelle and Sherry Patterson talk with Razor about his…

Thursday, February 3rd: Culture Rich Conversations launches a new season
Listen to the show:
Guests: Discussion with Christina Michelle, Sherry Patterson and Michael Patterson
Thursday, January 13th: Martin Luther King’s Legacy — Passing the torch to the next generation.
As Martin Luther King Day approaches, the Black Awareness Association of Juneau looks, not only at the civil rights leader’s legacy, but how future generations can embrace his message. Sherry Patterson hosts this Thursday’s Culture Rich Conversations. She asks two ministers to reflect on King’s work in the early days of the civil rights…

Thursday, January 6th: New Year’s Resolutions vs. New Year’s Intentions
Do you already feel your resolve weakening over some of your New Year’s resolutions? Research shows that only a small percentage of us actually succeed in keeping them. But hey, don’t stress out. Instead, enjoy a laid-back, playful conversation on this Thursday’s program from the Black Awareness Association of Juneau, which looks at reframing…

Thursday, December 23rd: Kwanzaa, a celebration of community, family and culture.
There are seven days of Kwanzaa, which begin this Sunday. And on each day of this celebration, a candle is lit to symbolize one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa. On this Thursday’s Culture Rich Conversations, the Black Awareness Association of Juneau will explore this celebration of family, community and culture, which started as a…