Culture Rich Conversations with the
Black Awareness Association, Juneau

Tune in: 

  • KTOO-FM 104.3 and 91.7: Tuesdays at 3 p.m. live with 7 p.m. repeat. Also streaming at ktoo.org.
  • Podcast: wherever you listen 

About: 

They say the shortest distance between two people is a story. Culture Rich Conversations aims to bridge the gap 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.

FUNDERS: Sara Hannan and Mark Stopha, the Social Justice Fund grant program of the Alaska Community Foundation, and the Alaska Humanities Forum and the National Endowment for the Humanities, a federal agency. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.


  • Some of the best Black history is family history

    For some, Black History Month is an opportunity to explore their own Black history, stories passed down across the generations. As host of this Thursday’s Juneau Afternoon, Kelli Patterson takes us on her own personal journey of discovery. Her guest is her uncle Kenneth Monts, a history buff, now living and working in Katy, Texas…

    Some of the best Black history is family history

  • Challenges facing Black men

    For Michael and two childhood friends, growing up Black meant putting up with subtle slurs and insults — a form of racism known today as “microagression” — comments typically masked in the guise of humor, confusing to the person who is the target, sometimes devastating. Michael, who only wants to use his first name on…

    Challenges facing Black men

  • Vice President Kamala Harris: Breaking barriers and making history

    This Thursday’s Juneau Afternoon is presented by the  Juneau Black Awareness Association. Sherry Patterson and Kay Smith talk with three Alaska women of color, who feel a connection with Vice President Kamala Harris and her multi-racial identity. What her historic rise to the vice presidency means to Fay Callam, Dr. Myandi Than and Dr. Cindy…

    Vice President Kamala Harris: Breaking barriers and making history

  • Martin Luther King’s Legacy: Yesterday, today and tomorrow

    As we prepare to celebrate Martin Luther King Day this month, some might ask: What would the civil rights leader have said about the social justice issues that dominate our headlines today? On Juneau Afternoon, hear two ministers reflect on the movement King started and where it’s headed now.   Sherry Patterson with the Juneau…

    Martin Luther King’s Legacy: Yesterday, today and tomorrow

  • 2021: New Year’s Resolution vs. New Year’s Intention.

    Research shows that only a small percentage of people actually stick to their New Year’s resolutions. So, would you be better off just stating your intentions to a reach a goal? The Juneau Black Awareness Association will explore this question. But hey, don’t stress out. Instead, enjoy a laid-back, playful conversation on Juneau Afternoon. Christina…

    2021: New Year’s Resolution vs. New Year’s Intention.

  • Celebrating Kwanzaa

    On today’s edition of Juneau Afternoon, a conversation about Kwanzaa: The story behind a celebration with ancient African roots but a modern meaning.  Kelli Patterson of the Juneau Black Awareness Association leads the discussion about the events of the year and how they will be reflected in this year’s celebration. That’s Thursday, live at 3:00…

    Celebrating Kwanzaa

  • Black Awareness Association on Juneau Afternoon

    On today’s show, we’ll hear a discussion about current events and responses from the Black community, curated by the Black Awareness Association of Juneau and moderated by Kelli Patterson. Introductions: Part 1: Part 2: Part 3: That’s Thursday, live at 3:00 p.m. on KTOO Juneau 104.3, online at KTOO.org, and repeated at 4:00 p.m. on…

    Black Awareness Association on Juneau Afternoon

  • Black Awareness Association on Juneau Afternoon

    On Thursday’s show we’ll hear a conversation curated by the Black Awareness Association of Juneau. On today’s show, Christina Michelle and Kelli Patterson talk with locals about how COVID-19 has impacted individual lives and how we’ll handle the holiday’s during the pandemic. Part 1: Part 2: Part 3: That’s Thursday, live at 3:00 p.m. on…

    Black Awareness Association on Juneau Afternoon

  • Being Black in the Military, Part 2

    In honor of Veteran’s Day, Sherry Patterson and Christina Michelle Patterson of the Black Awareness Association are continuing their conversation with Black Veterans about their experiences serving in the military. Part one of this conversation aired Thursday, November 12. Introduction: Part 2, Segment 1: Part 2, Segment 2: That’s Thursday, live at 3:00 p.m. on…


  • Being Black in the military: Part 1

    In observance of Veteran’s Day, Sherry Patterson and Christina Michelle Patterson of the Black Awareness Association are talking with Black Veterans about their experiences serving in the military. The Juneau Black Awareness Association was honored to hear the stories of these Veterans who had also all been stationed in Alaska. Part one of this conversation…

    Being Black in the military: Part 1

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