Each week on "Rock the Culture," Antwan Phillips, state Rep. Charles Blake and others provide perspective on life and culture for black people in Little Rock. The team offers trenchant analysis and hilarious banter on local news, events and politics. Plus, they bring that same fun-loving but informed style to weekly interviews with people who are impacting the culture of Little Rock and elsewhere in Arkansas. #RocktheCulture
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on Memphis’ Beale Street Music Festival in comparison to Riverfest, UA-Little Rock’s relationship with eStem High School, and Blake’s breakdown from the Arkansas legislature. In addition, we provide rapid fire perspective on Rock Topics. We also discuss the differences between plant-based eating versus veganism with Dr. Tionna Jenkins, Founder of Plate It Healthy.
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on UA-Little Rock’s feasibility study on football, ICE’s deportation of 21 Savage, and Little Rock’s use of Lime scooters. In addition, we introduce a new segment in which we provide rapid fire perspective on "Rock Topics." We also discuss fitness training with Kim Leverett, CEO of A Kick Above.
In this week’s episode, Charles and Antwan provide perspective and conversation on the Little Rock Mayoral Election and State Board of Education’s consideration of the anticipated request to waive the Fair Teacher Dismissal Act. In addition, Charles and Antwan discuss all things happening in the Little Rock School District with Superintendent Michael Poore.
In this week’s episode, Charles and Antwan provide perspective and conversation on City Board’s Ordinance to study the form of governance for City of Little Rock. In addition, we discuss brand building with LaKisha M. Johnson, vlogger and podcast host of Coffee & Conversation and RealTalk with LMJ.
In this bonus episode, Charles and Antwan provide conversation and perspective on Frank Scott, Jr.’s historic win as Mayor of Little Rock -- live from the Election Night Watch Party.
In this bonus episode, we interview CNN contributor Bakari Sellers regarding the new generation of political leadership across the nation and his support of mayoral candidate Frank Scott, Jr.
In this week’s episode, Charles and Antwan provide perspective and conversation regarding improving the quality of life in Little Rock and the need to convert War Memorial Golf Course into a Central Park. In addition, they interview John Brummett, of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, regarding the campaign themes of Frank Scott and Baker Kurrus in the Little Rock Mayoral race.
In this week’s episode, Charles and Antwan provide conversation and perspective on the Little Rock Fraternal Order of Police Facebook post about the Little Rock Mayoral Race, Representative Blake’s proposed legislation that would require automatic voter registration, and Forbes 30 Under 30 list recognizing a student at Little Rock Central High School. They also interview Dawn Jeffrey, the community relations director at Seeds of Liberation, regarding their efforts to reduce the jail sentences of non-violent drug offenders who have been sentenced to life in prison.
In this week’s episode, Antwan and Charles provide perspective and conversation on the ongoing contract negotiations between Little Rock Education Association and Little Rock School District regarding Fair Teacher Dismissal Act, the Little Rock Mayoral Runoff Election, and lack of coverage of white nationalist’s rally. In addition, they interview Sgt. Willie Davis of the Little Rock Police Department regarding importance of community policing and his involvement in the O.K. Program, a mentoring program for teenage black males.
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective, conversation, and context on the Little Rock Education Association’s contract negotiations with the Little Rock School District/Commissioner Johnny Key and its relationship to the State Board of Education’s takeover of the LRSD. In addition, we interview Terri Hollingsworth, democratic candidate for Circuit Clerk of Pulaski County, regarding her historical race and her vision for the clerk’s office.
We provide perspective and conversation about the Washington Post exposé on the Little Rock Police Department’s use of no-knock warrants and a political radio ad alleging that black people should vote republican to avoid being lynched again. In addition, we interview Little Rock Mayoral Candidate Frank Scott regarding his mayoral bid and his vision to unify our city.
We provide perspective and conversation with Tracy-Ann Nelson of the Arkansas Education Association regarding the Stand Up for Students Rally on October 20, 2018 at the State Capitol.
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on Issue 2, the voter ID ballot initiative, the rules in the event there is a run-off in Little Rock’s Mayoral Race, and West Central Community Center’s tutoring program. We also interview Cam Slate to discuss mentoring through “The Big Home Program” and his food truck business, Seafood Junkies.
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on Issue 5, the minimum wage ballot initiative, and the proposal for collaboration between LRSD and PCSSD to share a high school in West Little Rock. We also interview Vince Hunter, former Razorback and professional basketball player, regarding his non-profit PROJECT M.A.D.E.
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on the City of Little Rock’s initiative to find jobs for our homeless population, the State Board of Education’s decision to take over the Pine Bluff School District, and Governor Hutchinson’s press conference on Arkansas Works. We also discuss the entrepreneurial mindset with local business owner, Lydia Page.
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on the Arkansas Business’ article entitled “Is Little Rock Losing its Luster?”, LRSD loss of enrollment, and settlement of lawsuit filed against LRPD related to the use of the n-word. We also discuss the evolution of Obamacare to Arkansas Works with Health Policy Director of Arkansas Advocates, Marquita Little Numan.
In this week’s episode, we have a special Labor Day Conversation with author and entrepreneur Mario Settles, the founder of TrukPlease. We discuss his new business, the entrepreneurial mindset, and becoming who you expected others to be.
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on the Salt Bowl Situation at War Memorial Stadium, the Little Rock School District’s facility plan and community forums, and Elizabeth Eckford’s commemorative bench at Central High. We also discuss the casino amendment proposed by Driving Arkansas Forward with former state representative Nate Steel.
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on the candidates running for the Little Rock Board of Directors, North Little Rock landing an Amazon facility, and Satanic Temple Rally at the State Capitol. We also discuss the importance of voter engagement with civil rights icon and American hero, Congressman John Lewis – and Clarke Tucker, candidate for the 2nd Congressional District.
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on the England Police Department’s termination of Michael Moore for telling black folks they do not belong in the England and City of Little Rock’s infrastructure investments. We also discuss the 2018 Filmland with the executive director of Arkansas Cinema Society, Kathryn Tucker.
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on the cancellation of Country Music Night at Wild River Country, LRSD’s lack of school board election, and lawsuit allowing for restitution of fees associated with traffic tickets. We also discuss the current opioid crisis and AR IMPACT with Dr. Johnathan Goree, M.D.
In this bonus episode, Antwan and Charles provide perspective and conversation on the Little Rock Mayoral Forum. They also had the privilege to talk about the importance of political engagement with Stacey Abrams, who is the first black female Democratic gubernatorial candidate in American history.
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on the petition to eliminate the at-large director positions on the Little Rock City Board, UA-Little Rock’s effort to start a football team, and lawsuits filed against the LRPD related to termination of police staff due to the use of racially charged words on social media. We also discuss the current efforts to provide resources to the homeless population with the executive director of Jericho’s Way, Mandy Davis.
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on the Murphy Arts District Music Festival, Rogerick Talley’s allegations that he was framed by LRPD, and the lawsuit to suspend the expansion of Interstate 630. We also discuss the impact of the death penalty with Furonda Brasfield, the Executive Director of the Arkansas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty.
In this Season 1 finale, we provide perspective and conversation on the controversial ending of the Hot Summer Jam Concert, Jacksonville’s policy decision to lower the priority of marijuana arrests, and Facebook’s social media training in Little Rock. We also discuss the importance of social media with national entertainment personality, Ally the Pub.
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on the withdrawal of the proposal for new charter school in Little Rock, the failed ordinance to eliminate at-large directors on the Little Rock City Board of Directors and Swag Ky Bow Ties, a clothing line started by 8 year-old Kylan Robinson. We also discuss Little Rock’s live music scene with Rodney Block, of Rodney Block Collective.
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on the Pulaski County Special School District’s vote against purchasing updated science textbooks, proposal for new charter school in Little Rock, and the Dunbar Community Center Semi-Pro Basketball League. We also discuss the importance and impact of one-on-one mentoring with Chrissy Chatham, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas.
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on the Love Little Rock Campaign in comparison to the new fulfillment center in Alabama. We take a deep dive in the details, purpose, and future of the Arkansas 529 Gift plan (that allows for tax free educational savings) with Emma Willis, the Executive Director of Arkansas 529 Gift Plan.
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on LRPD's response to the proposed ordinance to make marijuana arrests a low priority offense, creation of the Southwest Little Rock Business Alliance, and 2018 Women's to Watch list. We discussed activism and the purpose of the Poor's People Campaign with our guest Dr. Anika Whitfield.
In this week’s episode, we provide perspective and conversation on Riverfest’s low attendance numbers, primary election results in Pulaski County, and Baker Kurrus’ entry into Little Rock’s mayoral race.
In this week’s episode, Antwan Phillips and guest host Kendra Pruitt provide perspective and conversation on the Arkansas Chapter of the Poor People’s Campaign and on the future structure of the LRSD. We discussed a proposed city ordinance to require LRPD to make marijuana arrests a low priority offense with our guests attorney Omavi Shakur and Rev. Ryan D. Davis.
In this week’s episode, perspective and conversation on the Arkansas Supreme Court’s decision to temporarily allow the implementation of the Voter ID law, City of Little Rock’s issuance of municipal ID cards and Little Rock’s ranking on the most fun cities list. We discussed Little Rock’s entertainment and nightlife scene with our guest Bryan Stewart, founder of B-Level Entertainment. #RockTheCulture
In this week’s episode, perspective and conversation on Judge Gray’s decision to strike down Arkansas’ voter ID law, the loss of jobs at LRSD due to declining enrollment, and overdue repairs to McClellan High School. We discussed entrepreneurship and innovation with our guest Dr. Chris Jones, the executive director and lead maker at the Innovation Hub.
In this week’s episode, perspective and conversation on the “Freaky Friday” incident at UA Little Rock, ongoing campaign finance issues at city hall and diversity and de-escalation training for police officers. We also discuss the state teachers union and the looming battle for the preservation of teachers’ retirement fund with guest Tracy Ann Nelson, the executive director at Arkansas Education Association.
The inaugural episode with host Antwan Phillips, guest host Rep. Charles Blake and special guest Darren Morgan, executive director of the Arkansas Commitment, a nonprofit that identifies academically talented African-American high school students in Central Arkansas and guides them to become leaders.