Our Voices Our Community presented by ColorsVA

It’s been a minute since you’ve heard from us and we’ve missed you! But we didn’t want 2020 to end without one final episode of Our Voices Our Community. On today’s episode, we’re going to talk about the year that was and the year to come. The good, the bad and the ugly. As always, we’ll touch on local, statewide and national because 2020 has been a year.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will  Sellari, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and  culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally,  statewide and locally.

On this episode, Robert Jeffrey along with Will Sellari, Karen Jones and guest Rev. Kevin McNeil talk about the need for transparency as it relates to the killing of Kionte Spencer and the death of Israel Jackson.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will  Sellari, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and  culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally,  statewide and locally.

It’s almost time for a new school year are we prepared to re-open? And NASCAR is making changes. Join the discussion with Robert Jeffrey, Will Sellari, Catherine Stromberg, and Karen Jones.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

On today’s episode is about symbols, what they represent and “apologies”. Join Robert Jeffrey Will Sellari, Catherine Stromberg and special guest Rev. Kevin McNeil.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

A new Superintendent has been named for Roanoke City Schools and a conversation on the injustices in just these past few weeks. Join Robert Jeffrey, Will Sellari, Catherine Stromberg, Karen Jones and special guest Rev. Kevin McNeil on this week’s episode.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

It’s been a few weeks since we’ve been together. We’re all staying at home, adjusting to a new way of life. On today’s episode Robert Jeffrey is joined by Will Sellari, Catherine Stromberg, Karen Jones and special guest Rev. Kevin McNeil to talk about how we’re adjusting and the Census.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

It's primary season for the Democrats and this week, Robert Jeffrey, Will Sellari, Catherine Stromberg and Karen Jones give their perspectives on each candidate.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

How will the change in ownership of the Roanoke Times impact our community? On this week’s episode, Karen Jones and Will Sellari are joined by  special guest Matt Chittum, staff writer with the Roanoke Times.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

Parents and the community are rallying together to provide support for Lucy Madison Middle School. This week, Robert Jeffrey, Will Sellari and Karen Jones are joined by Rev. Kevin McNeil, PTSA president for an enlightening and eye-opening conversation.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

Announcements are happening. Crossover is happening. More closing are happening. This week, Robert Jeffrey along with William Sellari, Catherine Stromberg and Karen Jones share their thoughts on all this and more.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

On episode six, we talk a little about what’s going on in DC, educating our children and on the lighter side, the Grammy’s and local music. Robert Jeffrey is joined by William Sellari, Catherine Stromberg and Karen Jones.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

In episode five, we delve into the VA gun control laws and reactions, Democratic presidential candidates and impeachment. This week, Robert Jeffrey is  joined by Catherine Koebel Stromberg, Will Sellari and Peter Volosin.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

Monday we celebrate the life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, on this episode, Robert Jeffrey is joined by William Sellari, Catherine Stromberg and Karen Jones to talk about the ways we honor him.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

On today’s episode, we discuss honoring or patronizing, producing change and finding the answers.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

On this episode Robert Jeffrey, Will Sellari, Catherine Stromberg, and Karen Jones talk about Second Chances, Commercialization and the Word of the Year.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

The crew is back for Season Three! In this episode, we’re going to reflect on the outcomes of the elections and Roanoke City Council actions, Second Amendment Sanctuary Resolutions and Giving. The voices joining today are Robert Jeffrey, Will Sellari, Catherine Stromberg, and Karen Cobb.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

This year we have local and statewide elections. On this special Election Day episode, Karen Jones, Will Sellari and Catherine Stromberg are joined by Peter Volosin to discuss what’s at stake this year. We also interview James Steele, candidate for Commonwealth Attorney in Roanoke County and Senator John Edwards.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

African Americans and African American men specifically face issues and barriers in in all that show resilience and perseverance. On this special edition, Robert Jeffrey is joined by Tommy Page, CEO of Focus Media and Sherman Lea, Jr, CEO or New Hope Support Services for a powerful conversation.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

Our school systems are addressing mental health in positive ways and Roanoke City Manager Bob Cowell joins us to share the process for searching for a new Chief of Police.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

On topics such as local elections, sentencing and even impeachment, where do you stand? This week, we look at everything thing  from Roanoke’s May 2020 elections to sentencing in the conviction of Amber Guyger to the impeachment inquiry.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

What are our values and priorities? This week, we’re focusing on registering to and voting, being good stewards and we’re joined by Vice Mayor Joe Cobb for a wide ranging conversation.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

This week, we're focusing on the lessons we learn and the lessons we teach. We’re going to talk about sentencing and is it fair, instilling and continuing trauma when it comes to perpetuating negative symbols, and then we’re going to take the pulse of the City.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

Taking care of community takes the community. Closings and furloughs, the unintended costs of healthcare and suicide prevention are community issues. But first, we reflect on 9/11.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

Building community and relationships is important. In Roanoke, the ongoing discussion of Evans Springs and what it means for a community is important. And in SWVA, we are dealing with an epidemic of opioids and advocating for healthier policies. In this episode, Robert, Catherine, Will and Karen J are joined by Lawson Koeppel, co-Founder of Virginia Harm Reduction Coalition.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Jose Banuelos, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

In a week where we celebrate Women’s Equality Day, learned of the Roanoke City Police Chief’s retirement and children went back to school we have to ask the question, is our community growing together or growing apart?

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Jose Banuelos, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

What makes a community healthy? In this week’s conversation, we talk about transparency, food insecurity and food deserts. Robert, Catherine, Karen and Will are joined by special guest Sam Lev, program director with LEAP for Local Food.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Jose Banuelos, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

Elections, local, statewide and national happen every year in Virginia. Today, Robert Jeffrey, Will Sellari and Karen Jones  discuss not just why voting matters but also share experiences that helped to shape why they vote and why they believe everyone should too.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Jose Banuelos, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

It’s hard ignore the events of last week. Mass shootings that were fueled by hate of others. This week we tackle the question, What it means to be American? It’s a real conversation with Robert Jeffrey, Jr, Will Sellari, Karen Cobb and special guest Tiffany Jordan.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Jose Banuelos, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

In the first episode of the new season, we explore the efforts of commonsense gun legislation, failure to act and how the rhetoric from the very top affects us locally. This week, Robert Jeffrey is joined by Will Sellari, Karen Jones and special guest Bishop Jamal Jackson.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Jose Banuelos, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

In our final episode of the season, Robert, Jose, Karen, and Catherine talk discus the week’s issues including the needle exchange program, weaponizing the other and taking a stand on Northam.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Jose Banuelos, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

How do we address the issues related to drug culture? How do we address the issues of bias? How do we address fear of the unknown? 

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Jose Banuelos, Karen Frye Cobb, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

The trauma of the mass shootings on survivors can be crippling. The state of policing across the Commonwealth with the new revelations from the Roanoke City Chief’s email and the forced resignation of the Portsmouth City Police Chief. Both signal a resistance to changing culture. 

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Jose Banuelos, and Karen Frye Cobb to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

In celebration of International Women's Day and Women’s History month, join guest moderator Karen Jones with Catherine Koebel and special guest  Evangeline Jeffrey in an engaging conversation about the women who shaped them and the power of women in SWVA.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Jose Banuelos, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

The idea of achieving equity and holding people accountable is can be something of a struggle.  This week, we respond to the Roanoke City Police Chief’s apology, Roanoke’s 2040 Planning, Representative Omar and teacher pay.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Jose Banuelos, and Karen Jones to discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.

Changing positions to match the shifts in our culture and society is hard. In this week’s episode, we continue to talk about Roanoke’s Chief of Police statement on sexual assault and the community’s response, gun legislation in the House and the recent decision from the United Methodist Church on homosexuality and what that means on our society at large.

Each Thursday, Robert Jeffrey, Jr is joined by Catherine Koebel, Will Sellari, Jose Banuelos and new voices discuss their views on issues from arts and culture, social, political and economic that happen nationally, statewide and locally.  On this episode, new voices Karen Cobb and Byron Hamlar join the discussion.

Robert, Catherine, Will and guest Karen share thoughts on the ERA, continued gun violence and misconceptions about sexual assault.

Robert, Catherine, Jose and Will discuss how money influences decision makers and its effects on our community.

Robert along with Ryan, Catherine, Will and Jose discuss the continuing Northam saga, suicide among our youth and new Green Deal.

Robert Jeffrey along with Jose Banuelos, Ryan Bell, Catherine Koebel, and William Sellari discuss Northam, Justin, population and diversity and NIMBYism.

Robert Jeffrey and a group of community advocates discuss  an array of issues from the effects of the 2019 midterm elections to commonsense gun legislation to local concerns on immigration to what they’re most looking forward to in the weeks to come. Tune in for a lively discussion.

ColorsVA presents Our Voices, Our Community. A weekly podcast to explore the political, social justice, neighborhood, cultural, state and national issues that affect Roanoke, the New River Valley and Southwest Virginia. A diversity of voices giving perspective on the issues and events.