CHAVIS CHRONICLES, THE Season 3


#301 – Michael S. Regan
Michael Regan, 16th Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Michael Regan is the first African American man ever to hold the position of EPA administrator. In this episode, Regan discusses his love of nature, the devastating impact of global warming and the struggle for environmental equality in minority communities.

#302 – Eleanor Smeal
President and cofounder of the Feminist Majority Foundation discusses women’s rights.

Author and political activist Eleanor Smeal has fought for women’s equality for more than 30 years. Smeal has played a leading role in landmark legislation for women’s rights such as the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and Violence Against Women Act. In this episode Smeal discusses the on-going fight for women’s rights, equality, and Roe v Wade.

#303 – Lester Munson
Lester Munson, a leader on global issues addresses the need for cybersecurity in the U.S.

Lester Munson is a Principal in the International Practice at BGR Group. Munson spent decades on Capitol Hill focusing on legislative affairs and global issues. In this episode, Munson, and Dr. Chavis explore one of the most dangerous weapons in modern time, cyberattacks and ransomware. Munson weighs in on what steps the U.S. should take in order to boost national security.

#304 – Melinda Hightower
UBS Global wealth executive, Melinda Hightower, discusses the racial equality in finance.

Melinda Hightower, head of Multicultural Investors Strategic Client Segment for UBS Global Wealth Management talks about the bank’s new initiative to attract multicultural investors. Hightower, a long-time banking executive in the U.S. discusses with Dr. Chavis the latest programs at UBS Bank to attract African American, Asian, and Hispanic investors.

#305 – Larry “Poncho” Brown
Artist Larry “Poncho” Brown uses his art to instill pride in the Black community.

World renowned artist Larry “Poncho” Brown has been creating art with a message for more than 30 years. Brown talks with Dr. Chavis about what is at the core of his art and what moves him to create positive imaging of the Black community. In this episode, Brown reveals what inspires his thought provoking pieces and the cultures that influence his work.

#306 – Ken Hecht, President, National STEM Honor Society and Author/Educator Emmanuel Eppie
Kem Hecht, President of National STEM honor society, encourages STEM education and career.

Ken Hecht, President National STEM Honor Society, talks with Dr. Chavis about the growing demand for science, technology, engineering and math and the importance of encouraging more minority students to choose careers in STEM. Also, author and teacher Emmanuel Eppie discusses the need for more Black men to become teachers in the public school system.

#307 – Adrienne L. Hollis, PhD, JD
Environmental attorney and toxicologist, Dr. Adrienne Hollis addresses the climate crisis.

Senior climate justice advocate and health scientist, Dr. Adrienne Hollis, and Dr. Chavis discuss the health impact of the environment, climate justice and the adverse effects on a person’s health from extreme weather patterns and poor air quality. Dr. Hollis also provides tips on protecting and preserving the environment.

#308 – Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Recording Academy Co-President
Recording Academy Co-President Valeisha Butterfield Jones.

The Recording Academy’s Co-President, Valeisha Butterfield Jones, weighs in on the future of the Grammy’s and on the push for diversity and equal opportunities in music. Butterfield Jones discusses the changes that must happen to ensure the music industry is a place where equal opportunities are available for underrepresented groups.

#309 – Dr. Patricia Bailey
Dr. Patricia Bailey, author, speaker, and global activist.

After the Flint water crisis, Dr. Patricia Bailey launched a national outreach effort to provide clean water in poor communities. She also leads a group of global
volunteers to combat the water crisis in Africa by digging wells in villages without fresh water.

#310 – Thomasina Yearwood, President of the Thurgood Marshall Center Trust, and Sandra Lam VP Thurgood Marshall Foundation
A look at the community programs provided by the Thurgood Marshall Foundation.

Thomasina Yearwood, President of the Thurgood Marshall Center Trust, talks with Dr. Chavis about the organization’s mission to educate and empower youth and families. Also, Sandra Lam, VP of the Thurgood Marshall Foundation discusses the college fund for student’s and how the organization is committed to social and economic justice.

#311 – Erica Loewe, White House Director of African American Media
White House Director of African American Media.

Erica Loewe, a key member of President Biden’s communication team discusses her role as the Director of African American media, and her actions toward increasing the value of diversity and empowering Black media voices.

#312 – Alisa Payne, Filmmaker and HBO Producer
Alisa Payne, Award-winning filmmaker, and producer.

Acclaimed producer and filmmaker Alisa Payne discusses navigating her 20-year career as a woman of color in the entertainment industry. She also reflects on producing during the pandemic and working on projects for HBO, Lionsgate, Netflix, and ESPN.

#313 – Dr. Yolandra Hancock, discusses racial disparities and the impact of long COVID
Dr. Yolandra Hancock, pediatrician, and public health expert on long COVID.

Health experts are seeing more people who have had COVID-19 experiencing long-term effects from their infection, known as long COVID. Dr. Yolandra Hancock, a pediatrician and public health expert, weighs in on America’s battle with Covid-19 and how African Americans who suffer from pre-existing conditions such as asthma diabetes and obesity are at particular risk.

#314 – H.E. Ambassador Onkokame Kitso Mokaila, Republic of Botswana
Ambassador of the Republic of Botswana to the U.S.

His Excellency Onkokame Kitso Mokaila has served as Ambassador to the Republic of Botswana to the U.S. since 2020. During his political career, Ambassador Mokaila has held a wide range of Cabinet positions. In this episode, Dr. Chavis and Ambassador Mokaila discuss the opportunities and challenges facing Botswana and the evolution of democracy in the country.

#315 – John Hope Bryant Operation HOPE
John Hope Bryant, entrepreneur, businessman and financial literacy advisor.

Operation HOPE Founder and CEO, John Hope Bryant, views financial literacy as the new civil rights issue. In addition to his nonprofit organization, Operation HOPE, Bryant is CEO of Bryant Group Ventures and author of best-selling books on economic empowerment and financial literacy. In this episode, Bryant provides financial tips to build generational wealth.

#316 - Catherine Buell, Amazon
Catherine Buell, Director of Amazon’s Housing Equity Fund.

In this episode, Dr. Chavis talks with Catherine Buell about Amazon’s initiative to develop hundreds of affordable housing units across the U.S. The Amazon Housing Equity Fund is investing more than $2 billion to build or preserve affordable homes. Amazon is also partnering with minority-led organizations on this project.

#317 - Kenneth Kelly, CEO of First Independence Bank
Kenneth Kelly, author and CEO of a minority owned First Independence Bank.

Kenneth Kelly is a trusted voice in the banking industry. He serves as CEO for First Independence Bank and on the Board of Directors of the American Bankers Association. In this episode, Dr. Chavis and Kenneth Kelly discuss the importance of minority owned banks and preserving possessions through advanced planning.

#318 – Geoffrey Starks FCC Commissioner & Attorney
Commissioner of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Attorney and FCC Commissioner, Geoffrey Starks, believes communication technology could be a powerful tool in promoting equality for all Americans. In this episode Commissioner Starks and Dr. Chavis discuss how the FCC is working to close the digital divide and the new program to fight internet inequality.

#319 - Darrin Henson, Actor
Darrin Henson, Award-winning Choreographer, Author and Actor.

Multi-talented entertainer, Darrin Henson, is recognized for being a choreographer, director and actor on TV and in the film industry. In this episode, Henson reflects on the challenges and successes of working in Hollywood. He also shares with Dr. Chavis the benefits of the law of attraction and the steps to plan your success.

#320 - Melba Moore, Legendary Singer
Broadway and music legend, Melba Moore, celebrates Lifetime Achievement Award.

In this episode Dr. Chavis talks with Broadway star and legendary singer, Melba Moore, about her incredible career and the inspiration behind her newest projects. The Tony Award-winning actress also reflects on the importance of volunteering and giving back to the community.

#321 - Patrick Dicks, D. Sc. Professor & Expert on Automation
Automation & Artificial Intelligence Expert focuses on the rise of robots.

During this fourth industrial revolution, employers are replacing human workers with advancing technology and automation. There are more self-checkouts at the grocery store and robots are now used as farm workers to pick fruit from orchards. In this episode, Dr. Patrick Dicks and Dr. Chavis discuss automation in the workplace and how crucial it is to prepare for the jobs of the future.

#322 - Christian F. Nunes, President of NOW
President of the National Organization for Women

In this episode, Dr. Chavis sits down with Christian F. Nunes, President of the National Organization for Women. Ms. Nunes is the second African American president and is the youngest person of color in the organization’s history. Ms. Nunes talks with Dr. Chavis about her years of experience advocating for women’s issues and the key initiatives she has launched at NOW.

#323 - Carol Davis, Developer in the Ukraine
An American business woman braves war-torn Ukraine to help rebuild the devastated country.

American female developer and construction expert Carol Davis shares her efforts to help rebuild critical infrastructure facilities, roads and homes for Ukrainians left homeless and devasted in the wake of a brutal war with Russia.

#324 - Marcia Griffin
Marcia Griffin, CEO HomeFree USA, discusses wealth-building and home ownership.

In this episode Dr. Chavis and Marcia Griffin discuss the ways to close the racial wealth gap through affordable housing options. As a leader in financial wellness, Ms. Griffin is the Founder & CEO of HomeFree-USA, an organization that assists families with the home buying process and building wealth.

#325 - Vernice Milet Travis, Environmental Activist
Environmental justice leader Vernice Miller-Travis discusses on-going pollution issues plaguing underserved communities.

Vernice Miller-Travis, one of the nation’s leading voices on environmental justice has fought for public health and racial justice for more than 30 years. In this episode, Miller-Travis and Dr. Chavis, discuss environmental racism and health issues in minority communities. Ms. Miller-Travis provides insights on how the government and communities can collaborate to eliminate environmental inequalities.

#326 - Areva Martin, Attorney
Attorney, TV Commentator and Best-selling Author

Award-winning civil rights attorney, media expert and talk show host, Areva Martin, is known for giving a voice to the voiceless. In this episode, Martin discusses the latest political, legal and women’s issues making headlines. Martin, a best-selling author, talks about her self-help book “Awakening” and the inspiration behind her nonprofit.