Closer Look with Rose Scott

The National Black Child Development Institute’s work is centered on creating infinite possibilities for Black children, families, and communities. The institute is gearing up for its annual conference on Oct. 24 – 26 in Atlanta. “Closer Look” host Rose Scott talks with Terri-Nichelle Bradley, a conference board member and founder of the Brown Toy Box, about the conference that will include panels, a Toy and Media Awards ceremony and more. Plus, federal cuts to SNAP benefits combined with immigration raids have added to the problem with food insecurity for some in the Latino community. Santiago Marquez, the CEO of the Latin American Association, and Gilda “Gigi” Pedraza, the executive director of the Latino Community Fund of Georgia, discussed the unfolding situation and how their respective institutions are responding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report from the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities reveals that suicide is the second leading cause of death for children ages 10 through 14. Suicide is also the third leading cause of death for Georgians between the ages of 15–24. In 2023, at least 249 people under the age of 24 died by suicide in Georgia. For “Closer Look’s” series focusing on National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, host Rose Scott talked with several guests about the impact of suicide on Georgia’s youth and efforts to raise more emotionally resilient kids, teens, and young adults. Guests included: Dr. Chinwé Williams, a nationally recognized licensed therapist and author of the book, "Calm, Courageous, and Connected Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Emotionally Resilient Children Derrick Matthews, the director of research science for The Trevor Project Dr. William Procter, the associate director of counseling services at Morehouse College Marcy Stidum, the assistant vice president of student wellbeing at Kennesaw State University You can reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also reach counselors with The Trevor Project by phone at 1866-488-7386 or by texting 678-678. *** Here are several free or low-cost mental health resources in the Atlanta / Fulton & DeKalb areas. Always call ahead to confirm eligibility, costs, and whether there are waiting lists. *** Hotlines & Statewide Lines (available in Atlanta): Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) — 24/7 crisis, referral, help connecting to local services. Call 1‑800‑715‑4225 Open Path Collective – Atlanta — For a one‑time membership fee ($65), you can access therapy sessions priced $40‑$70 (or $30 for student/intern sessions). NAMI Georgia Helpline — Free support, information, and referrals (non‑crisis). (770) 408‑0625 Mental Health Hotline (Atlanta, GA) — Free, confidential support 24/7: 866‑903‑3787 *** Local Clinics & Sliding Scale / Free Options in Atlanta: Fulton County Adult Behavioral Health Services - Therapy, psychiatric assessment, group counseling, etc. Free or sliding scale for uninsured adults. (For all of Fulton County (including Atlanta) Grady Behavioral Health Center - Sliding scale fees based on income. - (404) 616‑4444 DeKalb Community Service Board (CSB) - Free or sliding-scale mental health services for low-income / uninsured individuals. - 23 Warren Street SE, Atlanta; (404) 370‑7474 Comprehensive Counseling Solutions - Services on sliding scale, or free for those qualifying. - 2636 MLK Jr Drive SW, Atlanta; (770) 933‑6289 Sage Center – STEP Program - Reduced fees (sliding scale) via supervised counseling interns / residents - Based in Atlanta; apply via their “STEP” process Samaritan Counseling (Atlanta) - Sliding fee scale based on income & assets - (404) 228‑7777 NAMI Georgia Helpline - Information, peer support, resource referrals (non‑crisis) - (770) 408‑0625 National Depression Hotline (for Georgia) - Free, confidential help for depression/anxiety - 866‑629‑4564 *** Tips & Additional Options - Universities’ training clinics / psychology programs – Many universities (e.g. Emory, Georgia State) have psychology or counseling training clinics where students provide therapy under supervision, often at reduced cost. (These are often listed under “low cost counseling in GA” overviews) - Faith-based / community organizations – Some churches or nonprofit groups offer free counseling or support groups. Ask around locally. - Sliding scale private therapists – Use directories (e.g. Psychology Today, Open Path) and filter by “sliding scale / low cost” to find individual therapists in your ZIP who accept lower fees. - Use GCAL or NAMI line – These hotlines can often help you find the nearest clinic that fits your income / See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to data on childhood bereavement, one in ten children in Georgia will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the time they turn eighteen. New information also shows one in four children who die by suicide are bereaved. Organizations like Kate's Club works to help young people with the grieving process and their mental health – children, like 14-year-old Caitlin, who suffered the loss of her father, grandmother, and brother. On today’s “Closer Look,” we continue our series for Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. Joined by her mother, Karen Streetman and Lisa Aman, the executive director of Kate’s Club, Caitlin shares her personal story and how Kate’s Club helped her navigate grief. The controversial, yet temporary, removal of Jimmy Kimmel Live! has sparked a debate about free speech and the reach of the FCC under the Trump Administration. The discussion comes ahead of Journalism Week for Morehouse College. Students, professors, and industry professionals will engage in conversations about media literacy, framing stories, and the responsibility of storytellers in drafting history. Show host Rose Scott is joined by investigative journalist and Morehouse professor Nicole Carr and student journalists Noah Cathey and Elijah Qualls to discuss how the First Amendment is being tested and their approach to journalism at this critical time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, Georgia Tech, the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, and Spelman College hosted a screening of ‘the bomb’, a multimedia documentary exploring the history and the potential dangers of nuclear weapons. The screening kicked off a free exhibit of ‘the bomb’ that runs through Oct. 16. Following the screening, “Closer Look” host Rose Scott moderated a panel discussion. The panelists addressed the urgent need for nuclear disarmament. They also highlighted the potential threat of AI being used to develop nuclear energy and why they believe combining art with policy can inspire meaningful change. Panelists included: Sam Nunn, former Georgia senator and a distinguished professor at Georgia Tech’s Sam Nunn School of International Affairs Dr. Rachel Whitlark, a political scientist and associate professor of international affairs at Georgia Tech’s Sam Nunn School of International Affairs Smriti Keshari, a director, artist and creator of the multi-media installation “the bomb” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. As a continuation of “Closer Look’s” series for National Suicide Awareness Month, host Rose Scott talks with Frances Cloud, a licensed clinical social worker and the director of counseling services at Spelman College. Cloud discusses Spelman’s mental health resources and efforts to spread awareness about suicide prevention. Plus, it's becoming a crowded field as more candidates are entering Georgia's 2026 gubernatorial race. Some of the Democrats and Republicans vying for Georgia’s top seat were on the frontlines of the 2020 presidential election. For a roundtable about the latest political news, Rose talks with Devin Barrington-Ward, the managing director of the Black Futurists Group, GSU politics and policy professor Tammy Greer and Atlanta-based political strategist and analyst Fred Hicks. They discuss campaign strategies, funding, free speech, and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The justice-tech startup, LegalEase, is working to transform the expungement process. “Closer Look” host Rose Scott talks with LegalEase founders and Howard University alumni, Lawrence Blackmon and Roger Roman, about the inspiration behind the AI-powered web-based portal. They also share their ongoing efforts to expand the platform to Georgia and other states throughout the country. Plus, Ludacris, Future, Mary J. Blige, and The Roots are among some of the artists slated to take center stage at this year’s ONE Musicfest. In 2010, Jason "J" Carter launched the annual two-day festival that he says centers Black joy, culture, creativity, and music. Ahead of this year’s festival on October 25-26 at Piedmont Park, Carter joins “Closer Look” to talk more about the backstory of the festival. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political mandates are targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Debates over free speech and campus protests are intensifying. So, the question is: how can higher education leaders guide their campuses with both confidence and clarity? Former Spelman College President Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum knows that world well and has been thinking about that question for a long time. She shares what she calls an insider’s guide to leadership in higher ed. with “Closer Look” host Rose Scott, and discusses her new book, “Peril and Promise: College Leadership in Turbulent Times.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America finds itself in another tense point in its history, with multiple threats and deadly shootings involving political figures. For “Closer Look’s” Feedback Friday, show host Rose Scott talks with a roundtable of journalists who discuss the challenges and responsibilities of sharing the differing views of the public and politicians. Scott also opened the phone lines, asking listeners: What do they think is needed to improve our nation's political discourse? Guests include: Dan Whisenhunt, the editor and founder of Decaturish Nsenga Burton, an award-winning journalist and entrepreneur, and the editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire WABE host emeritus and veteran politics journalist Denis O’Hayer See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the optimistic outlook of local entertainment executives, Atlanta area creatives still say there’s cause for concern. There’s reportedly an almost 50% drop in production spending and films shot in Georgia over the past three years. Plus, after more than a decade of filming blockbusters in the metro area, Marvel Studios is leaving the state to film in the United Kingdom at a lower cost. On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” local workers in the entertainment industry discuss what they say is limited funding and infrastructure for independent filmmaking. They also tell us how indie filmmakers are banding together to support each other’s work. Also, with their shared mission to empower the next generation of veterinary students, Zoo Atlanta and Fort Valley State University have teamed up for a new program. Veterinary students will receive hands-on clinical experience treating more than 200 species of exotic animals and have access to all the resources of the Rollins Animal Health Center, a state-of-the-art facility which opened in 2024. We learn more about how the program will prepare students for their future careers with officials from the zoo and the university’s College of Agriculture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marvel has been one of the cinematic jewels of the Georgia entertainment industry for over a decade. But some local industry workers are reportedly on edge following reports of the movie studio “abandoning” the Peach State for the United Kingdom. On today’s “Closer Look,” executives with Georgia Entertainment give their perspective and say the blockbuster film studio is not done working here. If left unaddressed, preventable vision loss and childhood vision disorders can hinder a student's development, academic performance, social interactions, and self-esteem. On today’s “Closer Look,” Rose Scott speaks with the leaders of Learn4Life. They give an update about the Atlanta Vision Project’s goal to provide all Metro Atlanta kids in need with a free pair of glasses by 2028. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a BDO survey of businesses in the Southeastern United States, 41% say trade and tariff policy is their #1 concern for the next 12 months. Plus, as Atlanta Federal Reserve President Raphael Bostic recently shared on “Closer Look,” consumer spending has declined, and small businesses are being hit hardest by inflationary pressures. The U.S. Supreme Court is now considering whether to allow President Trump to continue imposing tariffs on nations around the world. This is after some companies reveal they’ve been subjected to tariffs as high as 170%. On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we get analysis on the impact of tariffs from a roundtable of experts. Then, Atlanta area small businesses discuss the rising costs they’re facing and their concerns for the future. We hear from the owners of Garage Door Studio and Anna Griffin, Inc., plus the CEO of Just for Teens. Guests Include: John Haber, Chief Strategy Officer at Transportation Insight Holding Company Finance Prof. Thomas More Smith, Emory University’s Goizueta Business School David Greaves, Tax Market Leader at BDO in Atlanta Brian Reynolds, CEO of Just for Teens Jen Singh & Rachel Herzog, Co-Owners of Garage Door Studio in Avondale Estates Anna Griffin, Owner of Anna Griffin, Inc. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September marks National Suicide Prevention Month. Advocates contend it's a month to not only remember those lost to suicide, but to offer hope to the millions of people who might be struggling with suicidal ideation. Monday marked 988 Day and the beginning of “Closer Look’s” monthlong series focusing on suicide awareness and prevention. Throughout the series, we will hear personal stories, and show host Rose Scott will also talk with advocates and mental health experts. To kick off the series, we first hear from Dr. Camillia Harris, an Atlanta-area mental health advocate and founder of the justUs MH Foundation, and Shanti Das, founder of the nonprofit Silence the Shame and author of the book “Silencing My Shame.” They shared their personal stories and their ongoing efforts to help others. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we discuss the latest quarterly economic report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta with analysis from President and Chief Executive Officer Raphael Bostic. The report on the southeastern United States shows a slight economic decline, with tariffs rising from 2% to 18% since late 2024. Despite current complexities, Bostic also shares his optimism. Also, we speak with Alexis Aggrey, the director of the new documentary, “Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect.” The film follows Marshall’s historic rise from visionary lawyer to civil rights leader and to America’s first Black Supreme Court Justice. A free screening of the documentary will be held on Monday, September 8th at Spelman's Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation & the Arts. Visit www.wabe.org/events/hbcu-week-now-free-film-screening to RSVP and receive more information. Additionally, the film is scheduled to air on WABE Studios on Thursday, September 18th, at 9:30 PM. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s edition of Closer Look with Rose Scott begins with Frédéric Bernard, Belgium's Ambassador in the United States. While touring Atlanta, he discusses his plans to meet with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and entrepreneurs, plus his view on the working relationship between the U.S. and Belgium, and how it can benefit both countries. Then, we hear from a roundtable of current and former federal employees at the CDC. Following the tragic shooting at the Atlanta campus, the agency’s sudden change in leadership and other concerning decisions, more than 1,000 people affiliated with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are now calling on Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to resign or be removed from office. Some former CDC leaders are calling him “dangerous” to Americans’ health. Guests include: Dr. Elizabeth Soda, former Infectious Disease Physician Abby Tighe, Executive Director, Fired but Fighting Dr. Steve Monroe, 34-year CDC researcher who retired in 2021 Anonymous Current CDC Employee who experienced August 8th shooting Closing out the show, we meet Michael Lucas, the executive director of Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation. He shares how federal funding cuts have impacted community-based programs like what AVLF provides. Lucas says they’re facing the most uncertainty they’ve ever experienced for funding programs, such as their support for survivors of intimate partner abuse. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Fulton County Judge has delayed his order requiring Fulton County to pay $10,000 a day until two Republican nominees are appointed to the Fulton County Board of Elections. Senior Superior Court Judge David Emerson is now allowing the county to appeal. This is a story that has been developing for months. Rose talks with Fulton County Commissioners Mo Ivory and Dana Barrett, who are both being held in contempt by the court over this matter, after refusing to confirm Republican backed nominees Julie Adams and Jason Frazier. Plus, the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund is now accepting applications for its Preserving Black Churches grant program. Executive director Brent Leggs talks about the $60 million national initiative dedicated to uplifting historically Black churches and the communities that preserve them. Lastly, a newly launched initiative will eliminate $10 million in debt for families across metro Atlanta. The initiative, helping 3,500 households, is part of a partnership between the Atlanta Dream and Cash App and ForgiveCo. Rose talks with Atlanta Dream president and CEO Morgan Shaw Parker and ForgiveCO co-founder and CEO Craig Antico, about the debt elimination initiative. Plus, Shaw Parker talks about the team’s namesake being connected to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., when it was selected by the community in 2008. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine Atlanta in 2075. From politics to technology, to climate change, what will the city that’s been dubbed “too busy to hate” look like? That was the topic of discussion for “Closer Look’s” August installment of Coffee Conversations held at #Dragon Con 2025. Host Rose Scott spoke with a diverse group of creatives from various genres about how art can explore future possibilities and solutions, as well as reflect present issues. They also gave their critique of AI’s influence on art. Lastly, guests and audience members brainstormed ideas for what a futuristic series set fifty years from now in Atlanta could look like. Guests included: Dragon Con spokesperson Jo Garland Katie Cook, a spokesperson from the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), Dragon Con’s 2025 charity partner M. Davis Delilah S. Dawson, a New York Times-bestselling author Dr. Chateé Omísadé Richardson, a professor at Spelman, a growth facilitator and an educational psychologist specializing in alternative history and diversity in speculative fiction Dan Whisenhunt, the founder and editor of Decaturish Carlton Hargro, a writer and founder of 20th Place Media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday, Aug. 28, marks 70 years since Emmett Till was brutally lynched. Just days ago, the U.S. National Archives released thousands of documents and records about the case and the government’s response. At the time of his death, Till, who was from Chicago, was visiting his family in Money, Mississippi, when he was accused of whistling at a white woman at a neighborhood store. He was later kidnapped, beaten, shot in the head and thrown into the Tallahatchie River. Till’s mother, Maime Till Mobley, spent decades up until her death seeking justice for her son. Today, we revisit Rose’s conversation with Till’s cousin, Deborah Watts, who is the co-founder of the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation. Plus, as the civil rights activist and pioneering broadcasting journalist Xernona Clayton celebrates her 95th birthday, a new art installation is being unveiled to honor her legacy. We revisit Rose’s conversation with Clayton. During the discussion, the Trumpet Awards founder reflected on how her mother’s words shaped the foundation of her life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As its 100th anniversary approaches, Rose Scott and the “Closer Look” team sit down with the staff of The Colonnade. Established in 1927, the Cheshire Bridge Road diner is one of Atlanta’s oldest restaurants, with some employees from the 1970s and 1980s still working in the kitchen and dining room. Scott talks with the owners about the history of The Colonnade, its family atmosphere among the staff and customers, the many movies and television shows that have filmed there, and the food that’s kept customers coming back for decades. Plus, in the midst of the civil rights struggle to desegregate public schools, an all-Black school was constructed to accommodate students in the College Park area. Starting from 1964, the students of Eva L. Thomas High School achieved academic excellence and athletic success. That’s until the late 1960s, when the Fulton County School Board ordered the school to be closed. As a documentary shows, this sparked a student-led protest. Rose talks with Mike Santrock, an archivist and historian for Fulton County Schools, and Ursel Brown, an alum of Eva L. Thomas High School. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s estimated that more than 300,000 Black women have left the workforce. Federal layoffs, budget cuts, and diversity, equity, and inclusion rollbacks are among the many contributing factors. While July data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows an overall national unemployment rate of 4.2%, that number rose to 6.3% for Black women—the highest it’s been since October 2021. For a special edition of “Closer Look,” Rose talks with several guests about the unfolding unemployment shift, as well as advice for landing new employment opportunities. Guests include: Dr. Pearl Dowe, the Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Political Science and African American Studies at Emory University Amber Cabral, the founder of the diversity, equity, and inclusive leadership-focused consulting firm, Cabral Co. Sherry Sims, the founder of Black Career Women's Network Alicia Thompson, impacted by job loss Alicia Smith, impacted by job loss Sandy, impacted by job loss See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 300 Georgia inmates are suing Georgia corrections officials and the state's healthcare contractor for not providing gender-affirming care. Rose talks with Emily Early, the associate director of the Southern Regional Office of the Center for Constitutional Rights, and Chinyere Ezie, a senior staff attorney at the Center for Constitutional Rights, which brought the lawsuit with co-counsel Bondurant Mixson & Elmore LLP. The guests discussed the pending case and what’s next. They also shared what they are hearing from clients who are denied gender-affirming care and why they believe SB 185, which prohibits state funds and resources from being used for certain treatments, is unconstitutional. Plus, earlier this week on “Closer Look,” Clyde Higgs, the president and CEO of the Atlanta Beltline Inc, assured listeners that multiple modes of transit are coming to the Beltline and talked more about a new estimated $3.5 billion plan that would expand public transit on the Beltline. The 22-mile project— which includes green space, parks and trails— is on track to be completed by 2030. On Friday, Rose talks with Matthew Rao, chair of Beltline Rail Now, and Dr. Hans Klein, president of Better Atlanta Transit, who hold opposing views about the types of transit that should be included. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.