Partner Highlight: Juneau's Culture Rich Conversations

Every month we highlight Forum grantee partners. Thank you to KTOO's Vice President & General Manager, Music & Arts Cheryl Snyder for sharing about "Culture Rich Conversations", a Stories Grant project created and produced by KTOO Public Media and the Black Awareness Association of Juneau! These two organizations are partnering on a current Stories Grant project that is wrapping up this fall.

In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, the Black Awareness Association of Juneau recognized the need to bring deeper discussions about racism and Black culture to the Juneau community. In the summer of 2020, KTOO Public Media partnered with the BAA for the creation of Culture Rich Conversations, a weekly, one-hour radio program on KTOO-FM that bridges the gaps in our understanding about the biggest race and social justice issues of our times.

Culture Rich Conversations shares common experiences from the perspective of Black Alaskans. The show explores a range of topics which are sometimes difficult, often joyful, and always informative. The hosts and guests are honest and vulnerable with the experiences they share, which has the power to humanize the headlines, and open the pathways for continued conversation and healing.

Culture Rich Conversations gives the listener an intimate glimpse into the lives of black people, especially black people living in Alaska. It connects me to other black Alaskans and makes me feel as though I am a member of an epic, intellectual black community,” noted one listener.

“Culture Rich Conversations gives the listener an intimate glimpse into the lives of black people, especially black people living in Alaska. It connects me to other black Alaskans and makes me feel as though I am a member of an epic, intellectual black community.”

In the first four seasons, discussions covered a wide range of topics, including the experience of being in an inter-racial friendship, the importance of the Black vote in Alaska, and the Alaskan Black trans experience.

Several dozen guests have appeared on the program since its inception, from members of the Alaska Chapter of the NAACP, to members of the musical group The Supremes. The program producer and host intentionally work to bring in a range of experts, community members, and even family members, who will best be able to share their knowledge and perspective on a given topic.

One listener shared that “What I love about Culture Rich Conversations is that it doesn't duplicate anything else I've heard in our community, it has its own flavor and flair. The topics are relevant and we get a taste of the Black lived experience which I'd never before considered Listening has changed the way I relate to others for the better. Glad to have this show as part of the Juneau culture.”

This spring, with support from the Alaska Humanities Forum and the Alaska Community Foundation, the show host Christina Michelle Patterson and executive producer Natasha Boozer trained for 10 hours with Jenn White, host of NPR’s daily program 1A. Jenn helped them further their skills in production, voicing and conversation.

Culture Rich Conversations launched its fifth season on Tuesday, October 1. The first six episodes explore identity, culture, and belonging through the personal stories of Black hair care. We hear from a range of Alaskan community members and professionals sharing their journey, and revealing how the Black experience with hair is really about the Black experience in America.

How to tune in:

Live: Tuesdays at 3 p.m. on KTOO-FM 104.3 and 91.7. Also streaming at ktoo.org. Repeat: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on KTOO-FM 104.3 and 91.7. Also streaming at ktoo.org. Podcast: wherever you listen

Website: https://www.ktoo.org/juneau-afternoon/culture-rich-conversations/