Co-author Erica Smiley discusses her recent release, “The Future We Need: Organizing for A Better Democracy in the Twenty-First Century,” alongside labor movement activist Sanchioni Butler, a subject of the novel. Also, self-defense firearms instructor Marchelle Davis explores the rise in gun ownership among Black women and her mission to empower women through self-defense.

Co-author Erica Smiley discusses her recent release, <a href="https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501764820/the-future-we-need/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">“The Future We Need: Organizing for A Better Democracy in the Twenty-First Century,”</a> alongside labor movement activist Sanchioni Butler, a subject of the novel. Also, self-defense firearms instructor Marchelle Davis explores the rise in gun ownership among Black women and her mission to empower women through self-defense.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

"Closer Look with Rose Scott" brings you the issues that impact where we live, how we interact, and how we can all thrive. It’s not just about Atlanta; it’s a program for Atlanta. Rose connects with community leaders, CEOs, policymakers, and people who don't often get a platform, and she brings you in on the conversation.

Closer Look with Rose Scott

🔊 WABE Podcasts > News, Politics, Health

Author Erica Smiley and activist Sanchioni Butler on the labor movement; Empowering women through self-defense

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we have an in-depth discussion with the Atlanta Legal Aid Society about a study by Princeton University’s Eviction Lab. It shows Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Clayton Counties lead the nation in evictions. Those evictions overwhelmingly affected Black households -- more than white, Hispanic, and other racial groups combined.

We also speak to Dr. Jodie Guest, Professor and Senior Vice Chair in the Department of Epidemiology at Emory University. The Ebola Virus is spreading quickly through central Africa and has already taken hundreds of lives. We learn more about the nature of the deadly illness and what’s being done to stop it from infecting more people.

On today&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>,&rdquo; we have an in-depth discussion with the <a href="https://atlantalegalaid.org/home/">Atlanta Legal Aid Society</a>&nbsp;about a study by Princeton University&rsquo;s Eviction Lab. It shows Fulton, Cobb, DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Clayton Counties <a href="https://evictionlab.org/in-atlanta-data-helps-reveal-the-true-face-of-the-eviction-crisis/">lead the nation in evictions</a>. Those evictions <a href="https://evictionlab.org/eviction-tracking/atlanta-ga/">overwhelmingly affected Black households</a>&nbsp;-- more than white, Hispanic, and other racial groups combined.
We also speak to <a href="https://sph.emory.edu/profile/faculty/jodie-guest">Dr. Jodie Guest</a>, Professor and Senior Vice Chair in the Department of Epidemiology at Emory University. The Ebola Virus is spreading quickly through central Africa and has already taken hundreds of lives. We learn more about the nature of the deadly illness and what&rsquo;s being done to stop it from infecting more people.

Atlanta rates the highest for eviction filings; Update on Ebola outbreak

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we learn how Cake4Kids is making sure there’s still a reason to celebrate for kids in the foster care system and youth experiencing hardships. We learn the origin of the organization and how volunteers are brightening children’s day. The nationwide nonprofit also hit a major milestone – serving their 100,000th child. 

 

We also follow up on Rodney Taylor, the 47-year-old barber from Loganville in Gwinnett County and double amputee. He caught the attention of members of Congress when they flagged that Taylor was crawling across filthy bathroom floors to shower while incarcerated in an immigration detention center. We hear from Taylor and his family now that he’s been released.

 

Also, we meet the last of our students in “Closer Look’s” annual college graduate series. We meet Brenda Washington, a member of Georgia State University’s Class of 2026. She shares her journey as a military member, mother, real estate agent, and now, an aspiring law school student and future lawyer. 

On today&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>,&rdquo; we learn how <a href="https://www.cake4kids.org/">Cake4Kids</a> is making sure there&rsquo;s still a reason to celebrate for kids in the foster care system and youth experiencing hardships. We learn the origin of the organization and how volunteers are brightening children&rsquo;s day. The nationwide nonprofit also hit a major milestone &ndash; <a href="https://www.cake4kids.org/100000-moments">serving their 100,000th child</a>.&nbsp;
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We also follow up on <a href="https://www.wabe.org/family-advocates-push-for-release-as-detained-double-amputee-faces-mounting-hardships/">Rodney Taylor</a>, the 47-year-old barber from Loganville in Gwinnett County and double amputee. He caught the attention of members of Congress when they flagged that Taylor was <a href="https://www.wabe.org/legless-georgia-detainee-featured-in-congressional-hearing-that-preceded-noems-ouster/">crawling across filthy bathroom floors</a> to shower while incarcerated in an immigration detention center. We hear from Taylor and his family now that he&rsquo;s been released.
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Also, we meet the last of our students in &ldquo;Closer Look&rsquo;s&rdquo; annual college graduate series. We meet <a href="https://news.gsu.edu/2026/04/21/former-combat-medic-pivots-to-new-career-in-law/">Brenda</a> Washington, a member of Georgia State University&rsquo;s Class of 2026. She shares her journey as a military member, mother, real estate agent, and now, an aspiring law school student and future lawyer.&nbsp;

Cake4Kids delivers sweet treat and smiles; Rodney Taylor leaves immigration detention; Georgia State University Grad

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we learn about the voting priorities of Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander women. The details are listed in a new report by Intersections of Our Lives and Ipsos.

 

Jazz Legend and Tenor Saxophonist Sonny Rollins has died. He was 95. Rollins first recorded as a sideman in 1949 and went on to record 60 studio and live albums as a leader. He was also the last surviving musician from Art Kane's famous 1958 photo, "A Great Day in Harlem."

 

Professor and Author Lerone Martin joins the program to discuss his new book, “Young King.” It looks at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his early years and how his adolescence informed his outlook and activism. We learn about the eager “Little Mike” on Auburn Avenue.

On today&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>, we learn about the voting priorities of Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander women. The details are listed in a <a href="https://intersectionsofourlives.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/54/2026/03/IntersectionsOfOurLives_Ipsos-Final-Public-Report_March-2026.pdf">new report</a> by <a href="https://intersectionsofourlives.org/reports/amplifying-women-of-color-voices/">Intersections of Our Lives</a> and Ipsos.
&nbsp;
Jazz Legend and Tenor Saxophonist Sonny Rollins has died. He was 95. Rollins first recorded as a sideman in 1949 and went on to record 60 studio and live albums as a leader. He was also the last surviving musician from Art Kane's famous 1958 photo, "A Great Day in Harlem."
&nbsp;
Professor and Author <a href="https://www.leronemartin.com/info/about">Lerone Martin</a> joins the program to discuss his new book, &ldquo;Young King.&rdquo; It looks at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in his early years and how his adolescence informed his outlook and activism. We learn about the eager &ldquo;Little Mike&rdquo; on Auburn Avenue.

Author Erica Smiley and activist Sanchioni Butler on the labor movement; Empowering women through self-defense

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