In February 2022, Austin Ray launched "How I'd Fix Atlanta," an essay series authored by Atlanta-area residents offering their take on a variety of topics. The series is now about to wrap its third season, having covered everything from transit to policing to finance. Ray and Susi Durán, a field economist and essay writer, discuss the essay series, the feedback it has received from the community and what’s next for the series moving forward.

Plus, when DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond took office in 2017, he pledged that it was a new day for one the most diverse counties in the southeast. A big part of his overarching mission was to restore trust in county government. Now, after serving two terms, Thurmond returns to “Closer Look,” for a look back at some of the challenges and successes he’s faced as CEO and to talk more about what’s next for him.

In February 2022, Austin Ray launched <a href="https://austinlouisray.com/how-id-fix-atlanta">"How I'd Fix Atlanta,"</a> an essay series authored by Atlanta-area residents offering their take on a variety of topics. The series is now about to wrap its third season, having covered everything from transit to policing to finance. Ray and <a href="https://how-id-fix-atlanta.ghost.io/how-susi-duran-would-fix-atlanta-2/">Susi Durán</a>, a field economist and essay writer, discuss the essay series, the feedback it has received from the community and what’s next for the series moving forward.
Plus, when DeKalb County CEO <a href="https://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/chief-executive-officer/ceo-michael-l-thurmond">Michael Thurmond</a> took office in 2017, he pledged that it was a new day for one the most diverse counties in the southeast. A big part of his overarching mission was to restore trust in county government. Now, after serving two terms, Thurmond returns to “Closer Look,” for a look back at some of the challenges and successes he’s faced as CEO and to talk more about what’s next for him.

"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

Behind the popular essay series “How I’d Fix Atlanta”; DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond reflects on his longtime political career

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance report, more than 2.4 million STIs were reported in 2023. While data suggest the STI epidemic is slowing on a national level. Locally, STI infections remain high in Georgia. HealthyMD co-founders Clifford W. Knights II and Steve Vixamar, discuss their efforts to provide sexual healthcare for underserved communities and the opening of their new clinic at 6170 Old National Highway, College Park, Ga. 30349.

 

Plus, we revisit Rose’s conversation Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. The award-winning actor portrayed voting and civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer in the short film “Fannie. ”Ellis-Taylor shares why she views Hamer as a prophet and a freedom rights warrior.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s latest <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/sti-statistics/annual/index.html#:~:text=There%20were%20more%20than%202.4,%2DCOVID%2D19%20pandemic%20levels.">Sexually Transmitted Infections Surveillance report</a>, more than 2.4 million STIs were reported in 2023. While data suggest the STI epidemic is slowing on a national level. Locally, STI infections remain high in Georgia. <a href="https://healthymd.com/">HealthyMD</a> co-founders Clifford W. Knights II and Steve Vixamar, discuss their efforts to provide sexual healthcare for underserved communities and the opening of their new clinic at 6170 Old National Highway, College Park, Ga. 30349.
&nbsp;
Plus, we revisit Rose&rsquo;s conversation <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0254712/bio/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm">Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor</a>. The award-winning actor portrayed voting and civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer in the short film &ldquo;<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17505426/">Fannie. &rdquo;</a> Ellis-Taylor shares why she views Hamer as a prophet and&nbsp;a freedom rights warrior.

HealthyMD provides access to sexual healthcare; Award-winning actress champions Fannie Lou Hamer a prophet 

Bashar Al-Assad is now the former president of Syria—after being forced out by rebels over the weekend. It follows more than 24 years of what Syrian citizens described as a brutal dictatorship. According to the Biden Administration, the future of Syria is uncertain with a reported terrorist group now in charge. Michelle Nunn, the president and CEO of CARE USA, discusses how CARE is responding to what it calls the enormous humanitarian needs of vulnerable people in Syria.

People across the U.S. and the world are remembering the literary giant Nikki Giovanni. The poet, civil rights pioneer, author, educator and activist passed away earlier this week. She was 81. Ann Hill Bond, an Atlanta-based journalist and chair of the Fulton County Remembrance Coalition talks more about Giovanni’s cultural influence as well as her life and legacy.

Bashar Al-Assad is now the former president of Syria&mdash;after being forced out by rebels over the weekend. It follows more than 24 years of what Syrian citizens described as a brutal dictatorship. According to the Biden Administration, the future of Syria is uncertain with a reported terrorist group now in charge.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.care.org/about-us/leadership/michelle-nunn/">Michelle Nunn</a>, the president and CEO of CARE USA, discusses how CARE is responding to what it calls the <a href="https://www.care.org/media-and-press/care-statement-on-momentous-events-in-syria/">enormous humanitarian needs</a> of vulnerable people in Syria.
People across the U.S. and the world are remembering the literary giant Nikki Giovanni. The poet, civil rights pioneer, author, educator and activist passed away earlier this week. She was 81. Ann Hill Bond, an Atlanta-based journalist and chair of the <a href="https://www.fultonremembrance.org/">Fulton County Remembrance Coalition</a> talks more about Giovanni&rsquo;s cultural influence as well as her life and legacy.

CARE’s response to Syrian humanitarian crisis; Remembering literary giant Nikki Giovanni

The new documentary, “Black Girls,” explores the many intergenerational facets of Black womanhood, including beauty, childbirth, community, love and relationships. Among the personal stories is seven-time Olympic Gold Medalist Allyson Felix.  Film director B. Monet and Loren Hudson, the senior vice president and chief diversity officer at Comcast Cable, talk more about the film and the importance of championing stories of resilience, community and introspection. The documentary can be viewed on Peacock, Xfinity, and for free on Xumo.

 

Plus, it’s a special time of year. As some people are preparing for the holidays, some metro Atlanta students are gearing up for graduation. Among those earning their diploma is Shari Jackson, a mother and former caregiver. Rose talks with the non-traditional student, who majored in human services, about her academic journey at Georgia Gwinnett College and why she feels it’s her life purpose to serve.

The new documentary, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNaF716Ul1E">&ldquo;Black Girls,&rdquo;</a> explores the many intergenerational facets of Black womanhood, including beauty, childbirth, community, love and relationships. Among the personal stories is seven-time Olympic Gold Medalist Allyson Felix. &nbsp;Film director <a href="https://www.b-monet.com/">B. Monet</a> and <a href="https://corporate.comcast.com/news-information/leadership-overview/loren-hudson">Loren Hudson</a>, the senior vice president and chief diversity officer at Comcast Cable, talk more about the film and the importance of championing stories of resilience, community and introspection. The documentary can be viewed on Peacock, Xfinity, and for free on <a href="https://play.xumo.com/free-movies/black-girls/XM0AS61ARXNHE9">Xumo</a>.
&nbsp;
Plus, it&rsquo;s a special time of year. As some people are preparing for the holidays, some metro Atlanta students are gearing up for graduation. Among those earning their diploma is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r10-HjxRQw">Shari Jackson</a>, a mother and former caregiver. Rose talks with the non-traditional student, who majored in human services, about her academic journey at Georgia Gwinnett College and <a href="https://www.ggc.edu/about-ggc/news/the-caregiver-ggc-grad-has-devoted-her-life-to-helping-others">why she feels it&rsquo;s her life purpose to serve</a>.

Behind the popular essay series “How I’d Fix Atlanta”; DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond reflects on his longtime political career

In 1 playlist(s)

Closer Look with Rose Scott

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips