Historian and researcher Dr. Karcheik Sims-Alvarado has developed a theorem she describes as a starting point for translating the harm of slavery into monetary value.  Sims-Alvarado, an assistant professor of Africana Studies and the Director of Public History and the chair of the Fulton County Reparations Task Force, plus Dr. Amanda Meng, the secretary of the task force and a Georgia Tech professor, led the research effort that culminated in a 650-page Harm Report. The professors discussed their findings in detail on today's "Closer Look with Rose Scott."

Historian and researcher <a href="https://morehouse.edu/directory/karcheik-sims-alvarado">Dr. Karcheik Sims-Alvarado</a> has developed a theorem she describes as a starting point for translating the harm of slavery into monetary value.&nbsp; Sims-Alvarado, an assistant professor of Africana Studies and the Director of Public History and the chair of the <a href="https://fultoncountyga.gov/reparationstaskforce">Fulton County Reparations Task Force</a>, plus <a href="https://www.cc.gatech.edu/people/amanda-meng-0">Dr. Amanda Meng</a>, the secretary of the task force and a Georgia Tech professor, led the research effort that culminated in a 650-page Harm Report. The professors discussed their findings in detail on today's "<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>."

"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

New report estimates 12 years of slave labor in Fulton County at $375 million in today's dollars

On today’s “Closer Look,” first, we hear from WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali. He discusses the latest political news in Georgia, including Georgia Republican Barry Loudermilk’s decision not to run for reelection, what it could mean for Democrats in Georgia, as well as how it could impact the midterm elections. He also talks more about the 2026 Georgia Amended Fiscal Year Budget and several bills he’s following, including Senate Bill 433, that would allow Georgia drivers to have specialty license plates to inform law enforcement officers that someone in the car has a developmental disability. 

Plus, as part of “Closer Look’s” extended coverage following National School Choice Week, we hear from Bonnie Holliday, the president and CEO of the Georgia Charter Schools Association. She discusses school choice and her organization’s work to support Georgia charter schools.

Lastly, for decades, the Atlanta-based Carter Center has monitored elections across the world. But as President Donald Trump continues to call for greater federal control in elections, The Carter Center is keeping an eye on potential election interference for this year’s midterms in the U.S. We hear from Paige Alexander, the CEO of The Carter Center.

On today&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look</a>,&rdquo; first, we hear from WABE politics reporter<a href="https://www.wabe.org/people/rahul-bali/"> Rahul Bali</a>. He discusses the latest political news in Georgia, including Georgia Republican Barry Loudermilk&rsquo;s<a href="https://www.wabe.org/georgia-republican-barry-loudermilk-wont-seek-reelection-to-us-house/"> decision not to run for reelection</a>, what it could mean for Democrats in Georgia, as well as how it could impact the midterm elections. He also talks more about the 2026 Georgia Amended Fiscal Year Budget and several bills he&rsquo;s following, including<a href="https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/240642"> Senate Bill 433</a>, that would allow Georgia drivers to have specialty license plates to inform law enforcement officers that someone in the car has a developmental disability.&nbsp;
Plus, as part of &ldquo;Closer Look&rsquo;s&rdquo; extended coverage following National School Choice Week, we hear from Bonnie Holliday, the president and CEO of the<a href="https://gacharters.org/about/who-we-are/"> Georgia Charter Schools Association</a>. She discusses school choice and her organization&rsquo;s work to support Georgia charter schools.
Lastly, for decades, the Atlanta-based<a href="https://www.cartercenter.org/"> Carter Center</a> has monitored elections across the world. But as President Donald Trump continues to call for greater federal control in elections, The Carter Center is<a href="https://www.cartercenter.org/news/trump-could-interfere-with-the-midterm-elections-you-can-help-defend-them/"> keeping an eye on potential election interference</a> for this year&rsquo;s midterms in the U.S. We hear from<a href="https://www.cartercenter.org/people/paige-alexander/"> Paige Alexander</a>, the CEO of The Carter Center.

Latest news from the Georgia Capitol; GCSA Leader prioritizes success of charter schools; The Carter Center monitoring midterm elections

Questions have arisen about transparency when it comes to city leaders and light rail for the Eastside Atlanta Beltline. This, after a recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution article revealed an alleged secret vote stopped work on the $800 Million project. According to AJC Transportation Reporter Sara Gregory, even city council members were surprised to learn about the vote. Was the public truly left in the dark? The issue is debated on Wednesday’s “Closer Look” with light rail advocate Matthew Rao, the Chairperson for BeltLine Rail Now and opponent Dr. Hans Klein, Associate Professor of Public Policy at Georgia Tech and President of the Board of Directors for Better Atlanta Transit.  

TheDream.US is now accepting applications for a scholarship to benefit students regardless of their immigration status. On Wednesday’s edition of “Closer Look,” DACA recipient Indira Islas andHyein Lee, the COO of TheDream.US shared the application process and how it has benefited students who migrated to the U.S. Plus, they reflect on the ongoing immigration raids happening under the Trump administration and how some TheDream.US scholarship recipients have been detained and deported.

Questions have arisen about transparency when it comes to city leaders and light rail for the Eastside Atlanta Beltline. This, after a recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution article revealed an <a href="https://www.wabe.org/ajc-reporter-learns-of-secret-beltline-rail-vote-before-atlanta-city-council/">alleged secret vote stopped work</a>&nbsp;on the $800 Million project. According to AJC Transportation Reporter Sara Gregory, even city council members were surprised to learn about the vote. Was the public truly left in the dark? The issue is debated on Wednesday&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">&ldquo;Closer Look&rdquo;</a>&nbsp;with light rail advocate Matthew Rao, the Chairperson for <a href="https://beltlinerailnow.com/">BeltLine Rail Now</a>&nbsp;and opponent Dr. Hans Klein, <a href="https://iac.gatech.edu/people/person/hansklein">Associate Professor of Public Policy</a>&nbsp;at Georgia Tech and President of the Board of Directors for <a href="https://betteratlantatransit.org/about">Better Atlanta Transit</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.thedream.us/">TheDream.US</a>&nbsp;is now accepting applications for a scholarship to benefit students regardless of their immigration status. On Wednesday&rsquo;s edition of <a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">&ldquo;Closer Look,&rdquo;</a>&nbsp;DACA recipient Indira Islas and<a href="https://www.thedream.us/about/our-team/"> </a><a href="https://www.thedream.us/about/our-team/">Hyein Lee</a>, the COO of TheDream.US shared the application process and how it has benefited students who migrated to the U.S. Plus, they reflect on the ongoing immigration raids happening under the Trump administration and how some TheDream.US scholarship recipients have been detained and deported.

Transparency questioned after “secret” Beltline rail vote; Applications open for college scholarship to support immigrants

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” we focus on immigration from a policy perspective. First, we speak to U.S. Corporate Immigration Attorney Giselle Carson. She discusses President Trump’s sudden immigration ban on 75 countries, consisting of applicants from Latin America and the Caribbean, the Balkans, and several countries in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Attorney Carson also provides her perspective on a recently filed lawsuit against the immigration ban. 

The conversation continues with Adriana Heffley, the Director of Legal Services for the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network. Heffley highlights how some of the asylum seekers she works with have been detained by Immigration agents. She also mentions how actions by ICE have scared some immigrants into hiding and not seeking help for issues such as domestic violence. We learn what GAIN is attempting to do to protect immigrants and those seeking asylum in Georgia.

On today&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>,&rdquo; we focus on immigration from a policy perspective. First, we speak to <a href="https://marksgray.com/attorneys/giselle-carson/">U.S. Corporate Immigration Attorney Giselle Carson</a>. She discusses President Trump&rsquo;s sudden immigration ban on 75 countries, consisting of applicants from Latin America and the Caribbean, the Balkans, and several countries in South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Attorney Carson also provides her perspective on a recently filed lawsuit against the immigration ban.&nbsp;
The conversation continues with Adriana Heffley, the Director of Legal Services for the <a href="https://www.gagives.org/p/about">Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network</a>. Heffley highlights how some of the asylum seekers she works with have been detained by Immigration agents. She also mentions how actions by ICE have scared some immigrants into hiding and not seeking help for issues such as domestic violence. We learn what GAIN is attempting to do to protect immigrants and those seeking asylum in Georgia.

New report estimates 12 years of slave labor in Fulton County at $375 million in today's dollars

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