Rakshais a nonprofit dedicated to Georgia’s South Asian American communities with support services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. It’s the only organization of its kind in Georgia, but providing their service has been challenged by the federal government cutting $500 million in public safety grants.


Plus, as part of "Closer Look's" Earth Day coverage, we revisited Rose's 2024 conversation with Sylvester Pierce of the Self-Preservation Society. The conversation focused on overcoming fear, the healing power of water, mental health and Pierce's mission to get more Black kayakers out on the water.

<a href="https://www.raksha.org/">Raksha</a> is a nonprofit dedicated to Georgia&rsquo;s South Asian American communities with support services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. It&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wabe.org/georgia-nonprofit-balancing-federal-funding-cuts-while-supporting-south-asian-american-abuse-assault-survivors/">the only organization of its kind in Georgia</a>, but providing their service has been challenged by the federal government cutting <a href="https://counciloncj.org/doj-funding-cuts-more-than-550-organizations-impacted-new-analysis-finds/">$500 million in public safety grants</a>.
 Plus, as part of "Closer Look's" Earth Day coverage, we revisited Rose's<a href="https://www.wabe.org/local-instructor-uses-kayaking-to-help-black-people-heal/"> 2024 conversation</a> with Sylvester Pierce of the<a href="https://thesps.org/"> Self-Preservation Society</a>. The conversation focused on overcoming fear, the healing power of water, mental health and Pierce's mission to get more Black kayakers out on the water.

"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

Nonprofit securing South Asian American abuse, assault survivors amid federal budget cuts; Earth Day: How the Self-Preservation Society uses nature to ease mental health 

On today’s Closer Look with Rose Scott, we begin with a look back at the life and work of the late Georgia Congressman David Scott, who died Wednesday at the age of 80. WABE’s Politics Reporter Rahul Bali joins the program to share highlights of Scott's nearly 50 years of serving in elected office and what's next for the congressional seat representing Clayton, Henry, Rockdale, Newton, Dekalb and Gwinnett counties.

 

Then, we continue our “Their Voice, Your Vote” gubernatorial election series with Democrat Michael Thurmond. The former DeKalb County CEO and Georgia Labor Secretary believes his experience sets him apart from the other candidates in the race. Thurmond shared how he will prioritize education, jobs, and coalition-building if elected governor of Georgia.


We also heard from Juliette Blake, the founder and CEO of Moxies. It’s designed to give Gen Alpha a creative space for self-expression and community. Data shows a majority of teens spend an average of five hours on social media each day, with many reporting poor mental health. Blake shares what parents should look out for as she builds a safe-by-design, non-addictive digital platform.

 

On today&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look with Rose Scott</a>, we begin with a look back at the life and work of the late Georgia Congressman <a href="https://www.wabe.org/breaking-georgia-congressman-david-scott-has-died-at-80/">David Scott</a>, who died Wednesday at the age of 80. WABE&rsquo;s Politics Reporter <a href="https://www.wabe.org/people/rahul-bali/">Rahul Bali</a> joins the program to share highlights of Scott's nearly 50 years of serving in elected office and what's next for the congressional seat representing Clayton, Henry, Rockdale, Newton, Dekalb and Gwinnett counties.
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Then, we continue our &ldquo;<a href="https://www.wabe.org/their-voice-your-vote/">Their Voice, Your Vote</a>&rdquo; gubernatorial election series with Democrat <a href="https://www.mikethurmond.com/">Michael Thurmond</a>. The former DeKalb County CEO and Georgia Labor Secretary believes his experience sets him apart from the other candidates in the race. Thurmond shared how he will prioritize education, jobs, and coalition-building if elected governor of Georgia.
 We also heard from <a href="https://joinmoxies.com/pages/about-us">Juliette Blake</a>, the founder and CEO of <a href="https://joinmoxies.com/">Moxies</a>. It&rsquo;s designed to give Gen Alpha a creative space for self-expression and community. Data shows a majority of teens spend an average of five hours on social media each day, with many reporting poor mental health. Blake shares what parents should look out for as she builds a safe-by-design, non-addictive digital platform.
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Headline: Their Voice, Your Vote: Michael Thurmond; Protecting kids from addictive social media features; Remembering Rep. David Scott

Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier is excited about bringing people together, supporting local business owners and boosting foot traffic in South Downtown Atlanta.

Dozier, who represents District 4, recently sponsored an ordinance to establish an open container district in South Downtown to empower the area’s economic engine. He joined “Closer Look” to discuss the potential community and economic impact of the district as Atlanta gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

 

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff also joined the program to discuss how he’s addressing the actions by the Trump Administration that are affecting Georgia. That includes the Iran War, inflation, and a lacking response to the August 2025 shooting at the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He’s also concerned about the reported rising energy costs for consumers related to AI data centers. However, in Ossoff’s discussion with Host Rose Scott, he also mentions his optimism for Democrats in the 2026 Midterm Elections and the opportunities the 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring to Atlanta.

 

Lastly, today marks 10 years since the passing of influential musician and singer, Prince. The award-winning performer's final concert was at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta on April 14, 2016. Scott pays tribute to the legendary artist by replaying the broadcast when she broke the news of Prince’s death with fellow WABE host Jim Burress.

Atlanta City Councilmember<a href="https://citycouncil.atlantaga.gov/council-members/jason-s-dozier"> Jason Dozier</a> is excited about bringing people together, supporting local business owners and boosting foot traffic in South Downtown Atlanta.
Dozier, who represents District 4, recently<a href="https://aimewebapp.blob.core.windows.net/finalactions/26o1085.pdf"> sponsored an ordinance</a> to establish an open container district in South Downtown to empower the area&rsquo;s economic engine. He joined <a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">&ldquo;Closer Look&rdquo;</a> to discuss the potential community and economic impact of the district as Atlanta gears up for the <a href="https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/usa/atlanta">2026 FIFA World Cup</a>.
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.ossoff.senate.gov/press-releases/sens-ossoff-rev-warnock-demanding-answers-following-reports-that-cdc-repairs-still-delayed-after-shooting/">U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff</a> also joined the program to discuss how he&rsquo;s addressing the actions by the Trump Administration that are affecting Georgia. That includes the Iran War, inflation, and a lacking response to the August 2025 shooting at the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He&rsquo;s also concerned about the reported rising energy costs for consumers related to AI data centers. However, in Ossoff&rsquo;s discussion with Host Rose Scott, he also mentions his optimism for Democrats in the 2026 Midterm Elections and the opportunities the 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring to Atlanta.
&nbsp;
Lastly, today marks 10 years since the passing of influential musician and singer, Prince. The award-winning performer's final concert was at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta on April 14, 2016. Scott pays tribute to the legendary artist by replaying the broadcast when she broke the news of Prince&rsquo;s death with fellow WABE host Jim Burress.

Atlanta’s First open container district arrives for World Cup; Senator Ossoff critical of Trump’s action in Iran, on immigration and CDC; Remembering Prince - 10 years after his passing

For fifty years, the Southern Center for Human Rights has maintained a mission of fighting for equality, dignity, and justice for people impacted by the system. To mark the milestone, SCHR’s executive director, Terrica Redfield Ganzy, sat down with Closer Look host Rose Scott to reflect on the organization’s journey. Her memories reveal not just legal battles, but deeply personal moments that shaped her commitment.

 

Then, we revisit our interview with Poet Joshua Bennett. professor of literature and Distinguished Chair of the Humanities at MIT talks about his latest work, 'We (the People of the United States)'. It's a book of poetry that's "made to the measure of the modern world." Bennett shares why he's incorporating countless cultural references into the book, and how his work fits into the wider context of the USA's 250th anniversary.

<a href="https://www.schr.org/50th/">For fifty years</a>, the <a href="https://www.schr.org/">Southern Center for Human Rights</a> has maintained a mission of fighting for equality, dignity, and justice for people impacted by the system. To mark the milestone, SCHR&rsquo;s executive director, <a href="https://www.schr.org/people/terrica-redfield-ganzy/">Terrica Redfield Ganzy</a>, sat down with <a href="https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/closer-look/">Closer Look</a> host Rose Scott to reflect on the organization&rsquo;s journey. Her memories reveal not just legal battles, but deeply personal moments that shaped her commitment.
&nbsp;
Then, we revisit our interview with <a href="https://www.wabe.org/who-belongs-in-we-poet-joshua-bennett-reflects-on-america-at-250/">Poet Joshua Bennett</a>. professor of literature and Distinguished Chair of the Humanities at MIT talks about his latest work, 'We (the People of the United States)'. It's a book of poetry that's "made to the measure of the modern world." Bennett shares why he's incorporating countless cultural references into the book, and how his work fits into the wider context of the USA's 250th anniversary.

Nonprofit securing South Asian American abuse, assault survivors amid federal budget cuts; Earth Day: How the Self-Preservation Society uses nature to ease mental health

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