Katrina: What I Remember

STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

It seems that two days is not nearly enough time to sift through all the stories we need to hear and think about on the second anniversary of the tragedy that was Katrina. But, we're also mindful that we are part of a bigger effort here at NPR. Throughout our news division, there have been several compelling pieces marking this week's anniversary, such as Wade Goodwyn's piece on All Things Considered. He checks in on two Katrina evacuees who now live in Houston.

Also, pay a visit to the News & Notes photo gallery. I also suggest viewing Farai's own photo slide show. They are photos she took when covering the story two years ago.

Rolling back the clock a bit, I remember being in Houston, in the parking lot of the Astrodome with a team from Nightline. It was maybe around 2 a.m. when the first buses of evacuees rolled in (a few people in cars had made their way earlier). To this very day, when I think about it I can't decide whether I want to cry or scream. There were buses of people, many of them mothers and grandmothers shepherding small children. I remember seeing them covered with mosquito bites, some wearing nothing but grimy diapers and T-shirts, clutching one small bottle of water each. They were obviously exhausted, looking dazed. Some of them had spent days at the Superdome, unable to leave. They did not own cars, or had been separated from relatives who did have them. Those who did own vehicles couldn't find gas, or pay for it if they could.

There were people with signs on the sidewalk, standing there all night just to say, welcome, you're safe here. There were doctors working double shifts, nurses coming in on their days off. And then there were Red Cross and other volunteers of all kinds, from all over. They seemed to drop what they were doing to lend a hand -- cook food, sort clothes, distribute games and play with little kids.

Computer technicians strung cable and set up Internet connections to help people find their family members -- on and on, and on.

And, yes, there were jerks. There was the bus driver I saw drop a group of exhausted women and children at the gate to the Astrodome -- a football field away from the entrance -- grumbling, "My shift is over." Nice.

But here's the thing I keep coming back to: as interested as I am in why all this happened, the question we wanted to talk about is, what should happen now? This was our thinking behind securing a conversation with Houston Mayor Bill White about his long-term approach to helping evacuees resettle. We wondered what was going on in Mississippi, too, so we talked to a reporter there (and one from Houston, both excellent) check out the conversation and hear their stories.

And how could we let you go without visiting the rhythmic sounds of the region? So, the great Irma Thomas reminded us that there's a song in every storm.

We hope we left you a little bit satisfied, with something more to think about.

This morning? Politics, Faith Matters...and the Barbershop.

Michel Martin

6:47 AM ET | 08-31-2007 | permalink | comments (2) | e-mail post

After the Storm: Breaking Down Katrina

Ryan Ervin, 3, and Alberta Townsend (r) of New Orleans are homeless. Two years after the hurricane, many shelters have yet to reopen.

Getty Images

Pop quiz: What do you think you'd do if a relative showed up on your doorstep fleeing danger, carrying little more than the clothes on his or her back and maybe an overnight bag?

You'd run and open that door, right? So, what if it were, say, five relatives? You'd still open the door, although maybe when you'd closed it behind them after the hugs. You'd probably say a silent prayer of gratitude that the danger wasn't as bad as you first feared (or in other words, fatal). It might be safe to assume that their stay would be extended, but still relatively short.

But what if five became 10, 15, 30 people? And, what if it wasn't a relative, but a neighbor at your doorstep?...Accompanied by more of their neighbors? And let's say these are not necessarily the neighbors you know so well -- the ones who trim their lawns on the same schedule as you and whose kids attend private school across town with your children -- but maybe those sometimes referenced as the "raggedy" neighbors. The ones you hear so much about -- who might let their children eat potato chips for breakfast, and who aren't always so choosy about what their kids are doing, or who they're doing it with...or so you'd heard.

Tell the truth. Would you still open the door?

This is the dilemma of Hurricane Katrina. Two years after she made landfall -- as tough as it seems -- we're still dealing with difficult decisions made in crisis (some within a split second). Many choices were fueled by compassion, others by faith, often distorted by rumors and fears, tempered by reality.

We're spending some time focusing on New Orleans and other parts of the Gulf to remember the significance of the storm, and to explore its affect on how we live and think about survival.

What should this anniversary mean to us?
What should happen next?

Your thoughts?...

Michel Martin

10:06 PM ET | 08-29-2007 | permalink | comments (2) | e-mail post

Moving on to Katrina...

Now that I've milked the Bill Maher thing, let me get back to my real life:

We are heading into the anniversary of the landfall of Hurricane Katrina. We, like everyone else here at NPR, are planning our coverage. It includes a conversation with Democratic Presidential candidate John Edwards. Why? Well, he launched his presidential campaign from New Orleans and we wanted to ask him about why he thinks the story of New Orleans connects to his vision for the rest of the country; in short, why it matters. As befits coverage of the Gulf, we have a full plate for you -- some politics, some music...what makes New Orleans New Orleans.

We also have stories from elsewhere in the Gulf. We remember that New Orleans wasn't the only place affected by the storm, so we plan to bring you stories from Houston and Mississippi, as well. We have everything but the gumbo. If we can talk somebody into it, well, we might have that, too.

And next week, we plan to take a look at issues in education. Hope you'll join us...

Michel Martin

9:16 PM ET | 08-28-2007 | permalink | comments (0) | e-mail post

More on Maher

OK, so a little more on Maher...

As I mentioned, I ran out of the office on Friday to get to the airport. It's a good 40 minutes away -- the best choice for long non-stops.

I get to L.A. They pick you up and take you to a very nice hotel with a view of the Hollywood Hills on one side, and some fabulous shopping on the other (I say "fabulous" for a person with two kids to send to college). This proves, once again, Michel's law of business travel: the nicer the hotel, the shorter the stay. In this case, I'm going to be on the ground for all of nine hours, including time in the car. So, I do the only thing I can think of: call my husband and as many friends as I can to tell them how nice my room is, order a salad...and, quickly, try to use as many room features as possible (shower, free loofah, fancy lights, incredibly fluffy comforter, etc.). I throw on my sweats and finish reading the Cheney biography -- by one of the other panelists, Stephen Hayes.

Then, it's time to go. So, I change clothes again, go downstairs, check out (bye nice room!) and head to the studio.

There, you are escorted to your own dressing/green room, where the Executive Producer comes by to say hi. From that point, it all starts moving very fast. In for makeup (fabulous), say hi to the other guests (Tim Robbins -- hey, he doesn't look so tall...until he stands up -- damn he's tall), check out the big green room -- for guests of the show, I guess. I don't recognize anybody in there, so I get "miked" up, stand in the wing for the monologue.

Then, there's a microphone snafu. For some some reason, I find my anxiety being elevated, being a broadcaster myself. I'm thinking, "Ouch, at the top of the show, too?"

But Maher handles it -- talking to a NYT reporter in Baghdad, who I think does a fine job despite the obvious heat, satellite delay...and flies, which become part of the monologue.

We're on. (Me to self: New shoes, don't trip!), and the rest you can see for yourself. It goes by so fast. People say that all the time but it's true.

Before you know it, we're all kind of gathering in the hallway. I see actress Susan Sarandon (she's Tim Robbins' other half), but I am too shy to speak to her. But I DO chat with "Kid" (from Kid 'N Play -- remember Krush Groove?). He wrote the theme song for the show, which, I confess, I love. We have a funny exchange about what my theme song should be...He goes on this riff about, tough but fair, sensitive but strong, ebony but ivory for a few minutes.

I must say, there are a large number of very good looking people around here. I have no idea who any of them are, but I am impressed by their skin care. And then...it's time to go. I have no time to go to the after party across the street, so I am whisked away again to the airport.

I buy Junior Mints and water once I clear security...and wipe off my makeup. My princess moment is over already.

It was fun...

Michel Martin

2:43 PM ET | 08-28-2007 | permalink | comments (14) | e-mail post

Stay Tuned...

The resignation of U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales was announced minutes before we were set to go on the air today, so this will be quick. Thankfully, one of our regular contributors, Ruben Navarrette, has interviewed Gonzales. Today, he gave listeners a sense of why he decided step aside, and why now. We're planning another conversation, from a different angle, on this tomorrow, so I'm going to dash.

And...Real Time with Bill Maher. I was on the season premiere Friday night (I hear it's re-airing tonight on HBO). Many of you were kind enough to watch the show and offer feedback. Thanks.

I'll post wry commentary about my experience later...

Stay tuned.

Michel Martin

3:57 PM ET | 08-27-2007 | permalink | comments (6) | e-mail post

Michel's Kaleidoscope

I'm running out the door as we speak, so this will be brief...

I'm preparing to catch a flight out to L.A. to do HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher tonight. Check me out if you can at 11 p.m. EDT, 8 p.m. PDT. And it's live. So, guess what? I'll be back on a plane, on a red-eye, and back here by Saturday morning. Yes, I'm on the mommy track...

It's cracking me up...different members of the staff keep motioning toward the door, saying, "you leaving yet?...want me to walk you out?" Love them. I'm famous here for cutting it a bit close, shall we say.

Can I just tell you what I liked about today's show? The first segment, two political blogger/reporters -- both of Latino background -- talking politics. Two very different perspectives.

Second segment, two Americans of Muslim background talking about religious accommodation. Two different perspectives. It was not a direct debate, mind you, but two ways of looking at the question of Muslim life in America -- one from the perspective that Muslims' rights need to be carefully defended; the other from the perspective that one view of Islam cannot be allowed to dominate others.

The third segment? Well...Barbershop. You know how those guys mix it up...

What I'm trying to point out here is this: if there's any doubt that there is no one way of looking at things, there's no one perspective on the issues, and that demography is not destiny, that you can't look at a person's face and see what's in his or her mind...well, your proof is in our program today.

Have a great weekend. "See" you Monday...

Michel Martin

12:29 PM ET | 08-24-2007 | permalink | comments (32) | e-mail post

TMM Bloggers: A Housekeeping Note...

So, what's up with everybody sending me all these personal e-mails and nobody wanting to comment on the blog? I thought the whole point of a blog was so we could all talk to EACH OTHER -- not just me. Right? Of course, I love to hear from everybody, even you feisty ones, but I am intrigued by the fact that many of you are opting out of posting your comments so that everyone can read them and sending them to us directly. It's not a judgment on you, just a question. Many of you have sent us some very provocative, important and incisive comments on issues we're talking about.

Remember, we don't require you to post your real name, but we do like to know what it is...and if you ever go on the air with us we have to know what it is. But, you can choose not to post it. You can be Henrietta, from Miami or Carlos, from Green Bay, Wisconsin. No pressure, just a thought...and a question.

We want to keep Tell Me More -- and all our NPR blogs, frankly -- a civil and safe place to have conversations. If there's something going on that makes you feel you can't have that, we want to know. And, yes, sometimes there's a conflict between frankness and civility, but I think the cure for that is simple: Think before you write (or before you hit the button to "post" anyway). I think you can say just about anything you need to say if you say it carefully.

So that's that.

Today, Elvira Arellano. Here's a story that's been huge for some people. I bet some of you know everything about it and others of you are saying, "who?," "huh?"

In short, she's from Mexico, and was in the U.S. illegally. She went to a church in Chicago and, literally, stayed there to avoid deportation. Her son is 8 years old and American-born. So, she decided to leave the church one day and was deported. Pronto.

What do you think? Media manipulator?
Rosa parks for our time? Does it change anything for you about our immigration debate?
Do. Tell. Us. More

And, we're going to do women's health next week. We're pushing off Eldercare for a couple of weeks because we want to get more comments from you...and do more reporting.

Michel Martin

7:24 PM ET | 08-23-2007 | permalink | comments (15) | e-mail post

Michael WHO?

Too bad nobody wants to talk about the Michael Vick case.

Not.

You may have noticed that I stepped-out of the chair (again) this morning for a segment. We decided it was best for the conversation we wanted to have, owing to my husband's involvement in the Michael Vick case. And I was happy to get my friend and NPR colleague Allison Keyes into the mix. I think she did a fine job leading the conversation. But then again I ask you (and I'm not jealous...I'm really not) how could you go wrong with Michael Eric Dyson (minister, professor, and author of so many books), Katheryn Russell Brown (law professor, author of Protecting Our Own about why minorities so often seem to rally around folk who've done wrong) and sports talk show host Mark Gray? So, okay, maybe I AM a little jealous?

We've already gotten a bit of traffic; some folks are blasting us for talking about this. They think our guests were making excuses for Vick. I really didn't hear it that way. I think they were talking about why African-Americans and whites so often see these issues so differently. And it has to be said -- nobody was saying dog fighting is okay -- just that there are other many historical factors that shape our perceptions of what deserves our outrage.

It's also important to say that one can not generalize -- polls are a snapshot, a piece of the puzzle...

A word on Eldercare: we were going to have a couple of conversations about Eldercare next week -- asking questions about what you need to know, how you can prepare, etc. We have decided to hold back on those segments for two more weeks. Why? Because we want to hear from as many of you as possible and I'm betting a lot of you are on vacation, not next to your computer, or whatever... We have a sense that there are many questions out there. We also want to do some research ourselves.

So, please stay tuned. Send us your comments, questions...and worries.

Michel Martin

9:26 PM ET | 08-22-2007 | permalink | comments (11) | e-mail post

Elder Care and...Michael Vick Awkwardness

This is going to be short because we're all running...

Next week: Elder Care. Both the Mocha Moms and our money coach Alvin Hall will be dealing with this issue on our TUESDAY program next week. Suffice it to say, a lot of us are dealing with this issue.

If you are taking care of an elderly relative, or better yet, if it's on the horizon and you're not there yet, we want to hear from you.
What documents should you try to get? What kinds of things can you do to prepare yourself?

...And, if you're already in the thick of it, what do you desperately need to know...NOW?

If you have questions or comments, we'll try to answer them. We'll handle as many as we can, and hopefully have links to resources on our website. I bet that there are also cultural as well as economic and political issues that might not be on everybody's radar. So, we'll try to deal with those, too.

As for today's show, talking about Michael Vick...AWKWARD (for me).

If you're following the story of Atlanta Falcon's quarterback Michael Vick -- Vick and some associates were charged with conspiracy to conduct an illegal dog fighting ring -- then you might know my husband, Billy, is Mr. Vick's lead attorney in the case. I disclosed that information as soon as soon as he got the case. Our Barbershop guys have talked about it on days that happened to coincide with my time off. But today...unavoidable. The news is the news. We either talk about it or we ignore it. My thinking: you (we) are all adults and since you (we) know what my relationship is to the case (I've never met Vick, by the way), and we've let you know up front, you can listen to the conversation, accordingly. (And, yes, I would've liked to have said more in our conversations, but that would be wrong.)

OK, so moving right along...

I was glad we checked-in on Jamaica in the aftermath of Hurricane Dean. We hope to stay on top of developments there, as well as in Mexico and the earthquake in Peru.

I've covered both earthquakes and hurricanes. It's tough stuff, frightening to live through and depressing to recover from. We'll be thinking about all those who've lost loved ones and those who now face the task of rebuilding. We'll stay on top of events as best we can...

Michel Martin

4:22 PM ET | 08-21-2007 | permalink | comments (4) | e-mail post

Heavy Monday

So, I'm back. Thanks to Callie (C-Double!) for covering me. I hope she had fun...she did have fun, didn't she? Were you all nice to her? I'm glad she was here to do the pampered pooch segment because I would have had a hard time keeping my eyes from rolling out of my head. I like dogs too (and cats for that matter), but c'mon...doggie outfits? Give me a break.

A hard screeching turn of the tires to today's topics. It was a heavy show, no question about it. And, I would be interested in knowing whether you thought maybe it was too "harsh of a meal," as one of our execs here has been known to say -- getting the pacing right, the "mix" right. It's an ongoing challenge for a new program.

I really do find your insights helpful, so if you feel inclined to tell US more, please do...

The first topic, homegrown terrorism. I appreciate that our guests took on this difficult subject. The conversation was about a NYPD report, released last week, describing how and why someone might want to turn on this country, especially someone with no obvious ties to terror groups. While the report clearly states there is no one specific "profile," it raises hackles among some Arab, Muslim and civil rights activists because they think, regardless of what is "stated," that it will encourage law enforcement to stereotype.

This goes to the heart of a difficult issue in a free society. Clearly, Americans have the right to be concerned about those who would do them harm. It's also clear that there is a worldwide effort on the part of terrorist groups to recruit members who would carry out acts of terror against governments perceived as hostile to Islam, or to a brand of Islam. It has taken on a cycle of self-perpetuation. And clearly, Muslim Americans have a right to practice their religion, to be free from unwarranted suspicion, to be as observant as they choose to be without being subjected to hostility.

How to reconcile these equally important objectives? Our guests did not answer this question, but they did raise the importance of discussing them. I'd hope to continue that discussion with both of them, and others...

What are your thoughts? There are, quite obviously, sensitive considerations.

Sorry that the NYPD declined to make anyone available to discuss the report. Not quite sure why. But I do think Brian Michael Jenkins, a well-known terrorism expert who wrote a contributing piece on the subject, was helpful...as was Dr. Mohammed Nimer, of CAIR.

Then on to the discussions of food aid and then domestic abuse in the black community...

Michel Martin

6:20 PM ET | 08-20-2007 | permalink | comments (1) | e-mail post

Day Two for Callie at TMM

Callie Crossley (l) poses with trumpeter Terence Blanchard in NPR's studio 4B.

Credit: Jamila Bey, NPR

I did sit in Michel's cozy office today.

Yesterday, as we were thinking ahead to today's show, we got word that the great jazz pioneer Max Roach had died. What are the chances that another jazz great would already be in the NPR studios? Yep, renowned trumpeter Terence Blanchard was here preparing for a performance chat on Talk of the Nation, but we were able to grab him for a few minutes so that he could help us remember Max Roach. We aired the tribute today.

If you were a fan of Mr. Roach's work, we want to hear from you. What have you enjoyed most about his music, his artistry? Is there a favorite piece, or collaboration, of the late percussionist that stands out among the rest? Did you know he was a self-taught musician?

Before ending my guest hosting duties for Michel, I want to point out to you that there is much woman power here at TMM. So, naturally, we had to reach out to Rev. Julie Pennington-Russell. She's now the first woman to helm the largest congregation in the historically Southern Baptist convention. Come Sunday, the reverend will deliver her first sermon as Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Decatur in Georgia.

This has been quite a week in our industry, with lot's of stories to cover. But our political analysts Melissa Harris Lacewell, and Michael Fauntroy had a lot to say about the week in politics. Let's see. There was the resignation of Presidential advisor Karl Rove, and then the recent comments made by Elizabeth Edwards, wife of Democratic White House hopeful Sen. John Edwards, about Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Lacewell and Fauntroy also addressed Obama's upcoming appearance on the Tyra Banks show. What's their take?

You'll have to tune-in.

Plus, I got to eavesdrop on the Barbershop. Jimi Izrael and his buddies Ruben Navarette, Lester Spence, and Arsalan Iftakar chewed over Don Imus' big money settlement and offered a bit of "public relations" advice to NFL quarterback Michael Vick. Of course, they couldn't resist the temptation to crack on R&B singer R. Kelly's latest installment of his "Trapped in the Closet" music/video series.

OK, so R. Kelly. Pause. It's obvious that he's still an icon to many folks out there. We want to know...is he to you? What do you make of the fact that his "public approval rating" doesn't seem to have taken a beating at all since his...situation? Granted, he's not yet been tried, innocent until proven guilty...

You tell us.

By the way, in case you haven't noticed, everybody gets a 'nickname' in the Barbershop.
Jimi's name for me? Drumroll...C-Double.

Moving right along, I was thrilled to talk to Los Angeles bus driver Tanya Walters. Can you believe this woman dips into her own pocket to fund cross-country bus trips for some of L.A.'s urban youth? And she's recruited other folks to join her cause. She calls them Godparents. We also thought it added a nice touch to hear from Anthony, one of her former students. He's all grown up now and preparing to enroll in college.

All that, plus a touching listener expression in Backtalk.

Next week, Michel will reclaim her chair and her mic.

I've had fun! Thanks, Michel.

C-Double over and out...

Michel Martin

2:08 PM ET | 08-17-2007 | permalink | comments (1) | e-mail post

Callie Dropping In...

Hello from the Big Chair! Well, I'm not actually sitting in Michel's chair, but rather next door at a desk in the office of the program's Executive Producer Marie Nelson. I've been here at the NPR studios since Tuesday observing how this program comes together.

And in case you're wondering...No, Michel has not suddenly split her personality in two. I'm blogging from her account for the time being. Nevermind the "Michel Martin" attribution at the end of this post.

Now that we've gotten the preliminaries out of the way, a little bit about me: I hail from Boston Massachusetts where I am a television commentator on the WGBH media criticism program Beat the Press, which examines local and national media coverage. Beat the Press has been a fixture on local Boston television for the last ten years. The program has twice been awarded the Arthur Rowse Award for media criticism from the National Press Club.

Most of my career has been in television--I was at ABC News' 20/20 for thirteen years, and I produced two of the segments of the documentary series Eyes on the Prize: America's Civil Rights Years 1954-1965 I didn't get the Oscar statue for that work, but I do have a nice certificate from the Academy of Arts and Sciences noting my nomination in the documentary category.

Most recently I've been on the radio...occasionally on the Boston talk radio show Eagan and Braude. And you regular NPR listeners may recognize me as the wine-tasting "diva" from Tell Me More's earlier days. You might have heard at some point on News and Notes, or On the Media.

Let me tell you...sitting-in for Michel is a LOT different than being heard as a guest on her show. First of all, this train never stops moving. Once you're here on the fourth floor, in Tell Me More-land, you're pretty much here for better part of the day. So, thank goodness all the staffers are kind, and the guests patient...

(Nevermind lunch; I've had to rely on the kindness of my TMM co-workers who ran out to grab some food.)

And poor MIT Professor Xavier de Souza Briggs. He said nothing while I pronounced his name in several "inventive" ways while talking to him... Our interview was about the surprising research which found that moving poor children to more prosperous neighborhoods did not improve their school performance. It's a topic Professor De Souza Briggs has written about in his book.

And then on to a sobering conversation with freelance journalist Theo Emery, and Kurdish Youth Organization leader Ara Alan about the rise of a small Kurdish gang. The Kurdish Pride Gang, or K.P.G., is based in my home state of Tennessee, in Nashville...of all places.

Is there gang activity in your community? We're also interested in the formation of urban-influenced street gangs in rural areas. Just what does that look like and how does it play out in remote communities?

Politics, unfortunately, is a big part of the AIDS story in South Africa. I sat down with from All Africa.com to talk about the firing of Deputy health minister Nozizwe Madala-Routledge. The big question is: Was she fired for her views on HIV and AIDS?...Views much more progressive than those of South African President Thabo Mbeki?

The Next Big Thing is big, indeed. Big spending on pets, what we call "extreme" pampering. What we're talking about is beyond treats and regular grooming, instead it's high-end trinkets and special services (one store calls it 'spaw' services) that come with a healthy price tag.

Come on. 'Fess up. We're all family here... To what extent have you ever gone to pamper your four-legged pooch? If your story is too embarrassing, you can also tell us about someone you know who pushes the limit of animal love...

Also, I see this program has often explored the intersection of race and media. Did you know that a decade ago, blacks and whites rarely watched the same programs. (Monday Night Football was the exception). Now, information gathered by the Nielsen ratings group reveals that television viewers -- Blacks and everybody else -- are watching most of the same shows...8 out of 10 of the top ten entertainment programs.

And finally, what does a top chef listen to when whipping up his tasty dishes? Chef Rock Harper, the newest winner of FOX's Hell's Kitchen culinary contest shares his favorite tunes.

...And what does he groove to while cooking for his wife? Well, all I can say is umph, umph, umph!...

You'll have to listen...and tell us what you think.

Tomorrow, the Barbershop!

Until then,
Callie (C2)

Michel Martin

7:58 PM ET | 08-16-2007 | permalink | comments (1) | e-mail post

We are the World?...

iStock

I was so looking forward to my talk with Dr. Robert Putnam and he did not disappoint. I am not going to lie to you: it tickled me that he was familiar with the program, since I am so familiar with his work.

As I mentioned in a previous post, my old boss at ABC News' Nightline was a major Putnam fan. His study of, and concern for, the decline of civic engagement was a core concern in our old office, not as a matter of public advocacy, I hasten to add, but as a matter of our core culture. My boss was obsessed with team work, with collegiality, with submerging the individual ego to the best interests of the group. Everybody was expected to pull together for the sake of that night's show -- to put aside whatever else you were doing if somebody needed help. And the cool thing was that when it was your turn, everybody (well, almost everybody) would do the same for you. Of course we had our "issues," but that was one aspect of the place I very much hold onto and hope to instill in my own troops (hint: food helps).

So, imagine my surprise when I read a study by Putnam suggesting that in more diverse environments people actually are willing to do less for each other and for the community. They are willing to extend themselves less, they trust people less (even members of their own group!).

Why might that be? Granted, there might not be reason to believe they should do more, but why less?

I was so intrigued by the thesis that I wanted to build as much of the program around it as possible. After a FAST hustle on the part of our booking team (Thanks Addie and Jamila!) we were able to speak with the presidents of two universities -- Tennessee State and the University of Floria. Think about it...two university presidents in the middle of August? Two gold stars.

I am intrigued to know what you think of Putnam's thesis and whether you think you've seen this in your own communities.

One listener, Carolyn, already wrote to tell us how much she misses being in a diverse environment, and that she, for one, is a person who values diversity (you'll hear more on her thoughts in Friday's BackTalk segment). I, for one, do not think of those as contradictory pieces of information. I bet there are many people who also value diversity, but find achieving it in their own lives much tougher going than they ever expected. I think I'd like to do more on this topic...

Until then...I'm gone for a couple of days attending to some family business. I am very sure you will enjoy my substitute host, Callie Crossley (and no, it's not a requirement that all of my subs have names that begin with two C's. But it is strange, isn't it?) Callie is an old friend, a fine journalist and a former colleague of mine at ABC News, although we never worked on the same show together. But if we did I am quite sure we would have played together very nicely.

Have a great weekend and we'll talk Monday...

Michel Martin

9:01 PM ET | 08-15-2007 | permalink | comments (1) | e-mail post

D-I-V-E-R-S-I-T-Y

There, I said it. All together now, start singing "Kumbaya," or run screaming for the exits.

Remember Patrick Buchanan and the 1992 GOP convention?:

"It's our country and we're taking it back!"

Taking it back from whom, Pat? The Native Americans?...

We seem to think we're limited when it comes to questions of diversity -- love it without question, hate it without question. And it's harder than we think, which sometimes prompts the question, "is it still worth it?"

Well, that's the provocative question Robert Putnam wanted to ask in his new study on civic engagement. You may know Putnam, he's the Bowling Alone guy (Marie's and my old boss at Nightline was just in LOVE with this guy. I bet he would have asked him to come move-in with us if he could, but I digress...).

Putnam's study -- which seems to discomfit even him -- suggests that diversity actually diminishes civic involvement. So, today, we added to our ongoing coverage on the way immigration is changing America. Tomorrow, we talk to Putnam.

I am wrapping it up here so I can finish reading the study in its entirety. I've learned that one thing researchers hate is for people to cherry-pick their findings. So, I'm off to go do some homework before I talk to the man. I hope it's as interesting as I expect...

Michel Martin

1:30 PM ET | 08-14-2007 | permalink | comments (3) | e-mail post

One Question: Why?

Here is a post that came in while we were broadcasting from Las Vegas. Our web producer Lee Hill sent it to me and I decided to wait to reply because I thought it deserved a more thoughtful answer than I could deliver amidst the craziness last week.

The post came in response to our segment on the employment prospects of ex-offenders. Andre told us she is an African American woman, married, with two children, one college-bound and one still in high school.

Here's an abbreviated version.

She writes:

I am irritated by the constant focus on black male incarceration rates and the obsession with black male ex-offenders. Its as though we now accept that the black male progression to adulthood includes at least a stint or two in the penitentiary followed by a life of low-wage jobs, drug dependency, violence, or recidivism. ...I would love for your show to tell me more about the following: I want to know why so many black parents are getting away with shirking their responsibilities, especially black men? I want to know why parents are not being held accountable. I want to know why black men, after all of their Million Man March bravado, are missing in action. But I don't want to hear the excuses. None of these excuses explain away the violence, the depravity, and self-annihilation that consumes many black communities. ...I want to hear about college-bound brothers and entrepreneurs. I want to hear about fathers who come home every night, check homework, read bedtime stories, and shoot hoops with their sons.

We had a man like that on the show today. His name is James Harvey and I'm sorry to tell you the reason we had him on. His son, Dashon Harvey, was one of the four children -- no, young people ... no, college students -- who were gunned down on their knees by five boys and men in a Newark schoolyard last weekend.

When you get some time, here's a tribute to Dashon:

I asked Mr. Harvey if he was ever afraid, as his son was growing up, that that day would come. He told me no, never ... because he had no regrets. He said he'd been there for his son when he was supposed to be there, and his only regret was the many who were not there for their own children.

It seems now that at least three of the assailants were teenagers, one of them possibly as young as 15.

Would somebody please tell me, why?
Why were four young people, on their way to college in the fall, fated to die on their knees at the hands of two or three others?

Let's say you believe evil walks the earth. OK, then what?

Let's say too many parents aren't doing their job. OK, then what?

Let's say it's racism, or the economy, or whatever. OK, then what?

That's why, I say, it's not one or the other. Our conversations cannot be just about thugs (in this case it seems that they were all Latino, but I'm not sure what difference that makes) and their false machismo or upright, do-right men men headed to Ivy covered quads.

The two are linked, if for no other reason than that the world is small, and there is no fence high enough to keep the two apart. This is not to say I don't understand Andre's frustration. I do. But as long as thugs keep do-right young men and women from growing up, then we need to hear their stories, too ... if for no other reason, we need to know why one ends up holding a gun and the other ends up on the other side of it.

Our condolences, once again, to the families of Dashon Harvey, Iofemi Hightower, Terrance Aeriel, who were buried this weekend. Our best wishes for a full recovery to Natasha Aeriel...the only survivor of the Newark attack.

May their deaths and their families' suffering not be in vain.

Michel Martin

9:39 PM ET | 08-13-2007 | permalink | comments (5) | e-mail post

What Happens in Vegas...

Tell Me More staff members Addie Whisenant (l-r), Douglas Hopper, Michel Martin, Marie Nelson and Ivan Burketh are pictured at public radio member station KNPR in Las Vegas. The program produced its first "remote" broadcast from KNPR studios.

Courtesy of KNPR

 

Host Michel Martin poses with Is He Black Enough? panelists Cornell Belcher (l-r), Mary Mitchell and Kevin Merida

Marie Nelson, NPR

Yes, I know I did not post yesterday. And no, contrary to certain people's intimations, I did NOT get lost at the casinos.

See, what happened was...um...see...

Ok, no excuses. In all honesty, we were beyond tired, just beat down to the ground.

To give you an idea: I did the show from Washington Wednesday, jumped on a plane, hit the ground in Vegas Wednesday afternoon. We broadcast the show from here Thursday. I then served as a panelist in a conference workshop/discussion, heard Hillary Clinton speak, moderated the 90-minute roundtable you heard on today's show, went to a backgrounder (another session) on the upcoming presidential race, and THEN wheeled-around to work on today's program. So, no slacking here.

Regarding today's production, there is a whole lot to talk about.

If you are like me, the shootings last week of those four college (and college-bound) students in Newark are still weighing on you. I, personally, cannot get it out of my head. And so, in thinking about an issue like that -- which is, literally, life and death -- I can understand why some people might think the whole question about racial identity and what it all mean is just stupid, or trivial. I'm referring to the panel/segment we did for NABJ, recorded and edited for broadcast...Is Obama Black Enough?

Even some members of our own team objected, and I can tell you that the reaction of the Obama camp, when we approached them asking for a participant in the conversation, was something like, "Not this again."

But our thinking was this: whether it's just another tool political opponents use to exploit, a childhood schoolyard taunt, an existentialist dilemma, or just the musings of people with too much time on their hands, we thought this was a way to get to what is an issue of our time.

What IS identity?
What DOES it mean to be black?
In a country where 1 out of 10 residents is foreign-born, where Latinos (who can be of any race) are the largest minority, what does this identity mean? And, who gets to decide the measurements?

I have to tell you, I thought the discussion we had was rich, and even therapeutic for many people, who have been hearing their entire lives why they weren't ______ enough.

Now I want to broaden the discussion. I am especially interested in ways other ethnic groups -- including whites -- have addressed this issue. Is there any way in which those of you who are NOT African American have felt you must prove your ethnic credentials?

I am told this has been an issue in the deaf community as well, true?

As always, we like to hear from you. If we get a significant amount of feedback, I am sure we could build a program around YOUR thoughts.

OK, gotta pack. We'll be back in D.C. on Monday.

P.S. I must give a shout-out to our two Vegas stations: KNPR hosted us and KCEP carries our show daily. And kudos to the Tell Me Morestaff both here in Vegas and those back in Washington who carried the ball short-handed.

Michel Martin

3:58 PM ET | 08-10-2007 | permalink | comments (5) | e-mail post

Why so 'Extreme'?

If I use the word "extremist" what image comes to mind?

I am sure the answer depends on who you are and what you believe. If you're pro-choice, an extremist is probably someone who pickets abortion clinics and tries to confront staff and prevent women from entering the facilities. If you are pro-life, however, an extremist is probably someone who defends abortion rights against all comers -- for juveniles without parental permission, at all stages of pregnancy.

So the word "radical" or "extremist" is a loaded one, to be sure. The critical question, it seems to me, is the difference between taking on beliefs that others might not like, and then using those beliefs to justify anti-social or violent acts. The late Malcolm X and Richard Reid, the so-called shoe bomber, both converted to Islam in prison. Malcolm X converted to the Nation of Islam, which some consider a cult. But he became a social and political leader of great force, a man whose spiritual journey continues to inspire people today, despite his untimely death by assassination. Richard Reid, probably considered himself a traditional Muslim, yet he became a terrorist, a man who perverted a religion whose very name is rooted in the word for "peace" to justify his decision to try to kill innocent people aboard a jetliner.

This is why we were interested in Mark Hamm's research about radicalization in prison; it's part of our series this week taking a look at new research on criminal justice issues.

How exactly does it work?
Who is attracted to these messages?
Why do some join these groups as a means of transcendence and belonging and leave it at that, while others take it to the next step by living out the radical messages?

Mark Hamm raised some important points about how the prison experience works. But one doesn't have to be in prison to be attracted to groups like the Aryan Brotherhood. There are comparable groups around the world that preach separatism, racial or ethnic superiority and exclusivity. I have several times met and interviewed white supremacists -- one who had renounced the belief and one who had not. They throughline, it seemed to me, was fear. They were fearful men and they thought their associations with the Klan and Aryan Brotherhood brought them strength...

What do you think? Even more important, what do you know about such groups?
Tell us your conversion story, if you have one.

And...what did you think about the rest of today's show?

By the way, we're off to Vegas. Tomorrow, we'll be broadcasting from there. It's our first remote production. Cross your fingers...we're crossing ours! We look forward to bringing you great conversations from the West Coast.

Michel Martin

8:02 PM ET | 08- 8-2007 | permalink | comments (3) | e-mail post

Breast-feeding...then Justice

So, breast-feeding... Are you still with me?

As one of our guests (Faye Wattleton) pointed out, it seems we've been talking about this in this country since formula existed; maybe even BEFORE formula existed. When the rich employed wet nurses, were there magazine articles telling them that they weren't good mothers if they employed wet nurses? In truth, there is no doubt that breast-feeding is best for babies...and most mothers.

For the baby, breast milk offers complete nutrition, it passes on immunities, it keeps them close to Mom. And for Mom, it's calming, it helps you lose weight (Can I just tell you? I lost something close to 60 pounds of baby weight in no time...breast-feeding twins. Yes, I wear the crown), it makes you feel close to baby.

But, there are always going to be mothers who can't breast-feed or who don't want to, for whatever reason -- they can't produce enough milk, they develop a serious illness. What then? Has the push to encourage breast-feeding become another guilt trip aimed at women to make them feel they can't measure up? Or, as another guest (Kim Gandy) suggested, has the push to encourage breast-feeding failed to pressure society to make it easier?

That was our first conversation of the day. Then we left the subject of babies and breasts to talk about prisoners and jobs...

There are more than two million people in prison in the U.S. Most of them do get out, at least some day. But what happens when they do? So far this week, we've been looking at research presented at the National Institute for Justice Conference, which met in D.C. a week or so ago. We trolled through a few of the presentations to bring you some of the most interesting research we could find. Truly, we're just scratching the surface. There were literally dozens of fascinating questions discussed at the conference: how to cut down on recidivism, what's up with girls and violence, what's the best way to intervene with gangs?...

Today's topic: how do former prisoners fare in the job market? And what happens when you factor in race? YOU might not be shocked at the findings, but I can tell you this: the researcher was.

If you have a story to tell, a story about finding a job after being incarcerated, we???d like to hear about it.

Or, if you have had an experience, as an employer, hiring (or merely considering) persons with criminal records, we'd like to hear it.

As for me, I do have stories about trying to continue breast-feeding after going back to work as a network news correspondent. But in all honesty, they are still too painful to recount. I'll just leave it at that.

But if you want to tell me your stories, I'm here to listen...

Michel Martin

6:58 PM ET | 08- 7-2007 | permalink | comments (3) | e-mail post

No Place like Home

So I'm back. And I have to tell you, this whole being disconnected thing is not all it's cracked-up to be.

I forgot my cell phone (packed the charger, but forgot the phone!...good thing airline security didn't have a hissy fit) and my BlackBerry didn't work (we were out of the country...although my husband's worked -- dammit). I know, I know. Disconnecting is supposed to make you more relaxed. For me, it's the opposite.

Once I got over my rage for having to pay $5 for a day-late NYT, I felt better. But there's a reason some of us are in the news business: BECAUSE WE LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON.

Thanks to Cheryl for sitting-in. I hope she enjoyed guest hosting. The bridge tragedy was awful, but kudos to TMM for getting a unique slice of the story -- the way the collapse was affecting the Somali refugee community. If you didn't get a chance to catch it, may I recommend?

Now to this week.

We have some interesting things coming up: we are trying to take advantage of our location here in Washington and the many conferences that come through town. Two of today's segments were based on conferences -- the National Institute of Justice meeting in D.C. and the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association gathering in Philadelphia. I think this offered a way for listeners (and us) to understand subjects from the inside out -- to get the practitioners together and see things from inside their world. Today, you heard from them about the impact television show's like CSI are having on the real criminal justice system, and how youth violence also takes its toll on funeral directors in communities across the United States.

Later in the week, we'll be taking the program on the road to an industry conference of our own. The National Association of Black Journalists is meeting in Las Vegas. We'll have two days of programs from there.

Which leads me to ask...If you work in a field that has an annual or semi annual conference, do you go?
If so, what do you get out of it?

For us, it's not just a chance to meet and greet but also to compare notes on best practices and, frankly, get story ideas. Admittedly, in the Internet age, ideas travel faster and faster, but there's nothing like seeing a city councilman in the flesh -- whom you might otherwise not have a chance to meet -- to get his take on homeland security, immigration or whatever else...

Anyway, now that I'm back, I have to live through you. Travel plans, anyone?

Michel Martin

7:22 PM ET | 08- 6-2007 | permalink | comments (1) | e-mail post

In Crisis: Twin Cities and Detroit

Today's my last day filling in for Michel...She's back Monday to work with the hard-working crew of Tell Me More. They gave me a warm welcome...and an absolutely wonderful send-off. I couldn't have asked for more. They have much in the works for Michel's return. So get ready for more intriguing conversation.

Today, there was so much to talk about: the Presidential campaign, what happened in Congress and the Barbershop gang weighed-in on the continuing saga of NFL quarterback Michael Vick.

But the horrific Minnesota Bridge Collapse is what seems to be on everyone's mind as the search for victims continues. We talked today to two leaders of a large Somali immigrant community in Minneapolis for their perspectives. Most are refugees and they live near the bridge. The head of one social service agency, Abdirizak Behi, says I-35 was a critical link for Somali immigrants, providing a way to get to community centers, mosques and Somali-owned businesses. Behi says the accident also has an eerie resonance for many of them -- a reminder of some of the tragic events that occurred during Somalia's civil war. The African Chamber of Commerce has set up a hotline to help people cope.

And...Have you ever heard of a "food desert?" That's "desert"...as in "nothing around." It's what they're calling Detroit these days -- the city's last major supermarket chain is gone, and it doesn't look like anyone else is interested in bringing their major grocer to the city. Helllllo! Can a city get a little r-e-s-p-e-c-t? Detroit has more than 800,000 residents and I know, for sure, that each one of them has to eat.

Listen to our conversation and then tell us what you think is behind the decision of big supermarkets to bypass the city -- simple economics, racial bias, what could it be?

Have you ever lived in a "food desert," void of a supermarket? And what about smaller, independently-owned neighborhood food stores in the city? Could they, alone, have the capacity to serve such a large population?

Tell us more...

That's it for me. It's been great blogging with you...And since I'll be listening to the show, I might chime in later, too.

Cheryl Corley

8:45 PM ET | 08- 3-2007 | permalink | comments (2) | e-mail post

'Big' News, Head-Scratching Research

The terrible bridge collapse in Minneapolis is of course the "big news."

Tomorrow on the show, we'll be talking to Somali refugees who live near the bridge. We think it's fitting because Minneapolis has one of the largest Somali communities in the U.S. and the folks there say the bridge collapse has an eerie resonance for them -- a reminder of some of the tragic events that occurred during the civil war in their homeland.

On today's show, we talked about the ongoing shakeup of the housing industry and the sub-prime mortgage industry. Dr. Edward Gramlich's book, Subprime Mortgages: America's Latest Boom and Bust tells the story. Gramlich says the sub-prime mortgage is here to stay but expects changes that will make it much more difficult to get that type of loan.

And if you're a basketball fan, you may remember that 7'7 giant-of-a-man Manute Bol. The man from Sudan lives in Kansas now and is still working to help his war-torn country. We connected to Tuesday's announcement that U.N. peacemakers are headed to Dafur and a unity meeting is in the works. But rebels are threatening to pull out of the talks.

Despite the focus on the Sudan, one of our commentators, Uzodinma Iweala, has a surprising message for the West. He says stop talking about saving Africa.

What do you think about Iweala's "message"?
What, specifically, should be done to help countries in Africa? More humanitarian aid? More programs to relieve debt?
...Or is a hands-off approach best?

Now, let's focus on some interesting sex news...YES, I said sex. Some of the talk was serious and some of it...NOT.

First, the serious. There's research indicating that Mexican migrant workers are leaving the U.S. and taking the H.I.V. virus back home with them. For this week's Dispatches segment, we invited the Mexico Bureau chief for Copley News Service, Lynne Walker, on the program. She says lonely migrant workers are often engaging in some risky behavior...like having sex with a number of people.

Another big sex story in Mexico: the prison system there has decided to allow gay inmates to receive conjugal visits from their partners.

Interesting. Might this ever happen in the U.S.?
Or do you think the very thought of such a provision has little chance of ever becoming an issue of mainstream debate?

And then there is that number that has everyone talking. Research in the August issue of the Archives of Sexual Behavior says there are a whopping 237 reasons why people have sex. 237. I wonder if that's a definitive study.

Dare I ask...what do you think?

Cheryl Corley

6:42 PM ET | 08- 2-2007 | permalink | comments (2) | e-mail post

Scared Stiff...

A new program we talked about goes way beyond those "scared straight" programs designed to keep young people out of prisons. This one is more like "scared stiff"...it aims to keep young people alive.

Forgive the small attempt at humor, the effort by the "Restoring Inner City Peace Project" (a.k.a. R.I.P.) is definitely no joke. Youth football coach Todd Walker says he's seen too many kids dying on the streets of Oakland so he decided to bring youngsters and teenagers to his day job at the Baker-Williams Funeral Home to show them what death is really like. No, they're not looking at dead bodies, but they do see all the trappings that go along with death -- the gurneys, caskets a cremation box and the like. Walker along with Aljour Miles, a 17-year-old young man who also appeared on the show, hope the mortuary drill will make young people think before they resort to violence.

And...the U.S. House of Representatives took Japan to task, telling our close ally that it should issue a formal apology for enslaving women in "comfort camps" during the World War II era. Congressman Mike Honda, the main sponsor of the resolution, joined us also with Evelina Galang, a University of Miami professor who has interviewd Filipinas who were among the victimized "comfort women." Galang runs a website on their behalf.

And here's something else to chew on: If you're trying to lose weight, who should you turn to? Not your friends, according to a new study that suggests our friends may actually help us pile the pounds on. Our Mocha Moms handily took on that issue with a little skepticism.

What do you think?
Are your friends less critical of your size?
And, is it hard if you want to lose weight and your friends don't?

Tell us your story.

And last but certainly not least...our financial coach Alvin Hall says it may be time for a little retrenchment since the stock market has been on such an up-and-down roller coast ride.

Check your finances folks.

And, don't forget about our Money Train. We're still accepting passengers.

Cheryl Corley

8:53 AM ET | 08- 1-2007 | permalink | comments (1) | e-mail post