Items once belonging to Mohandas K. Gandhi. Antiquorum auction house

Another follow-up. Yesterday, we reported on fallout stemming from plans to auction items once belonging to Mohandas K. Gandhi. Producing the segment (in step with our goal to locate perspectives as close to the story as possible) was a delicate balancing act, which involved coordinating logistics that stretched across two continents. And although the radio conversation aired yesterday, fellow TMM producer Arwa Gunja continued to work the story. Alas, I'll let her explain the finishing touch ...

Thanks, Lee. Arwa Gunja, here.

A couple of days ago on the program, we talked with Robert Maron. He's the chairman of a New York auction house, where Gandhi's personal possessions are up for bid next week. It's created an outcry for some Indians because Mohandas K. Gandhi is the hero of the country's independence movement. He stood firmly against capitalism and owned very few possessions throughout his life.

Originally, I hoped we could have a conversation with both Maron and Dr. Varsha Das, the director of the National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi, to give the Indian point of view. But, because of 13.5-hour time difference between California (where Maron is based) and New Delhi, it was too difficult to bring the two together in the same conversation. As a workaround, we spoke to Varsha Das separately and later asked Maron to listen to her comments and offer response, which you heard on yesterday's show.

We wanted to allow Vas the opportunity to hear and respond to yesterday's chat (since the conversation featured her perspective). We spoke with her off-air today, and wanted to share the following thoughts:

I feel a little better to learn that Robert is sympathetic towards us. However, we cannot compare the functions of an auction house and a Gandhi museum. Gandhi for us is not just a character from history. He will always remain a contemporary. Gandhiji collected funds or allowed things to be auctioned to support the organization that worked for the upliftment of the poorest of the poor, for untouchables. He did not give charity to individuals. And when he left South Africa in 1940, he left behind all the gifts that he and his wife had received. That included heavy gold ornaments, diamonds, etc. He created a trust for the welfare of the masses and that trust is still functional. He did not keep money collected through fundraising activities either for himself or even for the ashrams. So I hope whoever buys these items will use them to bring people closer to Gandhi in values, and whoever receives the money will use it to further Gandhiji's work.

You can listen to the audio, here:

Thanks, Dr. Das.

-- Arwa Gunja

Korva Coleman, here. I'm sitting in for Michel Martin while she takes some time off.

I've been a Facebook friend of Brian Tristam Williams for some time. Bri, who's South African, lives in Johannesburg, and took an interest in our topic yesterday on South African emigration. I asked him what he thought of the subject, so here's Bri:

Thinking about the South African "Brain Drain," I have to take my history in the country and couple it with the actions of my peers. I'm sure I couldn't come up with a 100% accurate historical record, but in the context of my own life, why do I have a brain that hasn't been drained from the national skill set?

I'm a 35-year-old white male in the movie industry, specifically handling online stuff for a national entertainment company. I've never been out of South Africa. I do, however, live vicariously in the world, via the international media, and NPR is the major part of that. I have no great desire to emigrate, although I do intend to travel. I was considering emigration in around 1997/1998. It had become a fad among my peers.

My interest in emigration declined as South African consumer confidence continued to grow in the early 2000s. Apart from the notorious decline in public safety due to violent crime, there are many opportunities here, and the preceding late-90s "Brain Drain" made a skill-set more valuable right here.

Consensus among people with whom I surround myself, and the local media, seems to be that things were on the upswing in the early 2000s. Emigrants were returning, crime was declining, although very slowly. However, at the end of 2007, President Thabo Mbeki, lost the nomination of his party, to be replaced by Jacob Zuma, around whom considerable political baggage hovers (sex scandal, corruption charges, etc.).

Continue reading "Brian Isn't Leaving South Africa" >

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If you've listened to the show the last couple of days, you might have detected the increasing raspiness in my voice. No, I am not trying extra hard to be sexy.

It seems I have a sinus infection that I haven't been able to shake, so I am finally going to act like I have the sense I was born with and take a few days off to see if I can get over it. Sometimes being macho is not the best course of action. As much as I pride myself on my work ethic, sometimes the better part of valor is to step aside and let the body heal.

NPR's Korva Coleman is going to be with us for the next few days, and then Cheryl Corley will step in. So, thanks for your patience.

Sorry if I offended your ears these last couple of days.

Before I go, I hope you will, if you have not already, read Lee Hill's moving blog post about the Chris Brown-Rihanna story. I think we need to talk more about this, and not in a cheesy tabloid look at what those celebrities are doing-type of way. But there is more to say about the reality that too many young folk are living in abusive relationships.

More on that when I come back. ...

Singers Rihanna and Chris Brown perform on stage during Z100's Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden on December 12, 2008 in New York City. Scott Gries/Getty Images

Lee Hill, here ...

After leaving work yesterday, I boarded the bus home from the subway station. I took a seat in front of two young people -- a guy and a girl. They were friendly and seemed to know each other well, although not intimately (possibly neighborhood friends, or old high school buddies). Both appeared to be no older than 20.

Not long into the bus ride, the girl began to tell the guy how she had become upset with her boyfriend (and father of her child) after he grabbed and pulled her by her long, braided hair. She was so upset with him that she ... "stopped calling him for a few days."

"That's all?," he replied. "You were upset with him for that?"

Of course (and this is when I officially begin eavesdropping), I'm thinking, what does this kid mean by, "that's all?"

He then tells the female friend that the two of them could've never been successful in a relationship. Why? Because the guy pal believes that getting a little "rough" with his own girlfriend -- as in more than just a tug of the hair -- is sometimes necessary.

She responds by telling the male pal that her boyfriend, too, likes to occasionally hit her a "couple of times ... just to get his anger out."

But, she always has the last word.

"After he's finished, he'll let me get in one good hit [on him]," she boasted.

He tells her that's ridiculous, and that's just not how it should work.

"She just has to take that s---," describing his very different rules of engagement.

Fast-Forward ...

Not so coincidentally, today we aired a conversation with our panel of Moms on domestic violence among teens. It largely focused on the alleged fight between R&B superstar couple Chris Brown, 19, and Rihanna, 21, two weeks ago. Unauthorized police photos of what appears to be a battered and bruised Rihanna have since been leaked to the public and are making their rounds on the Web as investigators look into Brown's role in the incident.

Given today's chat, Michel Martin all but insisted that I write about this. And, I have to admit, I was conflicted about doing so ... Just as I was conflicted about exactly what my role should have been as a witness to, although not a participant in, the conversation between the two youngsters on the bus.

Was it my place to interrupt and, by doing so, intervene?

"Excuse me ... but both of you have issues and need serious help ..."

These conversations seem easier to have one-on-one, but taking on two individuals in the same setting -- both with two distinct sets of troubles -- can be touchy.

What would you have done?

And, as the TMM piece touched on today, how is it that an act that outrages some can be so passe to others?

(Interesting tidbit The two bus mates made no mention of the alleged Chris Brown-Rihanna incident; their chat didn't at all seem to be driven by the story, which currently dominates pop culture news. They were merely exchanging thoughts, and somewhat lightly, based on their own experiences.)

You might remember that this show was launched as a "safe place to have difficult conversations." If nothing else, it affirms that Tell Me More is far from being finished with this subject. We're taking suggestions on where to step next with this. We have a few ideas, but we want to hear from you...

So, feel free to tell us your thoughts and experiences. You can leave them in the comment thread below, or if you feel lead to share something sensitive and would not leave it in this public space, which we understand, you can also call our comment line at 202.842.3522.

And, of course, if you or someone you know needs help, please consider the following resources:

The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: (866) 331-9474

The National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233)

In December 2008, Facebook attracted more than 200 million unique visitors, making it the most visited social network site in the world, according to a recent report by TechCrunch. Facebook.com

Tell Me More Producer Douglas Hopper has been away spending a few weeks learning about multimedia and social media tools. It's an ongoing learning program here at NPR, our own baptism by fire, of sorts (I, too, made the "journey" last year). Douglas has offered to share some insights along the way. Douglas, how's it going? ...

Thanks, Lee. Douglas Hopper, here ...

I have some questions about the promise of "social media," one of the key concepts on the table during our training.

Here's how Social Media is defined on Wikipedia: "... primarily Internet and mobile-based tools for sharing and discussing information among human beings."

Alright, as a journalist -- and someone who simply appreciates all things which help us communicate -- I am all about it! Social media-like public comment spaces and blogs are transforming the way we connect, the way we communicate, and the way we understand each other. Platforms like Facebook and MySpace are giving people the means to express themselves ... and potentially draw attention to their work in a way most would have thought impossible in years past. These new technologies have the power to democratize the domain of opinion. But will they?

I'm wondering if the Web is equal, or even anywhere close to it.

Or, does the Web reflect the same divisions of class and race and religion evident in non-cyber society? (By the way, what do you call the world we live in outside of the Web?)

Is there a class divide between Facebook and Myspace? Do people of color and minorities find it easier to find relevant news on the web? Is the political blogosphere more diverse than the op-ed pages?

Do you feel more equal online?

I am only beginning to answer these questions myself. Hoping some of you out there will want to chime in and offer your insights. I'll be checking in.

See you in the comment thread.

-- Douglas Hopper

Lee Hill, here ...

So, today, The New York Post, offered a peculiar apology for the now infamous cartoon that ran in the "Page Six" section of its newspaper on Wednesday.

A quick recap of the drama: A caricature attempts to marry themes of both the recent police shooting of a chimpanzee in Connecticut with scrutiny surrounding President Obama's newly signed economic stimulus bill. In the cartoon, a chimpanzee appears to be shot dead by police who then make reference to the stimulus bill.

"They'll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill," says the officer as the gunsmoke clears.

There's a big argument that the chimp was meant to depict Obama, the "real-life" captain behind the economic recovery package.

All in the name of parody.

(Click here to see the actual cartoon. We also touched on this in today's conversation on racial dialogue in the U.S., and in the Barbershop.)

Among the many reasons this just didn't sit well with a broad range of critics who rebuked the paper for running the cartoon, is the fact that -- and it has to be said -- there was a time in this country when referencing an African-American as a monkey was an iconic racial slur.

So, add the race factor (and the Rev. Al Sharpton) to all the criticism by the general population over the cartoon for, at the very least, being insensitive ... and what do you get?

A resounding, "have you lost your mind?" directed at Rupert Murdoch's newspaper.

That being said, here's the apology that ran in today's The New York Post:

Wednesday's Page Six cartoon - caricaturing Monday's police shooting of a chimpanzee in Connecticut - has created considerable controversy.

Sometimes a cartoon is just a cartoon - even as the opportunists seek to make it something else.

Question: To whom is the apology directed, and exactly who is it not intended for? Does it mean that whoever is a part of that group -- in other words, "the opportunists" -- has no legitimate right to be upset or offended by the cartoon?

It's left some wondering ...

And even if one might have a history of "differences" with an institution, and/or if vengeance is sweet justice to an individual who, for whatever reason, may not hold the newspaper in the highest respect, is it absolute cause for that person to be stripped of his or her right to be fundamentally ... offended, and thus not in the "target apology group"?

I've been thinking about this, and am curious to know your thoughts ...

Do you think the above is ... an apology, even if it has conditions?

Or, should the The New York Post be cut some slack for even acknowledging there is an outcry (which they really are not obligated to do)?

Happy Friday.

Then-presidential hopeful Barack Obama poses with radio host Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo following a chat on the show "Piolin por la Manana." Sotelo recently scored an interview with Obama fresh into his new role as U.S. President. AP

Good Morning. Luis Clemens, here. I'm the Planning Editor for "Tell Me More."

This week "Tweety Bird" interviewed President Barack Obama. For real.

Mr. Obama granted a telephone interview to Eddie Sotelo. He is the Univision radio host who goes by the Spanish-language nickname "Piolin," which translates as Tweety Bird. The Piolin por la Manana morning show is syndicated nationwide and is enormously popular among Latino immigrants.

Not surprisingly, Piolin asked the President about the state of immigration reform. Here's what the President had to say about the issue:

I am very committed to making [comprehensive immigration reform] happen. We are going to be convening [Congressional] leadership on this issue so that we can start getting that legislation drawn up over the next several months.

We found audio of Piolin's complete interview. You can listen below:

This was not Obama's first appearance on the show. Back in August 2007, Obama even went so far as to sing a few lyrics on air from "Mexico Lindo Y Querido" ("My Beloved and Beautiful Mexico"). Check out Obama's singing performance below (immortalized on the Web by CNN):

More on today's other stories from Michel Martin later in the day... Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy today's show!

Pictured: TMM Host Michel Martin (l-r), Dolly Parton and TMM Producer Douglas Hopper Kimberly Jones/NPR

So, back in the office after the body crashed yesterday. Sorry about the late notice everybody, but thanks to John Ysdtie for jumping in. Trust me when I say I wouldn't do that to anyone if I didn't have to. It's sort of exhilarating to cover somebody else's show, but terrifying, too. Kind of like driving somebody else's good car, no matter how good a driver you are there has to be a part of you that's worried about denting the thing -- and then you really have no time to think about it.

Anyway, I'm still feeling kind of shaky. I am asking everybody to approach slowly and speak softly.

One good thing about being home yesterday was I did was able to get a hard start on Rebecca Walker's new book One Big Happy Family. It's about all the various forms family takes these days. Some of the essays are what you'd expect -- about step-parenting, about multi-racial families -- and some, I predict, are very much out of the box for most people's life experiences.

I am looking forward to speaking to Walker about her book later in the week.

I'm also interested in what people have to say about Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson's idea for a new sports arena for the Sacramento Kings, the city's NBA team. On one hand, it's a classic public works project -- you build something big because building something big puts people to work, and then even more people are later put to work just to run the thing. But, on the other hand, how do you justify something like that at a time when many people are out of work?

Do people have the money to go to a NBA game, which is not cheap? I know, I have seen all kinds of data on this over the years. But I'm interested in the experiences you've had in your cities.

And what about your girl, Dolly Parton? I know some of you are scratching your heads, what the ... ?

But what can I say? She was in town, we think she's amazing. And, she's one of the hardest working women in show business. We could have held onto the piece for Women's History Month, but you know you wanted to hear "9 to 5."

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Michel Martin is out sick today (feel better, Michel!) so I asked TMM guest host, and NPR's resident economy expert, John Ydstie to share thoughts about today's program ... and today's news. Take it away, John. And thanks for stepping in.

I didn't expect to be hosting Tell Me More when I went to bed last night, but I got a call about 2 1/2 hours before showtime this morning saying regular host Michel Martin was under the weather and asking could I make it in.

I was still in bed when I took the call, but threw on some clothes, drove through a couple of "pink" traffic lights and made it just in time to pre-tape TMM's economic roundtable. We had some terrific guests: our regular money guy Alvin Hall, Marcus Mabry, International Business editor from The New York Times and Sylvia Maxfield from the Simmons School of Management in Boston.

My regular beat here at NPR is economics so the subject matter was familiar, but when you hear three really savvy people break down the economic mess we're in it's still sobering. Marcus Mabry summed it up vividly describing the current economy as "snow rolling done hill faster and faster .... getting bigger and bigger ..."

That's a very appropriate description as more and more businesses, and people, get run over by this swift collapse. And, despite the huge job losses that we've seen so far, things will almost certainly get worse before they get better, despite the passage of the stimulus package. And as our guests pointed out, there's still much to be done to deal with the toxic assets dragging down the banks and the restructuring of the auto industry.

The real problem we face in turning this economy around is that the natural response for most people is to be very cautious, to hunker down and save money. But the economy needs us to continue to consume -- not at the ridiculous rates we were buying houses and cars and stuff during the bubble, but at a more reasonable, moderate rate. But as our guests pointed out, until people feel a bit more secure that they're job isn't the next one on the chopping block, they're going to keep their wallets closed.

In any case, it was fun parachuting into a show with such a great staff. They had the scripts in order, briefed me quickly on the subjects I had to deal with this morning and fed me great questions. Big props for the TMM staff, it was a pleasure.

-- John Ydstie

A worker at Jayco, Inc., the country's third largest RV maker, does the final inspection on a travel trailer on Feb. 10 in Elkhart County, Ind. Scott Olson/Getty Images

So we end the week where we started off ...

We talked to Mark Souder, a Republican Congressman from Indiana who represents an area that borders Elkhart, Ind., where President Obama visited at the beginning of the week to tout his stimulus plan. The unemployment rate there is twice the national average, about 15 percent. And Elkhart is known as the recreational vehicle (RV) capital of the world, and is very much a manufacturing area.

In full disclosure, Souder's district line is about three blocks from the actual site of the President's visit. (Rep. Joe Donnelly, a Democrat, represents the actual dirt where the President stood.) But you get my drift.

Elkhart is in a world of hurt, and Souder's district is all about making things that many folk cannot afford to buy right now -- RV's, pickup trucks ... the works.

Earlier this week, we had an Elkhart resident, Damond Smart, share his fears about the economy and his hopes that Obama will help turn things around.

Given all that, how could Souder and other Republicans, but especially him, vote against the economic stimulus bill, you ask?

Well, you can hear from him yourself. Marc Souder was our lead segment, today's political chat.

But now, I want to say a word about Faith Matters ...

Some people may wonder why we have this segment. I have to confess, it was always a dream of mine to have a segment, or a program, where we would talk about matters of faith and spirituality as part of our normal conversation. You don't have to be religious to understand that religion is an animating force in American life. For many people it is life, and for others, it is as important as work or politics, or sports?

Today, we decided to talk with two clergy members who are actively taking on sex. And not just what not to do, or who not to do it with ... but what to do.

We deliberately chose two men who come from very different worlds -- theologically and socially. One is white and gay, and ministers primarily to a GLBT congregation. The other is African-American and theologically more of a traditionalist. He believes strongly that sex is to be experienced within the confines of marriage.

But each man believes in trying to help his congregation achieve a more fulfilling intimate life.

One reason we really appreciate Faith Matters (browse the archive of topics) is that we find that our guests, perhaps more than any other, really strive for the kind of authentic civility that is so often lacking in our daily lives and conversations. Often we have guests who disagree passionately about some core issues, and yet they almost always listen to each other with great respect and concern. They are able to express their most deeply held beliefs, respectfully. Often, they end the conversation by offering blessings to each other.

Now, I realize this is not everyone's cup of tea, but we do hope that many of you see in it what we do: a model of deep conversation that respects differences and bridges others.

Have a great weekend.

And Happy Valentine's Day.

It's the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth, and a number of NPR shows (which frankly have more time and resources than we do) have focused their attention on that important historical milestone.

We decided to take on another anniversary: the 100th anniversary of the founding of the NAACP -- that would be (of course) the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Many people probably don't remember this, but the NAACP was founded because blacks were being slaughtered in race riots and lynchings across the country. Law enforcement failed -- and in many cases refused -- to protect them. A group of white activists, along with black intellectuals and activists (because back then, frankly, you couldn't afford to be one without the other) formed this group with the purpose of exposing this slaughter and trying to stop it. It became clear that the killings were a function of black powerlessness. Despite the end of slavery and the minimal constitutional protections in place, in many parts of the country the old Dred Scott Supreme Court decision, though superseded by the law, was still true in fact: blacks did NOT have rights that whites were bound to respect. The organization evolved beyond lynching to the pursuit of equal rights under law in all spheres: voting, housing, education, etc. But inevitably, the question for this era is: what now?

Clearly the question takes on more flavor in the era of the first African-American president, but it would be asked anyway. So we decided to look to a new generation to ask it. We invited a man who founded an online civil rights group that tries to mobilize mainly minority voters to rally around progressive causes of particular concern to blacks; a woman who has been involved with the NAACP since she was 14; and a woman who kind of dips into both worlds -- she's a blogger and an activist who has worked in politics.

Tell us what you think.

We always make an effort to focus on international news on Thursdays. Because the world is getting smaller, today's story about the narco war just south of the border should get your attention.

And because we NEED a pick-me-up in these sad times: we organized our FIRST Annual TMM Poetry Slam.

And for you drinkers out there, wine expert Callie Crossley tells us what wines go nicely with that box of chocolates you bought for your sweetie pie. No sweetie in sight? Then consider what relationship expert Iyanla Vanzant suggested yesterday on the show -- buy that bottle of wine for yourself. I rarely drink, so if there are rules about drinking alone, I assume you know them and can handle your business. But, take if from Iyanla. This is one treat that does not have to be shared. Get out that DVD none of your friends wants to watch and pour a glass of wine ... I would.

Sandra "Sandee" Gregg The Family of Sandra Gregg

I see no reason to lie about this:

If I did not have an office full of people relying on me and two kids at home doing the same, today is a day I would much rather have stayed in my bed with the covers pulled over my head.

I may have mentioned that a dear friend of mine lost her battle with cancer last week. Sandra Gregg was "put to rest" yesterday. I trust and hope she is indeed at rest, but yesterday was one of the saddest days of my life, and that is saying something.

She was one of the most luminous people you'd ever want to meet, really a blessing to everyone around her, and I know people always say that when someone they love dies before his or her "time," but you'll have to trust me when I tell you this is true. At a website set up to update her friends on news of her struggle with cancer and then the arrangements made for her, there were messages from all over the country. I was floored.

Her dad was a military officer, so she did have experience in honing that gift of ease in making new friendships, but I'm talking about people she met on a cafeteria line while she was on a graduate fellowship who she was in touch with years later. Our friend Gwen, who gave one of the most amazing eulogies you will ever want to hear (and I still can't believe how she was able to speak so beautifully and so eloquently, despite the pain -- those two were so so close; thank you, Gwen) said "Sandee" collected friends like a black jacket collects lint. She couldn't have put it better.

One day, Sandee was wearing a pair of earrings I had brought back for her from a trip to Israel I had made years before. I was so tickled to see her wearing them, I mentioned it. And she looked at me like I was crazy.

Why wouldn't she be wearing them?

In a world in which people and things are so easily disposed of, Sandee was a person who saw value in everything, gave away nothing that meant something to her.

And, yes, I know what I am supposed to say: "she's in a better place," "her suffering is over."

But can you blame me for asking why she had to suffer so much in the first place?

And yes, many people are suffering in other ways. Many, many people are out of work right now in this country and around the world and they are scared and I bet angry. President Obama spoke to this nation through the press corps and his Treasury Secretary later spoke about how the additional funds in the bank bailout started by the Bush administration should be spent.

We decided to turn most of the day's program over to, well, you. We called back some voters whom we've met before and we asked them how things are going in their communities, and we asked Alvin Hall to answer some questions folk sent us.

We'd like to be useful to you. You can call it my gift to Sandee, if you want, but I think I can speak for everyone on this program when I say we want to be useful in these times of trouble. We wish we could fix troubled mortgages, find jobs and ease suffering.

We can't. We're just a little radio program.

But please, let us know if there's anything what we can do to make your lives better ...

Lee Hill, here ...

We're all gearing up to watch President Barack Obama pitch his $838 billion economic stimulus package to Congress via a national audience tonight. It will be the first prime-time news conference of his presidency. Obama hopes to increase pressure on detractors of his bill in the U.S. Senate.

Just moments ago, the package made a promising stride. It passed a crucial test vote, 61-36, boosting it with the steam needed to move ahead to a full Senate vote tomorrow (at least 60 votes were needed).

We'll have reaction to the President's words tomorrow -- both from ordinary, working class Americans spread throughout the country, and from a money expert to answer personal finance questions, such as ... now what?

And, of course, we'll also see if the grand pitch worked tomorrow, when Capitol Hill will have its final say.

Also, feel free to meet us back here later with your immediate reaction to tonight's broadcast. You can post away in the space below...

It was planned, but still a coincidence. We did not expect when we were thinking about this week that the issue of reproductive rights would be so much in the news.

Last week we spoke to the Rev. Jim Wallis for a conversation about whether it's really possible to reach some middle ground on socially divisive issues, most especially abortion. Wallis considers himself a progressive evangelical and is a prominent name in the faith community, but he is also close to President Barack Obama. ... So we decided to we needed to hear from other voices.

Today, Richard Doerflinger, of the U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops. When you hear the bishops speak on these matters, most often the voice you hear is his. Interestingly there was a piece in The Washington Post about this today.

And there was another piece today that says that new White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships will also set at its goal finding a center, and reducing the numbers of abortions.

This also happened to be the day that the woman who gave birth to octuplets, a single mom who already had six kids, decided to speak publicly for the first time. She appeared on NBC's "Today" show and will have more to say as the interview spreads through the week:

I know we -- and you -- are going to want to talk more about this. So let us find some folk to talk to about it ...

Have a great weekend.

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Lee Hill, here ...

How is the nation's massive money crisis specifically affecting you?

Tuesday, our money coach, Alvin Hall, will try to answer listener/blogger questions on the program. So, if you're experiencing a personal money crisis -- job loss, lost investments, bankruptcy, etc -- and need advice because of the larger economic downturn, let us know in the space below.

Ntsikohlanga Kitsili Lee Hill/NPR

Lee Hill, here ...

Meet Ntsikohlanga Kitsili, a.k.a. "Ntsika". He's a 23-year-old college student in South Africa, visiting the U.S. on a cultural excursion. The TMM crew was glad to have him hang out with us for a few days just before returning home. He's a thoughtful guy with lots of perspective. Ntsika definitely deserves a formal introduction. So, here goes:

Ntsika, what brings you to the U.S., and to Washington, D.C.?

I was invited by D.C.'s St. Columba's Episcopal Church to come over to the U.S. and share my cultural experiences, and also gain journalistic experiences in Washington, D.C., as a journalism student.

Is this your first trip to the States? What is your impression?

Yes, this is my first trip to the States. I think the U.S. (Washington, D.C.) is the most well-planned, beautiful and diverse city I have ever been to. I like its sense of tranquility, and the fact that it is a nice, laid-back city.

You've been here now for two months. Much of your time was spent as a cultural ambassador, of sorts, speaking with school and community groups about your own life experiences and perspectives as a South African. Is there anyone you've met here whose life experience has particularly inspired you?

Ray Suarez, a reporter for (PBS' ) The Newshour. He is well-read, well-traveled and very funny, too. I stayed with him and his family for two weeks and got an opportunity to observe him in his work. He is just an amazing person to watch and also to speak to. We spoke a lot about the work he has done in South Africa as a journalist and his impression of South Africa.

He is a great person and his stories and experiences inspired me to continue seeking for opportunities that will help me to be a good journalist, and to remember that I owe it to my community to speak for them.

You are a journalism student at Rhodes University in Grahamstown, South Africa. How and when did you become interested in telling the stories of others?

I became interested in journalism in high school, back in 2001. A group of journalism students from Rhodes University came to our high school to help us establish our newsletter. From that experience, I thought journalism would be something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. The other reason: I wanted to be a mouthpiece for the muted, both politically and socially.

A little more than a week ago Barack Obama became the first black President of the United States. South Africa, in ways not so different than this country, has a conflicted history with justice and equality, infamously marked by years of apartheid. Has your visit to the U.S. made you think any differently about the continued fight for equality at home?

Oh, definitely. I was very encouraged to write stories and articles that would challenge the government about the great inequality back home that still exists, especially regarding the education black South Africans receive, compared to that of white South Africans.

What do you think you'll miss most about the States?

Going to the museums in D.C. for free, beautiful sites, food, and nightlife.

... And, the least?

I can't think of anything.

When we first met a few weeks ago, you had a tough time finding recreation and fun, particularly at night, in D.C. People here can be pretty uptight, until they just ... aren't. Curious, what ever came of your "nightlife explorations"? Find any real fun?

I definitely had great fun when I went out with my friends, but it was not the same as going out back home. I was not familiar with the environment, and was very uncomfortable sometimes.

You're on track to graduate soon. What's next?

I hope to come back to the U.S. to do an internship with any media company that will take me. "Plan B" is to continue with my studies. I'm thinking of pursuing a teaching diploma, as I enjoy teaching so much.

Final thoughts?

It was shocking to discover that the U.S. is still confronted with issues being faced by many developing countries. One would never think that a country like America, which has enforced its ideas of democracy in countries like Afghanistan and Iraq, still practices customs that do not recognize a human right to life. States like Virginia still carry the [death] sentence. That is just appalling (to me).

I was also astounded and shocked to discover that there are areas here still segregated racially, and that there are areas where the quality of education is so poor. It is scary because education is the most important tool to develop people and a country.

But I definitely feel like things will change for the better. I'm sure the whole world is looking at America with hopeful eyes.

In 1926, Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) chose February to honor the accomplishments of African-Americans, a time originally themed as "Negro History Week." Woodson is commonly credited as the "father of Black history."ton Archive/Getty Images

This is Teshima Walker, supervising senior producer for "Tell Me More."

February is Black History Month and TMM is observing the month with the new series "Tell Me More About Black History."

Here's a funny story about the title of the series: During one of our lengthy editorial meetings, I asked how the show plans to acknowledge Black History Month.

The host, Michel Martin, says, "I don't care what we do, but can we please expand the conversation beyond Harriet Tubman and the 'peanut guy' (George Washington Carver).

Wow!

I thought of just the right person to help further our dialog about the contributions of black people to North America -- Kai Wright.

Wright is the editor of an amazing new book titled The African American Experience: Black History and Culture Through Speeches, Letters, Editorials, Poems, Songs and Stories. In the coming weeks, he will move us through six centuries of black history and culture (16th through 21st Centuries).

It's not enough time, we know, but please enjoy the selections chosen by Wright for "Tell Me More about Black History."

For yesterday's first installment, we brought you a historic first-person narrative of the slave Olaudah Equiano.

Next time, Wright talks about a statement from a town hall meeting of freed blacks who lived in New York and Philadelphia. He'll tell how they tackled issues of colonization and a very early "back-to-Africa movement." Plus, we'll have two letters from the Civil War era. One such writing is from a white doctor who traveled with Northern troops to refugee camps; he recounts what he sees. The other letter is from a black Union soldier still enslaved who writes to his daughter as his army troop advances to war.

Also to be included in the series, (one of my favorites) a tale of the defiant and legendary blues songstress Bessie Smith.

We'll have at least two additional contributions from Kai Wright to our Web site, too.

Your Turn

We also want to know what you're learning during Black History Month. Is there someone we should know more about?

Are you hosting a celebration? Will you invite us?

We love a good party and, better, food.

Keep listening and blog it out!

Still watching movies and frantically finishing books to get ready for interviews.

I'm also deeply grieving the loss of a dear friend, Sandra Gregg (scroll to the bottom of the linked page for more).

I have to jump off because -- get this -- I have to screen two movies back-to-back so I can do interviews this afternoon and know what I'm talking about. Oh, the burdens!

Actually, you know, it's not as fun as you might think. It's kind of like having to wolf down a great meal -- you'd really rather have time to savor it. But you know what? It's like I tell my kids when they don't want to do something: it's not like you're picking cotton in the hot sun, so get to it ...

Lee Hill, here ...

In today's interview with Michel Martin, Michael Steele argued that race played "very little" role in his election as the first African-American to chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC).

Curious to know ... How do you see it?

Will Steele's election help diversify the GOP? Or, in the age of Barack Obama, will Democrats hold on to their advantage in attracting minorities and women to their party?

Please, tell us more.

Tomorrow ...

Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums shares on what's shaking his city.