58: Through Black Lenses

Continuing to share real-life perspectives provides an avenue for understanding and lasting change.

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we can use to create understanding and compassion, and this is Kenny Adams’ main focus with his documentary Blend: On Being Black in Bend. By creating a film that provides an unfiltered look at lived experiences, he hopes to be an agent of change, urging that we all carry this burden together, and we need to actively coach each other’s behaviors in order to move forward and embrace the unity we all deserve.

Originally aired on February 21, 2023 on KPOV’s The Tuesday Point

51: Continuing Reproductive Services

Even if you have no resources or money at all, these clinics will still take care of your reproductive health needs.

Planned Parenthood’s Bend Health Center Manager, Joanna Dennis-Cook, gives us an update on services and affairs after the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade. Neighboring states have since banned abortion and other reproductive services, putting more pressure than ever on the clinics in independently-supported states. Anytime someone has to travel for health care, the risks and costs skyrocket, and, begs the question, how do we continue to support all women to live their happiest and healthiest lives?

Originally aired on January 20, 2023 on KPOV’s The Friday Point

50: Each One Teach One

Everyone is trying to live their best lives.

A true innovator and interpreter of the local landscape takes an interesting look at the current components in the school system that are meant to support yet hinder students to reaching their full potential. We must first fully acknowledge, as a society, that there is a problem and that students do fall short, not because of their own downfalls but because of the weaknesses of the system as a whole. By providing flexibility with scheduling and leaning into students' interests, the school system can be more open to the change and growth it’ll take to teach these kids.

Originally aired on February 22, 2023 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

49: Achievable Housing For All

Homelessness is a symptom of larger societal issues and current services merely a safety net.

Homelessness has increased at an amazing rate in recent years in Central Oregon, and the available homeless services don’t come close to serving this incredibly under-counted population of struggling community members. It is going to take full commitment to engaging diverse perspectives, having open ears and focusing on a solution-oriented attitude to understand the vastness of this issue and offer housing to all. No complicated problem can be solved today, but we can all be warm tonight.

Originally aired on January 11, 2023 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

13: A Home Of Their Own

The proposed village would provide houseless community members a stepping stone to transition safely and securely.

We question the tender topic of houselessness here, where the focus is providing humane, safe and legal sheltering options for Central Oregon’s growing homeless population. James Cook and Bob Bohac, of Oasis Village, discuss in-depth what it takes to realistically support such a project and how funds can be dedicated in order to build a bridge for the houseless out of camps and into homes of their own.

Originally aired on October 20, 2021 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

11: Welcoming Civil Engagement

Growing up, he watched and learned from his grandmother who fought for racial justice in his midwestern hometown.

An eye-opening look at Oregon’s historic racism and the work that has been done locally to create a more culturally and racially welcoming community. Marcus LeGrand, mentor and teacher, tells how to effectively cooperate with organizations to offer mentoring, education opportunities and build outreach programs that provide for families, fight for restorative justice and change the narrative around inclusivity.

Originally aired on February 9, 2021 on KPOV’s The Tuesday Point

10: A Force Among Us

Moms Demand Action promotes gun safety, gun-sense laws and squashes myths to keep families safe.

The ripple effect of gun violence is wide and the discussion here brings awareness to and questions how our immediate culture shapes the way we view and process gun violence. Brandy Steelhammer and Juniper Rook, both gun safety advocates in Central Oregon, vulnerably give their own stories and many ways to take action against gun violence.

Originally aired on May 31, 2022 on KPOV’s Curiosity Lab

9: Transitioning "Indoors"

Providing safe spaces and a sense of belonging can empower the homeless to transition “indoors.”

The number of homeless is rising, and this very diverse population needs a safe space to build self-esteem, create a sense of belonging and be in control of their own transition “indoors.” To better understand the practicality and humanity of such a multi-faceted issue, we talk to Larry Kogovsek, of Sagewood Sanctuary, who is an important advocate for the homeless in Central Oregon.

Originally aired on February 26, 2020 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

8: The Life-Saving Question

Suicide reduction requires a complex community response, but it all starts with a simple question.

A crucial talk about how to approach someone who may be showing warning signs of committing suicide. Whitney Schumacher, Deschutes County Suicide Prevention Coordinator, works along side community organizations and members to reduce suicide attempts and provide essential support through outreach, awareness, education and policy change.

Originally aired on September 4, 2019 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

7: Bridging Past and Present

Myrlie Evers Williams, widow of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, continues the fight for justice today.

Wife of Medgar Evers, civil rights activist who died of political violence on June 12, 1963, Myrlie Evers Williams, uses wisdom and knowledge from past experiences to continue fighting for justice and equal opportunity today. She urges us not to forget the essence of Medgar’s fight for equal voting rights and the basic rights of each American individual.

Originally aired on January 20, 2021 on KPOV’s Open Air

6: Fundamental Choices

Protestors outside Bend, Oregon's Planned Parenthood are an almost daily scene.

This topical discussion with Bend, Oregon’s Planned Parenthood Manager, Joanna Dennis-Cook, brings awareness to how important consistent and supportive reproductive and abortion care is for Oregonians. Also, what will happen if Roe v. Wade is overturned at the federal level and our communities response to continuing to offer this equal, fundamental care for all.

Originally aired on May 10, 2022 on KPOV’s Curiosity Lab

5: Living History Now

Josie Stanfield outside the Crook County Courthouse on August 15, 2020.

An open, raw discussion with Josie Stanfield of Central Oregon Diversity Project linking the ties between the Black Lives Matter protest movement and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s cries for representation and equality. How MLK Jr’s words have been used to help and harm communities and people of color.

Originally aired on February 1, 2022 on KPOV’s The Tuesday Point

4: "Ghost Skins" Revealed

White supremacy is rampant in law enforcement communities across the US nation.

“Ghost skins” are infiltrating local law enforcement communities across the USA, reports the 2006 FBI Intelligence Assessment White Supremacist Infiltration of Law Enforcement. This enlightening conversation with Teryl Young, criminology major, aids in breaking down the hidden codes used to systematically marginalize BIPOC communities, as well as, spotlighting the mental and social health of law enforcement.

Originally aired on October 24, 2017 on KPOV’s The Tuesday Point

3: Nurturing BIPOC Youth

The Father’s Group creates vital community support systems for BIPOC youth in Central Oregon.

Kenny Adams of The Fathers Group is working to improve the lives of Central Oregon’s BIPOC youth by providing positive role models and an active support system. They continue to promote conversations between the black activist community and the public as a whole to break down racial barriers.

Originally aired on February 22, 2022 on KPOV’s The Tuesday Point

2: Students Staring Down The Barrel

High school student, Juniper Rook, leads a walkout and pleads for more local gun control.

Organizing student walkouts and protesting the desire for more gun control laws in Central Oregon, Redmond Proficiency Academy students, led by youth activist Juniper Rook, are not afraid to stand up for what they believe community leaders should prioritize; Their lives.

Originally aired on January 31, 2022 on KPOV’s The Tuesday Point